minnesota

Norton Park United Methodist Church Explores Tastes Around the World

Church Cookoff showcases foreign foods.

DULUTH, Minn.- Taking a break from just Irish culture this St. Patrick’s Day, the Norton Park United Methodist Church celebrated food from all cultures. Their “Tastes Around the World” cook-off featured 15 different dishes from Italian, Asian, Swedish and German cultures, all competing to win the trophy. The competition was a fundraiser for the church and for the CHUM food…

St. Urho’s Legend Lives on for 44th Year

Fictional Hero Celebrated in Finland

DULUTH, Minn.- Not many celebrations can shut down a whole state highway. But then again, not many celebrations are quite like St. Urho’s Day. The festival stems from a folktale made in Virginia, MN in the 1950s. “I think it was the season of like growing grapes and there were like grasshoppers or something,” wondered one St. Urho attendee. “It’s about…

More Northlanders Buy Flood Insurance Ahead of Rain and Warmth

Insurance Agency details change in business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The potential for flooding has homeowners thinking about flood insurance. Pat Shelton, an agent at Farmers Insurance in Duluth said people are worrying about heavy snow and the potential for flooded basements. Shelton added that you don’t have to be in a flood zone, to get protection. “It can be a good idea, it’s piece of mind,” he…

Flooded Roads Created by Frozen Creeks in Duluth

Crews use heavy machinery to break ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sometimes clearing flooded roads isn’t as simple as removing the water or unclogging a nearby storm drain or culvert. A harsh winter can cause water backup in another way. Duluth Public Works crews arrived to deal with about 10 inches water on 88th Avenue West. They found the drain didn’t take much unplugging, the big issue was the…

Catching Hoppers This Weekend at Annual St. Urho’s Day Celebration

The St. Urho's Day Celebration is Happening March 15 - 17 in Finland, Minnesota

FINLAND, Minn. – Folks in Finland, Minnesota are inviting St. Urho enthusiasts to join in on the 44th Annual St. Urho’s Celebration March 15 – 17. This year’s theme is “Catching Hoppers: St. Urho Builds a Thingamajiggy!” St. Urho is a fictional Finnish saint who is said to have chased away the grasshoppers to save the grape crop. St. Urho’s…

Cleaning at Beijing Restaurant Begins After 2018 Fire

Crews remove furniture, re-open unsure.

DULUTH, Minn.- Cleaning crews are now on site at Beijing Restaurant in Duluth, after fire closed the business down last October. The owner of Beijing on London Road tells us cleaning will take at least a month. She is hoping to re-open sometime this year, but she says that all depends on how long the building remodel will take. It…

City Crews Tackle Storm Drains in Superior, Cleaning Businesses Prep for Flooding

City of Superior and SERVPRO of Twin Ports Share Tips and Tricks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- There are 3067 storm drains, 91 miles of sewer, and 181 miles of ditches, swales and culverts in the City of Superior. Now crews are rushing to have those near homes clear, before any flooding can begin. “If that drain gets plugged up, whether it’s plugged up with debris like leaves, grass, sticks, garbage, or ice like we’re…

Lake Superior Nearly 100 Percent Frozen

Cold and snow increases ice coverage.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been an impressive winter on Lake Superior. That’s because ice has covered nearly 100 percent of the big lake. According to a Professor at UMD, the lake hasn’t seen this much ice since 2014. And, it will have an effect on our summer. “The timing of the start of that layer of warm water forming plays a…

Potential Rain and Warmth Could Mean Flooding

Northland Agencies Prepare for Flooding.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Normally the first rainfall this time of year means spring is upon us. But being under this much snow with warmer temperatures, means it can spell out trouble, in the form of flooding. “The old saying is ‘turn around, don’t drown.’” That message is what Keith Kesler of Douglas County Emergency Management is advising drivers this week. “I…

Denfeld Robotics Return to FIRST Competition

Team DNA goes undefeated through Quarterfinals

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth team faired well at the FIRST Minnesota robotics competition this weekend. Team Denfeld Nation Automation, or DNA competed in the Lake Superior Regional for the first time this season. They ranked first out of 63 teams in the qualification matches and went undefeated through quarterfinals. However, their winning streak ended in semifinals. At the awards ceremony, the…

Rep. Pete Stauber Visits IPS Cranes

He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and refurbishes locomotive cranes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber stopped in Duluth this weekend to visit a local manufacturing facility. Representative Stauber says Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District has every form of transportation from rail to air. Stauber got a chance to meet some transportation workers this weekend. He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and…

Heavy Snowfall Could Lead to Increased Flooding

National Weather Service measuring overflowing

MINNESOTA- There could be an increased flooding risk this spring because of all the snow we’ve been getting. According to the National Weather Service, agencies are measuring Minnesota’s risk of flooding this spring. The DNR and the U.S. Geological Survey are monitoring the depth and flow of streams and rivers across the state to figure out how much water they can…

