Minnesota

Roger Reinert Launches Campaign For Duluth Mayor

Announcement means incumbent Larson will face a challenger

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert made it official Thursday morning in Duluth. He is running for Mayor. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger first reported the news Wednesday, and today Reinert appeared with supporters to say he would campaign under the slogan, “Expect More-Do Better.” The announcement ended any chance that Mayor Emily Larson will run unopposed this November. Reinert made his…

Minnesota Lawmakers Start Down Path To Legalizing Marijuana

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature embarked on a path toward legalizing recreational marijuana for adults Wednesday when a legislative committee held the first hearing of the year on a bill that backers say is designed to avoid the pitfalls experienced by states that have already legalized it. The bill is an updated version of one that passed…

Duluth Police: Three Teens Arrested For Shooting Pellets At People

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department says three teens were arrested Downtown Wednesday morning on suspicion of shooting pellets at people walking by. The DPD says officers were called out to a stairwell in the Skywalk on Superior Street just before 10:00 a.m. Officers say they found a 15-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys with three pellet guns. Police…

Coffee Conversation: Women’s Night Fat Biking and Nordic Skiing

DULUTH, Minn. — Every Thursday, women in the Northland are welcome to gather at the Lester-Amity Chalet for Fat Bike Riding, Skate Skiing or Classic Skiing. The reoccurring event is a joint collaboration between women representing SkiHut, Continental Bikes & Ski, COGGS and DXC. Bobblie Larson with Ski Hut joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about all that Women’s…

A Change in the Weather Pattern Will Improve the Air Quality Across Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn — On Monday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an Air Quality Alert due to fine particulate pollution getting trapped near the surface. This pollution comes from everyday things such as vehicle exhaust, smokestacks, and chimneys. The pollution gets trapped near the surface due to light winds, poor atmospheric mixing, and moisture from melting snow. When this happens,…

Minneapolis Man Charged In Duluth Girlfriend’s Stabbing

DULUTH, Minn. – A Minneapolis man is accused of stabbing his girlfriend in Duluth’s Lincoln Park while threatening to kill her. Joshua White, 19, is charged with second-degree assault and threats of violence. The stabbing happened around 4:15 a.m. Monday in a home in the area of North 24th Avenue West. The 20-year-old victim was found in the living room…

Man Convicted Of Killing Katie Poirier In 1999 Dies In Prison

Photo Courtesy Department of Corrections MOOSE LAKE, Minn. — The man convicted of killing Katie Poirier in Moose Lake in 1999, has died while serving life in prison, according to a family member of Poirier’s who confirmed Blom’s death with Fox 21. Donald Blom, 73-years-old had served 23 years of his life sentence for First-Degree Murder and the kidnapping of…

House In Solway Township A Total Loss After Fire

SOLWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A home in Solway Township is a total loss, after a fire destroyed it Wednesday morning. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says just after 8 a.m. several fire crews were dispatched to a house on fire on Solway Road. The homeowner was returning home when he noticed smoke coming from the home and an active…

Coffee Conversation: Boat Club Productions Celebrates Success with Theatre Gala

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions to hold Theatre Gala in celebration of its first season as a Theatre Company, and to highlight upcoming productions in 2023. The newly-founded BCP has blossomed over its 2022 season, with shows like “Nunsense” and “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” ringing in ticket sales. Founder Jason Vincent shared with FOX21 the meaning behind…

Youth Photography Club is Back at the DAI

DULUTH, Minn.– The new year means new opportunities as the Youth Photography Club is back at the Duluth Art Institute. The club welcomes teenagers 13 and older, and it doesn’t matter if they’ve never picked up a camera before or if they’ve been doing so for years. Students are taught the basics, such as lighting and contrast. They’re encouraged to…

Duluth Men Charged With Attempted Murder After Stabbings, Home Invasion

Police: The injured victims were not known to the suspects.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the victims in a stabbing and home invasion in Duluth’s Kenwood neighborhood suffered 15 to 20 stab wounds – and it was all over a stolen cell phone charger, according to court documents. Dustin St. Clair, 27, and Tristan St. Clair, 22, both of Duluth, were formally charged Tuesday with multiple felonies, including second-degree attempted…

AICHO Hosts Youth Art Exhibit

DULUTH, Minn.– A youth art exhibit is open at the Cultural Center Art Gallery in Duluth, showcasing art pieces on what bravery means to them. AICHO is an organization dedicated to supporting the Indigenous community in the Northland. They are hosting the gallery until the end of the month, as January is Human Trafficking Awareness month, and they hope to…

What’s in Store for Cirrus Aircraft?

