Minnesota

Reading for Well-Being

Wellness Collection Opens at UMD Library

Duluth, Minn.- An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about a book a day? The folks at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s library think they have the answer. The library just opened a new Wellness Collection. The aim is to increase awareness of well-being with different health related books. While the library provides some books, students are…

Flotation Station Inauguration

Four New Life Jacket Loaner Stations Open at Lakes

Duluth, Minn.- Young swimmers and boaters at several Duluth lakes now have free access to life jackets, thanks to new children’s’ life-jacket loaner stations. Minnesota Power, Duluth Superior Eco Rotary, Essentia Health and and Local 361 Carpenters’ Union teamed up with the Nonprofit Safe Kids to build these stations. Essentia Health provided the Life-Jackets, while volunteers from the Carpenter’s Union…

Montgomery Announces Retirement

Longtime Chief Administration Officer Bids Adieu

Duluth, Minn- A big change is coming to the Mayor’s office in Duluth. After nearly ten years in his position, Chief Administration Officer Dave Montgomery is retiring. Montgomery is the longest serving Chief Administrative Officer in Duluth for 30 years. The farewell crowd at City Hall included former Mayor Don Ness, members of the Fire Department, and various other city…

Summer Nights Turn Hot at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

The Annual Summer Concert Series will Kick Off Thursday, July 19, 2018

CLOQUET, Minn. – Starting Thursday, July 19, 2018, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will kick off their annual Hot Summer Nights Concert Series. Don Buck with Rock-a-Billy Revue stopped by FOX 21 Local News on Wednesday to chat about the event, and his band’s longtime attendance with the popular concert series. Buck says ever year the crowd continues…

Duluth’s Wildest Party to Take Over Lake Superior Zoo

Zoo La Palooza is the Lake Superior Zoo's Largest Fundraising Event of the Year

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, July 19, 2018, the Lake Superior Zoo will host the annual Zoo La Palooza. The operations fundraiser is the highlight of the board’s fundraising work on behalf of the Zoo. Money raised will help the facility continue to provide up-close and personal animal experiences to visitors, which Zoo staff say inspire connections to wildlife and…

Superior Animal Shelter Steps Up to Help Friends of Animals

The Humane Society of Douglas County has picked up at least 11 cats from Friends of Animals.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Aug. 5 the Friends of Animals Shelter in Cloquet will close because of growing debt and sustainability concerns. Now an animal shelter in Superior is stepping in to help care for some of the animals at the Cloquet shelter in need of homes. The Humane Society of Douglas County has picked up at least 11 cats from Friends of Animals. Those animals will be…

Pike Lake Welcomes New Monument for Veterans

Exciting additions are being added at the Pike Lake Veterans Memorial.

PIKE LAKE, Minn.- A new monument is now at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Pike Lake the statue represents the unknown and came about due to a son wanting to honor his father. The monument is open for interpretation, veterans and families can each takeaway something different. The idea rooted from a man wanting to honor his father, that has been…

Discovery of Human leg Found in Mississippi River

The Investigation is Ongoing

WABASHA, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials in Wabasha County are investigating the discovery of a human leg found in the Mississippi River. Authorities say deputies responded to a citizen’s call about human remains Saturday afternoon. A resident cleaning out a debris pile near the shoreline in West Newtown found the leg, from thigh bone to foot, with a shoe still…

No Weekend Plans? No Problem, Mon

The Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival is Happening Saturday, July 21, Gates Open at 11:00 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Island life is coming to Bayfront Festival Park Saturday, July 21. Gates are set to open at 11:00 a.m., rain or shine. Organizers says thousands of people will flock to the park, from all across the globe for the annual Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival. From traditional cuisine, to fun and entertainment, event emcee Dexter Baxter…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Lucky Brisket BBQ

If Your Mouth Isn't Watering Yet, It Will When You Taste The Original BBQ Brisket Sauces & Rubs!

