Minnesota

BWCA School Trust Lands Dispute Moves Closer to Resolution

Minnesota and the U.S. Forest Service are Closer to Colving a Decades-old Dispute

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota and the U.S. Forest Service are closer to solving a decades-old dispute over 83,000 acres of state-owned land locked up inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The state has been unable to use the “school trust lands” to generate money for public schools since 1978. But $4 million from the $1.3 trillion government funding…

Working Out with XMT-3 Training Studio

Active Adventures: Why Weight and Resistance Training is Vital for Runners

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm, more and more people are heading outside to enjoy the nice days. Many are doing their first runs outside, while some are training for Grandma’s Marathon. One local personal trainer believes private training can be a game-changer for those looking to get in shape. Eric Franklin, the owner of XMT-3 Training…

21-Year-old Charged With Killing Woman, son Near Perham

Hillman Told Investigators the Victims "Were Just Weird"

PERHAM, Minn. (AP) _ Prosecutors say a 21-year-old man with a history of mental illness and violence killed a woman and her adult son who had taken him into their home in Otter Tail County. William Hillman has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of 42-year-old Denise McFadzen and 21-year-old Dalton McFadzen. Their bodies were…

Northlanders Work Toward Increasing Minnesota’s Recycling Rate

In recent years the Minnesota recycling average has hovered around 50 percent.

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States has an average recycling rate of almost 35 percent. In recent years, the Minnesota average has hovered around 50 percent. With Earth Day happening April 22, experts are reminding folks it’s not too late to do a little more recycling for the benefit of the environment. This is what a typical day looks like at…

Additional Exposure Charges Filed Against Ex-Superintendent

Staska was Arrested and Released on March 21

(courtesy of Fox9)COLD SPRING, Minn. (AP) – The former superintendent of the Rocori School District is facing additional charges of indecent exposure. Eight more counts have been added to 10 previous charges of indecent exposure filed in Stearns County against Scott Staska. The St. Cloud Times says the additional charges are connected to incidents that happened in St. Cloud between…

CSS Students Working To Pass Resolution On Plastic Bags and Straws

The organization, Bag it Duluth is hoping schools like University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Wisconsin–Superior and Lake Superior College will follow suit with this initiative.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from the College of St. Scholastica (CSS) are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to the use of plastic on its campus. Students are working with school administration to pass a resolution called “Building a Sustainable CSS.” It includes a fee of $0.10 for plastic bags that students would be responsible for paying…

Local Student Discusses Gender Neutrality at State Tournament

The Denfeld High School speech team qualified for the state tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Students at Denfeld Highschool are speaking out for what they believe in at a state level competition. The Denfeld Highschool speech team qualified for the state tournament. The five students are competing in St. Paul on Friday, April 20th. One student is using this platform to speak-out on gender neutrality. “It’s really nice to be able to share…

Education Leaders Discuss Helping Kids Experiencing Trauma

Organizers believe educating a variety of organizations using the same message, helps with consistency.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a common concern for educators trying to find the best way to reach students facing tough situations in their lives. Education leaders from across Northland spent Thursday learning how to better handle these students. The conference is not only a space for educators to learn as a team but also a chance to share experiences. The Early…

Enbridge Line 3 Protesters Attend Pretrial

This comes after protesters locked themselves inside Wells Fargo back in January.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The controversial Enbridge Line 3 battle continues as three protestors attended a pretrial hearing on Thursday, after chaining themselves to Wells Fargo back in January. Protestors Michael Niemi, Ernest Burbank, and Scot Bol are facing misdemeanors of disorderly conduct, trespassing, and obstructing the legal process. They pleaded not guilty at St. Louis County Court. Defendants say they aim…

Father Charged With Causing Death of 3-Year-old son

Authorities say the boy Died of Homicidal Violence

BRECKENRIDGE, Minn. (AP) – The father of a toddler who dies last week in Wilkin County has been charged with causing his son’s death. WDAY-TV reports 35-year-old Tracy Brant is charged with felony murder, third-degree assault and malicious punishment of a child in the death of 3-year-old Winter Barker. The child was found not breathing at the Breckenridge apartment April…

Prosecutor Closes Prince Death Case; no Charges

Evidence Shows Prince Thought he was Taking Vicodin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The prosecutor in the Minnesota County where Prince died says he’s filing no criminal charges in the musician’s death. The announcement Thursday from Carver County Attorney Mark Metz means the state’s investigation into how Prince got the fentanyl that killed him is closed. It came hours after documents revealed a doctor accused of illegally prescribing an opioid…

