News – Latest News

Superior School Board Brings Back Masks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School Board has made multiple decisions about the upcoming school year, including which students need to wear masks. The school board determined that grades k-12 will be back full-time for in-person learning. Masks will be required for all elementary school students and staff until each student is vaccinated. Masks are optional for middle and high school…

Authorities Attack Minnesota Wildfire From Air and Ground

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities are fighting a northeastern Minnesota wildfire from the air and on the ground following the evacuation of about 75 residences in the Superior National Forest. The fire was first spotted Sunday near Greenwood Lake. It has expanded to about 3.1 square miles. The Minnesota National Guard is assisting in the firefighting efforts; warm weather and gusty…

Full Business Liquidation Auction Planned for Gannucci’s

DULUTH, Minn. -West Duluth’s Gannucci’s Italian Market & Restaurant is holding a full business liquidation next week. According to a Facebook post by Nordic Auction, a full business liquidation auction will be held on Wednesday, August 25 at 301 North Central Avenue beginning at 4:00 p.m. Gannucci’s, originally named Conito’s Italian Village, was established in 1976 and was renamed Ganucci’s…

Superior School Board Votes to Require Masks for Elementary Students

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Monday, the Superior School Board voted to require masks for elementary students for the upcoming school year. Additionally, all students and staff will be required to wear a mask while using Superior public transportation. During Monday night’s meeting, the school board said they also recommend the use of school cafeterias again. Current CDC guidelines recommend universal…

Mark Pavelich Rememberance Golf Scramble

BIWABIK, Minn.– Today at Giants Ridge Golf Course in Biwabik Minnesota, members of Minnesota college hockey teams, current and former NHL players, and teammates of the 1980 Olympic gold medal team came together in memory of Mark Pavelich, who passed earlier this year after a battle to mental illness. “Mark was just a special guy, and he was a great…

Fill the Boot Campaign Returns

DULUTH, Minn.– With boots in hand, the Duluth Fire Department took the streets of the city today for the annual fill the boot campaign. The department is raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association this year after the event was canceled last year. The ‘Fill the Boot’ program has gone on for 67 years where the International Association of Fire…

US to Recommend COVID Vaccine Boosters at 8 Months

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot. The goal is to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The…

Council Approves Outsourcing Duluth’s $1.8M Tourism Marketing Contract

Councilors also voted to table a $400K contract offer to Visit Duluth to handle the city's convention sales and visitor center.

DULUTH, Minn. –  The city council made a historic vote Monday evening to approve a new $1.8 million tourism marketing contract to a firm in Minneapolis – Bellmont Partners and its partner Lawrence & Schiller — instead of Visit Duluth, which has held the job since 1935. Councilor Joel Sipress voted against the contract resolution.  Councilor Zack Filipovich abstained because…

Third Suspect Charged In St. Paul Man’s Murder After Body Found At Bottom Of Lake

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — A third person has been charged in connection to the murder of a St. Paul man whose body was found dismembered at the bottom of Lake Superior this summer. Jacob Colt Johnson, a 35-year-old from Superior, was charged with intentional but not premeditated second-degree murder in the Cook County district court on Monday. Two other suspects…

Duluth Airport Hosting Pre-check Pop-Up Event This Week

DULUTH, Minn.-This week, the Duluth Airport is inviting future passengers to enroll in the TSA pre-check screening program during a pop-up event. The program allows low-risk air travelers to go through a quicker screening process where they don’t have to remove their shoes, laptops or even take off belts. Those with the airport say it will make the traveling process…

Lake County Search and Rescue Helps First Responders in Greenwood Fire

LAKE COUNTY- Among the many first responders at the Greenwood fire staging area was the Lake County Search and Rescue squad. The medically trained volunteers were preparing their station with medical supplies, food, and water for all of the firefighters tackling the flames. Squad member Bob Norlen, a search and rescue volunteer for 46 years, is setting up for any…

Ex-Wisconsin Teacher to Pleads Guilty to Filming Students

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A former Wisconsin high school teacher accused of secretly videotaping undressed students during field trips in Wisconsin and Minnesota pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, under a plea deal with prosecutors. Thirty-nine-year-old David M. Kruchten faces six to 20 years in prison, after pleading guilty to two federal charges. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 22….

