News – Latest News

LIVE: Mayor Paine: Credible Bomb Threat at New Superior Fire Hall

UPDATE: According to the Superior Police Department, a possible homemade explosive device was found on the sidewalk in the 3000 Block of Tower Avenue just north of the Superior Fire Department Headquarters around 9:13 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Superior Police Department’s Tactical Technology Team responded to the area with a remote controlled robot that could safely approach the device to…

Federal Judge Rejects Challenges to PolyMet Land Swap

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal judge has rejected challenges by several environmental groups to a land swap needed for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen dismissed the four challenges late Monday. She ruled that the groups lacked the necessary legal standing to block the land exchange between PolyMet and the federal government. She…

Iron Range Pasty Festival Coming to Mt. Iron Community Center

The First Annual Iron Range Pasty Festival is Happening Saturday, October 5

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Pasty lovers, rejoice! The First Annual Iron Range Pasty Festival is happening at the Mountain Iron Community Center on October 5  from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. There will be food, music, rutabaga bowling, a scavenger hunt and more family fun. Guests will also have the chance to play Green Cheese, the region’s favorite original call-in trivia…

Evers to Move Date of Wisconsin’s Special Congressional Vote

Evers Spokeswoman Says the State and Federal Law Conflict With Each Other

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers plans to change the date of the special election for an open congressional state after being alerted by the U.S. Department of Justice that the dates he set last week violated federal law. The election is to replace Republican Sean Duffy, who resigned last week. Evers on Sept. 23 set the special…

Morning Update 10-1-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 1, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, weather

Essentia Health Purchases Five Downtown Duluth Properties

The $800 Million Project is Now Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has purchased five downtown Duluth properties located near its downtown medical campus. According to a recent press release, Essentia purchased two duplexes, one triplex and two small apartment buildings in the 300 Block of East First Street. The hospital says the properties were purchased to make room for a new parking ramp linked to the…

Police Arrest Mother in Wisconsin Counterfeit Vaping Case

Huffhines Faces Charges Including Possessing and Manufacturing THC

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – Authorities have arrested the mother of two Wisconsin brothers accused of illegally manufacturing vaping cartridges with THC oil. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office says 43-year-old Courtney Huffhines faces charges that include possessing and manufacturing THC, but details of her alleged involvement have not been disclosed. The sheriff’s office says more information is being released Tuesday. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: The Benefits of Himalayan Salt Right in Cloquet

Himalayan Salt room at Epic Nutrition.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Kept in the back room of Epic Nutrition is a little piece of the Himalayas right here in the Northland. “It’s a really cool different thing that’s here in Cloquet,” said Epic Nutrition Manager Heidi Pack. “The closest salt room is actually in like Roseville, Minnesota.” “Y’know you don’t wanna drive all the way into Duluth all the…

Check Presented to Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge

Founders of Breezy Point 5K present large check to Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge received a large donation from the founders of the Breezy Point 5K race to aid in their efforts to help people suffering from addiction in the Northland. $47,000 was donated by Stevie and Sandy Paulson. They donate a portion of the race’s proceedings every year and with 375 participants, this year’s check was…

“Christmas for the Homeless” Event needs Donations

Christmas is more than 60 days away. Organizers behind the “Christmas for the homeless” event are now looking for donations to help the less fortunate, who usually don’t receive much around the holidays. A full list of donations such as warm clothing and essential items are currently needed. Organizers are also looking for possible drop off locations for those donations….

Reconstruction Wrap-Up and Other Big Events to Happen in Duluth in October

Superior Street Reconstruction and Catalyst Content Festival overlap in October.

DULUTH, Minn.- Among several construction projects just getting started in the Northland, phase two of Superior Street reconstruction is getting ready to enter what should be its final month. The project is supposed to wrap up between mid and late October, but with other big events happening downtown, there are some wishing it would finish up sooner rather than later….

Castle Danger Brewery Hits ‘Growler Cap’

Growler sales at Castle Danger in Two Harbors came to a halt Monday

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Growler sales are coming to a halt for the rest of the year at Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors. It’s all because of a Minnesota state law that says once a brewery produces more than 20,000 barrels in a year those breweries are prohibited from selling the 64 ounce growlers for customers to take home from…

Super One Customers Can Grab Groceries and Get a Flu Shot At Participating Store Locations

Essentia expects to give about 100 shots at each clinic.

