Minnesota

Gov. Dayton Announces He’s Cancer Free

Dayton Had Prostate Cancer

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he is cancer-free. Dayton made the announcement Monday while urging Minnesotans to get screened for cancer if they have risk factors or a family history of the disease. Minnesota Public Radio News reports the 70-year-old Dayton credited his own early diagnosis with helping him beat cancer. Dayton announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in…

Minnesota Budget Forecast Swings from $1.65 Billion Surplus to $188 Million Deficit

FOX 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota is facing a $188 million deficit, according to the latest projection from the state budget office. Last year at this time, Minnesota Management and Budget officials had a projected budget surplus of a $1.4 billion – a surplus that grew to $1.65 billion in the March projection. The deficit is expected to grow to $586 million in the next…

Text-to-911 Now Available Statewide in Minnesota

Calling still the preferred method for 911 services

Text to 911 Banner ST. PAUL, Minn. – In an emergency, safely dialing 911 might not be an option, as one may need to remain quiet in a dangerous situation, or if an individual has hearing loss, it can make calling 911 near impossible. The Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has been working with Minnesota to develop…

Minnesota Ballet Prepares for Nutcracker Performances

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas lights being put up all throughout town, the area is beginning to feel the Christmas spirit. Another sign of the holiday is the performance of The Nutcracker by the Minnesota Ballet. Minnesota Ballet Artistic Executive Director Robert Gardner says the performance has become a holiday tradition for many families. The company performs a version of…

Morgan Park Church Stands Tall for 100 Years

Northland Uncovered: United Protestant Church

DULUTH, Minn. – A community in Duluth was created by US Steel more than 100 years ago. Morgan Park residents feel a strong sense of community there. One Duluth man, Chet Johnson, has enjoyed his time in the neighborhood so much, he’s been attending the same church for 80 years. That church is United Protestant Church and it was built…

Shovels and Salt Flew Off The Shelves

Bracing For The Storm

LAKESIDE, Minn -Hardware stores are welcoming a winter storm of any kind to get that register making’ noise. The crew over at Hanks Hardware in the Lakeside neighborhood tell us they’ve seen an increase in salt sales. “Today they’ve been buying salt and grit. There’s a few snow shovels going out but it seems like the people that are prepared…

Inside Northland’s Beloved Bailey Builds Studio

The local shop Bailey Builds sells art made from reclaimed wood pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.-Northlanders may have spotted Bailey Builds, a business selling reclaimed wood art pieces at various events around Duluth. The creator Anna Bailey and her husband invited FOX 21 into their studio. Artist Anna Bailey creates pieces of art using reclaimed wood. “I can’t even tell you how rewarding this is honestly,” Bailey said. In the past Anna spent her…

Coldest Air Of Season Creates Concern For Homeless

CHUM and Life House In Need Of Donations

DULUTH, Minn-  The coldest air of the season is settling in on the Northland, which has advocates concerned for homeless in the area. Typically, the CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth hosts about 50 people a warm night, according to CHUM support staff member Shawn Carr.  But he says that number can double when the deep freeze sets in. “During cold…

Indoor Gun Range Opens in Northland

The business offers classes, certificates, and sells firearms.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The only indoor gun range in the Northland is now open for business. The Dead on Arms Shooting Range is located in Proctor. The business offers classes in a safe environment and other services. The new space is convenient for everyone. On–goers can rent out the wide supply of fire arms to practice with at the range. Gun…

Local Artwork for Sale at Lake Superior College

Students show off semester long art projects at LSC.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The fall semester is almost over for college students, Lake Superior College is showing off students’ semester long work with an art gallery. Northlanders can stop by the LSC and purchase the creations made by local students. The exhibit allows the artists to appreciate the skills they honed all semester long. One student told FOX21 art is her…

Hacker Takes Over Explore Minnesota Facebook Page

(Explore MN) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A hacker has taken control of the Facebook page of Minnesota’s tourism agency. Explore Minnesota’s Facebook account has been hacked since Monday morning, with bizarre postings. Agency spokeswoman Alyssa Hayes says Explore Minnesota’s social media team is working with Facebook and the state of Minnesota’s IT services to try to regain control of…

Sen. Schoen Submits Official Resignation Letter

ROSE HEAPHY - FOX 9

Sen. Dan SchoenST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – State Senator Daniel Schoen submitted his official resignation to Governor Mark Dayton Monday afternoon after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Accusations of misconduct were first reported by MinnPost last month. Rep. Erin Maye Quade also told Fox 9 she received a series of inappropriate text messages from Schoen. About two weeks ago, Schoen’s attorney confirmed he would resign from his…

Dayton Pencils in Feb. 12 Election for Resigning Lawmakers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Special elections to fill two legislative seats held by Minnesota lawmakers accused of sexual harassment will likely be held Feb. 12. Gov. Mark Dayton said Monday he planned to schedule the election for the second Monday in February. He can’t call the special election until the receives the resignation letter from Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen….

