Author: Matt McConico

Jenkins Creek Fire containment growing; Skibo residents can return home

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSON, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 47% contained. Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 23, 2025 The containment lines released by the Eastern Area Incident Management Team now show most of the Northwest side and Southeast side of the fire contained. The containment line is now next to Skibo.  Crews had been working for…

One fire close to containment; More evacuations lifting

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSON, Minn. – The Camp House Fire is quickly getting close to full containment. Containment Lines for Brimson Complex Fires (5/22/25) As of Thursday Morning (5/22/2025) the fire was reported to at 90% containment. The fire has burned 12,071 acres between Brimson and Bassett. There are still 363 people fighting the blaze. The cause of the fire is…

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Changes Name

DULUTH, Minn. — A local charitable organization is changing its name to reflect just how expansive their reach is. Formerly known as the “Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation,” the name change to “Boreal Waters Community Foundation” comes as they continue to increase the number of communities they serve. “We want to try and encapsulate everything we do,” said Shawn Florke,…

Bass Pro Shops Hold Grand Opening for Hermantown Location

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Lines stretching out the parking lot, for the grand opening of Bass Pro Shops newest location. Bass Pro Shops opened the doors of its newest location in Hermantown on Wednesday, with a line of customers that stretched out the parking lot. Once inside, crowds were greeted by live country music, cabin-like walls lined with local artwork, and…

Jenkins Creek Fire declared to be “Human Caused”

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eastern Area Incident Management Team on Wednesday (5/21/2025) morning declared the Jenkins Creek Fire was “Human Caused”. Up until Wednesday the Jenkins Creek Fire cause was officially declared to be “Under Investigation”. In an update the Eastern Area Incident Management Team expanded on the cause of the fire by writing, “While the initial investigation into the…

Containment increases for big fires; Some evacuations lifted

DULUTH, Minn. – The Camp House Fire burning near Brimson is now 73% contained.  It has burned 12,071 acres. Firefighters navigate a severely burned area at the site of an old sawmill near Brimson, Minnesota, close to the intersection of Brimson and Breda roads. Crews sift through thick layers of sawdust and debris, checking for residual heat and extinguishing hotspots….

Gov. Evers Takes Tour Ahead of Pothole Filling

ASHLAND, Wis. — Governor Evers is on his annual “Pothole Patrol” across Wisconsin. Evers’ is looking to invest $100 million towards the Local Roads Improvement supplement program. Throughout the state THERE ARE plans for millions of additional dollars towards rural roads, bridge projects, and modernizing infrastructure. On Tuesday, the governor stopped in Ashland, where crews are already at work on…

George Wendt, who played ‘Norm’ on ‘Cheers’, passes away

NEW YORK (AP) — George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers” and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf,” has died. He was 76. Wendt’s family said he died early Tuesday morning, peacefully in his sleep while…

Governor Walz declares peacetime emergency from wildfires

Lingering smoke drifts through fire-damaged timber as crews continue work along a dozer line on the Brimson Complex, May 2025. Hazardous snags and smoldering fuels remain a concern as containment efforts progress. DULUTH & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz on May 20, 2025 declared a peacetime emergency in response to wildfires in Northeast Minnesota. This follows St. Louis…

Former Cloquet police officer found guilty of taking advantage of elderly person

  SAINT PAUL & CLOQUET, Minn. – Former Cloquet Police Officer Laci Marie Silgjord was found guilty of one count of felony attempted theft by swindle. Silgjord exploited a now-deceased 78-year-old vulnerable adult. She gained access to victim’s bank accounts and attempted to inherit the estate worth more than $150.000, despite Ms. Armey having surviving family. Silgjord was financially exploiting Joan…

St. Louis County Wildfires Partially Contained, Still Trigger ‘State of Local Emergency’

BRIMSON, Minn. – St. Louis County authorities say a state of local emergency declaration was a “procedural step” to access state disaster relief funding. More than 150 buildings have been destroyed, and 30,000 acres burned in north eastern Minnesota by the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw wildfires. While crews have gained partial containment of all three fires, on…

New weekly bus service between Ely and Virginia

DULUTH, Minn. – Arrowhead Transit is launching a new weekly service connecting Ely to Virginia. Arrowhead Transit Logo The bus will have stops in Babbitt, Embarrass, and Tower.  The service will start on Tuesday, June 24. This route, called the Boundary Waters Loop, is designed to improve and expand access to essential services, expanded healthcare options, grocery stores, and major Iron…

