Dan Hanger, Author at Fox21Online

Maurices Building In Downtown Duluth Hits The Market

Maurices CAO Sue Ross says there will be no impact because the company is in a "long-term lease."

March 19, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A downtown Duluth building that houses the headquarters of clothing retailer Maurices is up for sale again. The news comes just three years after ASNA PropCo purchased the 11-story building for $15 million in 2021. The building, which includes a public parking ramp, is located on the 400 block of West Superior Street. It was built in…

Downtown Duluth Eatery Closes After 5 Months; New Eatery Eyeing Location

March 15, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Rock Grill in the heart of downtown Duluth has closed after five months in business. Owner Rick Lampton tells FOX 21 the business closed on March 9. “We definitely didn’t get the volume we were expecting,” said Lampton. Blue Rock Grill moved into the former 7 West Taphouse in early October of 2023. 7 West Taphouse,…

Juvenile Questioned After Potential Gun Threat At Proctor High School

March 13, 2024

Dan Hanger,

PROCTOR, Minn. — A juvenile male is being questioned after Proctor High School went on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a potential threat involving a weapon in the school’s Media Center, according to Proctor Police Chief Kent Gaidis. Authorities say 911 dispatch began getting calls around 4:30 p.m. about a “potential gun or weapon” at the school. Multiple agencies responded, including…

Family Freedom Center: Suspicious Person ‘Brandished’ Firearm To Teen

March 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating after a person “brandished” a firearm near a playground of an after-school program. The Family Freedom Center said a “suspicious” person approached one of its teens with the firearm while outside with the Center’s dog. The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. March 7 on the 300-block of N. First Avenue West. That address…

Potential Of Duluth’s ‘Lot D’ Unveiled In ‘Initial Concepts’ Renderings

March 9, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Architecture Advantage, LLC DULUTH, Minn. – The future of Lot D along the waterfront in Duluth has become clearer with “initial concepts for the revitalization of redevelopment of Lot D” being released by a Duluth architecture firm. Architecture Advantage, LLC posted on its LinkedIn account Friday showing renderings of what the prime real estate could look like next to Pier…

MPCA Investigating 1,400-Gallon Gasoline Leak At Duluth Short Stop

March 9, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 learned Thursday evening that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is investigating a significant gasoline leak at a Duluth gas station. The spill occurred Wednesday at the Short Stop at 5402 E. Superior Street in Duluth. “There was a 1,400 gallon release reported by C & B Distributing from one of their fuel pumps to soil,”…

Teacher Layoffs Announced At Superior School Dist. Amid Budget Cuts

25 teachers are being laid off, and an unknown number of support staff will follow.

March 6, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Twenty-five teachers at the Superior School District have been notified their positions are being eliminated, as the district deals with a significant budget deficit for the 2024-2025 school year. “It is never easy to make cuts in education. Any cut that we need to make has a direct impact on our students and our families. And so,…

Father Of Daughter Killed In Cloquet Hotel Shooting: ‘It’s Just The Randomness Of It’

March 4, 2024

Dan Hanger,

CLOQUET, Minn. — The father of a young Cloquet hotel clerk, Shellby Trettel, 22, reacted Monday to a final investigative report involving the shooting death of his daughter and a guest at the Super 8 hotel this past January. Trettel’s father, Tim, spoke with FOX 21 Monday afternoon – not only about the final report, but how his family is…

7-Year-Old Duluth Girl On Waiting List: ‘Daddy, I Got A Heart!’

February 29, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A 7-year-old Duluth girl is recovering after what she calls a pinch-me moment. That’s because she received a heart transplant Thursday morning at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. “There’s no way to dream up how we feel. I was getting an oil change yesterday in Duluth, and Roya called me and started yelling, ‘Daddy, I got a…

Mayor Reinert Proposes Options To W. Skyline Parkway After 2 Fatalities

February 28, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — After two deaths on West Skyline Parkway in February, and a call to action by some concerned residents, Mayor Roger Reinert tells FOX 21 steps are being taken to increase safety on the scenic road. The first death happened around 3:30 a.m., Feb. 4. A 26-year-old male driver was killed when he rolled off the road in…

Mike’s Cafe & Pizzeria To Close After 40-Plus Years

February 27, 2024

Dan Hanger,

ESKO, Minn. – One of the Northland’s longest-running restaurants is closing. Mike’s Cafe & Pizzeria in Esko will end its nearly 42-year run on May 24. Owners Mike and Deb Pracher moved to the Esko location in 2020 after 38 years in West Duluth. A post on social media reads in part: “Mike has worked hard in the restaurant business…

Duluth Police Remember K-9 Luna Three Years Since Being Shot, Killed

February 25, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Three years ago Sunday, Duluth Police K-9 Luna was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The suspect, 37-year-old David Conwell, was hiding in a bedroom closet. K-9 Luna attempted to apprehend Conwell when he began shooting a shotgun at officers and fatally struck Luna. St. Louis County deputies would later shoot and kill Conwell after…

