Author: Dan Hanger

Broken Ice Chunk Traps 200 Anglers On Northern Minn. Lake; All Rescued

(FOX 21) –  An estimated 200 anglers became stuck on a broken chunk of ice Monday, according to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. Courtesy: Kelliher Fire & Rescue, Beltrami Sheriff’s Office The incident was reported around 11:30 a.m. on Upper Red Lake. The sheriff’s office originally reported about 100 people stranded, but officials updated that number to 200 after all…

Sickness, Lack Of Subs Force Wrenshall School To Close Monday

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Sickness and a lack of substitutes forced the Wrenshall School District to close Monday. The outside of the school in the small community was very quiet Monday, and there were only a few employees inside answering phones. If school did open Monday, the building would have been 15 staff members short with only two available substitutes, according…

Ramsay Joins ‘Legal Complaint’ Against Former Employer City Of Wichita

DULUTH, Minn. – Newly elected St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay is part of a legal complaint against his former employer, the city of Wichita, claiming internal corruption and cover-ups within city hall and retaliation against him when he was police chief there. According to The Wichita Eagle, Ramsay has joined three deputy chiefs in the complaint. For Ramsay, he’s…

‘Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar’ Expanding To Island Lake With ‘Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar’

ISLAND LAKE, Minn. — The owners behind Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar in Duluth’s Canal Park is expanding into Island Lake, and in a familiar location to many in the area. The new establishment is called Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar. It’s being constructed in the former Boondocks Saloon and Grill on the south end of Island Lake on Rice…

Duluth-Filmed ‘Merry Kiss Cam’ To Hit HULU Thanksgiving Day

DULUTH, Minn. — It may be Thanksgiving Thursday, but for some it will be a celebration of the movie release of “Merry Kiss Cam,” which was shot entirely in Duluth. Production was shot over the summer at places like Carmody Irish Pub, the Heritage Sports center and Fitger’s. “Merry Kiss Cam” is a romantic comedy set during the Christmas season….

Bluebird Foundation To Host ‘Christmas By The Lake’ Concert Dec. 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Tracy Lundeen, founder of the Bluebird Foundation, stopped by the morning show Monday to talk about the annual Christmas by the Lake Scholarship, Christmas by the Lake Concert and this year’s Christmas by the Lake music album.  Click the video above for more, and check out the Bluebird Foundation’s website. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Minnesota, News, News…

Superior’s Jamrock Cultural Restaurant To Relocate In Duluth

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Jamrock Cultural Restaurant has announced it’s leaving Superior to reopen a bigger location in Duluth. Owner Antonio O’Neil made the announced late Friday on the restaurant’s Facebook page. O’Neil said he is more than appreciative of Superior’s support to help get his business up and running, but that the success simply grew out of the space he…

Live Look: Opening Night At ‘Bentleyville Tour Of Lights’

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville Tour of Lights turned on for the first time this season Saturday at 5 p.m.  Check out this live camera over Bayfront Park courtesy of DuluthHarborCam.com!  FOX 21 will have highlights from opening night tonight on FOX 21 Local News at 9. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Duluth Schools Superintendent Gets New Three-Year Contract

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board is sticking with its top leader for another three years. Supt. John Magas joined the district in 2020, just days after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and schools across the state would face major challenges to continue education among the virus. Magas will make $205,000 for the 2023-2024 contract year followed by $209,500…

Longtime Superior City Councilor Resigns Following Investigation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Longtime Superior City Councilor Warren Bender has resigned from his 3rd District council seat, citing medical issues. Bender sent his resignation letter to Mayor Jim Paine’s office late Monday. The resignation became effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday, and it comes after a police investigation involving Bender’s communication with a woman through Facebook messenger. In his resignation letter,…

‘BRUCE IS BACK!’: Black Woods Replaces Its Mascot; Original Head Still Missing

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Woods Grill and Bar in Duluth has its beloved mascot, Bruce, back in the lobby welcoming guests once again – but it’s not the original, which has been around since Black Woods opened in 1997. The new Bruce is a replacement after the head of the original was stolen from the lobby just before Halloween.  Black…

Native-Owned Farm In Sawyer Celebrates Arrival Of Buffalo

SAWYER, Minn. – A native-owned farm in Sawyer celebrated the arrival of a dozen buffalo to its land on Friday. Native Wise farm sits on 380 acres. Community members gathered with a welcoming song for the buffalo and a meal for all to enjoy. The Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Nebraska helped make the delivery possible to help preserve Native American…

City: Reconfigured Parks Fund Referendum Critical, Equals $94 Annually For $200K Home

The Parks Fund levy referendum would replace the current levy from 2012 and will be voted on at the ballot Nov. 8.

DULUTH, Minn. – The November 8th election is just around the corner, and Duluth residents will be voting on whether to approve a new Parks Fund levy that would replace the current levy that took effect in 2012. Jim Filby Williams, the city’s Property, Parks and Libraries director, told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday that many of Duluth’s 120 invested…

Turkeys Out, Hams In For CSS Thanksgiving Buffet At DECC

Supply chain issues are to blame for sidelining the turkeys.

