Author: Dan Hanger

In Wisconsin Recount, Trump Challenges Pile Up, Slow Tally

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A large contingent of observers supporting President Donald Trump are making their presence felt in Wisconsin’s partial election recount. Trump is paying $3 million for the recount in the state’s two biggest and most liberal counties in a long shot bid to erase Democrat Joe Biden’s more than 20,000-vote victory. The atmosphere inside the convention hall where…

Police Arrest 15-Year-Old Boy in Wisconsin Mall Shooting

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say they arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection to a shooting at a suburban Milwaukee mall that injured eight people. Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber says the shooting happened during an altercation Friday afternoon between two groups. He said four “innocent bystanders” suffered what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries. Police say the suspect…

Minnesota Officials Report 40 New Deaths Due To COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting 7,219 new coronavirus cases, lifting the total number of positive tests to more than 270,000 since the start of the pandemic. Officials confirmed 40 deaths due to complications from COVID-19 in the last day, for a total of 3,241 fatalities. Data filed Saturday by researchers from Johns Hopkins University shows that Minnesota’s…

Report on Possible Merger of DECC, Visit Duluth to be Released Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — The possibility of merging the DECC and Visit Duluth will come to the table Wednesday as board members for both entities are presented a report on the pros and cons of the idea. The possible merger was first made public in September as severe budget woes from the pandemic became very real for the convention center and…

Death Investigation Underway Involving Douglas Co. Inmate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A death investigation is underway involving an inmate at the Douglas County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office said the inmate was brought to the hospital early Saturday morning with “an unknown medical condition.” The inmate, whose name was not released Sunday, died at the hospital several hours later. Sheriff Tom Dalbec said he expects to release more details…

Duluth Police Dept. Switches To COVID-19 Emergency Schedule

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is switching to a COVID-19 emergency patrol schedule to allow for a built-in quarantine period. Officers will now work five-day, 12-hour shifts with 10 days off. Investigative staff will be on rotating shifts to serve as back-up for patrol. As of Tuesday night, 27 employees were in quarantine for being exposed to the…

COVID-19 Spike Forcing Duluth Edison Charter Schools To Go Virtual

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Edison Charter Schools has announced it’s switching to distance learning Tuesday for grades K through 5. The county’s COVID-19 spike has led to a large scale quarantine of students and staff, which Duluth Edison says is “crippling” their ability to provide in-person schooling. Distance learning is expected to continue until at least the end of the…

Superior School Dist.: 67 Staff, 276 Students Quarantined

District went to virtual learning Monday.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Monday the Superior School District reported just how many students and staff are in one way or another affected by COVID-19. As of Friday, 67 staff and 276 students were quarantined.  28 of those quarantined were for positive cases, according to the district. “Additionally, we saw continued high numbers in our county over the weekend, and…

‘Duluth Restaurant Week — Gift Card Edition’ Begins Amid Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The first-ever Duluth Restaurant Week – Gift Card Edition began Sunday as a replacement to the traditional Eat Downtown Restaurant Week because of the pandemic. So rather than attracting people to dine in for specially priced menus, this week is all about purchasing gift cards for deals. Nearly 30 participating restaurants throughout Duluth will provide a $5…

Duluth Police ‘Experiencing Impacts of COVID-19,’ But City Won’t Say Total Cases

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth would not confirm how many officers or staff members with the Duluth Police Department were off the beat Thursday with COVID-19 after a press release was sent out that said the department is “experiencing impacts of COVID-19.” “We respect our employees right to privacy and all disclosures are voluntary.  Therefore, we will not…

Home Struck 8 Times During Drive-by Shooting in Duluth’s Piedmont Neighborhood

This is the 32nd shooting in Duluth so far this year compared to 22 in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Another shooting has happened in Duluth – the 32nd so far this year compared to 22 last year. It was a drive-by shooting around 11:30 p.m. Sunday involving a home in the Piedmont neighborhood – just one block from Piedmont Elementary School, according to a press release. Nearby surveillance video obtained by FOX 21 shows the vehicle…

Condemned Kozy Building Starts on Fire — Again

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. — The condemned Kozy building in downtown Duluth went up in flames again Sunday. The Duluth Fire Department got the call for a structure fire around 9:50 a.m. at 129 East 1st Street. When crews arrived, thick smoke was coming from the second floor of the building. Fire crews on scene Sunday morning after fire broke out at…

