Minnesota

Retired Duluth Firefighter Unexpectedly Passes Away

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the weekend, 52-year-old Steve Swanson, a former Duluth firefighter, unexpectedly passed away. The beloved firefighter retired last May, after fifteen years as a fire equipment operator, where he worked on 7 engine, 4 quint, 2 engine, and 1 tower. Duluth Fire held a send-off as Swanson was flown to the Mayo Clinic, where his organs will be…

Minnesota DNR Now Accepting Urban and Community Forest Grant Applications

DULUTH, Minn. – Local governments, non-profits, and Tribal governments can officially apply for urban and community forest grants of up to $500,000 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The two grants total $12 million, making this the largest grant amount since the beginning of the DNR’s urban and community forest grant programs. The funds will be used to help…

‘Dimitri’ the Tiger Undergoes Dental Procedures

SANDSTONE, Minn.– It was a busy dentist day at The Wildcat Sanctuary. And now, Dimitri the tiger has a ‘grrrreat’ smile! The seventeen-year-old tiger was worked on by the ‘Minnesota Vet Dentist Specialist’ team from Duluth. What initially started as a routine root canal, turned into three extractions, and two root canals. And even when wild animals are in captivity,…

Lake Superior College First Day of Classes

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College welcomed new and returning IceHawks for the first day of the ’25-’26 school year. New this year, the college introduced the Program for Accessible College Education or PACE, for inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. It’s also the first official semester for new LSC President, Dr. Linda Kingston. Formerly Vice President, she…

Names released of people killed in Carlton County ATV Crash

CARLTON COUNTY, Min. –  The names of the two people killed in an ATV crash in Carlton County over the weekend have been released. Lisa Jo Westendorf, 48, of Cloquet and Glen Alan Burdick, 59, of Homestead, Iowa both passed away. The initial investigation says the two of them got separated from the group of ATV’ers. On Saturday August 23, 2025…

New Production “Brunch and Bloodshed” Filming in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –More film productions are coming to Duluth, the latest is called “Brunch and Bloodshed.” It’s a story about a group of friends, who have gathered since high school, they meet every year for brunch, but then, the unexpected happens. Duluth native, Deven Bromme is the film’s Production Supervisor. He’s worked on films all around the country. He says…

Harbor Monsters Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Harbor Monsters recently won their second championship in a row. They won ArenaMania II in the Arena League. To celebrate the championship, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert welcomed the team to the city hall rotunda on Friday, congratulating them and proclaiming it “Harbor Monster Day” in Duluth. “I think its important to use this space as…

Todd Johnson Named Executive Director for Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Foundation has announced its new Executive Director, Todd Johnson. Johnson has nearly 3 decades of experience in non-profit leadership. He previously served as Chief executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland. The Northern Lights Foundation helps support families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. With the announcement, Johnson said “The Foundation’s…

Donors at upcoming London Road Blood Drive quality for all-expense-paid vacation for two sweepstakes

DULUTH, Min. – Blood donors to Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) from Wednesday, August 27th, through Wednesday, September 3rd will be entered into a sweepstakes for an all-expense-paid vacation for two. The vacation is provided by Winspire. It will also include a $1,500 Flightgift gift card for airfare. The location option are La Costa Golf Escape (San Diego, CA), Farmhouse Luxury…

Duluth Figure Skating Club Member Becomes USFS Double Gold Medalist

2025 Minnesota L’etoile du Nord Senior Women’s State Champion, Madeline Manion DULUTH, Minn. — Madeline Manion from the Duluth Figure Skating Club has officially become a United States Figure skating Double Gold Medalist. Manion earned that achievement after passing the USFS Gold Singles Test at Skate St. Paul over the weekend. Fewer than 3 percent of figure skaters nationwide earn…

