Minnesota

Hermantown is not Receiving LGA in Upcoming Budget

Local government aid cut in Hermantown due to a glitch.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown is receiving no local government aid for the 2018 budget. This is the fourth year the city has received a cut in LGA. Back in 2016 an unintentional error caused the city to receive less LGA than the state determined. The glitch was corrected, but it was too late to fix the city from getting funding in…

Preparing for Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opener

Hunting shops are busy with Northlanders preparing for deer hunting.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Many Northlanders making final preparations before Minnesota firearm deer hunting opener takes place bright and early Saturday morning. Many hunters have already spotted bucks on their trail cams. With all the excitement, hunters need to remember the essentials.  Many popular items bought from Fisherman’s Corner in preparation for the season are; scope protectors, hand warmers, and water proofing…

Key Piece of Evidence Found in Hunter’s Murder

Body of Victim was Found a Year Ago in Morrison County

LITTLE FALLS, Minn.-Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve recovered a key piece of evidence that could help lead them to the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a hunter near Little Falls. Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve recovered a key piece of evidence that could help lead them to the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a…

Minnesota Announces $16.6M in Grants to Fight Opioid Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is investing $16.6 million in federal grant money toward efforts to combat opioid addiction across the state. Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper announced the grants Friday. State data shows that in 2008, less than 10 Minnesotans died from heroin overdoses. But the number of opioid overdoses has been on…

Wise Fool Theater Presents First Show Since Name Change

Tonight: Wise Fool Theater's "The Merchant of Venice" Premieres

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday night, Wise Fool Theater is presenting their latest show. “The Merchant of Venice” will run through the next two weekends. On November 3-4 and 10-11 the shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Matinee shows will be on November 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. The performances will be at Lincoln Park Middle School. To purchase tickets,…

Duluth Trampoline Park Offers Fun for All Ages

Active Adventures: Jumping Around at Planet 3 Extreme Air Park

DULUTH, Minn. – A trampoline park is open in Duluth, but it’s much more than what you might think. Planet 3 Extreme Air Park offers extreme dodgeball, trapeze, launchpads, foam pits, dunk zones, a ninja obstacle course. All ages are encouraged to jump at the park. Planet 3 Duluth is located at 101 N 46th Ave W., Duluth, MN 55807….

Medical Discovery Team Has New Home

Hoping New Home Relieves Workplace Stress

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth now has a new home for their Medical Discovery Team. In the new quarters, they hope to gain better knowledge on diabetes and dementia in the Native American communities around the Northland. In 2014 Medical Discovery Teams or “MDT’s” were created in Minnesota through support of Governor Mark Dayton. The Duluth-based team has a new facility to…

Settlement Pending in Ventura’s Case Against ‘Sniper’ Author

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and the estate of “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle are apparently working toward a settlement in a yearslong defamation case. A court docket entry on Thursday says an upcoming conference and deadline for written statements were cancelled based on a “pending settlement.” Attorneys for both sides didn’t comment when asked for details…

MnDNR Issues Mandatory CWD Testing Nov. 4-5

PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL, CENTRAL, AND SOUTHEAST AFFECTED

(DNR) (MINNESOTA) – The DNR is asking hunters for their help this fall to determine if chronic wasting disease (CWD) has spread to central and north central Minnesota; deer in this area are currently not known to have CWD, but further testing will help determine its impact. Mandatory testing will be in permit areas in north, north central, and southeastern…

Norshor Theatre Deadline Fast Approaching

Walk Through Theatre Allowed Duluthians To See Progress

DULUTH, Minn- The pressure is on and the excitement is bursting from the supporters, backers, and arts community ready for the Norshor Theatre’s comeback. Developer and big financial backer George Sherman was at today’s press event among city leaders and the Duluth Playhouse. The transformation and restoration of the historic Norshor Theatre on E Superior St. is looking the clearest…

Mall of America Closing on Thanksgiving

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Mall of America, the largest shopping complex in the nation, has announced it will be closed on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. The mall made the announcement on Thursday and stated it will be making Black Friday a “seventh holiday” for its employees. Those who work directly for the MOA and Nickelodeon Universe…

Mills Says He Won’t Challenge Nolan in ’18

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Republican Stewart Mills says he won’t challenge U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan for a third time. Mills announced his decision in a Facebook post Wednesday. Much of the post blamed national Republicans for what Mills called a failure to support him late in the 2016 election. Nolan, a Democrat, already has one potential primary challenge for the northeast…

