News – Latest News

Recording Devices Found in Downtown Minneapolis Hotel Rooms

MINNEAPOLIS – Police are investigating after recording devices were found in guest rooms at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Police spokesman John Elder says it’s not immediately known if the devices recorded any guests, but police are still gathering data. When asked how many rooms were involved he said “not many.” Elder says it doesn’t appear that anyone…

Eskimo Pro Staff Talk New Products Ahead of Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show

The Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show Runs December 13 - 15 at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Kicking off Friday, December 13, the Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show will include entertainment and products for everyone. This year’s show takes place December 13 – 15. Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A big part of the show attracts ice anglers from near and…

Handmade in the Northland: Riverside Soy Candles

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 9 – 13, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. It’s beginning to look, and smell a…

Morning Update 12-12-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 12, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, December 12, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Skating with Santa at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

Kids of every ability and age were able to skate for free with a reindeer, Frosty, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids of every ability and age were able to skate for free with a reindeer, Frosty, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. They also got a chance to do different activities like cookie and ornament making. “It’s a unique opportunity because not everyone can throw on hockey skates it’s expensive to buy ice and all that and we…

Pet Safety Tips For Frigid Temps

DULUTH, Minn. – Humans aren’t the only one who have a tough time with frigid temperatures. Pet owners need to also be wary of how long their animals are outside. Animal Allies says it’s important to keep your pet’s bathroom breaks and walks short outside. They also recommend as you bundle up in boots and a coat, you can also…

Duluth Fire Department Welcomes New Fire Marshal Sandy McComb

She has spent her time at the department doing everything from firefighting to heavy equipment operation.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has welcomed a new fire marshal. Sandy McComb is a 22-year veteran of the department and the second woman to be a fire marshal. She has spent her time at the department doing everything from firefighting to heavy equipment operation. Now she is ready to take on her new role as fire marshal….

State Patrol Urges Minnesotans to Stay Safe on Icy Highways

Three law enforcement vehicles were hit within fifteen minutes of each other on I-35 Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – A plea for safety comes from the Minnesota State Patrol after three law enforcement vehicles were hit within about fifteen minutes of each other on I-35 near Midway Road Sunday. Nobody was killed this time, and state troopers tell us these crashes can be avoided, even in snowy and icy conditions. Thirty-six Minnesota State Patrol vehicles have…

Northern Lights Express Rail Line Seeks Funding to Start Project

Rail line would take passengers from the Twin Ports to the Twin Cities

DULUTH, Minn. – The conversation about a passenger rail line between the Twin Ports and Twin Cities has been carrying on for more than a decade. Now, local leaders are trying to find ways to pay for the half-billion dollar project. The Northern Lights Express is a modern, high performance passenger train. Officials say it will be ready for construction…

Salvation Army Still Need Bell Ringer Volunteers

On average a bell ringer will collect nearly $50 an hour.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army took a hit due to the recent snow storms. Now they are still in need of bell ringer volunteers to staff Red Kettle stations in Duluth to help reach their fundraising goal of $250,000 this holiday season. More than 2,000 bell ringer shifts have already been filled, but another five hundred shifts are left…

Cold Temperatures Can Cause Car Troubles

One of the biggest reasons a car may not start is a dead battery.

DULUTH, Minn – Waking up to a car that won’t start is a headache many face on very cold days. But by following a few tips, drivers can avoid reaching into their pockets to pay for repairs. One of the biggest reasons a car may not start is a dead battery. When temperatures reach zero or below a battery can…

Pre-Checking Your Heating Sources Could Help Save Money in Frigid Temperatures

Superior Water, Light & Power recommends checking your heating sources early.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Protecting your self and your car are usually the first things we think of when temperatures drop dangerously low, but Superior Water, Light & Power says checking your furnaces and protecting your homes is just as important. They say it’ll be cheaper to protect your heating sources now, rather than later. People should check their furnace filters every…

