Minnesota

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…

Suspect Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting In Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. — The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in the city of Chisholm. The shooting happened Wednesday morning after 7 a.m. on the 200 block of Central Avenue South, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was wanted in connection to a recent felony…

Bomb Threat Identical To Esko One Causes Evacuation Of Cloquet Middle And High Schools

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet middle school and high school were evacuated on Wednesday after a bomb threat was called into the high school over the phone, and both buildings have now been given the all-clear by police. Cloquet police say the bomb threat seemed to be the exact same one that was called into Esko High School last month,…

74 Apartments of Lincoln Park Flats Complete, Pre-Leased Ahead of June 1st Opening

Rent ranges from studio apartments at about $900 a month to $1,700 for 2-bedroom units.

DULUTH, Minn.- This summer West Superior Street will see more housing overlooking the lake, as the 4-story Lincoln Park Flats is all booked up ahead of its June 1st opening, about a year after they started construction. “How we finish a building is we finish our way out,” said Megan Holsclaw, Operations Manager with P&R Companies. “We’re up on the…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Live Entertainment Returning To Bayfront Park

Schneider added they're closing in on 20,000 runners total for all three races.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon is set to be even more of a party again this year, as live music will be returning to Bayfront Park on race weekend. Last year there was live music at the finish line and modified entertainment in Canal Park. Now this year the six musical acts — one Friday and five through midnight Saturday —…

Duluth International Airport Drops Mask Mandate After Federal Judge Ends Requirement

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport will no longer require masks on its property after a federal judge ended the requirement nationally on Monday. “Since the beginning of pandemic, the Duluth International Airport has instituted reasonable mitigation measures that promote public health, including increased disinfection and air exchange inside the airport terminal,” Tom Werner, the executive director of DIA,…

Live Interview: Locally Produced Horror Flick ‘Beyond The North Woods’ To Debut At ‘North X North Fest’

DULUTH, Minn. – Local actors, editors and camera operators joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 8 a.m. hour of the morning show Tuesday to talk about their new horror film called “Beyond the North Woods.” The film was shot mostly in Duluth’s Lester Park and at the Androy Hotel in Superior.  It’s described as “raw, unedited footage recovered from…

Live Interview: ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ At Fitger’s Theatre, Boat Club’s Stand Up Comedy

DULUTH,  Minn. – Boat Club Productions is getting ready to debut “Tuesdays with Morrie” this Friday at the Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s. Jason Vincent, owner of the Boat Club Restaurant and Productions, is producing the show and joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show Tuesday to talk about what people…

Researchers To Study Minnesotans Who Swim In Icy Waters

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Researchers plan to study a group of Minnesotans who dunk themselves in icy Lake Harriet every winter day. The Star Tribune reports that researchers from Rockefeller University’s Cohen Laboratory of Molecular Metabolism are studying so-called brown fat that generates heat in cold conditions in humans. They’re currently investigating blood biomarkers of brown fat in young New Yorkers…

New Jets in UMD Pool Simulate Surfing, Rafting Waves for Training

It has one setting for swimmers to practice in smaller waves, another for surfers to work on maneuvers, and the last setting -- river flow similar to whitewater rafting and sea kayaking.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thanks to upgraded jets, the pool in UMD’S Sports and Health Center can now better train kayakers, surfers, and swimmers in rough water conditions through their Rec Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP). The lap pool now has a “flow pump” system. It has one setting for swimmers to practice in smaller waves, another for surfers to work on maneuvers,…

Texas Roadhouse ‘Dine to Donate’ Supports Duluth Children’s Museum

The money will be going into the opening of the museum's second floor with new experiences after they outgrew their first-floor space.

