News – Latest News

A STEM Program At The 148th Fighter Wing Expands

Starbase Minnesota will be able to serve 1,000 additional students every year in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 148th Fighter Wing celebrated the groundbreaking of a new expansion project. Starbase Minnesota, which is a non–profit youth program that educates students about science, technology, engineering and math, will get new classrooms on the base to help serve more students. The St. Paul-based organization expanded its reach to Duluth in 2017. The program has been well…

Humane Society of Burnett County Opens New Shelter

Take a look inside the new facility that houses dozens of cats and dogs

WEBSTER, Wis. – The Humane Society of Burnett County in Webster recently opened a brand new shelter building. Staff tell us the new facility allows them to provide better care to even more animals. It has double the space for furry friends like puppy Joan of Arc. “We have more animals, we have more people, we have more adoptions, it’s…

Ambulance Crew Injured in Central Entrance Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to a crash involving an ambulance Wednesday morning near the intersection of Central Entrance and Blackman Avenue. Authorities say the ambulance was traveling up Central Entrance with lights and sirens on when it was hit by a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old that ran a stop sign. The driver…

UPDATE: Another Warrant Issued for Duluth Man Who Started Synagogue Fire

Amiot Fled the Beth Port on November 4

Update: DULUTH, Minn. – According to authorities, Matthew Amiot, 36, was located and arrested Tuesday night. Police say Amiot was arrested around 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday and was admitted to a local hospital. It is unknown at this time why he was brought to hospital, but authorities confirm he will be transported to jail after he is released from the…

Midday Update 11-6-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Wisconsin Assembly to Attempt First Overrides in 11 Years

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Assembly plans to attempt the first veto overrides in 11 years, targeting three partial budget vetoes by Gov. Tony Evers. The Republican-controlled Assembly plans to vote on the veto overrides on Thursday. Republicans don’t have enough votes to pass them without Democratic support. Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz says no Democrats will support the…

Special Report: Professionals Helping Prepare For, Study Different Aspects of Grief

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a topic many shy away from, talking about what happens after we lose a loved one, and are left to live in the physical world without them. FOX 21’s Brett Scott examines how grief is studied on an academic level, and prepared for with the help of hospice professionals. “I think that mostly why I’m in…

St. Luke’s Holiday Sale Raising Funds for Volunteer Service Guild

The Annual Holiday Fundraiser Begins Thursday, November 7 in the St. Luke's Hospital Gift Shop

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Luke’s Volunteer Service Guild’s Annual Holiday Sale, Bake Sale and Raffle is happening Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8 in the St. Luke’s Hospital Gift Shop. Shoppers can find a wide selection of LED pictures, mugs, picture sets, holiday decorations and homemade bake sale items. Raffle tickets will be sold for $2 again this…

Duluth Police Officer on Administrative Leave for Alleged Impaired Driving

An Internal Investigation is Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth Police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for impaired driving last month. Authorities say off-duty officer Daryl Diver, 48, was stopped by Duluth Police on October 28 around 10:00 p.m. for ‘driving conduct consistent with signs of impairment.’ According to a recent press release, the officer immediately contacted the Minnesota…

Northland General Election Results

Below are the up to date results to the key races in Tuesday’s Northland General Elections Duluth Mayor Emily Larson (I) – 13,340  63.3% David Nolle – 7,509  35.8% Duluth Council Member at Large (Elect 2) Arik Forsman (I) – 8,972  25.8% Noah Hobbs (I) – 8,717  25.0% Mike Mayou – 7,869 22.6% Derek Medved – 9,068  26.2% Duluth Council…

Salvation Army to Kick off Red Kettle Campaign Wednesday Night at Bentleyville

The Red Kettle Karnival is Happening Wednesday, November 6 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Salvation Army invites you to help them kick off this year’s Red Kettle Campaign by stopping in at Bentleyville USA on Wednesday, November 6 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Attendees will get a sneak peek at Bentleyville USA before their official opening. There will be hot cocoa, mascot visits, marshmallows, music, and much more. Guests…

Great Lakes Aquarium, Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss Partner to Bring New Experience to Visitors

Tour the Great Lakes Aquarium by Touch; Kickoff Event Taking Place Saturday, November 9

DULUTH, Minn. – More than three million people in the United States live with vision loss, whether it be partial, full, for a lifetime, or later on in life. Great Lakes Aquarium is now working hard to break down barriers, making sure every visitor receives the same satisfaction no matter how much they’re able to see or hear. “If you…

Morning Update 11-6-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Records Show State Agency Broke Law 200 Times Over Past Year

