Minnesota

Coffee Conversation: Northwood Children’s Services Celebrates 141 years with Fundraising Gala

DULUTH Minn. — The Northwood Children’s Services is celebrating 141 years of serving kids and families with its third annual Northwood Night Out fundraising gala. Northwood Children’s Services Director of Resource Development Morgana Kolenda and Program Supervisor Amanda Ross joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the purpose of the event. The gala is taking…

Virginia City Employees on Picket Line

Workers went out Wednesday morning as no labor agreement has been reached.

Many city employees in Virginia went out on strike Wednesday morning. Members of AFSCME Local 454 began picketing after mediation did not bring about an agreement. The union represents about eighty employees, and says over sixty of them are fulltime. Tuesday the city withdrew what it had described as its best and final answer. In a statement, the union says…

Gregorich and Matack Family Dental Opens New Practice In Duluth’s Intrepid Building

DULUTH, Minn.– A dental practice has officially opened on the first floor of Duluth’s Intrepid Building. Gregorich and Matack Family Dental has been providing dental care in Duluth since 2014. The dental team has moved locations and opened its new practice on Superior Street. The new facility was a long time in the making and has new “state-of-the-art” equipment, centered around…

Siren Emergency “Warning” Was Mistake; Wrong Button Pushed

St. Louis County apologizes to citizens who were concerned.

It was the first Wednesday of the month and that meant emergency sirens were blaring across parts of the county–not for a real emergency–but for a test. However, instead of a test–a real warning was sent out. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said it was all a mistake. The department said one of its operators inadvertently pressed the “warning”…

Blatnik Bridge Project Highlighted In Video Because Of Cooperative Efforts to Receive Funding

DULUTH, Minn. /  SUPERIOR, Wisc. –The Blatnik Bridge is being featured in a video series being launched by the Federal Government. It is part of a Department of Transportation plan showing the importance of infrastructure projects. Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation says the Blatnik stands out among the 45 thousand infrastructure projects that are being supported…

Minnesota Voters Part of Super Tuesday

Wisconsin's turn does not come until April.

It’s a long way until November, but March and Minnesota are not taking election-year back seats. Minnesota voters were among those heading to the polls Tuesday for the primary. Wisconsin’s primary is not until April. Duluth residents were among those filling out their ballot Tuesday. Unique to primaries, voters need to pick a party–just one party–and then pick one candidate…

Wildfire Season Starting Early DNR Advises Homeowners

Homes Near Undeveloped Wildlands or Open Spaces At Higher Risk According to MN DNR

DULUTH, Minn. — With warmer temperatures and little snow this winter, the DNR says the potential for wildfires will be high this year. In the last two and a half weeks, the DNR has responded to 77 wildfires covering over 4,500 acres. That’s over half the acres covered by wildfires in all of last year. Wildfire season typically starts in…

Coffee Conversation: Kicking off Spring Racing Season with the Saint Fennessy 4K

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to slip the running shoes back on and kick off the spring racing season. Enter the Saint Fennessy 4K on Saturday, March 16. Zach Schneider is the Marketing and Public Relations Director with the Young Athletes Foundation. He joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about…

Hermantown’s Cyndi Lewis Paves the Way for Others in the Community

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — There are only so many hours in a day, and one local woman likes to make the most of them as she finds herself giving back to the community through various organizations. Hermantown mom Cyndi Lewis wears many hats throughout her day-to-day life. One is her role as the Director of Development at Duluth’s Salvation Army. “When…

Father Of Daughter Killed In Cloquet Hotel Shooting: ‘It’s Just The Randomness Of It’

CLOQUET, Minn. — The father of a young Cloquet hotel clerk, Shellby Trettel, 22, reacted Monday to a final investigative report involving the shooting death of his daughter and a guest at the Super 8 hotel this past January. Trettel’s father, Tim, spoke with FOX 21 Monday afternoon – not only about the final report, but how his family is…