BLAINE, Minn. — You can smell the barbecue born from competition as it rolled into the Northland for the South St. Louis County Fair!  It’s the middle of summer and people crave good weather, festivals and food! In this weeks knowing your neighbor’s Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes you to Lucky Brisket BBQ’s food truck! “Brisket! My lucky brisket!” shouted…

Cloquet Avenue Street Construction

Cloquet Avenue will remain traffic throughout the construction.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Big changes have started on a busy street in Cloquet. Construction on Cloquet Avenue will continue at least until October. The work started last week. Areas near Highway 33 will be marked with paint for removal. There will also be ADA compliant curbs. Traffic signals at 10th and 14th street will be updated with LED signal lights….

Gov. Dayton Visits Flood Damaged Areas

Gov. Dayton came to the Carlton County Transportation Building and was accompanied by Homeland Security and Emergency Management Personnel, city and state leaders.

CARLTON, Minn. – It was about a month ago when flood waters swept through parts of Carlton County and even though most of the water has now gone down recovery efforts continue. Gov. Dayton had a jam packed schedule touring damage ridden areas. Earlier in the day he was in Mora before heading to Carlton. The governor made the trip from…

4th Street Market Reopening Under New Ownership

Currently, the Duluth Central Hillside Neighborhood has no grocery stores nearby.

DULUTH, Minn.- Exciting news for residents in an area that some refer to as the food desert. The 4th Street Market is under new ownership and will be serving the community once again. The 4th Street Market closed it’s doors last February but the American Indian Community Housing Organization now purchased the building. Currently, the Duluth Central Hillside Neighborhood has no grocery stores…

Homeowners May Want to Consider Flood Insurance

Floods are the nation's most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Something that can be a big help for property owners is having flood insurance to cover water damage. But many homeowners are not covered. Steven Micke of Reliable Insurance Agency Inc. in Cloquet says in 37 years he’s seen a lot. The type of coverage you need depends on the flood risk and is based on where…

Hartley Nature Center May Become More Accessible

The city may be applying for a nearly $1.3 million grant to help fund the Hartley Mini Master plan.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Duluth City Council could vote on a grant application to help the Hartley Nature Center. The city may be applying for a nearly $1.3 million grant to help fund the Hartley Mini Masterplan, adding more parking and more signs in the park. “Right now you sort of have to earn your way around Hartley, people go out in…

The Largest Fentanyl Bust in Duluth

Fentanyl is an opioid and 50 times more potent than heroin.

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s being called the largest fentanyl bust ever in Duluth and authorities say it has roots in St. Paul. Fentanyl is an opioid and 50 times more potent than heroin. Police warn that fentanyl is the new era of opioids. The drug can be sold cheaper than heroin and is more lethal. Investigators confiscated more than 100 grams…

Tour Beautiful Homes and Gardens with Duluth Woman’s Club

The Annual Duluth Woman's Club Tour of Homes and Gardens is Happening Wednesday, July 18, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Woman’s Club invites everyone in the Northland to check out their 51st Annual Tour of Homes and Gardens on Wednesday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations are required for the tour and lunch at the historic Clubhouse located at 2400 East Superior Street, Duluth. Tickets must now be picked up at the…

Minnesota Candidate Arrested on Suspicion of Revenge Porn

The Mayor or St. Paul has Called for him to Resign

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A City Council candidate in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been arrested on suspicion of violating the state’s revenge porn law after a topless picture of his estranged wife was posted to his campaign website. Police say David Martinez was arrested at his office Monday, two days after a post on his website that included the…

Skating and Sippin’ with NorthShore Inline Marathon

Skate & Sip Occurs Bi-Weekly and is Sponsored by NorthShore Inline Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – The bi-weekly Skate & Sip series continues Tuesday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by NorthShore Inline Marathon and Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Organizer Mike Ward tells FOX 21 Local News right now, the group is made up of roughly ten people who participate regularly. The group would like to continue to grow in…

