Minnesota

Downtown Duluth May Have Another Million Dollar Housing Project

CityView Flats would be a three to four story building.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing development is in the works in Central Hillside. This Monday council members will decide whether to approve an $800,000 grant to support the development. The proposed $20 million project would be located at 1st Avenue West and 4th Street. Right now most of the property is a parking lot, but it could be the future site of a…

Tigers at Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone Enjoy the Snow

Big cats take adavantage of cold weather and destroy snowmen

Sandstone, Minn – Rescued tigers play like kittens at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone.  Check out this video sent to us by Executive Director and Founder, Tammy Thies. This style of rough-housing may give some “paws,” but the tigers seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The goal of the non-profit is providing a natural sanctuary to wildcats that cannot live in…

Unemployment Rates Lowest They’ve Been in Minnesota in 17 Years

Unemployment Rate at 3.1 Percent in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota unemployment rate has reached a 17-year low of 3.1 percent, with jobs growing in the Duluth-Superior area by 2.1 percent in the last year. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development released those figures today noting that the unemployment rate has been cut in half, compared to seven years ago. “Minnesota’s economy has greatly improved…

Catering By Bellisio’s Cooks up Savory Pasta Dish

Cooking Connection: Pasta from Heaven

DULUTH, Minn. – During the winter months, a savory dish is always a great dinner choice. Bellisio’s in Canal Park offers many meals that fit that bill. For this week’s Cooking Connection, the Executive Chef of Catering By Bellisio’s, Eric Denney, showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make Penne from Heaven. PENNE FROM HEAVEN Heat olive oil in pan…

Arc Minnesota Supports Northlanders with Disabilities Searching for New Careers

“Taking Control of Your Employment Future”

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday afternoon Arc Minnesota is offering Northlanders with disabilities a chance to get insight on succeeding in a new career. A national speaker, Bob Niemic, will be presenting. Niemic has traveled around the country to discuss ways people with disabilities can find employment that matches their interests. The session will be from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in…

Government Shutdown Could Happen This Week If Agreement Isn’t Reached

The Republicans control both the House and Senate.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congress has a lot of work to do with the possibility of a government shutdown hanging in the balance. The last time there was a government shutdown like that the year was 2013. History may repeat itself if an agreement isn’t reached by Friday. A government shutdown can delay services or anything that people receive from the federal…

Fly Tying Classes at Great Lakes Fly Shop

Learn how to tie your own flies for spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Being that it’s winter, the only kind of fishing there is to do is through a hole in the ice.  But that’s not stopping some fishing enthusiasts from thinking about spring time. Great Lakes Fly Shop in Duluth offers fly tying classes furring the winter months, helping fly fishing fans learn the craft of tying their own…

Growing Season Sprouts at Engwall’s

Spring Officially Begins on March 20, but the Staff at Engwall's are Already Ordering, Planting and Watering

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still a little over two months away from the official start of spring, but when temperatures plummet as low as they have been, it’s hard not to think of warmer weather. Spring in the northern hemisphere begins on Tuesday, March 20, and one business in the Northland is already growing more and more excited….

Proud Parents Root For Their Son To Play In the Super Bowl

C.J. Ham graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 2011.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last Sunday the Minnesota Vikings miracle win over the New Orleans Saints kept them alive in the playoffs. It also means Duluth’s very own C.J. Ham has more football to play this season. His parents Tina and Cortez work in Duluth and they are still excited about that big win. The Ham’s believe C.J. was destined to play in the NFL and watching…

Harley the Cat Looks for a Forever Home

Harley was Featured as Pet of the Week; He's 12-Years-Old and is Located at Animal Allies Humane Society in Dultuh

DULUTH, Minn. – Meet Harley! Harley is 12-years-old and was featured as Pet of the Week on FOX 21 Local News at 7 Wednesday morning. When arriving at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, Harley was diabetic. After losing a few pounds, obtaining proper medications and eating right, he is no longer diabetic. Now, Harley is looking for his new…

Twin Ports Women’s March to Fill Duluth Street this Weekend

Feminist Action Collective Advocates for Women's Rights

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, millions of women marched around the country advocating for women’s rights. This effort was also present in Duluth. This weekend, that sight will be seen again as men and women fill the street for the cause. The Feminist Action Collective is hosting the 2nd Annual Twin Ports Women’s March on Saturday, January 20. The day…

Minnesota Supreme Court: Order to Unlock Phone With Fingerprint Constitutional

Case Was Connected to Burglary Where Man Was Required by Judge to Unlock Phone With Fingerprint

