Minnesota

Experts Not Ready to Call Polio-like Illness An Epidemic Yet

AFM is a polio-like disease with seven cases in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local health experts say Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is not considered an epidemic just yet. AFM is a polio-like disease with seven cases in Minnesota. The illnesses cause paralysis or limited mobility in children. Doctors from St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth say following steps like hand washing and staying home when you’re sick can help with prevention….

Community Voices Heard One Last Time for Riot Gear

Issue with Comments from Meetings Now Goes to City Council

DULUTH, Minn.- “…we stop being oppositional and look for ways to make our community safe.” The tired plea from one concerned citizen at a third community meeting discussing whether the Duluth Police Department should purchase new riot gear. The Citizens Review Board held its final community meeting about the proposed purchase of riot gear. The feedback along the way will…

Protesters Demand Answers From Itasca County Officials On Spending of Taxpayer Funds

The protesters want answers from the Sheriff's Office and other county officials on how taxpayer money is being spent.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Protesters in Grand Rapids are calling out Itasca County on what they believe to be the misuse of funds. The protesters want answers from the Sheriff’s Office and other county officials on how taxpayer money is being spent. Dozens of protesters were in front of the Itasca County Courthouse braving the cold to get their point…

Former Hermantown Mayor Donates New Book to Local Classrooms

Former Hermantown Mayor, Dan Urshan, is the Author of "Where's Duke," Now Being Donated to Local Classrooms in the Northland

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – When it comes to being in first grade, some real life topics are often tough to discuss with your children. But with the help and creativity of one local author, it’s now easier for Animal Allies to step in and continue teaching lessons for years to come. “Duke went missing in the middle of the winter in…

Duluth’s Downtown Holiday Center Welcomes New Tenants

There's been a $20 million investment into the Holiday Center within the last 15 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Holiday Center Market in downtown Duluth is on its way to full capacity as several new businesses are moving in. With more food and entertainment options, you’ll now have even more reasons to stop by and shop there. In November 2019, Townsquare Media will be home to four radio stations including B105, Mix 108, Sasquatch 106.5…

Nopeming Sanatorium Paranormal Investigation

Medium Lady Ocalat & Twin Ports Paranormal Investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria

DULUTH, Min. — Fox 21’s Northland Uncovered October Special investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria, Nopeming. Nopeming was built in 1912 to help house and care for individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis. The building went through many changes in structure, tenants, employees and management since. Nopeming has been privately owned by Orison Inc. which is a non-profit since 2009. Orison has…

Duluth Mayor Announces Selection for Chief Administrative Officer

A Public Meet and Greet Will be Held Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Former City of Minneapolis Director of Regulatory Services, Noah Schuchman, has been selected as Duluth’s next Chief Administrative Officer. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson made the announcement Tuesday morning following an extensive national hiring process. In his previous role Schuchman managed a department of nearly 200 staff with complicated budgets and several lines of city business. “I am…

Experience Sugarloaf Cove During Open House this Saturday

Sugarloaf Cove Along Highway 61 is Hosting Their First Ever Open House Saturday, October 20

SCHROEDER, Minn. – The friendly folks at Sugarloaf Cove invite you to spend your Saturday exploring the wilderness and rich history of their location. Visitors will have the chance to celebrate Minnesota’s North Shore and learn more about its unique geology, climate and more. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Sugarloaf North Shore Stewardship Association are hosting an…

UMD Plans Expansion With New Dorms and Dining Facilities

The facilities will be paid for with internal funding and a loan from the University of Minnesota system and not state funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has plans to build a new residence hall and dining facility. The school currently doesn’t have the space for all students who want to live on campus. Now they’re planning to build a $59 million dorm and dining facility to fill that void. The facilities will be paid for with internal…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission To Decide Fate of Proposed Gas Plant

This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power announced plans to build a $700 million natural gas plant in Superior just last year. This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant. But, not everyone is on board. A…

Curling Club Creates Curling Community

Duluth Curling Club Holds Lessons

DULUTH, Minn.- After taking home Olympic gold last year, the USA Men’s Curling Team has become a staple of Duluth. Now the club they call home is helping other Duluthians try out the sport. Team Shoostie, as they’re called, named after leader John Shuster, is making waves after their Olympic win. Despite Parks and Recreation actor Nick Offerman being interested…

New Eastside Church Open for Holy Business

Vineyard Church Holds Grand Opening

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year and a half the Duluth Vineyard Church welcomed people for their first Sunday Mass. The church opened in partnership with Duluth Congregation Church. The Vineyard says having a smaller, more intimate location than their Arrowhead church, breathes new life into the community. “It’s just so exciting to us, and I think inviting people into a new…

