Minnesota

Hundreds Gather for Annual Labor Day Celebration in Cloquet

The Nations Longest Oldest and Longest Labor Day Parade Kicked Off at 11 a.m. Monday Morning

CLOQUET, Minn. – Hundreds took advantage of the beautiful Labor Day weather Monday morning, making way to Cloquet for the nations oldest and longest Labor Day Parade. Many spectators lined up nearly two hours before the parade of local businesses, politicians and laborers made way down Avenue C and 13th Street. Paradegoers say they enjoy the annual event because it’s…

Northlanders Celebrate Labor Day with Picnic, Parade

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is Labor Day and celebrations are taking place across the Northland. One annual event is the Labor Day Picnic in Bayfront Festival Park. The event features free food, beverages, games and kids activities all for free. Cloquet and Virginia are also hosting Labor Day events. For information on all events happening around the state, head to…

Boat Tour Offers Fun, Educational Ride Along St. Louis River

Coffee Conversation: St. Louis River Alliance

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is once again heading out on the water to educate Northlanders about the estuary. There will be a boat tour on the Vista Star Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m. The river alliance will highlight clean-up projects, successes and future vision of the estuary….

Fishing for Smiles at Legacy Lake

Residents at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay Embark on a Fishing Adventure Once a Week

FINLAND, Minn. – Every summer thousands of people spend multiple hours launching their boat, baiting hooks and waiting for the ‘big one.’ However, many people are forced to give up their freedom of fishing as they age. In Finland Minnesota, one man’s mission is now a mark on the calendar once a week. “It kind of gets them doing what…

Black Hat BBQ Gives Back To Youth Rodeo

Funds Raised Goes Towards The High School Rodeo Foundation

SUPERIOR, Wis. It wouldn’t be a rodeo without southern style BBQ. Supporting Minnesota’s high school rodeo foundation, Black Hat BBQ can be found at many of the surrounding rodeo events. Portions of the proceeds made at each event is given back to the rodeo scholarship fund. Owners say raising funds is easy to do with favorites like their baby back…

Fresh Produce Arrives In Twin Ports

Fresh Produce From Rochester Minnesota Farm

DULUTH, Minn. It’s the season for a harvest. Minnesota farmers are finding ways to sell their freshly grown products You may have seen several fruit and vegetable stands popping up around the twin ports recently. Sunny Side Produce Farms out of Rochester, Minnesota has dozens of stands in northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, making it easier for you to buy…

Locals Collect Supplies to Help Texas Pets

Tina Marcella Left Duluth Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – A local woman is on her way to Texas with a van full of supplies for pets affected by Hurricane Harvey. Tina Marcella and Traci Scholler with Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue collected donations to take to Ft. Worth, Tex. where they will be distributed to areas affected by the hurricane. Marcella left Duluth Friday afternoon, her van…

Duluth Superior Pride Celebrated at Bayfront Park

Annual Festival Brings Northland Community Together

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Pride Festival is celebrating its 31st year in the Twin Ports. The annual pride festival brings people together from across the Northland to have fun and feel accepted for who they are. “Pride. Smile. Respect queer people and trans people. And everybody.” Thousands celebrated inclusiveness and community spirit in Duluth’s Bayfront Park. “It’s not…

Minnesota Company Plans $300 Million Expansion

Digi-Key Breaks Ground Sep. 15

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (AP) The growth of an electronic component company is presenting new challenges for a small northern Minnesota community. Digi-Key in Thief River Falls will hold a ground breaking ceremony Sept. 15 for an expansion that could cost as much as $300 million. The 1-million-square-foot expansion will more than double the component distributor’s global hub. The company…

Fruit Stand Gives Healthy Option for State Fair-Goers

The Produce Exchange Sells Fresh Fruit

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – If you’re headed down to the Minnesota State Fair this weekend there’s a good chance you’ll be eating something fried and on a stick. If you’re looking for something healthy, stop by The Produce Exchange. The booth offers fresh fruit, Kampuchea on tap, energy drinks and organic and fair trade sparkling water. The booth has been…

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Reduces Air Quality in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for southwest, western, and central Minnesota because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. The affected area includes Alexandria, Brainerd, Marshall, Ortonville, St. Cloud, and Worthington. The tribal nations of Mille Lacs and Upper Sioux are also affected. The air quality alert is in effect through Saturday. Air…