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that a judge’s order requiring a man to provide his fingerprint to unlock his cellphone was constitutional and didn’t violate his right against self-incrimination. Wednesday’s decision comes in the case of Matthew Diamond, who wanted burglary and theft convictions overturned in connection with a 2014 robbery in Chaska. Diamond’s attorney argued the district…

Preparing for the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say the trail is in ideal condition for the marathon.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-  It’s the longest sled dog race in the country outside of Alaska and the 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is coming up next weekend. Back in the late 1800’s John Beargrease and his brothers would travel from Duluth to Thunder Bay Ontario delivering mail. John became known for using sled dogs and is…

New Restaurant Opening Downtown Two Harbors

'McQuade's Pub and Grill' Will Use Locally Sourced Ingredients

TWO HARBORS, Minn. –  The owner of McQuade’s Herbs, Spices and More in Two Harbors is working on a new project spicing up a bar formally known as The Pub. Frank McQuade is transforming the vacant bar into McQuade’s Pub and Grill, which aims to open in February. The restaurant will offer a lunch menu with sandwiches and burgers, and full-course…

Hundreds March in MLK Tribute

The march shows there is no room for hate in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- People around the nation are honoring Martin Luther King Jr. The Duluth NAACP Chapter is continuing the Birth of a New Nation, the theme for a series of events honoring MLK in the Twin Ports.  Its become a Northland tradition for people of all ages and races to march through down town Duluth in unity on MLK day. “We’re…

Semi Crashes into School Hurting Four People Including Three Kids

Semi Crashes Through Wall of Elementary School

Minnesota State Troopers along with Lyle firefighters at the scene of a semi that collided with the west side of Lyle Public School Tuesday morning in Lyle. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com. Courtesy Austin Daily HeraldLYLE, Minn.-A semitrailer truck veered off a highway and crashed through the wall of an elementary school in southern Minnesota, injuring four people including two children in a…

Pawlenty Says no to Senate Bid for Franken’s Seat

Pawlenty was the Former Governor of Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he won’t run this year for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democrat Al Franken. The two-term Republican governor and one-time presidential candidate had considered a bid in the weeks since Franken resigned due to sexual misconduct allegations. Pawlenty’s fundraising prowess and deep connections made him a prized recruit for Republicans who…

Gov. Dayton Releases Bonding Bill Proposal

Multiple Northland Projects Are on The List, While Others Are Not in the Bill for Now

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A new public works bonding proposal has been issued by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. The bill calls for $1.5 billion to be spent on a variety of projects throughout the state, creating an estimated 23,000 jobs. Much of the funding would go toward higher education, along with repairing infrastructure, and other state buildings. More than $542 million would…

Duluth Celebrates the Season with New Winter-Themed Event

Cold Front February Kicks Off with Frigid Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is celebrating the season with a brand new winter-themed event. Cold Front February will last throughout the month, but the first weekend, February 1-4, will be full of fun to kick-off the celebration. This will all focus on the Canal Park and Lake Place Park area of Duluth. Senior City Planner Steven Robertson…

BoomTown Opens Only Commercial Brewery on the Iron Range

BoomTown Brewery in Hibbing Already Offers Several Beers

HIBBING, Minn. – For the first time in many years, beer is being brewed on Minnesota’s Iron Range. BoomTown WoodFire opened in Eveleth back in 2015 offering what the owners call “comfort food with a twist.” Now, there’s a new BoomTown located in Hibbing, and this one includes the only commercial brewery on the Iron Range. “I think it’s kind…

Jersey Sales Spike After Vikings Win

The Minnesota Vikings Beat the New Orleans Saints, Advancing Minnesota to Play to Eagles

DULUTH, Minn. – Local sports retailers are seeing a spike in sales. The staff at Pro Image at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth say customers were coming in right away when they opened their doors at 10 a.m. The store’s manager says jersey sales for players Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are on the rise, so much so, the…

Northland Foundation Grants Help Fund After School Programs

A total of 37 grants are being given out in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.-  After–school programs and in–school enrichment across Northeastern Minnesota are receiving funding from the Northland Foundation. One of the largest grants is going to CHUM, totaling $50,000. Overall the Northland Foundation is giving out over $507,000 worth of grants to 37 non–profits and schools. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is receiving $20,000. The money is going towards the Teen Core…

