Author: Dan Hanger

Ashley Grimm Announces Reelection Bid For St. Louis County Board

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm has announced her reelection campaign. Grimm made the announcement Sunday afternoon on the steps of the County Courthouse in Duluth. Grimm said she’s proud of investments made into Duluth’s western neighborhoods since she was elected to the county board in 2020, like repairing the YWCA Young Mom’s Program building and parking…

Iron Range Firefighters Battle Dangerously Cold Air During House Fire

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire HIBBING, Minn. — The dangerously cold air gave firefighters a battle during a house fire in Hibbing over the weekend. The fire was reported around 7:45 p.m. Saturday at the Birchlane Trailer Court, just off of 41st Street East, according to the Northland Fire Wire. Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire Firefighters were faced with strong winds and…

Cirrus Aircraft Unveils New ‘SR Series G7’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest employer, Cirrus Aircraft, unveiled its newest aircraft Thursday night in multi-state live production broadcast on YouTube. Cirrus says the SR Series G7 features touchscreen interfaces, large high-resolution displays, advanced safety systems and increased legroom. Cirrus Aircraft was founded in 1984. The company has six locations in the United States, including Duluth, Grand Forks, Knoxville, Greater…

Duluth Man Arrested In Seizure Of 1K-Plus Fentanyl Pills, Multiple Firearms

DULUTH, Minn. –  Four firearms are more than 1,200 fentanyl pills are off the streets of Duluth after a successful arrest by the Lake Superior Violent Offender task Force. The search warrant and arrest happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday on the 800 block of North 11th Avenue East. A 21-year-old was arrested while in the process of delivering fentanyl pills…

Father Mourns Daughter Killed In Cloquet Hotel Shooting

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are learning more about the life of a young woman who was one of two people shot to death Monday night at the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet. The father of 22-year-old victim Shellby Trettel calls his daughter’s death a “senseless act of violence.” Tuesday: (Cloquet Police Chief Provides Update On Super 8 Shooting Fatalities) Shellby…

Barnum H.S. Student Accused Of Injuring Another Student With Box Cutter

BARNUM, Minn. — A Barnum High School student is facing serious charges after police say she cut another student with a box cutter. The suspect is a 14-year-old girl.  The victim is a 16-year-old boy. The incident was reported around 9 a.m. Tuesday. The school was placed on lockdown during the incident. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said the boy…

Police: Parent Causes ‘Soft Lockdown’ At Piedmont Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Piedmont Elementary School went into a soft lockdown Tuesday. The lockdown happened around 12:15 p.m. Duluth police told FOX 21 that a parent was causing a disturbance at the school. Police requested a soft lockdown as a precaution. The parent was trespassed from school property. Nobody was injured. Below is the full e-mail alert to parents: Dear…

Cloquet Police: Super 8 Hotel Employee Among 3 Dead, Including Shooter

10:15 p.m. Update:  The Cloquet Police Department released new information on Monday evening’s active shooter incident. Around 6:30 p.m., an employee of the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet called 911 to report they’d found another hotel employee who looked like she’d been attacked, according to the news release. Cloquet police responded to find a 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. …

Public Invited To Late Radio Host Jeanne Ryan’s Celebration of Life

DULUTH, Minn. — A public celebration of life has been announced for late Twin Ports radio personality Jeanne Ryan. Ryan died last month from complications of pneumonia, according to her obituary. The celebration of life is happening Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Flame Nightclub in Duluth. Family and friends are invited from noon until 2 p.m. The public is welcome…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

WI State Rep. Angie Sapik Announces Run For Reelection

Wisconsin State Rep. Angie Sapik is running for reelection for Dist. 73 in Northwestern Wisconsin. The Republican from Lake Nebagamon made the announcement over the weekend at the Log Cabin Tavern just outside of Superior. “We accomplished a lot of things in this cycle from the largest increases in shared revenue in history, to holding people accountable for fentanyl deaths,”…

White Thunder Riders: Latest Snowfall Won’t Open Trails In Iron County

IRON CO., Wis. — Much needed snow fell across the Northland over the weekend, but it wasn’t enough to open trails in Iron County. The White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club said their trail grooming were out Saturday to take advantage of the 5-to-6 inches of snow. But the club said crews are usually working with 5-to-6 feet of snow by…

1 Arrested After Superior Officer’s License Plate Reader Spots Stolen Vehicle

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A heavy police presence happened Wednesday afternoon around a McDonald’s in Superior. The incident happened at the North 21st Street McDonald’s around 3:30 p.m. Officials said a police officer’s “Automated License Plate Reader” in his squad spotted the stolen vehicle in front of him. Per the Superior Police Department’s procedures, multiple officers arrived on scene to order…

