Minnesota

Groups Urge Vetoes Over Environmental Trust Fund ‘Raid’

They Were Added in the Closing Hours of Session

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Environmental and conservation groups urge Gov. Mark Dayton to use his line-item veto power to cancel $98 million in projects funded by what they consider an improper raid on a trust fund that depends on state lottery proceeds. The wastewater infrastructure and other projects are part of a $1.5 billion public works borrowing bill, but the money…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Announces Support for Metsa

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has announced her support for Jason Metsa’s congressional campaign this afternoon. Larson has joined a growing list of elected officials throughout the state that have shown their support for Metsa’s campaign. In a statement released today, Larson says: “Northeast Minnesota needs a champion in Washington D.C. who will fight every day for our…

Board of Directors Approves Essentia Construction

The new Building Will Cost an Estimated $675 Million

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is planning on spending big money on a new project that is slated to be the largest private investment in Duluth’s history. The Board of Directors at Essentia has approved the construction and financing of a brand new multimillion dollar facility set to be built in Duluth’s downtown. It’s a longtime coming for a project…

University of Minnesota Law School Requests Funding Increase

Applications Fell More Than 50 Percent Between 2010-2017

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota Law School is seeking more funding to help it recover from a large dip in enrollment. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the university’s law school applications fell by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2017. Law School Dean Garry Jenkins says the school decided not to lower admissions standards. He says tuition…

“Our Town” to Open at NorShor Theatre Tonight

Play Follows Lives of Residents in Small-Town America

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest production put on by the Duluth Playhouse is opening Thursday evening at the NorShor Theatre. The director of “Our Town”, Sean Byrd, stopped by FOX 21 to discuss the play. It was written by Thornton Wilder and follows the lives of residents in small-town America. The plot takes the audience through ups and downs in…

Foraged Spring Greens and Fresh Pasta

Cooking Connection: At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – Greens are beginning to pop up as Spring makes an appearance in the Northland. For this week’s Cooking Connection we took advantage of the fresh veggies for a dish with Jillian Forte, the Executive Chef and General Manager of At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. The restaurant is located at 1902 E 8th St, Duluth, MN 55812….

Caricature Business Opens Along Duluth’s Lakewalk

Artist Purchased A License From the City For the Summer

DULUTH, Minn. People strolling along Duluth’s Lakewalk this summer can now see their faces transform on paper. That’s because a caricature business called Lakewalk Memory Lane has popped up near the Endion Station along the Lakewalk. The artist, Adnan Shati, recently retired as a special education teacher in the Twin Cities. He said this new job with the view of…

Teacher Accused Of Sex With Foster Son Who Was Former Student

Karla Winterfeld Is Charged With First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

DULUTH, Minn. – A teacher with the Duluth School District, Karla Winterfeld, 33, of Duluth, has confessed to having sex with her 15-year-old foster son who is also her former student, according to the criminal complaint in St. Louis County Court. Winterfeld is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and is being held on $100,000 bail. According to the criminal…

U of M Delays Fellowship Amid Abortion Controversy

The Program was Scheduled to Begin this Fall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota has backed away from a medical school fellowship in reproductive health care training that included abortion procedures following opposition from anti-abortion groups. Minnesota Daily reports that the university took down the fellowship posting this month. The program was scheduled to begin in the fall. A university spokesman says opposition to the fellowship began…

Minneapolis Diners Throw Water at Conservative Tomi Lahren

Elder Says no one has Reported the Incident to Police

(Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Invision/AP, File)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren says she is disheartened and embarrassed but not broken after a patron threw water on her at a Minneapolis restaurant. The Fox News contributor told the channel’s “Fox & Friends” Wednesday that she was eating Sunday brunch with her parents when a group of people “thought it would be…

Dayton Rejects two Biggest Bills Passed by GOP-led Legislature

Dayton has Vowed not to Call a Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed the tax conformity and budget bills that state lawmakers passed in the waning days of the session. The Democratic governor’s veto knocks down the two biggest pieces of legislation that the Republican-controlled Legislature pushed through just as time was running out. Dayton has said that the so-called tax conformity bill…

Animals to Fill Lakewalk Wednesday for New Pet Walk

Bus Bike Walk Duluth Adds Event for Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – This month the Zeitgeist Community is celebrating Bus Bike Walk Duluth and they’re hoping you and your pets get involved. As part of the month-long event, the group is hosting Bark Bike Walk on Wednesday, May 23. They will be walking with their dogs along the Lakewalk to encourage community interaction and activity. The group will start…