Some containment announced for all major fires in Minnesota

Brimson Complex firefighters construct handline on May 18, 2025. DULUTH, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 6% contained with 199 people fighting the blaze. It was the last of the major fires to reach any level of containment.  The containment lines established are in the corner of the fire facing towards Fairbanks. With drier and gustier weather predicted, protection of…

Munger Shaw Fire: Crews Work to Keep Flames Extinguished

CANYON, Minn. – Crews watch over burnt lowlands to ensure hotspots from the Munger Shaw wildfire stay extinguished. According to St. Louis County data, the Munger Shaw wildfire is around 50% contained as of Saturday morning. The fire, first reported on Wednesday, has burned around 1,600 acres near the Town of Canyon.  Residents living on Munger Shaw Road and Three…

Camp House and Jenkins Creek Wildfires Burn Slow, But Just Miles Apart

The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team said at Thursday's press conference that the fires are not contained, but their growth is slow

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team officials say the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires have not grown as of Thursday, but remain just miles from one another. At a press conference held Thursday at the Two Harbors Fire Department, authorities provided the latest update on the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires. Collectively referred to…

Cirrus’ “Safe Return” Button Now On More Airplanes

DULUTH, Minn. – Cirrus Aircraft has announced their auto-land function is now coming to some of their propeller airplanes. The “safe return” button on the plane allows passengers to hit an emergency button if the pilot become incapacitated.  The aircraft will then the navigate to a suitable nearby airport and land autonomously.  It’s the first time the FAA has allowed…

Cirrus Announces SR Series G7+ Featuring Safe Return™

DULUTH, Minn. — Cirrus Aircraft has announced their “auto-land” function is now coming to some of their propeller airplanes. The “safe return” button on the plane allows passengers to hit an emergency button if the pilot become incapacitated… The aircraft will the navigate to a suitable nearby airport and land on its own. It’s the first time FAA has allowed…

United Airlines to add new flight from Duluth

United Airlines Logo DULUTH, Minn. – United Airlines will add a fourth daily flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning June 1 through July 30, 2025. The added flight comes ahead of the previously scheduled increase, which was set to begin July 1 and continue through October. In a news release Executive Director of the Duluth International Airport Tom…

Packers Preseason On FOX 21

You will be able to see all of the Green Bay Packers Preseason Games once again on FOX 21. The schedule was just officially released. The pre-season games are: 7 p.m. CT Saturday, Aug. 9 vs New York Jets Noon CT Saturday, Aug. 16 at Indianapolis Colts 3 p.m. CT Saturday, Aug. 23 vs Seattle Seahawks. Categories: Entertainment, Professional Sports,…

Burn area acreage reduced

Smoke from the Camp House Fire seen above the trees along Highway 16 near Highway 44. DULUTH, Minn. – As of Thursday morning (5/1/2025), the burning area of the Brimson Complex wildfire (Camp House/Jenkins combined) has changed due to drone mapping. The Camp House fire’s burning estimate is 14,979 acres and the Jenkins Creek fire estimate is 15,571 acres. The…

Munger Shaw Wildfire Shuts Down Roads, Prompts Evacuations into Thursday

CANYON, Minn. – Thursday’s weather forecast prompts evacuation requests for some residents near the Munger Shaw wildfire, sheriffs say. The Munger Shaw wildfire, burning roughly 45 minutes north of Duluth, showed only “minimal growth” on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Traffic continued to be limited or blocked throughout the day on Munger Shaw, Three Lakes, and…

Air quality alert extended for northeast Minnesota

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. The Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires in the Superior National Forest remain active and will continue to produce heavy ground-level smoke through Thursday. The affected area includes International Falls, Hibbing,…

Superior National Forest Closing Areas Around Brimson Due To Fire

Superior National Forest Brimson Complex Fire Area Closure DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the Brimson Complex fires (Camp House & Jenkins Creek fires) on the Superior National Forest (SNF) is closing a portion of the Laurentian Ranger District. Forest Supervisor Tom Hall elected to close visitor entry at campsites, recreation sites, trails, roads and lakes. The areas including range from near…

140 Structures Destroyed In Camp House Fire

Camp House Fire Damage BRIMSON, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say, as of Tuesday afternoon, “approximately 140 structures” have been destroyed in the Camp House wildfire. The fire has spread to more than 12,000 acres. The road closure on Hwy 44 from Rollins Road (Hugo’s Bar) to Townline Road is still in effect. Sheriff’s deputies and the…