Family Agrees $2M Settlement in Teen’s Dental Surgery Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The family of a Minneapolis-area teen who died during surgery to remove her wisdom teeth has reached a $2 million settlement with the oral surgeon that performed the procedure. A medical malpractice lawsuit filed against Dr. Paul Tompach said negligent and dangerous actions during the routine procedure led to the death of 17-year-old Sydney Galleger in June…

Glensheen Mansion Celebrates Christmas in True Congdon Form

More than 25 Christmas Trees Fill Historic Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas is just a few weeks away and the folks over at Glensheen Mansion are already celebrating. The Historic Congdon Estate is decked out with lights, garland, and more than 25 Christmas trees. Christmas tours are in full swing at the mansion. All tours have a little Christmas flair with the beautiful decorations, and there’s even a…

Strength in Community Scholarship Supports Northland Education

FOX 21 Offers $21,000 Worth of Scholarships

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21, along with partners, is once again giving back to students in the Northland. This is through Fox 21’s Strength in the Community Scholarship. It aims at educating students in the Northland who are looking for jobs in the Northland. If you’re a high school senior with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, be sure to…

Sinkhole on I-694 in Oakdale, Minnesota After Water Main Break

FOX 9 KMSP

(KMSP) – Even for a Sunday morning, Interstate 694 through Oakdale was unusually quiet after a large water main break caused a giant sink hole beneath the roadway around 9:30 a.m. According to the Washington County sheriff’s office, this will cause water issues for Oakdale residents, as well as road closures in both directions between 10th Street and 34th Street. Minnesota State Patrol reports…

Winter Village a Taste of Duluth

The first day of Winter Village brought in a large crowd.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders supporting small businesses and got into the holiday spirit at Winter Village. The event brings together popular local vendors to spark shopping small during the giving season. Families and friends can browse the vendors, which are set up outside at Glensheen Mansion. Coordinators told FOX21 it’s a great place to find a gift made right here in the…

A Look Inside Throw-A-Thon From the Turntable

The Throw-a-Thon is open to the public and is a unique way to help feed hungry Northlanders.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the giving time of year, local artists are helping feed hungry Northlanders in a creative way during the 18th annual Throw-A-Thon. Over the past 17 years the Throw-A-Thon has donated nearly $155,ooo from Empty Bowls. “It’s definitely out of the ordinary,” student Faith Runquisd said. “I mean somebody wouldn’t think okay I’m going to contribute to the…

Hmong Community Prepares to Celebrate New Year

Coppertop Church will be the place to be to celebrate Hmong culture Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. –  The people of the local Hmong community are getting ready for a celebration this Saturday.  The Hmong New Year celebration is happening on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, also known as the Coppertop Church in Duluth. It will be a celebration of Hmong culture with traditional music, clothing and of course, great food. “Coming here…

Hermantown Students Graduate from D.A.R.E.

More than 170 sixth graders graduated the program

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown kids are ready for some of life’s toughest lessons, thanks to the D.A.R.E program. More than 170 sixth grade students graduated from the 2017 D.A.R.E program In Friday. Hermantown police handed out certificates and prizes. The program teaches kids about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but it doesn’t stop there. “The D.A.R.E. program is so much…

Northlanders Raise Awareness on World AIDS Day

More than 36 million people are living with HIV

DULUTH, Minn. – A candlelight vigil took place in  Downtown Duluth to commemorate the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, as well as draw attention to the illness as a way to de-stigmatize the topic. “People with HIV and AIDS are just that – They’re people,” advocate Will McGraw said. “I think that all people deserve to feel safe and respected…

New City Budget Could Increase Your Property Taxes

Mayor Emily Larson's budget proposal is nearly a six percent increase from 2017's budget

DULUTH, Minn. -Along with drawing from the city’s reserve fund, the typical Duluth homeowner could see a $30 property tax increase if a city budget proposal passes. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s proposal would try to fill the budget gap partially through cutting staff from city departments and increasing your property taxes. Part of the proposal includes spending an additional $1…

UMD Wants You To Go Biking In the Winter

Students also got on a Fender Blender, where students pedaled to blend the food that was in the blender

DULUTH, Minn. -Winter is here and UMD wants you to get in gear. Students from an environmental group on campus are trying to get more people to participate in winter biking activities. “Growing up in Minnesota a lot of people don’t think about going roller skating during the winter or doing a lot of those outside activities that don’t involve snow and so…