DULUTH, Minn.- While chowing down on some steaks and barbecue Monday, Texas Roadhouse customers could also give back to the Duluth Children’s Museum located in Lincoln Park. Texas Roadhouse held one of their dine to donate nights. Guests could tell their servers they wanted to support the Children’s Museum with their dine-in or pickup orders, and have 10% of their…

Divided Minnesota Legislature Will Return With Much Undone

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A deeply divided Minnesota Legislature returns from its Easter-Passover break Tuesday. Lawmakers have just five weeks left to decide what to do with the state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus plus $1 billion in unspent federal pandemic relief. There’s been little meeting of the minds between the House Democratic and Senate Republican majorities. They have yet…

Canal Park Business Association Holding Contest to Design New Logo

The Canal Park Business Association will accept logo designs by email by May 1st. The winner will be announced on May 9th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Canal Park Business Association is inviting the community to help them design their new logo. The Association wants to redesign its logo as a way to redefine what it means to be a business in Canal Park. They say it’s a free and friendly competition with a prize for the winning designer made up of a collection…

Kids Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at AAD Shrine

AAD Shrine Hosted "Breakfast With the Easter Bunny" in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Easter Bunny made a stop in Hermantown over the weekend. The AAD Shrine Event Center in Hermantown wrapped up another successful Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Kids got the chance to meet the Easter bunny and instead of just candy, they enjoyed a hearty breakfast. 4-year-old Kenlee got to join in on the festivities. “We had breakfast….

Cloquet Rummage Sale Helps Disabled Vets

The Disabled American Veterans Hosted a Rummage Sale to Support Local Vets

Cloquet, MN- The Cloquet Armory was filled with items up for sale over the weekend. Donations were collected and brought in by veterans around the area to the Armory for the sale. Organizers with The Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit charity aimed at aiding veterans, hosted the event to help give back to those who have served our country. For…

UMD Students Hold Annual Asian Culture Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday, the UMD community highlighted some of the cultures of their Asian students. The APAA, or Asian Pacific American Association, held their annual Asian Cultural Show on Saturday night. They brought together hundreds of students, faculty and staff, and even friends and families to enjoy a night of different performances. There was a fashion show, Thai dancers…

Boy, 10, Shot Dead while in Minneapolis Apartment with Minor

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Police say a 10-year-old boy was fatally shot while he and another juvenile family member were alone in a downtown Minneapolis apartment. The shooting happened late Friday. Police say they were called to the apartment to find the 10-year-old boy with a life-threatening gunshot wound. The child died at a hospital. Police have not released the age…

Homeowner Arrested on Arson-Related Charges after House Catches Fire in Britt

Photo: Friends of the Northland FireWire BRITT, Minn.- A homeowner has been arrested by St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies Friday on arson-related charges after a fire at his home in Britt. According to deputies, around 12:14 p.m. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a house fire in the 8600 block of Donnywood Circle W. A neighbor reported flames coming…

St Louis County Sheriff’s Office: Esko Man Charged with Shooting Wrenshall Man While Waiting for Drug Sale Sunday

Webster was convicted of First-Degree Drug sale in 2021, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm, investigators said. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- A 29-year-old man from Esko has been charged with assault and possession of a firearm, arrested after a man from Wrenshall was found shot in his legs along I-35 Sunday. According to the criminal complaint, on Sunday St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies located a man bleeding on both legs on I-35 just south of the Proctor…

Chisholm Man Indicted on First-Degree Murder Charges in 1986 Nancy Daugherty Killing

The upgraded charges mean Carbo, Jr. now faces a mandatory life sentence.

Michael Carbo Jr. mugshot DULUTH, Minn.- The Chisholm man accused of sexually assaulting and murdering Nancy Daugherty in 1986 — in one of the Northland’s oldest cold cases — now faces the highest murder charge from the state. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office confirmed Friday that Michael Carbo Jr., 54, has been indicted by a Hibbing grand jury on…

Live Interview: ‘Tuffy’ Needs Forever Home After Found Starving To Death

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet woman, who is also a veterinarian technician at the Duluth Veterinary Hospital, is looking to find a forever home for a stray dog that was found severely malnourished about nine weeks ago. Before and after care Jodi Carlson has been working to build up Tuffy’s strength for the past seven weeks. Talking to Dan Hanger…

Cloquet Firefighters Help Rescue Kittens From Camper

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet firefighters were called to rescue some kittens from a camper Tuesday. Jodi Carlson, who is a veterinary technician and handles the Missing Pets in the Northland Facebook group, was there to help, too. Calrson said firefighters carefully removed paneling from the camper and then started sifting their way through insulation before finding two little kittens stuck…