Minnesota

City and Ecolibrium3 Promote “GetGreen” App To Duluth Residents

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth has become a pilot city to test out an app called “GetGreen” that encourages residents to make choices with the climate in mind. “GetGreen” is a startup that’s based in Seattle, but the smartphone app was tailored to Duluth residents by local nonprofit Ecolibrium3. The app encourages users to make small changes to reduce their carbon…

Newly Constructed Playground Outside of Hermantown Community Learning Center

The Hawk's Nest playground is located at 4333 Hawk Circle Drive, Hermantown, MN 55811.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.–After years of planning, construction is complete for a new playground in Hermantown. It’s called the “Hawk’s Nest” and it’s located outside the Hermantown Hawk’s Community Learning Center. The center was built in 2019 to provide early childhood education for kids ages 3-5 years old. Since then, staff have been working with engineers to brainstorm ways to enhance the…

Hibbing Man Pleads Guilty To 2017 Murder

HIBBING, Minn. — A Hibbing man has pleaded guilty to the murder of a woman in 2017. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, 53-year-old Blake Stangel, pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Intentional Murder and First-Degree Aggravated Sale of a Controlled Substance on Thursday. The Attorney’s Office says Stangel could be sentenced to around 28 years with an additional concurrent…

Temporary Superior Street Closure In Duluth

The closure goes from North Hawthorne Road to Congdon Park Drive.

DULUTH, Minn. — A Superior Street road closure in Duluth might make it hard for travelers to bring their kids to Congdon Park Elementary. The temporary closure began Wednesday from North Hawthorne Road to Congdon Park Drive. The purpose of the project is to facilitate a sanitary sewer project. The public information officer for the city said the work may…

Geodesic Dome Motel In Voyageurs National Park

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Voyageurs National Park on Rainy Lake is a destination hub for many travelers. But a walk-through the park isn’t all it has to offer. Soon, you’ll be able to sleep right beneath the stars. A million-star motel is coming to the park grounds. Construction is underway and it’s not going to be a classic motel either,…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Holiday Sale Nov. 19

DULUTH, Minn. — Kit Sitter from Duluth Fiber Guild came on the morning show to talk about an upcoming event. The Duluth Fiber Guild is putting on a holiday sale November 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop) in Duluth. The free event features gifts created by local artists, demonstrations of weaving, spinning,…

Ceremony Held For The Newly Elected African Heritage Commission

DULUTH, Minn. — Earlier Wednesday, the City of Duluth swore in 5 black community leaders to the African Heritage Commission. City officials spoke proudly about those who will be a part of the commission. Fox 21 heard from the newly appointed commissioner, Archie Davis, who’s excited to help further his community. Davis said, “For them to chase me down and…

152nd Annual Duluth Area Chamber Of Commerce Dinner

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s that time of the year when Duluth’s businesses and leaders come together to celebrate. The annual meeting and dinner celebration of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce went on Wednesday at the DECC. The get-together got its start back in 1870. This year is the 152nd annual meeting and it’s the Chamber’s biggest gathering and fundraiser….

UMD Students Host Pumpkin Compost Drive

Pumpkin Compost Drive Nov. 2 Through Nov. 4

DULUTH, Minn.–Not sure what to do with your Jack-O-Lantern after Halloween? Well instead of letting it turn to mush, you can add it to a compost pile. UMD students researching Sustainable Food Systems are coming together to collect unwanted pumpkins. There are two dumpsters on campus designated for collecting pumpkins. One is located near the Bagley Nature Center and the…

Mayor’s Task Force Recommendations In Duluth: Funding Could Be A Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth now has a potential roadmap for improving the experience downtown. Finding the funding to make it happen could be the next challenge. Members of a Mayor’s task force unveiled 27 recommendations at a downtown business Tuesday. Half of the recommendations focused on safety, and others on everything from tearing down blighted properties to encouraging investment. Many…

Most Of Minnesota Under Burning Restrictions Due To Fire Risk

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Much of Minnesota is under burning restrictions amid ongoing drought conditions, the Minnesota DNR said on Wednesday. The DNR is restricting open burning due to an increased risk of wildfires due to dry conditions across much of the state. “Extreme drought conditions in combination with dry fall vegetation, low humidity, and wind make for dangerous fire conditions,” Allissa Reynolds,…

Coffee Conversation: Singer/Songwriter Austin Castle Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota native and country artist, Austin Castle, performed live on the FOX21 morning show. You’ll have a chance to hear him play at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth on November 12. His latest album, “Northwoods,” is available for streaming on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music. Castle plans on releasing an EP and another album in 2023 but…

Minnesota: What To Expect On Election Night

(AP) — Minnesota was traditionally a blue state but has become more purple over the years. Rural Minnesota has grown more Republican while Minneapolis, St. Paul and their suburbs have become more Democratic, along with certain regional centers including Rochester and Duluth. Joe Biden won Minnesota by just over 7 percentage points in 2020 after Donald Trump came within 1.5…

