Minnesota

Family Freedom Center: Suspicious Person ‘Brandished’ Firearm To Teen

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating after a person “brandished” a firearm near a playground of an after-school program. The Family Freedom Center said a “suspicious” person approached one of its teens with the firearm while outside with the Center’s dog. The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. March 7 on the 300-block of N. First Avenue West.  That address…

Duluth Art Institute Hosts Last Event at The Depot, Closing in on New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight was the Duluth Art Institute’s last event before they leave The Depot. Art lovers joined together for Art Night Out, a social event celebrating the closing of two exhibits, Allison Baker’s Tender Vignettes and Annelise Roseen’s Today I Am. People were not only able to enjoy the artwork, but talk to the artists about the creative…

Duluth Construction Career Night Offers Hands on Experience to Prospective Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight at the DECC, you could try your hand with some of the tools and skills needed to work in construction. Duluth Construction Career Night is an opportunity for anyone interested in building and construction trade careers to learn more about local apprenticeship programs and meet contractors looking for new employees. The event put on by Construct…

City Of Virginia, AFSCME Local 454 Reach Tentative Agreement

Courtesy: AFSCME Local 454 VIRGINIA, Minn. — The city of Virginia and its AFSCME Local 454 employees have reached a tentative contract agreement. See below for press releases from City Administrator Britt See-Benes and AFSCME Local 454: City of Virginia: On March 6, 2024, City of Virginia AFSCME Local 454 employees, representing Public Works, Park & Recreation, City Hall and…

“O-C-D” Chant Against Duluth Basketball Player Prompts Disciplinary Action

Marshall School player taunted by Crosby-Ironton students after disclosing off-court perseverance.

After directing cruel chants at a Duluth Marshall basketball player, some students at Crosby-Ironton high school are being disciplined. It happened at last Thursday’s game, when Crosby-Ironton was playing Marshall’s girls team. Students in a section of Crosby-Ironton’s fans chanted “O-C-D” when Marshall’s Chloe Johnson had the ball. Earlier this year, Johnson–an eighth grader and standout player–had gone public about…

Missing Bigfork Teen Found Safe

UPDATE (March 12, 1:15 p.m.) — A 16-year-old girl who went missing from her house in Bigfork has been found safe. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office canceled the alert for Alissa Plieseis on Tuesday afternoon. They thank everyone who assisted in locating her. ORIGINAL POST: BIGFORK, Minn. — Authorities are asking for help in finding a teen who is missing from…

Coffee Conversation: A+ Garden Center Prepares for Spring Planting

DULTUH, Minn. — With sunshine and 60 degrees in the northland, many are planning and preparing their spring gardens. FOX 21 checked in with Tabatha Beier, owner of A+ Garden Center, to see how they’re getting ready for the spring planting season. A+ Garden Center will open its Kenwood location on May 3. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

87-Year-Old Taconite Woman Dead After Fatal Crash

TACONITE, Minn. — An 87-year-old woman from Taconite is dead after a fatal crash last night on Highway 169. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, it was a two vehicle accident in Taconite. The other driver was a 16-year-old man from Nashwauk. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The state patrol reports, the teen was driving a sports car northbound on Highway…

Transition Conference held for Secondary Students with Disabilities

CLOQUET, Minn. — Mentoring day, a transition conference for secondary students with disabilities, was held on Monday at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. Roughly 300 students from 14 school districts gathered for the event. The day was comprised of break-out sessions, exhibitors, and a keynote speaker. The purpose is to help students with disabilities starting thinking about employment,…

West Duluth Library Branch Celebrates Upgrades

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Duluth Branch Library held a ribbon-cutting Monday to celebrate upgrades. The upgrades consisted of a new service desk, a new computer center, new shelving and a new layout. The Duluth Library Foundation raised $30,000 to fund upgrades to Duluth Library branches. The upgrades are centered around providing a welcoming space to library goers. Speakers at…

“Fore!” Or, At Least Some Are Getting Ready

Driving range opened Monday at Duluth's Enger Park Golf Course as pros and duffers can't wait.

DULUTH, Minn. — With Monday’s incredibly warm weather, some people gave up on ever pulling out the ice fishing rods again–so why not pull out a five-iron instead? Those with the itch had a chance to hit the driving range at Enger Park golf course. No grass of course, but players could get the kinks out by hitting off the…

Northern Exposure Art Offers Northland-Inspired Painting Classes

Carly Jandl takes a step-by-step approach to sharing her creativity

DULUTH, Minn. — Today at Bent Paddle Brewing, people were able to enjoy not only a drink, but some painting too! The step-by-step painting class was one of many put on by Northern Exposure Art around Duluth. Founder Carly Jandl has been offering classes for around two years and says it’s special to help people tap into their artistic side….

