Minnesota

Duluth Task Force Helping Address Safety Downtown

DULUTH, Minn. — Downtown Duluth has so much to offer from the bar and restaurant scene, to live performances at different venues, and Mayor Larson has assembled a task force to continue developing downtown with four main areas of focus: safety, activation, investment and vision. The announcement of the task force comes at the perfect time as it falls during…

Minnesota Extends Temporary Ban On Poultry Events Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

(FOX 9) – Minnesota’s ban on poultry events has been extended until June 1 amid the outbreak of bird flu in the state. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health last month enacted a temporary ban on poultry exhibitions, including swaps, fairs, and other events where live poultry and other birds are brought together, as part of its response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)….

Live Interview: Nearly 15 Years Of Rubber Chicken Theater

DULUTH, Minn. — Rubber Chicken Theater in Duluth has been around since 2008, and the team of talent behind the sketches, live reads and plays is showing no signs of slowing down. Click the video above for a conversation with Rubber Chicken Theater’s executive producer, Brian Matuszak, who joined Dan Hanger on the morning show Thursday during the 8 a.m….

One-On-One: Duluth Pack CEO Talks 140 Years Of USA-Made Company

DULUTH,  Minn. — Homegrown Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather bag/pack maker in the USA, and the company is celebrating its 140th anniversary with a limited edition Legacy Pack. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger recently chatted with Duluth Pack CEO Tom Sega about the new product and the company’s long success. Click on the video for that conversation and…

Lawmakers Reach Deal On Unemployment Insurance, ‘Hero Pay’

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota legislative leaders have reached a deal to refill the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund and to pay bonuses to frontline workers. The tentative agreement includes $2.7 billion to replenish the trust fund and pay back a debt to the federal government for jobless aid, and $500 million for frontline worker bonus…

Chauvin Appeals Murder Conviction For Killing George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The former Minneapolis police officer found guilty of murder in the killing of George Floyd has appealed his conviction, saying among other things that the jury was intimidated by ongoing sometimes violent protests and prejudiced by excessive pre-trial publicity. Derek Chauvin asked the Minnesota Court of Appeals in a court filing Monday to reverse his conviction, reverse…

Duluth School Board, Teachers Union, And Paraprofessionals Agree To New Contract

DULUTH, Minn. — A new contract for the teachers union and paraprofessionals was approved by the Duluth school board on Tuesday. The Duluth Federation Of Teachers, along with paraprofessionals, reached an agreement with the board to receive 2.25% raises for this year and next. For this school year, teachers will also be paid a one-time $600 stipend related to retention…

Live Interview: New Incentives Offered To Recruit, Retain Duluth Police Officers

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Lt. Steve Ring, who has been on the department for more than 20 years, stopped by FOX 21 during the 7 a.m. hour to talk to Dan Hanger about new incentives being offered to recruit and retain Duluth police officers.   Click the video above for more on that conversation, and see below for a press…

Duluth Police Investigate Drive-By Shooting of Home

Investigators determined the front of the residence was struck several times by gunshots, and an unknown vehicle fled the scene. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Several gunshots were fired at a Lincoln Park residence Tuesday night before a vehicle fled the scene, authorities said. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday officers responded to the 2300 block of West 2nd Street. Investigators determined the front of the residence was struck several times by gunshots, and an unknown…

Local Rotary Club Member Returns from Work with Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

Rotary Clubs in Poland, coupled with others across the world, have helped raise $150,000 of the $300,000 needed to start a mental health center.

DULUTH, Minn.- A member of the Duluth Skyline Rotary Club returned from Poland to continue raising money to establish a mental health center for Ukrainian refugee kids caught up in the turmoil of Russia’s invasion of their country. Bob Sherman traveled to Poland in March to see firsthand the needs of the millions of Ukrainian refugees who fled there. It…

Biden to Speak at Memorial in Minneapolis Sunday for Former VP Mondale

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says Biden wanted to attend because of the “important, personal relationship” he had with Mondale.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to speak at a memorial service on Sunday for former Vice President Walter Mondale, who died last April at age 93. The service was delayed by the pandemic. Biden will travel to Minneapolis for the event at the University of Minnesota. Biden has described Mondale as a “dear friend and mentor” and “one…

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Talks Beer Industry, Community, His Legacy

DULUTH, Minn. – Dave Hoops, owner of Hoops Brewing in Canal Park, is one of a select group chosen to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. In the meantime, Hoops talked to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger about the beer industry, community and his legacy.  Click the video above for the conversation. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community, Entertainment,…

Hundreds Remember Times with Barry Family at Vigil; Public Invited to Funeral May 1st

