Community
Courage Kenny Ski Camp Helps People Ski on Adaptive Skis
More Than 20 Skiers Learn to Ski
DULUTH, Minn.- Skiers on adaptive skis hit the slopes as part of Courage Kenney’s Ski camp. Around 20 skiers had the chance to learn, or brush up on their skiing techniques at Spirit mountain, Thursday. The Ski camp is designed for adults and teenagers with disabilities, and helps encourage people to pursue healthy life styles and hobbies. “It’s just a…
Interest in Home Security is Going Up
DULUTH, Minn.- After a string of violent crimes in Duluth, some community members are looking into making their homes a little more secure. Experts say interest in home security has been going up in the last couple of years. But experts say simple things like trimming bushes in your yard to eliminate hiding spots, and making sure your doors…
New Youth Center Coming to Two Harbors
Old Oddfellows Hall is Being Renovated for Kids' Use
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Kids on the North Shore will soon have a new place to hang out. The Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Store, run by the Two Harbors Christian Ministerial Association, is adding a youth center on the top floor of its building. The room is actually the old Oddfellows hall, but soon will be home to an all–purpose…
Regional Robotics Competition at the DECC
DULUTH, Minn. – Robotics action is happening in Duluth this weekend. The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center is hosting two regional robotics championships on Friday and Saturday. Over 120 teams from around the region will be in town to compete to see who has built the best robot. Participants say that getting involved in robotics is a good way to…
MISSING: St. Croix Falls, Wis. Girls, Left Foster Home, Didn’t Show for School
Candus Flodin Makayla Hanson-Wall UPDATE 3/4: The St. Croix PD reports that the girls have been located safe, and thank those who helped look for them. ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. – The St. Croix Falls Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two missing juveniles, Makayla Hanson-Wall, 13 and Candus Jean Flodin, 14. The two left their foster…
Wisconsin Republicans once again target sanctuary cities
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican proposal targeting sanctuary cities that offer protections for immigrants living in Wisconsin illegally is back in the state Legislature. A similar proposal failed to get enough support to pass last year following an outpouring of opposition. The new bill being circulated this week for co-sponsors is more limited than the previous version but still…
Wisconsin Democrats propose tax cuts for middle class
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic state lawmakers want to cut taxes for Wisconsin’s middle class. Rep. Chris Taylor of Madison and others introduced a bill at a news conference Thursday that would cut taxes for a family of four earning $70,000 a year would by about $350. The plan would also raise taxes on those earning more than $1 million….
Minnesota state parks get 2 new campgrounds for 2017
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New campgrounds, a new water trail and a new chance to see bison are coming to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system this year. The Department of Natural Resources says two new campgrounds will open this summer at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota and Whitewater State Park in the…
Ski Club to Host Celebration of the Sport and Season
Duluth Cross Country Ski Club Holds "Tour Duluth"
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is the 12th running of DXC’s Tour Duluth, a celebration of the ski trails in Duluth and all the people who make it all happen. Duluth Cross Country Ski Club members tell us the club had a very successful year in 2016. The club is hoping to celebrate that success with this year’s Tour Duluth…
Crafting Cream Puffs with The Exchange
Cooking Connection: The Exchange Deli, Bakery & Catering
DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection Lisa Quarles, the pastry chef at The Exchange Bakery, showed the FOX 21 crew the ropes in the kitchen. Quarles showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make cream puffs. Quarles says these are perfect sweets to impress your friends with at parties. Cream Puffs: Add 1 cup of water to pan on…
No more snow days? It could happen in Minnesota
Snow days could be replaced with "e-learning" days
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that could spell the end for snow days. A House committee Thursday will discuss a bill that could replace up to five snow days each year with “e-learning days.” Students would get on a laptop or tablet at home and follow along with online lessons on school days that would…
Speak Up and Speak Out Campaign
Duluth, Minn A public forum for the “Speak Up And Speak Out” campaign of Duluth Health was held tonight at Central High School. Tonight data was revealed from 600 hundred surveys sent out to all communities in the city of Duluth. It was a packed house tonight as Duluthians were able to sound off to the mayor and other…
Duluth City Attorney Ready to Embark on Iditarod Race
Gunnar Johnson spen Wednesday getting his 20 dogs checked over before they take off on Saturday
WASILLA, Alaska – Gunnar Johnson, Duluth’s City Attorney, is set to compete in his second Iditarod starting Saturday. Today Johnson was at the race headquarters in Alaska. The 20 dogs on his team went through vet checks this afternoon and he says they’re all looking good. Now that race week is here, reality is starting to set in for Johnson.The…
Spring Is In The Air
West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens Their Doors
Meteorologist may say that today is the start of their Spring season. The Dairy Queen in West Duluth says it’s the start of Spring for all of us. Closed for the winter the Dairy Queen on Grand Avenue in West Duluth now has their doors open. The store has been a staple in the community of west Duluth since…
