DULUTH, Minn.- The Salvation Army is helping put presents under the tree for nearly 2,300 Northland families this week. Families that are going through tough times met with the non-profit and are now welcomed to shop from the donated toys, for their children. The Salvation Army told FOX21 this event is a well run machine which relies on many volunteers….
Sen. Karin Housley (MN Senate) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The first Republican candidate has announced a bid for Democratic Sen. Al Franken’s seat in 2018. State Sen. Karin Housley launched her campaign Tuesday for the special election to complete Franken’s term, which ends in 2020. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s pick to hold the seat until the special election, Lt….
Official Government PhotoST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s Department of Health commissioner is resigning. Gov. Mark Dayton’s office announced Tuesday that Commissioner Ed Ehlinger would step down. Ehlinger had been head of the state’s health oversight board since 2011. The announcement didn’t specify why Ehlinger was resigning but it follows reporting by the Star Tribune on serious oversight lapses of…
UPDATE: Alyssa Leonardis was located safe and uninjured, according to the BCA. Alyssa Leonardis LAUDERDALE, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vulnerable adult that walked away from her group home on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Alyssa Leonardis, 21 is described as 5’2″, 220 pounds, short brown hair. Last seen wearing…
Monalisa Perez HALSTAD, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota woman has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting her boyfriend in a videotaped stunt they planned to post to YouTube. Monalisa Perez, 20, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree manslaughter in the June death of 22-year-old Pedro Ruiz III, The Star Tribune reported. Perez has two young children with Ruiz. Perez told investigators…
DULUTH, Minn. – With less than a week until Christmas Day, it is time to finish Christmas gift shopping. Some local shops are happy to help with that. One in Duluth is Lake Superior Art Glass. Their gallery features the work of more than 60 artists. Classes are also offered for patrons. Currently, several classes are taught each week. Lake…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is full of history and stories of how the area was developed. One local company got its start helping the men who built the area. Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather pack and bag maker in the United States. The company is now marking a milestone by celebrating 135 years in Duluth. The…
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – A fire broke out Monday evening shortly after 7:00 at the Rainy Lake Oil Company operations and office in International Falls. The fire is contained and there is no threat to other nearby structures. No injuries were reported from the fire. Fire officials from the International Falls Rural Fire Units and International Falls City Fire Trucks…
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – An officer-involved shooting at Minneapolis City Hall is under investigation after police shot and wounded a man inside an interview room. The shooting happened just before 5 p.m. inside Room 108, which is home to multiple Minneapolis Police Department investigative units. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the person investigators were interviewing was left alone in an interview…
DULUTH, Minn.- Seeing a puppy under a Christmas tree might be exciting but local veterinarians want to remind Northlanders, a pet is for life not just for Christmas. Experts told FOX21 gifting a pet as a surprise is not a responsible idea. The owner should be apart of the process by picking out a breed that fits their lifestyle. “What breed…
DULUTH, Minn.- Shops and homes around the Northland are dressed in the holiday spirit, another popular way to go all out this season is an ugly Christmas sweater. A shop manager told FOX21 ugly Christmas sweaters are a fun way to come together as a community. The decorative clothing are popular for holiday gatherings. “Some people have contests; to see…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Bethel has been serving the Twin Ports for 144 years, with the help of a state grant the non–profit is hoping to preserve its history. The Bethel received $7,650 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. Now the non–profit is asking Northlanders to share their memories of the Bethel. The donations could include photographs, books, and recordings….
Photo courtesy of helpfindadam.com DENVER (KMSP) – Members of a Minnesota family have flown to Colorado to help look for a 29-year-old man who went missing Friday after leaving a bar in Denver. Adam Gilbertson was last seen the Syntax Physic Opera Bar & Restaurant shortly before 1 a.m. on Friday. His cellphone has been shut off and attempts to reach him…
MINNESOTA – Special fishing regulations will change March 1 on a number of Minnesota waters following an annual public input and review process, according to the Department of Natural Resources. “Anglers need to know special regulations because they take precedence over statewide regulations,” said Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant with the DNR. “We have special regulations to improve fish populations…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota residents who buy health insurance on the individual market have until Wednesday to enroll in the state-run health care exchange if they want to be covered by January 1. The Pioneer Press reports that MNsure will have extended hours at its call center and a 24-hour online availability as the deadline approaches. Residents have…
DULUTH, Minn. – With one week until Christmas, snow on the ground, lights on homes and decorations in yards, it’s not hard to tell many Northlanders are in the holiday spirit. One tradition keeping that spirit thriving is the Christmas Lighting Challenge. The challenge is put on by A Sweet Event and this year more than 80 homes are involved….
DULUTH, Minn. – With recent snowfall and more in the forecast, doctors are giving warnings for those headed outside. Without previous exercise, many bodies aren’t ready for snowy conditions. Dr. Disha Mookherjee with St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates says some elderly patients can find themselves shoveling 16-20 pounds of snow as they take on the responsibilities of being a homeowner. Dr….