DULUTH, Minn. — Less than four months ago Cirrus Aircraft announced that it’s refurbishing a 189,000 square foot building north of the airport to be its Innovation Center. Innovations to the company’s planes have been an integral part of the company’s growth and its future. At this afternoon’s Duluth Chamber of Commerce’s Let’s Do Lunch event, Cirrus Aircrafts president Patrick…

Hibbing Man Sentenced For Murder In 2017

HIBBING, Minn. — Tuesday, a Hibbing man was sentenced to 28-years in prison for the murder of a woman in 2017. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, 53-year-old Blake Stangel was sentenced for Second-Degree Intentional Murder in the death of 71-year-old Courtney Fenske. Authorities say a welfare check was conducted at Fenske’s home in November of 2017 when…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Presents Comedy Show at the Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn. — The Rubber Chicken Theater kicks off 2023 with ‘Christmas Aquarium in January, or, Jokin’ in a Fishy Wonderland.’ Director Brian Matuszak joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to preview the comedy show. You can check out the show January 20-21 and 27-28 at 7:30pm at the Great Lakes Aquarium.  Tickets are $20 per person. There is an additional…

Coffee Conversation: How To Brew Kombucha with Mix Cosmetiques

DULUTH, Minn. —  Founder of Mix Cosmetiques, Lanae Rhoads, showcased kombucha tea brewing on FOX21’s morning show on Thursday. Mix Cosmetiques is offering kombucha brewing classes Wednesday, January 11 through Saturday, January 14: 3-4 pm 4-5 pm 5-6 pm 6-7 pm. It’s an hour-long class class and will cover ingredient selection, brewing, fermenting, bottling, flavoring and tasting. You will go…

Coffee Conversation: Sunrise Coffee Thursday’s in January at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Hot coffee, stellar views, and good company; the trio is taking over the DECC every Thursday morning in January, free of cost. DECC Communications Director, Lucie Amundsen, was on Monday’s morning show to chat about the (January) reoccurring Sunrise Coffee event. You can catch a glimpse and a drink Thursday’s from 7-9am in the DECC’s Symphony Hall…

Pregnant Woman Fatally Shot In Amazon Fulfillment Center Parking Lot

LAKEVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A 31-year-old woman, who was pregnant, was fatally shot while sitting in her car at an Amazon Fulfillment center in Lakeville, Minnesota, according to police. The incident happened around 6:51 p.m. in a parking lot on the 9800 block of 217th Street West. Police say first responders arrived on scene and provided life-saving measures before transporting the woman…

148th Fighter Wing Held Awards and Retirement Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. –“The great thing about speaking to you bulldogs is that I don’t ever have to worry about having enough material for my speech,” opened keynote speaker and Assistant Adjutant General of the Minnesota Air National Guard Daniel E. Gabrielli. The 148th Fighter Wing held its annual award and retirement ceremony. With awards ranging from Air Force Association Recognition,…

Jazz Returns at the Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — Jazz at the Depot started 5 years ago, and Jan. 7 marked the return of the much loved event. The Jazz Quartet had played at Canal Park for a number of years, but the audience at the museum will be about double what they were seeing at when they played at Canal Park. Each week Jazz lovers…

Northland Snowmobile Clubs Busy Grooming Trails

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a beautiful Friday afternoon in January, with the sun shining and snowmobilers ready to hit the trails. Two of the people riding their sleds know the trails they’ve been riding on are in such good shape because of volunteers from local snowmobile clubs. “The trails are really good,” said Kenny Melanson of Proctor. “They are…

Coffee Conversation: Benefit For Duluth Armory Arts And Music Center Jan. 29

Fox 21's Dan Hanger will be the MC.

DULUTH, Minn. — A big fundraiser is taking place at the end of January to benefit the Duluth Armory Arts and Music Center. A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Holly and the late 50’s will be at Clyde Iron Works Event Center in Duluth from 6-9 p.m. on January 29. Todd Eckart will be performing as well as the…

Coffee Conversation: Vitta Pizza Brings Fresh Pizza On Morning Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Vitta Pizza Co-owner Christie Erickson brought fresh pizzas on the morning show Friday. Vitta Pizza recently expanded in November with a second location on Central Entrance, the first being in Canal Park. The Neapolitan style pizza is made with fresh ingredients, and everything is homemade including the red sauce and Caesar salad dressing. Watch the videos below…

2 Arrested In Duluth Triple-Stabbing, Home Invasion

DULUTH, Minn. – Two men were under arrest Friday after police said they broke into a home in Duluth’s Kenwood neighborhood and stabbed three people they didn’t know. The call for help came in around 3:25 a.m. Friday at a home on the 1200 block of West Arrowhead Road. A 53-year-old woman, 32-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were all…

