Minnesota

Pilgrim Congregational Church Holds Special Service to Honor MLK’s Legacy

DULUTH, Minn. — On Sunday, the Pilgrim Congregational Church of Duluth held a special service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of Monday’s holiday. The Central Hillside Gospel Choir opened the ceremony in style. Sunday’s worship focused on MLK’s message of how love and acceptance can drive away hate.  “The civil rights movement, while centering the injustice against African Americans,…

Councilor Arik Forsman Launches ‘Duluth Download’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman has launched what he’s calling the Duluth Download. It’s a bi-monthly newsletter emailed to whoever signs up. Forman said he’ll be talking all things council and politics within the city, allowing him to dive deeper into topics that people may not see on the news or on social media. “Just this last…

Ashley Grimm Announces Reelection Bid For St. Louis County Board

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm has announced her reelection campaign. Grimm made the announcement Sunday afternoon on the steps of the County Courthouse in Duluth. Grimm said she’s proud of investments made into Duluth’s western neighborhoods since she was elected to the county board in 2020, like repairing the YWCA Young Mom’s Program building and parking…

Iron Range Firefighters Battle Dangerously Cold Air During House Fire

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire HIBBING, Minn. — The dangerously cold air gave firefighters a battle during a house fire in Hibbing over the weekend. The fire was reported around 7:45 p.m. Saturday at the Birchlane Trailer Court, just off of 41st Street East, according to the Northland Fire Wire. Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire Firefighters were faced with strong winds and…

Surfers Catch a Wave Near Brighton Beach

DULUTH, Minn. — When there’s wind– there are waves, and on Lake Superior this weekend, surfers took the wind as an opportunity to make a splash. Multiple people got in the water near Brighton Beach and Lester River to catch a wave. With low water temps, the surfers geared up in wetsuits to stay warm. With high wind gusts, waves…

Anglers Hit the Ice in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– On one side of Lake Superior there’s open water, but in the Duluth Harbor anglers are taking advantage of the newly made ice. Around a dozen ice shacks were set up off of Park Point Saturday morning. Saturday also kicked off Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend in Minnesota, where residents can fish for free when accompanied by…

Portman Youth Hockey Hosts 2nd Annual Great Skate Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Portman Youth Hockey was finally able to hit the ice for their 2nd annual Great Skate Event. Skaters and parents gathered at the Portman Community Center for the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Last year the Great Skate raised over $10,000, helping fund the costs of equipment, facility management and tournaments. The lack of cold temps…

Hold The Presses! Lincoln Park Gets New Vacation Rentals

Eight suites going into historic press building.

There will soon be some new places for out-of-town visitors to stay in Duluth. Eight of them to be exact. Or, at least eight suites. There was a good-old-fashioned ribbon-cutting Friday in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It was next to the outdoor seating area of the OMC Smokehouse. That’s not a coincidence, because the restaurant owners bought the long-standing Duluth…

Cirrus Aircraft Unveils New ‘SR Series G7’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest employer, Cirrus Aircraft, unveiled its newest aircraft Thursday night in multi-state live production broadcast on YouTube. Cirrus says the SR Series G7 features touchscreen interfaces, large high-resolution displays, advanced safety systems and increased legroom. Cirrus Aircraft was founded in 1984. The company has six locations in the United States, including Duluth, Grand Forks, Knoxville, Greater…

Remembering Veterans All Year Long

Gifts during the holidays a symbol of a year-round need.

Special efforts continue with a commitment to remember veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay. Gifts were delivered there Wednesday by the Bong Veterans Historical Center after their holiday collection drive. American Legion Bong Post 435 played an active role in the effort. Commander Butch Liebaert said it is the culmination of a year-round attempt to help all…

Trump Returns to Court after Judge Receives Bomb Threat

NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving his own closing argument, Donald Trump took in his lawyer’s summation as a glowering, arms-folded spectator at the end of his New York civil fraud trial Thursday, hours after authorities responded to a bomb threat at the judge’s house. Police checked out the threat at Judge Arthur Engoron’s Long Island home, which came a day…

Coffee Conversation: Impact of Dry January on Local Booze Industry

DULUTH, Minn. — “Dry January” is the latest trend taking the nation by storm in 2024, leaving businesses in the booze industry dry of sales in an already slow season. However, many have adapted their menus to include mocktails, or zero-proof cocktails, like Vikre Distillery. Emily Vikre of Vikre Distillery joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about…

Duluth Man Arrested In Seizure Of 1K-Plus Fentanyl Pills, Multiple Firearms

DULUTH, Minn. –  Four firearms are more than 1,200 fentanyl pills are off the streets of Duluth after a successful arrest by the Lake Superior Violent Offender task Force. The search warrant and arrest happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday on the 800 block of North 11th Avenue East. A 21-year-old was arrested while in the process of delivering fentanyl pills…

Duluth “Acting Mayor” Plan Made Official

Mayor Reinert tabs At-Large Councilor Arik Forsman--just in case.

