News – Latest News

UMD Journalism Students get Entrepreneurship Opportunity

UMD students got to meet with local entrepreneurs about business models they've been working on all semester

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students got the opportunity to meet with local entrepreneurs about business models they’ve been working on all semester. Students presented visuals involving the creating economy such as arts, crafts and the outdoors. One student believes this type of real-world access will be an advantage for her future in business. “One of the biggest things is they get…

Whole Foods Co-op Removes Lettuce from Shelves

The latest federal health warning has caused Whole Foods Co-op on Hillside to remove lettuce from its shelves

DULUTH, Minn.- With the latest federal health warning about not to eat romaine lettuce of any kind from the Salinas Valley, Whole Foods Co-op on Hillside has now removed the product from the shelves. The reason for the removal is due to the romaine lettuce having a particularly dangerous type of E coli bacteria that has sickened 40 people in…

Grandmothers Looking to Provide Supplies for Young People

A group of grandmothers are looking to bring some happiness to young peoples lives this holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of grandmothers are looking to bring some happiness to young peoples lives this holiday season. The Northland Chapter of Grandmothers for Peace is asking for donations of new and gently used books and art supplies for young people. Donation boxes are in Superior at the library, and Agnie’s Closet and in Duluth boxes are located at…

Lake County Looking Implement Lodging Tax

A public meeting is planned for December 12th at 6 p–m at the Beaver Bay Community Center.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lake County wants to implement a lodging tax across that entire region that would largely pay for more tourism advertising. Right now only Two Harbors and Silver Bay have the tax, but now the county wants to impose a four percent lodging tax on every city within county lines. 3% of the proposed tax would fund…

Senator Tina Smith Visits Two Harbors To Talk Jobs And Economic Development

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Creating new jobs and boosting economic development is often a challenge for small communities. Senator Tina smith was among those discussing solutions in Two Harbors. She sat down with school administrators, local officials, and business owners to hear their concerns. She says her goal is to listen to whats working and help build a better partnership…

Volunteers Hit the Ground Running with DECC Thanksgiving Preps

The DECC Thanksgiving Day Buffet will be Thursday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thanksgiving preps were already in full swing at the DECC early Monday morning. Hundreds of volunteers came in for a week of peeling potatoes, baking bread and cooking more than 200 turkeys to feed thousands at Duluth’s annual holiday meal. Volunteers like Mike Dittmar, who’s been helping prep the dinner for 15 years, say giving back to those in…

MnDOT Announces Major Delays Due to Costs of Upcoming “Can of Worms” Project

MnDOT delays two major parts of the Twin Ports Interchange project indefinitely.

DULUTH, Minn.- MnDOT says they’re struggling to get funding for unforeseen costs adding up in the upcoming Twin Ports Interchange, or “Can of Worms,” reconstruction project, and it’s causing parts of the project to downsize. Officials say they’re projecting construction to cost more than $100 million over the original budget, putting new estimated costs at $443 million. Some of the new…

Wisconsin Sees Uptick in Fatal Police Shootings in 2019

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin is ending the year with more fatal police shootings than last year. Data collected by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association shows police shot and killed 16 people this year. There were 13 fatal police shootings in 2018. Wisconsin Public Radio reported Monday that 11 of those killed this year were white, three were black and…

Two Men Charged With Felonies After Duluth Fentanyl Drug Bust

(Bowser | Hale) DULUTH, Minn. – Two men have been formally charged following their arrests in connection to the largest suspected fentanyl bust in Minnesota in 2019. According to court documents, Raymond Bowser, 35, has been charged with first degree aiding and abetting drugs and fleeing on foot. Denzel Hale, 29, has been charged with first degree sale of drugs….

Midday Update 11-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Duluth Art Institute Hosting Annual HoliDAI Market

The Market and Free Day at the Depot is Happening Saturday, November 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Shoppers are invited to take part in Small Business Saturday special events on Saturday, November 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the St. Louis County Depot. Christina Woods, Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute says the DAI HoliDAI Market is a unique way for artists to sell their creations, for collectors to purchase work,…

Landline to Offer Special Black Friday Mall of America Route

The Special Route Will Depart at 2:00 a.m. From the Duluth International Airport

DULUTH, Minn. – The transportation company Landline is offering a special one-day route for Duluthians looking to shop Black Friday deals at the Mall of America this holiday season. According to a recent press release, Landline will depart from the Duluth International Airport at 2:00 a.m. on Friday, November 29 with a brief transfer at MSP to the Black Friday…

