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Lester River Sawmill Changes Ownership After 42 Years

The Lester River Sawmill in Rice Lake Township has been a long supplier of locally harvested timber products for Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

RICE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn.–A locally owned sawmill, that’s been around since 1980, has changed ownership and there’s plans to expand it’s product. The Lester River Sawmill in Rice Lake Township has been a long supplier of locally harvested timber products for Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. New owner Will Feyder has a background in mechanical engineering. He’s keeping the operational side…

Duluth Shelter Sees Several Animals Abandoned Outside, Says Abuse And Neglect Of Pets Is Rising

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies says it’s seeing a disturbing trend pick up: more abuse and neglect cases of Northland pets. The Duluth-based animal shelter made two posts on Facebook just this week about pets being abandoned. In the first post, they wrote that two puppies were discovered taped up in a dirty box on the side of the road….

After Midterms, States Weighing Abortion Protections, Bans

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Democrats hope to use their newfound political control in some states to guarantee that women have access to abortion, while some GOP strongholds may temper their efforts to deepen restrictions after poorer-than-expected results in the midterms. Even after their gains this month, Democrats lack the power to codify abortion rights into federal law. That puts the abortion debate squarely on the…

Downtown Duluth: Small Business Saturday Specials

DULUTH, Minn. — If you plan on participating in Small Business Saturday on November 26, Downtown Duluth released a list of member businesses who are participating. A Place for Fido: 10am to 9pm, Raffle entry with purchase Bookstore at Fitger’s: 10am to 9pm, 3 Book signings, Grand Prize drawing Canal Park Gifts: 10am to 5pm, Holiday treats and 15% off select…

Coffee Conversation: Vineyard Church to hold Blue Christmas Service

DULUTH, Minn. — The Vineyard Church to hold a Blue Christmas Service for those dealing with loss and grief this holiday season. Associate Pastors, Brian Brinkert and Becca Eastvold, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the meaning behind this service. The event will be held Sunday, December 4 at 6pm at their Arrowhead location at 1533 W….

Thanksgiving 2022: What’s Closed, What’s Open And Where To Dine

(FOX 9) — For years, major retailers like Walmart and Target opened their doors on Thanksgiving, giving shoppers a head start on Black Friday madness or a place to buy last-minute items for the dinner table. The pandemic has led to a change in that trend. In 2020, companies announced they were closing their stores on Thanksgiving to give overworked retail workers some much-needed rest….

Walmart Manager Opens Fire In Break Room, Killing 6

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) — A Walmart manager opened fire on fellow employees in the break room of a Virginia store, killing six people in the country’s second high-profile mass shooting in four days, police and a witness said Wednesday. The gunman, who apparently shot himself, was dead when police found him, Chesapeake Police Chief Mark G. Solesky said. There was…

Glensheen Mansion Hosts Christmas Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — At the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, members got an exclusive preview of the Christmas decorations displayed in every room around the beautiful estate. Embracing the tradition of a magnificent Christmas at the house… the 5-level mansion has its halls decked head-to-toe with decorations and even 27 full-sized trees. Guests can visit the jolly mansion during the tours…

The DECC Is Prepping For Thanksgiving

Thousands of people expected for Thursday's annual meal

DULUTH, Minn — It’s a job that some people may not like. For others it’s the exact opposite John McDonald, a chef at Mid Coast Catering is one person who enjoys potato peeling. McDonald said, “There’s something Zen about peeling potatoes, you know, it just makes the time fly by. So, if you enjoy peeling potatoes or enjoy helping others,…

School In Cloquet Recognized Nationally For Academic Improvement And Success

Cloquet, MINN. — The Churchill Elementary School in Cloquet held a celebration on Tuesday after it was recognized as one of the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. It’s one of 297 in the country, and one of eight in Minnesota. The honor goes to schools that have made progress in narrowing the achievement gaps among their students, or have overall…

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – House fires killed 16 people in Minnesota over the holiday season last year, 12 taking place between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fire risks rise during the winter months due to an increase of heating, lighting, and cooking. The first level of safety is to have alerting equipment such as carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are installed on every…

Vacant Superior Council Seat To Be Filled In April Special Election

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior city councilors voted Tuesday to wait until a special election in April to fill now-former councilor Warren Bender’s seat who resigned suddenly a week ago. Bender cited a medical issue for leaving his 3rd District council seat after 15 years. He also apologized to anyone he inadvertently hurt. The letter of resignation came after a police…

