Author: Dan Hanger

Official: Missing Cliff Diver’s Body Recovered Near Gilbert

6/6/25 UPDATE: The identity of the cliff diver near a Gilbert mine pit has been identified. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Axel John Jurva of Virginia, MN. Yesterday, Authorities recovered the body of a missing cliff diver. The victim’s friend on-scene reported seeing Axel resurface, but then disappearing back into the water. ORGINIAL STORY: Authorities recovered the body…

Duluth’s New Homeless ‘Safe Bay’ At Vineyard Church Closed — At Least For Now

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s new Safe Bay location for homeless to sleep in their vehicles overnight has been shut down — at least temporarily — after only being operational for about a week. City and CHUM officials told FOX 21 on Sunday that an attorney for nearby neighbors of the Safe Bay location in the church’s back parking lot has…

Grand Rapids Man Facing 20 Charges Related to Animal Torture & Improper Burial

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Grand Rapids man is accused of animal torture and improper burial in Itasca County. 42-year-old Jacob Landeslag is facing 20 charges. According to the criminal complaint, 92 of his 140 goats dies while on a property in Bovey. Officers found three piles of dead goats on the property. The surviving goats were dehydrated and malnourished,…

Jury Found Michigan Man Guilty in Chantel Moose Murder

DULUTH, Minn. — A jury has found a Michigan man guilty of killing a Duluth woman after bar close in downtown Duluth last year. And Tuesday night the victim’s family has released a video statement remembering their loved one. But first, Tuesday’s guilty verdict. 35-year-old Darrius Plummer of Canton Michigan is convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old…

Sheriff Offers Likely Causes Of 3 St. Louis County Wildfires

DULUTH, Minn. — There were no official causes of the three wildfires burning in St. Louis County Wednesday, but Sheriff Gordon Ramsay is offering his likely causes for the wildfires that have burned more than 35,000 acres. The Camp House wildfire appears to have been started by an unattended campfire, according to Ramsay. The DNR is said to have identified…

FOX 21 9 P.M. Wildfire Coverage: May 13, 2025

DULUTH, Minn. —  Click the video above to watch the first 15 minutes of FOX 21’s 9 p.m. wildfire coverage from Tuesday, May 13.   Topics covered included the latest acres burned, an update on firefighting efforts from Incident Command in Two Harbors, and what St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay believes caused the three separate wildfires that continued to burn…

Activities Dir.: ‘Sexual Toy’ Is Center Of Hazing Investigation Involving Superior H.S. Boys Lacrosse Team

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A hazing investigation is underway by the Superior Police Department involving the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. In an email to the families of the team, Activities Director Ella Olson said she and the dean of students interviewed “many boys regarding the ‘sexual toy’ that was brought into the BLAX hotel and made its way into…

Sheriff: 40-Plus Structures Destroyed In ‘Camp House’ Fire Near Brimson

As Tuesday morning, there were no reports of injuries of fatalities in the three active wildfires in St. Louis County.

CAMP HOUSE FIRE: Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) One day after a massive wildfire erupted near Brimson, officials reported Monday night that at least 40 structures had been destroyed by the Camp House wildfire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office made that announcement about the losses in a news release around 10:30 p.m. The Camp House fire grew to…

‘Rapidly Spreading’ Wildfire Reported Near Brimson; Dozens Of Residents Evacuate

AULT TOWNSHIP, Minnesota — Multiple fire agencies are battling a “rapidly spreading” wildfire around the 2200 block of Highway 44 in Ault Township near Brimson. Courtesy: April Schultz The call for help came in around 1:15 p.m. Sunday. The flames were traveling in a northeasterly direction through the woods. As of 10 p.m. Sunday, the fire was estimated to be…

Sheriff: Canoeist Found Dead While On Trip In BWCAW

The body of a canoeist was recovered Saturday afternoon from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. United State Forest Service employees located a capsized canoe around 2:20 p.m. Saturday on Iron Lake, which is just north of Ely. “Upon investigating further, the USFS employees located a deceased individual and their gear floating near the canoe,” according to the St. Louis…