Middle Schools Student Held, Accused of Making Bomb Threat

The Boy Made the Threat on November 18

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) – An International Falls Middle School student is in custody after he was accused of making a bomb threat. The Koochiching County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and deciding whether to issue a juvenile delinquency petition against the 12-year-old. He could have a detention hearing Monday in juvenile court to determine whether he should continue…

Pedestrian Struck, Killed in East Hillside Crash

The Female Victim Died From Her Injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, a female pedestrian was struck and killed while walking down the center line on 6th Avenue East in the area of 9th Street on Monday morning. Police responded to the scene in the East Hillside neighborhood around 6:09 a.m. The 42-year-old female victim was transported to a local hospital where she…

Black Friday Shopping? Don’t Forget These Four Helpful Tips

Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Offers Advice and Tips to Help Keep Your Wallet Happy This Black Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday is known for its door-busting deals and bargain-hunting shoppers. Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. with tips to help you make the most of your time and money this Black Friday. Black Friday is almost here and so are the deals….

Morning Update 11-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: ‘, Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Home Destroyed by Fire in Greenwood Township

There Were no Reported Injuries

(photo courtesy: The Northland FireWire) GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A house in Greenwood Township is a total loss after it went up in flames Sunday. The fire broke out around 3:00 p.m. at a home on the 2600 Block of Mordini Road. Multiple agencies responded to the fire at the residence which fire crews say was completely engulfed in flames….

Winter Snowstorm Could Impact Holiday Travel

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Forecasters say a winter snowstorm could muddle Thanksgiving travel plans in southern Minnesota. Up to 6 inches of snow is expected to begin falling Tuesday afternoon followed by strong winds on Wednesday. Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesman Jake Loesch tells the Star Tribune the agency has more than 800 snowplows ready to go and plenty of salt…

Four People Injured During Opening Weekend of Wisconsin’s Deer Hunt

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Four people are recovering after they were shot during the opening weekend of Wisconsin’s gun deer hunt. The Department of Natural Resources says it needs more information about a man who was shot in Washburn County Sunday. Elsewhere, two hunters shot themselves in the foot in two separate incidents in Oneida and Marathon counties. And, a…

Christmas Tree Market Opens at Duluth Farmer’s Market

The warm weather brought out plenty of people looking for just the right tree and greenery to decorate for Christmas.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Christmas Tree Market opened on Sunday at the Duluth Farmer’s Market for the holiday season. The warm weather brought out plenty of people looking for just the right tree and greenery to decorate for Christmas. Trees were getting shaken out and baled to go on top of customer’s cars. Farmer Allison Hoffbauer of Hoffbauer’s trees which…

Bentleyville Seeing High Numbers with Warm Weather

Temperatures around 40 degrees was a warm welcome for the thousands who came out.

DULUTH, Minn. – The nice weather was a welcome change for the thousands of people who attended Bentleyville on opening night Saturday. By Sunday afternoon the gift shop was full again and ready for day two, but that was only after creator Nathan Bentley along with five other people spent five hours restocking. This comes after a very well attended…

The Duluth Bethel’s Longtime Chaplain Bonnie Pugleasa Retires

This November she made the difficult decision to retire after a decade and a half of impacting those who are fighting some of the hardest battles of their lives.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 15 years Bonnie Pugleasa has been the chaplain at The Duluth Bethel helping people who are struggling with addiction or have a criminal record. This November she made the difficult decision to retire after a decade and a half of impacting those who are fighting some of the hardest battles of their lives. “I’m not ready…

Holiday Pop-Up Gives the Gift of Essential Oils

Participants make colognes and perfumes out of essential oils.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Holiday Pop-up at Clyde Iron Works is focused on making some holiday gifts out of essential oils. The group mixed natural scents like lemon, frankinscense and rose with a base of vodka to make perfumes and colognes. They hoped to provide a healthy alternative to the conventional perfumes and colognes that use toxic ingredients. “People want a…

Hundreds of Bowlers of All Abilities Fill Special Olympics State Tournament

Over 5,000 participants statewide, over 450 here in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of bowlers of all abilities gathered at the Incline Station in Downtown Duluth for Special Olympic’s Minnesota’s State Tournament. Duluth was one of nine cities hosting a state tournament Sunday, adding to the pot of over 5,000 participants statewide. Bowling balls land on the lane floor with a resounding thud. “Knock those pins down,” Jeniece Klammer of…

Multiple Fire Departments Respond to Fire at Home in Greenwood Township

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire in the Greenwood Township on Sunday afternoon. The house was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on scene at 3 p.m., and is now deemed a total loss, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The home is located on 2600-block of Mordini Road and is…

