Minnesota

St. Luke’s Plans to Expand, Residents Concerned About Helipad

Community meeting meld at Hospital to discuss

DULUTH, Minn.- Neighbors who live near St. Luke’s hospital in downtown Duluth are sounding off about potential noise disturbance they feel could come from the hospital’s plan to expand it’s campus. The first phase of the hospital’s extension is estimated to cost $37.5 million and add 16 more general treatment rooms, 2 more trauma rooms, and 3 more behavioral health treatment…

Finding a Match: Turning Life-or-Death Moments into Miracles

Experts say there are More People Waiting for Life-Saving Organ Transplants than there are Organs Available

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year on February 14 health officials and folks living in life-or-death situations take time to raise awareness for National Organ Donor Day. Statistics show more than 80 percent of people waiting for their life-saving gift are in need of a kidney. “I found out when I was 21,” said Connor Clark. Some say age is just…

Gary Anderson To Run for Second Term on Council

Current first district councilor announces he'll run for second term

DULUTH, Minn.- To cheers from his supporters at Vanilla Bean in Duluth, First District City Councilor Gary Anderson announced he will be running for council for a second 4-year-term. Anderson is currently the Vice President of the council. During his term has helped craft and vote on the Earn Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and changing the age to buy…

Making Memories with Ely’s Winter Festival

The Ely Winter Festival is Happening February 7 - 17, 2019

ELY, Minn. – Calling all winter enthusiasts! The Ely Winter Festival kicks off Thursday, February 7 and runs through Sunday, February 17. Event organizers say they’re excited to offer new and traditional events to enhance the enjoyment of winter. The annual event centers around Ely’s Whiteside Park. The International Snowsculpting Symposium starts February 7 as 18 teams from Ely, elsewhere…

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies Coming to Duluth

The Business will be in a New Development Located on Miller Hill in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland will soon have more options for pet accessories and supplies. Originally starting in 1990 with one store in Eagan, Minnesota, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food and Supplies will now open their first store in the Northland in late 2019. Officials with the company tell FOX 21 Local News, the first Chuck & Don’s Northland location…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing on Lake Superior

Anglers Get Out on Ice in Tough Weather Conditions

DULUTH, Minn.- As Lake Superior hardens with ice, you can bet Anglers are there to drill their holes and drop their lines. But these brave Northlanders have to get their timing just right, because in a day all that ice could be gone. The wind howls, cutting through ice houses like a knife. Suddenly, the wind’s song is interrupted by…

College Students on State of the Union

UMD College Democrats Watch and Critique

DULUTH, Minn.- Lots of people in the Northland had interest in President Trump’s State of the Union Speech, including some younger eyes. Students at a few of the political clubs in twin port colleges tell us they had private viewing parties to watch the big speech. According to one UMD College Democrat, President Trump should focus on topics he feels…

One Killed, One Severely Burned in Dakota County House Explosion

Sheriff's officials say a house explosion in Dakota County has killed a woman and severely burned a man.

HASTINGS, Minn.-Sheriff’s officials say a house explosion in Dakota County has killed a woman and severely burned a man. Firefighters and deputies were dispatched to a house south of Hampton about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday. Deputies found a man wandering the scene of the blast with severe burns over much of his body. The man said he was looking for his…

Show Your Love for Lincoln Park this February

Love'n Lincoln Park is Happening February 9 - 16

DULUTH, Minn. – Advancing Lincoln Park and the Lincoln park Business Group are proud to present the inaugural Love’n Lincoln Park event. The fun is happening Saturday, February 9 – Saturday, February 16 all over the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Businesses will offer events, specials and Valentine’s themed things to do. Lincoln Park is celebrating Valentine’s week and winter with Love’n…

Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club to Host 4th Annual Snowball Gala

The 4th Annual Snowball Gala is Happening Saturday, February 9 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Cross Country Ski Club (DXC) is excited to be hosting its 4th Annual Snow Ball Gala. The event is happening Saturday, February 9, at the Greysolon Ballroom in Duluth. Gala proceeds will support DXC’s Capital Campaign to complete the transformational new Nordic ski trails at the Grand Avenue Nordic Center at the bottom of Spirit Mountain. The Snow…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Holds Conductor Training

7 Days is All it Takes to Get Behind the Wheel of a Train

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever dreamed of working on a railroad all the live long day, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is offering that chance. This Thursday they will begin 7 volunteer conductor training sessions. Railroad officials say the classes will start from scratch, teaching the basics, and prepare students to take the G-COR exam in April. “These are the same…

Check Donated in Memory of K-9 Haas

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $2K to DPD

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been almost a month since Duluth Police K-9 Haas was shot and killed in the line of duty. The community is continuing to give financial support toward the K-9 Unit’s efforts. On Monday, that included Harbor Pointe Credit Union. They presented Duluth Police with a check worth $2,211.72, bringing the total community donations to roughly $23,000. Police…