“Thistles and Shamrocks” Performance to Showcase Scottish Dancing, Celtic Fiddling

The Performance is Happening Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at CSS Mitchell Auditorium in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – From bagpipes and Scottish dancing to Celtic fiddling, the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association is hosting “Thistles & Shamrocks,” an evening of Scottish & Irish music and dance. The performance is taking place Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium on the campus of St. Scholastica in Duluth. General admission for Friday’s concert is $15 and…

Celebrating Women in STEM at FIRST Robotics Competition

Ladies Event held before competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- At the FIRST Robotics Competition, a special event was held celebrating the young women competing this weekend. Organizers say hundreds of young women are starting to make names for themselves in this STEM field. Some, even taking over their respective teams. “I feel like women in FIRST and STEM is growing and so we want to encourage that,” said…

Northland Springs Into Spring Cleaning

Cleaning services give tips and tricks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though it may not feel like it, we are less than two weeks away from Spring. That means many Northlanders have started their Spring Cleaning routines. Some even hire professional services to clean their homes and offices. Marianne’s Professional Cleaning in Duluth is one of those services. The owner says she sees her business increase around this…

Uncommon Drug Arrest in Minnesota Happens Here in Duluth

A 23-year old has been charged with selling and manufacturing DMT

DULUTH, Minn.- A 23-year old man is charged with selling and manufacturing a drug that isn’t commonly seen in Minnesota. Police say DMT is a psychedelic drug, similar to LSD. It’s only been located by law enforcement in Minnesota three times in the last ten years. It’s more commonly found by law enforcement agencies on the West Coast. The suspect,…

Northland Winter Doesn’t Stop Ash Wednesday Services

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Duluth holds services.

DULUTH, Minn.- Churches across the Northland are renewing their faith during Ash Wednesday. St. Paul’s in Duluth held two services where members burned last year’s palms, signifying their mortality and dedication to Christ. The Pastor said that even though this has been a harsh winter, that hasn’t slowed the faith of his congregation. “Especially some of our elders, to be…

Cleveland-Cliffs Delivers State of the Business

Business leaders, city and state officials gather in Chisholm.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm business leaders, city and state officials, and employees heard a state of the business update from the iron ore mining company Cleveland-Cliffs. President, Chairman and CEO Lourenco Goncalves spent the beginning of his presentation detailing Cleveland-Cliffs’s growth since he took over in August 2014. But soon he delved into the environmental impacts of iron ore mining, clean steel-making…

First Repeating Snowstorms, Now Potholes

DULUTH, Minn.- Old Man Winter has not been kind to Duluth’s streets this season. While Duluth Public Works crews have been busy battling snow, potholes have invaded roads. The peaceful rumble of a car rolling by is suddenly broken. This winter, Missy Smith has had quite a rocky commute to work every morning. “I drive in like I said from Solon…

Despite Cold, West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens

Walk-up, drive-thru store opens beginning of March.

DULUTH, Minn.- And out of the mounds of snow, DQ rises. This chillier start to March hasn’t stopped the Walk-Up/Drive-Thru Dairy Queen in West Duluth from opening. Just like years past, they opened during the first week of March. They say the cold and blizzards haven’t stopped people from getting blizzards. “The employees are so excited to come back,” said owner,…

Rummage Sale Has Audio Equipment and More

Sound Central in West Duluth holds rummage sale

DULUTH, Minn.- Sound Central Production Services on 59th Avenue West in West Duluth held a different kind of rummage sale on Sunday. They sold some of their newer, gently used and older items, and not just audio and production equipment. “There’s tires here,” said Tim Vener, Install Lead Technician for Sound Central. “Yeah, there’s some industrial equipment over there, a…

Artist Makes Unique Drawings for World Wildlife Day at Zoo

Brad Vanderbrook showed off drawings at Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was World Wildlife Day, and while Lake Superior Zoo doesn’t normally have elephants, giraffes, and gorillas, they got to have them all, through the unique drawings of one artist. “There’s so many animals that are in trouble, it’s like I’ve got a lot to choose from.” The pictures on display at the Zoo may look like black and white…

An “Otter” Kind of Birthday at Great Lakes Aquarium

Two Otters celebrate 6th birthday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Lakes Aquarium is celebrating two birthday today. Otter sisters Agate and Ore turned 6 today. Guests celebrated by making them a cardboard house to play in, along with other crafts. They even had their own Otter Birthday Cake. Otters typically live about 10 years in the wild and 20 under human care. So 6 is a…

National History Day Competition Takes Old and Young on Trip Through Time

Northeast Regional History Day Competition held at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend history lessons were given out by 6 thru 12th graders. Just a day after National Minnesota Day, Middle and High School students competed in the Northeast Regional History Day Competition at UMD. They competed to share websites, documentaries and presentations on historical events they’re passionate about. “You get mood swings, sometimes you forget where you are.” This…

Frolicking thru Winter in Proctor

Proctor Winter Frolic celebrates winter.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The chilly wind didn’t stop some folks in Proctor from getting out to enjoy the snow. Today, the Proctor Chamber of Commerce held their annual Winter Frolic at the Golf Course and Community Center. People did so much more than frolic there. They sledded and took hay rides. One of the event’s most popular activities is the dog…

Winter Update After Record February Snow

Heading into the Record Book for Cold, Too!

