Minnesota

Minnesota Agency’s Estimate of Tribal Overpayments Grows

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Human Services says it underestimated the amount of money it overpaid two Native American tribes for substance abuse treatment covered under Medicaid. The agency reported last month that it overpaid the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the White Earth Nation by more than $25 million. The Pioneer Press reports that…

Iron Range Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty

Sentencing is Scheduled for October 25

Deshon Bonnell HIBBING, Minn. – A suspect in the January Iron Range murder of 33-year-old Joshua LaValley has pleaded guilty, according to court records. Deshon Bonnell, 18, pleaded guilty to first degree murder while committing aggravated robbery Wednesday morning. Bonnell had originally entered a plea of not guilty in June and was scheduled for a jury trial to begin on…

Beargrease Beer and Bacon Bash Taking Over Proctor Fair Grounds Saturday

The Annual Event is Happening Saturday, September 28 from 3 - 7 p.m. at the Proctor Fair Grounds

PROCTOR, Minn. – This family-friendly Beer-Bacon-Bloody Mary tasting event is the kick-off to the Beargrease season, and one of the biggest fundraisers for the race. The Beer and Bacon Bash is happening Saturday, September 28 at the Proctor Fairgrounds. More than ten vendors will be on hand with samples, including Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Castle Danger Brewery, Vikre Distillery, South…

UMD Rock Climbing Students Scale West Duluth Rock Formation

Class climbs real rock for the first time off of First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- A normally bare rock formation off First Street by Piedmont Avenue is suddenly crawling with people climbing up and down the cliff. “Duluth is full of hidden wonders kind of, y’know, you’re finding new trails, finding new things to do everyday,” said Sierra Kooistra. “New formations to climb, it’s a big city so you’re always finding new things…

Mechanic Shops Prepare for Winterization Boom

They advise checking your tires, heater, fluids and battery before the cold sets in.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may be warm now, but winter will be here before you know it. Mechanics at shops like Automedics in Duluth told us people start coming in to winterize their vehicles when the temperatures drop. While testing your heater, and looking at your battery are all things you should do, they said checking your tires is a big…

Animal Allies Holds Free Microchip Clinic

Microchips can help get your lost pet home in minutes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders who need their pets microchipped got to do so for free thanks to animal allies and the Irving Country Club Tuesday. They hosted a free chip clinic at the Evergreen Senior Center on Grand Avenue in Duluth. Winter is a common time for animals to get chipped, because people bring in strays so they don’t get cold….

Ways Area Can Respond to Climate Crisis

A group in Duluth is looking to find ways the community can stop or mitigate climate change locally

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a group in Duluth, that is looking to find ways the community can stop or mitigate climate change locally. Tuesday, that group launched a climate resolution emergency plan requesting action from Duluth City Council. The United Nation’s Climate Science Body says we have approximately 10 years to reduce carbon output, and to reduce the temperature before it…

Reducing Stormwater Pollution

The forum taught public members ways to prevent drains being backed up which can cause flooding

DULUTH, Minn.- Home and business owners got tips on how to reduce stormwater pollution today with an event put on by the Regional Stormwater Protection Team. It taught them ways on how to prevent backups of stormwater drains which can cause streets to flood. “It is very important to have a close nit relationship with the public to get peoples…

Love Creamery Looking for New ‘Champ’ UMD Flavor

30 submissions already received for new flavor ideas.

DULUTH, Minn.- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, and soon we could all be screaming for a UMD-inspired flavor of the cold treat from Love Creamery. The West Duluth ice cream shoppe is asking the community to help them come up with a new “Champ” flavor of ice cream. You can submit your idea online here…

Community Hears from School Board, City Council, and Mayoral Candidates at Forum

DULUTH, Minn- Election day is only six weeks away. Campaigns for local elected offices have been in full force over the last few months. and today the Duluth Chamber of Commerce gave the public an opportunity to hear from those candidates during an open forum. Duluth school board, city council, and mayoral candidates who participated in the forum were asked…

Voterpalooza Helps Students Register to Vote

Last year, the research group registered more than 1,500 students across the state.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s national voters registration day. For the third consecutive year the University of Duluth hosted their Voterpalooza event. The Minnesota Public Interest Research Group collaborated with other student organizations such as the political science association to promote voter registration. Students learned where else they can register and where to find polling locations. Every year, the goal of…

Emergency Shelter Training Prepares the Northland for Disaster

Officials from nine counties, tribal health departments, and organizations came together for the drill