Superior Police Investigate Hit-And-Run

February 25, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police are investigating a hit-and-run incident. Chief Paul Winterscheidt told FOX 21 officers responded around 8 p.m. Friday at 22nd avenue East and E Second Street, which is near the Super One plaza. Winterscheidt said the 38-year-old male driver from Duluth rear-ended an occupied vehicle before fleeing the scene, crashing through a residential fence and finally…

Firefighter Recruits Train With Flames In Moose Lake

February 25, 2024

Dan Hanger,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Northland firefighter recruits faced raging flames this weekend during a training event in Moose Lake. The Moose Lake Area Fire District hosted the training, which included how to handle a chimney fire. Blue Fire Training is behind the program, which dedicates to supporting fire, EMS and law agencies be their very best. Moose Lake will host…

Twin Ports Donation Drive To Help ‘Hundreds Of Lives’

February 25, 2024

Dan Hanger,

The community came out in a big way this weekend with piles of donations for local community outreach organizations. Donations including clothing, hygiene supplies, back packs and toys for children. Lenroot Maetzold and Downs-Lesage funeral homes organized the drive. All of the donations will help a list of local community outreach organizations like CHUM, CASDA, Ruth House, Harbor House, Salvation…

Former Duluth Judge To Run For MN House Dist. 3B

February 20, 2024

Dan Hanger,

A former Duluth judge says he’s running for Minnesota House Dist. 3B, which is currently held by Republican Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar. Mark Munger, a Democrat, retired as a 6th Judicial Judge in 2019 after almost 20 years in that role and almost four decades practicing law. Munger has lived in Freedenberg Township for 40 years. Munger says he’ll make his…

Comedian Maria Bamford Talks Duluth Comedy Festival, Book Signing

Bamford performs at the NorShor Theatre Saturday before holding a book signing at Zenith Bookstore on Sunday

February 15, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth-raised comedian Maria Bamford is headlining the Duluth Comedy Festival at the NorShor Theatre this weekend. She’s also holding a book signing at Zenith Bookstore. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked with Bamford about her upcoming visit. And, well, she was her usual authentic self, of course. “I am a mess Dan hanger. I will, I will guarantee…

Human Remains Found After Camper Fire Near Eveleth

February 15, 2024

Dan Hanger,

FAYAL TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A death investigation is underway in Fayal Township near Eveleth after human remains were found in debris from a fire. The call came in around 2 p.m. Wednesday for a camper fire in the 4200 block of Clyde Road. When officers arrived, the camper was burned to the ground. The human remains were among the ashes….

Emotions Erupt At Solon Springs School Board Meeting Over Recent ‘Threat Complaint’

February 13, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Emotions hit a breaking point Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting involving safety and security procedures within the district. Officials at the district said the meeting was about providing facts and dispelling rumors around what parents said was a gun threat by a student that wasn’t handled properly. The meeting started…

Snow-Making Machines Save 50th American Birkebeiner, But With Changes

February 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

CABLE, Wis. – Officials with the 50th Annual American Birkebeiner announced Monday evening that the races will go on next week in one form or another. The Birkie won’t be taking its traditional path from Cable to Hayward and will instead take place on a 10 kilometer loop in Cable. Races that go beyond 10 kilometers will do loops. Organizers…

Duluth Firefighter Injured In Hit-And-Run Incident To Get ‘Advanced Physical Therapy’

February 11, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Raymond Skoglund DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth firefighter who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident last month will soon be getting specialized care at a hospital in Colorado. Ray Skoglund, 24, will fly out of Monaco Air around 11:45 a.m. Monday to head to Craig Hospital in Denver to receive advanced physical therapy, according to the city of Duluth….

Iron Range Firefighters Tackle 3 Weekend Structure Fires

February 11, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Gilbert fire, courtesy of Northland Fire Wire Firefighters were busy this weekend fighting three separate structure fires on the Iron Range. The latest fire happened Saturday evening in downtown Gilbert in an apartment building. Gilbert fire, courtesy of Northland Fire Wire Multiple agencies assisted in this fire. One tenant was treated on scene for minor burns, according to the Northland…

Vanilla Bean To Close Duluth Location

February 11, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Vanilla Bean Duluth is closing in two weeks at its Mt. Royal location after six years in business. Owners Jason Vincent and Jeff Anderson made the announcement on social media. The last day of business will be Feb. 25. The post said two young entrepreneurs looking for restaurant space will take over the location. There was no…

9 PM Coverage: Historic Lutsen Lodge Fire

February 7, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Click the video above to watch FOX 21 Local News at 9’s coverage of the historic Lutsen Lodge fire. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update

Superior’s NTEC Supporters Hold Rally As Mayor Paine Responds

February 7, 2024

Dan Hanger, Jenna VanSickle,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At least 100 people rallied outside Superior’s City Hall Tuesday evening in support of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The natural gas-powered electrical plant had unanimous support by the city council and Mayor Jim Paine in 2019, but over the last year, Mayor Paine and some council members have been working to stop the project….

