Minnesota

19-Year-Old Mankato Woman Missing

Woman Was Last Seen Feb. 7 in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn.-Mankato authorities are looking for a 19-year-old woman who was last seen Feb. 7 in Mankato. Morgan Stolee was last seen when she left work at Domino’s at about 10 p.m. that night. She is about five feet, four inches tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes, and she drives a purple 2011…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

Finnish Culture to be Highlighted at Annual Event this Weekend

2018 Kalevala Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Finnish culture is being celebrated through an annual event. The 2018 Kalevala Day Celebration is taking place on Sunday, February 25. The fun starts up at 1:00 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church located at 2720 Myers Ave. in Duluth. There will be a bake sale, live music and a program by Jim Pellman. Categories:…

The 2018 Polar Plunge Makes A Big Splash For Special Olympics Minnesota

The FOX 21 News Team also took the Polar Plunge and raised more than $4,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day that many people have been waiting for finally happened, the 2018 Polar Plunge in Duluth. The 2018 polar plunge made a big splash in Duluth. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Minnesota. Tt brought out veteran plungers and rookies too. “I think it’s great, because I’m from Wisconsin and we don’t make a…

Recalling the Cheers from Old Central High

Duluthian Barbara Burud was Once a Cheerleader at Old Central High School in Duluth; to this Day, She Continues to Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting events happen every day with players and fans gathering to see who will win the game, but we often forget about the choreographed athletes on the sidelines. One local woman has never stopped recalling the cheers from her time at old Central High School in Duluth. “That’s the old chimes from Central,” said former cheerleader Barbara…

Michelle Lee Kicks Officially Announces Campaign for 8th Congressional District

Congressman Rick Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news anchor Michelle Lee officially made her campaign announcement for the 8th Congressional District. Lee and some of her supporters were at Fon du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet. She says her 30 years of covering the news will help her focus on the issues like gun control, mining and education. “I will go to…

Local Veteran Hopes For A New Way to Experience the Outdoors

The Action Trackchair gives people with limited mobility the freedom to do things on their own.

DULUTH, Minn. – The man you’re about to meet is a veteran that served his country and suffered a serious injury. But he hasn’t given up and is trying to get a piece of his old life back. Jim Vandenheuvel is at the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic with one thing on his mind. The Army National Guard veteran suffered…

Volunteers Give Damiano Center A Facelift

Home Depot donated painting supplies and Zenith Bookstore will donate books.

DULUTH, Minn. – A fresh coat of paint can go a long way and the kids kitchen at the Damiano Center in Duluth is getting a new look because of it. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began phase one of a three part project. The renovations are part of the Leadership Duluth Program giving back to the community. The…

Snowmobile Season Picking Up on the North Shore

Snowmobilers Say Trails Are Well Groomed

FINLAND, Minn. – Snowmobile season is picking up along the North Shore. Snowmobilers tell us the trails are well groomed and, after a slow start to the season, winter sports tourists are flocking to businesses across Northern Minnesota. “Summer is good but if we have an equally as good winter, that’s twice as good of business. So, yes, it’s important…

Study Reveals Disparities For Minority and Women Owned Businesses in the State

The study did find some disparities for women and minority owned businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota and eight local government agencies are examining how they can level the playing field for minority and women owned businesses. The purpose of the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study is to take a closer look at whether minority and women owned firms face discrimination and ways to address it. Results of the study were…

Little Hands Big Hearts Spreading Awareness in the Northland

The newborn center at St. Luke's is giving away adorable winter gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- February is National Heart Month and St. Luke’s Hospital is spreading awareness with an adorable program. Every baby born this month is given a hand knit red hat. The campaign Little Hats Big Hearts aims to spread awareness for the variety of resources available for congenital heart defects in infants. “Very rewarding just to know that there’s other…

Preparing for the Polar Plunge

Volunteers are busy setting up in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.-Friday volunteers were busy working in Canal Park setting up for the long awaited Polar Plunge. Although we’ve been talking a lot about the weather and chilly temperatures, the most important topic are the kids benefiting from the fundraiser. “You’re giving people opportunities that they might not otherwise have,” Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm said. “It’s a great time.” Even…

Essentia Health Needs Hospice Volunteers

Essentia Health will have hospice training in March.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Caregivers Day and for some being a caregiver is a calling. If you are one of those people Essentia Health in Duluth is asking for your help. The medical center needs more hospice volunteers. Essentia Health is looking for compassionate people willing to dedicate some of their time helping someone else with different needs like…

Joseph Nease Gallery features “Sweep” Exhibition

Display Shows Work of Contemporary Artists

DULUTH, Minn. – A new exhibition of artwork at a local gallery is showing a range of contemporary painters. Joseph Nease Gallery is currently featuring “Sweep”. “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters, presenting new or recent artwork by all of the painters currently represented by the Gallery, as well as an equal number…