The surviving family is inviting the public to the funeral services for their four loved ones on May 1st at the Marshall School Auditorium starting at 1 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- To see the impact Sean, Rianna, Shiway, and Sadie Barry had on the people of Duluth, one need only look at the hundreds who gathered outside their house Sunday night to share in their grief and their memories. “The Christmas lights you see here tonight are a symbol of their values of love family and kindness,” Duluth Council…

Tugboat Stuck In Duluth Harbor Still There A Month Later, Has Leaked Less Than Four Gallons Of Oil

Courtesy: Paul ScinoccaDULUTH, Minn. — The partially-sunken tugboat in the Duluth Harbor is still there more than a month later, with no immediate plans for it to be moved. The U.S. Coast Guard tells FOX21 that the tugboat is still leaking oil, but in total it’s been less than four gallons so far. A contractor is there every day laying…

St. Louis County Crews Restoring Access To Washed Out Roads

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn.. — St. Louis County says that its public works team is restoring access to roads that were washed out during last week’s storms after making repairs. The county shared photos on its Facebook page of the Heritage Trail-County State Aid Highway 20 reopening near McKinley. The gravel had washed out under the pavement, with crews working…

Missing Wisconsin Girl’s Body Found, Police Investigating As Homicide

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (FOX 9) – The body of a 10-year-old Wisconsin girl who went missing Sunday evening has been found in a wooded area near a trail in Chippewa Falls. Police are considering this a homicide investigation. The Chippewa Falls Police Department said the body of Iliana “Lily” Peters was found at 9:15 a.m. on Monday in the wooded area near…

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Tapped To Judge World Beer Cup

DULUTH, Minn. – Veteran Duluth brewer Dave Hoops, who owns Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, is getting his palate ready as one of only 200 people chosen from around the world to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. It’s the most prestigious beer competition in the world. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger caught up with Dave to…

Community Comes Together Outside Barry Family House for Vigil in Memory

Friends and family members, city officials, police officers, and more came together to hang Christmas lights on the home on East 12th Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- At least 200 people coming out for a vigil outside the home of the Barry’s, to bring some light to a community darkened by the tragic murder of the two parents, their two little girls, and their family dog “It’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support of people putting their Christmas lights on their houses in remembrance…

Two Harbors Community Radio Boosting Broadcast from Low-Power to Full-Power

Back in March, the FCC granted Two Harbors Community Radio a noncommercial educational full-power radio station construction permit.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One of the only local radio stations on the North Shore, KTWH in Two Harbors, just got an FCC permit to boost their broadcasting power to bring local programs to more spots on the north shore. Soon the little radio studio in the harbor landing building broadcasting to just the immediate Two Harbors area will now expand…

Walz Calls For Deals, Seeks To Mend Fences In Fourth State Of The State

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, delivering his first State of the State speech inside the Capitol since 2019, called on lawmakers to unite in the final four weeks of the legislative session. In Walz’s 55-minute speech, he urged the divided Legislature to move forward on his stalled agenda, while acknowledging that much of it is…

In-Motion Therapy Opens New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — In Motion Therapy is a physical therapy center, that has been around for about 15 years, and they are opening the doors of a new location. Maintaining the brand and quality of their one on one services as well as being more accessible to more parts of the community is the priority of this new spot. New…

Community, Friends Decorate Barry Family House in Lights for Vigil Sunday

One of the main organizers, Thor Pakosz, was friends with the family for 5 years and even spent Easter with them.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lights were strung on and around the Barry family house on East 12th Street Saturday, as the Duluth community prepares to come together to remember the mother, father, and two young daughters killed by the family’s nephew Wednesday. A group of community members and those that knew the family spent the chilly rainy afternoon hanging Christmas lights, and…

33rd Annual Fitgers 5K Brings Out Eager Runners Despite Gloomy Weather

DULUTH, Minn. — Less than ideal conditions for a race on Saturday morning, but it’s Duluth — it’s what people do. More than 800 people came out for the 33rd annual Fitgers 5k. The running community in Duluth is always active rain or shine, and it shows in the hundreds who run multiple grandma’s marathon races throughout the year. The Fitger’s…

Lester River Race Marks Unofficial Open to Whitewater Kayak Season in Northern MN

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lester River Race happens during the spring thaw challenging expert paddlers from the Midwest to help kick start the white-water kayaking season. The date of this year’s race has been up in the air this past month with organizers waiting for perfectly thawed conditions. After the snow melts, it’s much easier to avoid rocks when flying…

Through Rain, Cold 50 Volunteers Push On Picking Up Trash Along Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn.- At Lester River Saturday morning, more than 50 lakewalk-lovers gathered once again to celebrate earth day picking up around 20 bags of trash along the lakewalk through Brighton Beach. Organizers with friends of the lakewalk said the weather’s nothing when it comes to taking care of the planet. “Right now it started to pour and people are still…

Gardening Guidance at Depot’s Spring Gardening Extravaganza

DULUTH, Minn.- Another environment-loving event over at the Depot Saturday provided some gardening guidance and also promoted support for the people of Ukraine. The St. Louis County Extension hosted their Spring Gardening Extravaganza at the depot for the first time. About 150 people showed up to check out displays and presentations on growing all types of fruits and warm-season veggies,…

Public Works Crews Responding to Road Washouts in Northern St. Louis County

With the continuing rain forecast this weekend, Boder said, more washouts are likely.