Superior Homes Turn Spooky For Halloween

SUPERIOR – The city of Superior is showing signs of horror throughout the community these days with homes turning into haunted houses. Some of the decorated homes are very elaborate and part of a “Haunt Your House” contest with Superior Spooktacular. You can check out the entries on Facebook. The entry with the most “likes” will win People’s Choice. Below…

School Board Approves Potential Future Sale of Historic Old Central Building H.S.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board unanimously voted Tuesday night to move forward with the potential sale of the Historic Old Central High School building in downtown Duluth. The vote allows the district to enter into a final purchase agreement with a potential buyer down the road. “A purchase agreement allows a buyer to conduct due diligence prior to…

Councilor Medved: Mayor Larson Crossed The Line Calling Pres. Trump A ‘White Supremacist’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved is condemning Mayor Emily Larson’s recent comments that called president trump a “white supremacist” after Tuesday’s debate in Cleveland where Trump refused to directly denounce groups centered on racism and hate, such as the Proud Boys. You’ll hear Medved’s reasons why below, but first Mayor Larson’s comments from the press call hosted…

2,000-Plus Saliva Tests Given in First Week of Pilot Program at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The first week of COVID-19 testing by saliva in Duluth is complete and thousands showed up. St Louis County confirmed to FOX 21 Monday that 2,374 tests were given out between Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 27. There was no immediate word on how many tests came back positive, but county officials said they were working…

Owner of Duluth Storefront Smashed by SUV: ‘It Could Have Been A Lot Worse’

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says an SUV crashed into a storefront in downtown Duluth Monday morning. According to police, officers responded to the incident around 7:30 a.m. in the 100 block of West 1st Street. The 53-year-old male driver told police he lost his brakes at the stop sign on 3rd Street while traveling down 2nd Avenue…

1 Killed, 1 Injured in Head-On Crash in Bayfield County

TOWN OF BARKSDALE, Wis. — One person is dead and another was hospitalized Monday after a reported erratic driver slammed into oncoming traffic — setting both vehicles on fire. The accident happened Monday just before 12:30 p.m. on Wedal Road in the Town of Barksdale, which is in Bayfield County. First responders and a bystander helped get the victims out…

Unarmed Man Shot by Duluth Police Lawyers Up as Investigation Continues

DULUTH, Minn. – An attorney in Duluth is now representing the unarmed man shot by Duluth police over the weekend during a domestic assault call. Attorney Andrew Poole sent a letter to local news outlets Thursday saying Jared Fyle, 23, of Duluth “is fortunate to still be alive” after being shot in the shoulder by police while standing behind his…

Joe Biden To Speak in Duluth Friday as President Trump Rallies in Bemidji

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he’ll be speaking in Duluth on Friday. “In the afternoon, Vice President Biden will tour a union training center and deliver remarks,” a statement read in a short press release from the campaign. The location and time are “to be announced.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump will…

New Details Released in Downtown Duluth Officer-Involved Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the Duluth police officer who shot a man during a domestic assault call in downtown Duluth Saturday, Sept. 12. Officer Tyler Leibfried, a five-year veteran of the Duluth Police Department, is on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation after discharging his weapon and hitting the…

New Black Male Group at UMD Hosting ‘Peaceful Protest and March’

DULUTH, Minn. – A new UMD student organization called Black Men Serving Excellence is calling on faculty, staff, students and Duluthians to attend what they are calling a “peaceful protest and march.” The event is happening at 5 p.m. Wednesday at UMD’s Malosky Stadium. The goal is to raise awareness of black students on campus and encourage social activism within…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. – The principal of Lincoln Park Middle School informed faculty and staff Monday of a confirmed COVID-19 case involving a “member” of the school’s community. Principal Brian Kazmierczak said the infected person was last in the school Sept. 11. “We have worked with the MDH to identify those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated…

Duluth’s First Street To Covert To Two-Way Traffic Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, First Street traffic in Duluth will officially be converted to two-way traffic. It’s happening from Mesaba Avenue through downtown to 24th Avenue East. Traffic flow has not been consistent on First Street — with some sections two-way and others one-way. The city says the change will help cut down on confusion for drivers and improve…

Duluth Police Shoot Suspect During Domestic Assault Call

  DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth police officer shot a suspect during a domestic assault call on Saturday night, according to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department. Officers were called to the 100-block of W. 1st Street in downtown Duluth shortly before 9:30 p.m to respond to “a report of a physical domestic.” During the call, one of the…