Northland Pets Out ‘Fur’ a Good Cause

Fur Ball Gala held at Northland Country Club

DULUTH, Minn.- Some more cuddly animals gathered in their Sunday best for the Animal Allies’ Humane Society’s 17th annual Fur Ball Gala. The Northland Country Club was decorated with shiny tables, elegant dresses, and friendly pets. The goal of the fundraiser is to earn over $100,000, to be used for education efforts. “So Duluth is a community that values pets,”…

Lake Superior Zoo Goes Boo

Boo at the Zoo Held

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland must not know that Halloween is still a few weeks away, and neither did the animals at Lake Superior Zoo. The Zoo hosted their annual Boo at the Zoo on Saturday. Kids got to enjoy tricks at the bounce house, and the animals got the treat of seeing everyone in their costumes. Even some of the vendors…

Drawn From Abbey Road to Lake Avenue

Beatles Cartoonist at Prove Gallery

DULUTH, Minn.- A figure of musical history was celebrated at the Prove Art Gallery in Duluth on Friday. The works of Ron Campbell were up on display. Campbell is the original artist for the Beatles’ tenth studio album: yellow submarine, the musical film spin-off and the Beatles’ Saturday morning cartoon. Each of his paintings jump off the canvas with bright, popping…

Relief from Superior During Fire of 1918

City Across the Bridge Took in Refugees

DULUTH, Minn.- The Fire of 1918 sent up a bellowing smoke cloud of history, that is still being explored today. And that smoke cloud encompassed Superior as well. As the Douglas County Historical Society found out, for those caught in the flames on that fateful day, Superior ended up being a safe haven. “Over 5,000 people came on 98 train…

New Improvements at Ely Peak Trail

With these improvements, DAHTA hopes new members will get involved.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation is celebrating the completion of the Ely Peak Trail in the Magney Snively Natural Area. It’s a frequent hot spot for equestrians with the Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance (DAHTA). One of the upgrades includes a $240,000 investment to harden the trails for the horses. DAHTA hopes to further develop…

UMD Inspired Electric Bus Rolls Onto Campus

Students ride for free as long as they show a student ID and school employees pay a small fee for the year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)  recently added seven electric buses to its routes, and one of those buses will be seen around University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) giving rides and helping protect the environment. It took a few years for an electric bus displaying Bulldog pride to roll onto the UMD campus, but staff say its perfect timing….

Gov. Mark Dayton Undergoes Successful Back Surgery

He's had Three Back Surgeries

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton’s office says his latest back surgery was a success. Dayton underwent a third procedure to fuse several vertebrae in his lower back Friday morning. The operation was meant to improve the 71-year-old governor’s leg strength and stability. Spokesman Matt Swanson said Dayton was conscious and resting after a successful surgery at Mayo…

College of St. Scholastica Institutes Test-Optional Admissions Policy

Applicants can Still Submit Scores if They Choose

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica will no longer require the ACT or SAT standardized tests as part of its application for admission. According to a Friday press release the change was made official on Thursday October 11 by a vote of St. Scholastica’s Faculty Assembly. “This new policy reflects our commitment to access and to an admissions…

Follow the Green Balloons this Saturday in Lincoln Park

The Third Annual Lincoln Park Open House is Happening Saturday, October 13 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local business owners in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood invite you to stop by and explore their space this Saturday, October 13. The third annual Lincoln Park Open House is taking place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Activities and great deals will be offered by local businesses such as Ursa Minor Brewing, Corktown Deli & Brews, Love…

Rake Leaves Into A Jumbo Spider Leaf Bag! Perfect Halloween Decoration Family Fun!

Brittney Merlot Turns Fall Chores Into A Workout & Art!

DULUTH, Min. – After strong winds topped 64mph on Wednesday’s storm, many leaves have fallen off of the trees. So we need to turn that chore of raking into something fun! In this week’s Active Adventures we are building a Halloween Spider leaf bag with Meteorologist Brittney Merlot. If you make one of your own this weekend, be sure to…

UMD Takes Back the Night

March and Rally held Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Campus was alive Thursday night, with rallying cries against sexual assault and domestic violence, and in support of survivors, as a group Took Back the Night. The Kirby Ballroom abuzz with men, women and children gathered to work to end sexual and domestic violence, and reclaim the nighttime from fear and vulnerability. “I think it’s just…

Carlton County Historical Society Commemorates 1918 Fire

Events are planned through December to remember the 1918 Fire.