Chef Creates Award-Winning Stuffed French Toast

Cooking Connection: Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local restaurant is touting a new title after a successful run at an international competition. Farley’s Family Restaurant got Second Place at the World Food Championships with their Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuff French Toast with Bananas Foster and Candied Bacon recipe. Kelly Trumpold, the Owner and Executive Chef of Farley’s Family Restaurant, showed FOX 21’s…

UW-Superior Students to Perform Comedy Musical

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re looking for a laugh in the coming weeks, you may want to check out UW-Superior’s performance of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical will be performed April 27-28 and May 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Manion Theatre on the UWS  campus. Written…

Legal Leaders Take the Stage for Law Law Palooza

Fundraiser Supports Volunteer Attorney Program

DULUTH, Minn. – Local leaders found enforcing the law and fighting for justice during the day are letting their hair down for some fun. It’s the 6th Annual Law Law Palooza event at the Duluth Depot on Friday, April 20. The event supports the Volunteer Attorney Program. The event features musical performances by local judges, attorneys and justice partners, as…

One Injured in Virginia Drive-by Shooting

The Virginia Police Department is Asking for the Public’s Assistance

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Saturday evening the Virginia Police Department responded to Essentia Health in Virginia where an adult male presented for a gunshot wound to his lower leg. The male told investigators that he was shot at from a car driving by while he was walking on 2nd Avenue South. The incident took place around 8:45 p.m. Saturday evening. Authorities…

Northland Fishing Season Update

Duluth is one place ready to prove that a little ice won't get in the way and stop people from fishing.

DULUTH, Minn. – The fishing opener in Minnesota is May 12. A day many have been planning for to kick off their summer fishing season. But with Minnesota lakes still filled with ice, getting those boats out could be tough. But one shop in Duluth is showing us how it’s not too late to get a head start and is gearing…

Meteorologist Talks Weather with Future Scientists

FOX 21's William Seay spoke with second graders at Wrenshall Elementary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- Our very own William Seay informed our future scientists what it’s like as a meteorologist. William spoke with second graders at Wrenshall Elementary School. Students are currently learning about weather in class. Their teacher says hearing from an expert gives students a better perspective. Weather is taught in the spring because here in the Northland, you never know…

Sammy’s Pizza Celebrates 64 Years with Discount and Donation

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, Sammy’s Pizza will be selling pies for a good cause. Celebrating 64 years, Sammy’s Pizza is looking to give back to the community. When customers who purchase any 14′” or larger pizza can buy a 12′” one-topping pizza for only 64 cents. On April 19, in honor of those who have served in the armed forces,…

CASDA Officially Launches Pet Foster Program

Donations and Foster Families Needed as Program Launches, Gains Popularity

DULUTH, Minn. – On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by a partner in the United States, according to the National Center Against Domestic Violence. Officials say it can be difficult to escape an abuser, especially when animals are involved. However, a new program at The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior is looking…

College Campus Sparks Conversation for Sexual Assault Awareness

Nearly 500 universities across the U.S. are taking part in the It's On Us campaign.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students at St. Scholastica are joining in on a national movement to end sexual assault on campus. April is sexual assault awareness month and the saints are joining the It’s On Us campaign to address on-campus issues. The It’s On Us movement started back in 2014. Now nearly 500 campuses across the nation are involved. On Tuesday St….

Handcrafted Bowls Raise Thousands of Dollars for Local Food Bank

This is the 25th annual Empty Bowls Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 25th annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser took over the depot Tuesday in downtown Duluth. Hundreds of handcrafted bowls are on display and sold to the public to help raise funds for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Nearly $60,000 are raised through the Empty Bowls event. Artists and students have been crafting pottery all year long for this fundraiser. “I…

Students Create Customizable Shin Guards

The product is made using a 3D printer.

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of student-athletes are creating a product they say isn’t available in the current market. At St. Scholastica students are creating shin guards by using a 3D printer. A group of four soccer players are making fully customizable shin guards. The students say this is the only product like it on the market and they can be made in nearly…

Dayton Appoints Democratic Rep. Thissen to Supreme Court

Thissen Replaces Justice David Stras

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed Democratic state Rep. Paul Thissen to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Tuesday’s announcement means Dayton has appointed five of the high court’s seven members. Thissen replaces Justice David Stras, a Republican judge who was confirmed to the federal bench earlier this year. Thissen will hop from one branch of government to…

Suspect in Custody After “Mass Homicide” Threat in Cloquet

No Weapons Were Located With the Suspect

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department have taken an 18-year-old male into custody after he allegedly made threats of a “mass homicide” on social media. Authorities received multiple reports last night that an individual made violent threats on social media but did not list any specific locations other than Cloquet. The suspect was identified and located in a home…

UMD Opera Studio, Symphony Students Team up for Performance

Le Nozze di Figaro Performances Start April 27

DULUTH, Minn. – This month it’s a dramatic event you won’t want to miss, the UMD Opera Studio is teaming up with the UMD Symphony Orchestra. Together, they’re performing Le Nozze di Figaro ( The Marriage of Figaro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The first performance is Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. The second performance will be Sunday, April 29…

Local Businesses Profit from Spring Snowfall

One manager tells FOX21 he's predicting one more winter storm.