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2018-2019 winter season got off to a quiet start with snowfall, but that all changed in February. A record 36.4″ of snow fell in Duluth making February 2019 the snowiest February on record.  It beat the record that was set 80 years ago back in 1939 at 33.9″. Let’s put this into perspective. At the beginning…

City of Duluth Kicks Off New Flag Redesign Project

City taking design submissions until April.

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth hasn’t changed it’s flag for nearly 50 years. Some people think it needs an update. On Wednesday the city organized a meeting for people to share their thoughts about how to update it. The city says they have heard many requests to change the design. So they invited the public to come share ideas. The…

MnDOT Updates on Mission Creek Burial Ground Restoration

Weather only a small hindrance so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Department of Transportation shared an update on its efforts to restore an unearthed Native American Burial site in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. MnDOT held another community meeting on Wednesday. Transportation officials say after nearly two years of the accidental unearthing by MnDOT. Crews are continuing their sensitive work which has been slowed a bit with the…

In Spending Proposal Gov. Walz Sets Funds Aside for Northern Lights Project

$11 million suggested for passenger rail systems.

DULUTH, Minn.- The proposed Northern Lights Express Rail System, that would connect Duluth to the Twin Cities, is seeing new life in Governor Tim Walz’s first capital spending proposal. The proposal  calls for $11 million to leverage federal matching funds for passenger rail systems like the Northern Lights Express in Duluth. “The next step in the process is to secure the…

More Snow Means More Chiropractic Appointments

Local Chiropractic offices see increased fall and shovel injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The snow hasn’t let up across the Northland, and with more on the way, it can get treacherous to navigate. Area chiropractors have sen an increase in business due to falls and injuries. They shared with us some tips on how to avoid getting hurt, and having to pay them a visit. The officials at HealthSource of Duluth told…

Walz Preparing to Roll Out $1.3 Billion Budget

Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to roll out his first capital spending proposal, a $1.27 billion public construction borrowing bill.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to roll out his first capital spending proposal, a $1.27 billion public construction borrowing bill. Walz makes the announcement Tuesday at the Fort Snelling Upper Post veterans housing community. His budget, higher education, transportation, housing and corrections commissioners will be there, plus his Metropolitan Council chair. Walz revealed some broad outlines last week…

Duluth Council OKs $88K For External Review Of Police Dept.

DULUTH, Minn.- City councilors have unanimously approved Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s request to purchase an external evaluation of his department at a cost of roughly $88,000. The funds would come from the department’s already-approved operational budget for 2019. The assessment would be performed by a third party, and police say it would help them better allocate their limited resources…

Painting Small for Big Prizes

Frozen Finger Miniature Painting Contest held at Dungeon's End.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many are looking for a relaxing, indoor activity this winter. Dungeon’s End Game store in West Duluth may have just that. They are hosting a Miniature Figure Painting Contest until the end of March. Entry fee is the purchase of the models, which are available in four sizes. “I think people have an artistic side and then you…

Drivers Stranded by Blizzard Rescued in Southern Minnesota

The Minnesota National Guard and sheriff's deputies are rescuing people stranded by a blizzard in southern Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS-The Minnesota National Guard and sheriff’s deputies are rescuing people stranded by a blizzard in southern Minnesota. Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management says the Guard rescued 30 people in southeastern Freeborn County on Saturday night. Sheriff’s deputies rescued an additional 20 people. Gov. Tim Walz declared a state of emergency and ordered the Guard to help stranded motorists in…

Chilly Weather Means Chili Cook-Off at Elim Lutheran Church

Affordable event showcased all kinds of Chili.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you needed a bite to warm up in the high winds today, the Elim Lutheran Church had their Crock-Pots at the ready. They hosted their 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off. Members of the community could compete with their traditional or non–traditional chili, like the winner who made a white bean chili. She said while it definitely looked non–traditional,…

Duluth Company Launches FashionBrain with Oscars

Fashion software hopes to make things easier for content creators.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 91st Academy Awards showcased stars, their movies, and their fashion. But for fashion publishers and content creators, sorting through and finding the right images to write stories can be a challenge. A new software is looking to change that, launched from right here in Duluth–an unlikely team up of the complex world of artificial intelligence and the…

