Minnesota

Taste At Fitger’s Event Postponed Until Spring Of 2023

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Fitger’s biggest fundraising events this fall has been postponed. It’s the Taste at Fitger’s event where Duluthians are invited to sample all types of local food at booths throughout the Fitger’s complex. Funds gathered through the ticket sales goes to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The annual event was supposed to happen October 28….

Gov. Walz, Dr. Jensen Debate Ahead Of Governer’s Race

ROCHESTER, Minn. — DFL Governor Tim Walz and Republican candidate Dr. Scott Jensen went head-to-head in the Minnesota Governor’s debate. It was 60 minutes of back and forth sparring and being that we’re 3 weeks from Election Day. This was their first and only televised debate and tensions were running high. Hosted by KTTC Gray Television and held in Rochester,…

Mascot Bruce’s Head Stolen From Black Woods Restaurant; ‘He’s Been Kind Of An Icon For Us’

Bruce has been greeting guests at the London Road location since it opened in 1997.

DULUTH, Minn. — Halloween is just around the corner, but tricks are already happening — and not in a fun way for the staff and customers at Black Woods in Duluth. The restaurant’s beloved mascot has been beheaded. His name is Bruce, and he’s been in the lobby of Black Woods on London Road for the past 25 years when…

Fatal ATV Crash In Itasca County

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. — A man is dead after crashing his ATV in Itasca County on Monday. According to the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office 58-year-old Scott Shoemaker of Bovey was found unresponsive at the intersection of Wolf Lake Trail and County Road 336. He was on his way home after duck hunting with a friend that morning. The Sheriff’s Office…

Scammers Target Grieving Families In Minnesota, Wisconsin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three families dealing with the heartbreaking losses of loved ones who recently died suddenly in Minnesota and Wisconsin say they have the added burden of dealing with scammers who are trying to solicit donations using fake online accounts. In Wisconsin, the small community of Rice Lake is mourning the deaths of two teenagers who were passengers in…

UMD Hockey Rink and Fitness Center Received New Name

The "Richard Haney Multipurpose Rink" and the "Mick McComber Gym"

DULUTH, Minn.–UMD’s hockey rink and gym gets renamed to remember past outdoor recreation leaders. The workout area and indoor hockey rink are both part of UMD’s Recreational Outdoor Sports Program (RSOP). The fitness part of the campus has been named “The Mick McComber Gym”. McComber has dedicated over 30 years working for RSOP and directed the program from 2003-2020. His…

Walz-Jensen Debate: Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidates In Their Own Words

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz and challenger Scott Jensen squared off in a debate Tuesday night in Rochester, marking the first general election gubernatorial debate between the two candidates. The debate, hosted Tuesday night by KTTC, covered a wide range of topics over an hour period. Below, we have compiled some excerpts of the candidates’ own words on a variety of…

Labor, Supply Shortages Postpone 2022 Taste At Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. – The labor and supply shortages that don’t seem to be going away anytime soon have forced next week’s Taste at Fitger’s fundraiser to be postponed. Organizers said too many local restaurants that make the event possible are continuing to struggle, especially with staffing. All purchased tickets will be refunded. The plan now is to try the event…

GO Show At The DECC Celebrates The Getting Older And Still Going

DULUTH, Minn. — The Senior GO Show is for adults 55 and older who are planning ahead for retirement, or already retired. The show tailors their vendor selection to the interests of older adults. Whether this is preparing for retirement or finding a new hobby, there’s something for everyone. Some of the vendors present had information on healthcare options, financial…

St. Louis County Joins CPR Awareness App

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced the local launch of Pulse Point, nationwide program that enlists the help of bystanders when CPR is needed. October is sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month and this year alone, over 300, 000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest. That’s according to the American Heart Association. “Exactly one week after…

Walz-Jensen Debate: How To Watch Minnesota Governor Candidates

You can watch the debate on our affiliate station Fox 9's website at 7 p.m.

(FOX 9) – Watch the gubernatorial debate between Gov. Tim Walz and challenger Scott Jensen in the player above starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18.  Gov. Tim Walz and challenger Scott Jensen will square off in a debate Tuesday night in Rochester, marking the first general election gubernatorial debate between the two candidates. The debate, hosted by Gray Television, will…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Positively 3rd Street Bakery

DULUTH, MN – Positively 3rd Street Bakery has been providing baked from scratch products in Duluth since 1983.  They use organic, local ingredients from local vendors and are partnered with several community businesses.  As a worker-owned cooperative with 18 bakers, they do a lot of collaborating with a focus on the community. “We work on consensus based decision making.  We’ve…