Huge Toy Collection on Display at Depot
Will Run Through April 8th
DULUTH, Minn.-A massive toy collection is about to go on display at the Depot. Tomorrow Minnesotan David Barnhill will open up his collection to the public. It will feature toys focused on monsters, super heroes, and villains. Barnhill has a collection of 200,000 items – one of the largest in America. “Everyone that comes through either had it, wanted it,…
Study: Minnesota Millennials Stressed Over Health Care
Minnesotans Show Striking Generational Gap in Knowledge of Health Insurance
DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to texting terms such as “LOL” or “BRB” it’s no secret millennials have no problem understanding what’s being conveyed. However, a new study released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is showing stunning statistics. The study show while nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans think managing their health is an important topic, far…
St. Louis County Unveils Renovations to ‘Historic’ A.P. Cook Building
DULUTH — A historic Duluth building that used to be a laundry facility has gotten a new facelift, and new life for the St. Louis County government. The facility is now called the A.P. Cook Building, and these renovations have been four years in the making. It used to be part of what was known as the “county poor farm,”…
Austin-Jarrow Celebrates 33 Years in Business
Specialty Running Store Offers 33% Off for Anniversary
DULUTH, Minn. – Austin-Jarrow, Duluth’s original running specialty store, is celebrating 33 years in business today. The store is marking the anniversary by offering a 33% discount on everything in stock. Austin–Jarrow owners say the sale is how they kick off running season every year, as runners start to prepare for Grandma’s Marathon and other races. “We’re just going month to…
Duluth School Board Faces Budget Deficit
Shortfall in Budget is Actually Lower than in Previous Years
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District faces a budget deficit of at least a $1 million over the next two fiscal years. That was the report from district administrators at Tuesday’s School Board meeting. The numbers are still preliminary, and depend on factors like number of students enrolled in the district and the state budget. Governor Mark Dayton’s proposal…
Heart Association Fundraiser Raises Awareness
Go Red Luncheon is an Annual Event by the American Heart Association
DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC’s Harborside Ballroom was decked in red Wednesday as the Duluth chapter of the American Heart Association held its annual Go Red Luncheon. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign started in 2004 and the Duluth chapter celebrates every year with their Go Red luncheon. Heart disease is the number one killer Of women…
Indoor Golf Range Open Again
The Sweet Spot Re-Opened in January Under New Management
DULUTH, Minn. – With Spring on the way, many local golfers have the itch to hit the links. The Sweet Spot, West Duluth’s indoor golf range re–opened in mid–January in a new location and with new owners who say business is booming like a Bubba Watson drive. The Sweet Spot hosted three times the golfers in February as the month…
Animal Answers: Honey Bear Heads Home
The 9-Year-Old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix Spent Nearly Seven Months at Animal Allies
DULUTH, Minn. – You might recall hearing about a certain dog featured as Pet of The Week on FOX 21 Local News over many months. After a long journey from the streets, to the shelter, Honey Bear is home. “He’s a big love bug, he’s honey, but he’s also a bear,” said Josh Klimek. “I kind of fell in love…
Renegade Theater Presenting “Hand to God”
Performance Taking Place at Teatro Zuccone
DULUTH, Minn. – Renegade Theater Company is currently presenting their latest production at Teatro Zuccone. In “Hand to God” mild-mannered Jason unhappily has to participate in a Jesus-themed puppet show at his church and he soon discovers that his puppet, Tyrone, has a mind of its own. “Hand to God” is running Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through March 11. All…
Business is Booming at Local Bait Shops
A Mid-Winter Warmup Has Not Impacted Ice Fishing, According to Local Businesses
DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning the recent mid-winter warm-up has not impacted business at local bait shops in the Northland. Store owners at Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle, and Fisherman’s Corner tell FOX 21 it’s been the best year for ice fishing business in the past five years. It’s a passion for many, only Mother Nature can deny. “Once you’re into…
New Cloquet Middle School Taking Shape
School Officials Give Tour of New Building, Expected to Open By Next School Year
CLOQUET, Minn. – The new Cloquet Middle School is expected to open for students in September. Now that the building is starting to come together, school officials gave us a special look inside. Cloquet is getting its first new middle school in more than a hundred years. “We’re moving into a facility that will handle our technology a lot better,…
Finland Turns 100
Sledding Was Part Of Their Celebration
Duluth, Minn The snow arrived just in time tonight. Sledding was in the forecast for the Finnish community tonight as the small country of Finland is celebrating their centennial birthday. The group of Finnish Americans that live in Duluth celebrated in their countries honor at the snow flake ski resort with some fun and games. They say it’s a big…
Roads Turn To Ice As Storm Rolls Through
Hillside Crashes Were All Common As Drivers Tried To Make It Home
