Site Staff, Author at Fox21Online

Biden Reveals 9 Ambassador Nominations, Including Duluth Native Thomas Nides

June 15, 2021

Site Staff, KQDS Staff,

(courtesy: United States Department of State) DULUTH, Minn. (Fox) – President Biden unveiled a slate of nominations for nine ambassadorial positions on Tuesday, including a Duluth native to serve as U.S. ambassador to Israel. Thomas Nides, a Morgan Stanley executive and former senior State Department official, has been tapped to hold the key diplomatic post. On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Senator…

Traffic Advisories for the 45th Annual Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

June 15, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Motorists can expect a number of road closures and heavier-than-normal traffic as thousands of runners and visitors descend on Duluth and the surrounding area for the 45th annual Grandma’s Marathon this weekend. “We encourage anyone traveling to town for our event to do so as early as possible this week,” Race Director Greg Haapala said. “If you can…

Hills Youth Services to Close July 2 in Duluth

June 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth announced it will close July 2. In a letter the president and CEO cited costs, the “State’s inaction on rate adjustments,” and the COVID-19 pandemic. The group also announced the closure of their East Bethel facility. Below is the full letter from the president and CEO. Dear Friends: It is with…

One Severely Injured in Cloquet Apartment Fire

June 14, 2021

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – One person was severely injured in a Sunday morning apartment fire in Cloquet according to the Cloquet Fire Department. Fire crews responded to the area of 810 Cloquet Avenue around 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Upon arrival crews found an apartment filled full of smoke and learned a victim was possibly trapped inside. Firefighters were able to locate…

Former NFL Player, Poplar Native, Charged With Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child

June 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former NFL football player and Poplar native, Tom Burke, 44, has been arrested and charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct of a 7-year-old girl. According to the criminal complaint, St. Louis County dispatch received a call from a “distraught adult female” in February who said the young victim told her “I need to tell you something that’s…

One Seriously Injured in Cass County ATV Crash

June 14, 2021

Site Staff,

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities say one person was seriously injured in a Saturday evening ATV crash in Cass County. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a crash with injuries just after 6:00 p.m. Saturday on the Pikus Forest Road in Smokey Hollow Township in rural Outing, MN. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a…

Governor Walz Calls Special Session to Complete State Budget

June 11, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is calling a special session of the Minnesota State Legislature beginning Monday to complete the two-year state budget. On Monday, he will also sign an executive order that extends Minnesota’s peacetime emergency for 30 days to allow Minnesota to maintain vaccination sites and the eviction moratorium. “Minnesota is in a good place in our…

Gov. Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Paramedic Troy Boettcher

June 11, 2021

Site Staff,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on Monday, June 14, in honor and remembrance of paramedic Troy Boettcher. He died in a dump truck-ambulance crash in Lawrence Township near Grand Rapids Tuesday. “Troy Boettcher was an outstanding paramedic, who was…

Duluth Fire Department Warns of Dangerous Swimming Conditions Today

June 11, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Due to a high risk of rip currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning of dangerous swimming conditions for Park Point beaches effective immediately and continuing until 10 a.m. tomorrow. This warning means that wind and wave conditions can support strong rip currents. Rip currents develop randomly along the entire Park Point beachfront. Rip currents form…

‘Great Minnesota Get Together’ Officially Happening this Summer, Masks Not Required

The Minnesota State Fair is Happening August 26 - Labor Day, September 6

June 11, 2021

Site Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Fair is officially back this summer after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fair officials made the announcement Friday. At this time, the State Fair does not expect there will be daily attendance limits. Face masks will not be required, but are “strongly” encouraged for those who are not fully…

Boundary Waters Fire Near Tower Fully Contained

June 11, 2021

Site Staff,

BWCAW-A 21-acre wildfire in the Boundary Waters has been stopped from going any further. The fire started last Friday near Hassel Lake 10 miles northeast of Tower. It’s believed a lightning strike started the blaze. “This morning firefighters will patrol the fire area one more time to make sure that the conditions have not changed,” a statement read. “Minimum impact…

Hibbing Man Hit With Murder Charge In 2017 Homicide

June 10, 2021

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – A Hibbing man charged in the death of a woman in 2017 has been hit with a new charge in the case: second-degree murder. 51-year-old Blake Stangel was also charged about two weeks ago with second-degree manslaughter. He’s charged in connection to the 2017 Hibbing homicide of 71-year-old Courtney Fenske. Court documents say Fenske was found dead…