True North Goodwill Leaving Garfield Ave., Opening $20M Headquarters At Atlas Industrial Park

Goodwill's headquarters near the Blatnik Bridge have been in operation since 1980.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1980, Duluth’s Goodwill has operated its headquarters near the base of the Blatnik Bridge on Garfield Avenue. But now, that’s about to change in a big way. A new True North Goodwill Resource and Training Center will be built in a new location at the Atlas Industrial Park on the western end of Duluth, which is…

Mayor: Duluth’s Local Government Aid Could Be Cut By $1.1M

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is concerned, but not surprised, more Local Government Aid (LGA) could be cut from the city. On Wednesday, Reinert said the Minnesota Legislature’s Senate Committee on Taxes released its omnibus tax bill, which includes a 3.1 percent cut to Duluth’s LGA, or $1.1 million out of the city’s general fund budgets. Mayor Reinert…

Douglas County Humane Society Takes In Malnourished Horse, Needs Donations

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A severely malnourished horse is in need of financial support to get back to good health. The Douglas County Humane Society is organizing the fundraiser for Sunny the horse.  The staff members said Sunny is with a loving foster home right now while the long road to recovery begins. While the Humane Society did not give specifics…

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured After Collision With School Bus

COLERAINE, Minn. — A motorcyclist was fighting for his life Wednesday after crashing with a school bus in Coleraine. The motorcyclist was identified as Damian Heinkel, 44, of Bovey. The accident was reported around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. The Minnesota State Patrol said the school bus was turning from Southbound U.S. Highway 169 for Morris Avenue when it collided with the…

Charges: Superior Teen Threatened Grandmother, Shot At Deputies Over Denial Of Video Game Purchase

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A teenager from Superior who is accused of shooting at Douglas County deputies Tuesday was charged as an adult Wednesday for five felonies, including first-degree attempted intentional homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Carsen Peterson, 13, was so out of control and angry that his grandmother was forced to call 911. The incident began around 4:30 p.m….

City Council Approves Outside Investigation Into Internal Issues With Superior Police Dept.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Urgent internal struggles within the Superior Police Department will officially be handled by an outside consultant for no more than $50,000 after the city council unanimously approved the measure at tonight’s city council meeting. Last month, Mayor Jim Paine told the Public Safety Committee there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and potential personnel concerns…

Sheriff: ‘Tragic Outcome’ Avoided After Boy Shoots At Douglas Co. Deputies

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – A shooting investigation is underway in the Town of Superior after authorities said a teen shot at deputies multiple times during a standoff. The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 5000 block of STH 35. Douglas County deputies responded there for a report of an out-of-control boy. When authorities arrived,…

Grand Rapids Man Arrested At Work After Stabbing Incident

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Grand Rapids man was arrested at his work Sunday after investigators said he stabbed his friend in the hand. Seth Marshall Hanna, 23, was taken into custody at the Pickled Loon Sunday morning on second-degree assault charges. Authorities with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said the arrest came after responding to an address on Mishawaka…

Brush Fires Force Temporary Closure of Highway 2 in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. —  Multiple brush fires shut down a section of Highway 2 in Ashland Monday evening. Road Closure As for 5:30 p.m. the Wisconsin Department of Transportation closed a section of Highway 2 in both directions from Old Odanah Road to 26th Avenue. Video from resident Christie Branagan showed sections of fire and thick smoke near the Three Eagles…

5 Killed, 6 Injured In Minneapolis Shootings; Indigenous Communities On Edge

(FOX21/FOX9) Minneapolis police are investigating six shootings that left at least five people dead and another six injured within 24-hours. The six shootings happened between late Tuesday night and Wednesday evening. Police said some of the shootings may be tied to gang violence. While law enforcement search for the suspects in the shootings, officers are putting more resources in the…

PhoHolic Family Ready To Expand Vietnamese Flavor In Duluth

The second location will be in the now-former China Cafe building on London Road.

