Minnesota

Lutsen Mountains General Manager Reacts To Lutsen Lodge Fire

The general manager of Lutsen Mountains, Jim Vick, was sympathizing with the staff at the nearby Lutsen Lodge Tuesday as they deal with the loss of the structure to fire. Vick dealt with a massive fire in June of 2023 when Lutsen Mountains’ Papa Charlie’s restaurant went up in flames. The memories at the beloved restaurant hangout turned into ashes….

Sen. Klobuchar Calls Lutsen Lodge Fire ‘Heartbreaking’

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar reacted the Lutsen Lodge fire Tuesday — a place she and her family have visited. Klobuchar called the fire “heartbreaking.” She said she’s been in contact with resort’s general manager and was encouraged to hear the resort will rebuild. In the meantime, Klobuchar said this is time to lean in and support the Lusten community. “Minnesotans…

Lutsen Lodge’s History Runs Deep Into the 1880s

The Lutsen Lodge, Minnesota’s oldest resort, was established in 1885 when Swedish immigrant Charles Nelson opened his small fishing camp and lodge. Business continued to grow through the years, but it was not always a smooth ride. Photos from the Cook County Historical Society show Lutsen in its very early stages. The lodge was destroyed by fire twice before.  The…

Fire Destroys Historic Lutsen Lodge

Courtesy: Lutsen Resort LUTSEN, Minn. — A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Historic Lutsen Lodge. Courtesy: Steve Bonin The Cook County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a fire alarm at the resort along the North Shore at 12:24 a.m. Staff from Lutsen Resort, which is Minnesota’s oldest resort, reported smoke coming from the floor in the…

Proctor’s ‘Atlas Games’ Putting Plastic Waste To The Challenge

PROCTOR, Minn. — Atlas Games out of Proctor has been creating and publishing board and card games since the 90s. And within the past couple of years, the company has evolved to make games out of plastic waste. “You don’t realize it, that a lot of plastic you have that you think you are recycling properly, it just goes through…

Virginia Man Sentenced For Alcohol, Cannabis-Induced Fatal Crash

A Virginia man was sentenced Monday for causing an alcohol and cannabis-induced crash last fall that killed a woman. David Medicine, 38, will face 41 months in prison for the crime, according to court records. Medicine was driving on Highway 169 during the evening hours when he slammed his vehicle into a pick-up truck that was sitting still in backed-up…

Duluth School Officials Explain Need and Goals of Referendum

Technology education and technology itself would get much attention.

May 14th, the Duluth Public School district will once again be asking voters if they would pass a referendum. It would raise $5.2 million a year for ten years for technology needs. It’s not that long ago that blackboards, textbooks, and overhead projectors were as advanced as school technology got. However today technology is everywhere, with teachers and students now…

Duluth Man Dies In Crash On Skyline Parkway

Car rolled over and man found inside.

A 26-year-old Duluth man died Sunday when his car rolled over. The man has been identified by Duluth Police as Logan Woock. Police say it happened on West Skyline Parkway in the 1400 block. Police received a call about 3:30 Sunday morning saying that a vehicle was off the road. When officers arrived, they found a car rolled over with…

IF4 Brings the Big Catch to the Big Screen

DULUTH, Minn. — You can’t get much more Minnesotan than this. The International Fly Fishing Film Festival returned to Duluth for their sixth year. Although anglers looked forward to some big catches on the big screen, there’s a much more broader impact that this film festival leaves on our local water ways. “It’s a big fundraising event for both Gitche…

Finnish Sliding Fest ‘Laskiainen’ Returns for 86th year

PALO, Minn.– The Finnish Sliding Festival, also known as ‘Laskiainen’ returned for its 86th year in Palo Minnesota this weekend. With sleds at the ready people from across the northland gathered to enjoy the annual event. The festival isn’t just about the outdoor sledding fun, it’s also about celebrating the Finnish heritage. Dozens of vendors displayed their crafts, and there was…

3 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured In Head-On Crash In Koochiching County

