Author: Dan Hanger

Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash

Todd Eckart on FOX21 Morning News DULUTH, Min. & AMNICON, Wis. – The uncle of Todd Eckart has confirmed to FOX 21 that the popular local musician was killed in a head-on crash in Wisconsin. The crash happened at 2:12 p.m. on October 22, 2025 in Amnicon Township. Todd was a standout when it came to entertaining the Duluth area…

Data Center Debate: Hermantown’s Comm. Dir. Talks Public Process

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The city of Hermantown’s communications director, Joe Wicklund, talked to FOX 21 Wednesday about concerns surrounding a proposed data center and the way the city is or is not including the public in the process. “We protect the environment so well in Minnesota with robust environmental standards. That has not changed. What has changed is these types…

Northland Country Club Asks For Public’s Help After Vandals Strike Twice

DULUTH, Minn. — Vandals have struck the Northland Country Club two times in one week. The people, who appear on surveillance video to be in their younger years, trespassed the property during the early morning hours of Oct. 16 and 18. Management says carts and green were damaged, doors were kicked in, locks were cut, and storage areas were broken…

‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Hosts Free Mattress Drop-Off Event Oct. 22

A winter clothing drive is also part of the event

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports Trailer Trash is hosting a free mattress drop-off event Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Duluth while also hosting a winter clothing drive. The drop-off location for both causes is 215 S. 37th Avenue West from 8 .m. until 4 p.m.  There is a limit of two mattresses or box springs. “I’m constantly trying to just figure…

Sheriff: Arson Investigation at Hog Wild BBQ in Solon Springs Leads to Arrest of Owners

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — An arson investigation is underway after a June fire at Hog Wild BBQ & Smokehouse in Solon Springs.  And the suspects are the owners. On Friday, Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard told FOX 21 that Steven and Kimberly Kastern, the owners of How Wild, were arrested for the fire at their establishment.  Also on Friday, Dist….

Pumpkin Train Forced to Strike Vehicle at Duluth Crossing

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad’s (NSSR) last Pumpkin Train of the season got an unexpected delay Sunday after a driver ignored safety signals and ultimately got clipped by the train in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood, according to train officials. “Always assume that there is a train coming. Stop fully. Don’t go to a soft stop, stop fully. Look…

Thousands Attend ‘No Kings’ Protests in Duluth, Cities Across Northland

NORTHLAND — Thousands of protesters gathered at rallies in the Northland Saturday for the “No Kings” demonstrations against what they see as the government turning into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.   In Duluth, thousands filled the courtyard outside City Hall, the St. Louis County Courthouse and the Federal Building.  Click the video above to see an drone’s view.  Click the…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Talks NDAs, Public Comments, Commissioner’s Words on Minneapolis’ FOX 9

St. Louis County Commissioner Chair Annie Harala responded to concerns Thursday over elected officials signing non-disclosure agreements regarding a proposed data center project in Hermantown. She also addressed a video that shows a confrontation between Commissioner Keith Nelson and the Duluth Monitor’s Publisher, John Ramos, who pressed the commissioner on the topic during Tuesday’s board meeting. Click the video above…

Fire Chief, Neighbors React To Hibbing House Explosion

HIBBING, Minn. – A house explosion in Hibbing Sunday night sent flames into the air and injured one person.  One day later, heavy equipment moved in, as the investigation into a cause of the blast continued. “All the neighbors were out, pajamas, bathrobes, whatever. People just came out. Everybody was chasing dogs every which way trying to, I suppose, when…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Annie Harala Talks Process Of Non-Disclosure Agreements

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala was one of three commissioners to sign a non-disclosure agreement involving a proposed data center in Hermantown.  Some members of the public have voiced frustration over what they call a lack of transparency involving the proposed project.  Commissioner Ashley Grimm responded to those concerns by calling for a ban on…

Fire Departments Respond To House Explosion In Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. — A house exploded in Hibbing around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, injuring at least one person. At least six departments from the Iron Range immediately responded to the scene in the 2200 block of 9th Avenue East, according to the Hibbing Fire Department. The two-story house was engulfed in flames with officials arrived, which is located across the street…

Threat To Proctor Middle And High Schools; Increased Patrols This Week

PROCTOR, Minn. — The Proctor  School District and the Proctor Police Department are investigating a threat to the middle and high schools, which officials do not believe is credible. Supt. Tim Rohweder sent a lengthy email to families and staff Sunday about the threat, which referenced Oct. 13. Rohweder acknowledged how these situations can be “unsettling,” but he said it…

Normanna Volunteer Fire Dept. Fundraising Event Returns Oct. 11

DULUTH, Minn. – The Normanna Volunteer Fire Department is getting ready for its third-annual Normanna Fire Squatch 5K fundraising event this Saturday, Oct. 11. 2024 Squatch 5K The fun starts at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by the 5K race and a baby Squatch 1K for the kids. Vendors will be on hand, a silent auction and activities…