Coffee Conversation: Second Harvest Northland Feeds Kids on Weekends

DULUTH, Minn. — Second Harvest Northland’s Backpack Program is gearing up to provide weekend meals for students facing food insecurity. On Monday, Aug. 25, Kelsey Miller, Director of Partnerships and Programs at Second Harvest, joined Fox 21 to highlight the growing need. Volunteers pack easy-to-open, nutritious meals, which are then delivered to schools across the Northland. Teachers and school staff…

$100,000 Powerball winner in Duluth; Huge jackpot on Monday

ROSEVILLE, Min & DULUTH, Min.  – A lucky winning ticket was sold over the August 23, 2025 Powerball drawing. A ticket with the Power Play option was purchased Saturday. They matched four numbers plus the Powerball to win $100,000. The winning ticket was sold at Miller Hill Super One, located at 5401 Burning Tree Road in Duluth. The winning numbers…

3rd Annual Clover Valley Farm Festival

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The third annual Clover Valley Farm Fest brought people together in Two Harbors today, celebrating the end-of-season harvest. Held at Agate Acres Farm, the annual festival features over 25 vendors, including the Clover Valley Farm Trail, a co-operative group of local farms located between Duluth and Two Harbors. “This helps people become aware of what they…

Northern Minnesota produced film releases poster

Small Town Girl Poster DULUTH, Min. & CHISHOLM, Min. –  A movie produced in large part in Northern Minnesota now has an official new poster. “Small Town Girl” director Bill Cooper announced the poster in an e-mail blast to film followers. He also announced composer Brian Bryson will officially be the music supervisor for the post-production of the film. The…

Duluth Veteran and Volunteer Recognized for Significant Service

DULUTH, Minn.– a Duluth based veteran has dedicated his life of service through a lens, and even volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota. Following his dedication for sharing history, the ‘DAV’ is filming a tribute video to honor Shaw, during his service both in and out of uniform. Meet Patrick Shaw, a veteran, a volunteer, grandfather and friend….

Lakehead Harvest Show Returns for 64th Year

ESKO, Minn. — This weekend in Esko, people are going back in time to learn about some historic machinery. The 64th annual Lakehead Harvest Show kicked off Friday. The three day show highlights local farming, through various activities and demonstrations. The event allows visitors to see and understand real-world machinery like steam engines and a tractor powered sawmill, which are…

Tribute Fest Kicks Off, Supports Homeless Vets

DULUTH, Minn.– Bayfront Festival Park will be filled with the sounds of rock and roll this weekend Tribute Fest, put on by Campbell Productions is a two day event featuring around 20 bands. Starting Friday, tributes to hit bands such as Motley Crue and AC/DC rock the stage. The music festival raises awareness and funds for homeless veterans. Veterans, active…

The 7th Annual Natasha Lukacs Memorial Motorcycle Ride Kicks Off

Image courtesy of Natasha’s Ride Facebook Event BRAHAM, Minn. — Starting with a celebration of community and connection, attendees GET to enjoy live music food, and camping at the Braham Moose Lodge. The ride rolls off at 10:30 in the morning August 22nd. You don’t need a motorcycle to take part, cars and trucks can follow the route, too. They’ll…

Historic White Coat Ceremony at UMD Medical School

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota Medical School held their annual White Coat Ceremony for the class of 20-29 August 22nd. The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that welcomes new medical students to the profession 65 Students received their first white coat in front of family and friends, medical school administration and…

Essentia Health & MNA reach tentative agreements for clinic nurses in Duluth and Superior

DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health has announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at he Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st, 2nd and 3rd street buildings and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic. The nurses are first contracts covering ambulatory care nurses. The tentative agreements will last through March 31, 2027. Upon making the announcement Essentia…

London Road Blood Drive taking place August 28

DULUTH, Min. – The London Road Business Blood Drive is taking place Thursday, August 28th.  CLICK HERE to sign-up to donate. It’s more necessary than ever with blood shortages around our area. Any one can donate – you don’t have to live or work on London Road. FOX21 is a sponsor.  Another co-sponsor is Peace of Mind Duluth. Caelee Buell, a Team…

DFD Holds Pinning Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Firefighters gathered at the DECC for their annual pinning ceremony. At that ceremony, the Duluth Fire Department honored members of their force who passed their probationary period and others who recently got promotions. Family members of the firefighters were there to hear speeches from the recipients, and some family members hopped on stage to hand over…

The DECC Wraps up Regional Listening Series

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center wrapped up its final public listening session aimed at learning how to better set priorities for the venue. Two years ago, the DECC decided to work toward a clearer public purpose. Part of that effort was setting up three 90-minute sessions, which include a survey that attendees can take throughout the meeting….