Powerful Winds Don’t Stop People From Getting Out

50 mph winds rip through lake and Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind didn’t stop people from getting out in Canal Park. Even tourists braved the elements, fighting the gusts to get that perfect shot of the lake. “Madison’s not on a lake like this, so the wind is just nothing that, yeah nothing that we’ve ever seen,” said Weston Erickson, visiting Duluth with his girlfriend. “For me it’s kinda…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

One-On-One: Gov. Walz Talks Legalizing Marijuana, Mining & Infrastructure

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…

Longboarding the Snow Away

Longboard making classes at Duluth Folk School

DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow piles up, some dream of longboarding down a hot, sunny boardwalk surrounded by Palm Trees and beaches. Duluth Folk School gave Northlanders a small taste of that. A three-day class began Wednesday in making your own Longboard, a longer skateboard. Students started with stock pieces of wood, learning how to use a table saw, which…

More Snow Means More Business at Local Grocery Stores

Many shop before snow storm hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- More snow can be a hindrance for some. But for area grocery stores, it means a boost in sales. The Whole Foods Co-op in Denfeld said they can always anticipate an increase in sales of essentials like toilet paper and canned goods. They see the biggest uptake in their produce sales, of which increased 50 percent the past…

Great Outdoors: Dogsledding With a Twist at North Star Academy

School hosts unconventional dog sled race.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland winters are full of great activities like skiing, snowboarding, and of course dog sledding. You’ve likely heard of the Beargrease, and the Iditarod. But North Star Academy’s dog sled race puts a spin on the traditional. “Teamwork makes the dream work. You have to trust your musher, and the musher has to trust his dogs,” a team…

Duluth Children’s Museum Gets Crazy for Creativity for Winter Break

Creativity Camp first of four throughout the week

DULUTH, Minn.- Entertaining the kids during winter break can be challenging, but the Duluth Children’s Museum has some programs to get your kids out. Today they hosted their Creativity Camp, the first of four camps this week. Children spent the day making puppets, then inventing a story for the puppets to act out in front of the museum later. The children’s…

West Duluth Waits for City to Clear Snow Piles, More Snow Comes

Piles reaching 5 feet still obstruct businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- While the weather was pretty quiet in the Northland on Monday, recent storms still left large mounds of snow in areas around the city. One place where they’re especially high is West Duluth. While the city has promised to get to those piles this week, more snow on the way could change that. Ahead of their big Winter in…

BNSF Investigates 40-Car Train Derailment Near Cloquet

No one was injured, coal spills out onto river and snow.

DULUTH, Minn.- BNSF Railway is investigating to find out what caused dozens of train cars to overturn near Cloquet. The Railway released a statement Sunday night which reads in part: “BNSF crews have been working at the site clearing cars and repairing the track, and preparing a plan to remove the spilled coal and remaining derailed cars. There were no…

Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel, RV Show Kicks Off

Some vendors have gone to the birds.

DULUTH, Minn.- You know spring is almost near when the Boats, Sports, Travel and RV Show comes to the DECC. The 53rd Annual Event opened Wednesday night, and will continue through Sunday. There are dozens of vendors, from archery and hunting gear, to everything you need to head out on the lake. FOX 21 News also has a booth, we…

Warm Winter Weather Lets the Dogs Out

Jean Duluth Dog Park Busy with Dogs

DULUTH, Minn.- The warmer weather brought out the four-legged friends in Duluth on Wednesday. Jean Duluth Dog Park was filled with dogs and their owners, enjoying the wide open snowy space. Dogs of all kinds and colors soon started turning white with snow, rubbing themselves on the ground. Owners said they love seeing their dogs happy and playful. “It’s just,…

Boys and Girls Clubs Celebrate Outstanding Youth

Youth of the Year banquet held at Holiday Inn

DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrated three of its standout teens at a special banquet on Tuesday night. It was all part of the 47th Annual Youth of the Year Celebration. Kwe Perry, Alex Lewis, and Raymond Davenport were selected for their leadership, and service. They were judged on their writing, public speaking and their…

Essentia Health Purchases Younkers for Fitness Center

Downtown Fitness Center moving to Mall

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health is investing $15 million in the purchase and remodeling of the 145,000 square foot Younkers space at Miller Hill Mall, to make it the new location of their Fitness and Therapy Center. The Fitness Center at Younkers would take up about 34,000 square feet, about 12,000 square feet larger than the current downtown location. This makes…

Duluth Public Library Offers Tax Help

Tax prep offered Monday and Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Taxes. They can get so confusing and stump even the best of them. If that sounds like you, you may want to pay an extra visit to the Duluth Public Library. On Monday, students from UMD’s Accounting Department were on hand to help with tax prep, free for those with low income, disabilities, and seniors. They say with a…