Great Outdoors: The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Photojournalist Graham Hakala recaps the progress of the race.
Categories: Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Minnesota
Community Celebrates Northland Olympic Curlers
The athletes will officially leave in two days for their final training.
DULUTH, Minn.- Northland curlers are being sent off to compete for team U.S.A in South Korea for the winter Olympics. The Duluth Curling Club put together a spaghetti dinner to help raise money for the athletes’ families. The curlers say they’re going to face some tough match–ups at the Olympics. “My big thing is I just want to walk away…
The Birkebeiner Bridge in Minneapolis Super Bowl Festivities
A portion of the Northland is on Display for the Super Bowl LII
Minneapolis, Minn – The big game is this Sunday but Super Bowl fans have been celebrating a piece of the Northland pride all week. The Birkebeiner Bridge was packed up and shipped down to Minneapolis for NFL revelers to enjoy. Fox 21’s Nikki Davidson was there today where large crowds gathered at the Birkie Bridge. Categories: Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News…
Classic Children’s Tale to be Performed on UMD Stage
"Charlotte's Web" Opens Thursday
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a story many know from childhood, and now it’s coming to a stage in Duluth. Charlotte’s Web is being performed by students at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. The children’s tale highlights friendship and sacrifice. The play is based on the book by E.B. White. Show Dates: Feb 1-3 & 8-10 at 6:30 p.m. Feb…
Twin Ports History to be Highlighted Through “Zenith City on Tap”
Northland Uncovered: Duluth and Superior History
DULUTH, Minn. – Each month, officials at Glensheen Mansion plan community events at the historic home. Coming up in February, they’re featuring the stories that built the Twin Ports. Zenith City on Tap is a history series by Duluth author Tony Dierckins. Dierckins is the publisher of Duluth’s Zenith City Press. These talks will be happening every Wednesday in February….
New Duluth Police Officers Train For Field Sobriety Tests
DULUTH, Minn. — The culture of drinking and driving in Minnesota has changed since the 1980s when more than 250 people died every year in alcohol-related crashes. Since 2010, that number now averages around 127 deaths every year. But authorities stress even one death a year is far too many. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger gives you a look inside the Duluth…
MnDot Considers “Can of Worm” Intersection Updates
The can of worms intersection is a visibility concern.
DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s ‘can of worms’ or what the Minnesota Department of Transportation formally calls the “Twin Ports Interchange Project” is slowing sliding along. MnDot is currently narrowing down the preferred alternatives to make the “can of worms” intersection a safer place for drivers traveling through the Twin Ports. Monday night transportation officials discussed advancing the design process and taking…
One Book Northland Honors Local Author
The book club aims to celebrate reading books accessible to everyone in the region.
DULUTH, Minn.- For the 17th year libraries around the region are joining together celebrating the One Book Northland project. This month’s chosen book is written by local author Katharine Johnson titled The Wind and The Drum. Officials are excited to celebrate a book from the community. “Even better in a year like this when we can find a local tie…
Couture Floral Design in Duluth’s Woodland Neighborhood
Saffron and Grey is Located at 2303 Woodland Avenue in Duluth, Minnesota
DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of flowers, a special occasion probably comes to mind. Technology has since changed the way many of us order flowers, as it’s now easier than ever to go online, place an order and have it delivered. However, owners of one flower shop in Duluth are looking to keep as many orders as they can,…
Beargrease Teams Rest Before Continuing Journey
Team Handlers Prepare Mushers and Dogs for the Next 200 Miles
GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is about halfway done. Teams rested in Grand Portage before the second leg of their journey. As mushers and dogs took a well deserved eight hour rest in Grand Portage, the team handlers were at work preparing the teams for another two hundred miles of racing. While the dogs pull…
Beargrease Mid Distance Racers Cross Finish Line
Martha Schouweiler Wins Race for Fourth Straight Year
GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a night of celebration for the winners of the Beargrease mid-distance race who crossed the finish line Monday morning. Martha Schouweiler won the mid-distance race for the fourth consecutive year. Last year, her team completed the first ever three-peat and they extended that record Monday. Shouweiler says a lot goes in to building a champion…
Larson Endorses Chris Coleman for Minnesota Governor
Coleman is one of more than a dozen candidates already in the race.
