Minnesota

Duluth Restaurant Owners Admit Using ‘Zapper’ to Dodge Taxes

These Convictions are the First of Their Kind in Minnesota

Photo: facebook/osakaDULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Two Duluth restaurant owners have admitted to using so-called “zapper” software to dodge nearly $300,000 in taxes. Osaka Sushi Hibachi & Steak House owners Dan Xu and Zhong Wei Lin each pleaded guilty in St. Louis County District Court. They were allowed to avoid prison time in exchange for making immediate restitution and will each…

Essentia Health to Open West Duluth Urgent Care

The Clinic Will Open on May 7th

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced today that they will be opening an Urgent Care at their West Duluth Clinic on May 7. The new Urgent Care addition will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. “Opening our Urgent Care in West Duluth shows how we are responding to the health care needs of the…

Duluth Lions Club to Host Annual Pancake Day on Thursday

Annual Fundraiser Supports Local Organization

DULUTH, Minn. – This Thursday Northlanders will have the chance to eat breakfast at any point in the day. The Duluth Lions Club is hosting its Annual Pancake Day, giving hungry eaters the option to eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack! The event will run from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment…

Veterinarian Expresses Concern Over Heartworm, Urges Prevention

On Average, Seven Dogs Every Year will Receive Treatment for Heartworm at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The disease is deadly, but the group targeted cannot speak up when they’re feeling ill. Heartworm is more common in southern states due to warm weather year round, but it doesn’t mean animals in the Midwest are out of the clear. “I have actually seen mosquitos out already,” said Lindsay Niemi, Practice Manager at Animal Allies Humane…

Charter Season Feeling Cramps With Seawall Reconstruction Delay

William A. Irvin Is 10 Feet Closer To Docks During Seawall Work

DULUTH, Minn. – 12-hour work days, six days a week: That’s the new pace underway for the $6 million seawall reconstruction project in Duluth’s Minnesota Slip that the city says is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, with new bike lanes and sidewalks wrapping up in August. The delayed seawall project has the William A. Irvin pushed out about 10…

Following Along on Local Judge’s Morning Commute

Judge Shaun Floerke rides to the Duluth Court House regardless of the weather.

DULUTH, Minn.-  For nearly a decade Judge Shaun Floerke has been gearing up for each full day of work at the Duluth Court House by hopping on his bike. Once gas prices hit three dollars a gallon all those years ago, Judge Floerke changed up his morning commute, biking instead of driving. “The first couple of weeks were just super…

How to Ensure Safe Campfire Traditions

Park officials say its important to teach your child campfire safety at every age.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn.- As the weather is slowly getting warmer, its that time of year for smores and campfire stories, along with the fun comes fire responsibility. Dryer weather and winds are ideal conditions for wildfires to spark. To avoid your campfire getting out of hand, park officials ask campers to use a fire ring, avoid liquid fire starters, and…

Twin Ports Focuses on Mental Health Awareness Following Chaotic Week

The month of May is now dedicated to Northland Healthy Minds.

TWIN PORTS-  Mayors from both sides of the bridge are working to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health. They’re calling it Northland Healthy Minds and they say this is even more timely given the recent traumatic events the Twin Ports have faced. Just this past month Superior firefighters faced the suicide of their longtime battalion chief Eric…

$5.49 Million Eco Friendly Dream Home for Sale in Silver Bay

SILVER BAY, Minn. – A $5.49 million dollar home has hit the market in Silver Bay overlooking the shores of Lake Superior. Dubbed the “Palisade Retreat” on Sotheby’s International Realty website, this home boasts 1,480 feet of shoreline along Lake Superior approximately 30 minutes from Lutsen Mountains. The 7,200 square foot private compound features a treetop art studio, a guesthouse…

Dayton Pushes for $138M for Schools’ Budget Shortfalls

Dayton Urging Legislature to Approve Funding

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton is calling for $138 million in emergency funding for Minnesota schools as districts across the state grapple with budget shortfalls. Dayton unveiled his request to lawmakers Tuesday as the Legislature heads toward a mandatory May 22 adjournment. The Democratic governor’s proposal would increase the state’s per-pupil funding formula by 2 percent. More…