‘Abusive Clergy List’ Released By Catholic Diocese Of Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. —  The Catholic Diocese of Superior released its list late Tuesday of “abusive clergy who have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.” The list of 23 names comes after three clergy file reviews over the past year, including one by an independent security consulting firm, according to Dan Blank, the director of administrative services at the…

Dec. 8 Concert At Pier B To Benefit ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Organization

DULUTH, Minn.–If you like Christmas, live music, and helping others, there’s a fundraiser event happening at Pier B Resort Hotel on Dec. 8. The Laura Velvet Band and Big Wave Dave and the Ripples are hosting a fundraising concert. All proceeds will benefit Best Christmas Ever, which is a non-profit that helps bring joy to nominated families who have fallen…

Biden To Extend Student Loan Pause As Court Battle Drags On

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that his administration will extend a pause on federal student loan payments while the White House fights a legal battle to save his plan to cancel portions of the debt. “It isn’t fair to ask tens of millions of borrowers eligible for relief to resume their student debt payments while the courts consider…

Supreme Court OKs Handover Of Trump Tax Returns To Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for the imminent handover of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns to a congressional committee after a three-year legal fight. The court, without comment, rejected Trump’s plea for an order that would have prevented the Treasury Department from giving six years of tax returns for Trump and some of his businesses…

US Renews Push For COVID Boosters As Data Show They Protect

(AP) — Americans who got the updated COVID-19 booster shots are better protected against symptomatic infection than those who haven’t — at least for now, U.S. health officials said Tuesday. Updated boosters rolled out by Pfizer and rival Moderna in September have been a hard sell for vaccine-weary Americans. Only about 13% of U.S. adults so far have gotten a…

‘It’s The Reflex’: Veteran Helped Disarm Gunman At Gay Club

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — When army veteran Rich Fierro realized a gunman was spraying bullets inside the club where he had gathered with friends and family, instincts from his military training immediately kicked in. First, he ducked to avoid any potential incoming fire, then he moved to try to disarm the shooter. “It’s the reflex. Go! Go to the…

Coffee Conversation: Rafe Carlson Presents Veterans Tribute Song

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Rafe Carlson tributes his new song, A Place To Fall, to veterans and service members. Carlson played his new song live at FOX21 and talked about the meaning behind it. Carlson is a Duluth/Hermantown native. He went on to talk about growing up in the community and his plans moving forward. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

A Rail Strike Looms And Impact On US Economy Could Be Broad

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — American consumers and nearly every industry will be affected if freight trains grind to a halt next month. One of the biggest rail unions rejected its deal Monday, joining three others that have failed to approve contracts over concerns about demanding schedules and the lack of paid sick time. That raises the risk of a strike, which could start as…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Casino Pizza & Subs Shop Under New Ownership

CLOQUET, Minn. – “Casino Pizza is about reaching the community, giving them what they had before, but improving it,” said Casino Pizza & Subs Shop Co-Owner, Tyrell Beckom. The Casino Pizza and Subs Shop in Cloquet, an establishment that has been around since 1983, is now under new ownership after business partners Lamont Hines and Tyrell Beckom took it over…

Dubh Linn Hosts World Cup Viewing Parties

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for a lively environment to watch the World Cup with some fellow soccer fans, one watering hole in downtown Duluth has you covered with several screens. The Dubh Linn Brew Pub kicked off its World Cup watch party Monday afternoon as the United States took on Wales. This is the fourth year the pub…

DIY Thanksgiving Bouquet

DULUTH, Minn. – In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Engwall Flowers hosted a Do-It-Yourself class, designing bouquet centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. The class teaches the fundamentals and design principles that go into making a homemade bouquet fit for the holiday. The lesson begins with understanding the container, establishing the foundation, and determining greenery, layout, and shape of the design. Classes…

CHUM Gives Out Bags of Thanksgiving Fixings to Local Families

CHUM is doing another give away on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanksgiving is still a few days away, but there was already a lot of gratitude Monday in Duluth. It came in the form of appreciation for a complete Thanksgiving meal that includes everything but a little elbow grease and time in the kitchen. The bags with meal fixings were passed out by the CHUM Food Shelf on…

Biden Opens Holidays, Pardons Turkeys Chocolate And Chip

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden continued a 75-year tradition Monday and pardoned a pair of Thanksgiving turkeys named after his favorite flavor of ice cream while cracking jokes about his political party’s better-than-expected performance in this month’s midterm elections. “The votes are in, they’ve been counted and verified,” Biden said as he welcomed Chocolate and Chip before hundreds of people gathered on…

Wisconsin Better Business Bureau Warns Shoppers Of Delivery Scams

WISCONSIN — Making purchases online is convenient these days, especially around the holidays. And with all of the packages delivered daily, scammers are taking advantage of online shoppers. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau says online consumers may receive a text from someone pretending to be a delivery carrier. It asks them to “update delivery preferences” by clicking on a link….

