Minnesota

Duluth Enduro Mountain Bike Series Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Despite some rain, over 100 mountain bikers hit the trails at Hartley Nature Center for the first race of the Duluth Enduro Series. The series kicked off today with a 2-stage individually timed race on some of Hartley’s most popular trails. Each racer had a chip that timed their downhill portions, which were only a fraction of…

$10K Reward Offered In I-Falls Arson Investigation

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – An arson investigation is underway in I-Falls, and police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible. The fire happened in an apartment unit on the 300 block of 5th Street during the early morning hours Friday, according to I-Falls police on Tuesday. The call…

Free Fentanyl Test Strips Available Around Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is spreading the word about free fentanyl test strips that they say are designed to save lives. The test strips can determine if any type of drug, liked cocaine, is laced with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that’s become one of the leading causes of overdoses in the United States and a very…

Storage Bin Program For Those Without Permanent Home

The goal is that people won't feel they have to carry everything they own with them

One of the challenges facing people living on the street, is what to do with their belongings. A place to put those items until they are needed is the goal of a new resource that launched Tuesday in Duluth. Bins, described as Safe Storage Bins, are now available through the Damiano Center. The run-up and launch had been a little…

Marijuana Legalization: Gov. Walz Signs Minnesota Cannabis Bill Into Law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz signed a law making recreational marijuana legal in Minnesota. Starting Aug. 1, Minnesota residents over the age of 21 can legally possess up to 2 pounds at home and 2 ounces elsewhere. Public consumption will still not be allowed, and you could be ticketed as a misdemeanor, similar to other states. Lawmakers said it will…

Bear Attack In Central Minnesota: Sheriff’s Office Releases Photo Of Minneapolis Woman’s Injuries

NISSWA, Minn. (FOX 9) – A woman was hurt when she was attacked by a bear near Nisswa, Minnesota, last week. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday released a photo of the woman’s injuries, including massive claw marks down her left arm. The 65-year-old woman was attacked by a black bear on May 25 at a cabin in Fairview Township, which resulted…

Duluth Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. — All across America today, millions remembered those who died while serving their country. The Memorial Day parade in West Duluth was part of that. A variety of people walked with our veterans such as business owners and charitable groups. One of them was the Twin Ports Ghostbusters, a charity group who just launched last year. They do…

Brighton Beach Work to Resume

DULUTH, Minn. –The process to complete park and costal work at Brighton Beach will resume Tuesday. Work has been ongoing for the past several years after a mini-master plan update was approved in 2019. Construction of park amenities and landscape restoration should be completed by the fall. Access to the lake-walk through Brighton Beach will remain open, but plan on…

People Enjoy Memorial Day At Lester Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Memorial Day brought some nice weather to Duluth and surrounding areas, getting people outdoors Lester Park was a very popular spot today, dozens of people got outside for the holiday. The water might still be a little cold but that wasn’t stopping a group of girls from jumping in the Lester River. Kids rushed to the the…

Proctor Remembers Those Who Died Keeping Us Free

PROCTOR, MINN. –One of the Northland’s first Memorial Day observances took place in Proctor. Family and friends gathered at the Community Center to remember and honor their beloved heroes “Well, you know, our veterans give the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms, so the least we can do is come together, over Memorial Day to recognize that sacrifice that so…

Body Recovered From St. Croix Identified As Teen Who Fell At Taylors Falls

TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. (FOX 9) – A body recovered from the St. Croix River last week has been identified as a teen who fell into the river at Taylors Falls in April. Sunday, Chisago County deputies said the body was identified by the Midwest Medical Examiner as 18-year-old D’Andrea Sanvig. Sanvig had been missing since April 11 after losing his footing on a rock…

Smelt Parades Down the Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. — Oddly enough it means the start of spring when people gather in Canal Park dressed in silver. This year saw the 10th year that the Magic Smelt Run Parade embarked on the Lakewalk.  Smelt were known as an invasive species in Lake Superior in the 1970s, which migration patterns see them arrive into our area in the…

Memorial Day Events in The Duluth Area

DULUTH, MINN. –On Sunday and Monday, there will be Memorial Day observances throughout the area to honor those who died defending our country. Sunday the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery Duluth will host its Memorial Day program beginning at 2:00. There will be pre-ceremony music provided by the 34th ID Boots and Brass. The cemetery is located at 4777 Highway 53….