Duluth YMCA Offers Swim Scholarships for Underserved Communities

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is just a couple months away which means families will be out on the lakes enjoying weekends up North. But while enjoying the warmer weather, families should always have water safety on their minds. Sara Eder, the Aquatics Director for the Duluth YMCA, stopped by FOX 21 this morning to chat about safety education opportunities at…

Minnesota Man Works to Support Vietnam Veterans

Program Highlights Nonprofit Work with Minnesota Veterans for Progress

SUPERIOR, Wis. – History is hard to miss throughout the Northland and one center in the Twin Ports is continuously educating citizens and supporting local veterans. One way the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is working to do that is through a program being hosted next week. Veteran Fletcher Hinds is visiting the center on Thursday, May 10 to…

15 Arrested in Cloquet Drug Investigation

More Arrests are Expected

CLOQUET, Minn. – An investigation by the Cloquet Police Department dubbed “Operation Spring Cleaning” has led to the arrest of 15 individuals selling controlled substances in the City of Cloquet and surrounding areas. Authorities say during the investigation, “detectives purchased substantial amounts of controlled substance from more than 20 individuals, many of which were arrested and later arraigned in Carlton…

Northern Minnesota Wildfire Burns Nearly 6,000 Acres

Mulitple air and Ground Crews are on Site

ROSEAU, Minn. (AP) — A northern Minnesota wildfire has burned nearly 6,000 acres. The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says the blaze that began Sunday evening remains very active due to westerly winds. The fire is burning about 15 miles northwest of Greenbush in Roseau County. The Fire Center’s Christi Powers tells KARE-TV no structures are threatened. There are multiple air…

Superior Pursuits Back on the Big Lake

In this week's Knowing Your Neighbors, Captain Parker Bambenek Launches the Elixir for Another Season of Success

McQUADE HARBOR, Minn. – Just one semester shy of graduating from Northern Michigan University, Captain Parker Bambenek of Superior Pursuits was hit by a snowmobiler while ice fishing. That incident left Bambenek with two broken legs and a new outlook on life. “If someone wants to go tomorrow, they can give me a call right now,” said Bambenek. Captain Parker…

Local Road Improvements Take Priority Before Twin Ports Interchange Project Begins

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hoping to receive feedback from the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- Updates on the long-awaited can of worms construction formally known as the Twin Ports Interchange Project. Officials say construction on local roads will be the first priority before starting work on the interchange itself. Minnesota Department of Transportation officials tell us work will begin on Garfield Avenue, Railroad Street, and 7th Avenue W. during the 2019 construction season. The…

Senate Votes to Nullify Minnesota Wild Rice Water Standard

The Governor has not Said Whether he Will Sign or Veto

(AP) – The Minnesota Senate has voted 38-28 to nullify a water quality standard that’s meant to protect wild rice, a food central to the culture and diet of the region’s Ojibwe Indians. Senators voted Monday to add $500,000 for restoration work to the bill, which passed the House last week, so the legislation will have to go back to…

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Kicks Off

"Big Science" Describes Their Sound Ahead of Performance

DULUTH, Minn. – Music is filling Duluth as the Homegrown Music Festival is officially underway. With several performances each day, the festival will run through Sunday, May 6. Tonight, Monday, April 30, “Big Science” is performing at 8:45 p.m. at the Rex Bar at Fitger’s. “Big Science” describes their music as experimental. Group members tell FOX 21 they avoid rehearsing…

Prominent Trump Critic Painter Enters Minnesota Senate Race

Richard Painter Filed Paperwork Last Week

TwitterST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A former Republican White House lawyer and prominent critic of President Donald Trump is running for former Sen. Al Franken’s seat. And he’s running as a Democrat. Richard Painter filed paperwork with the FEC late last week. Painter served as chief White House ethics lawyer to President George W. Bush but has emerged as a…