Regional Group To Take Over Minnesota Wildfire Fighting

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. That will change the morning of Wednesday, May 14. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team will assume…

80 Wildfires Around Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in a news release says since Sunday (May 11), firefighters have responded to approximately 80 wildfires throughout Minnesota. Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) Three big wildfires are burning in Northeast Minnesota. As of Tuesday morning the information on the fires include: Camp House Fire Developed May 11, 2025. Currently 11,778  acres…

Lowell Elementary Teacher Named 2025 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher

Lowell Elementary teacher Megan Bennett, center, reacts after being named the 2025 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Monday, May 12, 2025, at Lincoln Park Middle School. (Adelle Wellens, Duluth Public Schools) DULUTH, Minn. – Lowell Elementary first grade Spanish teacher Megan Bennett was named this year’s Goldfine Gold Star Teacher during a ceremony Monday, Manley and Lillian Goldfine established the Goldfine…

Air Quality Alert Due To Wildfires In Northeast Minnesota

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Monday, May 12, through Tuesday, May 13, for northeast Minnesota  

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota due to the wildfires in the area. Air Quality Alert (May 12 – May 13, 2025) Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category or worse. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ely is in the middle of the Purple zone…

Minnesota National Guard Called to Help Fight Wildfires

ST. PAUL, Minn, – Governor Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance to help fight the Camp House wildfire in northern Minnesota. He signed an executive order for the National Guard to assist the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center with fire suppression efforts and assets. Governor Walz said in a news release, “Wildfires in northern Minnesota…

Hazing Investigation At Superior High School

UPDATE: The Wisconsin Dells Police Chief tells FOX 21 that his agency is investigating an “incident involving juveniles” that was referred to them by the Superior Police Department, but did not confirm the incident was regarding the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. SUPERIOR, Wis. – FOX 21 has received tips about possible hazing regarding the Superior High School boys…

42 People Displaced After Fire in Moose Lake

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – 42-people were displaced early in the morning of May 9, 2025 after an apartment fire. Moose Lake Fire District firefighters says they responded to Hillside Manor West and discovered a smoke filled building. An apartment on third floor had a small kitchen fire but the sprinklers system had extinguished it. There were no injuries. There was…

Front Of Building Collapses in Eveleth

EVELETH, Minn. – The front of an apartment building in Eveleth collapsed the morning of May 8, 2025. The front of Essling Apartments in Eveleth collapsed The Friends of the Northland FireWire says the incident occurred around 11:00am at the Essling Apartments at the corner of Jones Street and Adams Avenue near downtown Eveleth. No injuries have been reported. The…

Nate Bargatze Breaks Elton John’s AMSOIL Attendance Record

DULUTH, Minn. – Comedian Nate Bargatze made history May 8, 2025 breaking AMSOIL Arena all-time attendance record with an unprecedented 7,840 tickets sold. Nate Bargatze Big Dub Eyes Tour Artwork Bargatze’s “Big Dumb Eyes” world tour kicked off its U.S. leg at Duluth’s AMSOIL Arena. The Grammy-nominated comedian’s performance surpassed the previous attendance record held by music legend Elton John. John’s…

Small Campfire Spreads To Home

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A small campfire spread and started a cabin on fire plus the burned some surrounding woods. It happened on May 8th, 2025 around 3:00pm on the 4500 Block of Serenity Point Road, in Greenwood Township. The cabin was a total loss. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says multiple fire departments responded and were able to…

New Pope Is An American

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Catholic cardinals broke with tradition Thursday and elected the first U.S. pope, making Chicago-born missionary Robert Prevost the 267th pontiff to lead the Catholic Church in a moment of global turmoil and conflict. Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order who spent his career ministering in Peru, took the name Leo XIV. In his first…

Grandma’s Marathon Apparel Discount Warehouse Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – Your chance to get Grandma’s Marathon apparel at a discounted price is on Friday, May 9, 2025. Grandma’s Marathon is holding its “Warehouse Apparel Sale”. Grandma’s Marathon and Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) gear and apparel will be for sale at blowout prices. They will have a “Fill the Gear Bag” sale. For $25, shoppers will receive an…

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…

Minnesota DNR Releases Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northwest Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Lake of the Woods area: Walleye and sauger are the most important sport fish in Lake of the Woods, and as such those populations…

Minnesota DNR Releases Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northeast Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Duluth Area: The St. Louis River Estuary provides exceptional fishing opportunities for walleye and other species such as muskellunge, smallmouth bass, black crappie and…