Healthcare Enrollment Begins in MN – And There Are Folks Available to Help Out

DULUTH, Minn. — Starting today, Minnesotans can enroll in healthcare coverage through the open enrollment process. Minnesota is one of only 12 states with a state health insurance exchange. The process can be a little complicated, but there are some agencies around the area that can help. Generations Healthcare Initiative is one of those resources, with folks called “navigators” on…

ACA Enrollment Starts Today: Here’s What to Look For

A new deadline, rising prices and fewer options for help will greet health insurance shoppers as the Affordable Care Act’s main enrollment window opens Wednesday. Also in store: Befuddlement. “Confusion seems to be one of the key words to describe what we’re facing now,” said Nicolas Moriello, a Delaware-based broker. Among the things Moriello has found he needs to clear…

Minnesota AG: 12 Drug Companies Added to Price-Fixing Suit

Suit Alleges Multiple Groups Involved in Price Fixing

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says 12 pharmaceutical companies have been added to a price-fixing lawsuit. Swanson announced the expansion of the suit Tuesday. She originally filed the lawsuit in 2016 along with prosecutors in 45 other states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The suit alleges collusion that resulted in sharp price increases for generic…

Annual Gales of November Conference Begins Friday

Keynote Speakers to Focus on Shipwrecks

DULUTH, Minn. – November is now upon us and that means peak storm season on Lake Superior is near. The 30th Annual Gales of November conferece is beginning Friday, November 3 and running through Saturday, November 4. This is a fundraiser for the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association. The Saturday Keynote Luncheon Speaker will discuss the French Navy minesweepers Inkerman…

Great Outdoors: North Country Trail

The Longest Trail In The Nation Runs Right Through The Northland

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL, Minn. & Wisc. — The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the Nation! It was created back in 1980 and it passes through 12 National Forests. Did you know that this historic trail winds right through our backyard, Northland? 4,600 miles it spans from Vermont to North Dakota, while passing through both Minnesota and Wisconsin….

Kids pack Miller Hill Mall for Mall-O-Ween

Kids trick-or-treated at the stores inside the mall

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of kids packed the Miller Hill Mall Halloween night for “Mall–O–Ween!” There was a costume contest, and kids were able to trick-or-treat at each of the stores. A free photo booth was available at the mall to capture all the spooky memories. Categories: Business, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Video

November Peak Month for Deer-Vehicle Crashes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – November is the peak time for deer-vehicle crashes in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The increase in crashes is due to deer mating season occurring in November. Increased deer movement and reduction of daylight increases drivers’ chances of encountering deer on roadways. From 2013-15, there was 6,149 reported deer-vehicle crashes, according to the…

Bemidji Teen Missing for One Year

Last Seen Oct. 31, 2016 in the area of 5th Street SE and Wood Avenue SE

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji Police Department is continuing to look for Jeremy Jourdain who was last seen one year ago. Police say they have followed up on over 120 leads, each of them being thoroughly investigated. Numerous interviews and searches have been conducted to look for Jeremy. Bemidji Detective Michelle Leffelman said in a Facebook post on the department’s…

Duluth Junk Hunt Heads to DECC for Fall Sale

Semi-Annual Event Starts Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re one to search for a special find for your home, The Duluth Junk Hunt may be the place for you. The semi–annual Duluth Junk Hunt kicks off Friday. Vendors will fill the DECC’s Pioneer Hall Friday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors…

Duluth Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Reflective Tape and Bright Costumes are Recommended by Police

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is all about fun as kids head out to trick or treat, but there are safety concerns surrounding the tradition. Sgt. Gayle Holton with the Duluth Police Department visited FOX 21 this morning to shed some light on the topic. Sgt. Holton says kids should be wearing bright costumes and if they’re not, they should wear…

Tours Now Offered at Nopeming Sanatorium

Northland Uncovered: Going Inside Nopeming Sanatorium

DULUTH, Minn. – For years an abandoned tuberculosis sanatorium has been the interest of Northlanders, ghost hunters, and historians around the country. Nopeming Sanatorium sits almost empty in Duluth. “In 1908 they built the first building and then after that it filled so they built other buildings to accommodate more patients,” explained Tanya Graysmark, the Project Director at Nopeming. A…

