Minnesota

Being Prepared During an Active Shooting

Local workers underwent how to be prepared in the workplace during an active shooting.

DULUTH, Minn.- Workers at Duluth City Hall underwent training learning what to do in case of an active shooter. Duluth Police Officers say its important to stay informed, to be prepared, and don’t be scared. All workers in the city hall building went through Thursday’s training specifcally geared towards adults. Officials say the core of the class is creating a…

Cloquet Public School District Names New Superintendent

Ken Scarbrough is the current superintendent of the Cloquet Public School District.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public School District has named it’s new superintendent. He may be a familiar face to some. Michael Cary, the current director of curriculum and instruction with Duluth Public Schools will begin his new role in July. The School Board worked with a consultant and narrowed it down to three candidates before selecting Cary. The selection…

Local Farmers and Producers Celebrate CSA Programs Friday

National CSA Day Connects Farmers and Community

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Community-supported agriculture is something many Northlanders take part in. Friday, February 23 is National CSA Day. This morning, Lake Superior CSA Manager Evan Flom and farmer Chris Duke visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of CSAs and this national day. This day gives farmers and food producers an opportunity to connect the local community with…

UMD Summit Takes Aim At Inclusion On Campus

The Commission on Race, Equity and Ethnicity sponsored the event.

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is doing what it can to create a more inclusive community. And that was this year’s theme for its 2018 summit on, Equity, Race and Ethnicity. This summit is about helping people be a part of an environment where everyone feels like they belong. That’s the Patrick Henry High School choir providing the…

The Great Cabbage Giveaway

The Food Farm has been serving the Duluth Community since 1975.

DULUTH, Minn.- One organization is helping Northlanders put locally sourced food on the table during the winter time. The Food Farm gaveaway free cabbage at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.  The Great Cabbage Giveaway gives people an opportunity to connect with the farmers who grow their food. “So often you connect with your farmer through the food you eat, which is great,” Food…

Duluth Police Department K-9s Receive Body Armor

Each vest is fitted for the individual dog.

DULUTH, Minn – Two Duluth Police Department K–9s have been wearing body armor for a while now. Two more of its K–9s received new body armor too. Riggs and Haas are now getting use to their bullet and stab protective vests. Riggs is a German Shepherd and will be working with the tactical response team. His handler Officer Dean Bauers…

The Curling Effect

Curling equipment is flying off the shelves while the Winter Olympics are going.

DULUTH, Minn.-During the Winter Olympics curling spectators can watch at home, sparking newcomers and experienced curlers to give the sport a try. All you really need are shoes and a broom. More advanced curlers suit up in stretch pants, gloves and a helmet.  The Lakeside Curling Supplies Shop has it all, including the same broom as team U.S.A “The curlers…

Pet Program Helping UMD Students With Stress

Animal Allies, UMD Employee Health and Wellness Program, KUMD and other organizations sponsor the Pet Away Worry and Stress Program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miniature horses, dogs and cats all made a visit to University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) for a Pet Away Worry and Stress Program. The event happens once a month on campus. It’s said to help students relieve some stress from all of their studying. Students say wellness and health isn’t just a physical thing, it’s mental as well. “Mental health is…

Two Level 3 Predatory Offenders Moving to Hibbing

Public Notification Meeting to be held tomorrow, February 22, 2018 at 6 PM.

ROYCE ANTHONY DRIFT TIMOTHY DAVID PAIGE HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department will be holding a Community Notification Meeting tomorrow, February 22, 2018 at 6 PM.  The meeting will be held in the Little Theater located on the lower level of the Hibbing Memorial Building 400 East 23rd Street. This meeting is to inform the public that two Level…

Twin Cities Students Walk Out of School in Support of Gun Control

Walkouts Happening in Response to Florida High School Shooting

FROM FOX 9 FROM FOX 9, our sister station in Minneapolis MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-High school students in Minneapolis are walking out today to protest gun violence following the recent high school shooting in Florida. Since the shooting that left 17 people dead at a high school in Parkland, Fla., students across the nation have been staging protests demanding lawmakers pass gun…

Marshall Students Volunteer After Snow Leaves Many Stuck at Home

Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are Marshall students lending a helping hand after snow storm

DULUTH, Minn. – Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are 8th-grade students at Duluth’s Marshall School, and they have a passion for helping others. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping people out and giving them more chances to get out of their houses,” Orn said. The girls are working on a school project – one that puts them right in…

UMD Police Department Host Active Shooter Training Session

UMD Police DEpartment hosts this training session at least once a year to keep faculty and staff updated

DULUTH, Minn. –  UMD faculty and staff underwent an active shooter training session on Tuesday. The UMD Dolice Department hosts this training session at least once a year to keep UMD faculty and staff updated on ways to stay safe should a shooter do harm on campus. “Us as a police department, this is something that we plan for, something…

Historic Homes In Duluth May Be Like New Again With New Housing Program

The Council will wait and see how this program turns out before moving forward.

