News

Walz Calls For Deals, Seeks To Mend Fences In Fourth State Of The State

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, delivering his first State of the State speech inside the Capitol since 2019, called on lawmakers to unite in the final four weeks of the legislative session. In Walz’s 55-minute speech, he urged the divided Legislature to move forward on his stalled agenda, while acknowledging that much of it is…

In-Motion Therapy Opens New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — In Motion Therapy is a physical therapy center, that has been around for about 15 years, and they are opening the doors of a new location. Maintaining the brand and quality of their one on one services as well as being more accessible to more parts of the community is the priority of this new spot. New…

Wisconsin Cross Country, Track Runner Sarah Shulze Dies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Sarah Shulze, a runner on the University of Wisconsin’s track and cross country teams, has died. She was 21. Shulze’s family announced on April 15 that she had died two days earlier, and gave the cause of death. “Sarah took her own life,” the family said. “Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of everyday life overwhelmed her…

Disney Government Dissolution Bill Signed By DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday to dissolve the private government Walt Disney World controls on its property in the state, punishing the entertainment giant for opposing a new law that critics call “Don’t Say Gay.” The move is expected to have huge tax implications for Disney and further sour the relationship between the…

Community, Friends Decorate Barry Family House in Lights for Vigil Sunday

One of the main organizers, Thor Pakosz, was friends with the family for 5 years and even spent Easter with them.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lights were strung on and around the Barry family house on East 12th Street Saturday, as the Duluth community prepares to come together to remember the mother, father, and two young daughters killed by the family’s nephew Wednesday. A group of community members and those that knew the family spent the chilly rainy afternoon hanging Christmas lights, and…

33rd Annual Fitgers 5K Brings Out Eager Runners Despite Gloomy Weather

DULUTH, Minn. — Less than ideal conditions for a race on Saturday morning, but it’s Duluth — it’s what people do. More than 800 people came out for the 33rd annual Fitgers 5k. The running community in Duluth is always active rain or shine, and it shows in the hundreds who run multiple grandma’s marathon races throughout the year. The Fitger’s…

Lester River Race Marks Unofficial Open to Whitewater Kayak Season in Northern MN

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lester River Race happens during the spring thaw challenging expert paddlers from the Midwest to help kick start the white-water kayaking season. The date of this year’s race has been up in the air this past month with organizers waiting for perfectly thawed conditions. After the snow melts, it’s much easier to avoid rocks when flying…

Through Rain, Cold 50 Volunteers Push On Picking Up Trash Along Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn.- At Lester River Saturday morning, more than 50 lakewalk-lovers gathered once again to celebrate earth day picking up around 20 bags of trash along the lakewalk through Brighton Beach. Organizers with friends of the lakewalk said the weather’s nothing when it comes to taking care of the planet. “Right now it started to pour and people are still…

Gardening Guidance at Depot’s Spring Gardening Extravaganza

DULUTH, Minn.- Another environment-loving event over at the Depot Saturday provided some gardening guidance and also promoted support for the people of Ukraine. The St. Louis County Extension hosted their Spring Gardening Extravaganza at the depot for the first time. About 150 people showed up to check out displays and presentations on growing all types of fruits and warm-season veggies,…

Public Works Crews Responding to Road Washouts in Northern St. Louis County

With the continuing rain forecast this weekend, Boder said, more washouts are likely.

County Road 65 is temporarily closed approximately 1.2 miles west of State Highway 73 due to a culvert washout. Repairs are expected to be done next week. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- St. Louis County Public Works crews closed parts of several roads in the Northern part of the county, due to excessive rain and snowmelt Saturday. According to Public Works…

Local Grief Resources Assisting Community Post Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — While the tragic loss of the Barry family and their dog have weighed heavy on friends and family, they were also traumatizing to the officers who responded. Local mental health experts say it’s important anyone effected knows, and utilizes, the support services available to them. Events like this don’t happen often in Duluth, and it can leave…

‘Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure’ At DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Very important pups are invited to the DECC this weekend for “Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure.” It involves the discovery of a secret pirate treasure map. And the Paw Patrol is on the hunt. “Paw Patrol Live” is that first introduction to live theatre and is described as a rock concert for kids. The performers…

BCA Identifies Man Shot, Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting in Chisholm

Authorities were looking for Michael Johnson, 38, of Chisholm, who had multiple felony charges out of Morrison County.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- The man killed in Chisholm and the officers who allegedly shot him have been identified by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. According to a spokesperson with the BCA, authorities were looking for Michael Johnson, 38, of Chisholm, who had multiple felony charges out of Morrison County. A deputy located his car outside the home on Central Avenue…

AICHO Developing 60-Unit Mixed Income Apartment Complex

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Community Housing Organization also known as AICHO, is in the process of creating a 60 unit mixed-income apartment complex. Through a partnership with BlueLine Development Inc and BeauxSimone, a property in the Morgan Park neighborhood has been secured. The complex will be set up for households making 30 to 50 percent of area median…

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar Visits Coast Guard Cutter SPAR

The ship arrived in the Port of Duluth-Superior at the end of March.