Man Dies After Falling Through Ice on St. Louis River

A 34-year-old Scanlon man pronounced dead at the scene

SCANLON, Minn. – A 34-year-old man is dead after falling through the ice in the St. Louis River early Saturday morning. According to the Cloquet Police Department, officers responded to a call at a local bar at about 1:30 a.m. where they were notified of the sound of someone calling for help. Officers discovered a person had fallen through the…

Festival of the Season Brings Holiday Shoppers to Duluth Farmer’s Market

A thousand people shopped from twenty-two local vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – A thousand holiday shoppers made their way to the annual Festival of the Season at the Duluth Farmer’s Market. Twenty-two local crafters and artisans sold their unique products ranging from ceramics to flowers to holiday wreaths. “Everything here is also homemade so if you buy it here, you know the person that’s selling it is the person…

Dancers Gather to Compete, Honor Fallen Breakdancer

9th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition held at the Encounter.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tapping feet and grooving bodies filled the Encounter on First Street for the 9th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition, held in honor of the local breakdancing pioneer. Dancers came from around the country–from nine-year-olds to adults. Founder John D’Auria started the competition in honor of his cousin Willie, who died in 2010. According to dancers, the competition highlights…

Native American Heritage Day Celebrated at The Depot

The day celebrated local Ojibwe history, art, and culture and special attention was also given to Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces.

DULUTH, Minn. – November is Native American Heritage Month and the St. Louis County Historical Society partnered with many Native organizations for the third annual day celebrating Native heritage at The Depot. The day celebrated local Ojibwe history, art, and culture. Special attention was also given to Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. The lessons also went towards…

Wisconsin Hunters Take to the Woods for Deer Opener

Hunters reach milestones with family, meat processors see spikes in business.

POPLAR, Wis.- Hunters across Wisconsin took to the millions of acres of public hunting lands for the firearm deer hunting opener. “It’s one of the best states in the nation for both quality of deer and quantity of deer historically,” said Greg Kessler, Wildlife Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR. It’s that time of year again, and hunters aren’t wasting a…

Bentleyville 2019 Officially Opens for the Holiday Season

Thousands of guests waited in line for hours to be some of the first to tour the display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is officially open this holiday season. Down at Bayfront Festival Park thousands of people lined up outside the gates eagerly awaiting Santa and Mrs. Claus parachuting from a helicopter signaling the start of Bentleyville 2019. Guests waited in line for hours to be some of the first to tour the display. “Well…

Christmas City of the North Parade Decks the Halls of Superior Street

Crowds take over sidewalks to watch the 61st Parade.

DULUTH, Minn.- The crowds outside of Sir Ben’s were full of holiday cheer as Superior Street turned into a Winter Wonderland for the 61st Annual Christmas City of the North Parade. Thumping marching bands, colorful floats, and favorite characters line the street. It’s a special night not only for spectators, but those who have been preparing to be in the…

Bentleyville Finishing Up Last Touches Before Opening Night

Over 36,000 volunteer hours go into making Bentleyville the destination for hundreds of thousands of people each year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville is officially opening and turning the lights on on Saturday evening. Friday, workers were busy putting the final touches on the display at Bayfront Festival Park. “It doesn’t matter people job description or their income is or everything everyone is just the same down here for that hour of enjoyment and keeping thing simple forgetting about…

Anishinaabe Artists Host Pop Up Art Sale

ClOQUET, Minn – Anishinaabe artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin hosted a pop up art sale at the Fond Du Lac Tribal Center in Cloquet. About 15 vendors took part in the this year’s art sale. Shoppers could purchase everything from embroidered clothing to pottery. Bead work artists were also at the sale crafting beautiful jewelry. The organizer says the art…

Essentia Health Breaks Ground For New Cloquet Clinic

The clinic is expected to open next summer.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ground has been broken for the new $4 million dollar Essentia Health clinic planned for Cloquet. The new 10,000 square foot facility will take over the site of the former driftwood hotel. It will feature an urgent care unit and a primary care practice. Also a rehab space for physical therapy patients as well as lab and…

Thunderbird-Wren Halfway House Opens Doors To New Facility

The $7 million project was solely paid for with loans and very little private money.