New “Learning Community” Provides Space for Families of Job Seekers with Disabilities

Employment Learning Community Created to Support Families

DULUTH, Minn. – It can sometimes be difficult for those with disabilities to find a competitive job in the workforce. On Tuesday, May 1, families can get more insight on the topic through a new group. The Arc Minnesota is hosting an “Employment Learning Community” to support family members and job seekers with disabilities. This event will be from 4:30…

Minnesota Author to Release Newest Duluth-based Book

Alter Ego by, Brian Freeman

DULUTH, Minn. – A fictional Duluth Detective is back in action in Brian Freeman’s newest book, “Alter Ego” following Jonathan Stride. Alter Ego, like other books in the “Stride” series, features a character who lives on Park Point, homicide Detective Jonathan Stride of the Duluth PD – the rumpled, lovable, Indiana Jones-like character, a man who struggles in his personal…

Chmielewski Polkafest to Celebrate 40 Years

Coffee Conversation: Polkafest Preparations

HINCKLEY, Minn. – The polka tradition is continuing in Minnesota with the 40th Annual Chmielewski Polkafest this year. The long-standing weekend event is taking place Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20 at Grand Casino Hinckley. Florian Chmielewski describes polka as “happy music.” This year, there will be ten bands, 30 hours of dancing, polka dance lessons, door prizes, a…

Special Report: The Fight Against Distracted Driving

Throughout Distracted Driving Awareness Month, 83 Citations Were Given to Distracted Drivers in the Duluth District

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the organization We Save Lives, millennials find distracted drivers scarier than public speaking, spiders, snakes and even death. It’s why local advocates and law enforcement are continuing to spread a strong message to drivers who chose to engage in other activities while behind the wheel. “When you’re driving, just concentrate on driving,” said Lt. Jason…

Local Library Helps Community Focus on Health

One method used, was coloring.

DULUTH, Minn.- You’ve heard it many times before, taking time out of your day to care for yourself is important. The Duluth Public Library gave a space for community members to focus on their health on Saturday. Organizers say there are many ways we can reduce stress in our life. One method used, was coloring. Studies show coloring has mental health…

Meeting Puppy Connections at the Canine Carnival

This is the 6th annual Canine Carnival

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a party puppy Saturday afternoon at the Canine Carnival. The festival is put on by a Place for Fido and Fitgers. Dogs and owners participate in fun challenges, such as trying to balance a potato on a spoon, while walking your pooch. “You could use word commands with the dog, absolutely walking works very well, I…

How to Celebrate Your Locally Owned Bookstore

National Independent Bookstore Day is the last Saturday of April.

DULUTH, Minn.- Communities across the nation are celebrating independent bookstores. Independent Bookstore Day is a chance for locally owned bookstores to through a party showing the community what makes their store unique. Every locally owned bookstore is filled with its own charm. The Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth wants everyone to feel welcome. The shelves are stacked full of the…

Superior Residents Excited to Return Home

The evacuation order was lifted Friday morning at 6 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The evacuation order that had been put in place for a large area around superior was lifted at 6 a.m. we spoke with families heading home. The Twin Ports Region teamed up to ensure Superior residents had a safe place to stay. Now the hustle and bustle continues as families head home. A lot of Duluth hotels were completely…

City: Irvin Can Fit Through Slip Bridge; Seawall Construction Timeline Released

DULUTH, Minn. –  The city of Duluth has released new details to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger involving an updated construction timeline on the delayed seawall project in Canal Park, and also when and where the William A. Irvin could eventually open for the season. But first, the Minnesota Slip Bridge in Canal Park, also known as the “Blue Bridge,” is…

A Look Inside the Northland’s Newest Non-Profit

The Oldenburg House opened its doors to the community.