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar celebrated the arrival of the new Coast Guard Ice Cutter in one of a few stops in Northern Minnesota. Klobuchar boarded and toured the new U.S. Coast Guard Cutter named “SPAR”. The ship arrived in the Port of Duluth-Superior at the end of March. This comes after Klobuchar announced $19 million in federal…

St. Luke’s Volunteers Recognized During Volunteer Appreciation Week

One of those acknowledged, Carole Newkumet, has been volunteering in the surgical waiting area of St. Luke's for two years after spending more than two decades working there.

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers are getting recognized at St. Luke’s as volunteer appreciation week comes to a close. One of those acknowledged, Carole Newkumet, has been volunteering in the surgical waiting area of St. Luke’s for two years. This is after she worked in the surgery unit for over two decades. While she was looking for something to do in…

Three Shot in Washington, D.C., Police Search for Suspect

Police Say At Least 3 Shot, 'Active Threat' in Northwest D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Police and federal agents swarmed into a northwest Washington neighborhood on Friday after at least three people were shot in a flurry of gunfire. City officials warned people to stay inside because of an “active threat” as dozens of officers in tactical gear were searching for the suspect. The law enforcement officers responded to the scene in…

Barry Family Vigil Being Held Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Family and friends of the Barry family will remember their loved ones with a vigil this weekend. This vigil is being held Sunday at 8 o’clock for anyone who wants to come together to remember and mourn the Barry’s, and their family dog. The family of 4 loved Christmas, and Christmas lights so much, the home will…

Duluth Police Officer Found Not Guilty of Shooting Unarmed Man Through Apartment Door in 2020

Leibfried was found not guilty of second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm

DULUTH, Minn.- A St. Louis County jury found Duluth Police Officer Tyler Leibfried not guilty of second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm Friday, regarding an incident in September 2020 when he shot unarmed Jared Fyle through the closed door of his apartment. According to a representative of the St. Louis County Attorney’s office, they do not agree with…

Live Interview: WLSSD Talks Recycling, Reducing, Reusing On Earth Day

DULUTH, Minn. – AJ Axtell, environmental program coordinator at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), stopped by the 8 a.m. hour of FOX 21’s morning show to talk about ways to be better to the planet.  Click the video for Axtell’s chat with Dan Hanger and Ken Slama, and see some information below. “Earth Day is an opportunity to…

Duluth Police Confirm Bodies Found In East Hillside Home Were Result Of Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police confirmed on Thursday that the five bodies found in an East Hillside home on Wednesday were the result of a murder-suicide committed by Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad, age 29. The victims are Sean Christopher Barry, age 47, Riana Lou Barry, age 44, Shiway Elizabeth Barry, age 12, and Sadie Lucille Barry, age 9, who are all…

Verified GoFundMe Created For Funeral Expenses Of Duluth Murder-Suicide Victims

DULUTH, Minn. — If you would like to support the loved ones of the family that was killed in a murder-suicide in Duluth on Wednesday, a GoFundMe has started where you can donate. FOX21 has confirmed that this GoFundMe is legitimate and was set up through two of the family’s friends. The description says that with this sudden tragedy, donations…

ISD 709 Releases Statement After Two Former Students Killed In Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools superintendent, John Magas, released a statement following the deaths of two young girls who were killed in a murder-suicide on Wednesday. 12-year-old Shiway Barry and 9-year-old Sadie Barry were two of the four victims in the tragedy. It is unclear which school or schools they attended. “The Duluth community was struck by a…

City Leaders, Neighbors React to Murder-Suicide in East Hillside

It started during the late morning on Wednesday when Hermantown police went to do a welfare check on 29 year old Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad at his home in the city, but they couldn't find him.

DULUTH, Minn. — There’s a very somber feeling on East 12th Street the day following the incident that has now been confirmed a murder suicide. Duluth police Chief Mike Tusken spoke out on Thursday with details regarding the tragic discovery, along with how painful it is for the whole community. “We all certainly are mourning with, and expressing our condolences…

Kirby Commencements Continue at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – Some UMD students planning to graduate next month are taking advantage of a program this week that gives them a more personal send off. The Kirby Commencement allows students to get their pictures taken with their cap, gown, and diploma cover as if they were on stage during a commencement ceremony.  They also get the chance to meet…

Duluth Public Schools Begins New Strategic Plan Process

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is ready to begin the process to create a new comprehensive strategic plan. Superintendent John Magas says they hired TeamWorks International to assist them.  The approach they are taking is known as ‘schoolroom to boardroom’. “This process focuses more on first assessing on our current reality,” says Magas.  “What is our history? What are…