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Public records show that the Minnesota Department of Human Services violated state law more than 200 times over the past year as it awarded $52 million in contracts and grant commitments without proper documentation. The records obtained by the Star Tribune show that employees sometimes allowed vendors and grantees to perform work without finalized contracts, while in…

UMD Students get Networking Opportunity

UMD students applying for jobs and internships met leaders in the field they're pursuing.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students applying for jobs and internships met leaders in the field they’re pursuing. Some students tell us they’re interested in working in music industry, with another saying they want to start their own biochemistry company. Networking with professionals to prepare for post-college careers can help students launch into the next chapter of their lives. “Networking is so…

UW-Superior Students Experience Interactive Refugee Event

"Refugee for 50 minutes" is an interactive community experience.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior students are learning what it would be like to be a refugee in 2019. The “refugee for 50 minutes” event was an interactive experience hosted by some political science classes at the college and the American Red Cross. It asks people to roll dice and experience the gamble many refugees trying to get from Syria to Germany…

Local Business Rewards People for Voting

"Yellow Bike Coffee" Cafe gave incentives for showing off an "I voted" sticker.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The team over at the new “Yellow Bike Coffee” Café in Hermantown wanted in on the Duluth election action. The Essentia Health Wellness Center location offered 50 cents off your purchase for showing them an “I voted” sticker. The staff thought the incentive was a good way to encourage people in the Northland to do their civic duty. “I…

Emily Larson Re-Elected Mayor of Duluth

Larson defeated challenger Dave Nolle

DULUTH, Minn. – Emily Larson has been re-elected Mayor of Duluth. Larson was first elected mayor in 2015 and was re-elected Tuesday night to another four-year term. Larson finished her re-election bid with 13,071 votes, or 63.33 percent to challenger Dave Nolle’s 7,465 votes or 36.17 percent. Emily Larson spoke with Fox 21 during her election party at the Duluth…

Medved, Forsman Elected Duluth Councilors-At-Large

The two beat out Hobbs and Mayou.

DULUTH, Minn.- In a close race, newcomer Derek Medved and incumbent Arik Forsman have been elected Duluth Councilors At Large. Medved clinched the vote at 9,068 votes, and Forsman at 8,972 votes. They beat out Noah Hobbs at 8,717 votes, and Mike Mayou at 7,869. 24-year-old Medved owns the Gary Milkhouse and Korner Store convenience stores. It is his first…

Anderson, Randorf, Kennedy Elected to Duluth City Council

Districts 3 & 5 get new councilors, District 1 gets incumbent Anderson.

DULUTH, Minn.- On election night, Gary Anderson was voted First District City Councilor, while Roz Randorf was voted Third District, and Janet Kennedy voted Fifth District Councilors. Anderson won 3,630 votes to Becky Hall’s 2,349. Randorf won 1,637 to Theresa O’Halloran Johnson’s 1,356. Kennedy won 2,125 to Jeanne Koneczny’s 1,930 votes. Anderson has been Councilor for the First District for…

Oswald, Kirby, Sandholm Elected Duluth School Board Members

Alanna Oswald, and David Kirby were re-elected while newcomer Paul Sandholm picked up Election night wins

DULUTH, Minn.- Alanna Oswald and David Kirby have been re-elected on the Duluth School Board, while Paul Sandholm also was victorious Tuesday night. In the At-Large race, Oswald received 10,528 votes or 54.4% defeated challenger John Schwetman who picked up 8,667 votes or 44.8%. Over in District 2, David Kirby was re-elected after knocking off Harry Welty. Kirby would receive…

Duluth Police Adding Additional Help at Bentleyville

Duluth Police Department are adding some extra patrols to the Bayfront Park area

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday night we told you about vandalism once again happening at Bentleyville, this time in the form of graffiti. And now, as Duluth Police continue investigating they are adding some extra patrols to the Bayfront Park area. To make sure the park stays protected, and Bentleyville has a great show this year, more security measures are being added….