Hidden Camera Found In Bathroom At Duluth Senior Living Facility

Bathroom where the camera was found DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned a small camera was recently discovered in a bathroom at Viewcrest Health Center. A Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) found the small pen-style camera on Friday, Oct. 3, and called the Duluth Police Department. Sources tell FOX 21 the device was taped under the lip of a wooden…

Duluth Preps For West Superior Street Reconstruction

DULUTH, Minn. — Another massive reconstruction project is on the horizon for Duluth as West Superior Street in Lincoln Park is in line for a rebuild. The nearly 2-mile stretch that will see the reconstruction begins at West Michigan Street and heads through Lincoln Park, past 27th Avenue W, and ends at the Carlton Street intersection. The construction will be much…

ISD 709: Duluth East Football Players Accused of Racial Slurs Toward Duluth Denfeld Players

DULUTH, Minn. — Reports of racial slurs toward Denfeld High School football players by Duluth East players are being investigated by the Duluth School District (ISD 709).  Below is a statement from the district to FOX 21 on Sunday: “Duluth Public Schools has been made aware of reports that racial slurs were directed at Denfeld High School football players by…

Small Plane Crashes Near McGregor Airport, 3 Injured

MCGREGOR, Minn. — A small plane crashed Sunday after taking off from the McGregor Airport, injuring the three people inside. The crash was reported around 4:30 p.m. Missing dog The Piper PA-28-140 was located about a half-mile short of the runway. The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office told FOX 21 the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff and was attempted to…

FOX 21 Local News, Townsquare Media Form New Partnership

Townsquare owns MIX 108, B105, KOOL 101.7, Sasquatch 92.1 and The Northland FAN

DULUTH, Minn. – October 1st was a first for FOX 21 Local News, as the television station officially became partners with Townsquare Media Duluth. Townsquare operates multiple popular radio stations in the Northland, including MIX 108, B105, KOOL 101.7, Sasquatch 92.1 and The Northland FAN. Dan Hanger and Maria Vollom will provide morning news updates on all radio stations during…

Man Arrested After West Skyline Hit-And-Run

DULUTH, Minn. — A man is now under arrest after a hit-and-run incident on West Skyline Parkway last week. The 68-year-old suspect is being held on multiple pending charges, including criminal vehicular operation and bodily harm. The incident happened during the daylight hours of Sept. 23 on the 3800 block of West Skyline. Two pedestrians were struck by the vehicle….

MnDOT Issues First-Ever ‘Stand Down’ After 2 Recent Construction Deaths

Two recent construction zone deaths on Minnesota roads caused the Department of Transporation to issue its first-ever stand down in recognition of the two lives lost on the job. This meant all MnDOT workers paused work in construction zones across the state, including Duluth. MnDOT said the pause was not only to honor the contractors who died last week on…

Fire Destroys Duluth Family’s Home, Kills 2 Pets

One cat survived but suffered severe burns.

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth family of four is in need of financial help after a late-night fire tore through their childhood home and took the life of their cat and dog and left one cat alive with severe burns. The Rosendahl family was lucky to get out of the burning house without being injured, but starting over from scratch,…

Duluth Police: Fight Ends With Man Shot By ‘Fearful’ Woman

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a shooting in the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The call for help came in around 4 a.m. Sunday in the 2300 block of West 7th Street. Police attend to man shot in the leg Sunday morning “Initial information is a physical alteration occurred between a 39-year-old female and a 38-year-old male inside a…

Duluth Shines Teal For MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance hosted its annual Light Duluth Teal Gala over the weekend at the DECC. While it was all about raising money for continued ovarian cancer research and support of MOCA’s programs, the gala was also about celebrating and inspiring with cancer survivors and loved ones. Part of the DECC, Radison Hotel and Pier…

‘Force on Fifth’ Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Force on Fifth Avenue held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the grand opening of its extended stay corporate housing project in downtown Duluth. Courtesy: Force on Fifth Originally, the multi-story building at the corner of 5th Avenue West and Superior Street was going to continue as a non-profit office center, which it was known for years…

Charges: Duluth Man Filmed Under Skirts At Mariucci Arena Graduations, 144 victims

Benjamin Goldsmith of Duluth MINNEAPOLIS. Minn. (FOX 9) — A Duluth man is accused of taking inappropriate images of more than 100 female students at high school graduation ceremonies at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis. Benjamin Thomas Goldsmith, 32, of Duluth is accused of getting closely behind girls while taking pictures and videos under their skirts, according to charges. 144 victims…

Garage Fire Erupts After ‘Explosions’ In Cherry Township

CHERRY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A garage fire is under investigation in St. Louis County after homeowners reported hearing “two explosions” before the fire broke out, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The call came in around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4000 block of River Road in Cherry Township. After the homeowners heard the explosions, they “observed smoke…

Charges: Homeless Man Shot Out Door Of Downtown Duluth Business During Burglary

DULUTH, Minn. – Serious felony charges have been filed against a man after a burglary and shooting of a downtown Duluth business. James Eugene Ferry, 36 According to the criminal complaint, James Eugene Ferry, 36, whose address is listed in Duluth as “homeless” on the court records, shot out the front door of Namaste Gifts and Healing at 4th Avenue…