The DECC Kicks Off New Weekly Vinyl Happy Hour Event

The Vinyl Happy Hours will continue every Tuesday through November from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.–The DECC kicked off their Vinyl Happy Hour series with some old tunes and refreshments. Executive Director Dan Hartman wanted to hold an event showcasing the newly remodeled Symphony Hall Mezzanine, as well as the harbor views their Turf Deck has to offer. This part of the DECC was built in 1966. In order to embrace the history of…

Haunted Ship Wrecks Past Attendance Records

DULUTH, Minn. — How many people can the Haunted Ship scare? Well, apparently a record-breaking amount. Thousands trekked through the tank of terror this October, 29,525 to be exact, and that’s not counting ghosts. A new single day record was also set at more than 4,000 people. This year’s theme was “What are you afraid of?” tapping into people’s phobias…

Duluth Downtown Task Force Holds News Conference To Reveal Recommendations

DULUTH, Minn. — Many people who care about Downtown Duluth have been worried about its future, but Tuesday there were 27 recommendations on how to make it better. The backdrop was the Minnesota Surplus Store on Superior Street. A 15-member task force has been meeting since April, after Mayor Emily Larson made downtown a priority in her State of the…

Christmas Assistance Applications Now Accepted At Salvation Army In West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Those who may need some help celebrating Christmas this year can sign up for assistance starting Tuesday. At the Duluth Salvation Army, families can apply for different types of assistance for the holidays. Applications for the Salvation Army’s Christmas dinner package can sign up November 1 through November 23. This dinner option is still available for households…

Union Gospel Mission Celebrating 100 Years of Serving Northlanders

Tuesday also marked the reopening of their great dining hall which serves sit-down meals

DULUTH, Minn.–Back in 1922 more than 20 churches of different denominations came together to form the Union Gospel Mission food bank. Today they celebrated 100 years of serving the community with a ribbon cutting. Union Gospel Mission is a space where Duluthians in need can rely on picking up hot, ready-to-eat meals. They also provide shelter through their transitional housing…

42-Year-Old Deer River Woman Pleaded Guilty To Murder and Arson

Crystal Wilson of Deer River stabbed a Ball Club man to death and later set his camper on fire with his body still inside.

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. — A woman from Deer River has pleaded guilty to Second Degree Intentional Murder and First Degree Arson. 42-year-old Crystal Marie Wilson is accused of stabbing a man to death in Ball Clun, Minnesota back in July. According to the criminal complaint, Wilson told investigations that she had been doing meth and drinking alcohol that day. She…

Former Vikings Coach Adam Zimmer Dead At 38

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Former Minnesota Vikings co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer has died. He was 38 years old. His sister, Corri, confirmed the news in a social media post Tuesday morning. In the post, she said he passed away Monday night. “I can’t believe I’m writing this. I lost my big brother yesterday. The kindest, sweetest, family loving, sports obsessed soul there ever was….

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Junk Hunt Returns for 10th Year Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Junk Hunt is a three-day indoor market filled with vintage goodness. This year, it’s celebrating 10 years of success. Event organizer, Emily Broman, joined FOX21 in studio to preview the event. There will be over 100 booths and vendors from across the state. It’s taking place at the DECC on November 3 (4-7pm) and November…

Lake Superior Zoo Offers Special Treats for Animals on Halloween

DULUTH, Minn.–It’s not just humans getting treats on Halloween, animals are too! On Monday, the Lake Superior Zoo’s Egyptian fruit bats were chowing down on some fresh fruit. Then a few hours later, staff fed giant pumpkins to their two brown bears named Tundra and Banks. The giant pumpkins had been displayed for “Boo at the Zoo” that visitors could…

Community Garden Program Free to Public in Lincoln Park

The plot of land is at the intersection of West Third Street and North Twenty Ninth Avenue West, near Harrison Park.

DULUTH, Minn.–Even though it’s not gardening season, a community garden in Lincoln Park is still looking for those with a green thumb to get involved. There’s a plot near Harrison Park that is now reserved for growing fruits and vegetables. This garden was awarded two free libraries through the city of Duluth’s Love Your Block campaign. The free libraries that…

Enger Park Golf Course Closing For The Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Enger Park Golf Course is on their final stroke before the season comes to an end. Enger Park announced Friday, the golf course itself, as well as the driving range will close for the season on Wednesday. However, with the holidays quickly approaching, the Clubhouse will remain open to anyone looking to get something for that special…

Garfield Avenue Closed Earlier Due To Oversized Truck Being Stuck

Garfield Avenue opened back up to traffic at 12:50 p.m.