Competitive Eater Takes on Duluth Burger Challenge

DULUTH, Minn.– The record holder for worldwide food challenge wins visited Big Daddy’s Burgers in Duluth Monday to take on a burger challenge. Randy Santel has won over 1,200 food challenges in his career, including the one on Monday after he finished an eleven-patty burger with 22 slices of bacon, and 2lbs of fries on the side. While he didn’t…

Final Report Issued on Jan. 8 Killed at Cloquet Hotel

CLOQUET, Minn. — After two months of many unanswered questions, the Cloquet Police Department has released its final report on the Jan. 8 triple-fatal shooting at the Cloquet Super 8 hotel. Cloquet officials say there is zero evidence that suggests the killer, 32-year-old Nicholas Lenius, of Ramsey, Minnesota knew his two victims. Toxicology reports show Nicholas Lenius had meth in…

The Number of People Seeking Food “Unbelievable.”

Chum kicks off March food drive timed at dealing head-on with slow months.

Last year people went to Minnesota food shelves over seven million times–up over 30% from the year before, according to Minnesota FoodShare. That is the story behind a display of food items laid out in Duluth Monday. It was the backdrop for Minnesota FoodShare’s yearly campaign with Chum. During March they hope to collect 50,000 pounds of food and $100,000…

Cloquet Police: Meth in Super 8 Motel Shooter; Did Not Know Victims

At one time told co-worker he was dealing with "monsters."

Cloquet, Minn. — In what they describe as their “final” update Monday, the Cloquet Police Department said that the suspect behind the fatal shooting at the Super 8 Motel on January 9 had meth in his system at the time of the incident and was unknown to the victims. The two victims of the shooting were 22-year-old Shellby Trettel of…

Robotics Masterminds Design, Build, Compete at the DECC

Students participate in FIRST Robotics Competition at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. — We’ve all heard the expression, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” Well, how about, “Young men and women, start your robots!” On Saturday, the high school robotic competition wrapped up at the DECC. Fox 21’s own adventurous photojournalist Adam Jagunich dared to step in the pit, to bring us the story. Categories: Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Addressing Health Needs Beyond the Clinical Space

DULUTH, Minn. — Addressing health needs goes beyond medicinal support; often times it’s rooted in the basics like access to transportation, food security and more. Essentia Health has 10 community health workers (CHW) who work to ensure that individuals are supported inside and outside of the hospital. CHW Sam Eades with Essentia Health joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast…

Supreme Court restores Trump to ballot, rejecting state attempts to ban him over Capitol attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot. The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. That power resides with Congress, the court…

Renegade Comedy is Changing Things Up

The comedy club is introducing new shows and new time slots to get more people in the doors

DULUTH, Minn. — Renegade Comedy at Zeitgeist Teatro is making some ‘exciting’ changes and introducing new shows, all in an effort to make Duluthians laugh. Renegade just open their kid’s comedy show, The Sloppy Joe Adventure Crew, which they call ‘ a mystery for the whole family.’ This Friday, they’re starting introducing Renegade Game Night, an improv game show that…

Healing Paws Holds Adoption Event for Rescued Pups

The dog rescue holds monthly adoption event and today's resulted in at least one dog finding a new family

DULUTH, Minn. — Some furry friends found their forever homes today thanks to Healing Paws Rescue! The dog rescue puts on monthly events to help find families for the dogs in their care. Healing Paws said they just got a transport of thirty four puppies from Texas, where hundred of dogs are euthanized each day. At PetSmart in Duluth, customers…

Political and Community Leaders Encourage Minnesotans to Vote “Uncommitted”

DULUTH, Minn. — Democratic Duluth Elected Officials, local leaders and community members rallied together to call for an “uncommitted” vote in the DFL Presidential Primary. The gathering was held at the Lake Superior Plaza on Saturday. The group urged other Minnesotans to vote “uncommitted” in the DFL Presidential Primary, withholding their support for President Joe Biden in his reelection bid….