VIRGINIA, Minn. – If a disaster were to strike the Northland, officials have to be prepared to open emergency shelters. So on Tuesday, local organizations partnered with St. Louis County for a disaster training drill in Virginia. Officials at the training session say they hope to never use the skills they learned there but, if a real disaster happens, they…

Homeless Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to Synagogue Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – According to court records, 36-year-old Matthew Amiot pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of felony negligent fires and one count of negligent fires resulting in bodily harm. Amiot was charged last week with starting the fire that destroyed the historic downtown Adas Israel Synagogue. Amiot’s next court appearance was originally scheduled for October 8. According to…

Minnesota Attorney General Files 76 Charges Against Hill City Assisted Living Facility

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the office of Attorney General Keith Ellison filed 76 charges against 10 people in connection with the assisted living facility Chappy’s Golden Shores. According to reports, charges include manslaughter, assault, neglect, racketeering, theft, perjury, and operating a comprehensive home-care facility without a license. The former owner Theresa Lee Olson faces 25 charges alone including…

Officials: 75,000 Vaping Cartridges Seized in Anoka County

The Cartridges are Believed to be From Out of State

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Law enforcement officials say they’ve seized 75,000 vaping cartridges in Anoka County. The Department of Public Safety says the cartridges are believed to have come from out of state for distribution in Minnesota. Lung illnesses tied to vaping have become a major health concern in recent months, with hundreds of people stricken nationwide and at…

Student Charged for Making Bomb Threats Against University of St. Thomas

Persaud Will Make His First Court Appearance Tuesday at 2 p.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – A University of St. Thomas student was arrested Tuesday and is now facing federal charges for allegedly making a series of hoax bomb threats against the university. U.S. District Attorney Erica MacDonald announced federal charges against Ray Ghansham Persaud, 20, of Blaine, Minnesota for calling in bomb threats to St. Thomas on three separate dates…

UMD Helps Students Register to Vote During Voterpalooza

The Event Will be Held From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Voterpalooza is being held today in the Kirby Garage Kirby Student Center at UMD from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event, which is organized by the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group and the UMD Student Association, aims to make voting more accessible to young people by providing them with registration forms that will be sent to…

Tackle Student Debt During College Savings Month

September is National College Savings Month, Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Offers Advice on Tackling College Debt

DULUTH, Minn. – In Minnesota, the average graduate leaves college with $32,052 in student loan debt. September is college savings month and local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News with tips to tackle student debt. Student debt is at an all time high, how much do we owe in student loans?…

Duluth Council Packed for 5-Cent Charge Ordinance for Single-Use Bags

Dozens speak in support of the ordinance, no one speaks against.

DULUTH, Minn.- A potential new ordinance in Duluth could mean that for every paper or plastic bag you use from a store, you’re charged an extra five cents. The proposal is got its first read at Monday night’s City Council meeting, with residents sharing how they feel about it during public comments. They could vote on the ordinance at their…

Demolition Expected for Merritt Park Community Center

DULUTH, Minn. – West Duluth residents will soon have to say goodbye the Merritt Park Community Center. Starting this week, residents can expect to see workers preparing to tear down the center. Over the years, the building has deteriorated. City officials say it would cost nearly three quarters of a million dollars in maintenance and upgrades. The demolition is part…

Council Reads Ordinance Charging 5 Cents Per Single-Use Bags

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are one step closer to being charged five cents for every single-use plastic or paper carryout bag used while shopping. The ordinance gets its first read at City Council Monday night. It would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists, and bags for produce and meats. The retailers would keep…

Duluth Police Identify Victim in West Duluth Shooting

Police Say This is an Active and Ongoing Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has identified the victim of the Sunday morning West Duluth shooting as 33-year-old Timothy Jon Nelson. According to authorities, Nelson’s cause of death was determined to be from a gunshot wound to the abdomen and has been ruled a homicide. According to reports, police responded reports of shots fired around 1:45 a.m. near…

Insect-Borne Disease Kills Wild Deer in SE Minnesota

EHD is Spread by a Biting Insect Called a Midge, or No-Seeum

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A disease spread by insects has killed a wild deer near Caledonia in Houston County of southeastern Minnesota and is suspected in the death of another deer nearby. The Department of Natural Resources said Monday that Houston County is the second county in Minnesota where wild deer have contracted epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. The…