16th Annual “Battle of the Badges” Takes Over Wade Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Lights Foundation held its 16th annual charity softball event at Wade Stadium this evening. Duluth police and firefighters are competing in a friendly Battle of the Badges softball game to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps financially support Local families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. The event will also feature an auction, food trucks,…

Lakeland PBS, Only TV Station In North-Central MN, Facing $1M In Federal Cuts

With upcoming cuts to PBS, there could be big changes how our neighbors to the west are getting their news and information. Lakeland PBS is the only television station directly serving north-central Minnesota in the Bemidji and Brainerd-area. They expect to lose more than $1 million due to federal cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Our signature service is…

Minnesota ramps to and from Bong Bridge to have closures

DULUTH, Min. –  The rehabilitation project on the Bong Bridge will lead to some closures on the Minnesota side of the structure. The closures will start Friday, August 22, 2025. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23: The ramp from southbound I-35 to eastbound US 2 will be closed early Friday morning and reopen to traffic by 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Monday and Tuesday,…

AMSOIL reflects on life of former employee allegedly murdered by son

DULUTH, Min. & SUPERIOR, Wis. – People across the Twin Ports are reflecting on the life of MaeDean Davin. She was a long time employee for AMSOIL. Nathan Davin, 46, of Duluth is accused of shooting and killing his mother, MaeDean Davin, 74, of Duluth. AMSOIL released a statement reflecting on MaeDean, “MaeDean was a wonderful person. She managed the…

Back to school tax saving available for Minnesota families

DULUTH, Min. – Parents and caregivers in Minnesota can claim K-12 school supplies tax benefits at tax time next year. They’ll need to save back-to-school shopping receipts for purchases made this year. Two tax benefits can help Minnesota families. The refundable K-12 Education Credit (income limits apply) and the K-12 Education Subtraction (no income limits). Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart said,…

Gov. Walz Tours Mesabi Metallics Project

Gov. Walz cutting the ribbon of the new concentrator line NASHWAUK, Minn. — Governer Tim Walz visited Mesabi Metallics for a tour of the construction progress. The project will be the first mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in 50 years. The focus is on creating ‘Green Steel’, using environmentally friendly mining practices and de-carbonizing steel making. While on site,…

Coffee Conversation: Northern Lights Foundation Charity Softball Game

DULUTH, Minn. — The 16th annual Northern Lights Foundation Charity Softball Game, also known as the “Battle of Badges,” is taking place Thu, Aug 21, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Wade Municipal Stadium. It’s played between the Duluth Fire Department and Duluth Police Department to raise money for local families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. Christy Strohm with the…

MN Office of Cannabis Management Announces Recipients of CanRenew Grant

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the recipients of $1 million in grant funding. The CanRenew grant funding goes towards projects designed to restore communities negatively affected by cannabis prohibition. Roughly 150 organizations applied for the grant, requesting over $22 million in funding across Minnesota. 11 Projects were chosen to receive the $1 million available….

