News – Latest News

Morning Update 9-19-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 19, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 19, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Court Suspends Two Polymet Permits

On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Court of Appeals suspended Polymet’s permit to mine and dam safety permits for its proposed $1 billion copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. The permits will be discussed at an Oct. 23 hearing.  That’s when the “DNR shall be prepared to advise the court on the status of post-permit developments, including its evaluation of the Brumadinho dam…

Minnesota Commissioner of Education Visits UMD

Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker has held the position since January and she is visiting six different schools around the region.

DULUTH, Minn. – Education students at the University of Minnesota Duluth were visited by the Minnesota Commissioner of Education Mary Cathryn Ricker on her Back to School tour. She stopped by schools to talk to teachers and students and learn more about education in the state. Commissioner Ricker has held the position since January and she is visiting six different…

Zoomobile Stops At University of Wisconsin-Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoomobile made a stop today at the University of Wisconsin- Superior Library. A tortoise, a tarantula, and a few other animals went along for the ride. Visitors had the opportunity to pet and interact with the animals. Zoo staff were also available to give the visitors a lesson about the wildlife ambassadors. “We can…

Complaint: Man High on Meth Kills Passenger While Driving Through Kettle River

43-year-old charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide

DULUTH, Minn.- A Willow River man is facing two counts of vehicular homicide after driving through a river while on meth, killing one of his passengers, according to the complaint. Two formal charges of criminal vehicular homicide have been filed against him, one for operating a vehicle with any amount of a controlled substance in his body. No bail has…

New Senior Housing Expected for London Road

Construction is expected to be completed by Sepetember 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Housing continues to be a big issue in Duluth, but a new  housing option is on the way for seniors on London Road next to the Ecumen Lake Shore Community. And today Developers broke ground on the new property. Zvago Lake Superior is a cooperative housing unit where residents can still have ownership, but not the usual…

College of St. Scholastica Celebrates Homecoming Week

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Homecoming week at the College of St. Scholastica, and students are celebrating school pride. A student activities fair filled the Benedictine Commons. About fifty clubs met with students, teaching them all the ways they can get involved on campus. “I think it’s good for people to get involved, especially for our first year students who are…

UMD Multicultural Center Reopens After Renovation

New design features larger community space for students to connect

DULUTH, Minn. – A big renovation has transformed the Multicultural Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Multicultural Center is a space for all students to feel welcome at UMD. Staff tell us it hasn’t been updated since it opened in 2004, and a remodel was more than a decade in the works. The new layout has a bigger…

Sky Harbor Airport Receives $1 Million Grant for Runway Reconstruction

Construction for phase three of the project begins on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sky Harbor Airport in Park Point will receive a nearly $1 million grant from the Department of Transportation to finish phase three of the runway reconstruction project. Congressman Pete Stauber recently announced funding was also allocated for Falls International Airport, which will receive more than $15 million for runway reconstruction. Sky Harbor’s runway has been undergoing a…

Woman Rescued Off Park Point

According to the Duluth Fire Department, the woman was the sole occupant of a sailboat which she was out of and on the shore at the time of rescue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A woman is alive after a water rescue off Park Point starting at around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Duluth Fire Department, the woman was the sole occupant of a sailboat which she was out of and on the shore at the time of rescue. The woman hurt her hand while trying to secure her sailboat…

Minneapolis Man Charged, Allegedly Set Girlfriend on Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis man is charged with attempted murder and assault after he allegedly strangled his girlfriend and set her on fire. The criminal complaint says the woman escaped and drove herself to the hospital while her hair and body were still smoldering. She’s now in a medically induced coma after Monday’s attack. Prosecutors charged 46-year-old Richard Bullock…

Recovery of a Native American Burial Site Halted

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing project to recover remains in the Fond du Lac neighborhood in Duluth at a Native American burial site has been halted. A spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Transportation says only the burial recovery portion of the $6 million project has been delayed. For two years crews have been working to restore the native burial…

Willow River Man Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

Prokasky is Due Back in Court September 24

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. – The 43-year-old man who drove his vehicle into Kettle River on Monday has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Authorities received reports on Monday around 3:48 p.m. of a vehicle in the river and people in the water. When officers arrived on scene they learned that the driver, Preston Prokasky, and the backseat…

Michigan Joins New York in Banning Flavored E-Cigarettes

Trump has Proposed a Federal Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products

(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File) LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan has joined New York in banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes as federal health officials investigate the cause of hundreds of serious breathing illnesses in people who have used vaping devices. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released details of the ban Wednesday and gave retailers, including online sellers,…

Minnesota Opioid Task Force to Hold First Meeting Next Week

The Money will go for Grants to Fund Prevention Strategies

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s new task force on the opioid crisis will hold its first meeting next week on how best to spend $20 million from new licensing fees on the pharmaceutical industry. The Department of Human Services on Wednesday announced the 19 members of the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council. They include legislative and tribal leaders; health…

Midday Update 9-18-19

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update

Man Dies After Falling From Roof in Eagles Nest Township

Foul Play is not Suspected

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A 55-year-old male has died after he fell from a roof trying to remove a downed tree. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to 1415 Walsh Road for a medical emergency around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities say 55-year-old Hans Christopher Smith had been on the roof of a residence…

Spooner-Based National Guard Unit Deploying to Middle East

The Unit Will Deploy This Fall

SPOONER, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin National Guard unit based in Spooner will deploy to the Middle East this fall. About 150 soldiers from the 829th Engineer Company, which has a detachment in Ashland, will mobilize as a construction unit in support of an engineer battalion from Indiana. The Journal Sentinel says the 829th deployed to Afghanistan in 2013-2014 and…

