Minnesota

Blackened Salmon Valentine’s Day Dinner

COOKING CONNECTION: Texas Roadhouse

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot hosts a restaurant that you can still get into for a Valentines Dinner! No reservations are taken there on Friday, but you can use call ahead seating. Hearty steaks aren’t the only thing Texas Roadhouse specializes in… try their blackened salmon! Check out the video above if you…

Delta to Offer Mainline Aircraft Flights from DLH to MSP and Back

New aircraft comes with new seats and new digs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders may find it easier to fly to the Twin Cities from Duluth International Airport, as Delta Airlines will be adding a new mainline plane to the route. Beginning in March Delta will operate a mainline aircraft out of DLH. The route will be the first flight out in the morning and last flight in from MSP Airport….

Volunteer Snowmobile Trail Groomer In Need of Repair or Replacement

The only groomer tackling trails in East Duluth and up the North Shore is out of service.

DULUTH, Minn.- The only snow groomer working on snowmobile trails in East Duluth is out of commission and in need of repair. While grooming the trails, the Duluth Drift-Toppers Snowmobile Club’s machine encountered an engine failure. Now the motor has to be redone, in order to keep the trails used by snowmobilers, fat-tire bikers, and hikers smooth and clean. The…

Polar Plunge Taking Place on Park Point This Year

The Polar Bear Plunge is Happening Saturday, February 15

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time, the 2020 Duluth Polar Plunge will liven up Park Point (instead of the traditional Canal Park plunge spot) on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Participants will first enjoy a pre-check-in party at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park Friday, February 14 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A day-of check-in will take place at Grandma’s…

Rainforest Exhibit Welcomes Exotic Animals to the DECC

The Show Begins Wednesday, February 12 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

DULUTH, Minn. – A rainforest is an exotic place filled with birds, snakes, insects, and animals you might not think of living in this type of climate. The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show kicks off Wednesday, February 12 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, giving the public a chance to experience the rainforest. The show runs through Sunday,…

Beijing Restaurant Reopens to Chinese-Craving Customers

Restaurant opened nearly two years after fire shut it down.

DULUTH, Minn.- London Road smelled a little more like Chinese food Tuesday as the popular Beijing restaurant finally opened after a fire shut it down in 2018. The place was pretty busy throughout the day. Beijing is known for its big portions at a reasonable price. Longtime customers were all smiles, anxious to try their favorite dishes. “Every two weeks…

The Ups and Downs of Unfrozen Lake Superior

Experts share different effects of the lake's low ice cover, while some Northlanders miss the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland has gone through an unseasonably warm winter, eliminating the chance for much ice to form on the surface of Lake Superior. “I was excited for the ice build up and it’s just not coming yet,” Lindsey Ruhnke said. Lapping waves is a surprising sound to hear by the lake at the beginning of February. “I think…

Boys and Girls Club Names Youth of the Year

Annual event highlights young people with exceptional character qualities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland competed to be named Youth of the Year Tuesday. The annual event highlights young people who exemplify the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, good character and citizenship, and academic success. It was established in 1947 to help more youth develop the skills they’ll use throughout life. “It’s…

Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance Hosting 2nd Annual Fundraiser

Classic Horse Movie Night is Happening Thursday, February 13, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – This bitter winter weather doesn’t help local horse enthusiasts get out on the trails, but that’s not stopping the Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance from thinking about warmer months ahead. The Alliance is set to host the second annual Classic Horse Movie Night Fundraiser, raising money for horse trails and education efforts on Thursday, February 13 at…

Duluth Council Approves Grant to Continue Mental Health Officer Position

Officer helps build relationships and get people help from Mental Health Services.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council approved a $206,793 grant that’ll allow the Duluth Police Department to continue dedicating an officer specifically for mental health calls. The officer is part of the Department’s Mental Health Unit based out of the DTA substation downtown. He works with people based on referrals from other officers and community members. Since the grant was…

Council Approves Demolition of Kozy; Former Owner Still Determined to Stop Wrecking Ball