DULUTH, Minn. -Santa Claus came all the way from the North Pole and made a stop at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. This is the first year the Aquarium has featured something like this. It’s a community effort, because volunteers from all over the state help make this possible. In order to scuba dive, Santa must have cold water…
DULUTH, Minn. -The pews at the United Protestant Church were filled for a joyful performance. Bill Bastian and the Highland String Quartet set the tone at the annual concert. The church is celebrating 100 years and Chester Johnson has been a member for about 80. He says the concert a tradition that the people appreciate. “We like to be prominent…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. -The story of the birth of Jesus has been told many times and for the last three years the United Church of Two Harbors has brought that story to life. The woman behind this live story says she was wanted to bring it to Two Harbors because it didn’t exist. The birth of Jesus is depicted in one…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. -Hermantown is a city of lights. The Hermantown Community Church wanted to spread Christmas joy with a colorful blessing. You can sit in your car, sip hot chocolate or apple cider and watch the lights in sync with Christmas music. “One of the things we wanted to see and has been happening is just kind of an opportunity for families to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been a little over three months since hurricanes devastated parts of Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico and these students were ready to step up and help. One by one these fifth graders loaded up a truck that is an example of the fruits of their labor. Nineteen students in Amber Nielsen’s class collected boxes of clothing,…
DULUTH, Minn. -Four thousand homeless or low income veterans who may not know where their next meal is coming from are getting assistance this holiday season. Kern and Kompany and the Duluth Airshow is partnering with the Bong Veterans Center and the St. Louis County Veterans Service Office to provide Northland veterans with food. “The hope is that we’re going…
DULUTH, Minn.- Little Northlanders in Lincoln Park crossed off all the items off their holiday shopping list. The shoppers attended the 6th annual Holly Jolly Santa Shop at First Covenant Church in Duluth. With around 1,000 donated gifts, and the help of little elves, children go around.. picking out presents for their family. Coordinators said the annual event helps families in need…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Police are offering Northlanders some safety tips when going out in wintry roads and holiday traffic. Local law enforcement want to remind Northlanders during the winter, always give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Taking it slow on the roads will help ensure safety. The snowy conditions can cause may issues. “With snowbanks, also comes pedestrian issues,”…
HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Northland high school students are working on a construction project, but with the temperatures getting chillier a local group of business leaders are ensuring students have the necessities. Members of the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion donated winter gear to students in the construction technology program. The students are working in the Northland’s wintry conditions. The bibs, gloves and…
PROCTOR, Minn, -Proctor Public School leaders were facing an unexpected situation when staff arrived to work on Monday. A virus attacked all the school computers that were left on over the weekend. Staff members tell us they believe the source of the problem came from a virtual log in. Files on Microsoft Word and pictures were locked and encrypted which…
DULUTH, Minn. -The recent cold and snow has many people excited to rev up their engines and bring out the snowmobiles. The state of Minnesota requires registration for all snowmobiles. Over at Duluth Lawn & Sport staff say they have more than 200 sleds on site. The trail oriented machines and utility sleds have been the most popular leading up to this…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Union Gospel Mission celebrated 95 years of helping the community on Thursday. The organization held its annual lasagna dinner at its facility in Downtown Duluth. Community members were able to have a sit down meal with their friends. “The Union Gospel Mission has been here for 95 years, serving food, and providing shelter and providing hope…
DULUTH, Minn. -While exact plans will be announced next year we do know Essentia is looking at everything from rebuilding entire structures to up and down remodels. The goal is to dramatically improve the quality of care for patients while also meeting the changing needs of the next generation of healthcare professionals. Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman tells us current facilities are outdated and uncomfortably cramped especially with modern robotics…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Staying up late and spending hours studying for a final exam can take its toll on a college student, so UW–Superior (UWS) is offering a temporary solution. UWS is bringing students relief with therapy dogs as finals week approaches. When students needed to get a well deserved break they were greeted by therapeutic four-legged friends. One student called…
DULUTH, Minn. – It was another busy day for plow drivers still cleaning up from this week’s snow storm. The biggest snowfall so far this season had trucks clearing 99 routes throughout the eight county district. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) crews applied a sand and salt mixture to try to keep the roads from getting too slippery. In Duluth the lake effect…
SUPERIOR, Wis. -Nine campuses in the University of Wisconsin system will be provided with free Narcan nasal spray, this includes UW-Superior. Law enforcement and campus security will receive the spray to treat opioid overdoses. “Narcan is a first line of defense against an overdose, so it can potentially save lives here on campus by getting that immediate dose of Narcan until first responders…