DULUTH, Minn. — Imagine Thanksgiving without a turkey and only ham. Well, that is the reality for this year’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC. Organizers say supply chain issues are to blame for pushing the birds to the curb. The traditional turkey buffet has been put on by the College of St. Scholastica for more than 30 years, serving…

Update: UMD Teamsters Workers Reach Tentative Deal Before Planned Strike

(10/22/22) Update:  University of Minnesota workers with Teamsters Local 320 have reached a tentative deal, which avoids a strike planned for next week, according to the union. The three-year agreement was made early Saturday morning at the negotiating table. “Next week’s strike has been called off, and the agreement will be voted on by the membership. More details will be…

St. Louis Co. Plow Drivers Among Teamsters Workers Moving Closer To Strike

Teamster Local 320 represents 165 county public works employees.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County Public Works employees with Teamsters Local 320 are not seeing eye-to-eye with the county involving a new three-year contract, and that means a strike could happen again in the heart of the upcoming winter plowing season. “As it stands right now, we’re poised to if we have to hit the streets again in January….

Duluth Police Dept.: School Resource Officers Are Coaches, Mentors, Social Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Whether it’s building relationships with students, attending community events or after-school programs, the Duluth Police Department says that’s the majority of its focus for school resource officers. The Duluth City Council and Duluth School board recently approved a one-year contract for officers at Denfeld and East high schools, and Ordean and Lincoln Park middle schools. While safety…

Mascot Bruce’s Head Stolen From Black Woods Restaurant; ‘He’s Been Kind Of An Icon For Us’

Bruce has been greeting guests at the London Road location since it opened in 1997.

DULUTH, Minn. — Halloween is just around the corner, but tricks are already happening — and not in a fun way for the staff and customers at Black Woods in Duluth. The restaurant’s beloved mascot has been beheaded. His name is Bruce, and he’s been in the lobby of Black Woods on London Road for the past 25 years when…

Labor, Supply Shortages Postpone 2022 Taste At Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. – The labor and supply shortages that don’t seem to be going away anytime soon have forced next week’s Taste at Fitger’s fundraiser to be postponed. Organizers said too many local restaurants that make the event possible are continuing to struggle, especially with staffing. All purchased tickets will be refunded. The plan now is to try the event…

Man Charged In Cloquet Home Invasion, Assault

CLOQUET, Minn. — A Cloquet man has been charged in a home invasion and assault from earlier this year. Brendan Smith, 43, is accused of breaking into a house on Boulder Drive in Cloquet before strangling a woman inside while she was sleeping. The victim’s husband confronted Smith before he took off. Smith was never identified until recently after Cloquet…

Virginia Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Ex-Girlfriend

VIRGINIA, Minn. — A Virginia man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend last year pleaded guilty to the crime Thursday in St. Louis County Court. Derek Malevich, 42, accepted charges of second-degree intentional murder and and witness tampering. Malevich repeatedly stabbed Kristen Bicking, 32, in his apartment May 12, 2021 on the 100 block of Fifth Street South in Virginia. Malevich…

Duluth Police Release Details About Weekend Downtown Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — Four days after a shooting in downtown Duluth, the Duluth Police Department released details about it Wednesday evening, and the announcement came with news of an arrest. A 23-year-old man was arrested by Cloquet police Wednesday in connection with the shooting. The victim is a 19-year-old man. He suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police said the shooting happened…

Duluth Parking Meter Rate Hike Hits Duluth’s Medical Dist. Months Late, Concerns St. Luke’s

St. Luke's calls the increase a "significant financial burden on our staff."

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s spoke out Tuesday about a recent rate increase to about 400 parking meters within the Medical District in downtown Duluth. But city officials told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger, the increase was actually supposed to happen months ago in January when a city wide increase took effect after 13 years of that rate standing still. A…

Residents Speak Up Against Proposed London Road Roundabouts

DULUTH, Minn. — Residents of Duluth’s London Road voiced concerns Tuesday evening over the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposed roundabouts for the popular road that connects to many to and from the North Shore and beyond. MnDOT’s plans include three roundabouts at 26th, 40th and 60th avenues. MnDOT said it’s all about reducing speed, traffic accidents, and stopping drivers from…

Carlton’s Haunted Shack Opens Friday

CARLTON, Minn. – The Haunted Shack, billed as “Minnesota’s scariest haunted house,” is back for its 29th season of horror beginning Friday night in Carlton. Organizers say this year’s event will be the best year yet. If you didn’t know, the Haunted Shack transforms a working farm into all types of animatronics, a dizzying tour of ghoulish scenes, the Tunnel…