Governor Tim Walz Participates in Nashwauk-Keewatin School Ribbon Cutting

Nashwauk, Minn. – The community of Nashwauk came together back in 2022, approving $42 million to go towards building a new school and $5.7 million to build the community wellness center. “Many of you here today may recall with great, heartfelt memories our historic schools. 1000s of children received a top-notch education at those schools, and 1000s more will receive…

Summit School Honors Duluth Murder Victim With Memorial Tree

DULUTH, Minn. — Summit School is honoring the life of a former beloved co-worker, MaeDean Davin, 74, who Duluth police said was killed by her 46-year-old son, Nathan, over the weekend. MaeDean worked at Summit School, an early childhood education facility in Duluth, from 2018 to 2022. After learning about her tragic passing, the team at Summit planted a memorial…

Convicted sex offender sentenced to 22-years in prison after being given a stay in previous conviction

DULUTH, Min, – “No parent should have to wonder if their child is safe at a park.” That is what Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in announcing the sentencing for Dillon Alvan Reyna. Dillon Rayna Reyna was sentenced to 22-years in prison, followed by 15-years of supervised release. He was convicted of “Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.”…

Wanted man likely in greater Superior-area

Robert Ganz-Brown SUPERRIOR, Wis. – On Tuesday afternoon the Bayfield County Sherriff’s Office put out the call for a wanted man Robert Ganz-Brown. Ganz-Brown got away from Bayfield County authorities during an attempted traffic stop around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. He fled from Bayfield County Sherriff’s  Deputies in a stolen mini van. Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard…

Boil water notice for parts of Duluth’s upper Lakeside neighborhood

UPDATE: Test results confirm that no biological or bacterial contamination has entered the water system and that the drinking water remains safe to consume. The precautionary boil water notice is ended effective immediately. DULUTH, Min. – Residents between 43rd Avenue E to 54th Avenue E, from Norwood Street up to Skyline are under a boil water notice. During the evening…

Coffee Conversation: Fuse Fest Celebrates Connecting Young Professionals in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Fuse Duluth, the young professionals division of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating 20 years with its annual Fuse Fest networking event. Fuse Duluth Program Director Aubrey J. Hagen joined Fox 21 Wednesday morning to share more about the milestone event. This year’s gathering takes place Thursday, Aug. 21, from 5–7 p.m. at Glensheen Mansion &…

Gov. Evers Highlights Childcare Bridge Program While Touring a Childcare Facility in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers visited Superior today, touring a childcare and education facility. It was all about highlighting Wisconsin’s new childcare bridge program, which Evers says is helping childcare providers across the state. The new state funding for childcare providers is derived from an investment of over $360 million approved by the state legislature. This will help provide…

Duluth Man Charged In Mother’s Murder; Summit School Remembers Victim

DULUTH, Minn. — A second-degree murder charge was filed Tuesday in St. Louis County Court against Nathan Davin, 46, of Duluth. Court documents accuse Davin of shooting his mother, MaeDean Davin, 74, of Duluth in the face at close range while she sat in her recliner. Nathan Davin, 46 Officers on scene described her injury as a “devastating gunshot wound.”…

Renovation Plans Unveiled for Duluth’s Historic Breakwater Light Station

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve taken a stroll down Canal Park, chances are you’ve seen the iconic lighthouse with the striking red roof. But today, there was more than what meets the eye. Doors opened to show just how much work is needed to restore the light station. The ‘Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association’ nonprofit will be giving it a second…

Minnesota DNR Urges Hunters Not to Shoot Tagged Bears

DULUTH, Minn. — With the Bear season opener September 1st, comes a reminder to hunters not to shoot tagged, radio collared bears. The Minnesota DNR are monitoring 50 radio-collared black bears across the state. These bears provide important data to inform management decisions. Their coat often hides the collar, but they also have large colorful ear tags for identification (3…

MN Attorney General Ellison Sues TikTok Over Predatory Features

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing TikTok for preying on young people with addictive algorithms and exploitative features. The lawsuit, filed August 19th, claims that TikTok has violated Minnesota Consumer Protection laws. It further explains how TikTok gets time, data, and money out of users by using predatory features like analyzing user data to serve…

The DECC Hosts Regional Listening Series

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is hosting a series of listening sessions this week to gather input throughout the Northland regarding future organizational priorities. Two years ago, the DECC decided to work towards a clearer public purpose. This is being accomplished through three 90-minute sessions, aiming to bring together community members, partners, and local leaders from various…