Minnesota

Less Than Week Ahead of Beargrease, Fundraiser Helps with Last Minute Expenses

Fundraiser helps accommodate for money lost from stolen bales of straw.

DULUTH, Minn.- Excitement is building less than a week before the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. A fundraiser was held at Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth Road to help raise money for the race, after 200 bales of straw were stolen back in October. That straw is used as bedding for the dogs. The race raised money in…

Interfaith Service Honors Martin Luther King Jr., Continues Fight for Equality

Gloria Dei Church packed with all faith backgrounds honoring Rev. Dr. King.

DULUTH, Minn.- The kickoff to Duluth’s events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. was an interfaith service honoring the work of freedom fighters of the past, with performances by youth continuing the fight in the future. “We’re still remembering the words of him 60 years later,” said Salaam Witherspoon, Chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. “We’re still asking for…

1 Injured, 2 Arrested In Home Invasion, Robbery In Duluth’s Woodland Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating an apparent home invasion and robbery that injured a man. The call for help came in around 5:30 p.m. Sunday on the 200 block of St. Paul Avenue in the Woodland neighborhood. Two suspects were arrested and police were not searching for anyone else. Authorities say two BB guns, baseball bats, and marijuana…

Minnesota State Fair to Add Metal Detectors, Other Upgrades This Year

Metal detectors at gates just one of many improvements and maintenance for 2020 Get Together.

MINNESOTA- This year the Minnesota State Fair will be adding metal detectors to their gates, among other upgrades and maintenance projects. According to Fair Officials entrance gates will be changed to accommodate fair-time metal detectors. “We’ve looked at adding metal detectors to our public safety program for a while now,” said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer. “We added bag…

MLK Indoor Frisbee Tournament Raises Money for UMD Team

Fundraiser raises about $2,000 every year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Northern Lights Ultimate Frisbee Team held their annual MLK Indoor Tournament Fundraiser at Ward Wells Fieldhouse Saturday. Teams from as far as Mankato and North Dakota came to the fieldhouse to play. The tournament is how the UMD team raises most of their money for travel expenses, jersey fees, and more for the whole season. According to…

$1 Million In Governor Walz’s Bonding Proposal Could Fund New Manufacturing Department At LSC

The entire project will cost between $12-14 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz recently announced his higher education proposal. The proposal included nearly $1 million in pre-design funding for new manufacturing labs at Lake Superior College. LSC’s manufacturing department resides in downtown Duluth, but the program has outgrown the leased space over the years. If the funding is awarded, it would allow the manufacturing department to move from…

Early Voting Begins In Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians were out early Friday morning casting their votes for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters say this is a convenience factor that should allow more people to get to the polls. “That’s exciting because folks who are just busy who still want to participate don’t have to get a babysitter to go to their caucus night…

Closings & Delays for January 18, 19

Both Denfeld Snow Ball and East Sweetheart Dances Will be Postponed Due to Weather

Saturday College of St. Scholastica’s “Survivor Songs” concert – Canceled ALL ISD 709 High School events – Canceled All home and away games, meets, and contests All practices at all facilities Robotics Duluth Community Education Classes – Canceled Denfeld Snow Ball Dance – Postponed East High School Sweetheart Dance – Postponed School District of Superior – all sporting events and…

Former Minnesota Probation Officer Accused of Luring Slain Real Estate Agent to Her Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A woman who had worked as a probation officer is accused of luring a real estate agent to a Minnesota house before the agent was kidnapped and killed on New Year’s Eve, prosecutors alleged Friday. Elsa Segura, 28, of Fridley, was charged Friday in Hennepin County court with one count of kidnapping. Segura is accused of luring…

Hearing Puts Agency Under Scrutiny Over PolyMet Mine Permit

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Legal challenges to the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine enter a new phase this week. A Minnesota judge will open a fact-finding hearing Tuesday into allegations that state regulators improperly tried to suppress serious concerns by federal regulators about the project’s risks. The judge will then prepare findings that the Minnesota Court of Appeals…

Twin Ports to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Events Sunday, Monday

Events Include a Free Community Breakfast and a MLK March

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports community is set to honor and celebrate the legacy of Civil Rights Movement leader, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a series of tribute events January 19 – 20. The events are being coordinated by the Duluth Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). These events are free and…

Morning Update 1-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 17, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

MORE COWBELL, More Calories Burned, More Donations!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser For Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21 competes for the third time in the Annual More Cowbell Event, put on by the Northern Lights Foundation. All proceeds go to helping local kids with serious illnesses. This took place Thursday January 16th, 2020 at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park. The competitive and fun fundraiser featured 10 teams…

Minnesota Opens Early Voting in March 3 Presidential Primary

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota voters became some of the first in the country to cast ballots in the presidential primaries as polls opened for the state’s Super Tuesday contest. Eligible voters can now vote at county courthouses across the state, and early voting stations in some cities and they can also request absentee ballots for the March 3 primary. But…