If there’s ever a time when Duluth’s new mayor is not available, he now has an official back up. In a formal proclamation Wednesday, Mayor Roger Reinert named At-Large City Councilor Arik Forsman as acting mayor whenever necessary. Reinert is still an active Navy Reservist and says at times he will be called away. For example, next week he will…

Police Identify Victims, Suspect In Cloquet Super 8 Shooting

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department has released the names of the victims and suspect in the Cloquet shooting that happened Monday night. Authorities say the suspect who was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound has been identified as 32-year-old Nicholas Elliot Lenius of Ramsey, Minnesota. The victim found inside a car in the parking lot of…

Father Mourns Daughter Killed In Cloquet Hotel Shooting

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are learning more about the life of a young woman who was one of two people shot to death Monday night at the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet. The father of 22-year-old victim Shellby Trettel calls his daughter’s death a “senseless act of violence.” Tuesday: (Cloquet Police Chief Provides Update On Super 8 Shooting Fatalities) Shellby…

Cloquet Police Chief Provides Update On Super 8 Shooting Fatalities

The unthinkable happened in Cloquet Monday night. Two victims were shot and the suspect was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gun wound, according to police. The Mayor of Cloquet, Roger Maki, held a press conference Tuesday morning. “I’d like to share my heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this horrible incident 0:41 Mayor Maki asked the public to give…

Barnum H.S. Student Accused Of Injuring Another Student With Box Cutter

BARNUM, Minn. — A Barnum High School student is facing serious charges after police say she cut another student with a box cutter. The suspect is a 14-year-old girl.  The victim is a 16-year-old boy. The incident was reported around 9 a.m. Tuesday. The school was placed on lockdown during the incident. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said the boy…

Police: Parent Causes ‘Soft Lockdown’ At Piedmont Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Piedmont Elementary School went into a soft lockdown Tuesday. The lockdown happened around 12:15 p.m. Duluth police told FOX 21 that a parent was causing a disturbance at the school. Police requested a soft lockdown as a precaution. The parent was trespassed from school property. Nobody was injured. Below is the full e-mail alert to parents: Dear…

Duluth Public Library Looks to Provide Fun, Safe Place for Teens

Expanding Teen Space and Events to Thank for Increased Interest

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library is encouraging teens to come and hang out through programs like today’s Gaming Event. The library invited students from sixth to twelfth grade to hang out, play board games, try out the Nintendo Switch, and enjoy some snacks. According to Senior Library Technician Heidi Harrison, many of the teenagers came from Harbor City…

Some Information Emerging in Cloquet Shooting Deaths, But Most Questions Remain

At Tuesday morning's press conference, the Chief said they still don't know if there were any connections between two victims and shooter.

Law enforcement investigators spent the night at the crime scene in Cloquet. Investigators say a man shot and killed a female desk clerk, and then shot another man who was sitting in a car.  The gunman then shot himself. Tuesday morning, Chief Derek Randall said investigators were still looking for answers for what happened at the Super 8 motel. He…

Coffee Conversation: Scholarship Deadlines Fast Approaching in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Scholarship deadlines are fast approaching for students looking to get their hands on “free money.” Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund Executive Director Patty Salo Downs and Duluth Superior Community Area Foundation Community (DSCAF) Impact Specialist Amber Burns joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about $2 million in scholarships available to students in…

Opening Ceremony Held for Human Trafficking Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.– January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month, and the Duluth Trafficking Awareness Group is hosting events throughout the month to recognize the daunting issue. Monday AICHO hosted an opening ceremony that kicked off a series of events taking place in the Twin Ports. Including multiple information sessions surrounding human trafficking awareness. Monday’s ceremony featured the 2024 Brave…

Cloquet Police: Super 8 Hotel Employee Among 3 Dead, Including Shooter

10:15 p.m. Update:  The Cloquet Police Department released new information on Monday evening’s active shooter incident. Around 6:30 p.m., an employee of the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet called 911 to report they’d found another hotel employee who looked like she’d been attacked, according to the news release. Cloquet police responded to find a 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. …

Pete Johnson Announces He Will Run For Minnesota Legislature From Duluth

The Duluth firefighter said Monday he will run for Liz Olson's House 8A seat following her announcement last week that she will not run for re-election.