UMD School of Fine Arts Dean Talks Future Program Endeavors

UMD School of Fine Arts is Preparing to Debut their Latest Production of "Love's Labor's Lost" Thursday, February 7

DULUTH, Minn. – Robert Kase, Dean of the UMD School of Fine Arts, is happy to be back in the Northland serving his community, staff and students. Kase, a UMD alumnus, recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the future of UMD School of Fine Arts. Kase is looking forward to seeing continued passion being poured into the program he…

Winter Bike Week Rolls into the Northland

Winter Bike Week, Sponsored by Zeitgeist, is Happening February 2 - 9

DULUTH, Minn. – Some say biking in the winter impossible, but Winter Bike Week proves that the season is as great as any through events that teach, encourage, and celebrate all forms of biking for every type of rider. Working with partner organizations in the Duluth area, Zeitgeist is hosting community events over the week of February 2 – 9, including educational workshops,…

Super Bowl Sunday Slams Local Pizza Place

Domino's in Duluth deals with influx of orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants and bars all over the Northland are inundated with football fans for the Super Bowl. For Domino’s in Duluth, the unofficial holiday is one of the busiest days of the year, but also one of the most rewarding. “I just like making pizzas and getting them out to people as quick as we can, make sure…

Before Winter Storm, Cold Front Festival Moves In

Three Day Event Comes to a Close

DULTUTH, Minn.- Only in the Northland would there be an event named, and celebrating a cold front. The Second Annual Cold Front Festival brought in folks young and old, enjoying the frosty festivities before winter wakes up again. “Honestly I think the nice weather, being outside, y’know, it’s a good time to get everyone together, and it’s great fun,” said Marcy…

Chris Jensen Center Gets Visit from Former Vikings

5 Former Vikings Come to Sign Autographs

DULUTH, Minn.- On this Super Bowl Sunday, some seasoned football fans at the Chris Jensen Rehabilitation Center got a surprise visit. Five former Minnesota Vikings stopped by the center to sign autographs and talk football. The players say being with these lifelong fans is perfect for a day full of pigskin. “I didn’t know that we’d have so many purple jerseys…

Laskiainen Slides Into 82nd Year

Finnish Sliding Festival Continues in Northland

DULUTH, Minn.-This weekend’s warmer weather was perfect to get outside, and folks in Palo celebrated the great Northland landscape the same way they have for the last 82 years. Laskiainen, or the Finnish Sliding Festival, slid into its 82nd year. What started as a Finnish winter tradition is now a tradition perfectly fitting the Northland. People from as far as…

Atmore Memorial Mid-American Ski Race

The 41st Annual Event begins tomorrow

DULUTH- MINN.- Hundreds of the best skiers around the world are at Spirit Mountain for the 41st Annual Atmore Memorial Mid-American Ski Race. About ten percent of the athletes that are in this regional qualifier are actually foreign. But there are plenty of Duluth skiers that could finish on the podium once the weekend is finished. Greg Borash, Race Chair…

Cold Front Festival Begins

Three day action packed event begins in Canal Park

DULUTH, MINN.- Friday night kicked off the first day of the Cold Front Festival happening in Canal Park. There are activities for all ages like a sledding hill for the kids along with entertainment for the adults. That is just a small sample size of all the cool things going on the next three days. And with the warmer air…

Senators Want to Protect Kids’ Rights to run Lemonade Stands

The Bill Passed a Senate Committee Last Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Two state senators want to protect the right of Minnesota kids to operate lemonade or hot dog stands without fear of the police. Republicans Roger Chamberlain and Linda Runbeck have authored a bill to allow kids 14 and under to operate temporary stands without permits. It passed a Senate committee last week and awaits floor action….

Triple the Firefighters Needed Amid Cold at Minnesota Fire

Temperatures Plunged to Negative 30 Degrees

(David Joles/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Dangerously cold weather is creating added pressure on emergency responders in Minnesota, where three times the number of firefighters were needed to battle a house fire. A house in St. Paul was covered in heavy ice as firefighters hauled hoses through the snow as temperatures plunged Wednesday to nearly negative…

Cold Front Festival Begins Friday in Canal Park

This is the Second Annual Cold Front Festival in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians have a history of embracing what makes this community unique, vibrant, and one of the best outdoor cities in the country, and winter is no different. Officials with the City of Duluth say last year’s inaugural Cold Front Festival was an incredible success, with 96% of attendees rating it a positive February winter celebration experience. The City…