NORTHOME, Minn. — Three people are dead and two others were fighting for their lives Sunday after a head-on crash in Koochiching County. The accident was reported just after 11 a.m. on Highway 1, west of Koochiching County Road 15 in Northome, which is about 70 miles southwest of I-Falls. The Minnesota State Patrol says Joseph Carlson, 27, of North…

Cold Front Celebration Brings the Snow to Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn.– The 7th annual Cold Front brought the snow to Bayfront Festival Park amidst a warm spell this winter. Duluth Parks and Recreation started the winter event to get people outside during the cold months. Despite the odd weather in the northland, Cold Front continued, with a few changes. A few activities were canceled, but snow was brought into…

UMD Professor Talks on the Impacts of Mild Winters Has on Ice and Water

DULUTH, Minn. — A winter with warm temperatures and minimal snowfall has significant impacts on the environment. We talked to a specialist about how ice and water are affected during mild winters. UMD Professor Jay Austin works at the Large Lake Observatory at the college, he says the northland’s unusually warm temperatures can result in environmental and economic delays. Austin…

Chachos Taqueria Now Open With New Seating Area

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather recently may have some people believing summer is just around the corner. And for those people visiting Canal Park, their confusion may grow when they see that Chachos Taqueria is already open. In the past, Chachos was just a warm weather spot offering Mexican food Now, Chachos has purchased the building next door and has…

Races for Kids To Be Held at Chester Bowl

DULUTH, Minn — Believe it or not, Chester Bowl will hold its first race of the year on Sunday, February 4th. The Executive Director of the Chester Bowl Improvement says yes, they have snow. The races begin at 1:15 on Sunday and feature races for skiers, snowboarders, and snow skaters. Generally, between 100 and 150 racers take part in the…

Riders and Walkers Asked to Stay Off Gravel Trails

  DULUTH, Minn. — Late Friday afternoon the Duluth Parks and Recreation Division, in collaboration with the Superior Hiking Trail Association and the cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, recommends that all dirt trails be closed. The warm weather during the day and overnight below-freezing temperatures have created very wet and vulnerable soil conditions. Walking or riding a bike on the…

Man Arrested After Armed Burglary, Vehicle Theft In Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. –Hermantown police are investigating an armed, overnight burglary and car theft. Police say it is an active investigation, but confirm that there was a burglary at Autobahn Sales and Service on the 5400 block of Miller Trunk Highway. The General Manager Of Autobahn told FOX 21 a Cadillac was stolen from the property. Police say the burglar was…

School Bus and SUV Collide

DULUTH, Minn. — A school bus and an SUV were involved in a crash Friday afternoon at the intersection of 4th Avenue East and 5th Street. The crash happened shortly before five PM. The Duluth Police Department told Fox 21 that a Voyageur school bus carrying some students associated with Edison Schools and an SUV were involved in the crash….

Wildfire Fighters Wanted: Minnesota DNR

Agency is gearing up for the coming season.

Even with the mild winter, concern over grass and forest fires might seem a ways off. But that is not delaying the Minnesota DNR in looking for additional wildfire fighters. The agency says it is looking to fill two different kinds of positions. One is Smokechasers. No experience is needed and those hired would be trained. The schedules are flexible,…

Duluth-Based Maurices Announces ‘Painful’ Layoffs

Maurices Downtown Duluth Headquarters DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based retailer Maurices says it has made the “painful” decision to lay off 10 percent of its corporate office positions. Maurices told FOX 21 on Thursday that 14 associates are being impacted at the downtown Duluth office, and 29 employees from its Brooklyn, New York design office and remote workers. Maurices Chief Administrative…

Pine County Missing Person: Gerald Knapp, 86

Press Release: The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Gerald Knapp, age 86. On Feb. 1 the Pine County Sheriff’s Office took a missing person report stating that Knapp was last seen Jan. 28 around 10 a.m. leaving Askov, Minn., headed southbound on County Road 142 (also known as Beaver Tail Road). He was driving…

Advanced Materials Center at UMD Receives $1 Million Gift

DULUTH, Minn. –The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Advanced Materials Center received a $1,000,000 gift from the Advanced Drainage Systems Foundation.  ADS is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America and provides septic wastewater solutions. UMD Chancellor David McMillan, said this is likely the single largest gift the Advanced Materials Center has received. The Director of Sustainability at ADS,…

Less Hooting In Bog As Owls Stay North

Sax-Zim Bog still popular, even if not as many owls coming south for the winter.