Pictures taken from MnDOT’s Facebook page. DULUTH, Minn. — A main road in Duluth was closed earlier Monday due to an oversized truck load being stuck. It was blocking the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Helberg Drive. As a result, shortly before 12:30 p.m., the closure backed up any Duluth-bound vehicles trying to come off the bridge. The Blatnik eventually…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth East Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid performance. Greyson Holste (Prince Eric) and Mia Patronas (Skuttle) joined FOX21 in-studio to preview their upcoming show. The show is taking place at Duluth East High School; November 3-5 at 7pm and Nov 6 Sunday at 1 pm. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults Ticket Sales are at the…

States Struggle With Pushback After Wave Of Policing Reforms

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The national reckoning on race and policing that followed the death of George Floyd — with a Minneapolis police officer’s knee on his windpipe — spurred a torrent of state laws aimed at fixing the police. More than two years later, that torrent has slowed. Some of the initial reforms have been tweaked or even rolled…

Hennepin County Man Killed, 5 Others Injured In Wisconsin Crash

ST. CROIX, Wis. (FOX 9) – A 54-year-old man from Hennepin County died Sunday morning following a crash in Wisconsin with a suspected drunk driver who traveled the wrong way on I-94, according to the state’s department of transportation. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-94 near mile marker 4 in St. Croix. The Wisconsin State Patrol…

19 People With Disabilities Get Service Dogs Thanks To Minnesota Nonprofit

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Without the help of a service animal, Twin Cities teacher Allie Brown says she’d likely be unable to live alone because of a medical condition. But this weekend, Can Do Canines stepped in to help her and 19 other people in need. The organization relies on donations to breed and train service animals for people with disabilities, matching more than…

Duluth Awarded Minnesota Land Trust ‘Partner of the Year’

DULUTH, Minn. – A special honor for Duluth today as the Minnesota Land Trust awarded the city their Partner of the Year for its effort in recognizing the potential of outdoor recreation and green space preservation. This is part of the trust’s 2022 Treasured Places event, and the first time Duluth has received this award. Contributing factors include cleaning up…

Continental Ski & Bike Shop Selling Discounted Winter Gear Early

The sale will be going through the weekend of October 28-30

DULUTH, Minn.–With winter around the corner, the snow bunnies down at Continental Ski and Bike are already showcasing their winter sports gear. Pop up tents are surrounding the parking lot with all their discounted items. Staff brought out the past season gear they’ve gathered to make room as more winter supplies rolls in. If you’re just learning to ski, or…

Chum Warming Center to Open Despite Recent Staffing Concerns

DULTUH, Minn — Chum Warming Center set to officially open after staffing concerns. Winter in the northland is a different kind of beast, especially for those experiencing homelessness. Up until recently, Duluth’s warming center in Lincoln Park had concerns that it would not have enough staff to operate. The Chum Warming Center is an overnight shelter for people to escape…

Solar Plant in Mountain Iron Expanding

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.–I started just 13 months ago, and on Thursday people gathered on the Iron Range to celebrate it’s finish. The Heliene Solar Plant in Mountain Iron was unveiled today with a ribbon-cutting. The newly expanded plant will manufacture solar panels in a facility described as the newest and most automated in the country. It’s named after a long-time…

4 Buildings Could See Future Redevelopment In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Four buildings in Downtown Duluth have been targeted to be a future redevelopment site, including one damaged by a fire last month. The Duluth Economic Development Authority passed a resolution this week to declare the buildings on the 500 block of East Fourth Street, “Structurally Substandard.” That includes Lake Superior Medical Equipment, which had a fire inside…

Minnesota Sees Spike In Aircraft Hit With Lasers But Pilots Rarely Fully Document Exposure

(FOX 9) – While it may seem like a harmless prank, pointing a laser at planes and other aircraft mid-flight can put pilots, passengers and the people below in danger. Laser strikes involving aircraft in Minnesota more than doubled in 2021 from the previous year. However, at least one government watchdog agency claims not enough is being done to tackle the problem….

Coffee Conversations: Sweet Exchange Donates Treats to Northwood Children’s Services

DULUTH, Minn. — Sweet Exchange Owner Lisa Quarles, along with Morgana Kolenda of Northwood Children’s Services, joined FOX21 live in-studio for caramel apple making. That’s not the sweetest part — Quarles is donating the caramel apples to the Northwood kids for Halloween. Quarles says its important to give back to the community, especially the kids. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

St. Scholastica Celebrates New Learning Center With Ribbon Cutting

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of St. Scholastica celebrated a new learning opportunity for students with a ribbon cutting Thursday. The Center for Experiential Learning is a way to connect students with internships, study abroad options, and service-learning opportunities. They’ll be working with partners across the Northland and have already teamed up with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. The…

Damiano Center Hosts Donna Howard Community Connect to Help Those in Need

DULUTH, Minn. — The Damiano Center on West 4th Street hosted the Donna Howard Community Connect as a way to help those who are in need get ready for the cold of winter. The event was a one-stop resource opportunity that involved community organizations such Safe Haven, Life House, and the Salvation Army. Organizers handed out free winter clothes like…

Duluth Police Department Announces Updated E-Reporting System Is Ready

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday, the Duluth Police Department announced they have updated their E-Reporting system. E-Reporting is a way for people to send in crimes through a system that do not require police to respond right away. The police department says people can choose from a variety of incidents such as scams, theft, or lost property. You will be asked…