News – Latest News

Renovations at Wrenshall Public Schools Moving Forward with Completion Set for Early Fall

Phase Two Renovations Are Set to be Complete in Late-August

WRENSHALL, Minn. – You can feel it in the air – school is almost out for the summer. It’s been a year of new adventures, hard learning curves, and trying moments, but the staff at Wrenshall Public Schools is 100 percent focused on the future. “It’s great that we’re doing it, it’s like we’re finally here,” said Kimberly Belcastro, superintendent…

Vandalism Found at Bay View Elementary School

PROCTOR, Minn.– This past weekend, Bay View Elementary School in Proctor discovered vandalism to its playground, after students worked so hard, planting and improving their yard for spring. According to the superintendent, John Engelking, it was a very disappointing discovery of the graffiti on the playground, along with multiple plants ripped up. It took multiple members of staff and about…

Volunteers Needed for Annual Flower Planting in Downtown Duluth

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

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…

Inline Marathon Celebrating 25 Year Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– The Inline Marathon announced its in-person return this summer, after holding the race virtually last year. They expect over 2,000 applicants, and announced a couple of new additions for the festival being held September 17th through the 19th. As they celebrate the races 25th anniversary, they introduced new branding, themes, and even a new race director, Zach Burns….

Local Elections New Front in Wisconsin Redistricting Battle

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — County board and local aldermanic districts in Wisconsin would remain the same next year under a bill moving quickly through the Republican-controlled Legislature. The measure introduced on Tuesday and heard by an Assembly committee on Wednesday would delay redistricting and implementation of new political boundaries for local races until at least 2023. The bill is supported…

Pizza Ranch Announces Mid-June Opening

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…

Wisconsin Republicans Block Medical Marijuana

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Legislature’s powerful budget-writing committee again blocked a Democratic attempt Wednesday to legalize marijuana for medical uses. The GOP stripped a provision legalizing medical marijuana from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ 2021-23 budget last month as the party erased hundreds of Evers’ proposals from the spending plan. Democrats on the budget committee introduced a…

Midday Update 6-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Lake Superior Zoo Spring Membership Drive Ends Today

Zoo Officials Say Memberships Pay for Themselves After Two Visits to the Facility

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a summer packed with wild fun at the Lake Superior Zoo. Happening Tuesday, June 2, the zoo will host its M.A.D. Safari member appreciation day event. There will be free train rides, floats, and behind-the-scenes tours. Zoo CEO, Haley Cope, explains the benefits of becoming a member of the Lake Superior Zoo. “Beyond the bonus perks which…

Morning Update 6-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Biden Pushes for US Voting Rights Law as Restrictions Mount

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has used the 100th anniversary of Tulsa’s race massacre to plea for sweeping legislation in Congress to protect the right to vote. Biden’s message comes as Republican-led state governments pass new restrictions making it tougher to cast ballots. Biden called out lawmakers in Congress — including two senators in his own party — for…

Mike Randolph Resigns as Head Coach of Duluth East Boys Hockey Team

His 658 career coaching victories rank third all-time in state history.

DULUTH, Minn. – For over three decades, Mike Randolph has been a staple of the Duluth East boys hockey team. But Tuesday, we learned some shocking news that is sure to impact not only prep hockey in the Northland, but in the entire state as well. FOX 21 has confirmed that Mike Randolph is resigning as head coach of the…

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Plan to Remove Dredging Debris from Park Point

In the past nine months, surveyors have discovered a gallon of mostly rocks and wood but also taconite pellets, nails, and other man made fragments.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Duluth have announced a plan to cleanup aluminum and tin metal fragments from Park Point Beach. The Corps had spread dredged sediment the help rebuild the beach washing away on Minnesota Point — but it left shards of decades old aluminum cans mixed into the sand. Since then…

Shorty’s Abruptly Shuts Down, Cites ‘Huge Shortage of Labor’

Due to a shortage of staff, owners say they couldn't deliver the experience they say they used to -- a problem that is affecting businesses throughout Superior and beyond.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The popular Shorty’s Pizza and Smoked Meats in Superior meats has abruptly shut down, just months after being featured again on the Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.” The once bustling kitchen and busy dining area — now a dark, closed down building on Tower Avenue. “It was just out of nowhere,” said Catrina Wuolu, a 20-year Superior…