DULUTH, Minn. – In September of 2018 the Thunderbird–Wren Halfway House broke ground on a $7 million project to build a new treatment center. After 14 months of construction, the new facility has opened its doors. The Thunderbird-Wren House moved from a nearly 100 year old building, which no longer fit the needs to fulfill their mission. This new facility…

Zoning Laws in Place for Medicinal Cannabis in Hermantown

The decision was passed unanimously this week at their council meeting.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown has officially outlined zones if a medical marijuana business would like to come to the city. The decision was passed unanimously this week at their council meeting. Hermantown outlined several areas where  medical cannabis distribution facility, manufacturing facility, and/or laboratory could reside. Most locations would be along the commercial areas around Highway 53. As of right…

UW-Superior Students Show Off Their Gratitude

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Students at UW-Superior got their hands in the paint and made gratitude cards in honor of the season of thanks. The arts and crafts project was a first time event put on by the university’s Residence Hall Association. The program aims to encourage students to reach out and thank their friends and family who have supported them all semester…

Wisconsin Firearm Deer Season Opens Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Fire arm deer season kicks off this weekend in Wisconsin. Superior Shooter Supply is busy with hunters making last minute purchases for the opener. Staff say they’ve enjoyed seeing a young crowd of hunters making their first round of preps this year. “We have so many rifles for youth and ladies this year, more than normal,” store owner Pat…

Duluth Receives $17 Million in State Funding for Affordable Housing

One Roof Community Housing and City Center Housing to build affordable housing project in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is celebrating a victory in its fight for more affordable housing. The city has been granted $17 million in state funding dedicated to building three housing projects. “It is not coincidental that we are getting funding because we are being bold and talking about how housing is a real struggle for us,” Duluth mayor Emily Larson said. City…

Police Say Largest Seizure of Fentanyl in Minnesota for 2019 Made in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-Authorities in Duluth have announced that the largest suspected fentanyl bust in Minnesota for 2019 was made in the city last night. Felony drug charges are expected in the coming days for two men following their arrests during a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension narcotics investigation. BCA agents arrested the men during an undercover operation. One of the men is…

Minnesota to Do State Review of Proposed Twin Metals Copper-Nickel Mine

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota officials say they will do a state environmental impact statement for a proposed copper-nickel mine upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Department of Natural Resources announced the move Friday, saying a credible and neutral assessment of the proposed Twin Metals mine depends upon both state and federal environmental reviews. Environmentalists have warned that the proposed mine…

Shooting For A Big Buck

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Firearms Deer Hunting Season is Underway

NORTHLAND — Minnesota Firearms Deer Hunting season ends on Sunday the 24th, as Wisconsin’s Rifle Season kicks off on Saturday the 23rd and runs until December 1st. Hunters gather from all over and head into the woods to lock and load. But it’s not all about the big buck, it’s also about winding down in the woods and making memories…

Midday Update 11-21-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 22, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update, weather

TSA Reopens Strategic Checkpoint at Twin Cities Airport

MINNEAPOLIS-Transportation Security Administration officials have decided to reopen a Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport checkpoint it closed earlier this week claiming it was underused. The move to close the checkpoint linked to the Intercontinental Hotel riled airport officials who feared longer passenger wait times as holiday travel approached. The closure came just a year after airport operators spent $24 million to…

Evers Vetoes Bill Allowing Schools to Release Parents’ Names

MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have allowed public schools to release the names of students’ parents and guardians in student directories. Evers vetoed the measure Thursday, citing privacy concerns. Opponents had argued that allowing people to obtain the names of students’ parents was an invasion of privacy that could lead to unintended consequences. Supporters argued…

Ashland Waterfront Project Final Phase Completed

ASHLAND, Wis. – After more than seven years of work that involved the safe removal of thousands of tons of impacted sediment and debris and the installation of a long-term monitoring and treatment system, crews have completed the final phase of active construction at the Ashland Lakefront Project. “The entire area looks great and has met or exceeded all of…

DNR: Ten Elk Shot in Wisconsin’s Second Hunt

Hunters Kill Ten Elk in Wisconsin's Second Hunt

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin wildlife officials say hunters killed 10 elk in Wisconsin’s second elk season. The Department of Natural Resources set a 10-bull limit for the season, which ran from October 12 to November 10 in Ashland, Bayfield, Price and Sawyer counties. The department says hunters authorized by the state killed five bulls. Ojibwe tribal hunters killed five….

A Dickens of a Christmas Dinner Theater Raising Money for Iron River Library

The Dinner Theater Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, December 7 at White Winter Winery in Iron River, Wisconsin

IRON RIVER, Wis. – White Winter Winery is proud to present A Dickens of a Christmas Dinner Theater fundraiser Saturday, December 7. The fundraiser will help to benefit the newly renovated and expanded Iron River Library. Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption comes alive at the White Winter Winery’s special holiday dinner theater event, “A Dickens Of A…