DULUTH, Minn.- Although you may be thinking spring, businesses in the Northland are prepared for winter. It’s no secret, Duluth was covered in snow this morning. One plowing company, ATK Enterprise helped clear away some winter blues on the road. With all hands on deck, the crew started around 1 A.M. Sunday morning. “We expect it usually through the end…

8th Congressional District Candidate Calls for Code of Fair Campaign Practices

8th Congressional District Candidate Michelle Lee asks fellow candidates to sign the code.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite receiving no endorsement at the DFL Convention this past weekend 8th Congressional District Candidate Michelle Lee announced she’s moving onto phase two of her campaign. On Monday Lee says there’s an opportunity gap in the district, which needs to be addressed through reform and change. Meanwhile, Lee is asking fellow democratic candidates to abide by the code…

Annual Bike Swap to Kick Off Spring and Support Local Organizations

Coffee Conversation: 12th Annual Bike Swap

DULUTH, Minn. – As we transition slowly into Spring, many Northlanders are ready to get on their bikes and go for a ride. If you need a new bike or are looking to sell your old one, you can do so this weekend for a good cause. The 12th Annual Bike Swap is taking place on Saturday, April 21 and…

Local High School Golfer Practices in Blizzard

The winter weather warning wasn't stopping this avid golfer.

DULUTH, Minn.- The golf course isn’t in ideal condition, but that didn’t stop sophomore Nate Scullard-Bender with the Denfeld golf team from taking some swings. Categories: High School, Minnesota, Sports Tags: Denfeld golf team, duluth, ENGER PARK GOLF COURSE, Golf, local sports, Nate Scullard-Bender, snow, winter

No Candidate Endorsed By DFL in 8th District Congressional Race

After Ten Ballots, all Five DFL Candidates Failed to Reach Sixty Percent of the Vote

DULUTH, Minn.- No DFL endorsement was given to any of the five congressional candidates at the endorsement convention Saturday in Duluth. The race will now come down to a primary election on August 14th. After ten ballots were counted, no candidate reached sixty percent of the vote needed for the endorsement. On the tenth ballot, Leah Phifer was leading the…

Fish Regrows Tail in UMD Experiment

Students at UMD are sharing their semester long studies with the public.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at the University of Minnesota Duluth got to show off their semester-long research. From finding one of the oldest rocks in the world on the Iron Range, to finding out one fish can regrow its tail, UMD students will take us there. Bulldog students put in many hours and a lot of hard work for research which…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Hosts Fundraiser

Spring Splash raises money for the agency's efforts to educate and respond to child abuse

DULUTH, Minn. – First Witness Child Advocacy Center is celebrating its 25th year serving children in the Northland and around the world. On Friday, the agency hosted its Spring Splash fundraiser gala. Hundreds of community members came out to support for the work First Witness does in strengthening the community response to child abuse. Organizers say the gala is an important fundraiser…

Family Freedom Center Kicks Off Series of Community Events

Family Freedom Summer features workshops focused on connecting community and culture in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Culture and community come together at the Family Freedom Center in Lincoln Park in Duluth.   Family Freedom Summer kicked off on Friday, with the start of 12 weeks of workshops, events and cultural experiences at the Family Freedom Center. Organizers say it’s important to bring communities together to learn from one another, and to hear from those…

How to Become an Iron Range Tour Guide

Interested community members can take a class on April 17th

HIBBING, Minn.- The Iron Range is becoming more tourist-friendly with the help of members of the community. A certified tourism and ambassador program is being incorporated from Hibbing to Hoyt Lakes. You can become a tour guide but you need to know the must-see attractions from trails to disc golf. “Most of us have gone out to these attractions and certainly…

Iron Range Community Displays Support for Sexual Assault Victims

April is sexual violence awareness month.