The mild winter we’re having has been a mixed bag for a certain group of outdoor enthusiasts. Between Duluth and the Iron Range is the Sax-Zim Bog. It’s a popular hangout for both humans and critters that like the woods, water and sky. Perhaps best-known for its owls, the bog is actually home to a cross section of bird life….

Electric Vehicles Are On the Move In The Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Jonathan Thornton has been fascinated by the electric vehicle industry for many years. He is a recent owner of an electric vehicle buying his sedan just a few years ago. Thornton says his parent’s sensibility around environmental issues provided the foundation for his interest in getting his first electric car. And when his kids bought one, he…

USA Hockey Requiring Neck Guards for Players and Officials 17 and Under Starting August 1st

DULUTH, Minn — Last October, much of the hockey world was shocked by the tragic death of a player. Former UMD Bulldog Adam Johnson died after his neck was cut by another player’s skate. Following the incident, the USA Hockey Congress began looking into rule changes related to neck protection for its hockey players. This past weekend they announced that…

One-On-One: Reinert Talks First Month As Duluth Mayor; ‘The Time Is Now’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is closing in on his first 30 days in office. And in his first sit-down interview since Inauguration Day, 53-year-old Reinert shares how the jobs is going so far, his management style and his lack of patience when it comes to the status quo. “You know, we need ‘the time is now’. Most…

Enbridge Energy Announces 650 Layoffs By March

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) Enbridge Energy has announced it is reducing its force by 650 people, according to an internal email sent to all employees. The Calgary, Albert-based company says the cuts will be completed by March 1. Enbridge has offices and operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Duluth and Superior. Enbridge says the reduction will not impact safety within…

88-Year-Old Duluth Man Charged in Hit and Run

Criminal complaint says his vehicle lights were off, heard a "thump" and kept driving.

A man has been charged in the crash that severely injured a Duluth firefighter who was jogging. The criminal complaint filed Monday identifies the driver as 88-year-old Ronald Gene Myrdahl of Duluth. Myrdahl is charged with “Criminal Vehicular Operation–Great Bodily Harm–Driver Who Causes Collision Leaves Scene.” The complaint says Myrdahl was driving his minivan on Grand Avenue in Duluth about…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Celebrates New Hires and Promotions

County goes from understaffed to hiring 49 new employees

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly 50 St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office employees were recognized today as new hires or for recent promotions. The ceremony celebrated all different roles in public safety, including communications, court security, janitorial staff, and cooks. Sheriff Gordon Ramsey says they went from understaffed to recruiting what’s likely the most hires in a year. He said those honored…

Section Chief’s Academy Creates Leaders in Incident Management

The week of workshops teaches about leading during disaster

DULUTH, Minn. — This week, a hundred people from across North America gathered to become leaders in of incident management. The Incident Command System Section Chief’s Academy trains students in logistics, operations, planning, and more. And while event was put on by the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact, it didn’t limit its focus to just fires, according to Minnesota Department…

UMD Police Department Adds New Officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth Police Department is now back to full strength as two officers were sworn in Wednesday afternoon. Police Chief Sean Huls says the UMD police force has eight officers. Wednesday’s addition was one brand-new officer and the other is a replacement for an officer who left. The new officers are Timothy Battaglia and…

Changes Coming to Weekend Bus Service

  DULUTH, Minn. — Last August the Duluth Transit Authority introduced its Better Bus Blueprint program. Since then the DTA has made some adjustments to its routes, especially on weekends. Wednesday it was announced there will be additional weekend service changes beginning Sunday, February 18th. The General Manager of the DTA Rod Fournier says, overall the new bus plans are…