People Show Up To The Polls For Local Elections

During presidential elections this location normally sees a turnout rate of about 80%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Multiple elections are happening throughout the Northland as polls close at 8 p.m. Within two hours of opening the polls more than 200 voters showed up to the polls at the Duluth Congregational Church on East  Superior Street. During presidential elections this location normally sees a turnout rate of about 80%. The election judge, who is also…

GO: Community Christmas Tree Arrives in Downtown Duluth

"This White Spruce is one of the tallest Christmas tree we have ever had on display," said Rutledge.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas now that the annual Community Christmas tree has returned to the Minnesota Power Plaza in downtown Duluth. “We want to give back to the community this is one of our time honored traditions that we are proud to be a part of ,” said Communications Manager Amy Rutledge. Standing…

St. Louis County Designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

HIDTA Designation means substantial funding boost, which authorities say they need.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced the county has officially been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House. It means the county receives substantial additional funding, at a time when authorities say they need it. “Extra resources are gonna provide extra dividends,” said Commander of the Lake Superior…

WE Fest Taking Hiatus in 2020, Will Return in 2021

The Festival Will be Back in 2021

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) – WE Fest, the popular country music festival in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, is taking a hiatus in 2020. Live Nation acquired WE Fest from Townsquare Media shortly before the 2019 festival. In a message posted on WE Fest’s social media pages, organizers said 2020 will be a planning year so they can “bring an even…

Wisconsin Senate Fires Agriculture Secretary

Senate Voted 19-14 to Reject Pfaff's Confirmation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has voted to fire the state agriculture secretary, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Evers watched the vote Tuesday from the floor of the Senate, a highly unusual appearance by the governor during legislative debate. The move to oust Brad Pfaff is the latest skirmish in a series of battles between…

One Girl Hospitalized, Another in Custody After School Fight

Authorities Say the Victim is in Stable Condition

BLOOMIINGTON, Minn. (AP) – Bloomington police say one girl stabbed another during a fight at Jefferson High School. Police Chief Jeff Potts says the stabbing happened around noon Tuesday in the front hallway of the suburban Minneapolis school. Potts says the two girls are students at Jefferson. He says one girl suffered “multiple” stab wounds and was taken to a…

One Killed in Vehicle Crash at Minorca Mine in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn.-The Virginia Fire Department has confirmed that a male employee of Minorca Mine has been killed after crashing their vehicle on a road at the mine. It all happened at about 9:40 a.m. when authorities responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash where they found a service truck flipped on its side. The cause of the crash is…

Production Crew Makes a Pit Stop in Duluth, Focused on Renewable Energy

The Production Crew will be Shooting Scenes at Canal Park Brewery for an Upcoming Series to be Released

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, November 5 at 12:00 p.m., an electric powered road trip will be making a stop in Duluth highlighting inspirational individuals in our community and businesses going above and beyond to become more sustainable with green energy. The What Fuels – electric road trip is happening from October 28 through November 7. The purpose is to…

Midday Update 11-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Former Counselor Pleads Guilty to Juvenile Sex Crimes

His Sentencing is Scheduled for January 27

Mark Painter DULUTH, Minn. – A former The Hills Family and Youth Services youth counselor has pleaded guilty to all five counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct. 29-year-old Mark Painter of Hermantown amended his plea on Monday. Court documents say Painter allegedly engaged in sex acts with five boys between the ages of 13 and 17 at the residential…

Opera Studio at UMD Presenting Production of “Love Scenes”

The Production of "Love Scenes" is Happening Friday, November 8 in Weber Music Hall on the Campus of UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Friday, November 8, you’re encouraged to make way to Weber Music Hall on the campus of UMD. Opera Studio is proud to present a very special program titled, “Love Scenes.” The production begins at 7:30 p.m. Performers Rachel Inselman and Adam Gieber stopped by FOX 21 Local News Tuesday morning to chat about the upcoming performance….

Special Report: Finding “The New Normal” After the Loss of a Loved One

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – Moving on after the loss of a loved one can be a very tough experience. Many choose to keep quiet, dealing with emotions alone instead of reaching out for support and guidance when moving forward. It’s been just over three months since FOX 21’s Brett Scott lost his mother. She battled cancer with grace and courage for…

Morning Update 11-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Krispy Kreme Reverses Course, Allows Student Resale Service

Gonzalez Will now Work as an Independent Operator

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Krispy Kreme has reached an agreement with a Minnesota college student who drove to Iowa every weekend to buy hundreds of doughnuts to resell them in the Twin Cities area. The company said in a statement Monday that Jayson Gonzalez of Champlin can now work with Krispy Kreme as an independent operator. The deal also…

Suspect Arrested After School Marked by Swastika

The Swastika and Other Offensive Graffiti was Found at an Elementary School

EDINA, Minn. (AP) – Police in a Minneapolis suburb have arrested a suspect after a swastika and other offensive graffiti was found at an elementary school. In an e-mail to Edina School District families, Superintendent John Schultz wrote that “when an act of hatred occurs anywhere in Edina, it affects our entire community.” Police say the arrest occurred Monday after…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Endion Station Goes from Pub to Inn

New hotel set to open later this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Later this week Canal Park will welcome a new boutique hotel, or “brew-tique” as the owner calls it, making use of the previously empty Endion Station building. “People are hungry for a boutique hotel, and a boutique experience,” Rod Raymond said. Last February Raymond, owner of Fitger’s Brewhouse, Burrito Union, and the Rathskeller, branched out of his wheelhouse…

Celebrating Flavors of Fall with Eat Downtown Duluth Restaurant Week

Event focused on getting more business to Downtown Restaurants and Waterfront Restaurants.