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Texas

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton has approved soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Combat Aviation Brigade to support response efforts for Hurricane Harvey.  The soldiers will depart Friday from St. Cloud via CH-47 Chinook helicopters to conduct aviation operations in Texas. “I am glad that Minnesota will be able to assist the victims of the terrible tragedy…

Special Deer Hunt Permits Available for Cascade River, Judge C. R. Magney State Parks

THE GOAL OF STATE PARK HUNTS IS TO ENSURE HEALTHY NATURAL COMMUNITIES

DULUTH, Minn. – A special firearms deer hunt will be held at Cascade River and Judge C.R. Magney state parks from Nov. 4-19, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Hunters wishing to participate in one of the special hunts can obtain a state park deer hunt permit in addition to their regular license. Hunters must apply to participate…

Grand Slam at The Wade Provides Fun for Families

A beautiful August day full of music, games and baseball

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army held the first ever “Grand Slam at the Wade” on Thursday. Families enjoyed games, dunk tanks, music, and a baseball game. The Salvation Army put on the event to share with the community the things the Salvation Army does, beyond red kettles and thrift shops. “We want the community to be aware of our…

Rummage for Rescue: Supporting Friends of Animals Humane Society

CLOQUET, Minn. – Garage sale-ing season is underway and one big rummage sale this weekend will help Northland animals looking for new homes. This is one of the biggest fundraisers for Friends of Animals Humane Society. The Rummage for Rescue sale is taking place at the Cloquet Armory on Saturday, August 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is…

Duluth Personal Trainer Stands Out from the Crowd

Active Adventures: XMT-3 Training

DULUTH, Minn. – A new studio with the focus on the individual has opened in downtown Duluth. XMT-3 Training is run by personal trainer Eric Franklin. Other than 30-minute group classes throughout the day, Franklin only hosts individual personal training sessions. It’s part of his focus to branch off from the crowded gym atmosphere. Franklin says after working as a personal trainer…

Drive Nets Donations for Hurricane Relief

Local Business Owners Organized the Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – Local entrepreneur Mike Letica, like others around the country, saw the devastation Hurricane Harvey brought to South Texas and wanted to do something to help. “Anytime something happens, whether it’s in the city or something nationally, I always think about what I would want from people if this happened to me,” said Letica. “Prayers for Texas” was…

Volunteers Trained Before Heading South

Local Red Cross Volunteers Headed to Texas to Help with Harvey Relief

DULUTH, Minn. – Local American Red Cross volunteers headed south to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts received training before their trip. Thursday, at the Red Cross’ Duluth office, volunteers learned how to deploy, what to expect both in Texas and when they come home, as well as a class in sheltering fundamentals. The local Red Cross already has ten…

Duluth Public Schools Host Open House

Back To School We Go

DULUTH, Minn. It’s down to Labor Day weekend to get in those summer activities. The back to school buzz was in the air Wednesday, as several Duluth Public Schools held open houses. Parents along with their kids packed schools across the Northland. Schedules are passed out back packs are full kids are excited to start the school year. “Probably going…

Lucky’s 13 Chopped Salad with a Twist

Cooking Connection: Lucky's 13 Pub

DULUTH, Minn. – Lucky’s 13 Pub has been in Duluth since February and so far business is going well for the restaurant. The pub offers several selections on their menu and has many tap beers and cocktails. For this week’s Cooking Connection FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to make the restaurant’s “13” Chopped Salad. “13” Chopped Salad: Lettuce Kidney…

Rat Rods to Fill Mahtowa Labor Day Weekend

Rat Rod Rendezvous to Celebrate Nine Years

MAHTOWA, Minn. – A tradition taking over downtown Mahtowa each Labor Day weekend is continuing as the 9th Annual Rat Rod Rendezvous starts up Saturday. Car lovers will be bringing their rat rods from all over the country. The show is taking place Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd. There will be live music, a golf tournament and a…

Farming Accident Results in Fatality

NORTHWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Minnesota man has lost his life after a farming-related accident. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Tuesday, August 29 just after 10 a.m. The accident occurred in the 43000 block of Moose River Rd, in Northwood Township. That is located in the far northwest portion of Beltrami County, approximately 100 miles…