YWCA Duluth Looking for More Members in New Program

DULUTH, Minn. — YWCA Duluth is looking for more participants in a new program that’s dedicated to making changes. The Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota is a statewide program for young women and gender-expansive youth. YWCA introduced the program in Duluth and provides members with the tools and skills needed to make change. The program has kicked off, but the…

Coffee Conversation: New Series Highlights the Impact of Aging Loved Ones on Duluth Families

DULUTH, Minn. — Local families in Duluth are the subject of a new television series, Inside Senior Living, taking viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of seniors and their loves ones as they navigate the process of aging and make decisions about living arrangements. Creator and Executive Director Melissa Fritz joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk…

Palestinian Cafe, Market To Open In Former ‘New London Cafe’ Building

DULUTH, Minn. – A Palestinian cafe and market is opening in Duluth, replacing a longtime restaurant that recently closed. That longtime favorite is New London Café in the 4700 block of East Superior Street. The new restaurant that’s moving in is called Falastin. For the past year and a half, Lyla Abukhodair, has operated Falastin as a pop-up restaurant to…

‘Nautical Bowls’ Coming To Duluth’s London Road

DULUTH, Minn. —  So-called “superfood bowls” are coming to Duluth as a fresh alternative to your meal choices. The company, Nautical Bowls, will be located in the area of 21st Avenue East and London Road. Company officials tell FOX 21 they are “currently in final site selection for this location.” Nautical Bowls is located throughout the Twin Cities and in…

Republican Joe Fraser Announces Campaign for U.S. Senate Seat

Fraser spoke at city hall today about his campaign and facing a three-term incumbent

DULUTH, Minn. — Navy veteran Joe Fraser has announced his campaign for Senate. The Republican candidate began his two-day press tour of Minnesota at Duluth City Hall this morning. He said his campaign will focus on border security and national debt. Fraser also criticized incumbent Democrat Amy Klobuchar. “It drives me nuts when people just assume that the incumbent is…

MnDOT’s Name A Snowplow Contest Winners Announced

MINNESOTA — The winners of the 2023-24 Name a Snowplow contest have been revealed. Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and MnDOT announcing this Tuesday. The newly named snowplows will be assigned to one of MnDOT’s 8 districts. More than 32,500 voters participated in the contest. There were 49 finalists to choose from. The winning names, in order of…

25th Anniversary ALS Circle Tour Postponed To Winter Of 2024-2025

DULUTH, Minn. — The 25th Anniversary ALS Circle Tour has been postponed. Event organizers announced this Tuesday due to record low snowfall the expedition will be pushed back to the winter of 2024-2025. The group of 6 would have been departing Duluth January 31st, going counterclockwise around Lake Superior and ending February 7th at the Black Bear Casino. All to…

Man Who Stole ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Allowed to Die at Home

Judge's sentence is time-served and restitution for man with months to live.

The man who stole the ruby slippers of Wizard of Oz fame, now moves only by wheelchair and is on oxygen 24/7. Doctors give him only months to live. His attorney said Monday’s sentencing gives at least partial closure to investigators, the museum, and Terry Jon Martin himself–the man who confessed to stealing the slippers. “At the end of your…

Man Who Stole ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Allowed to Die at Home

Federal judge agrees to sentence of "time served."

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A dying thief who confessed to stealing a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” because he wanted to pull off “one last score” was given no additional prison time at his sentencing hearing Monday. Terry Jon Martin, 76, stole the slippers in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in…

Cloquet Police Release Update On Super 8 Motel Shooting Investigation

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department has released an update regarding the Super 8 Motel shooting incident that happened earlier this month. The shooting occurred January 8 with the shooter taking the life of 2 victims, 22-year-old Shellby Trettel of Cloquet and 35-year-old Patrick Jeffrey Roers of Deer River before taking his own life. The suspect is Nicholas Lenius,…