Quick Appetizers & Drinks Perfect For Super Bowl Weekend

Cooking Connection: Texas Roadhouse Whips Up A Jamaican Cowboy & Shrimp

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are making quick and easy appetizers and drinks that you can enjoy for your Super Bowl party! A Jamaican Cowboy is a fruity margarita that’s great for people who don’t like the taste of alcohol. It’s fruity flavor masks the tequila and can easily be made from home. Shrimp is a…

Ice Cream and Coffee: How the Northland Copes with the Cold

Two Local Businesses Remain Open with Customers to Show for It

DULUTH, Minn.- The extreme cold doesn’t keep the Northland from getting out to enjoy the finer things in life. Because if you think temps that feel like -40 keep people here inside, you don’t know Minnesota. “The weather doesn’t bother me at all.” Armon Freeman, a Junior at Denfeld High School, walks into Bridgeman’s in Duluth with his cousins, wearing only…

Minnesota Department of Human Services Reports Data Breach

Letters Started Going out Wednesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Human Services says a data breach potentially exposed personal information on up to 3,000 people. Commissioner Tony Lourey tells legislative leaders it happened Sept. 28 when an employee fell for a phishing scam and clicked on a malicious link that caused the employee’s email account to send spam. Lourey says technicians could…

39th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition Begins Thursday

The Competition is Happening at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

DULUTH, Minn. – The 39th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition in conjunction with the United States Figure Skating National Excel Series is happening in Duluth. The competition kicks off on Thursday, January 31 and will run through Sunday, February 3. The Duluth Figure Skating Club is the first Official host of the National Excel Series in the United States. The…

Zookeepers, Animals Working to Stay Warm During Arctic Blast

Staff at Lake Superior Zoo Taking Extra Precautions to Keep Animals Safe in Frigid Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – Dangerous cold weather doesn’t discriminate. Even the staff and animals at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth are bundling up and finding creative ways to stay warm during the bitter arctic blast. For Lana the Amur tiger, a heated space indoors is where she spends much of her time during below zero temperatures. A heated rock also…

Brutal Cold Weather Strikes Northland

Fun Cold Weather Tricks To Try In Rare Frigid Temperatures

BRUTAL HISTORIC COLD ARRIVES IN THE NORTHLAND WIND CHILL WARNING: Dangerous cold air temperatures paired with high winds will create life threatening wind chills throughout the day today and into Thursday morning. -40° to -60° feel like temperatures will be felt, which can cause frost bite in 5 minutes. It is crucial that you limit your time outdoors, cover all…

Setting the Mood With Technology this Valentine’s Day

Verizon Wireless Offers Tech Tips to Help Spice Up Your Valentine's Day

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re just over two weeks away from Valentine’s Day which means now is the perfect time to start thinking of that special someone in your life. Steve Van Dinter with Verizon Wireless stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to show off some of the best tech gadgets on the market to help…

Lauralloons Creates The Biggest Balloon Art In The Northland

Creatice Balloons For Home Deliveries, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Parades & Festivals!

DULUTH, Minn. –Attention kiddos! Balloon art is getting bigger and more creative than what our parents had! “It’s usually quite the cluster at first. All the kids are like balloons!” said owner of Lauralloons Balloon Art Laural Schultze. With balloon art recently popping, “Especially with the internet and you can share so much easier. Before there were a few books…

Goodbye 18, Hello 21. Duluth’s Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Rises

Ordinance Will Take Effect In 120 Days

DULUTH, Minn.- In a 6-2 vote Monday night, the Duluth city council voted in favor of raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. “I know people will say this is a complex issue. But the lives of our children–is simple,” said Tonya Sconier, principal at Denfeld High School, before the vote was made. About a…

Saint John’s Spelling Bee

Catholic Schools Week Begins in a Unique Way

DULUTH, MINN.- Students took a variety of routes to learning the spelling of some tough words for the upcoming Spelling B ee. Some decided to read more while others used Spelling Bee websites. With all the studying and prep work the students were feeling pretty nervous since for most this is stepping way out of their comfort zone. For Madeline…

New Airplane Program Coming to Lake Superior College

Eagle Career Pathway heading to LSC

DULUTH, MINN.- Lake Superior College in Duluth has announced the launch of a new program with AAR Aviation Company. With this program, students in the aviation maintenance technician program are offered tuition reimbursement. Out of all the schools around the country, LSC was one of just a handful of schools selected for this new program. Daniel Fanning, Director of Institutional…

Can of Worms Update

Some New Updates Out After New Open House and Project Update

DULUTH, MINN.- An open house was held in Duluth today where new details emerged for the Twin Ports Interchange reconstruction project, also known as the Can of Worms. A Large crowd filled the Clyde Iron Works as the public go another opportunity to have their questions heard and answered by those organizing this three hundred and forty million dollar project….