Dayton Heads to Mora, Carlton to Survey Storm Damage

Minnesota Qualifies for Federal aid if There is More Than $7.7 Million in Damage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton is visiting more Minnesota cities wracked by recent flooding. Dayton was scheduled to tour flood and storm damage in Mora and Carlton Monday. He’ll be joined by Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Joe Kelly and other state and local officials. It’s his latest trip to survey extensive damage across the…

University of Minnesota Looks to Enroll More Local Students

The Goal is to Bolster Admissions to its System Campuses

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota is looking for ways to halt the enrollment trend of losing local high school students to neighboring states and bolster admissions to its system campuses. Minnesota Daily reports that the university’s Systemwide Enrollment Planning Taskforce in June presented potential ways to curb losing more high school graduates than it attracts. Barbara Keinath is…

Slithering Celebrities

Lake Superior Zoo Celebrates World Snake Day

Duluth, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo invited folks to slither out and celebrate with some serpents on Sunday for World Snake Day. It was a particularly exciting day for young Landon Dardis. “Because I got to have a snake selfie with a yellow snake,” he said. Guests got to meet 8-year-old Bullsnake Mr. Burns, and Monty: a 9-foot Burmese Python….

Lincoln Park Meets on the Street

Neighborhood Hosts Activities on 3rd Street

Duluth, Minn.- Police officers got an opportunity to spend some time getting to know the residents in Lincoln Park as the Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative hosted the 5th Annual Meet on the Street. Cars on part of 3rd Street were kicked out to make room for food, celebration, and fun on Sunday. Residents were invited to play, dance, and…

Autos for Autism Raises Money for a Good Cause

All the proceeds go towards a local organization in Duluth, the Scottish Rite Foundation.

DULUTH, Minn.- For some, classic cars, sunshine, and good friends is a combination for a perfect Saturday. In West Duluth they’re doing all that and fundraising for autism. The second annual Autos for Autism car show kicked off at Bay West.  The cars on display are suggested to donate money towards the cause. All proceeds go towards a local organization…

Bus Rodeo Takes Over Duluth

The Bus Rodeo is an opportunity for drivers to put their best skills in gear through 12 obstacles.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Transit bus drivers from across Minnesota are driving to be deemed the best. Don’t worry it’s not a race, they’re competing rodeo style. It’s a unique route unlike any bus drivers would encounter while on the job. “Do things they normally never would do on the street,” judge Tom Gotphery said. It’s the 31st annual Bus Rodeo and…

Row, Row, Row, Your Boat at the Duluth International Regatta

60th Annual Regatta featured boats up to 65 feet in length

DULUTH, Minn.-The calming sounds of the lakeside are replaced with cheers and pep talks as the Duluth rowing club hosted the 60th Annual Duluth International Regatta, one of the larger regattas in the Northland. Rowers ranging from teenagers to 70-year–olds gather at the water’s edge to compete, support, and enjoy. And for anyone that thinks it’s a boring leisure activity,…

Senator Sanders Visits Duluth

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders visits Duluth showing support for Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds attended a campaign rally in that featured Senator Bernie Sanders rallying support for state Attorney General candidate Keith Ellison. Ellison is running in a contested DFL primary against four other candidates, three Republicans are also running for the position. “We elect an attorney general that has the history and the courage to stand up to powerful special…

Health & Humans Services Deputy Secretary Visits Duluth to Address Opioid Epidemic

In 2017 St. Louis County received $675,000  to fund new opioid treatment options.

Opioid abuse is a national epidemic that affects thousands of people across the country. And the United States Health & Human Services Deputy Secretary came all the way to Duluth to see how this crisis is a major problem in the Northland and what needs to be done to correct it. Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan says he knows St. Louis…

Lincoln Park Restoration Plans To Begin In 2019

The $1.5 million needed for restoration will come from community and business donations and grants like the Super Bowl Legacy Fund.