Views From Above The Lutsen Lodge Fire

February 6, 2024

Dan Hanger,

FOX 21’s sister station, FOX 9 in Minneapolis was in Lutsen to cover the historic fire at Lutsen Lodge on Tuesday. Click the video above to see FOX 9’s drone views of the aftermath. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Pictures: Historic Lutsen Lodge Fire

February 6, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Click the video above to view striking photos of the historic Lutsen Lodge fire. FOX 21 thanks WTIP North Shore Community Radio and EMS Kate Batten for allowing us to air these photos. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Lutsen Mountains General Manager Reacts To Lutsen Lodge Fire

February 6, 2024

Dan Hanger,

The general manager of Lutsen Mountains, Jim Vick, was sympathizing with the staff at the nearby Lutsen Lodge Tuesday as they deal with the loss of the structure to fire. Vick dealt with a massive fire in June of 2023 when Lutsen Mountains’ Papa Charlie’s restaurant went up in flames. The memories at the beloved restaurant hangout turned into ashes….

Man Charged In West Duluth Apartment Stabbing

February 5, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is facing two felony charges involving a stabbing case in West Duluth. The suspect is 44-year-old Charles Knauer. The stabbing happened around 2:15 a.m. Feb. 1 in an apartment building in the 6700 block of Redruth Street. Duluth police said the victim and suspect were in an altercation prior to the stabbing. The criminal…

Virginia Man Sentenced For Alcohol, Cannabis-Induced Fatal Crash

February 5, 2024

Dan Hanger,

A Virginia man was sentenced Monday for causing an alcohol and cannabis-induced crash last fall that killed a woman. David Medicine, 38, will face 41 months in prison for the crime, according to court records. Medicine was driving on Highway 169 during the evening hours when he slammed his vehicle into a pick-up truck that was sitting still in backed-up…

Vehicle Slams Into Superior Home, Rolls

February 5, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior police and fire responded to an out-of-control vehicle that slammed into a house Monday. The accident was reported around 3:30 p.m. in the 4100 block of East 2nd Street. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a house and then rolled over, according to officials. Superior police said the driver may have suffered a medical emergency prior…

3 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured In Head-On Crash In Koochiching County

February 4, 2024

Dan Hanger,

NORTHOME, Minn. — Three people are dead and two others were fighting for their lives Sunday after a head-on crash in Koochiching County. The accident was reported just after 11 a.m. on Highway 1, west of Koochiching County Road 15 in Northome, which is about 70 miles southwest of I-Falls. The Minnesota State Patrol says Joseph Carlson, 27, of North…

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Superior Police: Man With Rifle Arrested After Threats Of Violence

February 3, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Two armored vehicles were deployed around a home in Superior Saturday morning after police say a man was threatening his girlfriend with a rifle. The incident began just after midnight at a home in the 1200 block of Birch Avenue. “A female caller reported she had been in an argument with her boyfriend, during which he threatened…

Duluth-Based Maurices Announces ‘Painful’ Layoffs

February 1, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Maurices Downtown Duluth Headquarters DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based retailer Maurices says it has made the “painful” decision to lay off 10 percent of its corporate office positions. Maurices told FOX 21 on Thursday that 14 associates are being impacted at the downtown Duluth office, and 29 employees from its Brooklyn, New York design office and remote workers. Maurices Chief Administrative…

One-On-One: Reinert Talks First Month As Duluth Mayor; ‘The Time Is Now’

January 31, 2024

Dan Hanger, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is closing in on his first 30 days in office. And in his first sit-down interview since Inauguration Day, 53-year-old Reinert shares how the jobs is going so far, his management style and his lack of patience when it comes to the status quo. “You know, we need ‘the time is now’. Most…

Enbridge Energy Announces 650 Layoffs By March

January 31, 2024

Dan Hanger,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) Enbridge Energy has announced it is reducing its force by 650 people, according to an internal email sent to all employees. The Calgary, Albert-based company says the cuts will be completed by March 1. Enbridge has offices and operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Duluth and Superior. Enbridge says the reduction will not impact safety within…

Palestinian Cafe, Market To Open In Former ‘New London Cafe’ Building

January 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Palestinian cafe and market is opening in Duluth, replacing a longtime restaurant that recently closed. That longtime favorite is New London Café in the 4700 block of East Superior Street. The new restaurant that’s moving in is called Falastin. For the past year and a half, Lyla Abukhodair, has operated Falastin as a pop-up restaurant to…