CARLTON, Minn.-A new non–profit is bringing cultural programs to the Northland. The Oldenburg House opened its doors to the community offering music and opportunities to get outdoors. The non–profit is run by the Swansons a couple dedicated to bringing the community together through local art. “Trying to make art and cultural connections for people with what is abundantly and irreplaceably around…

Minnesota GOP Leaders Look Ahead For State Convention

The 2018 Minnesota Republican State Convention is on June 1 and 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota republican leaders call the upcoming elections in Nov. among the most critical election in recent history. Nearly 4,000 republicans from across the state are expected to attend the 2018 Republican State Convention at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth on June 1 and 2. The 2016 Republican State Convention was also at the DECC. The…

Spirit of the Lake Community School Students Go Back In History

Students memorized their lines and worked on staging.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sixth graders from Spirit of the Lake Community School in Duluth went back in history with a performance of Julius Caesar. Students studied Roman history and this year’s lesson was based on Caesar. Students gravitated toward the Roman leader and worked on the play for about a month. “That really gives them a strong feeling for who that…

15th Annual LSC Robot Wars

Students worked on their robots for most of the semester.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students came ready to battle it out at the 15th annual Lake Superior College Integrated Manufacturing Robot Wars earlier today. Six teams from LSC and seven from Mesabi East and Cromwell High School competed. Students worked on their robots for most of the semester. Then it was time to take it to the cage where some robots…

UMD Muslim Student Association Shares Culture Through Islamic Awareness Week

The biggest goal of Islamic Awareness Week is to avoid any misjudgment

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students with the Muslim Student Association are sharing their culture with others for Islamic Awareness Week. The week is dedicated to having open conversations, so all students can understand what Muslims are about and what their beliefs consist of. The biggest goal is to avoid any misjudgment. On Thursday, April 26, it was Hijab Day. Students tried…

Fridley Fire Victim Identified

Three Other Occupants got out Safely

FRIDLEY, Minn. (AP) – Officials say the victim who died in a house fire in Fridley is a 24-year-old man. Authorities say DJ Wasserman was found in an upstairs bedroom after the fire was extinguished Tuesday night. Fridley fire officials say two firefighters tried to reach Wasserman through a second-story window but were forced back by the intense heat. Three…

Duluth Public Library Focuses on Health and Wellness

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of your health is something important no matter your age, and this weekend the Duluth Public Library is dedicating a day to wellness. The Duluth Public Library is hosting its 2nd annual Wellness Day, dedicated to learning about and trying out healthy lifestyle practices throughout the afternoon. This event will take place at the  Duluth…

Local Musician Debuts First Novel

Limbo, An Odd Novel, by, Adam Herman

DULUTH, Minn. – A local musician is writing something new by venturing into the work of literature. Adam Herman has published Limbo, An Odd Novel. The book follows a man after death on his journey through the afterlife. The book is one sale at Electric Fetus, The Zenith Bookstore and at www.adammarkherman.com. Categories: Community, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News –…

Fitness Group Focuses Workouts on Moms-to-be

Active Adventures: Fit4Baby

DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland fitness group is focusing their health knowledge on local moms. Twin Ports Fit4Mom offers several different classes and for this week’s Active Adventures franchise owner Lisa Filzen showed us what to expect in a Fit4Baby class. This class focuses on prenatal women. All exercises are approved by doctors. All exercises are carefully selected to prepare…

Essentia Health Gives Patient Update On Husky Refinery Explosion

Essentia Health officials say they have planned and prepared for an event like with training and drills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five patients were taken to Essentia Health in Superior and five more to Essentia Health in Duluth. Of those five in Duluth, one person suffered a serious blast injury and the others had minor injuries. There were no fatalities. Hospital staff tell us they are happy to know that there weren’t as many injuries as initially thought, but it…

Former Kozy Owner Speaks Out About Lawsuit Against City

Eric Ringsred: City Not Doing Enough To Save Former Kozy Building

DULUTH, Minn. – The former Kozy building owner, Eric Ringsred spoke out to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday for the first time since filing a lawsuit against the city of Duluth last week claiming the city is not doing enough to preserve the historic structure that’s falling apart. The Kozy Bar and apartments on East First Street went up in…