Essentia Health is partnering with super one foods to offer in–store flu shots at locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Customers visiting super one on Oakes Avenue in superior had their chance to get a flu shot. Anyone 19 and older can stop by to get the vaccine. We’re told most insurances are accepted. Customers who do not have insurance can…

Scott Walker’s son Decides Against run for Congress

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is the only GOP Announced Candidate

(photo: Twitter/Matt Walker) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The 25-year-old son of former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has decided against a run for Congress. Matt Walker posted on Twitter Monday that he would not run to replace retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner in Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District. Walker has never run for office and he was among several Republicans eyeing…

Former UMD Coach Shannon Miller Accepts Reduced Award

The Reduction is in Addition to the $1.2 Million Awarded in Lost Wages and Benefits

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller has accepted the reduced monetary award of $750,000 in emotional damages. Miller was awarded $3 million in emotional damages earlier this year but U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz cut that award by $2.25 million saying in his decision that the amount was extremely excessive for a one plaintiff case. The…

Multiple Agencies Respond to Lake Superior Water Rescue

There is no Word on the Condition of the Boaters

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a water emergency Monday morning after a small motor boat capsized in Lake Superior. According to reports, Marine 19 and Marine 1 were dispatched to the Minnesota side of the Wisconsin entry just after 11:00 a.m. after learning one individual was missing in the water. Two of the three individuals on…

Third Suspect Charged in Fatal West Duluth Shooting

Bail was set at $100,000

DULUTH, Minn. – A third person has been formally charged in connection to last week’s fatal West Duluth shooting. Amber Rose Louise Forrest, 29, has been charged with one count of Aiding An Offender as an accomplice after the fact. According to the criminal complaint, Forrest admitted to taking a backpack and two BB guns from the residence of Christopher…

CVS Stops Sale of Heartburn Drugs With Suspect Contaminant

Customers Can Return Zantact Products for a Refund

(AP) – CVS has halted sales of popular heartburn treatment Zantac and the store generic version after warnings by U.S. health regulators. CVS is the latest retailer to pull the heartburn tablets from store shelves. Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers about a potentially dangerous contaminant in prescription and over-the-counter versions of Zantac. In its…

Midday Update 9-30-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 30, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 30, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Influenza Confirmed in Minnesota, St. Luke’s Advises Early Flu Shot

Dr. Sara Lund with St. Luke's Infectious Disease Associates in Duluth Offers Advice Ahead of Flu Season

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80,000 Americans died, and almost one million were hospitalized due to influenza during the 2017 – 2018 flu season. This year, health officials are once again reminding people to not put it off, and get vaccinated for the common illness before it’s too late. Dr. Sara Lund…

Road Closures: Flash Flooding

Map Of Current Closed Roads

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wisc. – Douglas County Highway Department has CLOSED County HWY W between HWY B & C where it crosses the Nemadji River due to high water over the road. The Township of Summit is also reporting to Emergency Management that the Patzau Foxboro Road is CLOSED due to high standing water. Over 5.5″ of rain fell in these…

Wis. Rep. Milroy Announces He Will not Run For Congress

Milroy has Represented Wisconsin's 73rd District Since 2009

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – Democratic State Rep. Nick Milroy announced Monday morning that he will not run for the now vacant 7th District seat. Milroy posted on his Facebook page Monday that running for Congress is not the right choice for his family at this time. The Facebook post read in part: “You only get one shot at raising your…

Update: One Dead in Lake Superior Water Emergency

Two men rescued, all three were employees of Roen Salvage of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn. – One person is dead and two others are lucky to be alive after their boat capsized into the frigid waters of Lake Superior at the end of Park Point during Monday’s Red Flag warning. According to St. Louis County Undersheriff Dave Phillips, the men were believed to be working in the harbor as part of a dredging…

Boy, 9, Takes Wrong Turn on 5K Race, Wins 10K Race Instead

Lovell Finished the Race in Just Over 48 Minutes

SARTELL, Minn. (AP) – It took 9-year-old Kade Lovell longer than expected to finish his 5K race, but only because he was busy accidentally winning a separate 10K race. Lovell’s mother became worried when he didn’t cross the finish line of the Francis Franny Flyer 5K in Sartell, Minnesota, on Sept. 21. The St. Cloud Times reports she drove along…

Craft, Vendor Expo Coming to Miners Memorial Building in Virginia

The Northern Minnesota Craft & Vendor Expo is Happening October 5 - 6 in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Art, entertainment, food and fun is coming to the Miners Memorial Building Saturday and Sunday, October 5 – 6. Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Miners Memorial Building is located at 812 South 9th Avenue in Virginia. The Northern Minnesota Craft & Vendor Expo is set to feature…