Strength in the Community Scholarship: Eleisa Boles

Fox 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship Fund Provides Financial Assistance to Deserving Students in the Fox 21 Viewing Area

June 10, 2021

Site Staff,

Categories: Community, Strength in the Community

Minnesota State Capitol Reopening to the Public Ahead of Special Session

Thursday Marks the First Reopening to the Public Since the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic

June 10, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Capitol will start welcoming visitors once again on Thursday. It had been closed since the early days of the pandemic. Thursday’s reopening comes just one week after the fence around the capitol was fully removed. It was installed in response to the riots following the death of George Floyd and was even beefed…

Man Drowns In St. Louis River While Trying To Rescue 2 Children

June 9, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The body of a man who tried to save two children from drowning, which included one of his own, was found off Boy Scout Landing Wednesday evening on the St. Louis River, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The victim is Kevin Ingles, 31, of Superior. His body was recovered at 5:20 p.m. The call…

Wildfire in Boundary Waters Continues to Grow

June 9, 2021

Site Staff,

BWCAW-A wildfire in a portion of the Boundary Waters has now grown to 21 acres. The fire near Hassel Lake, which is 10 miles northeast of Tower, was between 10-12 acres yesterday. Fire officials say the increase in size is due to more accurate mapping of the blaze on the ground. “Fire crews were able to approach the fire’s edge…

Oil Pipeline Foes Protest Enbridge’s Line 3 in Minnesota

June 7, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

(Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP) SOLWAY, Minn. (AP) — Hundreds of protesters chanting “Stop Line 3!” and “Water is life!” gathered at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota on Monday, vowing to do whatever it takes to stop a Canadian-based company’s plan to replace an aging pipeline that carries oil from Alberta to Wisconsin. Environmental and tribal groups say…

Natalie Noury

REPORTER

June 7, 2021

Site Staff,

Contact Natalie at nnoury@kqdsfox21.tv Categories: Reporters

Duluth East Boys Hockey Coach Mike Randolph Addresses His Resignation in Friday Press Conference

June 4, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth East Boys Hockey Coach Mike Randolph held a Friday morning news conference to address his sudden resignation as head coach of the Duluth East boys hockey team. Randolph has coached hockey for the past 36 years, 32 of them with Duluth East. During the Friday news conference, Randolph said he wanted to focus more on the positives than…

Movies in the Park Returning to Leif Erikson Park, 2021 Lineup Announced

June 3, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Movies in the Park is returning to Leif Erikson Park next month. The Greater Downtown Council announced the 2021 movies line-up on Thursday with The Land Before Time kicking off the season at sunset on July 9. After some robust online voting, eight movies shot to the top as fan favorites to be shown at the park…

Minnesota Reports 238 New COVID-19 Cases, 10 Deaths Thursday

June 3, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported 238 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 more deaths Thursday. The state has now seen daily case counts under 300 for four of the last seven days. The 238 newly reported cases were out of 9,706 tests, a 2.5% positivity rate, according to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health. Minnesota’s seven-day average…

More Felony Sexual Assault Charges Filed Against Former Superior Gymnastics Coach

June 3, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – More sexual assault charges have been filed against former Superior gymnastics coach George Deppa, 47, who is already accused of sexually assaulting three teens he previously coached. The newest complaint charges Deppa with two counts of felony first-degree sexual conduct. According to court documents, the victim told authorities that between the ages of 8 and 10 Deppa…

26-Year-Old Lioness Shanti Deva Dies at Wildcat Sanctuary

June 3, 2021

Site Staff,

SANDSTONE, Minn. – The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone announced Thursday morning that its 26-year-old lioness matriarch named Shanti Deva has passed away. Shanti Deva came to the sanctuary in 2006 when she was rescued from an auction at the now-closed Catskill game farm in (courtesy: The Wildcat Sanctuary) New York by an animal watchdog group. The sanctuary says Shanti Deva…

Volunteers Needed for Annual Flower Planting in Downtown Duluth

June 2, 2021

Site Staff,

BY LAUREN AKABORI, Fox 21 Reporter DULUTH, Minn.-Volunteers are still needed to help plant flowers in downtown Duluth as a part of the Clean and Safe Team’s 18th annual “Dig in for the Downtown Waterfront.” Nearly a dozen volunteers came out to help plant flowers in the 100 empty streetscape planters in the downtown area today. Volunteers are still needed…