Gay Bar Shooting Suspect Facing Murder, Hate Crime Charges

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The man suspected of killing five people and injuring others at a gay bar in Colorado Springs is facing murder and hate crime charges, according to online court records obtained Monday. Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, faces five murder charges and five charges of committing a bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury, the records show. A law…

Coffee Conversation: Musician Gina Lee Performs New Song, Covers

DULUTH, Minn. — Local musician Gina Lee stopped by the morning show Monday to play one of her newest songs and a couple of covers. Check them out below!   You may have seen Lee featured on the morning show in the past because FOX 21’s Dan Hanger enjoys her tunes! Song 1 Song 2 Song 3 Categories: Coffee Conversation, Entertainment,…

Bluebird Foundation To Host ‘Christmas By The Lake’ Concert Dec. 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Tracy Lundeen, founder of the Bluebird Foundation, stopped by the morning show Monday to talk about the annual Christmas by the Lake Scholarship, Christmas by the Lake Concert and this year’s Christmas by the Lake music album.  Click the video above for more, and check out the Bluebird Foundation’s website. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Minnesota, News, News…

Biden Sending Federal Aid As NY Digs Out From Huge Snowstorm

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — President Joe Biden is sending federal aid to western New York to help state and local authorities clean up from the massive storm that dumped as much as 6 feet (1.8 meters) of snow in western and northern New York, the White House announced Monday. The emergency declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the…

Study On Deer Vehicle Crashes

MINNESOTA — It’s likely that you or someone you know has been in a crash with a deer. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin are in the top ten states in regard to the number of these types of crashes. Now a 2-year study in Minnesota is trying to reduce the chances you’ll hit a deer. Ron Moen is likely one of…

Taylor Swift Tickets Breakdown Probed By Attorneys General

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The breakdown in Ticketmaster’s sales of Taylor Swift tickets is a mess some attorneys general aren’t shaking off. With fans sharing outrage and heartache over the fruitless hours they spent trying for seats for Swift’s upcoming concert tour, top legal chiefs in Nevada, Tennessee and Pennsylvania have launched investigations into the fiasco. “Trouble, trouble, trouble,” tweeted Pennsylvania Attorney…

Police: Gunman Kills 5 At Gay Club, Is Subdued By Patrons

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire inside a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 25 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who arrived within minutes, authorities said Sunday. Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at Club Q after the Saturday night shooting, said Police…

Native American Heritage Day Celebrated At Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – Native American Heritage Day was celebrated at the Duluth Depot Saturday. In partnership with the St. Louis County Historical Society, the event saw community gathering around to learn about the history of bandolier bags and enjoy a round dance. “A round dance, traditionally, was a mourning ceremony. The idea is that everybody that passed on in the…

Superior’s Jamrock Cultural Restaurant To Relocate In Duluth

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Jamrock Cultural Restaurant has announced it’s leaving Superior to reopen a bigger location in Duluth. Owner Antonio O’Neil made the announced late Friday on the restaurant’s Facebook page. O’Neil said he is more than appreciative of Superior’s support to help get his business up and running, but that the success simply grew out of the space he…

Campbell Lumber & Supply Hosts ‘Santa Paws’ Photo Sessions To Benefit Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s that time of the year to get your festive family photos – and that includes your pets! Campbell Lumber and Supply Company in Superior once again partnered up with the Douglas County Humane Society and Lady Jane Photography to host “Santa Paws.” Pet owners of all types got a quick photo for the fridge Saturday. “All…

Live Look: Opening Night At ‘Bentleyville Tour Of Lights’

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville Tour of Lights turned on for the first time this season Saturday at 5 p.m.  Check out this live camera over Bayfront Park courtesy of DuluthHarborCam.com!  FOX 21 will have highlights from opening night tonight on FOX 21 Local News at 9. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Christmas City Of The North Parade, ‘Light Up The Plaza’ Kick Off Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people lined up along Superior Street Friday night for the 64th annual Christmas City Of The North Parade.   And before the parade kicked off, Minnesota Power hosted its “Light Up The Plaza” event, which included turning on the big tree.  Check out those highlights in the video above, and see a montage of moments from…

Deer Vehicle Crash Study

MINNESOTA — Deer crashes are very common in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. What can be done to help decrease the number of deer vehicle crashes is the subject of a study sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. There are about 4,000 deer vehicle crashes reported each year in Minnesota. However, researchers believe that number may account for only about…