Pete Johnson, a Duluth firefighter, announced he is running for the seat left open by Representative Liz Olson. Olson represents central and western Duluth in District 8A. Johnson says he has been thinking about running for office for a long time and he knows that campaigning is always a family affair. He says his wife and kids are supportive and…

A New State Seal Means Changes for St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn. Since 1858, with only minor modifications, the state seal of Minnesota has not been changed. However, beginning May 11 there will be a new Minnesota state seal. It features a loon, the north star, wild rice, water, and evergreens.  The seal is used to attest to the official status of government documents. In St. Louis County the state…

148th Fighter Wing Holds Award and Retirement Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing held its annual awards and retirement ceremony at the DECC Sunday. Before awards were given this afternoon, the Fighter Wing looked back on its accomplished work during the past year, reflecting on its 75th anniversary of service. Awards were presented to multiple levels of service members –from a Pilot to Non-Commissioned Officers. The…

Public Invited To Late Radio Host Jeanne Ryan’s Celebration of Life

DULUTH, Minn. — A public celebration of life has been announced for late Twin Ports radio personality Jeanne Ryan. Ryan died last month from complications of pneumonia, according to her obituary. The celebration of life is happening Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Flame Nightclub in Duluth. Family and friends are invited from noon until 2 p.m. The public is welcome…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

Locally Produced Documentary “Duluth For Mandela” Premiers at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — A locally produced documentary had its premiere at Zeitgeist yesterday and drew in a large crowd. The film “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration” is based on community events that took place in 2018, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, a South African liberation leader. Director and producer Gerri Williams wanted to include…

Aerial Lift Bridge Bay Side Pedestrian Walkway Closed Until Further Notice

DULUTH, Minn. — Due to unsafe conditions, the City of Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge Operations has closed the bay side pedestrian walkway to the public until further notice. The sidewalk on the lake side of the bridge will remain open for pedestrian use, but pedestrians should use extra caution when traveling the bridge by foot in winter, as walkways can…

ST Paper to Be Sold

DULUTH, Minn. — Last January ST Paper re-opened the Duluth paper-making plant that had been closed since 2020. It now appears the plant will be sold to an Italian Company, Sofidel, the world’s seventh-largest maker of tissue paper. A spokesman for ST Paper, Bill Broydrick, says the sale is not being made because of any distress, but because it is…

County Commissioners Limit Public Comment During Meetings

DULUTH, Minn. — At its December meeting St. Louis County Commissioners voted to change their rules…moving the public comment period to before the meeting starts and limiting it to 30 minutes. Commissioner Annie Harala said the move will provide a time certain slot for contractors and business owners to appear before the board. “We can ensure folks that are traveling…

Dry January is Underway

DULUTH, Minn. –  It’s estimated that 260 million Americans took part in Dry January in 2023. You’ve heard a lot about Dry January, but does it have any real benefits, and what can you do with your friends in place of having a drink together? Going out to a bar to meet up with your friends for a drink is…

Minnesota Rep. Liz Olson Will Not Seek Reelection For 5th Term

MINNESOTA — After 8 years as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives Liz Olson has announced she will not seek reelection. Olson was elected in 2016 as a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in District 8A of northeastern Minnesota. She says she is very proud of the work accomplished over the years from providing affordable housing, healthcare…

White Snowshoe Hare Waiting (And Hiding) Until Snow Comes

The big-footed critter's bright white winter coat stands out against brown and gray forest.

The long wait for winter is beneficial for some wildlife, but potentially deadly for others. Ironically, the lack of snow actually makes life more challenging for some animals. An example of that is a snowshoe hare that was hiding under some brush and branches at Gooseberry Falls State Park on Wednesday.  The hare was spotted by park interpreter and naturalist…

Coffee Conversation: 36th Annual Duluth Wedding Show at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Lundeen Productions will host the 36th annual Duluth Wedding Show at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) on Saturday, January 13. Organizer Kynze Lundeen joined FOX21 on the morning show Thursday to talk about this year’s event. The Duluth Wedding Show features a range of displays, exhibitors, and a runway fashion show — the largest of its…