Morning Update 9-30-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 30, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 30, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, weather

Husky Gets Approval to Start Superior Refinery Rebuild

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Husky Energy says it’s been given approval to rebuild its oil refinery in Superior after an explosion and a series of fires last year. Husky says it will start the $400 million plan immediately with the goal of resuming partial operations in 2021. “Our continued investment in this refinery and the community will support the Superior-Duluth regional…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Park Point Beaches

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has issued a red flag warning for dangerous swimming conditions effective immediately. The warning for Park Point beaches will continue until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. The department says the warning is for dangerous wind and wave conditions that can support rip currents. They recommend staying out of the water regardless of your swimming experience….

Man With 18 DUIs Gets Prison Time for Serious Injury Crash

Knoll Received a Three Year Prison Sentence

HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) – A 60-year-old Minnesota man with 18 drunken-driving convictions will serve 20 months in prison for causing a crash that seriously injured two people in 2017. Marshall A. Knoll pleaded guilty to first-degree driving while impaired in exchange for the dismissal of two more-serious charges. Prosecutors say Knoll was driving with a suspended license and was high…

Lake Superior Disc Golf Community Holds Final Tournament

Final tournament held in Superior National Forest.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Lake Superior Disc Golf Community held their final tournament of the season Sunday. They tossed around the discs at the Superior National Forest. About 30–50 people came out to the tournament, out of about 100 in the region who play. Organizers want to see more people try disc golf, with the sport open to all ages. “Exercise…

Kids in Need Get Free Haircuts, Just in Time for Picture Day

Families walked out with a free haircut for the kids, and a $10 plate of barbecue.

DULTUH, Minn.- Back to school can be both a stressful and expensive time. Gathering school supplies, shopping for new clothes, and getting that fresh new haircut for Picture Day. So the organization A+ Game partnered with BAM Style to help families get their kids that new do. “It’s a wonderful service,” said parent Karen Reneau. “Low income families appreciate this…

Hundreds Walk to Help Grant Wishes

Make a Wish holds annual Walk for Wishes, raises over $10,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of people gathered at UMD’s Bagley Nature Center for a walk and run benefitting the Make-A-Wish foundation, to grant wishes for kids suffering from critical illnesses. Over $10,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish today, exceeding their goal. About 100 people pre-registered to participate in the Walk for Wishes. The smiles at events like these continue long after everyone…

Part of West First Street to be Changed to Two-Way Traffic

Hope is to eliminate wrong way drivers, reduce speeds, and have faster emergency response.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday a portion of West First Street in Duluth will begin to be changed to two-way traffic. The eight blocks between 22nd Avenue West and 30th Avenue West will be converted. The city believes two–way traffic will eliminate wrong–way drivers, reduce speeds and allow for quicker emergency response.   Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News,…

Railroad Street to Close in Preparation for Can of Worms Project

Project to complete by October 11th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday, a big portion of Railroad Street will be closed for the next two weeks to replace train crossings. The closure is between 5th Avenue West by the DECC, and Garfield Avenue. The new rail crossings are part of improvements to railroad street in preparation for increased traffic when the “Twin Ports Interchange Project” begins on the…

New National Dance Rule Allows Same-Sex and Gender Neutral Couples Participate in Competitions

The National Dance Council of America changed its definition of "couple" so that same-sex and gender neutral couples could compete.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in the dance community are celebrating a big victory this week. As of September 23, the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) changed a long–standing rule that will now allow same–sex and gender neutral couples to compete against opposite–sex couples at sanctioned events. Traditionally, the NDCA Rules & Regulations defined a couple in ballroom dance as a male…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Closes Doors on its 59th Season

Gordy's Hi-Hat finishes its 59th year.

CLOQUET, Minn.-We know a Northland Winter is on the way because Gordy’s Hi–Hat in wrapped up their 59th season Sunday. The classic diner–style burger joint was packed with customers since 10 a–m and stayed opened until they ran out of food. The Lundquist family, who run Gordy’s restaurant, say it was a beautiful Summer and they’re lucky their loyal customers…

Northlanders Protest Enbridge Line 3 in Gichi-ode’ Akiing Park

Protestors hold Enbridge rally in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The battle over Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project continues. Concerned Northlanders organized a rally and protested along the shore of Lake Superior Saturday to make their voices heard. Hundreds of oil pipeline protestors spent their day in Gichi-ode’ Akiing park hoping this rally will finally be the one officials notice. Activists joined in calling on…