IRON RANGE, Minn. During the month of April the Iron Range is decorated to honor victims of sexual violence Over 300 teal ribbons are placed around trees to honor local victims of sexual assault.Organizers hope the display brings awareness and understanding. “We live in a world where it’s hard to come forward with sexual abuse and sexual assault problems,” executive director…

Time to Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Safely

Throwing away unwanted medicine can be unsafe for the environment and others around you.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s spring cleaning for your medicine cabinet in Duluth.  It’s the medical cabinet clean out event at Western Lake Superior Sanitary District. Community members can drop off inwanted medicine. Officials say for the safety of the environment and other individual its important to dispose of medicine properly. “You open up your chance to have illicit use, somebody diverting them…

MPR, Keillor Strike Deal to Restore Access to old Shows

Keillor has Been Accused of Sexual Harassment by an ex Co-Worker

Garrison KeillorST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Public Radio says it has an agreement with Garrison Keillor to restore online access to old recordings of his “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show. MPR said Friday it will pay Keillor $275,000 for limited, non-exclusive rights to those shows for three years as well as Keillor’s “The Writer’s Almanac,” a short daily…

Minnesota Woman Sought in Death of Husband and Florida Woman

Authorities Believe Riess Killed Hutchinson Earlier This Week to Assume her Identity

(Dodge County Sheriff’s Office via AP)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota woman who is wanted in connection with her husband’s death is now a suspect in the killing of a Florida woman, authorities said Friday. Lois Riess of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, has been charged in the shooting death of Pamela Hutchinson of Bradenton, Florida. Authorities aren’t aware of any connection between…

Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Fargo Airport

The Flight was Heading From Minneapolis to Anchorage

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Delta Air Lines flight has made an emergency landing at the Fargo airport. KFGO reports the jet with 189 passengers on board was heading from Minneapolis to Anchorage, Alaska when the crew reported smoke in the cockpit Thursday night. Fire officials say the plane landed safely at Hector International Airport in Fargo about 7:30 p.m….

Explosion Injures Three at 3M Plant in Minnesota

Three People Were Injured in the Explosion

HUTCHINSON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say an explosion at a 3M Co. plant in Minnesota injured three people, one of them seriously. Hutchinson Police Chief Daniel Hatten says a piece of equipment malfunctioned about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Hatten says one person was seriously hurt while the other two suffered minor injuries. All three victims were taken to hospitals. A 3M…

9th Annual Northland Job Fair Provides Training

The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Workforce Center

DULUTH, Minn.- More than 130 organizations met with possible future employees at the 9th annual Northland job fair. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Workforce Center, which aims to connect people with the right job for them. Those attending were also provided tools and training, such as mock interviews. “You really need to prepare because it’s a lot like…

Lester Park Elementary Embraces Science On “Science Night”

School staff say they want to inspire kids to even become scientists one day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lester Park Elementary in Duluth is all about showing students the importance of science. That was the case tonight for “Science Night.” Fifteen community partners like the Hartley Nature Center were there to show kids how they use science in their daily lives, at work and for research purposes. School staff say they want to inspire kids to…

AmeriCorps Members Hammer Away On Legacy House

The house is expected to be ready in August when 16 new AmeriCorps Vista Members will join the team.

DULUTH, Minn. – The AmeriCorps Legacy House in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood is making progress. AmeriCorps members with their hard hats and hammers in hand were demolishing the basement. They’ve been working for at least four weeks and started with cleaning out the inside of the home. Future AmeriCorps members will live in the three story home while volunteering. “I’m…

Bent Paddle Opens New Taproom

The new taproom is located just down the road from its first spot at 1812 W Michigan St. in Lincoln Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – After spending five years at its original location Bent Paddle Brewing Company is moving on up. Bent Paddle hosted a grand opening of its new bigger and better taproom. It was a packed house at Bent Paddle with music, lots of people ready to join in on the fun and beer. The new taproom is located just…

First Bricks Removed in Superior Street Construction

Road closures will begin on April 16th.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s finally here, construction signs and crews are chipping away at Superior Street. The construction in downtown Duluth is taking place over three years, the city celebrated removing the first bricks. “We are going to embark on a project that is going to be inconvenient and exciting,” Duluth’s Mayor Emily Larson said.  On Thursday, the first bricks on…

Weather Enthusiasts Participate In Skywarn Spotter Training

Skywarn Spotters become part of the National Service Weather team.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service in Duluth was busy training weather spotters. These are the people who learn to give official reports on weather conditions during severe weather outbreaks. “We talk about safety,” said Warning Coordination Meteorologist Carol Christenson. “We talk about how thunderstorms form and what makes them severe and what makes them rotate? what makes them produce tornadoes and damaging winds? what information…

Dayton Blasts Millionaire who Says he Took Food Stamps

Dayton Says Public Policy Should not be Made on Anecdotes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has criticized a self-described millionaire who says he legally qualified for food stamps and took them to prove the system is vulnerable to abuse. Rob Undersander of Waite Park told a legislative committee Wednesday that he and his wife collected about $6,000 in benefits they didn’t need over 19 months, and then…