Wrenshall High School 2023 Graduation

Angela Sjodin Delivers Valedictorian Speech in Place of Her Daughter Janae

WRENSHALL, MINN. — The class of 2023 at Wrenshall High School finished their high school career Friday as they took part in the graduation ceremony. The Valedictorian for the class was Janae Sjodin, who was seriously injured in a car crash over two months ago and has been hospitalized since. In her place, Angela Sjodin, Janae’s mother delivered the speech….

Duluth’s “Other” Train Back on Tracks in July

L.S.&M. Railroad Excursion Soon Back to Showcasing Beauty of St. Louis River Surroundings

The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad will soon be back on the tracks. It looks a little quiet right now, but things will definitely be picking up as they get ready to reopen in July. During a three-year pause, they’ve been working on everything from improving the tracks to refurbishing authentic rail cars. They have a ninety-minute round-trip that goes…

Fox Along the North Shore: Tettegouche State Park

SILVER BAY, Minn. — After a long winter with several areas seeing record snowfall, there was plenty of snow to keep the waterfalls roaring this spring.  With the spring melt over, rivers are now relying on other sources to fuel the waterfalls. We recently ventured up to Tettegouche State Park where some of the last remaining snow in the Northland…

Cleveland Cliffs Secures Mineral Leases To Keep Hibtac Open For Decades

A dispute over mineral leases has ended in favor of Cleveland Cliffs, and Cliffs says the leases will allow it to keep Hibbing Taconite open for at least another two decades. The five-member Minnesota Executive Council chaired by Gov. Walz awarded the company leases for 2,600 acres near Nashwauk. Another company owned by Essar had also been trying to get…

This Weekend: Duluth Playhouse’s ‘The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time’

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is opening a new award-winning act this weekend at the NorShor Theatre that’s all about a heartwarming and uplifting adventure. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. It’s a unique theatrical experience that puts you inside the mind of a 15-year-old with autism who is accused of…

Duluth Councilor Arik Forsman Changes Mind, Wants To Keep At-Large Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman said he wants to keep his council seat in November after saying in February that he was ready to spend more time with family. Forsman made the announcement to run for re-election Thursday outside City Hall. He said labor leaders, business leaders and co-workers — Republican and Democrat — ultimately convinced him…

Gov. Walz Vetoes Higher Pay For Lyft, Uber Drivers

(Associated Press) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have mandated higher pay and job security for Lyft and Uber drivers in Minnesota, saying the legislation wasn’t ready to become law. “Rideshare drivers deserve fair wages and safe working conditions,” Walz said in a statement announcing his first veto ever in his…

St. Luke’s Recognizes EMS Personnel

DULUTH, MINN — St. Luke’s Hospital and its Emergency Department took time out Thursday to say thanks to a group that is a very valuable part of medical care, EMS personnel. EMS includes the ambulance service, the fire department, the police department, the Lifeline helicopter, or any other service that provides initial health care. For St. Luke’s Emergency Department’s Medical…

George Floyd Death Anniversary: Reckoning With Police Violence In Limbo

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, and the fervent protests that erupted around the world in response, looked to many observers like the catalyst needed for a nationwide reckoning on racism in policing. For more than nine minutes, a white officer pressed his knee to the neck of Floyd, a Black man, who gasped,…

Unity Fund Is New Grant Program

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation has 27 different grant programs and serves a wide range of local needs. The newest grant program is known as the Unity Fund. The purpose of this fund is to serve as a catalyst for achieving equity and justice for people of African Heritage in the community. For the past two…

Connecting Principles: Post-Pandemic Mental Health Impacts on Students and Staff

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Connecting Principles segment, we take a look at the increased trend of mental health effects post-pandemic on students and staff. Being an educator goes beyond just teaching academics. Educators play a vital role in student development and, right now, there’s a heightened need to connect and address student social, emotional, and behavioral needs post-pandemic….