Warrior Brewing Hosts Fundraiser for Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Veteran Hockey Team

DULUTH, Minn. — Warrior Brewing Company hosted a fundraiser event Saturday for the Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Military Hockey Team. The Warriors team was founded in 2019, where military veterans can use hockey as a form of cognitive and physical therapy. The team also assists veterans with transitioning back into civilian life by creating a support system. The fundraiser had…

Local Celebrities Hit the Stage for the 2nd Annual Singing with the Stars

DULUTH, Minn. — 10 local celebrities took their talents to the stage Friday for Singing with the Stars at the NorShor Theatre. The Duluth Playhouse’s 2nd annual music-filled event brought in a large crowd of voters. Each person could vote for their favorite performer through donations. The person with the most donations was crowned the winner. Fox 21’s own Dan…

Mayor Reinert Announces Lester Park Recreation Working Group

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert announced today the making of a new Lester Park Recreation working group consisting of community members. The groups mission is to form a plan of operation for the golf course land that has, for several years, sat idle. Reinert says, the group will discuss and determine three things; year-round recreation opportunities, the ability to offer…

St. Luke’s-Aspirus Affiliation Approved

The Duluth hospital will now be part of a 19-hospital group based in Wausau.

Both had been waiting since a letter of intent signed last summer, but Friday Duluth’s St. Luke’s Hospital became part of Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health. Aspirus now has 19 hospitals. St. Luke’s will still have a corporate office in Duluth. The group also has 130 outpatient locations and a system that now includes northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin, and the…

7-Year-Old Duluth Girl On Waiting List: ‘Daddy, I Got A Heart!’

DULUTH, Minn. – A 7-year-old Duluth girl is recovering after what she calls a pinch-me moment. That’s because she received a heart transplant Thursday morning at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. “There’s no way to dream up how we feel. I was getting an oil change yesterday in Duluth, and Roya called me and started yelling, ‘Daddy, I got a…

‘Singing With The Stars’ Dress Rehearsal Before Friday Debut At NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is getting ready for its 2nd annual “Singing with the Stars” fundraiser. The contestants with familiar faces perform a piece of musical theatre using their own vocals.  Thursday night was the dress rehearsal before performing live Friday at the NorShor Theatre. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger will be one of three judges on stage giving…

Wheels Turning as NextGen Robotics Creators Compete

110 high school teams at DECC reveal creative minds, imaginations and know-how for the future.

Football may have its Super Bowl Week, but it is not alone. The countdown is on in Duluth for super clashes between mechanical beings. The floor of the DECC Thursday was a sea of metal frames, wheels, mechanical limbs and electricity. It’s officially known as a FIRST Robotics competition. One hundred and ten high school teams are competing to make…

Burnsville First Responders Memorial Service

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — More than 7,500 colleagues, friends, and family gathered to remember the two Burnsville police officers and one firefighter who died in the line of duty. The loss was felt far beyond Burnsville as literally thousands of police officers and firefighters from throughout Minnesota and around the country, including officers and firefighters from both Duluth and Superior…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith Digital Marketing Conference in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Marketing agency Aimclear and young professionals networking group Fuse Duluth will host the Zenith Digital Marketing Conference on Thursday, April 11. Lea Scudamore with Aimclear and Aubrey Hagen with Fuse Duluth joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the event and its purpose. The conference is designed for marketing pros of all levels…

Art Mural Gets Students Thinking and Asking Questions

Native artist combines tangible images with scenes intended to trigger imaginations.

Some Duluth students will now have a lot to ponder as they walk through their school and look up. What they are going to see is art. Not just any art, but a mural. It now adorns Raleigh Edison Charter School and was done by local native artist Jonathan Thunder. Thunder was on hand to talk to the kids Wednesday….