Fire Engulfs Garage in Rice Lake Township

RICE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Tuesday morning fire filled a garage in Rice Lake Township. Crews got the call to 4055 Fairview Rd. just at 6:27 a.m. Upon arrival, responders found a large pole barn-style garage fully engulfed in flames. An adult female and two adult males were safely evacuated from the adjacent residence with no injuries. Fire department personnel…

UMD Hosts 22nd Annual ‘Haunted Halls’ For Kids

UMD students decorated the halls and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students had the chance to celebrate Halloween with younger members of the community on Monday. It was the 22nd annual Haunted Halls at UMD. Students dressed up in costumes and decorated the living spaces  on campus, and hundreds of kids got to go trick or treating with them through the halls. “Kids going through get to…

After more than 20 years in business, How Sweet It Is Cakes is closing

The owners cited financial reasons for the decision to close up shop

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than 20 years in business, popular Twin Ports cake decorators, How Sweet It Is Cakes is closing its doors. How Sweet It Is posted to Facebook on Monday to announce that they will be shutting down, citing a “significant decline in sales,” among other personal reasons. Eileen Brown, the owner of How Sweet It Is…

Trick-or-Treating Tricks and Tips

How much candy is too much candy on Halloween?

DULUTH, Minn.- Trick-or-Treating is 24 hours away, FOX21 has tips on handling the sugar monsters that come with it. Plenty of candy will be handed out and eaten by little ones. According to one local expert, allowing children to indulge on Halloween has its benefits. “A lot of times on that first night it’s good to just let them eat,”…

The Lyric Kitchen Bar hosts Grand Opening

New restaurant serves early birds to bar close in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday downtown Duluth is officially home to a new restaurant and bar; serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lyric Kitchen Bar is located on the first floor of the Holiday Center, with street-side views of West Superior Street. Monday was the grand opening of the restaurant, which has a large menu serving everything; from paninis, to…

Duluth Assessing Storm Damages Cost

The city of Duluth is assessing damages from Friday's storm.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday’s storm pummeled the Lake Superior shore with massive waves, the city is busy picking up the pieces. The total dollar amount of the damages is unknown. The city is currently assessing the damages, which will be announced in the next couple of days. If the damages exceed the State threshold of $368,000 seventy five percent of the…

Northlanders Discuss “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” Proposal

Lieutentant Governor Tina Smith and Commissioner Emily Piper Host Town Hall for Residents in Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith started the workweek with a stop in Duluth to talk healthcare Monday morning. Smith along with Commissioner Emily Piper chose to host a town hall in Duluth on the MinnesotaCare Buy-In Proposal. For Lt. Governor Smith, the goal of Monday’s meeting at Duluth City Hall was to inform residents of the plan…

Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Itasca County Waters

Photo: Amy Benson – U.S. Geological Survey DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in Dora Lake and connected waters in Itasca County, as well as in Serpent Lake in Crow Wing County. Itasca County aquatic invasive species staff found zebra mussels downstream of Sand Lake, where zebra mussels had been confirmed in 2013….

Governor: Tax Plan Would Cut Deductions for 900,000 Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is calling on President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers to abandon their tax proposal, which is estimated to cut deductions for 900,000 middle-class Minnesota families. As a result, an average of $12,000 tax deduction would be eliminated per Minnesotan. “One of their most offensive proposals would eliminate the deductibility of Minnesota’s state…

Study: Roundabouts Reduce Serious Injuries in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s nearly 200 roundabouts are reducing serious injuries and saving lives, according to a new study released by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. According to MnDOT officials, roundabouts have a comparable initial construction costs and lower life-cycle cost than a traffic signal with similar traffic capacity. The study examined the safety performance of 144 roundabouts by…

Duluth Artist Wins Walleye Stamp Contest

Third win for the artist!

2018 Walleye Stamp competitionFirst Place: Dean Kegler (MnDNR) DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that a Duluth artist has won the Minnesota Walleye Stamp contest. Dean Kegler, was selected by judges from among 11 entries for the annual contest sponsored by the DNR. Kegler’s painting featured a walleye about to strike a crankbait and will…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Begins this Week

Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge Starts Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be Halloween on Tuesday, but registration for the Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge begins this week. Families and business owners are encouraged to decorate their buildings in Christmas lights and enter them in the competition. Once the establishments are entered, families can see the list online, tour the displays and vote for their favorites….