Saturday Morning Races Aim to Keep Kids Active

Coffee Conversation: Saturday Morning at the Races

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon may be six months away, but that isn’t stopping some events from starting up to prepare for the big day. The Young Athletes Foundation is offering free youth races on Saturday mornings. The races are for children 14 and under. The next event is Saturday, January 20 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the Ward…

Duluth March and Rally to Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Duluth Events Recognize MLK Day

DULUTH, Minn. – In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some Northlanders are taking to the streets to respect the Civil Rights leader. This morning, a march and rally are being held in recognition of the holiday. The march begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Washington Center at 310 N 1st Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806. The group will…

How to Become a Curling Umpire

Students will officiate the upcoming national tournaments in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two national championship curling tournaments are coming to Duluth. Preparations are underway for the big event. This weekend volunteers are being trained to be a curling official. “Curling is becoming a much more popular sport,” deputy national instructor Randy Czarnetzki said. Curling is rated one of the highest streamed sports, during the past two Olympics. “There are more curling…

Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Thissen Visits Duluth

Thissen wants to focus on healthcare, childcare and affordable education

DULUTH, Minn. –  Another candidate or Minnesota governor has thrown his hat into the ring for the DFL.  Paul Thissen is a former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who also served as a DFL Minority Leader. He made a stop through Duluth on Sunday to talk about his bid to become the next Minnesota governor. “I’ve been in…

Youth Nation Brings Community Together

The theme of the event, on the road to freedom.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Youth Nation helped many in the Twin Ports remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of equality, peace, and love. “Our youth are very important,” Youth Nation planning committee member Jara McLarren said. “They’re the next generation and I think it’s important to highlight that and show them that the community supports them.” On the road to freedom, is…

Surprise Engagement during Duluth Wedding Show

The two runway models are now a bride and groom to be.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 30th annual Duluth Wedding Show helps brides decide which gown they want to wear when they walking down the aisle. The runway highlights nearly 100 different dresses. The DECC is packed full of future brides and grooms, snapping photos, and cheering on their favorites. The event helps the happy couples decide on everything from the groom men’s…

Path Blazers Snowmobile Club Looks for Volunteers

President Jodi Olson Says he has Noticed a Decrease in Riders Throughout his Years on the Trails

HIBBING, Minn. – If you’re looking to stay busy this winter and want to get outdoors, the Path Blazers Snowmobile Club on the Iron Range could use your help. The local snowmobile club is responsible for grooming roughly 80 miles of trails. Club President Jodi Olson says nearly 60 families are a part of the organization. This number has decreased in…

Preparations Underway for Annual Wedding Show

The wedding show is a one stop shop for couples looking to tie the knot.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Happy couples getting ready to tie the knot can check some things off the to do list with the help of one local event going on Saturday. The 30th annual Duluth Wedding Show is happening at the DECC on Saturday. On Friday vendors loaded up gowns décor and much more setting up for the event. Officials say it’s…

Staying Safe and Active in the Cold

How to keep your furry friend and you warm in the winter.

DULUTH, Minn.- These cold temperatures are just another Minnesota winter, which can’t stop you from mountain biking and cross country skiing. Eve Graves is a specialist about the cold and gave us the low down of what to do in low temperatures. Eve’s first tip is to use a device called Lung Plus, it’s a winter breathing solution. You place…

Rhythm and Hues Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Spirit

The event featured a dinner, music and spoken word performances

DULUTH, Minn. – Peace United Church of Christ played host to the Rhythm and Hues event on Friday. The free event is part of a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It kicked off with a dinner and lead into a night of live music and spoken word performances, featuring artists who have made contributions in the fight for equal…

University of Minnesota Duluth Facing Budget Cuts

The chancellor unit will also see budget cuts.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) will start the next fiscal year a little differently after  facing a nearly six million dollar budget deficit. UMD’s solution is to follow a deficit reduction model which is meant to get the school back on track within five years. UMD plans on a six hundred thousand dollar reduction for the…

The 23rd Annual St. Luke’s Icebreaker Invitational Comes Back to Duluth

The tournament was held at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Youth hockey girls from Illinois, Canada and the Twin Ports are hitting the ice at the 23rd Annual St. Luke’s Icebreaker Invitational in Duluth. More than 60 teams and 900 girls are taking part in the competition. These players are from Blaine, Minnesota, and are enjoying the experience competing in the tournament for the first time. They…

Northland State Employees Take Tribal Relations Training

In the future UMD wants to visit Red Lake and Grand Portage for more training.

