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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin says he’d like to stay elected in his position for another four years. Rubin is now in his eight year as the county’s chief prosecutor of crimes. In a Facebook post Tuesday evening, Rubin said: “One way to address unfinished work… and with gratitude for an incredibly dedicated staff… is to…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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, 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…
(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…
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…
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…
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….
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed a few extra bicyclists on the road during your commute across the Twin Ports Friday. It was all to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. It’s a common sight year round throughout many communities in the Northland; bikers strapping on helmets and raising kickstands no matter how cold it gets. “It’s a perfect…
DULUTH, Minn.-Mayor Emily Larson is honoring workers who have jumped many hurdles. The Minnesota Job Honor Awards celebrates minnesotans who overcome barriers to employment. The worker of the year goes to Telisha Madison. “The message that I want to send is even though you go through so much and you think that things are not going to go right and…
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Authorities a man was killed by a train when his mobility scooter got stuck on some railroad tracks in downtown Rochester. KTTC-TV reports witnesses told police the scooter’s wheels got stuck as the crossing gates came down and the lights activated shortly before 8 a.m. Friday. The Canadian Pacific train operator blew the whistle and hit…
ST.PAUL, Minn. (AP) – St. Paul police are investigating three recent stun gun attacks. Investigators say the first attack happened Saturday night just north of Como Park Golf Course. A man out walking was assaulted by several males with a stun gun who took his keys. Two other attacks happened Monday night. A man riding his bike was hit from…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor will investigate allegations that child care providers are stealing money from the state’s publicly funded child-subsidy program. Legislative Auditor James Nobles tells the Star Tribune his office will explore the scope of the alleged fraud and whether the Human Services Department had adequate controls to prevent it. Nobles said several lawmakers asked his office…
CANYON, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol Officers responded to a semi-truck on fire this morning on Northbound Highway 53 between Birch Road and Harris Road just South of Canyon. Reports show that the semi-truck blew a tire and became fully engulfed in flames shortly after pulling over to the shoulder of the Highway. Responding fire crews were able to extinguish…
DULUTH, Minn. -As the weather warms and more folks hit the water, several officials are reminding Northlanders to be cautious on the lake. This coming week is all about safety on the water as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week is being held from May 20-26. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor…
FOREST LAKE, Minn. (AP) – Police are working to learn the identity of a body found in some woods in Forest Lake. Authorities say a man searching for morel mushrooms found the body Thursday behind the CenturyLink building. Police Capt. Greg Weiss says officers are not looking for any suspects in the death. Weiss says he can’t comment on whether…
DULUTH, Minn.- It started out as a beautiful 80-degree day on Lake Superior, but that quickly changed. Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control. “We just proved it yesterday the weather on Lake Superior can change in two seconds,” Campbell said. The first…
DULUTH, Minn. – Autism is something many children and their families have to live with every day and it’s more common than you might think. Life with autism is a reality Amanda Keppers knows too well. She has a 16-year-old son named Chris. “Very artistic, he loves arts and crafts,” said Keppers. “He loves the mechanical pieces of anything.” You can…
DULUTH, Minn. – After operating for more than 100 years and several locations across Minnesota, Valentini’s in Duluth is expanding. Valentini’s To Go is located in downtown Duluth’s holiday center. The owner says an expansion was staring her in the face. So she’s taking over space right across from her. The former home to How Sweet It Is. “We’ve created…
DULUTH, Minn. – Life House hosted its fourth annual Celebration of Success to recognize outstanding youth. Life House supports homeless youth and has been around since 1991. The night highlights 30 young people nominated by staff who have made progress toward their personal goals. The celebration focuses on the successes of the youth that Life House staff say sometimes goes…