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visits Duluth Boat Show

Foundation Focuses on Conservation

DULUTH, Minn. – An exhibit new to the Duluth area is now on display at the 52nd Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s traveling conservation exhibit showcases some of the largest bull elk from across North America. The RMEF’S Great Elk Tour celebrates elk, conservation, and hunting heritage. The event is taking place…

Superior Wants Kestrel Aircraft to Pay Up

These loans date back to 2012.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kestrel Aircraft was supposed to bring a big economic boom to the city of Superior promising hundreds of new jobs. So far Kestrel has not built its planned manufacturing plant in the community. Now the Superior City Council is asking the company to pay up. City Council President Dan Olson says Kestrel defaulted on a $2.4 million…

Experts Share How to Speak to Children In the Wake of Tragedy

Seventeen people were killed in the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

DULUTH, Minn. – The safety and well being of all students is something area school districts take seriously. Even though the mass shooting in Florida happened far away, students in the Northland can still have a hard time coping. With their sense of security when events like this occur. As difficult as this topic may be experts say it’s an important conversation to…

Organizations Concerned for Future of Great Lakes Funding

The White House's proposed budget plan would cut $30 million to $300 million dollars in GLRI funding.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local organizations are concerned on how the Great Lakes will be kept clean and for the future of job for the workers involved in the various projects for many years. The White House’s proposed budget plan cuts funding From the Great Lakes Restoration Innitiative. The GLRI It helps fund universities, state, and federal agencies. The GLRI launched in 2010 with…

CHUM Community Hosts Legislative Send-off

The next legislative session starts Feb. 19.

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth opened its doors for a legislative sendoff. The meeting was with elected state representatives to inform them of issues CHUM says matter the most to them. “Often the needs of people who are homeless are not heard. So we can really work for affordable housing and make sure that there’s bonding…

UMD Closes Ice Rink After Mold Is Found

About 90 percent of UMD students take part in recreation and outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink in the Sports and Health Center on the University Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus is closed after mold was found in the ceiling tiles last week. The closed area covers about 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. “The type of mold that we found is the most common organism in the outdoor environment during the spring…

Polar Plungers to Dive into Frigid Lake Superior Saturday

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge Supports Special Olympics Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of brave souls will be jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Superior this weekend and it’s all for a good cause. The Duluth Polar Bear Plunge, benefitting Special Olympics Minnesota, is Saturday. “Special Olympics athletes, just in our area, we have a few hundred people. There’s 8,000 in the state and they range anywhere from…

1998 Tornado Causes Missing Bell Mystery

Historians are one step closer to uncovering the origin of a 132-year-old bell in St. Peter, MN.

Photo by Jackson Forderer (Courtesy: Mankato Free Press)ST. PETER, Minn. (AP) – History experts in southern Minnesota are investigating the possibility that a large bell anonymously left at a historic site in the state a few years ago is the same one that once hung in St. Peter’s history center. The Mankato Free Press reports that the 132-year-old brass object…

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge is Saturday

Plungers Dive into Lake Superior for Good Cause

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend hundreds of people will be jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Superior all for a good cause. The Duluth Polar Bear Plunge is taking place on Saturday, February 17. The annual dive ito the lake raises money for Special Olympics Minnesota. Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm says Minnesota has one of the biggest Special…

UMD Students to Perform with Orchestra

17th Annual Student Competition Concert

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week musicians at UMD will be performing in the 17th Annual Student Competition Concert. This is taking place on Wednesday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Weber Music Hall. Tickets can be purchased by calling 218-726-8877, or by visiting tickets.umn.edu. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Orchestra, UMD, UMD Orchestra,…

Lake Superior College Has An Issue With Leaking Roofs

School administrators say a lot of the updates have been put off for too long.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whenever it rains, water leaks into offices at Lake Superior College in Duluth. That’s one reason the college is included on Gov. Dayton’s proposed bonding bill list for $6 million dollars in funding. Many buildings on campus are state of the art, but have been built around older buildings that are almost 60 years old. School administrators…

Preparing Restaurants for Valentines Day

The New Scenic Cafe receives some reservations a year in advance.