‘Nautical Bowls’ Coming To Duluth’s London Road

January 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — So-called “superfood bowls” are coming to Duluth as a fresh alternative to your meal choices. The company, Nautical Bowls, will be located in the area of 21st Avenue East and London Road. Company officials tell FOX 21 they are “currently in final site selection for this location.” Nautical Bowls is located throughout the Twin Cities and in…

Amazon Distribution Center to Bring Economic Growth to Area

January 27, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Amazon is coming to Duluth– in the form of a distribution center. County records show the two large parcels of land purchased by Amazon are at Atlas Industrial Park. That’s where Ikonics’ former building is located and now houses Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, located along Commonwealth Avenue, between Morgan Park and Gary New Duluth. The…

Pedestrian Critically Injured In Hit-And-Run Is Duluth Firefighter; Driver, 88, Arrested

January 26, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Raymond Skoglund DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned a pedestrian critically injured in a hit-and-run incident is a Duluth firefighter who joined the department in July of 2021. Raymond Skoglund Raymond Skoglund, 24, was struck by a vehicle Thursday around 5:45 p.m. on the 9500 block of Grand Avenue, according to Duluth police. Caleb Kittleson, a fellow Duluth firefighter,…

Delayed Lincoln Park Housing Project Finds New Lender

Merge Development now plans to complete the apartment building this summer.

January 26, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The developer of a delayed housing project in Duluth told FOX 21 on Friday that he has found a new lender to get the job done this summer after significant delays. Urbane 218, as it is being dubbed, is located at 2011 W. Superior Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Rendering of Urbane 218 The site, which…

Amazon To Build Distribution Center In Duluth

January 25, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Big development news out of Duluth. Amazon is building a distribution center in the city. Location of Amazon site County records show the two large parcels of land purchased by Amazon are at the Atlas Industrial Park, between Morgan Park and Gary-New Duluth, along Commonwealth Avenue. Amazon will join Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, which recently…

Duluth-Based Developer Bringing New Life To Former Bank Building In Lincoln Park

January 24, 2024

Dan Hanger, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn. – Titanium Partners’ Brian Forcier, one of downtown Duluth’s leading developers, has begun his first investment into the resurging Lincoln Park Craft District. It’s not in the form of housing or another eatery. But Forcier told says the space he’s creating is all part of what’s needed to make a neighborhood tick, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports….

Search Warrants Reveal New Details About Cloquet Hotel Shooting Suspect

January 18, 2024

Dan Hanger,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Search warrant documents reveal new details about the suspect accused of fatally shooting two people at a hotel in Cloquet before turning the gun on himself. Cloquet police were dispatched at 6:33 p.m. Jan. 8 to the Super 8 hotel for a report of an “attack.” The search warrants say the suspect, Nicholas Lenius, 32, of Ramsey,…

Warrior Brewing Company To Close After 3 Years In Duluth

January 17, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth brewery founded by disabled veterans only three years ago is closing. Warrior Brewing Company in the Lincoln Park Craft District will close by April, according to a post on the company’s social media Wednesday. The ownership group’s mission has been about producing solid craft beer while supporting area military members, veterans and first responders. “This…

Duluth Police Respond To Armed Robbery At Kenwood Walgreens

January 16, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police responded to a report of an armed robbery around 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kenwood neighborhood Walgreens. When officers arrived to the store in the 1600 block of Kenwood Avenue, employees told police an individual “brandished a firearm and demanded money,” according to a news release. Police said an employee gave an “undetermined amount of…

Organized Labor Calls On Superior Mayor, Council To Support NTEC

January 16, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Organized labor came together inside Superior City Hall Tuesday to debunk what they call false information from Mayor Jim Paine and some city councilors involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). Members of the Northern Wisconsin Buildings Trades took to the podium for a press conference Tuesday night. They’re calling on the community to educate themselves…

Superior Mayor Determined To Stop NTEC As Labor Ramps Up Support

January 16, 2024

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Billboards and yard signs are beginning to pop up in Superior in support of building the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). This comes as Mayor Jim Paine says he’s continuing to do whatever he can to derail the natural gas power plant for good. Mayor Paine is banking on Wisconsin state regulators to change their approval of…

Duluth Police Investigate Robbery At Knifepoint

Victim gave suspect $2.

January 14, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating an armed robbery involving a knife. The call for help came in around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Walgreens on the 1100 block of East Superior Street. The victim told police the male suspect approached him with a knife, took $2 and then fled the area before police arrived. Police say investigators will…

Councilor Arik Forsman Launches ‘Duluth Download’

January 14, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman has launched what he’s calling the Duluth Download. It’s a bi-monthly newsletter emailed to whoever signs up. Forman said he’ll be talking all things council and politics within the city, allowing him to dive deeper into topics that people may not see on the news or on social media. “Just this last…