50th Annual Birkebeiner To Ski Forward Despite Lack Of Snow

Officials may be forced to scale back, but they say Birkie week will not be canceled

HAYWARD, Wis. – The 2024 American Birkebeiner is expected to attract 14,000 to as many as 15,000 skiers for the race’s 50th anniversary.  Organizers say, the lack of snow isn’t going to ruin the fun. “It’s non-negotiable. We will be doing something in Hayward during Birkie week,” said Blair Flickinger, marketing director for the race. “I would say we are…

Lack Of Snow Cancels 2024 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

A big announcement was made Tuesday night involving the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Officials told FOX 21 the race will not go on as planned because of a serious lack of snow. The Beargrease board members voted on the decision late Tuesday to put on the 40th annual Beargrease on Jan. 26, 2025. The Beargrease was originally…

Ann Glumac Officially Named Exec. Director Of Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Mountain’s Board has officially named Ann Glumac as the attraction’s new executive director. This comes after Glumac served as interim executive director since 2020 after the previous husband-and-wife leadership team resigned. Glumac is a former deputy commissioner of the MPCA, IRRB, and former president of the Great Lakes Aquarium. Under her first season at Spirit Mountain,…

Duluth Man, 26, Arrested For Allegedly Possessing 18K Images, Videos Of Child Porn

DULUTH, Minn. – A 26-year-old Duluth man was arrested Wednesday morning on four counts of possessing child pornography, according to Duluth police. The investigation started in May of 2022 after two tips were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Duluth Police Department and Homeland Security investigators worked the case. Investigators said a search warrant this…

EPA Grants $22M For St. Louis River Cleanup

The Environmental Protection Agency is investing $22 million to clean up a polluted section of the St. Louis River in Carlton. The funding will tackle 330 acres of contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir, according to the EPA. A thin layer of activated carbon pellets will be placed over the sediment.  Officials say the carbon rapidly binds to the contaminants,…

Problematic Downtown Duluth Parking Ramp Secured With Fencing

DULUTH, Minn. — A problematic downtown Duluth parking ramp has been secured with new fencing to help curb unwanted behavior — and more improvements are on the way. The fencing at the HART District Ramp on East Superior Street now covers all open areas, except where vehicles enter and leave. In May, the city council approved $165,000 to install an…

ATV Falls Through Ice On Boulder Dam Reservoir

A Saginaw man broke through some ice while riding his ATV. It happened around 7 a.m. Monday on the Boulder Dam Reservoir in St. Louis County. The man got out of the water on his own. The ATV was recovered with the help of the Gnesen Fire Department and the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. The Sheriff’s Office is reminding…

Convicted Killer From Duluth Sentenced For Kidnapping, Rape

DULUTH, Minn. — A convicted killer from Duluth is sentenced again for a serious crime he committed while out on parole. Dennis Hannuksela, 64, kidnapped, bound and raped a woman on a logging road near Duluth in May of 2021. In court Monday, Hannuksela got the maximum sentence of 19 years in prison. He was previously convicted of first-degree murder…

People Pack Bentleyville As Christmas Nears

DULUTH, Minn. — With Christmas one week away, Bentleyville Tour of Lights was busier than ever Sunday at Bayfront Park. Thousands of families enjoyed all of the lights, displays and joy Bentleyville has to offer. It’s the attraction’s 20th season at Bayfront. And while it’s the largest free walk-through display in America, some decided to run through it Sunday evening,…

‘Hairball’ Coming to Black Bear; Vocalist Drew Hart Wowed By Age Range Of Fans

Hairball, one of the most popular tribute bands in America, is hitting the big, big stage this New Year’s Eve, performing at half-time at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers game. But before that, Hairball is headed back to Black Bear Casino this Friday to perform. Drew Hart, one of the lead vocalist for Hairball,…

Mayor-Elect Reinert Makes First Shakeup At Duluth City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. — A shakeup has begun at Duluth City Hall.  Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert announced new nominations Wednesday for Chief Administrative Officer and City Attorney. Reinert has tapped Dave Montgomery to return to the role of CAO.  Montgomery retired from that position in 2018 after serving nine years under Mayors Emily Larson and Don Ness. Reinert said Montgomery will only…

DOJ Arrests 10 Wanted Fugitives In Twin Ports

TWIN PORTS, Minn. – Ten wanted fugitives are off the streets of the Twin Ports after an operation lead by the U.S. Department of Justice. During the arrests between Dec. 8 and the 12th, three handguns were recovered, along with 69 fentanyl pills, meth and cocaine. Five of the suspects were wanted for firearms-related crimes, according to authorities. A half-dozen…

BCA: Third Suspect Turns Himself In After Eveleth Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