NERCC Escapee Apprehended In Grand Lake Township After Hours On The Run

DULUTH, Minn. – A missing inmate with the Northeast Regional Correction Center (NERCC) was apprehended without incident around 8 p.m. Friday. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said Kristofer Orr, 18, was located in the area of Bachelor Road and Esker Trail in Grand Lake Township after leaving NERCC during the morning hours on Friday. Investigators said the arrest was…

MnDOT Forces Homeless Encampment Along Railroad Street To Leave

DULUTH, Minn. – A homeless encampment of about a half-dozen people along Railroad Street in Duluth was forced to pack up and leave Tuesday at the direction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The latest development comes exactly two weeks after MnDOT sent crews to the site under 5th Avenue West and I-35 across from Playfront Park to clean up…

3 Dead After Small Plane Crashes Into Hermantown Home, Victims Identified

  UPDATE: The identities of the three plane crash victims have been released. The pilot has been identified as 32-year-old Tyler Fretland from Burnsville. The two passengers were brother and sister. They have been identified as 32-year-old Alyssa Schmidt from St. Paul and 31-year-old Matthew Schmidt from Burnsville. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Three people were confirmed dead Sunday morning after…

Daughter Of Chisholm Cold Case Murder Victim Reflects On Sentencing Day

HIBBING, Minn. – The daughter of one of the Northland’s oldest cold cases finally got a sense of closure Friday — nearly 40 years after her mother’s murder in Chisholm. It was July 1986 when 38-year-old Nancy Daugherty was raped, beaten and strangled to death in her Chisholm home in what would become a decades-long cold case. Gina Haggard |…

AICHO Galleries Hosts ‘Group Art Exhibition’ Opening Reception Sept. 24

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) is hosting a Group Art Exhibition made up of two dozen artists. The show is unique because 13 Indigenous authors/writers/poets have written poems/prose reflecting some of the artwork. The opening reception is Saturday, Sept. 24 from 6 pm – 8 pm. It’s free to attend, but at $10 donation is…

Coffee Conversation: ‘PUP Crawl’ At Hoops Brewing In Canal Park Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Calling all dog lovers, it’s time to come out to the 2022 PUP Crawl in Canal Park on Sunday. The crawl starts at Hoops Brewing’s tent in Canal Park Sunday (Sept. 25) between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. It’s an event put on by DogApproved.biz. There will be prizes, giveaways and surprises. Check out the video above…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ To Host Taco Eating Contest Friday At Blacklist

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth restaurant Tacos Tacos Tacos is inviting taco lovers to come out to Blacklist Brewing Company this Friday for a taco-eating contest. It’s happening at 7 p.m. at the brewery at 206 E. Superior Street, which is next to the upcoming location for Tacos Tacos Tacos. For more information on all the fun, watch the video above…

Seawall Work Behind DECC Delayed, Vehicle-Free Harbor Plaza No More

Downsized plans behind the DECC with Harbor Drive DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s dream to transform Harbor Drive behind the DECC into a vehicle-free public plaza is no more. And rising construction costs are being blamed. The original plan for Harbor Plaza included zero traffic, all land, walking and bike paths, places for food trucks and a large…

Cirrus To Turn Duluth Maintenance Facility Into ‘Innovation Center’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft said Monday it’s expanding its recently purchased maintenance base at the Duluth Airport. The company says it will hire an additional 80 engineers over the next three years to support the current team of 300 engineers, scientists and technicians. The maintenance base is the former AAR and Northwest Airlines facility. Cirrus says the 189,000-square-foot…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Oktoberfest Takes Over Bayfront Park Sept. 16-18

DULUTH, Minn. — Dust off your lederhosen and lace up your dirndl, Duluth’s Oktoberfest is back this weekend at Bayfront Festival Park. The fun starts Friday, Sept. 16 with cold German beer, Bovarian food, all types of games and activities, and of course authentic live music. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger got a flavor of that music on the morning show…

Coffee Conversation: Learning & Libations Fundraiser, ‘Trombone For Two’ Performs

DULUTH, Minn. – Music group Trombone For Two will be playing tunes at the Duluth Library Foundation’s 11th annual Learning & Libations fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6:45 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the downtown branch. Trombone For Two helped preview the event on the morning show Wednesday by playing three fantastic songs.  See those below and hear more about…

St. Louis County Historical Society To Host Centennial Celebration

100th birthday bash is happening Friday, Sept. 16.

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Historical Society is throwing a big 100th birthday bash this Friday, Sept. 16 in the Great Hall at the Depot. The Centennial Celebration is free to attend and will feature live music, appetizers and a cash bar.   You are encouraged to reserve a free spot by click here. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community,…

Northern Lights Foundation To Host Charitable Children’s Gala

Lifting Local Spirits: Sept. 29 At The DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Foundation, which financially supports Northland families with children suffering life-threatening illnesses, is getting ready to put on its biggest fundraiser of the year. The Children’s Charitable Gala: Lifting Local Spirits is happening Thursday, Sept. 29 at the DECC. There will be a live and silent auction, raffles, social hour, dinner, and a presentation. For…