Cloquet Police: Missing Cloquet Teen Found Safe

CLOQUET, Minn. – The missing Cloquet teen has been found safe, according to the Cloquet Police Department. Genesis Lacqier-Stillday, 15, has been located safe in Duluth. Lacquier-Stillday had been missing since Friday after not coming home from school. Cloquet Police thank assisting law enforcement agencies and the public for helping in Genesis’s safe return. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Man Sentenced to Probation for Threats of Violence Against Duluth East

Busch was Arrested on April 5 While Working at the School

DULUTH, Minn. – The 36-year-old man accused of threatening to shoot up Duluth East High School in April was sentenced to five years of probation Monday morning. Travis John Anthony Warner Busch pleaded guilty to one count of Threats of Violence and one count of Possession of a Machine Gun Conversion Kit in July. Conditions of his probation include no…

Visit Cook County Announces Busy Lineup of Autumn Events

Staff at Visit Cook County Anticipate Peak Season to be Around the Last Weekend in September

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Fall colors are popping along the North Shore, prompting the staff at Visit Cook County to encourage leaf lookers to take a drive and enjoy the majestic maple forests full of vibrant colors. Linda Jurek with Visit Cook County stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about a plethora of upcoming events this autumn. Jurek…

Old Fashioned Fun, Entertainment Highlight Lester River Rendezvous

Lester River Rendezvous is Happening Saturday, September 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are invited to take part in the 21st annual Lester River Rendezvous Saturday, September 28. Before the main event this weekend, students from across Northern Minnesota will have the chance to explore and learn lifelong skills at the 2019 Lester River Rendezvous starting Thursday, September 26. For two days, classrooms will come alive outdoors as students…

Body of Teen Pulled From Redwood River

The Teen Was Last Seen on September 15

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities say the body of a teenager reported missing while swimming with others in a western Minnesota river has been found. The Star Tribune reports the body of 16-year-old Thunder W. Brothersofall, of Redwood Falls, was located about 6:10 p.m. Saturday in the north-flowing Redwood River. Redwood Falls police say three men in kayaks searching for Brothersofall…

Orr Auto Dealer, Repair Business Burns in Early Morning Fire

The Fire was Reported Around 1:45 a.m. Monday, September 23

Courtesy: Friends of the Northland FireWire ORR, Minn. – An early morning fire has resulted in the total loss of Wally’s Auto Service in downtown Orr. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire and St. Louis County officials, the call for help came in around 1:45 a.m. Monday, September 23. The Orr Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Cook…

Blankets, Sleeping Bags Wanted for Homeless as Weather Cools

Donations can be dropped off at CHUM, Damiano Center, or Loaves and Fishes.

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a strong need for donations to help keep the homeless in Duluth warm right now and into the winter. Besides hats and gloves, CHUM’s drop-in shelter on First Avenue West needs as many sleeping bags and blankets as possible. This comes especially with the up-and-down weather the Northland has been experiencing lately. “If we look over the…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Brings Autumn Fun

Rain pushes Festival back to Sunday, park still filled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s rain wasn’t enough to keep the 35th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest down. The event was rescheduled for Sunday, bringing thousands to the park. There were 130 vendors selling handcrafted items as well as 8 food vendors. The fresh caramel apples are one of the most popular treats, sold by the Duluth Lions club for more than…

Hundreds Muddied Up at Dirt Yard Dash

7th Annual Dirt Yard Dash brought all ages out to run through the mud,

DULUTH, Minn.- The sloshing of mud, followed by the cheers of fans, fills the air. “It’s more mental than it is physical,” said Peter Koering. No, these people jogging through the woods aren’t running from the law, they’re running through the mud for fun. “I don’t know it’s kinda fun for, I mean it’s nice, it’s what I do at…

A Story of Hope and Inspiration: Jeff LeMay Returns to the Sideline

Jeff LeMay was in a coma for over a week, but now is back on the sideline with the Saints football team

DULUTH, Minn.- A story of hope and inspiration as one St. Scholastica athlete was honored this weekend. Jeff LeMay who was hit by a vehicle almost two months ago while crossing the street, is now up, walking, and even got to join his teammates for the first time since the accident at the homecoming football game. Back on July 31st,…

UMD Walks a Mile to Support People with Disabilities

12th Annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes hopes to raise $50,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a sea of burgundy at the UMD Fieldhouse for Udac’s 12th Annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes event. UMD athletes and Band students walked a one mile journey to support those who journey through life with intellectual and developmental disabilities. UMD teams were encouraged to raise funds before enjoying the energetic morning on campus. “It…