DULUTH, Minn. – By 2019 Lincoln Park in Duluth will have a new and improved look after securing funding for its restoration. The plan is to relocate the playground, fix the fire damaged WPA Pavilion and repair the failing infrastructure. The $1.5 million needed for restoration will come from community and business donations and grants like the Super Bowl Legacy Fund. City…

Opa! Prepare For the Taste of Greece

During the Taste of Greece foodies have options with 1,000 pounds of gyro meat, 600 pounds of kabobs and 300 pounds of lamb.

DULUTH, Minn. – Opa!! Everyone is invited to experience the flavors of Greek culture at the 26th Annual Taste of Greece in Duluth. It happens on both Saturday and Sunday at Marshall School. Organizers were getting ready to welcome the more than 3,000 people who usually show up every year. It’s one of the few places in the Northland where…

Lake Superior Days Have Arrived

DULUTH, Minn. – One big event happening this weekend is Lake Superior Days and people in Duluth are already getting a head start. Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center was full of people learning more about Lake Superior. The Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society is participating in Lake Superior days for the first time. They are working toward restoring the…

Wild Summer Fun with Spirit Mountain Camps

Spirit Mountain in Duluth Offers a Wide Range of Summer Camps for All Ages

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is now in full swing, and many are enjoying time off from school or work by experiencing new adventures for the first time at Spirit Mountain in Duluth. Executive Director Brandy Ream says whether your a child or an adult, there’s a camp for you to take part in. Camps are offered on the mountain bike trails…

Dog Show Begins in Duluth

Duluth Dog Show Opens at DECC

DULUTH, Minn.-The Northland is going to the dogs as the 70th Annual Duluth Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show takes place July 12-July 15 . Dogs of all shapes sizes and colors come out to strut their stuff at the DECC. The event is open to more than just dogs and their owners. “Well a lot of people come here…

Active Adventures: Minnesota Whitewater Rafting

Adrenaline Rush On The St. Louis River Whitewater Rafting With Meteorologist Brittney Merlot

SCANLON, Minn. — With the recent heavy rainfall across the Northland, the river levels are high and the water is rushing! This makes for a perfect wild whitewater rafting experience! Join Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for this week’s Active Adventures at Minnesota Whitewater Rafting in Scanlon, as she takes us head first into the rapids! LOCATION: 3214 River Gate Ave, Cloquet, MN 55720…

What it Takes to Compete in 4H

The St. Louis County Fair is a big event for 4H showmen.

PROCTOR, Minn.- County fairs are underway in the Twin Ports and 4H is a big part of it all, teaching students how to raise livestock and perform. These County Fairs are the big show for the animal caretakers, it’s the time they get to show off all their hard work after training animals one–on–one to perform, this weekend is the…

MPCA Awaits Its Turn To Clean Up Minnesota Slip

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Slip seawall reconstruction project continues. We spoke with officials at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency who say the project is a long time coming, practically for over 20 years. Removal of the contaminated sediment in the Minnesota Slip in Canal Park by the MPCA will begin October first through November. Before this process begins the new seawall needs to…

Rain Impact On Trail Conditions

COGGS posts updates on their website and twitter about which trails are closed and when they will open.

DULUTH, Minn. – All it takes for some of the bike trails around Duluth to close and be unrideable is about a quarter inch of rain. But staff members with the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumme Shores (COGGS) say most of the trails are built to withstand that amount. And over the last number of years many of the trails have…

UMD Accessibility Walk Aims to Be Inclusive For All

The information is compiled in a report and given to facilities management and the chancellor.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Commission on Disabilities is taking some steps to make the campus more inclusive and accessible. During the semiannual Accessibility Walk faculty, staff and community members are checking the campus to make ensure everyone can access all buildings. Some of the main points they’re looking for include any damage to the buildings and…

Greater Downtown Council Hosts Summer Edition of City’s Largest Coffee Break

Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Lakewalk.