DULUTH, Minn. — The family of a Vietnamese restaurant in Duluth is more than excited to expand into a second location this summer. PhoHolic on Central Entrance opened before the pandemic. And now, a second operation will move into the now-former China Café building on the 1600 block of London Road. “We’re super excited. Since day one, a lot of…

China Cafe Moves Out, PhoHolic To Move In With 2nd Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. — A popular Vietnamese restaurant is expanding to a second location in Duluth, as a longtime Chinese restaurant moves out. PhoHolic on Central Entrance in Duluth will expand into the former China Cafe building on the 1600 block of London Road. China Cafe closed on Wednesday, April 30, after more than 20 years in business.  The owners told…

Longtime Chinese Restaurant In Duluth Closing

April 30 will be the last day of China Cafe.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s longest-running Chinese restaurants is closing in just days. China Café, located on the 1600 block of London Road, has been operating for more than 20 years. Last April, the building had a listed price of just under $1 million. The owners told FOX 21 on Monday that they are moving to California. It was…

Fire Rips Through Spirit Mountain Storage Facility

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Marshal is investigating after fire took over a storage barn at Spirit Mountain. The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on the 8500 block of Knowlton Boulevard. A passerby called 911. The barn was used for storing equipment. Spirit Mountain Exec. Dir. Ann Glumac released the following statement to FOX 21 on Sunday:…

Riverdance Returning To Duluth With Rejuvenated 30th Anniversary Tour

Lead male performer Will Bryant talked to FOX 21's Dan Hanger ahead of the big show at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. — Riverdance has launched a brand new North American tour that celebrates 30 years of the international Irish dance phenomenon, and they’re making a stop in Duluth in May. Riverdance 30 – The New Generation rejuvenates the original show with new costumes, lighting and choreography. The new generation of performers, who are part of the 40-city tour, weren’t…

Standoff In Carlton County After ‘Shots Fired’ Call

Courtesy: Dustin Soukkala 7:30 p.m. Update:   The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect was safely taken into custody Sunday evening after shots were fired from a residence, which then created a standoff. The call for help came in around 4 p.m. Sunday about a man who said he shot himself while cleaning a gun, according to the sheriff’s office….

Wife of Superior Police Chief Suing The City

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mikayla Marie LeRette, the wife of Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt, is suing the City of Superior and former Superior Police Capt. Thomas Champaigne. Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt LeRette is a currently an investigator for the Superior Police Department. The federal lawsuit was filed in March 2025.  It has two key claims in it. The lawsuit…

Mayor: Superior Police Dept. Internal Struggles Near Possible ‘Crisis’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Police Department is dealing with “urgent” internal struggles that Mayor Jim Paine said needs an outside review as soon as possible to keep the situation from becoming a “crisis.” Mayor Paine made his concerns known at the April 17 Public Safety Committee meeting. He said there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and…

Juvenile Dies After Vehicle Pursuit, Crash In Itasca County

COHASSET TOWNSHIP, Minn. — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a juvenile female died in a crash early Sunday morning during a police pursuit. According to Sheriff Dasovich, a deputy saw a vehicle without its headlights on traveling westbound on County Road 63 in the area of County Road 271 around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The deputy attempted to…

“Purple Up” Day Highlights Children of Military Families

Children of military families in Minnesota are being recognized this month for their sacrifices to our country. Organizations like Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing, the American Red Cross, and even the UMD Bulldogs took part Friday evening in “purple up” day to celebrate local kids from military families. It’s part of the “month of the military child” as it is known…

Chisholm Man Dies In Motorcycle Accident

CHERRY TOWNSHIP, Min. – A Chisholm man was killed Saturday afternoon after authorities said he lost control of his motorcycle in Cherry Township. The accident was reported around 4:30 p.m. on Highway 5 near the intersection of Herman Road, which is about five miles east of Hibbing. Witnesses told the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office that the 46-year-old man failed…