County Road 65 is temporarily closed approximately 1.2 miles west of State Highway 73 due to a culvert washout. Repairs are expected to be done next week. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- St. Louis County Public Works crews closed parts of several roads in the Northern part of the county, due to excessive rain and snowmelt Saturday. According to Public Works…

Local Grief Resources Assisting Community Post Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — While the tragic loss of the Barry family and their dog have weighed heavy on friends and family, they were also traumatizing to the officers who responded. Local mental health experts say it’s important anyone effected knows, and utilizes, the support services available to them. Events like this don’t happen often in Duluth, and it can leave…

‘Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure’ At DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Very important pups are invited to the DECC this weekend for “Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure.” It involves the discovery of a secret pirate treasure map. And the Paw Patrol is on the hunt. “Paw Patrol Live” is that first introduction to live theatre and is described as a rock concert for kids. The performers…

BCA Identifies Man Shot, Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting in Chisholm

Authorities were looking for Michael Johnson, 38, of Chisholm, who had multiple felony charges out of Morrison County.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- The man killed in Chisholm and the officers who allegedly shot him have been identified by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. According to a spokesperson with the BCA, authorities were looking for Michael Johnson, 38, of Chisholm, who had multiple felony charges out of Morrison County. A deputy located his car outside the home on Central Avenue…

Barry Family Vigil Being Held Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Family and friends of the Barry family will remember their loved ones with a vigil this weekend. This vigil is being held Sunday at 8 o’clock for anyone who wants to come together to remember and mourn the Barry’s, and their family dog. The family of 4 loved Christmas, and Christmas lights so much, the home will…

Duluth Police Officer Found Not Guilty of Shooting Unarmed Man Through Apartment Door in 2020

Leibfried was found not guilty of second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm

DULUTH, Minn.- A St. Louis County jury found Duluth Police Officer Tyler Leibfried not guilty of second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm Friday, regarding an incident in September 2020 when he shot unarmed Jared Fyle through the closed door of his apartment. According to a representative of the St. Louis County Attorney’s office, they do not agree with…

Live Interview: WLSSD Talks Recycling, Reducing, Reusing On Earth Day

DULUTH, Minn. – AJ Axtell, environmental program coordinator at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), stopped by the 8 a.m. hour of FOX 21’s morning show to talk about ways to be better to the planet.  Click the video for Axtell’s chat with Dan Hanger and Ken Slama, and see some information below. “Earth Day is an opportunity to…

Duluth Police Confirm Bodies Found In East Hillside Home Were Result Of Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police confirmed on Thursday that the five bodies found in an East Hillside home on Wednesday were the result of a murder-suicide committed by Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad, age 29. The victims are Sean Christopher Barry, age 47, Riana Lou Barry, age 44, Shiway Elizabeth Barry, age 12, and Sadie Lucille Barry, age 9, who are all…

Verified GoFundMe Created For Funeral Expenses Of Duluth Murder-Suicide Victims

DULUTH, Minn. — If you would like to support the loved ones of the family that was killed in a murder-suicide in Duluth on Wednesday, a GoFundMe has started where you can donate. FOX21 has confirmed that this GoFundMe is legitimate and was set up through two of the family’s friends. The description says that with this sudden tragedy, donations…

ISD 709 Releases Statement After Two Former Students Killed In Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools superintendent, John Magas, released a statement following the deaths of two young girls who were killed in a murder-suicide on Wednesday. 12-year-old Shiway Barry and 9-year-old Sadie Barry were two of the four victims in the tragedy. It is unclear which school or schools they attended. “The Duluth community was struck by a…

City Leaders, Neighbors React to Murder-Suicide in East Hillside

It started during the late morning on Wednesday when Hermantown police went to do a welfare check on 29 year old Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad at his home in the city, but they couldn't find him.

DULUTH, Minn. — There’s a very somber feeling on East 12th Street the day following the incident that has now been confirmed a murder suicide. Duluth police Chief Mike Tusken spoke out on Thursday with details regarding the tragic discovery, along with how painful it is for the whole community. “We all certainly are mourning with, and expressing our condolences…