Wildfire in Northeastern Minnesota Grows to 1,500 Acres

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A rapidly growing wildfire in northeastern Minnesota has expanded to at least 1,500 acres and prompted some evacuations. The fire was spotted around 3 p.m. Sunday near Greenwood Lake, about 15 miles southwest of Isabella, in the Superior National Forest. Officials say the cause has not been determined. Authorities ordered cabin and property owners in the area…

Body of Missing Roseville Man Recovered on Sand Lake

SAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities say they located and recovered the body of a Roseville man that had been missing since Thursday on Sand Lake. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Philip Poulose and a friend were canoeing on the lake when water started to flood their canoe due to high winds. According to reports, Philip…

Midday Update 8-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 16, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson, weather

Biden to Address Nation on Deadly Chaos in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden is returning to the White House Monday to address the nation on the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan. This, as the planned withdrawal of American forces, turned deadly at Kabul’s airport Monday as thousands tried to flee Afghanistan a day after the Taliban’s takeover of the country. The White House says Biden will travel back…

Minnesota Extends $100 Vaccine Incentives for Another Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota has extended its $100 reward program for people who get their COVID-19 vaccinations by another week. Any Minnesotan age 12 or older who gets their first shot through Sunday can claim a $100 Visa gift card at mn.gov/covid19/100. Gov. Tim Walz announced the extension Sunday night, calling the incentive program a success. According to…

Morning Update 8-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 16, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson, weather

Gov. Walz Authorizes Minnesota National Guard to Assist in Minnesota Wildfire Response

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to help assist in wildfire response in Northern Minnesota. The governor’s office announced on Sunday that the authorization is made through Emergency Executive Order 21-29. “This summer, Minnesota has experienced abnormally high temperatures and a historic drought resulting in dry conditions conducive to wildfires. I am grateful…

‘Power Play Paddle Fundraiser’ Rents Paddleboards to Raise Money for Youth Hockey

The event raised roughly $500, enough to pay one hockey player’s fees for a whole year.

DULUTH, Minn.- While hockey and stand-up paddle boarding may not have a lot in common, the two banded together for the first ever Power Play Paddle Fundraiser to raise money for the Duluth Heights Hockey Association on Park Point Beach Sunday. “Duluth is so fun in the summer, and there’s so much to do and obviously this is not during…

Council To Vote Monday On Mayor’s Plan To Outsource Duluth’s Tourism Marketing

Monday’s Council meeting will remain virtual, according to Forsman, due to the county's recent spike in COVID cases.

DULUTH, Minn.- At their Monday meeting Duluth City Council is set to discuss Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to put Duluth’s next marketing contract out for bid for the first time since Visit Duluth got the job in 1935, and why the winner went to Minneapolis-based Bellmont Partners — not a local firm. Mayor Larson says she believes Bellmont Partners is…

Duluth Fire Responds To Overturned Sailboat off Park Point

The boat belonged to the Duluth Superior Sailing Association, and officials there said they train young sailors how to overturn a flipped boat.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind gusts over 30 miles an hour Sunday made sailing a little difficult, resulting in a water emergency call on the bay-side of Park Point. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department Marine 1 and Marine 19 responded to a sailboat that flipped with the report of a person struggling in the water. The boat belonged…

Section Of Burning Tree Road Closing Monday For Month-Long Construction

DULUTH, Minn. — A section of Burning Tree Road is closing on Monday for the next month. The plans include pavement milling and a stormwater project. The section that will shut down runs from Maple Grove Road to Mountain Shadow Drive. There will be a detour, but crews will try to keep access open to businesses when possible. The project…

Large Wildfire Ignites 15 Miles SW Of Isabella

Some camp sites have been evacuated and closed until further notice.

Greenwood Fire/USDA Forest Service GREENWOOD LAKE, Minn.  — A large wildfire ignited around 3 p.m. Sunday near Greenwood Lake — about 15 miles southwest of Isabella, Minn. Courtesy: Karl Kaufmann The USDA Forest Service did not immediately have the current size of the fire, other than it being estimated at a couple hundred acres and moving quickly. “The Forest Service…

Taliban Sweep Into Afghan Capital After Government Collapses

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban swept into Afghanistan’s capital Sunday after the government collapsed and the embattled president joined an exodus of his fellow citizens and foreigners, signaling the end of a costly two-decade U.S. campaign to remake the country. Heavily armed Taliban fighters fanned out across the capital, and several entered Kabul’s abandoned presidential palace. Suhail Shaheen, a…

Biden Orders 1,000 More Troops to Aid Afghanistan Departure

Meanwhile an Afghan lawmaker and the Taliban say the militants have seized Jalalabad, Sunday cutting off Kabul to the east.