Young Dancers Learn from World-Class Professionals

Celebration Dance hosts Fall convention at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dancers in the Twin Ports learned from professional instructors at the DECC’s “Celebration Dance” Fall convention. More than 300 dancers could attend modern dance workshops to learn routines from world–class professionals any of whom have worked with big names like Beyonce and Britney Spears. The convention was a way to get young dancers to step out of their comfort…

Lester River Rendezvous Hosts Thousands for Fun of All Ages

The annual autumn tradition celebrated the lifestyles and folkways of voyageurs in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Autumn tradition filled Lester Park for a day filled with fun for all ages to attend. The 21st annual Lester River Rendezvous celebrates the lifestyles and folkways of the voyageurs in Minnesota. A little chilly weather didn’t stop nearly five thousand people from coming out to Lester Park to enjoy the day. The event featured more…

International Falls Man Remembers his Brother on a Tragic Anniversary

Dan Saker remembers his brother Bill Saker on the anniversary of his body being found in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- September 28 is a tough anniversary for one Northland resident, but instead of letting it get him down, he’s sharing his story in hopes of helping others in the Twin Ports. Dan Saker spent his afternoon on the Lakewalk in the same spot where his brother Bill was found dead two years ago today. Dan suffers from bipolar disorder…

Fill-a-Truck Food Drive

The Fill-a-Truck event continues Sunday from 9am until 4pm

DULUTH, Minn.- As winter draws near, local organizations stress the need to feed nearly a 100,000 people in Duluth every year. Union Gospel Mission of Duluth is filling trucks full of food so they can continue to serve hot, nutritional meals for those in need. One of the board members we spoke with today, says giving back to the community…

Fall Carnival at Stella Maris Academy

DULUTH, Minn. – The fall season was celebrated with a carnival at Stella Maris Academy in Duluth. Kids dunked their teachers and the priest in a dunk tank, enjoyed festival food, and a bounce house. The catholic school also kicked off a year of service. Kids went into the community to spread cheer to their neighbors. “Our kids got to…

William A. Irvin to be Back in Minnesota Slip in Coming Weeks

The Irvin, however, won't be open to the public until next summer

DULUTH, Minn.- We are learning the William A. Irvin will be back in the Minnesota Slip in the coming weeks. The Irvin has been at a dry dock in Fraser Shipyards getting detailed maintenance done to it. Fraser Shipyards is cleaning the bottom of the boat, while AMI Consulting is inspecting all of the rivets to check which ones need…

Addressing The Vaping Epidemic

There are now over 800 confirmed and probably cases of lung injuries associated to e-cigarette use

DULUTH, Minn.- There are now over 800 confirmed and probably case of lung injury associated with e-cigarette use in 46 states according to the CDC. A week ago there were just 530 which is why a vaping forum was held today with local medical experts. There have been 13 deaths in 10 different states across the U.S. including one in…

Superior Fire Department Train to Test Mutual Aid from Other Emergency Response Teams

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department battles flames on a regular basis, but what happens when help is needed from other agencies? A fire drill tested the response of Twin Ports first responders working together. Last winter, a fire erupted here at Superior Midwest Energy. This training exercise is meant to replicate incident in hopes of improving the response….

Essentia Prepares New Miller Hill Health Plaza for Grand Opening

The Essentia Health Plaza will open for members to use September 30

DULUTH, Minn.- Doors opened for the first time Friday at the new Essentia Health Plaza at the Miller Hill Mall for a special preview event. The space, which was previously Younkers department store, is focused on expanding overall adult wellness. The location is bigger than Essentia’s old fitness center on its main campus and contains several pieces of geriatric–grade exercise…

Two Suspects Charged for Fatal Shooting in West Duluth

James Peterson and Christopher Boder are charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second degree.

DULUTH, Minn.- The two suspects arrested for a fatal shooting in west Duluth Sunday have been formally charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second degree. Authorities have not identified who the shooter is. 38–year–old James Peterson and 31–year–old Christopher Boder could face up to 40 years behind bars for the alleged murder of 33–year–old Timothy Nelson. The father of…

Update: Water Main Break in Upper Lakeside Repaired; Residents Asked to Boil Water

Residents can Call Utility Operations for Updates

UPDATE: City extends water boiling time frame in Upper Lakeside until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28. UPDATE: Duluth Public Works and Utilities says water service was restored to residents in upper Lakeside at 2:00 a.m. Friday morning. Residents in the affected area should continue to boil water until Saturday, September 28 at 2:00 a.m. For more information you can call…