How to Protect Your Skin When You Can’t Avoid Extreme Cold Temperatures

Essentia experts warn Northlanders of just how quick frostbite can set in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Most people try to avoid the outdoors in the sub-zero temperatures, but there are some who have no choice but to endure the frigid cold. Construction workers, people who don’t have a car, reporters are just some of the jobs and things that keep people outside during this time of year. But spending time outside can become hazardous when…

Victim Identified in Cass County Fatal Crash

BENA, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says they have identified the male victim in Saturday’s fatal crash on just south of Bena. According to reports, deputies were dispatched to County Road 8 a mile south of Bena on reports of a vehicle crash. Upon arrival authorities found a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado that had rolled in a ditch and…

$1M Bail for Teen Charged in Wisconsin School Officer Attack

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) – Bail has been set at $1 million for a 16-year-old Wisconsin boy charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a school resource officer with a barbecue fork. Grant Fuhrman was charged as an adult Wednesday in last week’s attack on Oshkosh West High School Resource Officer Mike Wissink. Wissink shot and wounded Fuhrman during the attack…

14th Annual Storefront Window and Lighting Contest Winners Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Downtown Council announced the 14th Annual Storefront Window and Lighting Display contest winners Wednesday morning at their Quarterly Breakfast Event. This year, 17 businesses participated in the annual contest which kicked off last month. This year’s winners are: Lighting: St. Louis County Depot Most Original Window Display (commercial): CSL Plasma Most Original Window Display (retail):…

Midday Update 12-11-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

GOP Support Grows to Legalize Medical Marijuana in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The push to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin is growing. Republican lawmakers for the first time introduced a measure Wednesday to legalize medical marijuana in the state. Democrats have tried to legalize medical marijuana for years, with little to no Republican backing. But in recent years, some Republicans have come to support loosening Wisconsin’s marijuana laws….

Climate Activist Greta Thunberg is Time ‘Person of the Year’

Thunberg is the Youngest Person Ever to Hold the Title

NEW YORK (AP) – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has become the youngest person ever to be named Time’s “person of the year.” The U.S. news magazine gave the 16-year-old Thunberg the honor on Wednesday for “sounding the alarm about humanity’s predatory relationship with the only home we have.” Leaving a United Nations climate conference in Madrid, Thunberg told The…

Douglas County Historical Society Hosting 4th Annual Christmas Musicale

The Annual Christmas Musical is Happening Thursday, December 12

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Happening Thursday, December 12, the Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS) invites you to the 4th annual Christmas Musicale happening from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. The event will take place at DCHS, located at 1101 John Avenue in Superior. A Christmas Musical serves as a fundraiser for DCHS. Local musician Shane Nelson stopped by FOX 21 Local News…

Handmade in the Northland: MOD Playhouse

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 9 – 13, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Shari Bradt is the creator of MOD…

Morning Update 12-11-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, FOX 21 Local News, Headlines, morning update

New Western Outdoor Clothing Store Opens in Lincoln Park

Free Air Life brings styles from Colorado, Montana and Wyoming.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new business is now open in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District all about bringing western outdoor style to the Northland. Free Air Life is located on 20th Avenue West. A version of the store used to be called I Lake It when it was in the Miller Hill Mall. The new name comes from the Norwegian word…

Foster Care Organization Receives Health Product Grant

New Hope for Families receives products from Arbonne company.

DULUTH, Minn.- An organization in Duluth that helps support and increase the number of foster received a sizable donation from a local natural cosmetic company. New hope for families received a $10,000 product grant from Arbonne, a consulting company which makes natural cosmetic and cleaning products. The products will go to foster families in the area that should keep them…

Second Night of Cold, Second Night of Duluth Warming Centers

Gloria Dei and CHUM Drop-In Warming Centers open again, in need of volunteers and supplies.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the second night of intensely cold air across the Northland, and the second night the new warming center at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is open to give shelter. 10 people arrived at the church warming center Monday night, and nine stayed. Meanwhile at the CHUM Drop-In Center, which is also open through the night this season, 12-15…