Concordia Language Villages Fears Impact of Visa Cuts

Photo: The Bemidji Pioneer MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Officials who run a popular language and cultural immersion program in the north woods of Minnesota warn that potential changes in visa rules could make it hard for them to hire enough instructors. Christine Schulze, executive director of Concordia Language Villages, is urging alumni and other supporters to contact their congressional representatives and…

Water Drive to Support those Affected by Tropical Storm Harvey

Local Businessman to Travel to Texas

DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth man is heading to Texas this weekend to help those affected by Tropical Storm Harvey and he’s asking for help. Mike Letica is hosting a Water Drive on Thursday, August 31 from noon to 7 p.m. at Denfeld High School. Letica is asking for donations of water, cots, air mattresses, medical supplies, cash donations…

American Red Cross: How Northlanders Can Support Harvey Victims

Monetary Donations Encouraged by Red Cross Officials

DULUTH, Minn. – Tropical Storm Harvey is causing devastation in Texas with thousands evacuated and mutiple deaths reported. As people around the country try to help those affected, the American Red Cross is doing whatever they can to help as well. Dan Williams, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, stopped by FOX 21…

Duluthians Travel to Texas for Animal Rescue

A Group Leaves for Texas Saturday to Rescue Dogs in Overpopulated Shelters in Wake of Hurricane Harvey

DULUTH, Minn. – Hurricane Harvey is taking a devastating toll on millions in Texas. Many are facing life or death situations. It’s a reality also hitting hard for many furry friends. Harvey is leaving thousands howling for help. Animals are stuck in Texas shelters looking for a life saver. “It’s awful, they need help. There are so many dogs that…

Minnesota State Fair Tunnel of Love is Oldest in United States

Northland Uncovered: Ye Old Mill

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Minnesota Get-Together started up last week and already thousands of visitors have taken a ride on one of the fair’s oldest traditions. Wooden boats floating through Ye Old Mill at the Minnesota State Fair carry generations of love stories with them. As the nation’s oldest tunnel of love, the ride has been taking lovebirds through…

31st Annual Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Kicks Off Thursday

Free Family-Friendly Entertainment in Bayfront Festival Park Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – The 31st Annual Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will be taking over the Twin Ports this week and weekend. The festival is taking place Thursday, August 31 – Sunday, September 3. Schedule of Events: Thursday, August 31: Mayor’s Reception, 5-8 p.m., Duluth Depot Duluth Playhouse Play: I am my Own Wife, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 1: White Party…

Friends Set Up Memorial For 15-Year-Old Drowning Victim

Flowers, Cross Put At Last Place Will Schlotec Was Seen Alive

DULUTH, Minn. – Heavy hearts continue for friends and family of 15-year-old Will Schlotec who drowned over the weekend in the popular swimming hole known as The Deeps. People close to Schlotec have begun to build a memorial at the site of the accident. On Monday, friends showed up with flowers and comforting words for one another as the new school…

Local Business Owner Looks to Help Hurricane Victims

Mike Letica is collecting supplies and cards for victims of Hurricane Harvey

DULUTH, Minn. – After hearing about the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, one Northland business leader is looking to offer some help. Mike Letica made a post on Facebook earlier today, asking the public to help him collected supplies for the people of Texas displaced by the hurricane. But it’s not just supplies he’s looking to bring…

Medical Examiner: Hopkins Murder Victim Died of ‘Multiple Chop Wounds’

FOX 9 - KMSP

(FOX 9 KMSP) HOPKINS, Minn. (KMSP) – The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has determined the 67-year-old man allegedly killed by his neighbor in Hopkins, Minnesota home last week died of multiple chop wounds. John Gallagher Jr. was found dead at his home on the 200 block of 10th Avenue North in Hopkins at approximately 3:40 a.m. last Friday. Police arrested Gallagher’s former next-door…

Legal Battle Over Budget Veto Rests with Supreme Court

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The fate of the legal battle between Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican lawmakers now rests with the Minnesota Supreme Court. The two sides took their disagreement surrounding the Democratic governor’s veto of the Legislature’s $130 million operating budget to the state’s highest court Monday. Dayton line-item vetoed their funding to force top Republicans to rework…

Minnesota Wild Unveil New ‘This is Our Ice’ Tradition

Event will be held on Sept. 16

ST. PAUL, Minn.  – Minnesota Wild fans will have the chance to contribute water from their local hockey ponds, lakes, and rinks to the ice sheet at the Xcel Energy Center. The team says water from around Minnesota will be brought to the arena, filtered, and frozen into the ice as part of a new campaign, “Flood the Rink.” Fans…