Duluth, Minn The roads were ugly tonight. Making travel difficult for many in the Twin Ports. It wasn’t very good. It only took a few blocks to see several accidents and multiple cars unable to gain traction to make it up the hill. One Duluth driver said that this has been the worst he’s seen all winter. “These road conditions…
Lincoln Park Neighborhood Being Evaluated for Historic Designation
The cities' Heritage Preservation Committee has been working with consultants to evaluate buildings along Superior Street
DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park neighborhood on Duluth’s west side may receive some historic designation later this year. The cities’ Heritage Preservation Committee has been working with consultants to evaluate buildings along Superior Street in that area. Today, an architectural historian presented some initial recommendations to the committee. Some of the locations being considered for historical designation include the…
St. Luke’s Holds Fundraiser Accessory Sale
Most Items Are $6 Or Less, and Proceeds Go to Making Patients More Comfortable During Their Stay
DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking for a good deal on jewelry or some fashion accessories, then St. Luke’s is where you need to go. Your sales will help patients. St. Luke’s volunteer service guild is currently hosting a fundraiser in the hospital’s lobby. You can find all kinds of fashion trends like purses, scarves, earrings, and necklaces. It’s for…
Community Groups Team Up to Squash Hunger
35th Minnesota Food Share Runs Through March
DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th Minnesota Food Share kicks off March 1st, the start of a big month for CHUM. While donations are accepted and encouraged year round, the March Food Share is one of CHUM’s most important drives. And even more important than food, is money. With cash donations, CHUM has access to food sources only available to charitable…
Lake Superior College Celebrates Mardi Gras
Student Life Organization Held a Party in the Hallways
DULUTH, Minn. – Fat Tuesday celebrations found their way to Lake Superior College. LSC’s Student Life organization sponsored a Mardi Gras party on-campus Tuesday. The traditional festive sounds of New Orleans Jazz music filled the hallways, as students donned masks and played games. “People have had a really good time,” said Julia Summer of LSC Student Life. “We’re giving out…
Students Test Toothpick Bridges
Competition at UMD was the 24th Annual
DULUTH, Minn. – High school students from across the Northland gathered at the University of Minnesota Duluth Tuesday for the 24th annual Toothpick Bridge Competition. The contest, hosted by UMD’s Civil Engineering department, challenged kids to build the strongest and most economical bridge possible, using only toothpicks and glue. “The kids love it,” said John Hinsman, one of the competition…
New Apartment Complex Closer to Being Built
Duluth City Council Approves a Tax Abatement for the Proposed 80-Unit Development
DULUTH, Minn. – A proposed 80-unit apartment complex took a step closer to being built last night. The Duluth City Council approved a $278,000 tax abatement for the development. The proposed Capstone Apartment Complex is located off of Matterhorn Drive, west of Burning Tree Road. It is part of the project that began with the construction of the Village at Matterhorn…
STEM Day at Lowell Elementary
St. Scholastica Students Helped Kids Learn About Science
DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Duluth’s Lowell Elementary School had a hands–on day of science Tuesday. About a hundred students from the College of St. Scholastica brought a variety of experiments for the youngsters to try. The goal of STEM day at Lowell was to get more kids interested in science and related fields. “It is so much fun,” said…
Amazon Server Failure Causing Website Errors and Outages
Noticing a slow down with your internet? Web pages not loading? Photos or videos not loading? Apps on your phone not working? As you can see with our website, we’re experiencing it here at FOX 21 too. Amazon’s S3 web-based storage service is experience widespread issues, which is affecting services across the globe, causing errors in websites, apps, and devices…
The Mystery of Devil’s Kettle Solved?
MN DNR GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Devil’s Kettle waterfall on the Brule River, at Judge C.R. Magney State Park near Grand Marais, has baffled scientists and enchanted onlookers for years. The waterfall plunges into a cavernous hole in the rock and simply seems to vanish, which has left many wondering where does all the water go? Many onlookers, out of…
Local Business Remains Family-Owned for Decades
Northland Uncovered: Dee Independent Launders and Cleaners
DULUTH, Minn. – Family businesses fill the Northland and inside the doors of one Duluth business everyone is family. Driving down Superior Street it’s hard to miss the vintage sign marking Dee Independent Launders and Cleaners. The business has been owned by this family for 37 years and the previous owner had the business for 40 years. “We have a…
Grand Portage Lodge Gets Makeover
The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Finished with Phase Two Renovations
GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – One popular place along the North Shore is now prepared for played to try their luck once again. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is undergoing a three-phase project, opening a fresh chapter for its guests. It’s a popular place for thousands of visitors each year, no matter what season it is. Now, visitors will have…
Longtime Cloquet City Admin. Takes Job With St. Louis County
Brian Fritsinger Held Cloquet Position Since 1999
CLOQUET, Minn. – After 18 years as Cloquet’s city administrator, Brian Fritsinger is packing up but not going too far. Fritsinger has been hired as the new deputy county administrator for St. Louis County. He raised his three children in Cloquet and calls the city home, but he tells FOX 21 it’s time for the next chapter in his career….