DULUTH, Minn. – A fun morning for coffee lovers in Duluth. It was the summer edition of what’s called the city’s Largest Coffee Break. The last one happened over the winter. So now that the weather has warmed up it was time to have another one. Many people showed up for the free coffee and donuts. All this was to…

Oldest Living Person in Minnesota Turns 111

Kleine Outlived Both of her Husbands and has no Children

(Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)ST. ANTHONY, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s oldest living person has added another candle to her birthday cake. Minnesota Public Radio News reports Evelyn Kleine turned 111 years old this week at a community home in St. Anthony where she is a bingo and cribbage champ. Kleine was born in northeast Minnesota on July 11, 1907….

Home Run for Everyone at the Kiddie Parade

It's become a tradition for families.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s Halloween in July, little Northlanders are dressing in their favorite costumes. Children are running the bases at Portman Square dressed in their best costumes. This has been a long–time tradition, a specially for one mother who grew up participating and now takes her children. “I do have a lot of costumes I just wanted to try something new because…

Enjoy a Taste of Duluth This Weekend

The Second Annual Taste of Duluth is Happening Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2017, the first annual Taste of Duluth Festival attracted over 6,000 people to Bayfront Festival Park. This year, organizers are hoping to go above and beyond when it comes to attendance. Taste of Duluth will run from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 14. Organizers say Taste of Duluth celebrates the rich cultural heritage of…

Cooking Connection: S.S. Submarine Sandwich

Featuring the New Corktown Deli & Brews

DULUTH, Minn. — Cooking Connection with Corktown Deli & Brews. Sink your teeth into the S.S. SUBMARINE SUB SANDWICH! RECIPE: Smoked salmon spread, brined onions, capers, dressed greens on a crusty baguette. LOCATION: Corktown is located in the Lincoln Park District at 1906 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806. HOURS: Sun – Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm Categories: Community, Cooking…

Classic Cars Line Downtown

Car owners we spoke with look forward to talking about their prize rides at the car show all year long.

DULUTH, Minn.- Maintaining classic cars is a hobby for car enthusiasts and showing off their beloved vehicles downtown is a large part of the fun. Car lovers and families jam-packed the streets. We stopped by one unique car that came from out of state. “Oh the people, the people you meet is the best part,” car owner Eugene Altiere said. “It’s unusual…

Sidewalk Days Festival Continues Despite Construction

Construction workers even took part in the fun, handing out foam figures to kids downtown.

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s been a busy summer on West Superior Street with the massive reconstruction underway, but that’s not stopping Sidewalk Days. It’s quite the view on Superior Street as Sidewalk Days and the construction are both in full force. Every summer for over a decade of clothes, art, and plenty of food line the sidewalks of Superior Street creating…

Warming Bodies, Warming Hearts

Hospital patients in Duluth are a little cozier thanks to a local car dealership and its customers.

DULUTH, Minn.-  While blankets are always needed in Duluth weather, they are extra special at St. Luke’s Hospital and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center. About 40 blankets were given out to cancer patients at both hospitals. And it’s all thanks to Miller Hill Subaru in Duluth. As part of their 3rd annual Subaru Cares Program, they accepted donations of…

Friends of Animals Announces It’s Closing

FOA opened 34 years ago and helped care for thousands of animals.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In less than 30 days the Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet will close its doors. The announcement was made on a Facebook post Tuesday that left many in the community asking questions and wondering why. For much of her life Friends of Animals (FOA) has been almost like a second home to Mary Nelson. “I’ve…

South St. Louis County Fair Kicks Off

The South St. Louis County Fair is July 11-15.

CLOQUET, Minn. – One of the biggest events to hit Proctor starts tonight. It’s time for the 98th Annual South St. Louis County Fair. Organizers were setting up and getting ready for the large crowds. This year’s fair will have music, rides, great food and many 4–H events. The highlight on Wednesday night is the Enduro. Organizers say they want…

Planning Ahead to Cope with Market Volatility

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial in Duluth Offers Tips to Manage Your Money for the Future

DULUTH, Minn. – Ongoing market volatility is the new reality in 2018. Massive swings in both directions have occurred multiple times in the last five months leaving investors nervous and unsure about their financial plan. Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News to explain how local residents can manage this ongoing volatility and create a plan…