Duluth’s 2020 Projected Budget Shortfall Falls To $12 Million; 2021 Deficit Projection Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – There is some good news for the city of Duluth’s budget crisis related to millions of dollars in lost revenue this year because of the pandemic. The projected 2020 budget shortfall that was once nearly $40 million in April and was decreased in June to $25 million is now projected to land around $11.88 million. Duluth Mayor…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed At Esko High School

ESKO, Minn. – Esko High School’s first day of in-person classes has come with a positive case of COVID-19. In an email to parents Tuesday afternoon, the district said a person with a positive test was in Esko High School Tuesday, Sept. 8. The district said it will clean and disinfect the school to control the spread of the virus,…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A former Hermantown Middle School science teacher and junior high volleyball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a student she used to teach. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a “current or recent position of authority over the victim,” which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint filed in St. Louis…

35th Annual Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Starts Sept. 3

DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th annual Rose Sale kicks off Sept. 3 to benefit the Duluth Rotary Club’s mission of improving the lives of people in our communities. You can purchase a dozen roses for $25 through Oct. 6, which will include a coupon book for local businesses. All you have to do is call 348-ROSE or log on to…

DECC Interim Exec. Dir. Roger Reinert Wants To Innovate Venue’s Use During Pandemic

Bringing a local brewery's outside beer garden inside the DECC is just one idea Reinert is looking into.

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert — known in the world of politics in Duluth and St. Paul after stints as a city councilor, state senator and representative — is the new interim executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – replacing Chelly Townsend whose contract was not renewed for reason not disclosed by the board. Reinert is not new…

Drive-Thru Experience, No Experience Among Options For 2020 ‘Bentleyville Tour of Lights’

DULUTH, Minn.  — The DECC is hopeful Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return again this year but Bentleyville’s owner told FOX 21 Wednesday that nothing is for sure at this point. One idea being thrown around is a drive-thru version of Bentleyville at its usual location at Bayfront Park. Owner Nathan Bentley says his team is discussing a variety of…

DECC Board Parts Ways With Executive Director, No. 2 Leader To Retire

Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…

First Quarter of School Year Now Distance Learning for Duluth Middle, H.S. Students

DULUTH — The Duluth School District announced Monday that middle and high school students will fully use a distance learning model for the first quarter of the school year. Supt. John Magas said the change through Nov. 6 will allow the district to safely handle state-mandated childcare service for around 1,000 kids who have at least one parent who is…

Two Harbors Man Seriously Injured In ATV Rollover

PEQUAYWAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in an ATV accident that left the driver seriously injured. The rollover happened just before midnight Saturday at 8744 Pequaywan Road in Pequaywan Township in St. Louis County. When deputies arrived, they found the driver —  a 40-year-old man from Two Harbors — unconscious with severe injuries. He…

Bald Eagle Attacks Woman Along North Shore: ‘It Was Terrifying’

“He had both of his claws in her. He was trying to get at her with its beak," said Bernie Banks, the man who rescued the woman.

LUTSEN, Minn. — A scary attack between a young bald eagle and a woman took place along Lake Superior Thursday – and it was all caught on video, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The aggressive bald eagle was seen attacking the woman Thursday morning just 100 yards away from the Cascade Lodge and Restaurant along Highway 61 in Lutsen….

Mayor Larson: 29-Percent Voter Turnout In Duluth For Primary Election

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Tuesday’s primary election brought out a larger number of voters than a typical primary. Larson took to Facebook Wednesday to post a video saying more than 16,000 ballots were cast in Duluth, which is a 29-percent turnout from registered voters. She says a typical primary in Duluth usually sees between a 9…

Cofounder of Grandma’s Restaurant in Canal Park Dies

Mick Paulucci 2019 (Facebook) DULUTH, Minn. – The co-founder of Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park died over the weekend. Michael Paulucci, who was known to many as Mick, died Saturday morning. He had underlying health issues and was fighting COVID-19, according to Grandma’s Restaurant Company President Brian Daugherty. Paulucci, who is the son of the late Duluth businessman…

Two children injured after fall at Gooseberry Falls

Life Link flew in two helicopters to Gooseberry Falls in Lake County Saturday afternoon after two children got injured during a fall. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3 p.m. Officials say the children fell into the Gooseberry River and then over the falls. They were transported to a hospital in Duluth. The conditions and ages…

Man’s Body Recovered From Lake Namakogon

A man’s body was recovered late Saturday night from Lake Namakagon after jumping off of a pontoon boat. The accident was reported around 7 p.m. when the man could not be located after jumping into the water to go swimming. Private boats in the area conducted a search before boats from the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin DNR, Namakagon…