Donors Needed for Blood Drive on Thursday at AMSOIL Arena

June 2, 2021

Site Staff,

BY LAUREN AKABORI, Fox 21 Reporter DULUTH, Minn.-As the pandemic continues the need for blood donations across the country is growing. The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at AMSOIL Arena through Thursday. There were 50 donation appointments booked for Wednesday and more blood donors are needed for tomorrow’s event. “I started with the Red Cross almost a…

Pizza Ranch Announces Mid-June Opening

June 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, Pizza Ranch announced on their Facebook page they will be opening their doors later this month. The restaurant, which will be located at the former Lucky’s 13 Pub space at the Miller Hill Mall, wrote on their Facebook page they will officially be open for business on Monday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. For the…

One Arrested in Cass County Shots Fired Incident

June 1, 2021

Site Staff,

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a 25-year-old male has been arrested in connection to a Tuesday morning shots fired incident. Deputies responded to reports of several shots fired at individuals around 10:32 a.m. in the Sugar Point area of Gould Township. When authorities arrived at the scene they spoke with the caller who was reported…

Suspect Arrested in 2017 Hibbing Homicide

June 1, 2021

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – Authorities say a suspect has been arrested and charged in connection to the 2017 Hibbing homicide of 71-year-old Courtney Fenske. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Blake Stangel was charged Friday with second-degree manslaughter, He is currently being held at the St.Louis County Jail on $100,000 bail. Court documents say Fenske was found dead…

Teen Arrested for Aggravated Robbery in Duluth

June 1, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say an 18-year-old male was arrested Monday after robbing an individual at the Northland Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. According to the police, the incident happened just after 4:00 p.m. The victim told authorities that the teen threatened him with a machete and stole his backpack. The victim was able to take pictures of the suspect during…

Governor Walz Appoints Shawn Pearson to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy

May 28, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Friday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Shawn Pearson as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. “I am proud to appoint Shawn Pearson to the Sixth Judicial District bench,” said Governor Walz. “Mr. Pearson brings a wealth and depth of experience and steadfast leadership to the bench. I have…

Superior Armed Robbery, Shoplifting Suspect Formally Charged

May 28, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Authorities say the male suspect arrested in Duluth Wednesday in connection to an armed robbery and shoplifting incident in Superior has been formally charged. Norman Wayne Cutbank, 25, of Duluth is charged with one count of armed robbery with use of force, one count of attempted armed robbery with threat of force, and one count of attempting…

One Injured in Virginia House Fire

May 28, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Facebook/Northland FireWire) VIRGINIA, Minn. – One person was hospitalized after a house fire in Virginia Thursday evening. According to reports from the Northland FireWire, the fire was reported around 7:30 p.m. on the 300 block of First Street North. The fire was contained in the kitchen and living room of the house. The sole woman occupant was taken to…

Groundbreaking Held for Ely Schools Renovation Project

May 28, 2021

Site Staff,

1/2 Show Caption Hide Caption 2/2 Show Caption Hide Caption ELY, Minn. – On Thursday, the groundbreaking was held for the $20 million expansion project for Ely Public Schools. The project will include a new structure that connects the elementary and high schools, and renovations of the existing school buildings which will include building a new gym, cafeteria, media center,…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Park Point Beaches

May 27, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches effective immediately until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach…

Governor Walz Launches ‘Your Shot to Summer’ Campaign to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations

May 27, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, Governor Walz announced a vaccine incentive campaign called “Your Shot to Summer” to encourage Minnesotans to get their COVID-19 vaccine by July 1. The governor’s office said in a Thursday news release, “The first 100,000 Minnesotans who get their first shot between May 27 and June 30 will be able to choose the reward…

Minnesota DNR: Mesabi Metallics Mineral Leases Now Terminated

May 27, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, the Minnesota DNR released a statement saying they have now terminated the state mineral leases with Mesabi Metallics. The DNR says they “will follow up with the company on next steps regarding any equipment that may need to be removed from the properties previously under mineral lease.” No decisions have been made on future…

Superior Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested in Duluth

May 27, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police say the suspect in a Wednesday evening armed robbery and shoplifting incident was located and arrested in Duluth following a short pursuit from Superior. Authorities say officers responded to a CVS located at North 28th Street and Tower Avenue around 5:45 p.m. on reports of an armed robbery. Police say the suspect had robbed the…