DULUTH, Minn.- Its Valentine’s Day which for some means taking your partner out for a bite to eat, making it a busy day in the kitchen for Northland eateries. The New Scenic Cafe says they stock up on over %50 more food and ingredients than usual for Valentine’s Day. To honor couples that can’t celebrate on a week night the…

Experiencing the Outdoors, Inside at the Boat Show

The boat show offers many of unique displays.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the warm weather outside and the new boats inside, the Boat Show is a great place to create your summer wish list. From fishing boats, speed boats, to kayaks the show offers a wide selection if you’re looking for a new summer ride. Sadly you can’t test drive the boats this week but show includes many interactive…

The Duluth Downtown Waterfront District Is In A Giving Mood

Duluth Downtown Waterfront District gave out the candy from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – People passing through the Holiday Center in downtown Duluth were in for a treat on this Valentine’s Day. They received candy hearts as they walked through the Skywalk. It’s a way for the Duluth Downtown Waterfront District Clean and Safe Team to show its gratitude. The candy had a special message on it that reads: we love…

Northland Florists Busy On Valentine’s Day

A recent national survey showed consumers are expected to spend an average $143 on Valentine's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for florists. Here in the Northland it’s no different. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Duluth saw its first customer at 6:30 a.m. The most popular purchase has been roses. Engwall employees tell us they didn’t receive too many crazy requests this year. People have been sticking…

Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy Celebrates Reading Month

Students from many grade levels went outside to cheer on their classmates.

DULUTH, Minn. -Students at Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy had a special race. Feb. is I Love to Read Month and students have been learning about the history of John Beargrease and the Iditarod. They’re honoring John Beargrease with sled-less dog races. Fifth graders took it outdoors and made their way down the trails. “It builds wonderful teamwork…

Governor Dayton Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Opioid Abuse

Opioid overdose deaths increased 66% between 2010 and 2016 - noticeable spike in St. Louis County.

Opioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically in recent years – increasing 66 percent between 2010 and 2016. Prescription opioids continue to be the most common cause of opioid overdose deaths. In 2016, there were 194 prescription opioid overdose deaths. Heroin-involved overdose death and synthetic opioids deaths also have seen a significant increase. There were 150 heroin involved deaths in 2016,…

Mac and The Big Cheese Bring Funny Flavor to Cooking Show

Comedy Duo will be Presenting at Duluth Sports Show

DULUTH, Minn. – The 52nd Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show is starting up in Duluth Wednesday. The show runs through Sunday, Feb. 18 at The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. There is not a lack of entertainment and information to take in at the show. A presentation you won’t want to miss is with Mac and The Big…

Money Raised for Large Animal Net Gun After Duluth Snare Incident

Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth has Received a Generous Donation to Purchase a Large Animal Net Gun

DULUTH, Minn. – Just days after a wolf had to be shot and killed in Duluth due to a snare being wrapped around its mouth, animal activists are questioning how this could have ended differently. “It’s not unusual and how many of them we don’t see that die in the woods,” said Farzad Farr, Director of Wildwoods. For many it’s…

Fat Tuesday Sweets Help Fund Summer Camp

Eating household sweets on Fat Tuesday has been a longtime tradition.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Men of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Duluth are serving up pancakes for dinner Tuesday night. In the past families would cook up all their household sweets, into pancakes, as a fat Tuesday tradition. The congregation is coming together for their Mardi Gras celebration. “What we’ve turned it into is we’ve taken that pancake tradition supper and…

Local Pub Serves Up New Orleans Cuisine

Carmody Irish Pub wants to celebrate Mardi Gras the traditional way in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- One local pub in downtown Duluth is serving up free food creole style. Carmody Irish Pub located on E. Superior St. will be boiling up the traditional New Orleans crawfish all Tuesday night long. They’ll even teach you how to eat the popular craw fish. “When the chef brings it in they just, they’ll elbow you out of…

Duluth Passes Flavored Tobacco Ban; Local Business Leaders React

City Ordinance Restricts Flavored Tobacco Sales to Eighteen-Plus Smoke Shops

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has voted. Starting this June, the sale of flavored tobacco products will be banned from convenience stores throughout Duluth. Seven of the nine city councilors voted in favor of the ban, saying it’s a step in the right direction when it comes to the health of kids. Others strongly believe the ordinance will…

Valentine’s Day Gift Option: Tech Gadets

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is just a day away, so if you’re still searching for a gift you’re in luck. Tayler Miller, a Solutions Specialist for Verizon Wireless, says some technology gifts are a great option. Google Home Mini: $49.99 Google Chromecast Ultra: $69.99 Case-Mate Phone Accessories: $79.99 Fitbit Ionic: $269.99 Verizon Wireless is located at 2112 Maple Grove…

UMD Students to Perform in Annual Bands Concert

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the musical talents of UMD students will be on display for the Annual Bands Concert. During the concert, two bands, The UMD Concert Band, which is made up of primarily non-music music majors, and the UMD Symphonic Wind Ensemble, perform. Mark Whitlock, the Director of Bands, Trombone and Graduate Studies visited FOX 21 to discuss…