DULUTH, Minn.- Restaurants throughout Downtown Duluth are celebrating the flavors of Fall for this season’s Eat Downtown Restaurant week. The event is focused on getting more business to downtown restaurants and introducing new patrons to the downtown waterfront restaurants. Restaurants are featuring deals, like 7 West Taphouse’s $10 Menu, featuring a starter, entrée and dessert for 10 bucks. “We definitely…

Minnesota Food Justice Summit Brings Diverse Farmers to Talk Equality

Summit runs Monday through Wednesday at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Food Justice Summit packed the DECC with farmers, food buyers, and other members of Minnesota’s food system to focus on making the way Minnesota gets its food equal to all. Summit officials say that due to redlining, or denying services to residents or specific neighborhoods, mostly based on race, has made it hard for black, indigenous,…

Christmas Assistance for those in Need

The holiday season can be tough for some, but the Salvation Army is offering some assistance

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday season can be tough for some around the Northland, but the Salvation Army is offering some assistance for those in need. Those who need some help for holidays can now apply for Christmas dinner and gifts for families and children ages sixteen and under. When you apply, you must bring your photo ID, proof of current…

Bentleyville Vandalized Again

Bentleyville Tour of Lights founder asking for extra eyes to help patrol the Northland's biggest festival of lights

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are investigating vandalism at Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Park. One of the trailers was spray painted over the weekend with graffiti. And after theft and vandalism last year, too, Bentleyville’s founder is asking for extra eyes to help patrol the Northland’s biggest festival of lights. Unfortunately the Grinch has struck again at Bentleyville, as…

St. Luke’s Hosts Fifth Annual Mental Health Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital hosted its annual mental health conference at the holiday inn in downtown Duluth. More than 100 mental health professionals got the chance to hear from speakers. they learned about different alternative therapies to help patients with mental illness. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by 2025, there…

Duluth Police Rolling Out Program To Offer Vouchers Instead of Citations for Car Light Violations

The department is among more than 30 law enforcement agencies in Minnesota partnering with the Minneapolis-based non-profit called Microgrants.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department makes more than 20,000 traffic stops a year. According to authorities most of these stops are for broken headlight or tail light violations. The DPD is planning to roll out a new program to help drivers get those lights fixed for free. The department is among more than 30 law enforcement agencies in…

Landline And Sun Country Airlines Partner To Offer More Convenience For Duluth Travelers

Sun Country travels to more than 50 destinations.

DULUTH, Minn. – The landline bus service that connects Duluth travelers to the Minneapolis–St. Paul airport is now partnering with Sun Country Airlines. Travelers can now book bus rides to MSP as part of their airfare with sun country all for one affordable price. Passengers can also check their bags with the bus and then retrieve them at their final…

UMD Students Remember the Fall of the Berlin Wall

UMD students honor the 30th anniversary of the Berlin wall coming down.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students at UMD are remembering the fall of the Berlin Wall this week in honor of the event’s 30th anniversary. Beginning German classes created art representing the freedom that came after Germans stormed the barrier that separated the East and West parts of the country. One of the event’s main focuses is how similar the fall of the Berlin…

Forecast Calls for Continued High Water in Great Lakes

Lake Levels May Set Additional Records

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – A new forecast says Great Lakes levels are likely to remain unusually high and may set additional records. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Detroit on Monday released its outlook for the next six months. Hydrologist Keith Kompoltowicz says a wet October interrupted the usual fall drop-off of water levels. Storms over Lakes…

DNR: Hunters Killed Slightly Fewer Bears in 2019

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin wildlife officials say hunters killed slightly fewer bears in 2019 than last year. The Department of Natural Resources said Monday that preliminary data shows hunters took 3,648 bears. That’s down slightly from 3,680 in 2018. Kills increased by 36% across the southern two-thirds of the state over 2018. Harvest in the north-central region was up…