Minnesota

Patty Wetterling Talks About Her Book and Her Journey

DULUTH, Minn. –It was October 22, 1989, when the world was turned upside down for Patty Wetterling when her son Jacob was kidnapped at gunpoint. It wasn’t until 27 years later that the answer to what had happened to Jacob was learned when Danny Heinrich confessed in open court to abusing, murdering and burying Jacob. On Tuesday evening Patty Wetterling…

Enger Golf Course Closes After Good Season

DULUTH, Minn. –Golfers have just one more day to get out and play this season at the Enger Course in Duluth. The course closes on Wednesday afternoon at Five. Tomorrow will be the end of what has been a very good season according to the Enger Course General Manager Craig Smith. Despite the dry summer, golfers continued to play and…

Duluth Airport Prepares For Fort Myers Return, Control Tower Replacement

DULUTH, Minn. — This has already been a record-breaking year for the Duluth International Airport. In each month of 2023, the number of take-offs and landings exceeded last year’s numbers. The number of flyers has also increased, and that’s one measure an airline looks at in deciding whether to enter or expand in a city.  One reason for the increase…

Coffee Conversation: Getting to Know FOX21 Sports Anchor/Reporter Ben Burns

DULUTH, Minn. — Ben Burns joined the FOX21 team in August 2023 as a Weekend Anchor / Sports Reporter. Burns came on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about how he got his start in Wisconsin, his role in sports broadcasting today, and the latest headlines in Northland athletics. If you have a sports inquiry, email bburns@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center/NYS Annual Trunk-Or-Treat Event

DULUTH, Minn. — With Halloween just around the corner, the Family Freedom Center: Neighborhood Youth Services is preparing to host its fourth annual Trunk-Or-Treat event. Operations Director Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about this years event and how its grown. Trunk-Or-Treat is taking place on October 28 from 12-4 pm at the Lake City Parking…

Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness Endorses Larson For Reelection; Larson, Reinert Respond

DULUTH, Minn. — Former two-term Duluth Mayor Don Ness publicly endorsed Emily Larson for a third term Monday. Ness posted on social media saying Duluth is lucky to have “two good candidates” to choose from Nov. 7.   He called Larson’s opponent, Roger Reinert, a friend but said Larson has a better understanding of the city’s operational realities and knows how…

Longtime Duluth Prosecutor Jon Holets Named St. Louis County Deputy Attorney

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki has named her first-ever Deputy County Attorney to help manage all operations of her office in four locations. Veteran prosecutor Jon Holets has prosecuted high-profile cases for the county, like former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson. Holets will now oversee personnel actions, coordination with law enforcement, the courts, and…

Canadian Labor Strike Halts Duluth-Superior Port, Seaway Operations

DULUTH, Minn. — A historic halt in seaway operations has sent a ripple effect throughout the system, including the Duluth-Superior Port. “Definitely a cascading series of effects throughout the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system. It’s a system that it prides itself on reliability. And right now that reliability is being impaired by this unfortunate issue,” said Jayson Hron, communications…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Public Schools Future Forward Referendum Vote

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday, Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas joined FOX21 on the morning newscast ahead of the Future Forward 709 Referendum vote on 11/7. The referendum vote is in regards to a $7.9 million plan to protect and progress mental and academic support for students, the ability to offer a diverse range of class options and access…

Coffee Conversation: Northern Spotlight Theatre Presents “Zombies from the Beyond”

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Spotlight Theatre presents musical comedy “Zombies from the Beyond” at the Denfeld High School Lecture Hall, October 26-28. Music Director Steve Solkela, Director Miranda Stachowtcz and Performer Keely Waechter joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast ahead of the showcase. Zombies from the Beyond is a tribute to the cheap, 1950s sci-fi movies with tongue-in-cheek…

Harbor Drive Temporarily Closes For DECC Seawall-Waterfront Reconstruction

DULUTH, Minn. — Harbor Drive behind the DECC is temporarily closing for the next 12 months. It’s all part of the seawall-waterfront reconstruction project. Crews will work through the winter to build the new seawall. When all is said and done in early 2025, the public space between the wall and the DECC will be transformed into a new plaza…

Patty Wetterling Releases Book About Son Jacob’s Kidnapping, Death; Book Event At Fitger’s Tuesday

(FOX 21/FOX 9) – It’s been more than three decades since 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped at gunpoint while riding his bike home from a Minnesota convenience store. And now, Jacob’s mother, Patty, is putting pen to paper to honor her son’s life. Patty will make a stop at Fitger’s Tuesday, Oct. 24, as part of her book release, “Dear…

DLH: Direct Flights To Phoenix Not Returning, But Nonstop To Fort Myers Will

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport has announced direct flights from Duluth to Phoenix are not returning this winter. But Sun Country service is returning with direct service to Fort Myers, Florida. The non-stop flights will start back up Feb. 2 and end April 24. Sun Country service to Fort Myers will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays….