Hartley Nature Center Celebrates Expansion and Park Improvements

DULUTH, Minn. – “The magic of Hartley Park is getting kids and people outside and connected to the natural world,” Hartley Nature Center Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke said. Hartley Nature Center held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of its building expansion along with other park related improvements. New additions to the building include two classrooms, a restroom, office…

Enbridge Fined $11 Million Over Construction Of Line 3 Pipeline

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced Monday over $11 million in fines, financial assurances, and environmental projects have been levied against Enbridge over spills and breaches caused by their Line 3 pipeline. The MPCA says it found Enbridge violated a series of…

Frontline Worker Pay: Nearly 1 Million Payments Sent To Minnesotans

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota labor officials on Monday said nearly 1 million bonus checks have been sent to eligible frontline workers. The $487.45 checks are a thank-you gift from the state to those who worked on the front lines during the pandemic. State officials said earlier this month a total of 1,025,655 people would get $487.45 each. Approved applicants who signed up…

Paramedics Sent To Middle School After Students Get Sick From ‘One Chip Challenge’

EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Several students at a middle school in Edina, Minnesota had to be treated by school staff and paramedics Friday after attempting the “One Chip Challenge,” a social media trend in which participants film their reactions after eating an extremely spicy tortilla chip. School officials at South View Middle School called an ambulance after several students complained of…

Duluth Cider Celebrates Four Years with Apple Bash

DULUTH, Minn. — In celebration of four years in business, Duluth Cider threw an Apple Bash block party. “We’re celebrating the fact that we’re here four years later, outgrowing our facility, and finding more cider fans than we thought in Duluth,” said Owner Jake Scott. Food trucks and vendors joined in on the party, which lined up the 23rd block…

Animal Allies Holds 2022 Fur Ball Rescue Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Every animal deserves a healthy and happy life, and this year’s Fur Ball put its focus on animals with different abilities. Animal Allies Humane Society held the 2022 Fur Ball event at Northland Country Club.. Fur Ball seeks to recognize homeless animals with special needs or to whom suffer from serious medical conditions, such as broken bones,…

Hunting and Gun Safety Reminders in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Whether you’ve been firearm hunting for 30 years or its your first time in the field, everyone can use tips and reminders to ensure safe hunting. Hunting is a long-standing tradition for many in the northland, but before you take your shot this season, it’s important to hunt with safety and take precautions. It’s just about harvest…

Glenwood Roundabout To Open Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Construction of the new round-a-bout at the intersection of Glenwood Street and Snively Road is set to wrap up Saturday. Construction began back on July 5 and has proceeded mostly on schedule, working through shortages such as workers, cement, and other material. You can take a first spin at the reconstructed intersection Saturday as it’s expected to…

Hermantown PTO Receiving Donations After Fraud

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Parent Teacher Organization is getting help getting back on its financial feet. Word got out last week, a group member allegedly took over $100,000 from their bank account. PTO President Cyndi Lewis tells Fox 21, Arrowhead Orthodontics donated $10,000 Tuesday, which will help fund programs such as scholarships for field trips, kindergarten roundup, teacher appreciation…

21st Avenue East Construction Nearing End

The repair work will wrap up by October 28.

DULUTH, Minn. — The end is near for a road construction project that has blocked the main way from getting to I-35 to UMD and the College of St. Scholastica. Duluth’s Public Information Officer, Kelli Latuska tells Fox 21 repair work on 21st Avenue East will wrap up by October 28. The road has been closed to traffic since June…

Coffee Conversation: “Angel Of Hope” Memorial Happening Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — A vigil will be held Sunday for grieving parents who have lost a child. The annual “Angel of Hope” vigil honors the lives of children who have died, and the event gives their loved ones the opportunity to grieve together as a community. The vigil is normally held in December for worldwide candle lighting day, which remembers…

Fire At Local Tattoo Shop, No Injuries Reported

DULUTH, Minn. — A local tattoo shop caught on fire in the early morning hours Friday. The Duluth Fire Department responded to a fire at Gitchee Gumee Tattoo, 33 West Central Entrance just around 2:30 a.m., after a person saw the fire and called 911. Firefighters started to put out the blaze through a broken window, then continued inside. The tattoo…

Duluth’s Best Bread Bakes 17 Lb. Soft Pretzel

DULUTH, Minn. — Something big has been baked at Duluth’s Best Bread thanks to a newly imported French bread oven. The special oven is significantly bigger than what Duluth’s Best Bread has had in the past. With a larger cooking space, owners got creative and experimented with making a giant soft pretzel. It weighs in at 17 pounds and is…