Coffee Conversation: Growing Up Chester Fundraising Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. —  Chester Bowl is looking to expand and renovate its outdated Thom Storm Chalet by raising funds through the “Growing Up Chester” campaign. Chester Bowl exists to build community by helping people recreate outside in Chester Park. The Thom Storm Chalet is one of the necessary tools to put this mission into action. Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated…

Alpacas Line Up For Annual Shearing Day At Frosty Ridge

DULUTH, Minn. — Shearing day at the Frosty Ridge Alpacas farm was another busy one Wednesday. Around 80 alpacas showed up to get all that winter fiber buzzed away for the summer months. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich has more on the process and how all that fluff gets put to good use. Categories: Education, Environment, Minnesota, News, News –…

Sen. Grant Hauschild Talks Historic Successes Of Minnesota’s Legislative Session

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Sen. Grant Hauschild is celebrating the end of the legislative session with what he calls the “largest tax relief package in the history of the state.” Hauschild said the package includes social security tax relief to 85 percent of seniors and child tax credit to families that’s expected to reduce child poverty by 33 percent. His…

Update: Missing Woman In Grand Rapids Found Safe

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Debra Hagenbuck. 68, has been found safe after going missing Tuesday afternoon in Grand Rapids. GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The Grand Rapids Police Department is requesting the public’s help assistance in locating 68-year-old Debra Hagenbuck. “On May 23 around 1:30 p.m., she was seen on foot near the Wal-Mart on 29th Street SE in Grand Rapids. She…

DEDA Terminates $2.35M TIF Agreement With Lincoln Park Flats, Company Responds

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority, or DEDA, voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate its multi-million dollar agreement with the owners of the newly built Lincoln Park Flats. This means roughly $2.3 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) through 2048 is no more. The move comes after the property’s owner, P&R Companies, said it was forced to make plans…

Charges: Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’ Blared From Apartment Landlord Set On Fire

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9/FOX 21) – A Duluth landlord is accused of intentionally setting his apartment on fire while other tenants were inside the building. Travis Carlson, 37, faces a felony charge of first-degree arson for allegedly starting his apartment on fire early in the morning on May 18. According to court records, officers were called to a building on…

Downtown Duluth Dental Office To Focus On Children From Low-Income Families

DULUTH, Minn. — A new multi-faceted dental office is coming to downtown Duluth, and it’s focused on providing oral health to low-income families, especially children. The building is located at 25 West Superior Street. Children’s Dental Services is the non-profit behind the project, along with the financial help from 20 organizations and foundations — local and within the state. Organizers…

Duluth’s Street Outreach Worker Of Nearly 30 Years Talks Housing, Homeless Crisis

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeless advocates in Duluth say the struggle to get the homeless off the streets and into stable housing is at its worst. But at the same time, those advocates say the communication and weekly mission to tackle the problem is stronger than ever between advocates, the city, county, police, and the list goes on. More than 600…

Bob Dylan Fest Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth born award winning signer and songwriter Bob Dylan will be turning 82 Wednesday, May 24th, which means it’s time for the 13th annual Duluth Dylan Fest. Over a dozen events will be held this week, focus on celebrating the long and successful career of the artist. Tonight Carmody Pub hosted a sing-a-long, where local musicians jammed…

Minnesota Legislature Puts Final Touches On $72B Budget As Democrats Celebrate Successes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature was putting the final touches on a $72 billion state budget Monday as Democrats celebrated enacting an ambitious agenda that ranged from protecting abortion rights, to providing more resources for education, to legalizing marijuana. The big tax bill of the session, which cleared its final test Sunday evening, included $3 billion in tax…

Trapping Begins for Spongy Moths in Northeastern MN

Formerly called "gypsy" moths, 100,000 trapped last season.

NORTHEASTERN, Minn. –As temperatures warm up and summer gets underway, it also brings some big problems. The trapping of spongy moths has begun in Minnesota. Formerly known as gypsy moths, they have been wreaking havoc on trees for years. Northeastern Minnesota will be included in the area where traps will be set. The Department of Agriculture says that last year…

Minnesotans To Get Final Round Of Pandemic Food Benefits For Children

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – As the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 wraps up, eligible Minnesota families with children will soon receive what’s expected to be the last round of food benefits. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer payments, or P-EBT, have been a temporary food benefit for families whose children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Eligible families will start to…

Coffee Conversation: Upcoming Flag Retirement Ceremony in Superior, WI

SUPERIOR, WI. — A flag retirement event will be held on June 10 at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Memorial Center featuring a flag exhibit, flag education, and a flag burning ceremony. The event will be hosted by the Lake Superior Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion Post #435. Group leaders, Mary Houk and Glen Erickson, joined…