Lake Superior College Named Designated Center of Excellence for Maritime Training and Education

DULUTH, Minn. — The Maritime Administration gave three colleges in Minnesota the designation of a Center of Excellence and Lake Superior College is one of them. The designation is bestowed upon institutions of higher ed who provide education and training for the maritime industry. LSC currently offers many programs in the field such as welding, machining, firefighting and engine repair…

Thousands Expected At Memorial Service For 3 Slain Minnesota First Responders

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Thousands of law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics are expected to pack a Minnesota church on Wednesday for a memorial service for three first responders who were gunned down while responding to a report of a domestic incident at a home with seven children inside. The Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville has been in mourning in the week and a…

Coffee Conversation: Miel Duluth Prepares for Busy Bee Season

DULUTH, Minn. — As spring nears and buds begin to bloom, bees will come out to forage nectar and pollen. Local honey and beeswax-based products business Miel Duluth is ready for the busy bee season. Owner of Miel Duluth Vanessa Roers joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the upcoming bee season and preparation. Roers also…

Hermantown High School Robotics Team Prepares for Competition

Hermantown Talons 5232 Robotics Has Just a Few Days to Finish Their Robot Before Regionals

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — It’s crunch time for the Hermantown High School Robotics team! Their first competition of the season, the Northern Lights Regional, is fast approaching. Hermantown will compete this weekend at the DECC against teams from across the Midwest. “It’s kind of the biggest event for Minnesota,” said Scouting & Strategy Captain Emma Klyn. “And it’s the first one,…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Receives Award From American Legion

Senator Amy Klobuchar has been chosen for the American Legion’s 2024 Distinguished Public Service Award. The award quotes Klobuchar as being, “a champion of important legislation that The American Legion has prioritized year after year, and she has tirelessly worked to improve our national security.” “She has not only represented the interests of Minnesotans, but she also has been a…

Young Student on a Mission to Give Back to Teachers

One young student has continued her mission to spread joy to her teachers through something many enjoy--snacks!

DULUTH, Minn. –It all started with a single dollar and a challenge from a teacher. How can you use that dollar to spread compassion? “In 3rd grade, my teacher gave us $1 and said do something great with it,” said Amelia Hanson, 5th Grade Student. “So, Amelia took that dollar and decided to use it to raise additional money, and…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Scottish Heritage Association Spring Concert

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Scottish Heritage Association Spring Concert is taking place on Saturday, March 2 at the Proctor High School Auditorium. Member of the Duluth Scottish Heritage Pipes and Drums group Jason Reid joined FOX 21 on the morning Tuesday to talk about the event and its purpose. Reid also piped some tunes live in-studio. The evening begins…

Volunteer “Brightens Days” and Honored at Benedictine

Terry Hellsvig has been volunteering and helping others since 1998.

DULUTH, Minn. — A man who has spent years volunteering to help others, received his own thanks and recognition Monday. In a room filled with people with whom he has helped, worked and volunteered; Terry Hellsvig was at center stage in his own quiet way. He has offered his time at Benedictine Living Community for twenty-five years. His dedication to…

Coffee Conversation: UW-Superior Spring Career and Internship Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin Superior is preparing to host a Spring Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, February 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm. UW-Superior Interim Senior Partnerships Officer Ilsa Hoeschen and UWS Career Development Manager Liza Shelquist joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday ahead of the event. The fair is taking place at…

Duluth Police Remember K-9 Luna Three Years Since Being Shot, Killed

DULUTH, Minn. – Three years ago Sunday, Duluth Police K-9 Luna was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The suspect, 37-year-old David Conwell, was hiding in a bedroom closet. K-9 Luna attempted to apprehend Conwell when he began shooting a shotgun at officers and fatally struck Luna. St. Louis County deputies would later shoot and kill Conwell after…

Firefighter Recruits Train With Flames In Moose Lake

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Northland firefighter recruits faced raging flames this weekend during a training event in Moose Lake. The Moose Lake Area Fire District hosted the training, which included how to handle a chimney fire. Blue Fire Training is behind the program, which dedicates to supporting fire, EMS and law agencies be their very best. Moose Lake will host…

Twin Ports Donation Drive To Help ‘Hundreds Of Lives’

The community came out in a big way this weekend with piles of donations for local community outreach organizations. Donations including clothing, hygiene supplies, back packs and toys for children. Lenroot Maetzold and Downs-Lesage funeral homes organized the drive. All of the donations will help a list of local community outreach organizations like CHUM, CASDA, Ruth House, Harbor House, Salvation…