Former owner Eric Ringsred didn't come up with the $50,000 bond court required to keep building up.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is the closest its ever been to tearing down the condemned Kozy building on East First Street. DEDA owns the building, and the Council voted to approve DEDA’s decision to demolish the building that’s sat vacant for nearly a decade. The council voted unanimously, 8-0 with Councilor Russ absent, to demolish the structure. But…

Appeals Court Upholds Hibbing Man’s 2017 Manslaughter Conviction

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Court of Appeals has upheld a manslaughter conviction of a Hibbing man who left his baby nephew home alone before a fire broke out. Jesse Bonacci-Koski, 27, left the home for several hours to use drugs the day of the 11-month-old’s death. He’s serving an eight-year prison sentence for the crime. Attorneys for Bonacci-Koski argued…

The Duluth City Council Could Vote To Approve Funding For The Demolition Of The Old Kozy Building

DULUTH, Minn. – The city council could also vote tonight to approve nearly $150,000 to move forward with the demolition of the old Kozy building in downtown Duluth. The fate of the building has been involved in an ongoing legal battle between the city and the former owner Eric Ringsred along with a group called “Respect Starts Here.” A district…

Giant Teddy Bear Made Out Of Snow In Hermantown Catches Some Attention

The Johnson family sculpted a snowman in 2005 that stood nearly 25 feet high.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A 16-foot teddy bear made out of snow in Hermantown is stealing a few hearts The giant bear was created by a Hermantown couple along with the help of a few neighbors. It goes by the name Theodore. The creation of the heart hugging bear began on Christmas Eve and took nearly six weeks to finish. The…

Think Local Gift Giving This Valentine’s Day

Duluth Loves Local Encourages Northlanders to Shop Small Businesses This Valentine's Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Flowers, chocolates, and a nice dinner out. It’s the traditional Valentine’s Day date, but it doesn’t have to be the same old plan every year. Duluth Loves Local is encouraging Northlanders to think outside of the box when it comes to gift giving for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. The 2020 Portside Pass is now available at…

London Road House Fire Causes $25,000 in Damages

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to a house fire Sunday afternoon on the 5300 Block of London Road. Initial reports said somebody was trapped inside, but when fire crews arrived on the scene they learned that all occupants were safely out of the home. The fire started in the attic on the third floor. Firefighter closed off nearby streets…

Mike Bloomberg Opens Campaign Field Office in Duluth

Duluth office one of five in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Democratic Presidential candidate set up a remote office in Duluth. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign held a grand opening on Sunday. The office opened up on First Street Downtown, in the Duluth Athletic Club building. It’s one of five field offices in Minnesota for Bloomberg to boost his presence across the Super Tuesday state. According…

Valentini’s Moving from Duluth to Hermantown; Restaurant Assoc. Pres. Concerned Why

Association President says high taxes and fees is making it harder to run a restaurant in Duluth, one of the reasons why Valentini's moved.

DULUTH, Minn- Valentini’s Restaurant is preparing to move from its location on London Road to a permanent spot off Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown. Valentini’s operated on London Road for the past 13 years, and will remain open through September. But one reason for leaving is what the owner called the increased financial difficulty of running a restaurant in the…

Itasca County Jail Could Close If It Doesn’t Undergo Major Renovations

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. –  After receiving a sunset letter back in 2018 from the Department of Corrections, the jail will now be closed in September of 2021 if major changes are not made. “Our occupancy right now is anywhere between 100-120,” Itasca County Sheriff, Victor Williams says. The issue of overpopulation has caused the jail to send dozens of inmates…

Klobuchar Pushes to Keep Defying Expectations in Campaign

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’s plans to keep defying expectations heading into Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary. Though she’s spent the last year behind the front-runners, Klobuchar has enjoyed a burst of momentum in the last few days thanks to a strong debate performance and infusion of cash. At a rally at Southern New Hampshire University…

Soul and Soul Food Served to Hundreds at UMD

At 240 people the event was sold out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Great smells, great company, and of course great tastes packed the Kirby Ballroom for the Black Student Association’s annual Soul Food dinner. “It signifies black people and unity, honestly,” Black Student Association Treasurer Trina Kwamboka said. “Being brought together to eat by your Grandma, to eat some soul food. It’s a really big thing in the black culture.”…

Celebrating Winter and Community at Carlton Winterfest

25th annual Winterfest featured activities indoors and outdoors.