Duluth’s Japanese Garden Lantern Vandalized, Yet Hope Shines On

DULUTH, Minn.– There is disappointment after vandals targeted one of Duluth’s pristine gardens that represents Duluth’s sister city in Japan. Over the weekend, the Japanese Peace Bell Garden’s Kotoji lantern — a symbolism of unity between people, cultures and views — was destroyed. Destroyed Kotoji lantern “So, all pieces were put apart. It’s a cemented granite piece put apart and…

4:20 P.M.: Duluth’s ‘Legacy Cannabis’ Becomes State’s First Licensed Dispensary

DULUTH, Minn. — History was made in Duluth Tuesday when Legacy Cannabis expanded its operations to become the state’s first licensed dispensary of marijuana. Legacy Cannabis is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park Craft District, and the line was out the door Tuesday afternoon for people wanting to buy cannabis. The store was granted a license to sell…

Wed. On FOX 21: ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ Talks Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota State Fair may be over, but not for “The Drew Barrymore Show” this Wednesday, Sept. 17 on FOX 21. Drew and her sidekicks will sample the viral Uncrustaburger that was new to the fair’s menu this year. Drew will also be sharing photos from her summer vacation visit to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Click the…

12 Injured In Minneapolis Shootings At Homeless Camp, Near Transit Station

Courtesy: FOX 9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP/FOX9) — Seven people have been wounded, including four with critical injuries, in a shooting at a homeless camp on private property in Minneapolis, police said. The shooting happened just hours after and blocks away from another shooting that left five injured near a transit station as city officials acknowledge a spate of recent violent crime…

Georgia Teen Wanted For Homicide, Kidnapping Arrested In Duluth

Monday: 1200 block of East 4th Street DULUTH, Minn. – A 16-year-old boy wanted in the state of Georgia for homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping, among other charges, was arrested by Duluth police Monday while officers were responding to a “possible burglary in progress,” according to a news release Tuesday. The possibly burglary call came in around 2:40 p.m. Monday…

2 MN Firefighters Take On 150-Mile Walking Journey From Duluth To St. Paul

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department’s downtown headquarters became the start of a 150-mile walking journey for two Minnesota firefighters and an important cause. Excelsior firefighter Doug Foote and St. Paul firefighter Kyle Bode got a round of applause as they walked out of the Duluth fire station to make their way to St. Paul by foot. Over the…

Duluth Mayor Defends Removal Of Long-Standing Group Council Email

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is defending his administration’s decision to remove a long-standing city email that reached all city councilors at once and was copied to media outlets to allow journalists a better understanding of what issues residents were addressing to the council. In an email Friday to the media, the city’s public information officer said the…

Strike Over: Teamsters, U of M Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – A strike at the University of Minnesota campuses ended over the weekend involving 1,400 employees with Teamsters Local 320. At UMD, 185 employees were on strike. The union represents employees in custodial, maintenance and food service. While the university said they gave their “last, best and final offer” on Sept. 5, a new offer has been made…

2 Arrested After Home Burglary In Fredenberg Township

FREDENBERG TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Burglary suspects are under arrest after a home in Fredenberg Township was ransacked over the weekend and firearms were stolen. The discovery happened Saturday in the 6000 block of Olson Drive. The property owner found the doors to the home and barn were kicked in. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said there was significant damage…

Superior Police: Armed Intruder Found By Homeowner

As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, the suspect was on the run.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An armed intruder in Superior caused an hours-long standoff at a home Tuesday evening, according to police. Authorities said a man came home to find another man armed with a gun inside his home.  The homeowner fled the house safely, but the homeowner did not know if the suspect fled the home, too. The scene unfolded in…

Police Investigate Robbery, Assault In Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. — A case of robbery and assault in Duluth’s Canal Park is being investigated by the Duluth Police Department. After FOX 21 received a news tip about this crime, we reached out to police. A public information officer said the crime happened behind Caribou Coffee around 8:30 p.m. Monday. A 29-year-old male victim suffered minor injuries, according the…

Union: 1,400 University Of Minnesota Service Workers Go On Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — A strike is officially on for 1,400 University of Minnesota employees with Teamsters Local 320 – and that includes 185 employees at UMD. Teamsters President Erik Skoog confirmed to FOX 21 around 4:30 p.m. Monday that some campuses within the U of M system began the picket Monday evening. UMD’s picket will begin Tuesday morning, according to…

Garmin Device Helps Save Man In Boundary Waters

BOUNDARY WATERS, Minn. – A rescue in the Boundary Waters (BWCAW) happened Sunday afternoon northwest of Ely. A 70-year-old man from Colorado got injured in the area of Stuart River with a possible broken leg, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The man’s Garmin safety device notified 911. Rescue crews responded, including a LifeLink helicopter. The man was…