Enger Park Golf Course Partially Opens After Late Season Start

The Enger Park Driving Range is open daily from 8 a.m - 8 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Enger Park Golf Course has officially begun its season after getting delayed by snow for the first time in four years. On this National Golf Day people were out at Enger hitting balls on the range. The full course isn’t open just yet though. And it’s usually up and running by the first week of April in time for the Masters, but the crew at Enger tells us they’re thankful volunteers…

When It’s Green, Volunteers Clean City Parks

The Parks and Recreation Clean and Green initiative has several projects for cleaning the parks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department says there’s still a lot of work to do at the city parks even after some of the snow has melted. As the snow melts more debris and litter is uncovered. The Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for volunteers to step up and help clean up the community. “We…

Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure in SE Minnesota

Residents are Warned About Possible Exposure

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State health officials are warning residents of southeastern Minnesota about possible exposure to measles. The Minnesota Department of Health learned this week that a non-Minnesota resident with confirmed measles traveled through Minnesota from another state. According to the department, people may have been exposed to measles on April 13 at a McDonald’s on Main Street…

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Calls for More Volunteers

Historic Railroad Rides Expected to Start in June

DULUTH, Minn. – History will be chugging down the tracks once again this summer as the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad enters its 38th season. The original LS&M built the first railroad into Duluth in the 1870s. Train rides are expected to begin June 23 and now they’re looking for volunteers. There will be a meeting discussing opportunities for new…

Out with the Snow in with the Campers

Although Buffalo Valley Campground is open year-round, its busy season is coming soon.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Buffalo Valley Campground, is open all year-round but excitement is blooming, as they prepare for the busy season. Located just 10 miles outside of Duluth, the campground is packed with Northshore adventurists. But getting blanketed with snow in late April, pushed the season back a smidge. “Mother nature threw a big monkey wrench into us this year,” campground…

Parents sue Over Child Protection Laws in Minnesota

The Civil Rights Lawsuit was Filed Tuesday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A group of parents is suing state and county child protection agencies in Minnesota, alleging children are illegally being removed from homes. The civil rights lawsuit filed Tuesday claims the state’s child protection laws are overly broad and that children are taken from their homes and placed in foster care for parental discipline, such as spanking. The…

Animal Answers: Jimmy’s Road to Recovery

Three-Year-Old Dachshund Jimmy Recently Suffered from IVDD, Intervertebral Disc Disease

DULUTH, Minn. – It can happen in the blink of an eye, one small accident or medical condition leading to a potentially life changing diagnosis. Right now, there’s a dachshund in Duluth learning this all too quickly, and now his mom is looking to spread awareness by telling Jimmy’s story. “Hi pretty boy, Jimmy Page! He’s my little buddy,” said…

Fond Du Lac College is Helping Connect Students with Local Jobs

Officials say the expo shows students other routes their degree can take them.

CLOQUET, Minn.- One local college is helping health and nursing students get a foot in the door for jobs after graduation. Fond Du Lac Community College is hosting a Nurse and Health Sciences Expo. The event brings local organizations in the industry to show students the many job opportunities in their field locally. “It’s great to have the local job fair…

Remembering the 1918 Moose Lake Fire

The Moose Lake Historical Area Society opens on May 1st.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.-The tragic fire that struck Moose Lake back in 1918 is being remembered by a new mural. Local artist Brian Olson painted the mural on the Moose Lake Area Historical Society’s walls. The mural is one of the many planned event to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the fire. “We need to be reminded what they went through, it’s…

Nephew Accused of Murdering Uncle in Carlton County

New details from authorities in what's considered Carlton County's first murder investigation in 2018.

PROGRESS TOWNSHIP, Minn.- A Bayfield man is facing charges of murder and attempted murder after a shooting in Carlton County over the weekend that involved the suspect’s uncle and cousin. Investigators believe suspect James Montano shot and killed his uncle, while also grazing his cousin with a bullet in this shootout. But a motive is still not clear. According to the criminal…