Minnesota

Husky Energy Evacuated Due to Infrastructure Concerns

Stinson Avenue blocked in front of refinery; officials say there's no risk of fire, explosion, or chemical release

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tonight, an investigation is underway at the Husky Energy Refinery in Superior after a swaying stack caused an evacuation. The stack could be seen swaying back and forth. Wind gusts at the nearby Bong Airport were reported at twenty-five miles per hour. The Superior Police Department tells us refinery crews heard a “pop” and noticed a problem…

The Lake Superior Zoo Hosts Annual “Community Day”

The Duluth "Community Days" are celebrated by other tourist attractions such as the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Duluth Depot.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo hosted it’s annual Community Day to say thank you to Duluthians and other supporters of the popular tourist attraction. Visitors received the great perk of free admission to explore the zoo. They had the chance to learn more about their nearly 150 species of animals and also a few new additions like Taj…

Congressman Pete Stauber Meets With Duluth School Board To Discuss Special Education Challenges

DULUTH, Minn. – Special education needs in public schools have risen drastically over the years, not just in Minnesota, but nationally. Congressman Pete Stauber sat down with the Duluth School Board to hear some of the special education challenges impacting our schools. Funding to support special education needs was promised long ago by the federal government to help offset costs,…

NorShor Theatre Board Discussing Upcoming Garrison Keillor Performance Amid Backlash

DULUTH, Minn. – Just hours after the NorShor Theatre posted on its Facebook page Thursday about the April performance by former MPR “A Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor, the post was pulled down and the show’s ticket information was removed from the NorShor’s website amid backlash on social media. There was no official word of the show being canceled,…

Essentia Health Purchases Former Miller Hill Mall Sears Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Thursday afternoon that they have purchased the former Sears location at Miller Hill Mall. Essentia Health made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a press release saying, “The acquisition will allow the Northland’s largest health care provider to offer a variety of services to its patients at a convenient location. Several options are being considered…

Shrimp Scampi Roma A Favorite At Valentini’s

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make their popular and loved Italian menu item, Shrimp Scampi Roma! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years….

Roger Stone Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison

WASHINGTON (AP) – Roger Stone, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison on his convictions for witness tampering and lying to Congress. Thursday’s action in federal court comes amid Trump’s unrelenting defense of his longtime confidant that has led to a mini-revolt inside the Justice Department and allegations the president has interfered…

Midday Update 2-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Recycling Plant Fire Burns for 3rd Day in Minnesota

(courtesy: Fox 9) BECKER, Minn. (AP) – Firefighters are battling a stubborn fire at a metal recycling plant in a small Minnesota community for a third consecutive day. The fire at the Northern Metals plant in Becker is unleashing noxious, billowing smoke. Firefighters on Thursday worked to extinguish the blaze in the Sherburne County city about 50 miles northwest of…

Morning Update 2-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

St. Paul Man Dies on Lutsen Ski Hill

LUTSEN, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a St. Paul man has died on a ski hill in northeastern Minnesota. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office says 70-year-old David Skog was found unresponsive and bleeding from the face on a ski hill at Lutsen Mountains ski area Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t immediately clear how Skog was fatally injured. The ski patrol…

Surf’s Up On A Wintry Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – Who needs to go to California, Florida, or Hawaii to surf when you can jump in Lake Superior in the middle of the winter? Some brave souls wet-suited up and rode the big lake’s waves near Brighton Beach recently. FOX 21 photojournalist Nathaniel LeCapitaine takes us there in this week’s Great Outdoors. Categories: Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News,…

Longtime Duluth City Attorney Suspended; No Comment From Mayor Larson’s Office

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson confirmed to FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s been placed on administrative suspension. Johnson said he was “shocked” to learn about his suspension last Wednesday and never saw anything of this magnitude coming from Mayor Emily Larson and her administration. Johnson said it’s his understanding a Twin Cities law firm has been…

Birkie Preps Are Well Underway For This Weekend

HAYWARD, Wis. – The town of Hayward is already beginning to transform and the excitement is building as everyone gets ready for the 46th Annual American Birkebeiner The cross-country ski race is one of the largest of its kind in North America. It typically draws tens of thousands of people including spectators and experienced skiers from around the world to…

2nd Annual “Superior Sinker” Event Underway

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One group of young professionals over in Superior is putting on a unique fundraiser. After its success last year, the organization Superior Jaycees is underway with its second annual “Superior Sinker” event. For the fundraiser, the group put a car out in the middle of the frozen pond on Barker’s Island. The public can now guess the…

Minnesota Task Force Takes Aim at Prescription Drug Prices

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has unveiled a task force report that makes 14 separate recommendations for lowering prescription drug prices. They range from new legislation to stronger enforcement action. Ellison said at a news conference Wednesday that the pharmaceutical market is “opaque and dysfunctional.” And he says the confusion has been a barrier to fixing the problem….