Visit Duluth Opens New Visitor Center in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth is ready to open their new visitor center in Canal Park. The move from West Superior Street to Lake Avenue next to Flagship will continue to offer brochures, maps, and information to the various attractions in the Twin Ports. “We’re right in Canal Park,” says President Daniele Villa, “the heart, where visitors all come.  Whether they…

Lake Superior Zoo’s Longtime African Lion Dies

DULUTH, Minn.–The Lake Superior Zoo announced Thursday the passing of their male African lion, Leo. The lion was 14 1/2 years old, and called the zoo home for 13 years. He is survived by his two sisters, Lily and Malkia. For the past couple of weeks, Leo’s behavior had been different than normal. On Tuesday his health took a decline…

Suspect Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting In Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. — The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in the city of Chisholm. The shooting happened Wednesday morning after 7 a.m. on the 200 block of Central Avenue South, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was wanted in connection to a recent felony…

The Rambler Food Truck Begins New Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of spring in the Northland as The Rambler food truck had its first stop of their season Wednesday outside Cirrus. Event Coordinator Kesley Auran says they are one of the oldest food trucks in the Northland, starting in 2012.  “We love our regulars.  We love people are still finding out about us, fresh and new, so…

Bomb Threat Identical To Esko One Causes Evacuation Of Cloquet Middle And High Schools

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet middle school and high school were evacuated on Wednesday after a bomb threat was called into the high school over the phone, and both buildings have now been given the all-clear by police. Cloquet police say the bomb threat seemed to be the exact same one that was called into Esko High School last month,…

American Red Cross Provides Relief for Victims of Bayfield Area Fire

As of this morning, the Red Cross has opened relief cases for 14 people from approximately 6 units/homes affected by the blaze.

BAYFIELD, Wisc.–Disaster volunteers from the American Red Cross are stepping up to help those who lost everything, including the roof over their heads, after an apartment building caught fire in Bayfield on Saturday. The Red Cross is working to connect the residents affected with a place to stay, food, and other necessities. Currently, they have helped fourteen people from six…

74 Apartments of Lincoln Park Flats Complete, Pre-Leased Ahead of June 1st Opening

Rent ranges from studio apartments at about $900 a month to $1,700 for 2-bedroom units.

DULUTH, Minn.- This summer West Superior Street will see more housing overlooking the lake, as the 4-story Lincoln Park Flats is all booked up ahead of its June 1st opening, about a year after they started construction. “How we finish a building is we finish our way out,” said Megan Holsclaw, Operations Manager with P&R Companies. “We’re up on the…

Superior Council Unanimously Approves Tourism Contract with Duluth-Based Swim Creative

According to the Mayor, Swim Creative can now begin their campaign immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis,- Superior City Councilors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a tourism contract worth $250,000 to a marketing agency based out of Duluth called “Swim Creative.” Superior Mayor Jim Paine says the choice was between 3 bidders, but in his book, Swim Creative rose to the top. According to the Mayor, they were the best at reaching out to citizens…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Live Entertainment Returning To Bayfront Park

Schneider added they're closing in on 20,000 runners total for all three races.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon is set to be even more of a party again this year, as live music will be returning to Bayfront Park on race weekend. Last year there was live music at the finish line and modified entertainment in Canal Park. Now this year the six musical acts — one Friday and five through midnight Saturday —…

Duluth Parks and Rec Holds Youth Soccer Camp

The camp, which is for kids ages five and six, is run by former UMD soccer captain Julia Osborne.

DULUTH, Minn. – Through the Duluth Parks and Recreation, one UMD soccer player is helping give back to the youth soccer community. “I was asked by my boss to put on a soccer camp for the first time. I’ve always wanted to get into coaching so I thought what better way than working with a young population,” former UMD soccer…

Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota puts on Family Night

DULUTH, Minn. – The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota put on an event tonight for families impacted by epilepsy. Held at the Duluth Children’s Museum, the event was a way for families that deal with the challenges of epilepsy to come together and meet those who are also facing similar realities. The Foundation does events like this throughout the year to…

DTA Lifts Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced Tuesday that it is lifting its mask mandate for riders after a federal judge ended it for all public transit Monday. Before the ruling by the judge, the CDC wanted it to continue until May 3rd while it studied the latest COVID variant and what kind of threat it would be to the public….

Lawn Care Preparation as Summer Approaches

DULUTH, Minn. – Green thumbs are patiently waiting for the last frost of the spring before they can start planting and taking care of the grass, and we are getting closer every day. Mike Letica runs a lawn care business, and he says the ground first needs to dry up from all the moisture from the snow and then the…