Lawmakers Hold Community Conversation on Cannabis

Duluth is the first stop of 15 communities to give feedback.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth was the first stop on a list of 15 communities lawmakers are planning on visiting to get feedback from community members as they craft a marijuana legalization bill to present to the house when they reconvene in February. In a town hall format the five lawmakers heard thoughts and concerns about legalizing cannabis. From whether or not…

St. Luke’s Management, Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Strike vote withdrawn Monday, nurses to vote on the contract Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the early hours of Saturday morning, nurses at St. Luke’s reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management. The nurses’ negotiating team is recommending a “yes” vote to ratify. This comes after the nurses voted to strike last Monday. The nurses will withdraw the strike notice this Monday. The new contract addresses the staffing shortage at the…

Hundreds of Health Professionals Address Problems in Medicine at MN Medical Association Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of health professionals filled the DECC in Duluth for the annual Minnesota Medical Association conference. Attendees participated in open forums. Multiple health vendors were available to share information on different services. Every year, the conference is a way for doctors and other health professionals to get together to discuss problems in medicine. One major issue is…

Trump Proposal Could cut off Food Stamps to 35K in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota food pantry officials are opposing a federal proposal that could take away food stamp benefits from more than 35,000 state residents. The Trump administration in July proposed closing what it calls “a loophole” that that enables people receiving only minimal benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to be eligible automatically…

Get Lost In A Corn Maze

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Family Fun

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Get lost in a corn maze with Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott. We timed their adventure to see how long it took to get out!  Ru-Ridge is a 400 acre farm with 8 acres of corn maze and family activities including a straw bale maze, ninja course, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, games, corn piles, photo…

International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson Passes Away at Age 77

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Wis. – International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson has passed away. City officials confirmed that Mayor Anderson’s family notified the city of his passing early Friday morning. Anderson, 77, had been serving as mayor since 2013. His current term was up in 2020. Anderson had also served as mayor in International Falls in the 1980s. Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Enjoy Ciders for a Cause Tuesday at Wild State Cider

Ciders for a Cause will Help Support Transportation, Community Development Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to drink ciders for a cause! Zeitgeist is teaming up with Wild State Cider to celebrate and raise funds for active transportation in Duluth. On Tuesday, September 24 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., one dollar of every cider purchased at Wild State will go towards Zeitgeist’s active transportation and community development efforts. The family-friendly event…

Send-Off Set for 700 Minnesota National Guard Members

Friday's Ceremony is Being Held at Grace Church in Eden Prairie

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) – A ceremonial send-off is being held for 700 Minnesota National Guard members headed for Western Asia. The St. Paul-based 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade will provide Army helicopter, airplane and drone support to U.S. and coalition forces. The unit flies Black Hawk, Chinook and Apache helicopters and twin-engine turboprops for reconnaissance, transportation and medical evacuations….

29 Chilis Compete at Virginia-Quad Cities Cook-off

Event brings close to a thousand Iron Rangers together at the Miner's Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – At the Virginia-Quad Cities Chili Cook-off, twenty-nine chilis are competing for the top prize. Now in its tenth year, the cook-off brings close to a thousand people together from across the Iron Range to the Miner’s Memorial Building in Virginia. “And everyone thinks they make the best chili, so why not have a cook-off and get some…

Maurices Employees Hold ‘Best Day Ever’

Maurices shut down their headquarters in downtown Duluth to give back to the community

DULUTH, Minn.- Maurices employees shut down their headquarters in downtown Duluth for the day, to take time giving back to local non-profits. It’s part of the company’s “Best Day Ever”. Life House for homeless and street youth was one of the non-profits employees volunteered at today. Associates rolled in a boutique of Maurices clothing and jewelry for the young people…

Minnesota Senate GOP Unveils Insulin Affordability Bill

Senate GOP Leaders Unveiled the Plan Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Senate Republicans want to require drug makers to provide free insulin to qualifying residents who can’t afford the high cost of the life-saving medication. Senate GOP leaders unveiled the plan Thursday, a week ahead of when House Democrats plan to announce their own proposal. The clock ran out on the 2019 session before the…

Age Well Arrowhead Hosting Inaugural “The Art of Aging” Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, September 26 at Northland Country Club in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Age Well Arrowhead’s first annual The Art of Aging fundraising event is taking place September 26, at Northland Country Club in Duluth. The fundraiser begins at 5:00 p.m. The event includes live and silent auctions, art demonstrations, opportunities to meet local artists and a chance to take home amazing pieces of art and other prizes. All of…