Subaru Love-A-Pet Helps Animals Find Homes

DULUTH, Minn. — One day dedicated to cats, one day dedicated to dogs. The annual Subaru Love-a-Pet adoption event introduced people to their new family members. “We always love this event because it’s so successful and we see a lot of animals that have been long term find homes in Duluth,” said Isabel Glover, Babinski Foundation Marketing Coordinator. Multiple animal…

UMD Students Enjoy Day at the Farm

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students got outside Saturday to plant 1000 bulbs of garlic on the school farm. The UMD Land Lab is just north of campus and has 10 acres of farmland. The farm helps educate students about food and agriculture, while giving them hands on experience. Produce such as carrots, cabbage and broccoli are grown at the Land…

Public Invited to Assist in Rose Tipping

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Duluth’s most popular destinations is preparing for the cold months ahead. Roses in the Rose Garden in Leif Erikson Park need to go through a process called rose tipping, which protects the flowers during winter conditions. The public is invited to assist in rose tipping Monday, October 23,  from noon to 3 P.M. No experience…

The Great Pumpkin Train Returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin patch, and for some people in Duluth Friday, they had quite the ride to the field of picking. The Great Pumpkin Train is back in Duluth for this weekend only. The fall tradition, put on by the North Shore Scenic Railroad, features a 90-minute ride from the depot to and…

Essentia Health Donates Medical Equipment to University of Minnesota Medical School

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is helping further the education of medical students. The hospital is donating medical equipment to UMD’s Medical School for students to use in simulation labs. All the equipment was used at the old St. Mary’s and will give the students access to the latest technology helping them further their education. “It is up to date,…

Women in Black Hold Silent Vigil

DULUTH, Minn. — A silent vigil at the Minnesota Power Plaza this afternoon was held by the group ‘Women in Black’ in support of a ceasefire in Gaza. Dozens of people, the vast majority dressed in black, were there in support of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.  Additionally, they demand that humanitarian aid be allowed into Gaze to save…

Better Bus Blueprint at Two Months

DULUTH, Minn. –It’s been nearly two months since the Duluth Transit Authority made major changes to its system. It added two new “GO” routes and consolidated many of its local stops. On October 29 the DTA will announce updates to its system. But, it’s not been Easy Street. Detours and keeping track of where the detours are have been a…

Jordan Loses Third Vote For House Speaker; Stauber and Tiffany Differ

Wisconsin's Congressman sticks with Jordan; Minnesota's Stauber goes with Westerman again.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan failed badly Friday on a third ballot for the House speaker’s gavel, rejected by even more Republicans from the conservative mainstream who warned the hard-edged ally of Donald Trump that no threats or promises could win their support. The Republicans have no realistic or workable plan to unite the fractured GOP majority, elect a…

Steve Hanke Appointed New Minnesota Sixth District Judge

Duluth attorney will replace retiring Judge Michael Cuzzo in Northeastern corner of state.

Steve Hanke Northeastern Minnesota will be getting a new judge. Steve Hanke has been tapped by Governor Walz to fill a vacancy in the Sixth Judicial District. He will be replacing the retiring Judge Michael Cuzzo. Hanke has ties to both sides of the Blatnik Bridge. He is a lawyer for the City of Duluth and is also an adjunct…

Minnesota Firefighters Meet in Duluth

Annual Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of firefighters are in Duluth this weekend for the annual state fire chief conference. The event has firetrucks on display, as well as new firefighting technologies. They’re holding educational sessions on leadership, professional development, and safety measures. The fire conference is the largest of it’s kind in the Midwest. MnFIRE is a health and wellness advocacy…