CLOQUET, Minn. – For six years the Carlton County Historical Society has had meetings once a month to plan activities for the 100th anniversary of the historic 1918 Fire that killed 450 people in northern Minnesota. The devastating  fire happened on Oct. 12, 1918. But, the society has been remembering those events all year long with different exhibits and selling books…

UMD Shows Support for National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is also a chance to inspire others to find their voice and speak their truth.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day and University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is showing its support to the LGBTQ community. It was a packed house at the Kirby Ballroom on campus as guests heard from speakers and were treated to a moving dance performance. Event organizers say the major goal is to create a…

Duluth Train Depot Paranormal Investigation

The Train Depot Is Said To Be Haunted, Fox 21 Investigates This Historic Union Station

DULUTH, Min. — For this week’s Northland Uncovered the Fox 21 morning crew is continuing a special series throughout the month of October! It’s centered on exploring old historic locations across the Northland and the existence of any paranormal activity within. This week’s paranormal investigation takes us to the Historic Train Depot in Duluth, Minnesota. It was built as a…

Gov. Mark Dayton Heads for Third Back Surgery

He is Expected to Spend Several Days Recovering

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton will undergo another back surgery. The Democratic governor’s office announced on Thursday he would have surgery Friday morning to fuse several vertebrae in his lower back. The procedure is meant to improve his leg strength and stability. Dayton is expected to spend several days recovering in the hospital. It’s the third…

Ratatouille: Flavorful & Low Calorie Fall Dish

Cooking Lessons With Merlot & Coco

COOKING CONNECTION: This week we have Arlene Coco, a professional cooking instructor, teaching Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot how to make Ratatouille! RECIPE: This technique can be used for winter vegetables and tubers as well. Equipment: 9×13 pan or 14 inch black iron skillet 2 red onions can be substituted for yellow onions to add more color. 3 medium zucchini 3…

5th Annual Zachary Tackett Haunted Forest Starts Friday

The Haunted Forest will be Open For Three Weekends Starting Friday, October 12 in Saginaw

DULUTH, Minn. – Prepare to get your pants scared off as the 5th Annual Zachary Tackett Haunted Forest starts Friday, October 12. This year the frightful event will be taking place at 7178 Saginaw Road. Follow the signs on Highway 33, Highway 2, then Highway 194 for parking at the address listed above. A hayride will then transport brave souls…

Storm Damages Boats, Sends One Into Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.- The raging water of Lake Superior knows no bounds. It doesn’t recognize that the dock is where boats are to be kept, safe and secure. The bobbing stern of a boat reads “Wild Water.” That boat lived up to its name, rocking back and forth violently with its peers at the pier by Lakehead Boat Basin. The dock fights…

City Conducts Snow Plow Training

About 50 to 70 employees participated in the two-day training.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the chance of snow quickly approaching the City of Duluth is planning ahead. On Wednesday, city workers took part in snow plow training at Wade Stadium. The course is set up to simulate what they’ll encounter as they try to clear snow off the streets. “Men and women have driven these trucks in the summertime, but…

Minnesota Power Working to Restore Outages

The Minnesota Power app updates the outage map every five minutes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since Tuesday night crews with Minnesota Power have been working to restore some of the power outages that have affected thousands of customers across the Northland. Gary New Duluth and West Duluth are some of the hard hit areas, because two of the main feeders are locked out. Additional crews from surrounding areas were called in to…

Brighton Beach Temporarily Closed

At this time it's not known when Brighton Beach will officially reopen.

DULUTH, Minn. – This morning the City of Duluth announced Brighton Beach will temporarily close because of the storm. Yet, that didn’t keep people away from the area. Many tourists are braving the cold and harsh winds. Some told us they want to soak it all in and share what they see with their family back home. “It’s a Great…

Storm May Delay Lakewalk Restoration

Project supervisors say the area is just too dangerous for that restoration to stay on schedule.

DULUTH, Minn. – Strong winds and big waves crashing is how you can describe what’s happening at the Lakewalk in Duluth from all of this heavy rain. It’s cold, windy and the rain is still pouring down, just look at the waves coming in. Staff at Fitger’s say they don’t usually experience heavy flood damage thanks to their location, but they know…

Minnesota Lawmaker Apologizes for Yanking mic From Opponent

Quam Says his Nerves got the Best of him

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota state lawmaker is apologizing after he yanked a microphone from the hand of his Democratic challenger during a forum that was livestreamed over the internet. Jamie Mahlberg appeared startled when Rep. Duane Quam grabbed the microphone from her on Monday night. Quam then rebutted a point Mahlberg had made about education funding. When Quam…

Minnesota Farmers Concerned About wet Weather, Harvest

Weather has Affected Soybean Harvest the Most

WORTHINGTON, Minn. (AP) – Rainy weather has put the Minnesota harvest behind schedule, making for a nerve-wracking fall for the state’s farmers. Minnesota Public Radio reports that rain can damage crops in the field by causing mold or structural problems. The wet weather has affected soybean harvest the most. Farmers like to pick the delicate crop first because the plant’s…

Local Artists, Free Cider and S’mores this Saturday at Silver Creek Co.