(Courtesy: Fox News) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden has authorized an additional 1,000 U.S. troops for deployment to Afghanistan, as the Taliban inches closer to the capital city of Kabul. That raises to roughly 5,000 the number of U.S. troops deployed to ensure what Biden is calling an “orderly and safe drawdown” of American and allied personnel. U.S. troops…

Duluth Children’s Museum Re-Opens in New Lincoln Park Location

DULUTH, Minn.– Today the Duluth Children’s Museum, the 5th oldest children’s museum in the country, finally re-opened at their new Lincoln Park location after being under construction for 2 years. The museum has never owned its own location, previously leasing space from Clyde Iron works. After that location was closed for months throughout the pandemic, staff decided it was time…

First Annual Agate Festival Held in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth MakerSpace in Lincoln Park was rocking today, literally, hosting their first annual Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival. The event featured 14 different vendors making necklaces, mugs and more all out of agates, as well a silent auction and an open house tour of the facility. The festival attracted lots of community members learning more about the state…

Range Fire Departments Train with Simulated Structure, Wildland Fire

According to Friends of the Northland Firewire, organizers said the simulated structure and wildland fire in Eagles Nest Township also included the evacuation of area residents

EAGLES NEXT TWP, Minn.- Fire departments in and around Eagles Nest Township Minnesota worked on their firefighting and evacuation skills in simulated training Sunday. According to Friends of the Northland Firewire, organizers said the simulated structure and wildland fire in Eagles Nest Township also included the evacuation of area residents. Eagles Nest fire officials told the Firewire that a key…

Zeitgeist’s Renegade Theater Company to Require Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test to Attend Shows

According to Zeitgeist, all casts and crew and staff are fully vaccinated. Capacity at Renegade Theater shows will also be reduced from 120 seats to 88.

DULUTH, Minn.- A staple of Duluth’s theater scene prepares its comeback after 18 months dark with a stronger step to curb the spike in COVID cases in the Northland. Vaccines, or a negative COVID test will be required for audience members hoping to catch a Renegade Theater Company show at Zeitgeist’s Teatro Zuccone. The Company announced that in addition to…

Fallen Duluth WWII Hero Honored With Exhibit, Documentary

Sgt. James Joseph Hubert was honored on what would have been his 100th birthday Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth native marine killed in action during World War Two was honored by his hometown and family this week after his death in 1943. Marine Sgt. James Joseph Hubert was honored on what would have been his 100th birthday Thursday with a new traveling exhibit at the St. Louis County Historical Society’s Veterans Memorial Hall. Hubert’s nephew…

Bayfront Blues Festival Kicks Off 32nd Year

Blues Fest continues through Sunday. Tickets are available at the gates for $65.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sound of the blues is flowing through Duluth again this weekend as the Bayfront Blues Festival is back for its 32nd year. The festival kicked off Friday with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Miss Myra and The Moonshiners. Tickets bought for last year’s canceled show were honored this weekend, and organizers say there were a lot of tickets…

New, Returning LSC Students Prepare For Fall Semester at Kickoff Event

LSC will be holding three fall semester kickoff events before the year starts in a little more than a week.

DULUTH, Minn.- New and returning students at Lake Superior College got a head start preparing for a fall semester in person again. LSC will be holding three fall semester kickoff events before the year starts in a little more than a week. Students can buy all their books and supplies locate their classrooms, get student IDs, and take care of…

Whoopsa Daisy Farm Now Open

DULUTH, Minn.-Whoopsa Daisy Farm in rural Duluth is now open to the public every weekend through October 10th, and includes hayrides and even a tractor playground. Above check out Fox 21 photojournalist Adam Jagunich’s story. To find out more about the farm, click here. Categories: Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Workforce Development Helping with Job Searches As Unemployment Benefits End Soon

DULUTH, Minn.- With nationwide unemployment benefits coming to an end on September 6, employment centers in the Northland are opening their doors to help those looking for work. Workforce Development at career force in Duluth is offering its resources to the public. Workforce counselors are available by appointment to help people find and apply to jobs. “A lot of people…

U of M Board of Regents Endorses COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement, Pending FDA Approval

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the decision to require students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, pending the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval. U of M President Joan Gabel made the announcement earlier this week. More details on the timing of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement will be released at a later time. Medical…

Minneapolis Police to Curb Stops for Minor Traffic Violators

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A new policy change says Minneapolis police will no longer stop motorists for minor traffic violations, such as expired tabs or an air freshener hanging from a rearview mirror. Police Chief Medaria Arrandondo in an internal memo says the move comes after examining how officers can better utilize time and resources. Critics have long argued that the…