Teacher Removed From Minnesota Board Over Trump Comments

The Teacher Says she Stands by her Post

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A former Minnesota Teacher of the Year has lost her position on a state licensing board after using an expletive in a social media post criticizing President Donald Trump. St. Paul teacher Amy Hewett-Olatunde came under fire as state lawmakers voted to strip her of her position on the state’s teacher license oversight panel. She…

Nice Pitbull Looks to Help Open People’s Eyes

Duluthian Jesse Hakala Started Nice Pitbull Seven Years Ago to Raise Awareness and Stomp the Stigma of Pit Bull Aggression

DULUTH, Minn. – Through the power of social media and people coming together, one Northland man is looking to spread H.O.P.E, helping open people’s eyes. “I love all dogs, but pit bull’s are the ones that I chose,” said Jesse Hakala, a pit bull owner. For Hakala, a walk in the park or down a sidewalk comes with pride. “They…

Students Learn How to Leave No Trace on the Trails

Leave no trace is a set of principles to help enjoy the outdoors sustainably.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Outdoors took over Congdon Park Elementary School as students learn how to preserve our forests. The Superior National Forest’s educational outreach program aims to inspire students to enjoy our trails but also know the proper etiquette. The gym transformed into a mock boundary waters campsite at Congdon Elementary School. “We want kids to care about the environment…

Tutors Needed in the Northland

Duluth needs 52 tutors for the upcoming school year starting this fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Elementary schools in the Northland are in need for more math and reading tutors, this comes after students are struggling at higher class levels such as algebra. Duluth needs 52 tutors for the upcoming school year starting this fall. Full-time and part-time tutors are being recruited by AmeriCorps. Educators say the preschool level has the largest demand for…

Celebrating EMS Workers Week

Officials with St. Luke’s say it’s important to honor EMS workers every day.

DULUTH, Minn.-Local EMS workers enjoyed a cookout on this beautiful day to celebrate EMS workers week. The food was provided by St. Luke’s to celebrate the hard work emergency responders do every day. Workers from all over the Northland stopped by to celebrate. Officials with St. Luke’s say it’s important to honor EMS workers every day. “Trauma that goes on at…

Military Personnel and Families Have Free Summer Admission at Lake Superior Zoo

Proof of service is required, such as a Common Access Card (CAC).

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth is joining a new club. It’s now recognized as a Blue Star Museum. Staff made the announcement and beginning this Saturday, May 26 until Labor Day, Sept. 3 military personnel and their families will have free admission. It’s a way to give back to the community and also help revitalize the zoo….

Incumbent Mayor of Cloquet Seeks Second Term

The office of the mayor has a four year term and candidates have until June 5 to file their candidacy for the position.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Incumbent Cloquet Mayor Dave Hallback is seeking re–election. He was outside City Hall and made the announcement in front of his supporters. Since he first took office in 2015, Cloquet has seen some improvements like a new skate park and upgrading Veterans Memorial Park. Hallback says he want to keep helping the city grow. “My promise to…

Five-Year-old Eagan Drowning Victim Transported to Hospital

His Condition is Unknown at This Time

photo: twitter/eagan police departmentEAGAN, Minn. – The Eagan Police Department received a report of a possible drowning this afternoon near the 3200 block of Coachman Road. Emergency crews responded to the scene and reported the victim to be a 5-year-old boy. The victim was transported to Regions hospital. His condition is not known at this time. We will continue to…

Jen Schultz Files for Re-Election to MN House 7A Seat

Schultz Served in the Legislature Since 2015

DULUTH, Minn. – State Representative Jen Schultz has filed for re-election for her third term as the Representative for State House District 7A. “I’m asking for people of East Duluth to continue to support me and stand alongside me as we develop legislation to benefit our community and state.  In return, I promise to continue to be a leader to…

Honoring Maritime Day in the Twin Ports

National Maritime Day is Honored in the United States Annually on May 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 85 years ago on Tuesday, May 22, United States Congress declared May 22 National Maritime Day. National Maritime Day is a tradition for many and a day recognizing America’s Merchant Marine for their legacy of service and sacrifice, safeguarding our nation and its trade corridors during times of war and peace. Residents and visitors in the…

Duluth Festival Features Female Talent

What She Said Festival Kicks Off Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, a festival in Duluth is featuring women playwrights, directors and actresses. The festival is a series of one-act plays that have been written by women from all over the world and directed by women from the Twin Ports area. The pieces highlight the female voice. The festival runs May 24-26 at The Underground Theatre which…

Angler’s 6-Foot Catch Breaks Minnesota’s Sturgeon Record

The Fish was 30 Inches in Girth

photo: Minnesota DNRSTILLWATER, Minn. (AP) – An eastern Minnesota man has set a state catch-and-release record by hooking a more than 6-foot-long sturgeon on the Rainy River. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the state Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that Jack Burke’s May 4 catch set a new state record. Burke used a muskie rod and an 80-pound braided…