Duluth, Minn. – Duluth mayor Emily Larson has officially announced her endorsement for DFL candidate Chris Coleman in the Minnesota gubernatorial race. Coleman is the former mayor of St. Paul. Coleman and Larson met with media today on Superior Street where the long awaited street reconstruction is set to begin this summer after securing funding in the bonding bill. Coleman…
Winter Market is Best Time to Buy and Sell Homes
DULUTH, Minn. – During these cold winter days heading out to look at homes isn’t the ideal way to spend time. However, winter is actually just the time to purchase a new home. According to real estate experts, this is the best time to make the purchase. “They’re motivated, they’re looking for a smooth, fast and easy transaction,” said Amy…
Beer Choir Heads to Duluth to Celebrate Art
DULUTH, Minn. – A beer choir is coming to Duluth for the first time! It’s all to celebrate the Duluth Art Institute. A beer choir is a fun way for people to view the 2018 Member Show in the Great Hall at the Duluth Depot. As visitors enter the Great Hall they’ll be given a song booklet and beer. A…
After Years of Work, Duluth’s NorShor Theatre Reopens This Week
Coffee Conversation: Mamma Mia! Kicks of NorShor Entertainment
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a big week for the city of Duluth as the highly-anticipated opening of The NorShor Theatre is taking place this week. After several years of work to make this a reality, performers will once again be on the stage. “It’s incredibly exciting, it’s stressful, it’s such a momentous moment. There’s so much leading up to this…
Rep. Jen Schultz kicks off re-election campaign
Schultz is seeking a third term as the Representative for State House District 7A
DULUTH, Minn. – DFL Rep. Jen Schultz has announced her candidacy for a third term for State House District 7A. Schultz kicked off her campaign on Sunday at Blacklist Artisan Ales in Duluth. Schultz is looking to address issues with Minnesota healthcare, tax reform, and affordable education. “I’ve built really good relationships on both sides if the isle,” Schultz said….
Inside Look at the John Beargrease Marathon Starting Line
Every musher has a different story behind their passion to race.
TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Mushers heading out for the John Beargrease marathon say dog racing is unlike any sport. Winter along the Northshore can create the ideal conditions or make for a challenging journey. “We go out there and what happens, happens. You just kind of go with the flow, that’s what this sport is,” first time Beargrease musher Liza Dietzen…
Carrying Trail Mail in the Beargrease Marathon
The trail mail is sent in from people around the world.
TWO HARBORS, Minn.– While on the trail mushers are looking after more than just their sled team, each racer is carrying up to a dozen pieces of trial mail. Racing with the letters is another way to honor John Beargrease and his route delivering mail. The Two Harbors Postal Service, volunteers helping run the event every year. Workers say they’re…
Fly Fishing Film Tour makes a stop in the Northland
The film tour is a celebration of all things fishing
DULUTH, Minn. – The Fly Fishing Film Tour made its way to Duluth on Sunday, hosted by the Arrowhead Fly Fishers and Gitchee Gumme Trout Unlimited organizations. The tour is a celebration of all things fly fishing. “It’s an opportunity for people to come out and learn about the sport, and see some really great stories about how people fish,…
Volunteer Veterinarians Have All Eyes on Beargrease Dogs
TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The John Beargrease race is made possible by many volunteers, including nearly 20 volunteer veterinarians. The vets travel from all over to provide pre-race vet checks and ensure safety during the event. “It’s wonderful to be able to come here and work with these athletes,” head vet volunteer Gregg Phillips said. “I mean we see the couch…
Inside the John Beargrease Opening Ceremony
The ceremony brings together everyone involved in the marathon, one last time before the race.
TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Preparations for the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon took place in Two Harbors Saturday. Saturday night’s opening ceremony sheds light on how many volunteers, sponsors, and participants it takes to make this tradition going for years to come. “Let people know that they’re involved in this race and if you ever sit down and listen to…
New science building taking shape at UMD
An engineer on the project is also a UMD alum
DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the new science building at UMD is moving along. FOX 21 got a look inside the new facility on Friday. The building features four floors with both laboratories and classrooms together in one place. UMD’s Swenson College of Science and Engineering alum Laura Hart is an engineer on the project. “It’s really cool that I…
New Police Recruits Take Part In Communication Relations Training
There are 154 sworn in officers on the Duluth Police Department.
DULUTH, Minn. – For law enforcement officers having the right training is a part of the job. Fifteen of Duluth’s newly recruited police officers are learning what it takes to build stronger relationships within the community thanks to some unique lessons. These officers are part of a type of training that goes beyond the squad car and flashing lights and focuses on communication….
Wood Stove Exchange Program Helps Protect the Environment
More than 50 percent of the heating appliances used for Project Stove Swap are manufactured in Minnesota.
DULUTH, Minn. – More and more people are exchanging their old wood stoves for newer ones that also protect the environment. Project Stove Swap started a year ago and gives homeowners incentives for upgrading their wood stoves. Energy Plus in Duluth has a lot of customers coming in searching for a wood stove. “We’re releasing much less carbon than we…
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Receive “Exergaming” Kits
Seventy-five members received the kits now and the remaining 75 will receive them at a later date.
DULUTH, Minn. – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland are taking exercise and gaming to the next level. These kids are some of the first in the state to receive game kits that encourage physical activity. The kit includes a NERF ball and energy tracker. It’s called “exergaming.” “The kids get to track their points for how much…
Sled Dogs, Beer, Food and Fun to Kick Off Beargrease 2018
The First Beer-grease Event is Happening Friday, January 26 at Glensheen Mansion
DULUTH, Minn. – Happening tonight, the Glensheen Mansion will play host the first ever Beer-grease event. In order to kick-off race weekend, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is teaming up with Canal Park Brewing and Glensheen Mansion. Race officials, mushers, Beargrease Board Members and Sponsors will be on site to celebrate all things Beargrease. Canal Park Brewing has brewed…
Duluth Coffee Company and Earth Rider Join Forces
The new coffee beer can be found in Superior and Duluth.
DULUTH, Minn.– Two brewers of different kinds have teamed up to create the perfect coffee beer. Earth Rider Brewery and Duluth Coffee Company released the pale ale Thursday night. Workers say told the coffee beer is created using an imperfect pale ale but made complete with the help of the Duluth Coffee Company. “Overall in the flavor you might not…
Plans Underway for New Unique Hotel
Officials say the hotel aims to attract millennials to Duluth.
DULUTH, Minn.– New details are being revealed for a new hotel like no other planned for Duluth’s central entrance. The hotel is called “Tru by Hilton” it’s aimed at giving young professionals, a fun affordable place to stay. The rooms will cost $100 a night and be smaller than an average hotel room. City officials say although there are many hotels, none…
Aerial Lift Bridge Undergoing Deck Replacement
The center sections of the bridge can last for several more years before they'll have to be replaced.
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than 60 years since the deck on the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth was last replaced. Workers have started the process of replacing it again. Since the shipping season is now over this deck replacement won’t affect marine traffic, but those using the bridge will experience some delays for a while. Workers are replacing…
DECC’s Newest Executive Director Shares Vision For the Future
Fuse Duluth within the Chamber went on a tour to see the sustainable practices at the DECC.