Midday Update 2-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Andrew Kirov and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Fire at Minnesota Recycling Plant Possibly Affecting Air Quality

(courtesy: Bill Keller/FOX 9) BECKER, Minn. – Officials are monitoring the air quality in a small Minnesota community where a fire at a metal recycling plant has burned for more than 24 hours. Firefighters in the Sherburne County community of Becker continued to fight the stubborn blaze Wednesday after working all day and through the night Tuesday at Northern Metal…

No Injuries Reported in I-35 Logging Truck Spill

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say a semi-truck with the Claw Trucking Group delayed traffic Tuesday evening after the truck spilled its load of logs onto the southbound Hwy 53 ramp. The truck was exiting the ramp onto I-35 south when it lost its load of logs around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday which caused a significant backup of traffic. Authorities say there…

Morning Update 2-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Andrew Kirov and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Park Officials Remind Pet Owners to “Pick Up Poop”

Piles of Poop Left Behind Causes Concerns from Park Officials, City Staff

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s warm, squishy, and it stinks. We’re talking poop. Chances are you’re guilty once or twice of watching your pet poo, and walking away in a public place. But it’s now becoming a problem within the Twin Ports, one pile leading to hundreds if not thousands left unattended. “No one wants to walk in poop when they’re…

It’s National Drink Wine Day!

DULUTH, Minn – Here’s a reminder to grab yourself a glass of your favorite wine today. It’s National Drink Wine Day. It’s not to be confused with National Wine Day which is celebrated in May. Today’s unofficial holiday celebrates those who just like to enjoy a glass of wine. But those lovers can take it a step further by making…

HealthPartners Union Workers Reach Tentative Contract Deal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The union representing 1,800 HealthPartners workers in Minnesota says it has reached a tentative labor agreement and averted a strike that was scheduled to begin Wednesday. The Service Employees International Union says the agreement was reached early Tuesday after 17 hours of negotiations. Union members will vote on it next week. Members include nurses, physicians assistants, dental…

Polls Open for Wisconsin Spring Primary Election

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Polls are now open for the Wisconsin spring primary election. Two Republican candidates and two Democratic candidates are running to replace former Congressman Sean Duffy’s seat in District 7. The Democratic candidates are Lawrence Dale and Tricia Zunker, and the Republican candidates are Jason Church and Tom Tiffany with only one to advance. Running for justice of…

Suspect Sought in Fatal Bemidji Shooting

Authorities are Still Searching for the Suspect

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Authorities in northern Minnesota are searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting. Beltrami County sheriff’s dispatchers got a call about a man who had been shot outside a residence Monday night. Police officers and sheriff’s deputies arrived and found the body of a 20-year-old man. According to reports, another victim in the shooting, a 17-year-old male,…

Special Report: Suicidal Thoughts Resulting in “The Final Journey”

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – It’s one word surrounded by stigma and often never discussed — Suicide. Nationally, the number of people taking their lives continues to dramatically rise year-after-year. So how do the numbers break down locally? The number of suicides reported along the North Shore of Minnesota have spiked over the past ten years. Many people have come from…

The Number Of Flu Cases In Northland Jump From Last Year

Experts say flu cases are up by 15% for this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is really taking a hit with the influenza virus. Schools and senior living facilities are some of the places that are experiencing a widespread outbreak. Healthcare providers say the number of cases is up by 15% from last year. There are three strains of the Influenza Virus, but most commonly people get the “A” or…

At Sara’s Table Reopens After Week Long Renovations

DULUTH, Minn – The popular restaurant At Sara’s Table in Duluth has reopened after closing for more than a week while undergoing renovations. The restaurant added a few new bathrooms and an upstairs conference space, which can hold up to 30 people. Most notably, there is a new re-designed french-inspired professional kitchen. The new set up is more open giving…

Midday Update 2-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 17, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Multiple Crashes Reported in Duluth Monday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – Multiple crashes have been reported Monday morning due to slick road conditions on I-35. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation 511 website, there were three reported crashes as of 9:20 a.m. One crash was reported between exit 258 and MN I94 at 5th Avenue West; another between Garfield Avenue and the end of I-535, between Exit…

First Annual Rice Lake Winter Frolic Brings Families Together

Frolic offered sledding, s'mores, and cider.