Dozens Block Light Rail to Protest Immigration Policies

Buses are Being Used to Move Passengers Around the Protest

photo: poorpeoplescampaign.orgMINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Several dozen protesters are shutting down part of the light rail system in Minneapolis to call attention to federal immigration deportations. The Tuesday morning protest near the airport is part of a national movement known as the Poor People’s Campaign, which aims to highlight issues including racism and poverty. Organizers say they hoped to shut down…

Million Dollar Powerball Ticket Still Unclaimed

The winning ticket was sold in Carlton at the Minit Mart Carlton.

CARLTON, Minn.- A million dollar winning lottery ticket was sold right here in the Northland and has yet to be claimed. The winning ticket was sold in Carlton at the Minit Mart Carlton. This win is not only profitable for the lucky lottery player but the gas station as well. Minit Mart will receive a $5,000 bonus once the million…

New Exhibit at The Depot Just In Time For Bob Dylan Fest

The Depot will welcome the artist of the exhibit, Skye, Wednesday, May 23 for a reception

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eighth Annual Bob Dylan fest kicks off this weekend in Duluth, and you can head over to the depot to see a unique exhibit featuring the legendary musician. The lyrical exhibit showcases 44 of his classic songs in a text based display. You can hear some of Dylan’s greatest hits through the speakers and sing along…

What the Conclusion of the Legislative Session Means for Duluth

There were major projects ultimately included in the bonding bill but some others were left out

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Legislative Session ended late last night and Gov. Dayton is already threatening to veto some spending packages over the next couple weeks. Duluth city leaders have mixed feelings about the session. There were major projects ultimately included in the bonding bill but some others were left out. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says she made 15…

Duluth Clears Sexual Assault Kit Backlog

Nearly six hundred kits dating back to 1993 have now been submitted to the state for testing

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth officials announced today that all of the city’s previously untested sexual assault kits have now been submitted to the state for testing. Back in 2015, Duluth had the most untested sexual assault kits of any city in Minnesota. After securing more than $2 million in federal grants to fund the project, local officials worked together to…

Local Veterans Save Memorial Day Parade

Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 56 heard the news two weeks ago and began efforts to save the parade.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just two weeks before Memorial Day word spread that the annual parade was canceled but local veterans found a way to keep the parade in motion. The Memorial Day Parade in Duluth has been a tradition for decades, but due to lack of participation and health problems the Northland Veterans Services Committee decided the parade was not going to…

Duluth Bonding Bill Projects Include Lake Superior Zoo and Glensheen Mansion

The Lake Superior Zoo and Glensheen Mansion have requested million in funds to make repairs.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo requested $1.9 million of funding from that bonding bill to help with a new exhibit. Zoo staff members tell us they are now cautiously optimistic as they wait for the governor to make a final decision about the bill. The money would go toward the “Bear Country” exhibit. Zoo workers say that’s the…

Dayton Vetoes Bill to Bypass Regulators on Enbridge Line 3

Dayton Carried Through on his Veto Promise

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have allowed Enbridge Energy to bypass the state Public Utilities Commission and proceed with replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. Dayton carried through on his veto promise. The Star Tribune reports the Democratic governor said in…

One-Year-Old boy Struck, Killed in Maplewood

The Driver of the Vehicle was Cooperative

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) – Maplewood police say they’re investigating the death of a 1-year-old child. Initial findings indicate Andrew Her was believed to be inside a home when family members shifted parking places Sunday about 9:30 p.m. Police say the boy had wandered outside and was accidentally struck by a vehicle. He was taken to Regions Hospital where he was…

Darwin man Killed After Vehicle Strikes Farm Implement

His Identity was not Immediately Released

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities say a man was killed after his vehicle struck the back of a farm implement on a highway in Meeker County. The Star Tribune reports the crash occurred about 10:20 p.m. Saturday on Hwy. 15 in Collinwood Township, roughly 10 miles north of Hutchinson and 50 miles west of the Twin Cities. The Highway Patrol says…

Local Art Gallery Prepares for New Exhibition, Collaboration with Arts District

Coffee Conversation: Joseph Nease Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. – The Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth is gearing up for Summer with several new exhibitions and a new collaborative effort for the arts. The exhibition “Sweep,” along with a photography exhibit by Tim White and an art installation by Allen-Killian-Moore will be on display at the gallery for the next two weeks, until the end of May….