Stauber Moves Away From Jordan In Speaker Vote; Tiffany Sticks With Jordan

Northland Congressmen split as Jordan loses second vote for speaker

One Northland lawmaker held firm in his support of Representative Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House Wednesday, but another moved away from Jordan. Jordan, a Republican lawmaker from Ohio, lost his second vote in his bid to become speaker. On Tuesday, both Minnesota 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber, and Wisconsin 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany voted for Jordan. Wednesday,…

Partnership to Improve Career Readiness in Healthcare

Essentia Health and St. Scholastica Team Up

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Scholastica’s new School of Heath Professions received a significant gift from Essentia Health today. Essentia is donating $1.2 million dollars to fund a permanent dean position. Dr. Michael Wendinger started as the inaugural dean this past July. Over 1,000 St. Scholastica alumni work at Essentia. The new partnership’s goal is to prepare future healthcare workers and…

Tourism Tax to Last 30 More Years

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday night the Duluth City Council voted unanimously to continue the tourism tax for another 30 years. The state legislature had given its okay for the city to continue collecting the tax for three decades. Because it is a tourism tax, the money raised must encourage tourists to come and recreate in Duluth, but the use…

Jordan Loses Second Vote For Speaker

House of Representatives still without permanent Speaker.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan was again short the votes he needed in a second round of balloting for speaker on Wednesday, failing to convince his Republican detractors to support him to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy. Jordan lost 20 Republican votes in the first round of balloting Tuesday and lost more on Wednesday. Jim Jordan’s rapid rise has…

Lincoln Park Reopens

DULUTH, Minn.  — The actual Lincoln Park, which is in the Lincoln Park area, had a grand reopening Tuesday. Seven years after the city council adopted the Lincoln Park Mini-Master plan. The plan provided direction for the updating of the park. It was a celebration at the park, which has been referred to as a gem in the park system….

Coffee Conversation: North End Nightmare 5K Returns to Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — The North End Nightmare 5K is set to take place on October 28 at 11:00 am in Superior. Grandma’s Marathon Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the event. In coordination with the annual Superior Spooktacular, this event offers participants a mix of scary surprises and haunted…

Seawall-Waterfront Reconstruction Behind DECC Officially Begins

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city leaders, the Chamber, project managers and labor representatives were among the many taking the shovel to the dirt Monday for the official start of the seawall-waterfront reconstruction project behind the DECC. Mayor Emily Larson described the area behind the DECC “tired” and “old.”  But she said after years of planning, it’s now time for that…

Hermantown YMCA Hosts 3rd Annual Chuck-a-Puck

HERMANTOWN, Minn. —  The Hermantown YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center put a spin on a hockey classic to raise money for various programs. The YMCA hosted its 3rd annual Chuck-a-Puck event today. People could try their hand at winning prizes donated to the center. Including a mountain bike and many gift cards. Pucks were available for purchase and then…

Dropkick Murphys’ Lead Singer Talks First-Ever Duluth Concert At Amsoil Tuesday

You can’t turn around without hearing about Taylor Swift these days. But she’s not the only performer with hardcore fans. Duluth gets a visit Tuesday night from Dropkick Murphys. Some of you may be saying, “Who?”  But others know big songs like “Shipping up to Boston” or “The Boys Are Back.” The group has made quite the name for itself…

Boo at the Zoo Returns Ahead of Halloween

  DULUTH, Minn.– It’s that time of the year again, when the leaves are falling and the pumpkins are out, and that means that means that Boo at the Zoo returns to the Lake Superior Zoo ahead of Halloween. Saturday was the first day of Boo at the Zoo. Thousands of families got to trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, while surrounded…

Fall Craft Shows in Full Swing

PROCTOR, Minn. — It’s never to early for holiday shopping, and as the fall is now in full swing–fall craft shows are kicking off. The Proctor Autumn Days Craft Show was Saturday, and it is just one of the many craft shows and fairs that happens in the Fall. In Proctor, dozens of vendors showed off their carefully crafted art….

Taylor Swift Movie Opens in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –After a sneak peek Thursday, the Taylor Swift movie, “Eras” played at the Marcus Duluth Theater Friday for its first of four weekends designed to attract Taylor Swift fans. The parking lot was full at the theater well before the movie was to begin. We talked with the manager and some Swifties who were looking forward to seeing…

Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Garland’s Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers

His attorney says Terry Jon Martin is in very poor health and wanted to get his "end-of-life affairs" in order.