Traveling Exhibits Offer Glance at Formation of St. Louis County

Northland Uncovered: St. Louis County Historical Society Traveling Exhibits

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Historical Society is filled with stories of all the different cultures that have passed through and immigrated to the area. Now, historical society officials are hoping to share those stories with the Northland. The historical society has 16 traveling exhibits available for rent. Any organization can borrow them from schools and churches to…

New Coffee Shop Offers “Common Ground” in Cloquet

Common Ground Coffee Bar and Deli Invites People of all Ages, Race and Ethicity to Gather for Friendship, Games, Entertainment

CLOQUET, Minn. – When it comes to getting a cup of coffee we’re often in a rush, heading through the drive thru looking to grab and go. However, creators of a new coffee shop and deli in the City of Cloquet are looking to bring people together, creating common ground. “I think as a culture we’ve kind of gotten away…

Amnesty International Delegation Visits Duluth to Talk Mining Safety

Group Discussed 2014 Mount Polley Copper Mine Disaster in Canada

DULUTH, Minn. – A delegation from Amnesty International was in Duluth Monday sharing their experiences from the 2014 Mount Polley Copper Mine disaster in British Columbia, Canada. The delegation also met with local leaders to discuss the future of mining. They’re helping to lead a discussion about what regulations are being put in place to ensure safety if the proposed…

Garrison Keillor Plaque Removed from University of Minnesota

"Fine by me. Do I have to return my B.A.?" - Garrison Keillor

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota has removed a plaque from the Scholars Walk honoring former Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor.  The Scholars Walk is a monument on the university campus that pays tribute to notable faculty and alumni.  It was constructed between 2004 and 2006 and features Rhodes Scholars, as well as Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners….

MN Psychological Association Takes Nominations for Healthy Workplace Awards

MN Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Psychological Association’s Annual Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards competition is now taking nominations and applications. Nominations for the awards program are open through Feb. 16. The awards program recognizes organizations that make a commitment to programs and policies that foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance and productivity. To enter, all companies need to…

Duluth Flower Farm Offers Valentine’s Day Arrangements

Duluth Flower Farm Takes on Valentine's Day for the First Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is just two days away and if you haven’t purchased a gift for your sweetheart yet, you’re in luck. Duluth Flower Farm is providing Valentine’s Day flowers for the first time. The program is featuring Minnesota-grown flowers. The Duluth Flower Farm is offering eight arrangements to choose from and is providing free delivery. To purchase…

UMD Students Create Art to Support Duluth NAACP

Coffee Conversation: Freedom Fund Dinner

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth NAACP’s upcoming Freedom Fund Dinner is getting some support from UMD graphic design students. Those students are designing pieces to be sold as a fundraiser for the Duluth NAACP at the annual Freedom Fund Dinner. This is taking place on Friday, Feb. 23. There will be an art show from 5 – 6 p.m. and…

Enjoying the Partially Frozen Lake Superior

According to Minnesota DNR the ice needs to be four inches thick to be walked on.

DULUTH, Minn.-  There are 1.5 million issued fishing licenses in Minnesota, according to Explore Minnesota %10 of license holding anglers are ice fishers. Before grabbing your fishing rod and tackle box, you need to make sure it’s safe. According to the Minnesota DNR ice needs to be at least four inches thick. Right now parts of Lake Superior have favorable…

Kids Compete In Martial Arts Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- A competition held in Duluth Sunday brought in participants from four years old to sixty years old. The Spirit of the Arts Winter Tournament is a marshal arts competition. The sport has many benefits, including balance and self control. Competitors travel from as far as Canada to be on the mat in Duluth. “It’s kind like a big…

Volunteers Clean up Local Park with Bonfire Bash

Volunteers are clearing out honeysuckle brush and buckthorn.

DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers held a bonfire bash with aims to help reach a $10,000 grant to improve Norton Park. The Duluth Invasive Species Red Rapid Respone team is helping make Norton Park an enjoyable place for everyone. Friday the clean up crew burned the collected invasive brush inviting volunteers to lend a hand and warm up by the fire. “We have…

Vote On Flavored Tobacco Ordinance Expected By Monday

Under the Ordinance Customers Would Still be Able to Buy Flavored Tobacco Products from Adult Only Smoke Shops

DULUTH, Minn. – The issues with the restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco products inside Northland convenient stores isn’t going away anytime soon. Several local retailers are standing united and are against the city council approving this ordinance. Today they made one last effort before the council make its decision. Inside the Snyder’s Drug Store in Duluth local retailers…

Rep. Nolan Retirement Announcement Surprises Northland

Many Candidates Have Announced Running for the 8th District Congressional Seat

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s 8th District Congressional Representative Rick Nolan announced he’s retiring at the end of his term and will not be a candidate for re-election. Rep. Rick Nolan has spent 16 years in elective office devoting a lot of time to Minnesota. In a statement released Friday Nolan says there’s a time and a purpose for everything and now is the…