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s (DECC) newest executive director is only four months into her role, but is already looking toward the future. Chelly Townsend says she wants to see the DECC grow as a sustainable building for everyone in the Northland. The goal is do that by continuing to follow sustainable practices. “The basic recycling, reducing and…
Proctor Hockey Arena Set To Open This Summer
The arena will be located on Kirkus Street.
PROCTOR, Minn. – This July Proctor will have a brand new hockey arena and event center. The decking is finished and the final layers of the roof are going up. Once that’s done the heating work comes next. The arena will double as a community center, that’ll have a walking track, enough room to seat 1,200 people and a community…
Damiano Center Connecting Those In Need With Free Resources
Lunch was provided and about 500 people showed up over the course of the day.
DULUTH, Minn. -The Damiano Center in Duluth offered a one stop shop to help people in need. Several service providers were on hand to provide free help for homeless or low income folks who stopped by. Having these resources under one roof helps make it easier for people to get to these offices. Haircuts, foot care and winter clothing items…
Vegetable Risotto with Catering By Bellisio’s
Cooking Connection: Vegetable Risotto
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 a vegetable risotto. VEGETABLE RISOTTO Dice onion Smash and mince garlic…
Minnesota Agencies Report Few Hate Crimes
Several High Profile Incidents are Missing from Report
MINNEAPOLIS-A newspaper examination of last year’s hate crime reports in Minnesota found several high profile incidents missing. The Star Tribune’s study found no mention of last summer’s Bloomington mosque bombing. A November FBI report found that nearly two-thirds of the state’s law enforcement agencies reported no hate crimes in their jurisdictions in 2016. Victims, advocates and federal officials say inconsistency…
Minnesota Governor Pays $6k for Home State Super Bowl Seat
Super Bowl Will be Played Feb. 4
ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s governor has forked over $6,000 for a ticket to his own state’s Super Bowl game. Gov. Mark Dayton expressed regret Wednesday that the Minnesota Vikings won’t play the Feb. 4 game in Minneapolis. The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Vikings Sunday to face the New England Patriots. But Dayton says he still felt obligated to attend the game…
State Tackling Backlog of Elder Abuse Cases
State Hoping to Speed Up Cases on Elder Abuse
ST. PAUL, Minn.-State regulators have outlined a plan for speeding up investigations of elder abuse and reducing Minnesota’s backlog of unresolved cases. Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that a team of state officials is sorting through thousands of reports of maltreatment in senior homes. The Star Tribune reports more than 2,300 reports of…
UMD College Republicans Host Fundraiser
The group will be traveling to Washington D.C.
DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth’s College Republicans held a fundraiser at Glensheen Mansion. The UMD College Republicans met with gubernatorial candidates at the event is a fundraiser. The group is attending the CPAC in Washington D.C. UMD College Republicans President Kynze Lundeen says organizing the event is an honor. “It means a lot to me to have my CR’s…
Hartley Nature Center Expanding
The Board has been planning for this expansion over the last year.
DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to the Hartley Nature Center building in Duluth. As visitors and students continue to come through the doors, the center is trying to keep up with the demand. Thousands of children visit Hartley every year for school field trips and plans to add on to the building will allow kids to continue…
Law Enforcement Get Special Training at Juvenile Officer’s Conference
"We're hoping to create kind of a team effort." - Cory Spencer, Minnesota Juvenile Officer's Association Treasurer
DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1955 the Minnesota Juvenile Officer’s Association has provided members of law enforcement special safety training. This training is designed to help with situations involving young people. Members of law enforcement from around the state who work in schools are learning valuable lessons this week at a special conference in Duluth. Those taking part include juvenile probation…
Over $300,000 in History Grants go to Minnesota Counties
Nearly $40,000 goes to organizations in Northeast Minnesota
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society announces 36 recipients of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants (up to $10,000 each), totaling $324,149 in 22 counties. A handful of the endowments landed right here in the Northland. Two of those recipients are in Duluth. The Lincoln Center for Arts Education Building (2229 W 2ndSt Duluth, MN 55806) Photo Courtesy:…
Grand Jury Convened in Police Killing of Australian Woman
Shooting Occurred After Woman Called Police to Report Incident
Justine Damond, Fox 9MINNEAPOLIS-A Minnesota prosecutor has convened a grand jury in the police shooting of an Australian woman. Justine Ruszczyk Damond was killed by Minneapolis Officer Mohamed Noor in July 2017. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said previously he would no longer use grand juries in police shootings, and would decide those cases himself. He said last month that…
History Organizations in 22 Minnesota Counties Receive Grants
The Grants are Available for History and Historic Preservation Projects
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society is announcing 36 recipients of 38 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants, totaling $324,149 in 22 counties. Locally, the Duluth Art Institute will receive $10,000. This money will go toward plans for two phases of Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building preservation. The grant will help the Institute hire a qualified consultant to…
Mamma Mia! Actors Visit FOX 21 Ahead of Opening Night
Famous Musical Marks Reopening of Historic NorShor Theatre
DULUTH, Minn. – The long-awaited opening of the NorShor Theatre is just over a week away and the regional premier of Mamma Mia! is kicking off the entertainment. The show features songs from Abba. The story follows a young bride as she prepares for her wedding. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping to find out who her…
Best Friend Beagles in Search of Forever Home
Baby and Johnny are Currently at Animal Allies Humane Society, Searching for a Forever Home
DULUTH, Minn. – Beagles Baby and Johnny stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday morning with Animal Allies Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg. Sternberg spoke about the need to find more families looking to adopt bonded animals. The shelter often sees animals being surrendered together from previous homes, and always strive to find a new home for them where…
Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing Enjoyed on Bear Lake
Minnesotans Love the Excitement and Togetherness of the Winter Sport
BARNUM, Minn. – It was a cold day in the Northland, but that didn’t stop anglers from getting out on the frozen lakes to do some ice fishing. Ice shacks dot the frozen surface of Bear Lake in Barnum. “You get depressed if you’re at home. Here, even though you’re still sitting in the ice house, you’re out, you’re doing…
Duluth Curling Club Hosts Fundraiser for Junior National Teams
A spaghetti fundraiser was held to support the young athletes on their trips
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Curling Club hosted a spaghetti fundraiser to help a few of their young athletes with their trip to the Junior Nationals. Dozens of people made it out to support the team, as they get ready to compete in the U–18 and U–21 Junior Nationals Championships. “We just really appreciate it a lot, everybody coming out and…
MPR: Allegations Against Keillor Far Beyond Single Touch
MPR releases note regarding decision to end contracts with Garrison Keillor
Garrison KeillorMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Public Radio provided additional details of allegations of sexual harassment against humorist Garrison Keillor on Tuesday, saying his alleged conduct went well beyond his account in November of accidentally touching a woman’s bare back. MPR said in a statement that Keillor was accused by a woman who worked on his “A Prairie Home Companion” radio…
Experience the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Through Pictures
Each photographer brings between two to three of their pieces for the exhibit.
DULUTH, Minn. – Even if you don’t make it out to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon you can still enjoy some of the race scenery. Now through March 11 the Great Lakes Aquarium will showcase race images. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the dogs through pictures. The exhibit is in its…
Bob Dylan’s High School Poetry Added to MNHS Collections
These poetry pages date back to Dylan's days at Hibbing High School.
ST. PAUL, Minn – At first glance, your friend’s scribbled high school poetry might not seem worth saving. But when that friend was Robert Zimmerman — now known as iconic musician and Nobel Prize in Literature winner Bob Dylan — those pages take on a whole new meaning. The Minnesota Historical Society recently acquired two handwritten pages of Dylan’s poetry,…
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday
Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend athletes who have been training all year will finally have their time in the snow. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is Sunday, January 28. However, festivities are already underway. The Cutest Puppy Contest has already taken place and more fun is yet to come. On Friday, January 26, a new event, The Beergrease is…