DULUTH, Minn. — A third suspect is under arrest in connection to a kidnapping and assault in Eveleth that took place over multiple days. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Monday said the 38-year-old man is from Eveleth. He turned himself into the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia Monday morning. The other men under arrest are a…

Council OKs Mayor Larson Appointments Against Mayor-Elect Reinert’s Plea To Deny

DULUTH, Minn. – Without discussion and against the wishes of Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert, the Duluth City Council approved three appointments by outgoing Mayor Emily Larson at Monday night’s city council meeting, and it included appointing former city councilor Zack Filipovich to the DECC’s board. Reinert had called on the council to deny Larson’s appointments, He said the 60-40 win on…

Hibbing Man, 20, Killed In Head-On Crash; ‘You Are Loved By So Many’

HIBBING, Minn. –  Family and friends on the Iron Range are in mourning after a young man was killed over the weekend in a head-on crash. Levi Greenwood, 20, of Hibbing graduated last year from East Range Academy of Technology and Science. Levi and family The Minnesota State Patrol said the accident happened around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. They said Greenwood…

Mayor Larson Appoints Filipovich To DECC Board, Mayor-Elect Reinert Asks Council To Deny

This comes after Reinert asked Larson to let him appoint board, commission seats opening in December

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is in power until Jan. 2, and she is using that power to appoint former city councilor Zack Filipovich to a seat on the DECC board that’s opening up at the end of the year. It’s a move by Larson that goes against the request of Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert. Last week, Reinert told…

DECC Exec. Dir.: $1M Line Of Credit Untouched, Year-Round Business Model Sought

DULUTH, Minn. — DECC Executive Director Dan Hartman gave an update Sunday on the venue’s struggling financing, saying he is proud to report the DECC has not used a dime of the $1 million emergency line of credit, which the city council reluctantly approved in September. Hartman said business has picked up, and it has been strong. The William A….

‘Northern Lights Drone Show’ Wows Crowds Over Lake Superior, Winds Cancel Day 2

Saturday's shows were canceled because of strong winds

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday night’s strong winds canceled the Northern Lights Drone Show outside Fitger’s. But Friday’s show amazed crowds of people. The holiday show performed multiple times during the evening was put on by the North Shore Scenic Railroad and Fitger’s. 100 lighted drones took to the sky over Lake Superior forming animated scenes to music. Firefly, which created…

On Stage Dec. 8-17: ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol’

DULUTH, Minn. — If you like Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol,” there’s a Minnesota spoof of the production hitting the stage in Duluth this weekend. “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” takes place Christmas Eve in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota.  Jason Vincent, of Boat Club Productions, explains the rest! “So, the bar owner, Gunner Johnson, gets into a snowmobile accident…

Duluth Mayor-Elect Reinert On Inheriting 2024 Budget, Securing Leadership Team, Campaign Promises

DULUTH, Minn. – With one month to go before a change in office at Duluth City Hall, Duluth Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert is wrapping up his civilian life and securing a core leadership team to join him in January.  Beyond that, he told FOX 21 how he’ll handle inheriting Mayor Emily Larson’s budget for 2024, and he addressed his critics who…

Chickens Killed In Barn Fire

FLOODWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A barn fire killed several chickens in Floodwood Township Saturday evening. St. Louis County Sheriff Office deputies and area fire departments responded around 6:15 p.m. The barn is a total loss. No people were injured. The cause is under investigation, but authorities do not suspect foul play. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

Duluth Firefighters Tackle Downtown Garage Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland firefighters have been busy lately responding to structure fires. In Duluth Thursday, firefighters tackled a garage fire on the 100 block of East Third Street. No injuries were reported. Damage is estimated around $10,000. The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a cause. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

‘Essentia East Market’ Healthcare Workers Want To Unionize

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia healthcare workers have announced their filing to join the Minnesota Nurses Association. The healthcare workers wanting to unionize include nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. They’re part of what’s called the Essentia East Market, which extends from Brainerd north to International Falls and Duluth, and east to Ashland and Hayworth, Wisconsin. The…

Construction Returns To Duluth Housing Project With ‘Cash,’ No Financing

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 learned Tuesday that construction crews are back on site of a delayed housing development (Urbane 218) in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. But the final piece of funding from LISC, which halted the project in August, is still not in the developer’s hands. Merge Urban Development told FOX 21 Tuesday the company is “currently paying for…

‘Steam-Powered Christmas Tree Train’ Chugs Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — An old-fashioned, steam-powered Christmas Tree Train departed the Duluth Depot for Knife River over the weekend. When the locomotive arrived to its destination at the train station in Knife River, riders could pick out a tree, wreaths and garland, which was hauled back to the Depot by train car. The unique ride is made possible because the…