Essentia Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

May 27, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Thursday morning that it is moving to ease visitation guidelines as COVID-19 positivity rates decrease in the community. Starting today, two adult visitors per patient will be allowed in Essentia clinic and hospital settings, including emergency departments. Some surgical and procedural spaces may have special instructions that will be communicated to patients prior to…

Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff In Honor of Conservation Officer Grell

May 26, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all State and Federal buildings in Minnesota on Friday in honor of Conservation Officer Sarah Grell. “Sarah Grell was an outstanding Conservation Officer, who was highly regarded and respected by her colleagues and her community, serving the people…

Most City of Duluth Buildings to Reopen June 1

May 26, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Wednesday that most city buildings will reopen to the public on June 1. The following buildings will again be open to the public beginning on June 1: City Hall Mt. Royal and West Duluth Branch Libraries Public Safety Building Comfort Systems City officials say that Duluth Fire Stations will continue to operate…

Superior Gymnastics Coach Charged with Sexually Assaulting Third Teenager

May 26, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A third teenage girl has come forward saying she was sexually assaulted by the Superior gymnastics coach charged earlier this month with sexually assaulting two teens he previously coached at Twin Ports Gymnastics. George Deppa Jr., 47, is charged with an additional count of felony sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age. Earlier this…

Police Responding to Shooting in Downtown San Jose by VTA Maintenance Yard

May 26, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: CNN) (CNN) – Police in San Jose, California, are responding to a shooting downtown near Younger Avenue and San Pedro Street, according to a tweet from the San Jose Police Department. Units are currently at the scene of a shooting in the area of Younger Av and San Pedro St. This is still an active scene and we ask…

Duluth Police Arrest Second Suspect in Fatal Downtown Shooting

May 26, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police announced Wednesday morning that a second suspect wanted in Saturday’s fatal downtown shooting has been arrested. According to police, Laurel Ladd, 25, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday after investigators identified an address on East Village View Drive in the Harbor Highlands as a possible location for Ladd. Ladd was located at the address and…

Minnesota Reports 256 New COVID-19 Cases, 11 More Deaths Tuesday

May 25, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 256 new COVID-19 cases and 11 more deaths Tuesday. According to officials, the state has seen 599,477 cases and 7,381 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have continued to fall, with 96 patients in the ICU and 272 in the hospital but not the ICU, as of Tuesday. …

Conservation Officer Killed While on Duty Is Identified

May 25, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have identified the state conservation officer who died while on duty when a semi struck her pickup truck in Itasca County. Sarah Grell, 39, of Cohasset, was killed Monday morning while driving north of Grand Rapids, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The patrol says Grell’s pickup was hit broadside by the…

17-Year-Old Charged in Fatal Downtown Duluth Shooting

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – Patrick Battees Jr., the 17-year-old male charged with second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old male Saturday night in downtown Duluth, is said to have been involved in a fight prior to the shooting. Court documents say officers reviewed surveillance footage from the night of the shooting which showed the teen pulling a gun…

St. Louis County Offices to Fully Re-Open June 1

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – All St. Louis County offices will be reopening to the public on June 1. St. Louis County officials said in a Monday news release that as of June 1 all departments will be open for walk-in service from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. According to the news release, people going to the St. Louis…

Brevator Township Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Fond du Lac Reservation Fatal Shooting

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Brevator Township man charged with murder for shooting his friend at his home in November 2019 has been sentenced 86 months in prison. Thomas Allen Micklewrigh, 45, pleaded guilty in March to fatally shooting his friend 65-year-old James Arthur Couture at his home located at the 3500 block of Brevator Road. When police arrived on the…

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Tigers, Lions Seized From Oklahoma Tiger King Park

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

SANDSTONE, Minn. – On Monday the Wildcat Sanctuary announced they had accepted several tigers, lions, and hybrid big cats that were seized last week by the U.S Department of Justice from the Tiger King Park. During a large-scale rescue effort, 69 protected lions, tigers, lion-tiger hybrids, and a jaguar were seized from the park after it was found that the…

Poll: Over 1 Billion People Worldwide Unwilling to Get COVID-19 Vaccine, Global Herd Immunity at Risk

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON – A recent Gallup poll estimated that more than 1 billion people across the globe were unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine during the first year of the pandemic, making it harder for the world to reach herd immunity. Researchers surveyed 116 countries and calculated only 68% of adults were willing to get inoculated, still below the 70-90% scientists believe is needed to…