Minnesota Care Center Resident Beaten Before he Died

Nelson had Cognitive Disabilities

HILL CITY, Minn. — A 58-year-old man with dementia living in a northern Minnesota care center died from bleeding in the brain several weeks after he was repeatedly punched in the face by one staff member while another staff member held him down in his wheelchair, a state investigation shows. The Star Tribune reported Saturday that investigators accuse managers at…

New Bills Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana in Minnesota

They are Hoping to at Least get Hearings on the Issue

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lawmakers have unveiled legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota, hoping to start what they acknowledge is likely to be a long and contentious discussion. The bills were introduced in the Senate on Monday by Edina Democrat Melisa Franzen and in the House by Golden Valley Democrat Mike Freiberg. They said at a news conference…

St. Louis River Alliance to Celebrate Progress on Estuary Project

The Open House is Happening Thursday, January 31 at Pier B Resort in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance along with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota DNR, Wisconsin DNR and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa invite the community to a celebration of progress made to clean up the St. Louis River Estuary. The event is happening Thursday, January 31 at Pier B Resort in Duluth. Guests…

Remembering ‘The Day the Music Died’: 60 Years After Buddy Holly

Armory Hosts Dance Party in Tribute to Winter Dance Party 1959

DULUTH, Minn.- 60 years ago singer Buddy Holly, and several other musicians, were killed in a fatal plane crash. A day that became known as “The Day the Music Died.” Just days earlier, Holly and his fellow music men performed in Duluth. So on Sunday the Duluth Armory celebrated his life, and the music of the 50s. “Your kisses lift…

Veterinarians On Hand During Beargrease Marathon

Veterinarians keep eyes on the sled dogs during marathon checkpoints.

DULUTH, Minn.- For those wondering about the safety of the sled dogs during the 35th annual Beargrease marathon, a veterinarian staff is on hand through the entirety of the race. A team of 20 vets are assigned to different checkpoints mushers are required to stop at during the marathon. At each stop, dogs are checked for injuries, hydration levels, exhaustion and…

Beargrease Racers Sworn in as Official U.S. Postal Carriers

Baargrease continues the tradition of 'Trail Mail' for the annual marathon.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the spirit of tradition all racers in the 35th annual Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon were sworn in as official U.S. mail carriers before taking off. Just like John Beargrease did over 100 years ago, mushers carry ‘trail mail,’ as it’s called, through the course to drop off at the post office at the end of the trail. Postal…

MUSH! 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Begins

Mushers and Dogs Race Through Bitter Cold

DULUTH, Minn.- Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, negative temperatures and the depths of the night, these mushers do it for the love of the sport, and the love of the Northland. Barking and howling ring through the air, as the dogs stare down the 300-mile ribbon of white ahead of them. “3…2…1… And there she goes!” And then, they’re off!…

Beargrease Marathon Kicks Off with Opening Ceremony

Mushers and Fans Eat and Share Memories

DULUTH, Minn.- The cold and snow is good news for one crowd: the mushers and dogs in the 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, running from Sunday at noon, to Tuesday 1/29 in the afternoon. As they prepare for their long treks, they celebrated with an opening ceremony at Lake Superior College. A huge crowd came out in support of…

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe In Extreme Cold

Furnace Failure & Bursting Pipes Becomes An Issue In Extended Cold Snap

TWIN PORTS — The cold effects not only how we feel but also how we live. Here are some tips to keep you and your home safe and warm. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!” said Service Tech Gartner Refrigeration Company Dave Duffy. “Have it checked on a regular basis to try and catch a potential problem…

Billy’s Bar Gets Ready For 35th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

The Beargrease is a small non-profit committed to the fans.

DULUTH, Minn. – 60 mushers will be in line and ready to go starting Sunday for the John Beargrease Sled Dog race. Crews were at Billy’s bar getting set up for the marathon festivities. The owner of the bar says he expects big crowd to watch the start of the 35th Annual race. “It’s very exciting we are the start…

Duluth Police are Fighting to Reduce Opioid Overdoses

Duluth experienced seven opioid related deaths in 2018.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has already seen 16 opioid overdoses since the start of the year, five resulted in a death. Authorities recently apprehended 26-year-old Jacob Johnson and 49-year-old Jamie McNeary for an opioid related death, but investigators say this is just the start when it comes to cracking down on opioid distribution. In Duluth, opioid overdoses dropped from 150…

Brand New State-Of-The-Art HD Sports Simulators Arrive In The Northland!

The Caddy Shack Offers Unique Experiences To Drink & Play

WEST DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures the cold has kept us looking for indoor fun and The Caddy Shack has brand new state of the art indoor sports simulators! Private rooms offer Golf Simulators of course but now they also offer a Soccer Simulator, Hockey Simulator and a Laser Shot HD Simulator that has… Six different handguns…