Vikre Distillery Helping Plant Trees One Bottle At a Time

Bottles from the liquor stores, cocktail room or from the bar all qualify for the tree planting

DULUTH, Minn. – For the month of Dec. if you buy a bottle from the Vikre Distillery they’ll plant a tree. The bottles are priced between $23 and $35. Even the gin is named after, you guessed it, trees like spruce and cedar. “We’re really committed to sustainability,” said Vikre Distillery Visitor Experience & Events Manager Chelsy Whittington. “We’re a triple bottom…

Cloquet’s B&B Market Lends A Helping Hand For Best Christmas Ever

B&B will also sponsor single families and this is the 10th year they've done it

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet’s B & B  Market wants to help deserving families have the best Christmas ever. Proceeds from the trees and wreaths they sell will make that happen. When you walk inside you’re greeted by a Best Christmas Ever tree that lets the public pitch in. The tags on the trees are gifts that you can buy and…

Winter Village Encourages Shopping Small

Nearly 40 of Duluth's local vendors will sell special Holiday crafts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Coming up this weekend, locals can experience a special taste of the holidays during the Northland’s second Winter Village. The celebration is on the grounds of the Glensheen Mansion on Dec. 1st to Dec. 2nd. The event brings together Duluth’s small shops. More than 40 vendors will be showing off their crafts. It’s the second time the Lake Superior…

New Dog Park Opens in the Northland

A new dog park has officially opened in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Dog parents now have a new place to take their four legged friends in the Northland. A dog park is officially open in Superior, at the Millennium Trail Head. With all the wagging tails it’s safe to say the space is a well needed spot for the community. “We all recognize that dogs are part of our families,…

Super Bowl Live Concert Series Will Include Prince Tribute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A series of free, outdoor concerts during the 10-days leading up to the Super Bowl will include a Prince tribute and plenty of Minnesota flavor. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, announced their concert lineup for Super Bowl Life on Friday. The festival will include a “Prince night,” during which Sheila E., the Revolution, and Morris Day…

Minnesota Prosecutors Sue Drug Companies Over Opioid Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A group of Minnesota county attorneys are suing drug distributors and manufacturers over the opioid crisis. The goal is to try to recover the government’s cost of dealing with opioid addiction, which prosecutors say increased when drug companies amped up their marketing for opioids as a way to treat chronic pain and for long-term use….

Locals Returning Home Thanks to New Job Opportunities

The job opportunities are allowing Northlanders to stay closer to home.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The employment opportunities on the Iron Range, are allowing more Northlanders to stay where their roots are. “Everybody is employed, it’s a great thing for us and we’ve seen that economic boom,” Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe said. The mines are in full swing, the health care industry is also providing jobs for many workers. Mayor Cuffe said part…

Health Care Fallout: Fate of 8M Low-Income Children in Limbo

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The collateral damage from Congress’ struggle to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care law could include a program that covers more than 8 million low-income children. The Children’s Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP, provides low-cost coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. But it has become caught up in…

Expert Tips for Sticking to a Diet and Exercise Plan During the Holidays

Active Adventures: Anytime Fitness Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – -Sticking to a diet and exercise plan can be difficult during the holiday season. FOX 21 spoke with a personal trainer from Anytime Fitness in Duluth. The trainer, Andy Schobert, says it’s important to manage your portions when at holiday events. Schobert says using a fitness tracker can help because people can know how many calories they’re…

Minnesota Ballet Performs at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. — Today – a special treat for patients and staff at Essentia Health; a visit from the Minnesota Ballet! Essentia is the sponsor for this season of the ballet in Duluth, and these dancers are performing excerpts from The Nutcracker. As an artistic non-profit, the Minnesota Ballet relies on partners and sponsorships to keep their organization going. This…

Annual Julebyen Fest to Attract Thousands

Julebyen (YOOL-eh-BE-en) Means "Christmas Village" and is a Centuries-Old Scandinavian and German Tradition

DULUTH, Minn. – For those of you looking for festive, holiday fun this weekend, Knife River will be the place to check out. The community of just over 300 members is expecting more than 4,000 visitors to check out the 5th annual Julebyen Fest. Organizers say the festival helps put their small community on the map each year and also…

Fon du Lac Band Closes Out Native American Heritage Month

The ceremony helps the Native Americans maintain their identity and way of life

CLOQUET, Minn. – Nov. is Native American Heritage Month and although the month is coming to a close the festivities don’t end yet. A closing ceremony at Black Bear Resort capped off the month. It featured a pipe ceremony, drum songs and a performance by royalty dancers. The young dancers are looked at as the future leaders. It’s a gathering….