Union Members React To Second Day Of Strike

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s day two of the Teamsters Local 320 plow strike. Dozens of members lined the entrance of the Saint Louis County Public Works Building since early Thursday morning. The union wants wage increases, the option to elect their own health insurance plan and more sick leave. We spoke with a mechanic who says, Saint Louis County roads…

Stella Maris Academy Receives Large Donation

DULUTH, Minn. – Stella Maris in Duluth received a big donation recently. On Thursday, the academy announced it had received a $250,000 donation. A large percentage of their funds come from the parish and community support. Staff are grateful for the gift, and say it will help them continue providing quality education for children. “This gift helps us reach our…

Women In Construction Bond At Networking Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of women who work in the construction industry came together for a networking event at Clyde Iron Works in Lincoln Park. The women had the opportunity to participate in speed mentoring, where they were able to connect with other women to get advice on working in the industry. The ladies also got a chance to hear…

Learn to Say, “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad!”

Classes Begin Thursday, February 6 at the Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever seen a train go by and wonder what it would be like to sit up in the cab, hand on the throttle, or be a conductor welcoming passengers and actually being in charge of the train, then this class is for you. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is again hosting its very popular and…

Parents Sue After Bemidji Students Sexually Exploited

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The parents of two students are suing the Bemidji school district, alleging it was negligent in allowing a former assistant principal to sexually exploit their children. Brandon Bjerknes, who was arrested in 2017, is serving a federal prison sentence for producing child pornography and coercing minors into sexual contact. A lawsuit by the parents of two of…

Former Beargrease Champ Returning to 2020 Race

DULUTH, Minn. – Four-time John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon champion Nathan Schroeder will be returning to the race this year. The announcement was made Thursday morning on the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Facebook page. Schroeder won his 4th Beargrease title in 2016 and has completed the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race four times. He was also named the 2014…

PolyMet Will Appeal Permit Ruling to Minnesota Supreme Court

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – PolyMet Mining Inc. will ask the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that canceled three permits needed for its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. PolyMet President and CEO Jon Cherry says Monday’s decision from the Court of Appeals has far-reaching impacts for Minnesota and any future project that depends on state permits. The…

Curlers as Old as 92 Play in Curl Mesabi Senior Curling League

Senior Curlers play for an hour and a half to two hours.

EVELETH, Minn.- On Mondays and Wednesdays at the Curl Mesabi Curling Club, the curlers taking over the ice are more experienced in the game, and in life. Curl Mesabi’s Senior Curling League is made up of 65 curlers. The youngest are 50-55, and the oldest curler sweeping those rocks is 92-years-old. According to organizers, the hour-and-a-half to two-hour sessions are…

Union Plow Drivers Go On Strike; St. Louis County Responds

"We are taking this seriously. We expect them to take it seriously. We want to go back in and do a deal. Let's get this done," said Cory Garden.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Dozens of union plow drivers posted up outside of more than ten public works locations hoping to get the attention of St. Louis County officials. “It’s heartbreaking because we know the impact this is having on employees. It’s disappointing, we know it has impacts on the citizens,” said St. Louis County Communications Manager Dana Kazel….

Fatal Eveleth House Fire Victim Identified, Neighborhood Mourns

77-year-old Bonnie Mae Phinney was trapped in the house as it burned to the ground.

EVELETH, Minn.- The identity of a 77-year-old woman who died in a house fire in Eveleth Tuesday morning has been released. Several area fire departments responded to a structure fire on North Court, after a woman called saying she was unable to get out. “Me and my wife were talking about when the reports were coming in that her body…

New Business Plans Aims To Help Childcare Providers

DULUTH, Minn. – Childcare providers have more support coming their way. A new business plan has now been introduced by the city of Duluth which provides loans and grants to childcare providers. Each will create more spaces for kids in their programs. Leadership from the city says, this program will help grow the economy. “We recognize that not only is…

McCollum Proposes Permanent Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Copper-nickel mining would be permanently banned upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness under a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum. The Minnesota Democrat said at a news conference in Washington that the bill would protect over 234,000 acres within the Superior National Forest outside the Boundary Waters from copper-nickel mining. The land includes the…

Authorities Identify Victim in Eveleth House Fire

(courtesy: Facebook/Northland FireWire) EVELETH, Minn. – Authorities have released the name of the victim who died in a house fire in Eveleth on Tuesday. The Eveleth Police Department identified the victim as 77-year-old Bonnie Mae Phinney. The fire was reported around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the 700 Block of North Court. When fire crews arrived on scene the home was…

Governor Includes Shoreline Projects in Duluth in Latest Bonding Proposal

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the final bonding packages Wednesday morning in their Local Jobs and Project Plan which includes funds for Duluth’s shoreline projects. The Local jobs and Project Plan includes The Public Safety and Asset Preservation package, an $857 million proposal, includes funding for armories, police stations, fire departments, and…

Northern Lights Foundation to Host 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser

The Energetic More Cowbell Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, January 16 at Grandma's Sports Garden in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – For folks dealing with a strange fever in the Northland, the Northern Lights Foundation has a prescription — More Cowbell! The 11th annual Northern Lights Foundation Fundraiser supports local children facing life-threatening illnesses. The comical event is happening Thursday, January 16 at The Sports Garden in Canal Park. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with the show…

New Childcare Facility to Open in Downtown Duluth This Spring

The New Facility Plans to Open in May 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – A new childcare facility plans to open this spring in downtown Duluth. According to a recent press release, Mesabi Preschool Academy plans to open a second facility in the Wieland Building located at 26 East Superior Street in May. Mesabi Preschool Academy is currently located in Proctor and provides childcare to 70 children ages two through fifth…

Bearboo Coffee Escape and Car Wash Gets New Owners

Previous employee became owner on New Year's Day.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet’s only combination coffee shop and car wash is seeing new ownership this year. Natalie and Chris Swanson officially owned Bearaboo Coffee Escape and the adjacent car wash as of New Year’s Day. Natalie had been working at the hangout since February, she said customers warned not to change much and she respects that. So people can still…

Public Input Wanted Involving Changes To IDS 709’s School Boundaries

Survey available online through Feb. 3

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools is looking for public feedback to possibly re-do boundaries within the district, which could affect where your child attends school in the future. According to district officials, Congdon Elementary and Lester Park Elementary schools are currently over capacity, while Lowell Elementary is on track to be as well because of the addition of its immersion…

Teamsters Local 320 Members Discuss Upcoming Plow Operator Strike

Union members say it was a tough decision to strike, but won't return to the table until their 'top priorities' are addressed

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County plow drivers are going on strike Wednesday, the same day measurable snowfall is expected to fall, and just before a winter storm arrives Friday that could dump more than six inches of snow. “I hope we get a ton of snow and I hope the employer, the county, thinks about that and…

UPDATE: One Killed in Eveleth House Fire

UPDATE: Once the fire was extinguished, personnel located the deceased body of a 77-year-old female inside the residence. The identification of the female is pending an autopsy by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and Eveleth Police Department. __________________________________________________________________ EVELETH, Minn. – According to a recent post on the Northland…

Cloquet Fire Sees Most Calls Ever in 2019

The Cloquet Area Fire District responded to just under 3200 calls last year.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Area Fire District has seen a very busy 2019, with the largest number of calls in the Department’s history. The Department has responded to just under 3200 calls last year, and 2020 is shaping up to be just as busy. Just last Sunday, they received two calls for fires in one day. But according to Fire…

Fake Law Officer Stopping Drivers in Northwestern Minnesota

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities are warning motorists about a phony law enforcement officer who is stopping drivers in northwestern Minnesota. At least two incidents have been reported, in Clay and Becker counties. One driver reported being stopped in Hitterdal by a man who asked to see a driver’s license and then told the driver to slow down. A similar…

Teamsters Local 320 Announces It Will Strike Wednesday; Measurable Snowfall In Forecast

DULUTH, Minn. – Teamsters Local 320 announced in a press release Tuesday that it will officially strike Wednesday morning.  This comes as 2-5 inches of snowfall is expected Wednesday. The union says the strike will “affect every Public Works Department location within St. Louis County.” “This was a tough decision for the membership to make,” says Brian Aldes, Teamsters Local…

Clean Water Advocates Applaud Halt of Key PolyMet Permits For Copper-Nickel Mine

DULUTH, Minn. – Environmentalists and advocates of clean water gathered in Duluth Monday to celebrate the Minnesota Court of Appeals’ ruling to put a halt on two crucial permits for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes. Leaders from WaterLegacy, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and even Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress were among those praising…

Many in Hoyt Lakes Frustrated as Court of Appeals Halts PolyMet Permits

Many in town say after 15 years work, more delay is detrimental to the town.

HOYT LAKES, Minn.- A three judge panel said the Minnesota DNR made a mistake regarding the PolyMet NorthMet project, as the Minnesota Court of Appeals put a halt on two crucial permits. “It feels like a slap in the face, to tell you the truth. It really does,” said Hoyt Lakes Mayor Chris Vreeland. The word on the streets of…

“Can Of Worms” Project Is Still On Track

DULUTH, Minn. – In November the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the “Can of Worms” reconstruction project came in 100-million dollars over budget. But during Monday’s monthly public meeting, MnDOT officials said the project is still right on track. To help stay within the $343 million budget MnDOT decided to hold off indefinitely on two portions of the reconstruction, which…

The Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes A New Addition To It’s Animal Family

The 300 pound tiger comes to Duluth from the South Bend Zoo in Indiana.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is welcoming a new member to it’s animal family. A new Amur tiger named Taj will now make Duluth it’s new home. Taj arrived in Duluth last Tuesday. Lake Superior Zoo staff members say the six-year-old tiger is already beginning to get acclimated with her new home. Taj spends most of her time…

Minnesota Court Rejects Two Major Permits for PolyMet Mine

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected some of the most important permits for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota in a major victory for environmentalists. The court ruled Monday the state Department of Natural Resources erred when it declined to order a trial-like proceeding known as a “contested…