RICE LAKE, Minn.- Families in Rice Lake got out to enjoy the winter day at the first annual Winter Frolic. The event included s’mores-making on an open fire, hot chocolate and cider, a sledding hill and a snowy playground. Ice skating was going to be available as well, but was canceled due to excess snow. According to organizer Kathy LeFave,…

Move Over Downward Facing Dog; Laughter Yoga Lifts the Spirit

Relatively young practice uses laughter to bring positivity.

DULUTH, Minn.- They say laughter is the best medicine, well at the Lake Superior Interfaith Community Church in East Hillside, one group is putting that to the test and getting some pretty hilarious results. “When we start laughing we can’t stop,” said Laughter Yoga Leader Sue Brewer. If you stop in and wonder what’s so funny, don’t worry, you didn’t…

“Duluth Bikes” Hosts Annual Winter Bike To Work Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The organization “Duluth Bikes” hosted their 6th annual winter bike to work day Friday morning. Members of the group were out at the Minnesota power plaza on Friday morning, handing out coffee and greeting people who bike to work. Organizers say, although this is one of the colder events they have put on, dozens of people are…

UMD Plans To Sell Campus Radio Station To Local Public Television Station

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth has agreed to sell its radio station to the parent company that runs Duluth’s PBS station, WDSE. The university has owned and operated its campus radio station for more than 60 years. According to an agreement, the Duluth- Superior Area Educational Television corporation is expected to purchase the radio station for $175,000….

Minnesota Senate Panel Passes GOP Insulin Affordability Bill

The Passing Comes As Patients and Parents Urged Senators to Keep Working on a Compromise Between Parties

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The long-running debate at the Capitol over insulin affordability has shifted to the Minnesota Senate. Patients and parents urged senators Thursday to keep working toward a compromise between competing Senate Republican and House Democratic proposals. Helping diabetics afford insulin is one of the main pieces of unfinished business left over from the 2019 session, when…

Fatal Snowmobile Crash in St. Louis County

Authorities Say the Snowmobiler Veered Off the Trail, Eventually Hitting a Tree

TOWER, Minn. – A snowmobiler is dead after a crash in Northern St. Louis County. Authorities say 51-year-old Daniel Cottew of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, was on the Arrowhead Trail near Tower when he veered off the trail, eventually hitting a tree. Cottew was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders from Tower, Vermilion Lake, St. Louis County…

Group Makes Banners Empowering Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women March

Currently 20 unaccounted women are logged in urban parts.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Native Lives Matter Coalition spent the day making banners for Friday’s fifth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Memorial March. According to data from the Urban Indian Health Institute, 20 indigenous women are murdered or missing from urban areas in Minnesota. A task force is working on determining numbers for the whole state. The banners empower family…

U. S. Census Hosts Open House To Recruit For Open Positions

The available jobs have a pay rate of up to $24 an hour.

DULUTH, Minn. – There are four more weeks left until the 2020 Census data collection process begins. The Census wants to get nearly 2,500 applicants in St. Louis County. The bureau has now reached around 75% of that goal. The Duluth-area Census office is responsible for filling jobs in nearly 50 counties in Northern Minnesota. The goal is to recruit…

American Airlines Plans To Leave The Duluth International Airport

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after Duluth Airport officials celebrated the expansion of flights from Delta, we’re learning American Airlines is packing up to leave DLH. On April 28, the major airline will discontinue its two daily non-stop flights between Duluth and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. American joined Delta and United in Duluth just last year. A spokeswoman for the Duluth…

Preschoolers Make The Most Of The Subzero Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn – Even with temperatures hitting below zero, the cold weather didn’t hold back preschool students at the Hartley Nature Center from exploring and playing outdoors. On these freezing cold days teachers at the Hartley Nature Center follow windchill charts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine exactly how long they can stay outside. Before heading out…

RV Couple Makes a Pit Stop in Duluth to Talk RVing Lifestyle

The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show is Happening February 12 - 16, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of Northlanders enjoy packing up the vehicle, loading firewood, and heading out for a weekend away at the campground. But could you imagine living in your RV year round? One couple from Kentucky did so for more than ten years. Howard and Linda Payne were living the “American Dream” according to most people. But there was…