Thunderbird Mall Offering More Shopping Experiences

The Thunderbird Mall is undergoing more additions.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Good news for shoppers on the Iron Range, the Thunderbird Mall is adding more stores. The newest addition is Tractor Supply Co. The store is a one stop shop for the whole family, even your pets. This is just the beginning for more shops and job opportunities at the mall. “The building or the complex here is going…

Autism, Sleep Apnea Added as Minnesota Medical Marijuana Qualifiers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say they’re adding autism spectrum disorders and obstructive sleep apnea as conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger says there is increasing evidence that medical marijuana can help people with severe autism or obstructive apnea. The state health department takes public input each year on conditions that might be…

Preparing Prime Rib with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: From Ribeye Loin to Prime Rib

DULUTH, Minn. – Prime rib is often a holiday treat for many, but at Texas Roadhouse it’s a year-round delicacy. Kitchen Manager Manny Gotchie says they “go fast”, so it’s best to be on the early end of the dinner rush. For this week’s Cooking Connection we learned what it takes to make the ribeye loin into prime rib. PRIME…

137 Days Later, Responding Officers Still to be Interviewed in Damond Killing

TOM LYDEN - FOX 9

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Nearly five months after a Minneapolis police officer shot and killed Justine Damond, investigators have yet to interview the officers who responded to the scene in the immediate aftermath, the Fox 9 Investigators have learned. The investigation into the officer-involved shooting was conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). In September, the case was submitted to the Hennepin…

National Sexual Misconduct Allegations Spark Conversation on Campus

Addressing sexual misconduct now can prevent issues later in the workforce.

TWIN PORTS–  Women across the nation are coming forward with accusations against high profile men, which has created a ripple effect for college students in the Northland. The Women’s Resource and Action Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth has seen an increase in students reporting sexual misconduct. The incidents range from test messages to assaults that have occurred at…

Family Blames Red Lake Resort for Death of 2 Anglers

CHRISTINA PALLADINO - FOX 9

(FOX 9) – Two families are mourning the loss of their children after divers pulled the bodies of a young man and woman who were ice fishing on Red Lake. Now, family members say the resort should be held partly responsible for their son’s death. The Stacy, Minnesota family just celebrated their son Zeth’s 28th birthday on Thanksgiving when he…

Duluth Police Grow Beards For Good Cause

The money raised from the Hairy Holidays Campaign will go to local charities

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police officers are breaking the rules and getting away with it. For 120 years officers have followed a policy that permits just a mustache or a clean shaven look. Officers who paid $25 for the month of Nov. and Dec. can now grow out a beard. They came together today to recreate a photo of Duluth police officers from the 1890s…

Goodwill Makes Environmentally Friendly Change

Goodwill is now on the list of stores boycotting plastic bags.

DULUTH, Minn.- Goodwill is going green now using more environmentally friendly shopping bags. The organization will no longer purchase plastic bags, joining the Bag It Duluth campaign. Shoppers are encouraged; to bring a bag, offered a used plastic bag, or box at check out. Making the switch will prevent an estimated 800,00 plastic bags from becoming waste. “We’re also going…

Idling Your Vehicle Could Cost You

Idling also causes damage to the environment by increasing the amount of vehicle exhaust in the air

DULUTH, Minn. -You might want to think twice about leaving your keys in the ignition during the cold weather when trying to warm it up. You could end up with a ticket or walk out to something worse. We may have all done it before. It’s cold so you start your car, leave it running and walk away. Well you…

Castile’s Girlfriend Reaches Settlement Over Police Shooting

Diamond Reynolds Awarded $675,000

ST. ANTHONY, Minn.-The Minnesota city that employed a police officer who fatally shot a black motorist during a traffic stop has reached a settlement with Philando Castile’s girlfriend and her daughter, who were in the car with him when he was killed. The St. Anthony City Council voted Tuesday night to pay $675,000 to Diamond Reynolds and her daughter, who…

Minnesota Hires Colorado IT Firm to Fix Driver’s License System

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota has hired a Colorado information technology firm to help ensure that REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs will be available by next October. Earlier this year, Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill into law making the state compliant with a stricter federal ID standards. Minnesota has until October 2018 to upgrade its driver’s…

Medical Marijuana Company Hit by Product Shortage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – One of Minnesota’s two medical marijuana manufacturers is temporarily scaling back its business amid a shortage of medicine. The shortage of medical marijuana at LeafLine Labs is causing problems for patients like Kellie Germann, who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Germann says she’ll have to go at least six days without medication that helps her…

House Passes Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act

WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act, which finalizes a long-awaited land exchange in Northern Minnesota between the U.S. Forest Service and PolyMet Mining. The exchange has been undergoing seven years of review, and is key to the advancement of PolyMet’s copper-nickel mine project. The bill was forged by Rep….