Man Charged In Cloquet Home Invasion, Assault

CLOQUET, Minn. — A Cloquet man has been charged in a home invasion and assault from earlier this year. Brendan Smith, 43, is accused of breaking into a house on Boulder Drive in Cloquet before strangling a woman inside while she was sleeping. The victim’s husband confronted Smith before he took off. Smith was never identified until recently after Cloquet…

Virginia Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Ex-Girlfriend

VIRGINIA, Minn. — A Virginia man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend last year pleaded guilty to the crime Thursday in St. Louis County Court. Derek Malevich, 42, accepted charges of second-degree intentional murder and and witness tampering. Malevich repeatedly stabbed Kristen Bicking, 32, in his apartment May 12, 2021 on the 100 block of Fifth Street South in Virginia. Malevich…

The Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt Going On All October

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen is hosting a Halloween themed scavenger hunt on their grounds again this fall. It’s the Great Pumpkin Hunt with different jack-o-lanterns scattered around the 12-acre estate. This gives guests a unique interactive experience when learning about Glensheen’s history. During tours, guests have the option to participate in the challenge to spot as many pumpkins they can…

“Lights on Afterschool” Federal COVID Relief Program Visits Boys and Girls Club

The program has been funded with the federal COVI-19 relief money

DULUTH, Minn.–Today was the “Lights on Afterschool” event for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Duluth. The program has been funded with the federal COVI-19 relief money. The goal is to help keep young people active and engaged instead alone and idle before and after school. The club says that the programs connect kids with caring adults, gives them a…

Maurices Associates Spend Day Supporting Organizations That Help Children In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — More than 350 maurices associates are visiting the corporate office in Duluth this week to connect with the company and also give back to the community. Formerly known as “The Best Day Ever,” maurices is now calling the community service day the “Difference Making” event, held between the training and bonding experiences the company has put on…

Glenwood Street Roundabout Intersection to Open Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Glenwood Street roundabout almost complete; intersection to open Saturday. The intersection of Glenwood Street and Snively Road has been covered with construction workers and cranes for months. Now, it’s starting to clear out and when it opens back up Saturday, October 15, a new roundabout will be in it’s place. “It looks like it’s ready to open….

Winter Preparation At The Rose Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — The Rose Garden at Leif Erickson Park in Duluth is one of the crown jewels of the city, and as the temperatures drop, crews are working to protect the beautiful plants through winter. We’re not the only ones that have to bundle up to withstand the colder months. Landscapers for the Rose Garden are preparing the plants…

Essentia Health Holds Job Fair At Clyde Iron Works In Duluth

The job fair took place at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday, Essentia Health held a job fair in an effort to combat the declining number of health care workers in the Twin Ports. Essentia’s job fair was open to people in every corner of healthcare work, from warehouse opportunities to clinical jobs. Organizers say, around 200 people anticipated to show Thursday, and up to 800 job opportunities…

Abortion, Economy Take Center Stage In Craig-Kistner Debate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig on Thursday portrayed her GOP challenger as a pawn of Big Oil and Big Pharma who conceals his opposition to abortion rights. Republican congressional candidate Tyler Kistner meanwhile said Craig bears responsibility for inflation and other economic woes because she supports President Joe Biden’s policies. Craig and Kistner met for their only…

Feeding Our Future Fraud Case Sees Its First Guilty Pleas

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The first two defendants have pleaded guilty in the massive Feeding Our Future fraud case. Bekam Merdassa was the first to plead guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud in federal court Thursday morning. Hanna Marekegn also pleaded guilty on Thursday. Bekam Merdassa’s guilty plea Merdassa has two masters degrees, but is now looking at up to 30 months for bilking the…

Duluth Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil Taking Place October 16

The annual vigil will happen at 5 p.m. at Leif Erikson Park

DULUTH, Minn.–A vigil will be held this weekend for bereaved parents who have lost their children. The annual Angel of Hope vigil honors the lives of children who have died, and the event gives their loved ones the opportunity to grieve together as a community. The vigil is normally help in December for worldwide candle lighting day, which remembers children…

DTA To Put On Bus Test Drive Event This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a 32,000-pound, 40-foot city bus? You now have that chance during an event hosted by the Duluth Transit Authority this weekend as they look to hire new bus drivers. Those who sign up will learn about bus safety and have the opportunity to navigate the half million-dollar vehicle…

UMD Gives Tips During “Protect Your Hearing Month”

DULUTH, Minn. — October is “Protect Your Hearing Month” and while we typically bind hearing loss with aging, young people can also be affected. Fox 21 checked in with UMD’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic to see what people can do to maintain healthy hearing. Almost everywhere you look, young people have headphones plugged in their ears… often times, listening…