Zeitgeist’s ‘Spirit Of The Times’ Raises More Than $100K

DULUTH, Minn. – Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Entertainment held its annual ‘Spirit of the Times’ fundraiser Saturday, which raised more than $100,000. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, improv comedy, and a dance party. The event supports Zeitgeist’s community work like their Zinema 2 movie theater, their Renegade Theatre Company, and efforts to improve food access and transportation equity in Duluth….

Gone Too Soon: Father Of Three Dies From Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose

Austin Overfors Was 24 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn. – The numbers are alarming. More than 40,000 Americans die each year from opioid overdoses, and of that number roughly half of the deaths involved fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, and these days heroin is being laced with fentanyl — resulting…

Donating Blood in the Bloodmobile

FOX21 hosts a blood drive at the station.

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyday nearly 40 thousand pints of blood are needed. Saturday blood donors stopped by FOX 21 to help reach that goal. The Mobile Blood Donation Bus parked right outside the station. Community members came inside to sign–up and donated right here on site. Receiving donations this time of year is crucial for hospitals. “Memorial Holiday weekend, we also have…

What to Know about Ramadan

It's a busy and exciting time at the Islamic Center of the Twin Ports, here are some key things to know.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ramadan, Islam’s holy month started earlier this week. Some people in the Twin Ports are celebrating. It’s a busy and exciting time at the Islamic Center of the Twin Ports, here are some key things to know. Ramadan is a time of prayer and fasting in the Muslim Community. It’s celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic…

Local Garden Grows Produce to Share

The Marek Fuller Community Garden in Two Harbors helps ensure those in need have access to fresh produce

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One Northland Community donated 14,000 pounds of food last summer, now they’re planting for another successful season. The Marek Fuller Community Garden in Two Harbors helps ensure those in need have access to fresh produce and it’s completely run by volunteers. It’s the first day of gardening outside the Two Harbors Food Shelf. Each plot is owned…

Celebrating the Veterans Memorial Hall 5-K Fun Run

The Fun Run helps fund programs and preserve history at the VMH.

RICE LAKE, Minn.- The Veterans Memorial Hall was established back in 1910, and early Saturday morning runners are racing to keep its programs running. The annual Veterans Memorial Hall 5-K Fun Run helps fund programs and preserve history at the VMH. Runners and walkers of all ages hit the course for a good cause. “To be able to have funds…

A Day Dedicated to Duluth Parks

This is the first Duluth Parks Day to honor the outdoor areas here in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are getting outside and celebrating the city’s parks. This is the first Duluth Parks Day to honor the outdoor areas here in Duluth. Each park offered a different activity for kids and families to participate in. We stopped by Lester Park, where kids learned how to Geo–catch finding capsules and trinkets hidden in the forest. “It’s a…

Sitting Down with Chmielewski Family as Polkafest Begins

Polkafest Celebrates 40 Years

HINCKLEY, Minn – The 40th Annual Chmielewski Polkafest started up Friday and the fun lasts through the weekend. Florian Chmielewski has played the accordion for decades, 73 years in fact. “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve been to Germany, and France and Acapulco,” Florian said. The International Polka Hall of Fame member is known around the world for his…

Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art Hosts Student Exhibit

The exhibit showcases what students have worked on all year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art held its second annual student exhibit. Instructors assign specific projects and some of the techniques include two and three dimensional art, sculptures and eventually fine paintings. The exhibit showcases what students have worked on all year. “This is the culmination of the nine hardest months of my life, hands down,” said Student…

Lincoln Park Middle School Students Unveil New Mural

The mural will hang in the commons area.

DULUTH, Minn. – A mural painted by Lincoln Park Middle School students was unveiled in Duluth. About 30 eighth graders worked on the project since last fall. College of Saint Scholastica students and other artists helped guide the students to complete the mural. Students brainstormed and came up with ideas for the mural that features a lighthouse and astronaut. “Our…

WITC Class of 2018 Walks Across the Stage

More than 130 students participated in the commencement and some receiving their GED.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Family and friends filled the auditorium of Superior Middle School to see the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College graduates walk across the stage. The graduating class of 2018 received degrees and diplomas in nursing, business trade and technical studies. Danielle Blank studied cosmetology. At one point in her life she had to drop out of school, but she says…

Morgan Park Graduates Can Take a Piece of Its History

We all know Morgan Park Middle School played a part in many Duluthians' lives

DULUTH, Minn.- If you are a past Morgan Park School graduate, now’s the time to grab a piece of memorabilia. We all know Morgan Park Middle School played a part in many Duluthians’ lives, now that the lot is on to its next chapter, you can soon take a piece of the building to honor the old school. “It’s a thing,…