News – Latest News

Minnesota Power Crews Working to Restore Power to Customers Downtown

  Update: Power has been restored to the affected customers: Our crews restored power at 11:30 a.m. to the downtown/Canal Park areas of Duluth; cause was a faulty underground cable and power was restored quickly through the process of switching. — Minnesota Power (@mnpower) December 18, 2019 DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power says they are working to restore power to…

Victim Identified in Hibbing House Fire

(courtesy: Northland FireWire) HIBBING, Minn. – Authorities have released the identity of the man who died in Tuesday’s Hibbing house fire. After completion of an autopsy the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 55-year-old Kevin Charles Buchwitz of Hibbing. The preliminary cause of death is smoke inhalation. Hibbing Fire and Police Departments responded to reports of a house…

Twin Metals Files Formal Mine Plan With Regulators

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Twin Metals Minnesota has formally submitted a plan to regulators for an underground copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The filing launches what’s expected to be a lengthy environmental review and permitting process for what would be Minnesota’s second copper-nickel mine. The project has drawn fierce opposition because it would sit just…

Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm Provides Educational Experiences

Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm is Open to Visitors Year Round for Educational Experiences

DULUTH, Minn. – The alpaca species isn’t native to northern Minnesota. The livestock originates from the Andes Mountains in Peru, living at an average elevation of 14,000 feet. It wasn’t until the 1970s that alpacas were introduced to North America. In this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott takes you to a growing herd living in the Northland. “I’m…

Morning Update 12-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Jay Cooke State Park Offers Multiple Upcoming Winter Events

Ski Trails at Jay Cooke State Park Are Currently Closed While Crews Continue to Groom, Perform Maintenance

CARLTON, Minn. – As winter break approaches for many Northland students, families will have more time to venture out and explore the winter wilderness. Two upcoming events are set to take place at Jay Cooke State Park in December. Carly Hawkinson-Sohm stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the events and let folks know how to get involved….

Watch Live: House Starts Historic Session to Impeach Trump; GOP Stalls

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has gaveled in for a historic session to impeach President Donald Trump. He faces charges he abused his power and obstructed Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Democratic lawmakers to gather for what she calls a “solemn” session Wednesday. As soon as it opened, Republicans tried to halt the proceedings with a procedural vote. It was…

Great Outdoors: Enjoying the Winter Magic at Gooseberry Falls

People come from all across the country to experience the falls.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- While most dread seeing snow and ice here in Duluth they’re the cherry on top of the experience up at Gooseberry Falls. The fluffy white snow and icicles inching closer to the rushing water paint a pristine winter picture. “The sunset makes it look really nice,” said Amy Yip. The scene makes for the perfect background to…

Protestors Rally in Duluth to Support Trump Impeachment

Protestors voiced disappointment with Republican Congressman Pete Stauber.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the House of Representatives is set to vote on President Trump’s impeachment Wednesday, some in Duluth voiced their support for his ouster. The “No One is Above the Law” Rally was one of the more than 500 protests planned in all fifty states Tuesday. According to organizers, they want to ensure Congress holds President Trump accountable for…

Kids Shop Til they Drop with Cops for Christmas

10th annual Shop with a Cop brought 32 kids and 22 officers to Target.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday 22 Duluth Police Officers were able to make this Christmas one to remember for a special group of kids. The Duluth Police Department held their 10th annual Shop with a Cop event at the Target up the hill. Each of the 32 children was given a $200 gift card to pick out anything for themselves or…

One Year After Globe Grain Elevator Fire, Owner Hasn’t Been Paid for Damages

Owner Gordon Oftedahl tells us the 130-year-old grain elevator was valued at $10 million

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been one year since the Globe Grain Elevator was destroyed by fire. The structure was the largest wooden grain elevator in the world at one time, and it was made of rare, expensive wood. The elevator’s owner tells us he has still not been paid for the millions of dollars in damages caused by the fire….

$1.6 Million Lottery Ticket Sold in Hermantown

Gopher 5 jackpot ticket sold at Hermantown General Store

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Someone who bought a lottery ticket in Hermantown is now a millionaire after winning the $1.6 million Gopher 5 jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at the Hermantown General Store on Morris Thomas Road. The store gets a $5,000 bonus for selling the ticket. Employees tell us they’ve been selling a lot more lottery tickets than usual…

Port of Duluth-Superior Celebrating Another Record Breaking Year

The port also saw a record amount of wind energy products with 306,000 freight tons, the most ever in to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Port of Duluth-Superior’s shipping season is drawing to a close and the Great Lakes busiest port is still a very busy place. According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority the port is on pace to handle of 35 million tons of cargo for the third straight year. This is helped because the port reached its highest…

Police and Fire Chiefs Serving at The Kitchen in Memory of Late Waitress

This year, the fundraiser was held in memory of waitress Janice McConnell who recently passed away after 40 years of working at the restaurant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s police and fire chiefs along with the district attorney and sheriff put on their aprons and got serving at The Kitchen restaurant all for a good cause. This year, the fundraiser was held in memory of waitress Janice McConnell who recently passed away after 40 years of working at the restaurant. All tips from the day…