Update: Death Investigation In Eveleth Not Criminal

UPDATE April 2, 2025:  Eveleth Police Chief Jesse Linde provided an update Wednesday on a Mar. 30 death investigation. Linda said all criminal wrongdoing had be cleared in the case. He said the victim took their own life. EVELETH, Minn. — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting the Eveleth Police Department in a death investigation. Police Chief Jesse…

Duluth Public Schools Supt. Reacts to President Trump’s Order to Dismantle Dept. of Education

  DULUTH, Minn. —  Duluth Public Schools Supt. John Magas has released the following statement about President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Dept. of Education: “Duluth Public Schools is aware of the recent presidential executive order concerning the U.S. Department of Education. We are carefully reviewing the implications of this order for our district and our families. In…

Busy Section Of Railroad Street To Be Resurfaced This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Duluth’s heavily traveled roads for tourists and entertainment goers is getting much-needed upgrades. We’re talking about Railroad Street from 5th Avenue West near Bayfront Park, east to South Lake Avenue in front of the Dairy Queen in Canal Park. The half-mile road will be resurfaced this summer. Some curbs and sidewalks will also be fixed…

Letter Carriers Rally In Duluth, Superior: ‘Hands Off The Postal Service’

DULUTH, Minn. — Letter carriers rallied Sunday in Duluth and Superior calling on U.S. lawmakers to keep their “hands off the postal service.” Dozens of people stood outside the federal building in downtown Duluth. The National Association of Letter Carriers were behind the “emergency” rallies. The organization said an effort to privatize or restructure the United States Postal Service is…

Mother Hopes To Inspire Others After Fast-Track Diploma Experience At Northwood Technical College

SUPERIOR, Wis. — We don’t always get to see the impact stories we share have on the community. We were lucky enough to have one local woman reach out to us, sharing her story of achieving an education later in life, thanks to an education institution we reported on in Superior. Now, she’s hoping to inspire others to reach for…

City Council Votes to Bring Back Visit Duluth’s Power

DULUTH, Minn. — After losing its 85-year title as Duluth’s sole tourism marketing organization in 2022, Visit Duluth is gaining back some of its longtime power. It’s set to eventually get back its original power in about two years. The city council has authorized a five-year agreement with Visit Duluth to handle advertising and publicity of the city at a…

‘Tequila Town’ Owner Changes Sign After Controversy In Esko

ESKO, Minn. — A Mexican restaurant in Esko has made some changes to its sign after the town board raised issue with alcoholic words in the sign being too close to Esko Schools. The original sign recently installed read: “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar.” But over the weekend, Owner Rafael Mata posted a photo of the sign edited…

St. Louis Co. Rescue Squad’s Infrared Drone Helps Locate Missing Man

BREVATOR TOWNSHIP, Minn. — The St. Louis County Rescue Squad is crediting its drone technology for safely locating a missing man with dementia. Deep red along the tree line is missing man Drone Pilot Carter Nelson was one of the pilots using the infrared technology Saturday night for the missing 61-year-old man. The search effort was centered around Brevator Township…

“Tequila Town” Restaurant Name Sparks Controversy within Esko Community

ESKO, Minn.– A new Mexican restaurant in Esko is being forced to change the name of its business because the town board says it violates liquor license laws. “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar” opened last month across the street from Esko Schools. The owner told FOX 21 the name of the business was inspired by his hometown “Tequila, Mexico.”…

1 Dead, 1 Rescued After UTV Falls Through Ice In Bay Along St. Louis River

The scene is near Billings Park

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A top law enforcement official confirmed with FOX 21 Thursday evening that a body was located in the water along the St. Louis River after the UTV they were in fell through the ice. The body was located within the vehicle 14 feet below the surface in Kimballs Bay near Billings Park, according to the official. The…