Duluth Candy Company Grand Opening is Today

DULUTH, Minn-Duluth Candy Company is holding its grand opening today under its new ownership. The popcorn was popping all morning and the shelves were stocked and ready for all the customers excited to return to the business that was forced to close last December.  Those who stopped by were given a sample of the caramel apple pie popcorn as well…

One Arrested in Cass County Shots Fired Incident

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…

Chauvin Faces Hearing on Federal Charges in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in last year’s death of George Floyd is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court for allegedly violating Floyd’s civil rights. Derek Chauvin is scheduled to appear in court via video conference Tuesday from Minnesota’s maximum-security prison in Oak Park Heights, where he’s being held as he…

Suspect Arrested in 2017 Hibbing Homicide

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…

Midday Update 6-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Guard Sues Minnesota State Patrol for Arrest During Protests

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Black man who worked as a security guard for a CNN crew covering protests in Minneapolis following George Floyd’s death last summer is suing two Minnesota State Patrol officers, accusing them of violating his civil rights and unlawful detention, his attorneys announced Tuesday. The lawsuit was filed in federal court last Thursday on behalf of Michael Cooper, a…

Moderna Seeks Full FDA Approval for Its Vaccine

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — American pharmaceutical company Moderna says it has begun the process to win full U.S. regulatory approval for the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in adults. Moderna announced Tuesday it has begun a “rolling submission” to the Food and Drug Administration of data from its studies of the two-dose vaccine. Moderna’s vaccine already has been cleared for emergency…

Morning Update 6-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

COVID-19 Hospitalizations at Their Lowest Level in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Hospitalizations due to the COVID-19 virus are at their lowest recorded levels in Wisconsin, a 92% drop from the peak less than seven months ago. The Wisconsin Hospital Association said that as of Monday, there were 186 people reported as hospitalized statewide due to the virus. The previous low was 192 people on April 2, the first…

Teen Arrested for Aggravated Robbery in Duluth

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…

Veterans, Active Servicemen in Community Take Time to Remember Fallen on Memorial Day

Veterans and active duty military members in the Northland observed Memorial Day from work -- some in jobs that keep our community running and safe.

DULUTH, Minn.- While different events honored those who gave their lives for our country, veterans and active duty military members in the Northland observed Memorial Day from work — some in jobs that keep our community running and safe. Across the country at 3 p.m. Taps Across America events held a moment of silence and presented the colors honoring service…

Duluth Huskies Fans Excited to be ‘Out to Ballgame’ Again

It was Huskies gear as far as the eye could see and the smell of popcorn in the air at Wade Stadium Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The grandstands were packed as plenty of Duluth Huskies fans got to sing “take me out to the ballgame” again after not seeing games for two years. It was Huskies gear as far as the eye could see and the smell of popcorn in the air at Wade Stadium Monday night. One super-fan was overjoyed to be back,…

Firefighters Share Grill Safety Tips Ahead of Summer Barbecue Season

Charcoal should also be stored in a dry area because if it gets wet and need to be dried charcoal can be heat sensitive.

DULUTH, Minn.- With Memorial Day being the unofficial kickoff to summer, many break out and fire up the grill for the season, so the Duluth Fire Department wants to remind the public of proper grill safety. According to state rules open flames are prohibited on decks of apartments with three or more dwelling units. Firefighters also say to be cautious…

Grandmothers and Veterans for Peace Gathered to Map Out War Spending

DULUTH, Minn. — In Duluth on the Lake Walk today, Grandmothers for Peace and Veterans for Peace gathered to draw attention to both the human and financial costs of war. They set up signs citing numbers from a Brown University study called “The Costs of War Project” that analyzed how many people have been affected by conflicts and how much…

Gary New Duluth Memorial Day Ceremony Takes Place Virtually Due to COVID-19

The 2021 Ceremony is Free to Watch Via YouTube

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second year in a row, the Gary New Duluth Memorial Day Ceremony took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly a dozen guest speakers came together to prerecord the annual ceremony which was published for the community to view on YouTube. Their message was simple, yet heartfelt — thanking the men and women in…

Visit Cook County Looks Toward Summer Fun as Restrictions Continue to Ease

Visit Cook County Continues to Update Their Website Daily with New Entertainment, Activities Happening in the Region

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – With summer fun now in full swing, more visitors will be venturing up north to check out the sights, sounds, and entertainment Cook County has to offer. Kjersti Vick with Visit Cook County says they are prepared and excited to welcome tourists back to the region after a year of tight restrictions. Safety measures still remain…