Great Lakes Aquarium Sets New Attendance Record

DULUTH, Minn.– For the past few years, the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth has had a goal of boosting its attendance to break the 200-thousand visitor mark. The organization  just announced that it surpassed that goal in 2022, welcoming  206-thousandvisitors through its doors. The executive director of the aquarium is Jay Walker., says he’s been working at the aquarium since…

Record Number of Invasive Spongy Moths Captured in Minnesota in 2022

Courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture caught a record number of spongy moths during 2022, catching over 100,000 with a majority of them in Lake and Cook Counties. The spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, is an invasive species that can eat the leaves of over 300 different species of trees…

Coffee Conversation: Folk and Jazz Musician Skarlett Woods Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Skarlett Woods, a swing, jazz, and folk singer/songwriter stopped by the morning show to perform a few songs. This was Woods’ first time on live television. Woods will be releasing a new single, “Close To You” from her Sophomore album. Watch the videos below to listen and click the link here to keep up to date with…

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Receives Donation of Over $77 Thousand Dollars

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday, the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge organization in Duluth received a donation of more than $77 thousand dollars from the proceeds of the 14th Annual Breezy Point 5K. Adult and Teen Challenge offers programs throughout the state that help those who are struggling with alcohol and drug addictions and more. The $77,536 dollars is the largest…

Legislative Priorities for Minnesota Dems in New Session

May be itch to spend with early forecast of $17 billion surplus

The Minnesota DFL party has the Governor’s office, and the majority in both the House and Senate. And party leaders said Wednesday they are all on the same page when it comes to priorities. At a joint press briefing of the House and Senate at the Capitol, DFL leaders said allowing women to make their own decisions about abortion will…

Icicle and Ice Dam Problems

DULUTH, Minn. — During the holidays, people see icicles on a roof and often thin “that looks pretty.”  However the reason the icicles have formed may mean there’s a problem with your home.  “Some houses can have icicles, said Austin Miller of Miller’s Roofing and Siding, “but when you see the thickness of ice at the edge of the roof…

Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Medical Center Top Baby Names For 2022

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Medical Center released the top names Northland parents chose for their newborns in 2022. Starting with the girls, St. Mary’s says Olivia, Sophia, Sophie, Lilly, and Madeline were the most popular names. For the boys, Grayson, Hudson, Oliver, and Miles were the top picks. There were almost 1,500 babies born at St. Mary’s…

Duluth Salvation Army Year-Round Services

The Duluth Salvation Army surpassed their Red Kettle campaign goal at $225,000.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army’s Christmas fundraiser is over after the Red Kettle campaign ended on Christmas Eve. Just one day prior they were still $10,000 short of their goal of $215,000, but thanks to a generous donor and the determination of the community, they ended up goal surpassing it. Cyndi Lewis, the Director of Development at the Duluth…

Lincoln Park Craft District Business Provides Ways To Spice Up Food And Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. — Over in the Lincoln Park Craft District, a new business opened up for those looking to spice up their food and drink game. The Spice and Tea Exchange has been open since mid-October and features over 1,100 different spices and teas, from international spices like Jamaican Jerk to wellness teas for lifestyle benefits. All of the spice…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Police Chief Highlights Top Priorities in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Chief of Police for the City of Duluth, Mike Ceynowa, joined FOX21 on the morning show to highlight the departments top priorities heading into the New Year. Recruiting and retaining officers continues to be a top challenge for the department — and departments nationwide. The DPD recently swore in 8 new officers to the department, but is…

Coffee Conversation: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth on January 6 & 7 of 2023 at the DECC Symphony Hall. AMSOIL Staff Product Development Engineer and Mechanical R&D Manager, Mark Nyholm, joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the event. The Banff World Tour showcases outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. The Duluth Cross Country Ski…

YMCA Continues Offering CPR Certification Classes

DULUTH, Minn.– Community members have options for CPR certification in light of the Damar Hamlin scare. Multiple YMCA’s in Duluth and surrounding areas offer CPR, First Aid, and AED classes. Sessions involve a science component as well as hands on learning and understanding real world emergencies. Advanced classes require a written component to achieve a certification, which is good for…

Two Cases Of Legionnaires’ Disease In Duluth Apartment

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health says two cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have popped up in a Duluth apartment building. One case happened in October, and the other was in December. Both people were living in the Woodland Garden Apartments, which is for low-income seniors. This type of pneumonia is caused by certain bacteria spreading through contaminated droplets…