Science Museum Recreating Hoodie Seen on ‘Stranger Things’

(Netflix/Science Museum of Minnesota) ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – A vintage Science Museum of Minnesota hoodie spotted on the Netflix hit ‘Stranger Things’ had Minnesotans buzzing over the weekend – and now the museum says they’re bringing it out of retirement In the first episode of Season 2, fans noticed one of the main characters sporting a 1980s-era purple hoodie from the Science…

Storm Damage Closes Parts of Lakewalk

Brighton Beach Closed Due to Storm Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday’s snowstorm brought devastation to Duluth and this weekend FOX 21 got a first look at the damage left behind. The City of Duluth has been forced to close down parts of two popular attractions. At Duluth’s lakewalk, parts of the boardwalk have been completely ripped up, benches damaged and rocks have taken over what was once…

Bars open early for Vikings fans

Bars were able to open one hour early to accommodate the 8:30 a.m. kick-off.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Fans of the Minnesota Vikings made the early morning trek to their favorite bar to catch that 8:30 a.m. kickoff Sunday morning. With the Vikings playing the Cleveland Browns in London, England, the time difference made for an early start to football Sunday. Thanks to a state exemption, made only for today, bars in St. Louis county…

Last day for corn maze at Ru Ridge

Despite the snow, Ru Ridge Corn Maze stayed open until the end

CARLTON, Minn. – The weather didn’t stop the folks out at the Ru–Ridge Corn Maze from staying open another day. It was the last day for the corn maze at the Ru-Ridge Produce in Cartlon. It was Ru–Ridge’s first year having the corn maze, and the owners were pleasantly surprised by the show of support from the community, even on the…

Biggest Scarium at the Aquarium yet for Great Lakes Aquarium

Kids dressed up in costumes and enjoyed some family-friendly fun and games

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of kids and their families made their way to the Great Lakes Aquarium for the annual Scarium at the Aquarium.  There were fun and games, a dance party, and super hero divers. Families dressed up in their favorite costumes and trick or treated through the aquarium. “It’s really a family party,” Great Lakes Aquarium’s Allison Iacone said. “We…

Winter Storm Has Duluth’s Water Still Abnormal

Full Press Release Of The Situation In Story

The storm may be over but it has left its lasting presence on Duluth’s drinking water. The City of Duluth water system recently violated a drinking water standard related to turbidity. Although the levels have continued to drop throughout the day, Duluth’s water is still not at a level that we would normally come to expect. What should you do?…

Duluth Police Investigating Man Found Outside Deceased

Not Many Details At The Moment

UPDATE: The Duluth Police have reported that preliminary autopsy results suggest the man died from accidental death due to exposure. Currently, toxicology results are pending. DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Police Department is investigating the death of a man found near the 10 block of E 4th St.  According to police, they were notified of a man down at 9:43 a.m….

Morgan Park Halloween Carnival

United Protestant Church Held Event

MORGAN PARK, Minn- The United Protestant Church in Morgan Park brought back a family fun event tonight. After a 3 year hiatus, members of the church thought it was important to bring back the annual Morgan Park Halloween Carnival. Kids and even some grownups dressed up in their customs came to enjoy games and family fun. The organizer of the…

Mother Nature Leaves Trail of Destruction Along Shoreline

The First Snow of the Season Caused Much Destruction for Many in the Duluth Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother Nature knocked the Northland with a punch Friday, leaving thousands without power and many left to cleanup after the first blast of winter. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich brings us to the sights and sounds as people assess the damage. Categories: Community, Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Adam Jagunich, Brett Scott, Destruction, First,…

Company Gives Northlanders Opportunity to Recycle Electronic Waste

Twin Ports Recycling Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday and Saturday some Minnesotans will be working together to reduce e–waste dumping. Dave Potter, the Managing Partner of Global E–Waste, visited FOX 21 this morning to chat about the initiative. The Twin Ports Recycling Rendezvous is being held Friday, October 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. to…

Searching for Geocaches at Jay Cooke State Park

Active Adventures: Geocaching

CARLTON, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures, we went on a nature treasure hunt. FOX 21’s William Seay went geocaching with Park Naturalist Kristine Hiller at Jay Cooke State Park. The state–wide geocache hunt will go through Tuesday, October 31. Another state–wide geocache will start in the Spring. To learn more about visiting Minnesota state parks, head to the…