DULUTH, Minn. – Renovating old homes in Duluth is getting easier thanks to a new pilot program. The Duluth City Council has approved launching the program by waiving building permit fees for qualifying properties. Most of the eligible properties for the program are in Duluth’s Hillside, Endion and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. If homeowners meet certain criteria they can earn 50…

Electric Vehicles Hit the Floor at Energy Design Conference & Expo

Some electric vehicles can be fully charged in about 30 minutes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Day two of the Energy Design Conference & Expo in Duluth went into high gear with electric vehicles on display at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Inside of the electrification of transportation room were four fully electric and three plug in hybrid vehicles. From a Tesla to a Chevy Volt, these electric powered vehicles may be just what you need if…

Minnesota Power Customers See Increase On Electricity Bill

Renewable Energy Projects in Works for Minnesota Power

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a customer of Minnesota Power your electricity bill might be going up a bit. The Citizens Utility Board held a public hearing in Duluth to share the reasons behind the increase. Right now customers are seeing a five percent interim rate increase. Minnesota Power told us that increase will sit at about three and a half percent by the…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Officials Seek New Conductors

Conductor Classes are Open at All

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the history and legacy of the North Shore Scenic Railroad now is your chance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is always looking for more volunteers, and now they’re looking for new conductors. Railroad officials are holding a series of classes for those interested in the task. They are starting up…

28th Annual Energy Design Conference & Expo Is Back at the DECC

There will also be mini-sessions at the conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a place to learn about the latest and greatest in energy efficient building. The Energy Design Conference & Expo started today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth. The three day conference put on by Minnesota Power also covers sustainable designs, renewable energy and best practices. “Building smart is the right way to go….

Community gym gives children and families a place to play

The Duluth Heights Community Center offers a wide open space for kids of all ages to play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heights Community Center is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, for children and their families to come have a free and safe place to play, with toys and a big open space. Its open to children of all ages, which volunteers say is a good way to develop social skills. “It’s fun…

North Branch Mayor Joins Race For 8th Congressional District

Kennedy is a single mother of five and has a masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The list of candidates vying for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 8th Congressional District seat is getting longer. North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy is among those seeking the DFL nomination. After speaking to her family, Kennedy says this is the right time to run. When asked how can she represent people that live so far away from her North…

Northalnders dig way out of snow as it falls

Kevin Bowditch actually likes it

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snow piling up pretty nicely, people have been shoveling away on this President’s Day. Digging out, clearing pathways, all common as the snow just hasn’t let up for some. And for Northlander Kevin Bowditch, it’s no big thing. He actually likes all this snow. “It’s just kind of something to do. I enjoy shoveling. Always…

U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Polling Place Attire

A Minnesota ban on political attire could be overturned by the Supreme Court later this month.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Like a number of states, Minnesota bars voters from wearing political items to the polls to reduce the potential for confrontations or voter intimidation. But that could change. The Supreme Court will consider a challenge to the state’s law on Feb. 28.  This case could affect other states, too. Wen Fa, a lawyer with the Pacific Legal…

Lawmakers Gear Up For the Upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session

The legislative session lasts for three months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 20. is the first day of the Minnesota’s 2018 Legislative Session in St. Paul and area lawmakers are ready to address everything from housing, healthcare to gun control. A lot is at stake for Minnesota’s 90th Legislative Session. Gov. Mark Dayton’s $1.5 billion proposal is among topics to be discussed. Proposed bonding projects in the Northland include…

Dog Sled Classic “Iron Will” Returns to the Northland

Two main train characters in the movie, Car Northland and Steam Engine were on display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Depot in Duluth hosted a special movie viewing event on this President’s Day. It was the 1994 winter dog sled classic movie “Iron Will” being shown. “Iron Will” is based on a true story and was filmed right here in the Northland. Junior musher Julia Cross recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The…

Yeti Tour Promoting Awareness for Healthy Babies

The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland woman is making it her personal mission to promote healthy babies. Kelly Alvar began the Yeti Tour to honor her sons that passed away. The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality. The top prize for this year’s raffle was an Arctic…

Lucky Charms Introduces Unicorn Marshmallow

The white unicorn confection will be first new marshmallow in nearly 10 years.

To some, dreams can come true. According to General Mills, the white unicorn with blue and purple accents is the first based on input from children.Golden Valley, Minn. – A unicorn is now the most recent addition to Lucky Charms’ marshmallow lineup.  General Mills has been producing Lucky Charms for over 50 years.  The oat and marshmallow cereal has seen…

Key Players Shape Minnesota Legislative Agenda

Priorities clash between Gov. Dayton and top Repulicans while DFL members buck Fischbach's dualing roles

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – All 201 legislators will soon return to the Minnesota Capitol, but three men and one woman will play a big role in setting the Legislature’s course. The Legislature reconvenes Tuesday for a three-month session with plenty of work to do. Gov. Mark Dayton has set the tone entering session with his own priorities like curbing…

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…