Duluth Nordic Center Shares Culture Through Crafts

Liz Bucheit's 'Hand of the Huldra' Exhibition Inspires Crowns and Jewelry For All Generations

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Nordic Center is getting the whole family involved with its latest exhibition ‘Hand of the Huldra.’ The center hosts SunFunDays as a way to open up the gallery to families and let people of all ages get inspired. Currently, Liz Bucheit’s jewelry is on display, a collection inspired by the legend of the Huldrefolk or ‘hidden…

Chester Bowl Closing Day is ‘Bittersweet’ After Short Ski Season

Skiers and snowboarders took their final runs of the winter at Chester Bowl today

DULUTH, Minn. — It was closing day today at Chester Bowl and plenty of skiers and snowboarders were getting in their last runs of the season. It’s been a short season at Chester Bowl, but making and maintaining snow has been particularly difficult according to Programs and Operations Director Sam Luoma. The hill has two snow machines. In a typical…

Potential Of Duluth’s ‘Lot D’ Unveiled In ‘Initial Concepts’ Renderings

Architecture Advantage, LLC DULUTH, Minn. – The future of Lot D along the waterfront in Duluth has become clearer with “initial concepts for the revitalization of redevelopment of Lot D” being released by a Duluth architecture firm. Architecture Advantage, LLC posted on its LinkedIn account Friday showing renderings of what the prime real estate could look like next to Pier…

MPCA Investigating 1,400-Gallon Gasoline Leak At Duluth Short Stop

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 learned Thursday evening that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is investigating a significant gasoline leak at a Duluth gas station. The spill occurred Wednesday at the Short Stop at 5402 E. Superior Street in Duluth. “There was a 1,400 gallon release reported by C & B Distributing from one of their fuel pumps to soil,”…

Only March, But Women Runners Looking to Duluth September Run

Goals are support for each other and raising funds to inspire and help women in business.

For some women this was a day to get out of their uniform and work clothes and get into their running shoes. They started things by gathering at the Duluth Running Company. What brings them together is the love of running and the registration kickoff for a fall run and fundraiser. Friday they headed out on a quick jaunt–a thirty-minute…

Minnesota National Guard Highlights Women Who Serve

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota National Guard is celebrating the accomplishments of the women who serve our country. The Guard has nearly 13,000 soldiers and airmen and of those 22% is women. Friday’s International Women’s Day event highlighted multiple women and one of them is from Duluth. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson is the first-ever Air…

Twin Ports Women’s Invitational Hockey Tournament Begins

24 teams come together for meaningful 30-year tradition that may come to an end.

The Twin Ports Women’s Invitational begins this weekend. The games started over 30 years ago and attracts women hockey players all around the state from ages 18 to 80. Like so many players at the invitational, Angie Hugdahl began playing hockey as a little girl. In college she says hockey changed her life. It was the sense of belonging that…

Applications Now Open for Community Funding Grant Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The Junior League of Duluth is now accepting applications for the 2024 community funding grant awards for local non-profits. Junior League of Duluth President Angela Engblom and Community Council Director Patty Salo Downs joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the grant opportunities. In the past several years, JLD has awarded over $68,000 to local non-profit…

Wildcat Sanctuary Roaring After 25 Years

Lions, tigers and other wild cats live at Sandstone facility all grown up after its "mom and pop" beginning.

The idea was to rescue some wild animals–maybe a bobcat or two. Twenty-five years later, it covers acres and acres and has big cats from around the world. Lions, tigers and more now live near Sandstone, Minnesota. Although they do roam within fences, the goal of all the space and open air at the Wildcat Sanctuary is to provide the…

Wild State Cider Serves Up Vermont-Style Ice Cream

Camp Creemee introduces a rotating menu of soft serve flavors to pair with cider -- or just enjoy!

DULUTH, Minn. — With spring and warm weather just around the corner, Camp Creemee says its the perfect time to enjoy their soft serve ice cream. Camp Creemee, located in Wild State Cider, specializes in Vermont-style soft serve or ‘creemees.’ They offer a classic salted maple syrup flavor year-round, as well as monthly special flavors. Throughout March, they’re offering ‘Shamrock…

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….