DULUTH, Minn.- A new restaurant in downtown Duluth will be giving Northlanders a taste of our unsalted sea. The Sound is bringing sustainable seafood to the table. On-goers can enjoy a raw bar to steak. The restaurant has a fine dining section and a place for live music. “What we’re going to try to do is bring phenomenal food and phenomenal music,”…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend two musical legends can be seen in Duluth. “A Liberace & Liza Christmas” will be performed at The Underground located at 506 West Michigan Street. David Saffert, who is portraying Liberace, and Jillian Snow Harris, who is portraying Liza Minnelli, created the production together last year. They both describe the variety show as something that…
DULUTH, Minn. – It was a winter celebration over at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth. Wednesday as the annual Skate with Santa event. It included all kinds of kids activities, as well as some ice skating. It’s put on as a way to help families have fun during the holidays, without having to worry about their pocketbook. “There’s not…
DULUTH, Minn. – The blast snow on Wednesday and continued cold air are a welcomed signs for Spirit Mountain after a few tough and mild winters. Executive Director Brandy Ream said the mountain’s winter operations are moving into its fifth weekend. She says that’s one of the earliest season openings and comes with an uptick in season passes. “We’re lining…
DULUTH,Minn. – Folks were able to stop by the Glensheen Mansion for a night of wreath making on Wednesday. The event was a fundraiser for the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. Families paid $20 for each wreath, and that money will be used to fund educational programs at Boulder Lake. “We really want to spread the word, and let people…
DULUTH, Minn. -For those who have been waiting for the winter season to arrive this weather is a perfect day to get out and enjoy yourselves. Many Northlanders have been waiting out a dry spell to finally get out and have some outdoor fun in the white stuff. A few places in the Northland had multiple inches of snowfall. So for the first time all season there…
DULUTH, Minn.- Gathering with family during the holidays is exciting but can be hectic for those suffering with dementia. Experts told FOX 21 make sure your festive gathering is a safe space. Ensure that there is plenty of lighting and be supportive. “Being overwhelmed can cause them to have more issues, maybe being overwhelmed or frustrated when trying to remember…
DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders the wait is over, the winners of the festive competition for best store front decoration in downtown Duluth have been announced. Twenty four participated but Kitchee Gammi Design Company and Electric Fetus won most original. PS Rudie and Salon Capelli took the prize for most traditional storefront. The vote of the people went to Duluth Trading Company. “We…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Experts say the availability of food is driving snowy owls to Minnesota and the Great Lakes in greater numbers this season. Minnesota Public Radio reports that snow owls feed on lemmings when they’re breeding. An increased lemming population has caused the owns to have lost of owlets. Those owls will then grow up and search…
DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas is just about two weeks away, so several people are out and about getting their Christmas shopping done. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give gift ideas. Bamboo Stylus: Support navigating phone, tablet, iPad, etc. Global Payments Mobile Pay: Plugs into a phone to take credit cards on the go. Google…
Courtesy of Minnesota Governor’s Office ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton announced Wednesday during a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol, that he will appoint Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to serve as United States Senator for Minnesota. Smith will be appointed to serve a one-year term in the Senate, concluding in January 2019. Minnesotans will chose a U.S….
DULUTH, Minn.- Elderly Americans the ages 65 and up are estimated to be frauded out of nearly three billion dollars each year. To prevent this from happening to Northlanders, Hang Up On Fraud is the key message, the Minnesota Commerce Department wants Northlanders to remember. With families gathering for the holidays we tend to see our loved ones more giving…
COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Staff at Lutsen Mountains are busy preparing for a non-stop holiday season of fun right now. From maintenance on the mountains, to answering phones at Caribou Highlands Lodge and Resort, it’s all hands on deck before thousands ring in the new year. Officials with Caribou Highlands say Christmas and New Year’s is a popular time for…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Chief is pulling back on his plans to purchase $83,000 worth of riot gear. This comes after concerned citizens spoke out at last night’s city council meeting against the protective gear. Chief Mike Tusken heard those concerns has had a change in heart releasing the following statement. “I want to write to you today in…
DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth is questioning the future of the two municipal golf courses. The program is facing $ 2.2 million of debt and $12.7 million of deferred maintenance. The city says these challenges have no obvious or easy answers. Right now it is unsure if Duluth can support two 27 hole courses. “We in Duluth are facing…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School District is facing more than one million dollars in projected budget cuts. The district is currently $400,ooo in the red. District officials tell us they only have around $100,000 left in reserve, which an only be used for specific operational needs. The district’s chief financial officer Doug Hasler told FOX21 the district is doing everything…
CROSBY, Minn. (AP) – A northern Minnesota man has died after the snowmobile he was driving went through thin ice in Crosby. A Crosby police officer heard calls for help coming from Serpent Lake around 5:30 a.m. Monday. Law enforcement and first responders responded, and divers found the man’s body in about 45 feet of water. The Crow Wing County…