Teen Who Jumped Into Flooded Lester River Prompts Water Rescue

Teen Is Known To Be Daring

DULUTH, Minn. On August 26th, 2017 at approximately 5:20 PM the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of 556 Occidental Blvd, in the City of Duluth for a report of a 15 year hold male jumped into the “DEEPS”, and has not resurfaced.  A short time later, emergency responders arrived on scene, and located the male in the…

New Cloquet Middle School Nears Completion

Crews wrap up finishing touches before students return

CLOQUET, Minn. – Crews are wrapping up the final days of construction on the new Cloquet Middle School before students return for the school year. After two years of planning and about 15 months of construction, the 180,000 sq. ft. building is nearly complete. “The construction has been just amazing in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish in…

Bemidji Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash in North Dakota

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – A Minnesota man is dead after a motorcycle crash in North Dakota. Police say 29-year-old, Anthony Lossing, of Bemidji, Minnesota, apparently disregarded traffic signals at an intersection in Grand Forks and collided with a pickup truck around 6:15 p.m. Thursday. Lossing was pronounced dead at the hospital. The two people in the pickup weren’t hurt….

Missing Brainerd Man Located Deceased

Last seen on July 4

UPDATE: The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that the body found in a wooded area in Brainerd to be that of John Greenwaldt. MISSING REPORT: BRAINERD, Minn. – The Brainerd Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old John Greenwaldt, of Brainerd. John was last seen in Brainerd on July 4, when he got into an…

Duluth YMCA Fall Open House Offers New Member Deal

New Programs to Begin at YMCA this Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA is hosting its Fall Open House September 6-9, 2017. This week is open to the public and free for all. Several activities are being held daily during this week. The sign-up fee will be waived during the open house. There will also be activities held at the Gary New Duluth and Woodland locations. For…

Nation’s Largest Traveling Ferris Wheel Visits Minnesota State Fair

Riders Take in Views of St. Paul and Minneapolis

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – A brand new ride is taking fair-goers to new heights. The $4 million investment is the nation’s largest traveling ferris wheel. It travels America on 12 trailers and takes a 50 ton crane to assmble. The 36 gondolas take riders 15 stories high. “People are impressed that they can see the capitol dome, the cathedral downtown,…

Simonson Named New Zoo CEO

Assistant Fire Chief Taking Early Retirement to Assume New Role

DULUTH, Minn. – Assistant Chief Erik Simonson is taking early retirement from the Duluth Fire Department in order to lead the Lake Superior Zoo. Simonson was introduced as the zoo’s new Chief Executive Officer Thursday morning. He takes over for Dave Benson, who’s been serving on an interim basis since former CEO Corey Leet resigned in May for family reasons…

Minnesota State Fair Welcomes Thousands of Eager Fairgoers on Opening Day

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Will Run Through Monday, September 4

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn – The time has finally come, the Great Minnesota Get-Together kicked off Thursday morning in Falcon Heights. Thousands of people lined up at the gates before six o’clock rolled around. Hundreds made final arrangements, setting up exhibits, heating up deep friers and lacing up those dancing shoes. “We just really have a good time dancing,” said Cindy…

New Task Force Designed to Cut Red Tape

Seven Person Group Charged with Making Duluth More Small Business Friendly

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council wants to make starting a small business in Duluth easier. Recently, the council approved a resolution creating a new Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The seven person task force will be charged with giving the council information and recommendations designed to streamline the permit process. The group will consist of an architect, developer and…

Bidding Open for Auction to Benefit Veterans

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is Auctioning a 1977 Ford F-150

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An auction benefiting a local veterans group was so successful last year, they’re doing it again. Benna Ford and the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart teamed up to auction off a 1977 Ford F–150 pickup. Between now and September 8th, you can stop by Benna Ford’s dealership in Superior, check out the…

Red Cross Takes Donations in Duluth

One Pint of Blood can Save up to Three Lives

DULUTH, Minn. – Ordinary people became heroes Thursday with one simple act. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Zeitgiest Atrium in Downtown Duluth. The Red Cross has a critical need for donations and organizers were happy to see donors come in. “It feels really good to see people are so selfless and able to come in,…