SAKI Program Receives Fifth Grant Toward Helping Survivors of Sexual Assault

The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) totals $727,651 in 2019 fiscal year grants.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth– St. Louis county Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) project just received its fifth federal grant. The latest award will help victim–survivors of sexual assault by funding prosecution of their abusers. The award puts the SAKI program’s sum grant total at $727,651 this fiscal year. Duluth police, PAVSA and St. Louis county all say this money is helping…

Denfeld High’s Maroon 16 Choir Spreads Holiday Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Denfeld High School’s Maroon 16 Choir is spreading holiday cheer with their voice. The group traveled through the skywalk  on Tuesday to different businesses around downtown Duluth. Their first stop was at the P.S. Rudie Medical Center on Superior Street. There they sang holiday songs like as 12 days of Christmas and Silent Night. One caroler says…

Mail And Package Carriers Are Catching Up on Deliveries

The holiday shipping season is even shorter this year since Thanksgiving fell later on in the month.

DULUTH, Wis. – After winter hit the Northland pretty hard mail and package carriers are busy catching up on deliveries. Staff at The Mail Room on London Road says after the recent snowfalls, the U.S. Postal Service, Fedex and UPS were delayed making deliveries. Now that the carriers have finally been able to get through town things are starting to…

Superior YMCA Welcomes People In To Warm Up During Cold Temperatures

There is no limit to the number of people who can use the facility as a warming station.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Winter has gotten off to an early start with huge piles of snow already covering the Northland. With frigid temperatures on the way, having a place to warm up  can be crucial for those who need it most. The Superior YMCA is now opening it’s doors to allow anyone, for any reason to stop by its facility…

City of Duluth Invites the Public to Inauguration of Mayor, Councilors

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has invited the public to the official inauguration of re-elected Mayor Emily Larson and the newly elected City Councilors Gary Anderson, Arik Forsman, Janet Kennedy, Derek Medved, and Roz Randorf. The inauguration will take place on January 6 and will be held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. Outgoing City Councilors Noah…

Salad Kits Sicken Five Minnesotans, Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

(photo courtesy: CDC) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Department of Health officials confirm five Minnesotans are among those who have fallen ill due to an E. coli outbreak linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. In total, health official have confirmed nine cases nationwide, according to the MDH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition…

Pay Raises for Wisconsin State Workers up for Approval

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Pay raises for Wisconsin state employees are scheduled to be voted on by a special legislative committee next week. The panel of legislative leaders is scheduled to meet on Dec. 18 to act on pay plans that Gov. Tony Evers’ administration forwarded for approval last month. Democrats had been calling on Republican legislative leaders to set…

Midday Update 12-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 10, 2019.   Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Experience the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Duluth’s Historic NorShor Theatre

The Wizard of Oz will be Performed Through December 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Sunday, December 22, The Wizard of Oz is set to captivate audiences as it takes center stage inside Duluth’s historic NorShor Theatre. Christina Stroup who plays Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the production. Living on a Kansas farm with her aunt, uncle, and dog…

Handmade in the Northland: Wildlife Artist Alexa Carson

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 9 – 13, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Alexa Carson is a wildlife artist based…

Minnesota On Track to Meet Deadlines for Replacing MNLARS

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor says the state is on track to meet the project implementation deadlines for replacing the state’s troubled driver and vehicle registration system known as MNLARS. However, the auditor’s report found some minor risks to completing the project on time and on budget, and says managers should address them soon….

Morning Update 12-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Duluth to Consider Banning Conversion Therapy

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Duluth is the latest city to consider banning conversion therapy aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation. City Council member Gary Anderson said at a meeting Monday night that he introduced the measure because of a lack of action by the state legislature. A proposed statewide conversion therapy ban failed in the Legislature earlier this year….