  DULUTH, Minn.– The man who stole ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, pleaded guilty Friday in a Duluth courtroom. It was part of a plea agreement that 76-year-old Terry Jon Martin hopes will result in a sentence that will keep him out of prison. Martin was in a wheelchair and using an oxygen bottle…

Marshall School Hosts Blood Drive

DULUTH, Minn. –Here’s a story that you’ve heard before, there is a significant blood shortage taking place locally and nationally. The Red Cross and Memorial Blood Bank are both looking for new and past donors to give blood to help alleviate the shortage. At Marshall School in Duluth, the Health and Wellness Club sponsored its first of three blood drives…

West Duluth Business Club Hosts Duluth Candidate Forum, Promotes Civility

DULUTH, Minn. – The November election is less than a month away in Duluth, and the president of the West Duluth Business Club, Susan Coen, is promoting civility over divisiveness. Coen hosted a public form Wednesday for the West Duluth community involving the mayoral race between incumbent Emily Larson and opponent Roger Reinert, and the council races. Coen said she…

WI Sen. Agard’s Cannabis Bill: Prohibition Not Working With Marijuana

Wisconsin State Sen. Melissa Agard is continuing her push to legalize recreational marijuana for adults through a bill in the state legislature. Sen. Agard (D-Madison) told FOX 21 Wisconsin is living on a disserting island when it comes to cannabis.  Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan have laws on the books allowing adult-use of cannabis. Agard said the state is losing out…

5 Officers Shot In Benton County, Minnesota

GLENDORADO TOWNSHIP, Minn. (FOX 9) – Five officers were shot in Glendorado Township, near Princeton, while serving a warrant Thursday morning, authorities tell FOX 9. A suspect has since been taken into custody. The officers, from different agencies, went to a house to serve a warrant before 8 a.m., authorities told FOX 9. While they were there, a man inside — the suspect — started…

Duluth Housing Development Stalled For 2nd Month At Former Seaway Hotel Site

DULUTH, Minn. – It was in the middle of August when FOX 21 broke the news about construction temporarily halted on a new housing development in Duluth’s Lincoln Park. Now two months later, the structure remains just a frame of wood. Merge Urban Development is behind the 45-unit apartment building (Urbane 218) on the former West Superior Street site of…

Alison Ward From ‘MANIA: The Abba Tribute’ Talks About Upcoming Show At DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Do you like the musical “Mamma Mia”?  How about the 70s?  Well, in about a week, you can mix the two together for a two-hour concert called “MANIA – The ABBA Tribute!” The excitement takes the stage at the DECC’s Symphony Hall Friday, Oct. 20th. The show is a recreation of one of Abba’s most memorable concerts,…

Advocates Call Duluth’s Homeless Crisis An ‘Emergency,’ Ask For Public’s Help

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s homeless advocates and the non-profits they work for say chronic homelessness has hit crisis proportions, and they need help to turn the problem around. “Shelters are overrun and as a consequence people have to be outside,” said John Cole, executive director of CHUM. Cole said there’s not enough affordable housing in Duluth to meet the demand…

Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing Makes A Twins Game Flyover

The Minnesota Twins unfortunately lost to the Houston Astros Tuesday, but either way, the Twins got one big salute during the National Anthem. As part of the pre-game ceremonies, the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing conducted a flyover with two F-16 Fighting Falcons at Target Field. Click the video above to see the Falcons in action! Categories: Minnesota, News,…

Zeitgeist Halloween Movie Lineup May Make ZZZs Difficult To Find

Weeks of horror (and some laughs) will fill the Zinema screen during the runup to Halloween.

What do Poltergeist, The Wolf Man, Abbott and Costello, and Frankenstein have in common? It could be a love of movie theater popcorn, but it’s not. They are actually just part of the mixed bag of scary springing up at Zeitgeist Zinema. For the Halloween month of screams, in addition to a variety of frightening cinema, the theater will also…

Kwik Trip Experiencing “Disruption” to its Systems

Company says loyalty program among things affected.

The Kwik Trip stores have apparently been having some technology-related issues over the past two days. On Monday, Madison television station WKOW reported that some customers were posting on social media that they were having problems with the store’s app, rewards program, and telephone service. Tuesday, Kwik Trip issued a statement saying, “As you are aware, we are currently experiencing…