New Lakewalk Fencing Being Installed on Lakewalk

New wrought iron fencing between the walkway and railroad tracks is being installed this week.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new section of the Duluth Lakewalk behind Fitger’s is undergoing more improvements to weather future storms. New wrought iron fencing between the walkway and railroad tracks is being installed this week. Parts of the Lakewalk will be closed during that time. “The fence was old but the last few storms kinda took it out so it…

Superior Street Snow Removal to Begin Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will begin accumulated snow removal from Superior Street on Thursday in the downtown area. The city says staff will start on Superior Street from 6th Avenue West and work their way East beginning on Thursday from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. No parking signs will be posted before snow removal begins. The city…

Shakopee Schools Report 400 Student Absences Due to Flu-Related Illnesses

Shakopee, Minn. (FOX 9) – Shakopee Public Schools says around 400 student absences due to flu-related illnesses have been reported in the last week. The district put out a notice to families saying more than 300 West Middle School absences have been reported and about 100 absences have been reported at Sun Path Elementary, too. As required by the Minnesota…

Midday Update 12-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Wisconsin Governor: No Tax Credits for New Foxconn Plant

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ top aide is warning Foxconn Technology Group that it won’t collect any state incentives for its scaled-down factory in Wisconsin if it doesn’t renegotiate the deal. Foxconn had originally promised to build a massive flat-screen factory in Mount Pleasant that would eventually employ 13,000 people. But the company said this spring that…

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Offers Smart Salting Tips

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Says 60 Percent of Home and Business Owners Tend to Oversalt

DULUTH, Minn. – With the winter months upon us, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is reminding business and homeowners of smart salting and deicing tips. Officials with MPCA say over 60 percent of residents routinely over salt, resulting in harsh chemicals making way into our area lakes, streams and rivers. According to the MPCA, one teaspoon of deicing agent…

Morning Update 12-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Hermantown General Store Sells Winning Million Dollar Lottery Ticket

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Someone who purchased a Gopher 5 lottery ticket in Hermantown is over a million dollars richer Tuesday morning. According to the Minnesota Lottery Communications, a ticket purchased at the Hermantown General Store at 5105 Morris Thomas Road was worth $1,606,134. The ticket matched the numbers 4-14-23-31-34 drawn on December 16. Hermantown General Store will earn a $5,000…

One Dead in Early Morning Hibbing House Fire

The Remains Will be Transported for Identification and to Determine Cause of Death

HIBBING, Minn. – One person is dead following an early Tuesday morning house fire in Hibbing. According to the Hibbing Police and Fire Departments, fire crews responded to reports of a structure fire at 1834 25th Street around 12:17 a.m. Firefighters from Hibbing, Chisholm and Keewatin arrived on scene and found a residence fully engulfed in flames. When the fire…

Local Holiday Toy Drive In Need of More Donations

Mike Letica's Toy Drive short of toys needed, as demand increases.

DULUTH, Minn.- The organizer of a local holiday toy drive is asking for more donations, as they’ve been lower this year while the demand has been higher. Mike Letica, owner of the Iron Mug Restaurant in Morgan Park is looking for more donations of phone accessories for teens, games and toys for 2-8 year-olds, and clothes for infants. Last year…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Free Air Life Connecting Northlanders with the Outdoors

New store brings western outdoor style to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new clothing store on 20th Avenue West in the Lincoln Park Craft District is bringing a taste of Western outdoors style to Lincoln Park. Free Air Life moved to Lincoln Park this month, after occupying a space in the Miller Hill Mall for a few years as the store “I Lake It.” “We’re really stoked to have…

Rally Calls for Council Support to Pass Ban on Conversion Therapy

Council voted 8-0 with Councilor Jay Fosle opposed.

DULUTH, Minn.- Activists, city leaders, and other members of the LGBTQ Community gathered on the ground floor of City Hall for a rally asking the City Council to vote yes on a ban on Conversion Therapy. The council passed the ban 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosle absent. “Will encourage our state legislature to pass a statewide ban in 2020,” said…

City of Duluth Proclaims Day in Local War Hero’s Honor

December 16th claimed David Wheat Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- U.S. Navy Commander David Wheat has done a lot in his life, and on Monday Duluth, the city he’s called home all his life, recognized all he’s done for our country. From being shot down in 1965 on his first mission to Vietnam, to spending over seven years as a prisoner of war, to retiring after 20 years…

Holidays Can Pose Extra Dangers for Pets

A veterinarian recommends limiting table scraps, especially foods that are high in fat.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The holidays are time to decorate and feast, but one vet warns against feeding dogs too much off the dinner table. A veterinarian recommends limiting table scraps, especially foods that are high in fat. Also, macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs and can be deadly. While the holidays are full of traveling and visiting with loved…

Family Forum Inc. Announces Early Head Start Program

The program has spots for eight children ranging from 6 weeks to 35 months old.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Family Forum Inc. announced on Monday they would be starting an early Head Start program at their center. The program has spots for eight children ranging from 6 weeks to 35 months old. Previously Family Forum has provided care in the home, but this is the first time offering space at their center in Superior on 34th…

Teamsters Local 320 Representing St. Louis County Plow Drivers Authorizes Strike

The Teamsters Local 320 represents plow drivers, bridge workers, and other positions in St. Louis County Public Works.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Teamsters Local 320 union representing St. Louis County Public Works employees has authorized a potential strike if a new contract with the county is not agreed to by the end of the year. “We have a very open relationship with the county a relationship built of respect and trust so it’s unfortunate that the county has…

Free Parking Announced for Downtown Duluth Business District Through December

Businesses downtown are excited about the news especially with only nine days until Christmas.