The Inagural Makersfest is Happening Saturday, October 13 at 1825 Highway 61 near Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – If you’re still looking to celebrate the feelings of fall, you’re in luck this Saturday, October 13. Silver Creek Co. will be hosting the inaugural Makersfest, featuring more than 40 local artisans, children’s crafts, live music, free cider and roasted marshmallows. The event is happening from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Silver Creek Co., 1825 Highway 61 just north…

Animal Answers: Book Donation Helps Spark Animal Education

Hermantown Resident Dan Urshan Donates 1,000 Copies of His Recent Book to Local Classrooms, Shelter Contributors, Sparking Topic of Animal Humane Education

DULUTH, Minn. – Hermantown resident Dan Urshan has been rather busy lately, writing a children’s book about a dog called, “Where’s Duke?” Shawna Weaver, Humane Education Manager at Animal Allies in Duluth, tells FOX 21, Urshan is graciously donating 1,000 copies of the book to Animal Allies. Aside from some of the books being donated to local classrooms in the…

Rare Disease Diagnosed in Six Minnesota Children

AFM affects less than one in a million people every year in the U.S.

DULUTH, Minn. – At least six children have been diagnosed with a rare disease in Minnesota. We’re told it’s similar to polio because it can cause paralysis. Health officials don’t know much about the disease known as Acute Flaccid Myelitis or AFM. What they do know is that it’s typically rare. The CDC reports less than one in a million…

Workers Protest Cloquet Housing Project’s Choice of Contractors

You couldn't miss them with their signs and this big inflatable rat that represents non-union contractors.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Members of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council were also at the groundbreaking for White Pine Apartments. They were there to protest how they believe the Cloquet Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) hired contractors from out of state instead of choosing local workers. You couldn’t miss them with their signs and this big inflatable rat that…

New Affordable Housing Development Underway In Cloquet

City officials believe the 35-unit property will help fill the housing gap in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)  says it’s stepping out of the box with its latest project. A new housing development is coming to Cloquet after a study revealed the need for 80 new affordable housing units. The Cloquet HRA approached this project with the mindset of if not us then who to provide affordable housing…

Firefighters Spread Awareness During Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13.

CLOQUET, Minn. – This is Fire Prevention Week across the country, but the Cloquet Area Fire District is using the entire month of October to spread fire prevention awareness instead of just a week. Throughout the month members of the fire department are making their way to area schools to talk about fire safety. On Tuesday, the Cloquet Area Fire District…

“Dear Finder 2018” to Open at UMD Thursday

This will be the Third and Possibly Final Production of "Dear Finder" by the UMD School of Fine Arts

DULUTH, Minn. – Dear Finder 2018 is set to open on Thursday, October 11 at the Marshall Performing Arts Center on the campus of UMD. This will be the third time the production has been performed by the UMD School of Fine Arts. Director Tom Isbell helped write the production and tells FOX 21 this could be the last time it’s performed at…

St. Louis County Hosts Foster Family Open House

There are more than 700 children in out of home placement in St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn. – There are more than 700 children in out of home placement in St. Louis County. That’s why, “Find Foster Families Day” in Minnesota is so important. “First and foremost, it’s rewarding to the children coming into care,” said South St. Louis County Foster Care Licensor Hannah Checketts. “But, it’s also rewarding to families that are meeting the…

Next Phase of Lakewalk Restoration Begins

A part of the Lakewalk already has asphalt pavement collapsing, which is a concern, so the city is rushing this project just in case another storm comes.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday one of Duluth’s most popular tourist attractions is starting a new phase for repairs. It was almost a year ago when a massive storm hit the Duluth Lakewalk Trail and caused significant damage. The City of Duluth is behind the reconstruction process to repair this key asset to the city and the region. A part…

Duluth Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The City of Duluth proclaimed Oct. 8, 2018, as Indigenous Peoples' Day back in 2005.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Columbus Day, which has been recognized as a national holiday for more than 80 years. But the City of Duluth and other cities across the country celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This was the scene at Duluth City Hall. City leaders, and advocates saying they believe Columbus Day honors a man who caused harm to Native Americans. Part of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is…

6 Minnesota Kids Diagnosed With Rare, Paralyzing Disorder

There is Currently no Cure for AFM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State health officials are telling doctors to be on the lookout for a rare disorder that causes paralysis after six Minnesota children were diagnosed with the disease in recent weeks. The disorder is called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. It attacks the nervous system and can lead to arm or leg weakness and loss of muscle reflexes….

Northlanders Rally to Clean Up Local Beaches

A Coastal Cleanup Event Took Place in Three Locations Across the Twin Ports Saturday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – If common Northland beaches look a little cleaner, it’s all thanks to helpful Northland volunteers. The City of Duluth was just one of the sponsors for the coastal cleanup project taking place Saturday morning. Canal Park Brewing was one of the many locations involved in the beach cleanup. Folks also turned out at Barker’s Island and Wisconsin…