Midday Update 5-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 31, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 31, 2021. Have a safe Memorial Day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin Dells Attractions Making Do With Fewer Workers

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (AP) – One of Wisconsin’s major tourist attractions is making do during Memorial Day weekend with fewer workers, hoping that more will arrive during the summer. Tom Diehl is the president of the Attractions Association and Tommy Bartlett Inc. in Wisconsin Dells. He says they’re ready to welcome visitors but labor is a problem. Diehl tells WMTV-TV…

Minnesota Legislators Miss Friday Goal for Budget Numbers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Lawmakers are still negotiating Minnesota’s next two-year budget and won’t meet the goal of Friday set by their leaders for agreeing on the final numbers that will go into the big-spending bills that lawmakers must pass in the coming weeks. Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman says negotiators are still driving as hard as they can to get…

Morning Update 5-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 31, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Mental Health Legislation As Demand For Therapists Skyrockets

WASHINGTON, D.C./DULUTH, Minn. — U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat representing Minnesota, wants to expand and support mental health resources with several proposals in Congress as clinics are seeing their patient lists fill up like never before. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Senator Smith posted several tweets on her Twitter page about her own journey with depression. “Having that opportunity…

Superior Fire Uses ‘Purple K’ Unit to Fight Equipment Fire at Graymont Saturday

No one was hurt from the fire, and fire officials say that's due in large part to the Purple K Dry Foam unit.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A fire at Superior’s Graymont facility Saturday night kept firefighters busy for more than two hours. The call came in about 20 minutes before midnight. Superior firefighters who were off-duty at the time needed to be called in to cover any possible calls elsewhere in the city that night. Crews needed to use a lift to reach the…

‘What Memorial Day is Really All About’: Northlanders Honor Veterans, Fallen Troops Sunday

"Really good to see the people here, to know that there are people that are very caring about remembering, what Memorial Day is really all about," Brad Bennett said.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Sunday the Northland observed what many call “traditional Memorial Day” to honor those who gave their lives in war, at the Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Lakewalk. “136 names on our wall, of local veterans, or not veterans because they’re still in uniform,” said Dwight Nelson, Secretary of the Northland Vietnam Veterans Association. The nearly 30-year…

Burlington Station Hosts Grand Opening

Burlington station opened to the public on Saturday with plans to improve the model train room throughout the summer. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A unique gift shop and candy store held its grand opening Saturday morning in Two Harbors. Burlington station opened to the public on Saturday with plans to improve the model train room throughout the summer. With that, they would be adding 5,000 feet of train tracks both inside and outside of the building. Chamber of commerce…

Area Campsites Excited for Busy Season

Campsites around the area began taking reservations in early February and to no surprise, they filled up quickly.

DULUTH, Minn. — Campsites around the area began taking reservations in early February and to no surprise, they filled up quickly. “In three hours I made 50 reservations,” Penmarallter Campground Co-Owner, Pennie Burton says. Campgrounds like Penmarallter on highway sixty one in Two Harbors have seen some of their biggest numbers in years. “Going into this year. Starting taking reservations….

Vehicle Rollover in Biwabik Leaves One Critically Injured

Speed and alcohol were major contributing factors in the incident. No other persons or property was involved in the crash.

BIWABIK, Minn.- Speed and alcohol contributed to a single-vehicle rollover crash in Biwabik, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, leaving one with life threatening injuries. According to authorities, deputies and Officers from the Gilbert / Biwabik Police Department responded around 9:14 PM Friday to a one vehicle rollover on Vermillion Trail just South East Raymond Road, in unorganized…

Area Boy Scouts Plant Flags for Memorial Day Weekend

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– During Memorial Day weekend, a group of local boy scouts honored fallen veterans. Dozens of flags filled up parts of Hermantown’s Sunrise Cemetery as Boy Scout troop 106 in Hermantown spent their day planting American flags around the grave sights of veterans. Scouts say it’s an honor to pay their respects. “I hope to go through all of…

Duluth Fire Department Introduces New Car Extraction Tool

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Fire Department went to Bayside Recycling this morning for their annual car extraction training. This annual training is aimed at keeping the fire department sharp while being ready to respond to any situation. So far in 2021, there have been 149 deaths from car crashes which is already 42 more than this time last year. Duluth Fire…