Duluth Police Department Growing Mounted Patrol Unit
Four officers are training to hit the streets with their horses downtown in May
ESKO, Minn. – For years, the Duluth Police Department’s mounted patrol protected the street’s downtown during the busy summer months. After a 10 year absence, visitors and residents were excited to see the officers and their horses brought back in 2014. The safety to visitors downtown Duluth is one of the main priorities to the police department, so when it…
Advocates Start Conversation About Growing Drug Problem in Superior
An event Monday night featured two mock bedrooms resembling what a teen using drugs might look like
SUPERIOR – Drug addiction is on the rise in Superior and throughout Douglas County and a group of local advocates is hoping to spread awareness on the effects it’s having in the area. The Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Community Coalition of Douglas County hosted an event this evening to inform residents about the increase in drug use and…
Superior Police Department Getting New K9
Currently the Department Only Has One Dog
SUPERIOR, Wis.- With the current schedule and lack of dogs, the Superior Police Department has to use dogs from Duluth, St. Louis County, and other police departments with K9 Units, on a regular basis. But thanks to a grant from the Amsoil K9 Foundation, that’s all about to change. The Superior Police Department will be getting a new K9 though the…
Food Shelves in the Northland Asking for Donations This March
It's Part of a State Wide Campaign to Benefit Thousands of People
DULUTH, Minn.- Food shelves across the Northland are participating in The Minnesota Foodshare March Campaign. Food shelves in Northeastern Minnesota are able to raise more money and food during the campaign, through getting a proportionate match to what is donated. This means each dollar raised in March, goes further to help people in need. “It was developed 34 years ago…
Fire in Superior Damages Home in Superior
$70,000 Dollars Worth of Damages, But No One Was Injured
SUPERIOR, Wis.- A fire in Superior left behind $70,000 worth of damages to a home. The Superior Fire Department responded to a fire on Cumming Avenue in Superior late Sunday night. Upon Arrival Crews saw fire coming from the 2nd floor windows of the building. Crews were able to extinguish the fire that started in the upstairs apartments kitchen. All…
Petition: Reinstate Former Proctor Police Chief
Walter Wobig Served As Chief Since 2002
PROCTOR, Minn.- An online petition was growing Monday for the reinstatement of former longtime Proctor Police Chief Walter Wobig. The petition had more than 180 signatures Monday evening, along with personal messages of support. This comes one week after Mayor Phil Larson and councilors Troy DeWall and Gary Nowak got the majority vote to not renew Wobig’s contract as chief….
St. Luke’s Unveils C.A.R.E. Channel in All Patient Rooms
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Patient Experience Team unveils the C.A.R.E. Channel®, which offers continuous relaxation imagery and music. This channel is available on televisions in all patient rooms. The C.A.R.E. Channel® is produced by Healing Healthcare Systems, which uses evidence-based research to assure the channel’s benefit for patients in the hospital. The 24-hour format at St. Luke’s aims to…
Runners Get Inspiration from Olympic Athlete
Gearing Up for Grandma's
DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend is just a few months away and training season is in full–swing. To help runners along in their training journey, Essentia Health and Grandma’s Marathon are hosting the annual Gearing up for Grandma’s pre–race seminar on Saturday, March 4 with keynote speaker, Jeff Galloway. This is a free event from 10 a.m. to 12…
Fat Tire Bike Festival Back for Second Year
Coffee Conversation: Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend winter sport enthusiasts will be filling the hills at Spirit Mountain. It’s all for the 2nd Annual Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival. Competitors from around the country will be coming into town on March 4 and 5 for two days of fat bike races, events, silent auction and more with over 300 participants expected. New…
Sunday Liquor Sales Passes Minnesota Senate
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ The Minnesota Legislature has voted to repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday liquor sales. The state Senate passed a bill undoing the Prohibition-era ban on a 38-28 vote Monday. It follows the House’s overwhelming approval of similar legislation last week. Lawmakers have struggled for years to lift the ban but those efforts have regularly…