CARLTON, Minn.- The weather was just right in Carlton for the annual Winterfest. Families enjoyed face painting, animals from Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile, and a chili cookoff. Meanwhile outside they enjoyed “Mini Hook and Slice”: minigolf in the snow with tennis balls. The perfect way to spend a winter day. “People are, at this time of year in Minnesota winters…

Wild State Cider Releases New Cider with Zero Added Sugar

Classic dry cider has already had a good reception.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wild State Cider has released a new beverage: Classic Dry cider. This cider has zero added sugar, and is made with champagne yeast. The cidery owner said they released it now, as people are trying to eat and drink healthier this time of year. “We joke that we think this is the future of cider that not all…

City of Duluth Launches New MuniciPals Podcast

First episode received 100 downloads in a day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is distributing information in a new way with a monthly podcast. The “MuniciPals” podcast started out as a joke according to officials, but has now turned into a new way to give people a behind the scenes look at the city, and distribute information on a wider scale. Following a peaceful guitar riff, Phil…

UMD Police Investigate Residence Hall Break-Ins

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD Police Department is investigating reports of someone opening or attempting to open doors of occupied rooms in the residence halls. UMD police say the incidents took place over the last several weeks. The department is looking for a person of interest who is described as a 5’5” white male, age 19-20, medium build with brown…

HealthPartners Union Voted in Favor of Strike

MINNEAPOLIS – Nurses, physician assistants and other caregivers in the union representing 1,800 HealthPartners workers have voted overwhelmingly to strike if a contract agreement cannot be reached before Feb. 19. Service Employees International Union represents 1,800 members at HealthPartners in Minnesota. The St. Paul Pioneer Press says 95% of members voted to begin a seven-day strike. The union announced the…

Behind Bars For FUN! Try To Escape This Test

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Escape Room Parties Brings Mobile Escape Rooms To The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott are locked up, in “Alcatraz prison”. Find out if they can escape… Join in on the escape room fun THIS WEEKEND ONLY. Thurs Feb. 6, Fri Feb. 7 & Sat. Feb 8th at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior,…

New Superintendent Selected for Hermantown School District

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown Community Schools have selected a new superintendent. The Hermantown Community Schools Board of Education voted this week to hire Wayne Whitwam, a principal from Centerville Elementary School, as the district’s new superintendent. “After careful consideration and with input from our community, staff and administration, we believe Mr. Whitwam has the depth of knowledge needed to lead…

Great Grey Owl Sighting Attracts Dozens of Bird Enthusiasts to Duluth

A Great Grey Owl Was Recently Spotted Along Interstate 35 Near 21st Avenue East in Duluth, a Rare Occurrence

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Grey Owl typically resides toward the tip of North America and across the pond in northern Russia. Recently, residents in the Northland captured a rare sight, one that has bird enthusiasts speaking out in this week’s Great Outdoors. “Even people that were just driving by living in the neighborhood, they pull over and ask what…

Mix Cosmetiques Opens New Location in Duluth

Store specializes in handmade, custom cosmetics.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cosmetic store specializing in natural makeup that’s handmade has just opened up in a new storefront. Mix Cosmetiques had it’s grand opening today with a ribbon cutting at its new spot. It was formerly located downtown and in a kiosk at Miller Hill Mall. The store specializes in cosmetics made from natural ingredients, that customers can…

Lake Superior Nearly Ice-Free this Warm Winter

Ice coverage at less than 5% as temps are higher than normal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter’s unseasonably warm temperatures have left Lake Superior almost entirely without ice. According to experts at the National Weather Service, less than 5% of the lake is covered so far, while at this time last year 40% of the lake was covered. While less ice may make the water seem warmer, experts said that it’s still icy…