Two thousand Northland employees are better equipped to handle tribal relations after taking a special training course. In just a day and a half state employees from more than 20 agencies learned about building better relationships with Native Americans and the tribal government. The training is a collaboration between the University of Minnesota Duluth Continuing Education, Department of American Indian…

Personal Trainer Helps Turn Resolutions into Reality

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA Personal Training

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders have made a New Year’s Resolution to get fit in 2018. The FOX 21 morning crew joined Director of Healthy Living Alisha Bradley for a personal training session. Bradley says it’s important to start small and ease yourself into a workout routine if it’s been away since you hit the gym. She took FOX 21’s…

Twin Ports Honor MLK

A mayoral reception in Duluth remembers Martin Luther King Jr's message.

DULUTH, Minn.-Thursday night the Twin Ports remember Martin Luther King Junior during a mayoral reception. This year’s moto is “The Birth of a New Nation” which came from a speech MLK gave in 1957. “He has the spirit of nonviolence and just excepting everybody for their own beliefs and we’re coming together as a community,” co chair MLK planning committee Salaam…

Celebrating a Dance for All Ages

The group aims to bring together all ages of the community for a celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders from ages 1 to 101 all have a signature or favorite dance move. The Inter-Generational Dance Hall aims to have all ages move to the music together. Thursday KAIROS Alive International Dance Hall Event took over the second floor of the Great Lakes Aquarium. The event aims to bring together professional artists and on–goers with the hopes everyone…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Announces New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn.- First Witness Child Advocacy Center is a non–profit providing services for child in abusive situations. The First Witness Board of Directors has now announced a new executive director, Tracie Clanaugh. Clanaugh has experience in non–profit leadership previously serving as the executive director of the YMCA community services branch. She will now be replacing Beth Olson. Olson served as…

Ice Fishing Contest Supports Duluth Neighborhood

2nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – One local group is continually working to support its neighborhood in Duluth. The Gary New Duluth Community Club is taking advantage of the winter weather for an annual fundraiser this weekend. The second Ice Fishing Contest and Raffle is taking place on Saturday,  January 13. Teams of four are welcome to join the contest. Registration will be…

Minnesota Flu Season in Full Swing; One child death reported

Minnesota May Not be at Peak of Flu Season Yet

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota has reported its first child death from the flu this season. The weekly flu report shows a continued increase in flu activity across Minnesota. As of the week ending Jan. 6, the Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 1,700 flu-related hospitalizations, 55 outbreaks of influenza-like illness in long-term care facilities, 43 outbreaks in schools and one…

Recent Snowfall Expected to Provide Economic Benefits on Iron Range

Hibbing Received Roughly Seven Inches of Snow Thursday, Prompting Winter Enthusiasts to Invest in the Local Economy

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled with Thursday’s big snowfall on the Iron Range. The Chamber tells FOX 21, so far it’s been a slow start to the winter season. With a lack of snow before Thursday and bitter cold temperatures, staff say it keeps visitors and locals from enjoying local ski resorts and snowmobile…

Judge Rejects Change to Minnesota’s Wild Rice Water Standard

The MPCA Still Has to Evaluate the Report

MINNEAPOLIS-An administrative law judge has rejected an attempt to change Minnesota’s water quality standard for protecting wild rice, saying it violates federal and state law and puts an unfair burden on Native Americans who harvest wild rice for food. In a report released Thursday, Administrative Law Judge LauraSue Schlatter says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency failed to justify changing the…

Senators Make Bets on Vikings-Saints Game

Senators make “Cake and Ice Cream Bet." Home state favorites on the line.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today joined Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) in a friendly “Cake and Ice Cream” bet on Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. In a salute to the Vikings and Minnesota’s many dairy cows, Senator Klobuchar wagered purple-colored homemade ice cream against a king cake from Senator…

A Lofty Minnesota Proposal

‘Marry Me’ etched in snow, seen from above.

Gavin Becker enlisted his family’s help to pen the life-changing question using a snow blower.NEVIS, Minn. (AP) — An aviation student in northern Minnesota pulled off a sky-high marriage proposal by writing “Marry Me” in the snow, then flying his long-time girlfriend over his handiwork. Gavin Becker enlisted his family’s help to pen the life-changing question using a snow blower…

Dietitian: Eating “SMART” Helps New Year’s Resolutions

Cooking Connection: 2018 Healthy Eating

DULUTH, Minn. – In a new year, many Northlanders are trying to better themselves with a list of resolutions. One of the most common resolutions is to eat better. Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Debra Anderson with Essentia Health visited FOX 21 to share some knowledge. Anderson recommends following a SMART diet because oftentimes people try to change too many…