DULUTH, Minn. – Certain portions of the downtown business district will have free parking until the end of December. The Greater Downtown Council and the city of Duluth worked together to allow the free parking. Businesses downtown are excited about the news especially with only nine days until Christmas. The general manager at Electric Fetus is thankful parking will be…

2019 Wettest Year Recorded for Wisconsin, Midwest

More Than 43 Inches of Rain & Snow Fell in the Midwest Through November

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin and the Midwest recorded their wettest year ever in 2019 since record-keeping began in 1895, climatologists said. More than 43 inches of rain and snow fell across nine states in the Midwest through November. That breaks the previous record set in 1993 by 2 inches, according to data from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Climatologist…

Midday Update 12-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News

Blue Cross Blue Shield Scrambling to Improve Cybersecurity

MINNEAPOLIS – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is scrambling to improve its cybersecurity after an internal whistle blower raised concerns that the state’s largest health insurer has neglected thousands of important updates to its computer system. The company’s top cybersecurity executive, Amy Ecklund, says the insurer has been working diligently in recent weeks to reduce its vulnerability for a…

The Duluth Experience, DSSO Team Up for New Backstage Experience

The Inaugural Backstage Experience is Happening Friday, January 31

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Experience announcing a brand new partnership and experience Monday on FOX 21 Local News with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO). The Backstage Experience with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra gives guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration of the power of symphonic music and combines the harmonies of locally crafted brews and gourmet cuisine. Hoops Brewing…

Registration Open for Team Duluth Winter Break Ski, Snowboard Camp

Coffee Conversation: Team Duluth Hosting Winter Break Ski, Snowboard Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Since the 1960s, non-profit organization Team Duluth has been passionate about getting Northland youth outdoors and on the slopes, experiencing fun in the snow. Happening December 27 – 30, Team Duluth is hosting its annual Holiday Camp for youth on Winter Break. Parent volunteer Carlie LaLone says the camp is a great gift to give a child…

Snowmobiler Killed in Collision With Pickup Truck

MONTGOMERY, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a snowmobiler has died in a collision with a pickup truck in Le Sueur County. Deputies say the crash happened in Montgomery Township Saturday afternoon. The victim is identified as 55-year-old Larry Gene Haynes, of Montgomery. The sheriff’s office says it appears Haynes was unable to stop before crossing a road and collided…

Morning Update 12-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News

Open House Shows off New Early Childhood Development Center at YMCA Essentia Wellness Center

New child care program keeps kids all day, Monday through Friday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Families got a first look at the new Early Childhood Development Center at the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown Sunday. The “Y” held an open house for the new center, which will provide child care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. From 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. kids will get lessons, meals and…

Bentleyville Voted Best Public Holiday Display in America by USA Today

The honor is a readers choice award by USA Today's 10Best Places to Celebrate the Holidays in 2019 voted by the readers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville has been given the national honor of being the best public holiday lights display in the nation by USA Today. The honor is a readers choice award by USA Today’s 10Best Places to Celebrate the Holidays in 2019 voted by the readers. Bentleyville creator Nathan Bentley says it is quite an honor and they are ready…

College Athletes Hang Out with Local Kids at UWS Holiday Party

As part of Week of Giving, families were invited to spend the day with Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As part of UWS Athletic Department’s 4th Annual Week of Giving, kids could come and use the campus as their playground, as they spent the afternoon with college athletes. “Superior’s obviously a smaller town and we want the community’s support, and in order to get that you gotta support the community,” said Andrew Durham, a Senior on the…

Noble Pour Craft Cocktail Bar Opens in Lincoln Park

The space has plenty of comfy booths, chairs, and even a fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new craft cocktail bar called Noble Pour opened in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth on Sunday. Noble Pour is right next door to OMC Smokehouse, both are owned by Tom Hanson who also owns Corktown Deli and Duluth Grill. “That’s really the mantra for this place is that this is your living room and you…

Union Representing St. Louis County Snow Plow Drivers Authorizes Potential Strike

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Teamsters Local 320 union, which represents St. Louis County Public Works employees, voted in favor of authorizing a strike if contract negotiations fail with the county by the end of the year. The vote passed 112 to 1 Sunday morning. A potential strike would involve 180 St. Louis county employees, which includes snow plow operators, mechanics,…