Meeting on Refugee Resettlement Turns Contentious

Both sides of the refugee issue clashed outside of meeting.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A presentation on refugee resettlement at the Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College sparked a bit of controversy Thursday. The presentation focused on explaining “all the facts” about refugee resettlement, while some people in attendance said what they’re doing is wrong. The meeting at the college Thursday was not a part of any established group, but was…

Winterfest Kicks Off This Weekend In Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. – Are you having cabin fever and looking for some fun to let loose? The City of Carlton’s Winterfest has got you covered this weekend. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as open hockey at the Four Season’s Sports Complex Arena in Carlton. There is even a mini Hook and Slice course, which is…

The Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College Hosts 4th Annual Nursing Career Expo

About 200 students take part in the Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College's nursing program every year.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet hosted its 4th Annual Nursing and Healthcare Career Expo. More than 30 employers representing different nursing and healthcare fields participated in the event. Current Fond Du Lac College and area high school students had the chance to explore those fields and learn what jobs are available around…

Barnum School Board Could Decide To Cut Nearly $750,000 From District’s Budget

A decision could be made at the next regular school board meeting on February 18th.

BARNUM, Minn. – The Barnum School District could potentially need to cut nearly $750,000 from its budget for the next school year. This financial concern comes after the school board was presented with options to help reduce expenses within the school district during Tuesday’s board meeting. The $750,000 in cuts is just a recommendation for now. But the need to…

City of Duluth Launches New Podcast

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has launched a new podcast. The MuniciPals podcast is described as a “monthly podcast which aims to highlight different city departments and divisions as well as issues facing Duluth.” The podcast is hosted by the city’s Communications and Policy Officer Phil Jents as well as the Community Relations Officer Alicia Kozlowski. We’ve got…

Two Harbors Winter Frolic Begins Today

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The annual Two Harbors Winter Frolic event officially kicks off today, February 6. This year’s event started with a medallion hunt at the Two Harbors Dairy Queen and a sliding hill at the Curling Club. On Friday attendees can partake in a community curling challenge followed by a restaurant chili cook-off. Event organizers say the Winter…

Potato Skins Pair With A Jamaican Cowboy Cocktail

COOKING CONNECTION: Texas Roadhouse Appetizers & Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot features Texas Roadhouses potato skin appetizers, paired with a fruity mixed drink. Learn how to cook your own potato skins and mix your own Jamaican Cowboy at home! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Cooking Connection, Jamaican Cowboy, Local Appetizers, Meteorologist Brittney…

UMD Finishes Updates on Recreational Rink

DULUTH, Minn.– After a year and a half of updates and renovations, UMD has re-opened its ice rink. The rink opened in January after undergoing renovations that started in the summer of 2018. The $3.6 million project updated the rink’s heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. UMD students have spent the past month using the rink to make up for…

How Can Northern Minnesota Become a Hub for TV and Film Production?

Local film and TV professionals discuss how to make the Northland a regional center in the media industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Movies like ‘North Country’ and ‘Iron Will’ were shot right here in the Northland. And according to media professionals, more producers want to bring their projects here. “We have some of the most talented people in the United States if not in the world, we have scenery that is unmatched,” said Steven Sanders of Ironbound Studios. In…

Pedestrian Killed in Itasca County Crash

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 46 in Alvwood Township around 9:12 p.m. Tuesday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the man was standing near a southbound vehicle that was stalled in the traffic lane when he was struck by a southbound GMC Sierra pickup. The man suffered fatal injuries and died at the…

Whole Food’s Co-op Raises Over $11,000 For Life House

The Whole Foods Co-op has been able to raise a quarter-million dollars for local organizations.

DULUTH, Minn. – The generosity from customers at both Whole Foods Co-op locations in Duluth has helped raise more than $11,000 for the local organization Life House. On Tuesday, at the Denfeld Location, Co-op staff presented the large check to representatives from Life House. For the whole month of January, Co-op customers have been rounding up the cost of their…