Democrats Unveil Trump Impeachment Charges

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrats have announced two articles of impeachment charging President Donald Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The charges announced Tuesday stem from Trump’s pressure on Ukraine to announce investigations of his political rivals as he withheld aid to the country. Earlier Tuesday, Trump tweeted that he did “NOTHING” wrong and that impeaching a president…

Knowing Your Neighbors: In a New Light Gallery

WEBSTER, Wis. – Kids in mental health treatment are finding their strengths in a unique program in Northwestern Wisconsin. Northwest Passage is a residential treatment facility that helps about seventy-five kids at a time and three-hundred fifty every year on campuses in Webster and Frederic, Wisconsin. Along Highway 35, the program has a special gallery showcasing original artwork made by…

Glensheen New Home for Marcia Hales’ ‘Spirit of the Lights’

After 20 years in her Park Point backyard, light display moves locations.

DULUTH, Minn.- Glensheen Mansion will officially house another Northland Holiday Tradition Tuesday–Marcia Hales’ Spirit of the Lights display opens on the estate from 4 to 9 p.m. For more than 20 years the same lights were on display at Marcia’s Park Point home for all to enjoy. About 30-40 volunteers helped shine the lights again on Glensheen grounds. An undertaking…

Duluth Council Approves $235 Thousand to Spirit Mountain

Councilors voice disappointment that resort is in this state.

DULUTH, Minn.- The fate of Spirit Mountain rested in the hands of the Duluth City Council, who voted to grant $235,000 to the resort, to make up for losses after a Thanksgiving blizzard cancelled this past Amsoil Snocross. While the council approved the resolution 8-1 with Jay Fosle opposed, it was not without a tone of disappointment that the resort…

UW-Superior Student Athletes Wrap Gifts For Families In Need

Gifts are expected to be given out by the end of this week.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin–Superior Athletic Department kicked off its “Week of Giving” by wrapping gifts for 15 families in need. Each sports team adopted a child and was given 30 dollars to purchase items from a list of gifts requested. Student athletes spent their afternoon wrapping those gifts to get them ready in time for Christmas. The…

LSC Students Test Designs During Robot Competition

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College manufacturing students put their self–designed robots to the test in a task competition. The competition demonstrated how the robots can handle mechanical challenges. Each robot had to move 50 steel balls from one side to the other. This class is part of a core requirement for students. One student says he didn’t know what…

Recent Ice Causing More Frequent Slip And Falls

Chiropractors say one way to prevent a fall on ice is to walk like a penguin.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This time of year slip and falls can become a lot more frequent due to large amounts of ice. One chiropractic office in Superior has seen an increase in new patients injured from slip and falls. Lake superior Chiropractic wants folks to remember to use caution when walking on slippery areas. Back strains and broken wrists or…

Superior Fire Department Reminds People To Be Safe When Using Space Heaters

Space heaters should never run all night.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Every winter as temperatures drop, people choose to use alternative heating sources to warm up their homes. One of those methods is the use of space heaters. But space heaters can pose a fire risk. The Superior Fire Department says kitchen fires are a common type of house fire, with electrical fires being number two. When using…

Duluth Snow Brings Central Minnesotans Up the North Shore

Minnesotans embrace the snow and waves in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Minnesotans call themselves the toughest people when it comes to gearing up for brutal winters, cold weather and major snow fall. In fact, a handful of them are embracing it! “I feel like if we live in Minnesota, we know it’s going to be cold, it’s going to snow and you’ve just got to get out and enjoy it…

More Snow Means More Sales at Local Hardware Stores

Marshall Hardware has been busy with last minute shoppers preparing for Duluth's snow storms.

DULUTH, Minn.- The double layer of snow falling in the Twin Ports has people rushing through local hardware stores to buy new snow gear. Car and sidewalk scrapers were a big seller at Marshall Hardware Store Monday morning. The store owner says he’s glad to see people learning that one shovel won’t cut it in this kind of snow. “So the…

Student Accused in Wisconsin Shooting ‘Tired of Being Picked on”

Smith is Due Back in Court on December 17

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin teenager who was shot by a police officer after he allegedly pointed a pellet gun at another student’s head says he was “tired of being picked on.” Eighteen-year-old Tyrone Smith was charged Monday with several counts, including second-degree recklessly endangering safety and dangerous weapons on school premises. Smith was 17 last week when authorities…