Art Exhibit Opening Saturday Inside Free Range Film Festival Barn

The Exhibit, Featuring Two Local Artists, is Opening Saturday, September 21 in Wrenshall

WRENSHALL, Minn. – As autumn approaches the Northland, a new art exhibit is set to open and be on display for the next two weekends in Wrenshall. The visual arts exhibition features the work of Catherine Meier and Kristina Estall. Field Trials II allows for artistic experimentation and exploration inside a century old barn. Both artists work in partnership with…

Minnesota Health Experts Urge Flu Shots as Soon as Possible

Experts Say People are Better off With the Vaccine Than Without it

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials are urging Minnesotans to get flu shots as soon as possible. Jennifer Heath of the Minnesota Department of Health tells Minnesota Public Radio the flu season could begin anytime. Only about half of the people eligible get the flu vaccine. If more people got immunized, she says, fewer people would get sick –…

Thousands of Bird Watchers Flock to Witness Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is Hosting Fall Festival Weekend September 20 - 22 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is celebrating its 48th season of documenting the great fall migration. This natural phenomenon is attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of bird watchers from local areas, and internationally as the seasons change. Mother Nature is guiding birds of prey such as raptors toward warmer weather as they…

Nazi Flag Found Raised on Pole at Michigan Elementary School

Police Say it Would Not be Considered a Hate Crime

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) – Police in southern Michigan are on the lookout for suspicious activity after a Nazi flag was raised on an elementary school flag pole. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports construction crews at Riverside Elementary School in Battle Creek discovered the flag Saturday. They alerted Lakeview School District employees, who called police. Superintendent Blake Prewitt says in…

Morning Update 9-18-19

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

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

One Dead in Pine County House Fire

The Fire Remains Under Investigation

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities say a 62-year-old woman was found deceased in her home Tuesday night after a house fire broke out around 7:53 p.m. on Highway 23 near Brook Park. Pine County dispatch received a call from the male homeowner who reported his house on fire. When fire crews arrived on scene they found the home fully engulfed…

UMD Students Simulate How to Immigrate for Constitution Day

"Immigration Simulation" takes kids through the struggles of our country's immigration process.

DULUTH, Minn.- September 17th is federally recognized as Constitution and Citzenship Day. Tuesday at UMD, some students had an experience that shows what it’s like when you’re trying to get into the United States as an immigrant. “A Mile in their Shoes, an Immigration Simulation” allowed students to mimic going through the immigration process both legally and illegally. Stations included…

OMC Owner Opening New Cocktail Lounge

What initially was an OMC expansion is now a separate business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The owner of Lincoln Park businesses OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill, Corktown Deli and Taco Arcada is opening up a new business right next door to OMC. “Noble Pour”, as it will be called, will be a craft cocktail lounge on West Superior Street featuring local craft beverages and beverages made in house. Owner Tom Hanson says the idea…

First Ever Constitution Day Parade Held at DECS North Star Academy

Hundreds of students lined the halls and participated by making floats, flags, and many types of projects displaying what they studied in class about the U.S. Constitution.

DULUTH, Minn. – 232 years ago the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia and on Tuesday kindergarten through fifth graders at Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy participated in the first constitution parade at their school. Hundreds of students lined the halls and participated by making floats, flags, and many types of projects displaying what they studied in class about…

Duluth Airport Seeks Public Input on Vision 2040 Master Plan

Investments into Airport improvements through 2030 estimated at $70 million.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has kicked off the first phase of its Vision 2040 Master Plan, and officials want the public’s feedback on what the plan should address. They held an open house meeting at the airport on Tuesday, inviting members of the public, business leaders, government officials, and aviation workers to hear and share about the plan….

Great Outdoors: A Community Coming Together To Plant Trees

Those in the community rallied together to plant trees in the Lakeside neighborhood Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s often said that it takes a village to make a city and that was the case Tuesday as Duluth City workers and volunteers planted trees for a good cause. People of all ages grabbed their shovels and gloves, to replace trees taken down by Emerald Ash Borer. Arbor Day is typically celebrated in April, but weather here…

New Smoke Shop Opens in Superior

The new store is called Super Smoke Shop and it has one of the largest selections of goods in the Twin Ports.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new Smoke Shop opened up on Tower Avenue in Superior at the beginning of September. The new store is called Super Smoke Shop and it has one of the largest selections of goods in the Twin Ports. The owners have expanded to Superior as they own three stores in Duluth already, but the Superior Super Smoke…

First Annual ‘Biz Bash’ Encourages Networking and Fun

More than 20 businesses participated in the new event.

DULUTH, Minn. – A first-of-its-kind “Biz Bash,” encouraging business owners to network and build a stronger business community, was held on Tuesday at the Clyde Iron Malting Building. More than 20 businesses from around Duluth turned out for activities such as speed networking, card games, and seminars — all provided to help connect the businesses under one roof. “Biz Bash…

City is Helping Business Owners and Developers Learn More About City Building Codes

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is inviting developers and business owners to join their new Coffee and Conversation series to learn more about building code requirements. The upcoming series is geared towards those interested in rehabbing or expanding an existing facility. It will go over what it would take to get a building up to code including fire…

Northeast Regional Corrections Center Seeks State Funding for Facility Improvements

$7 million has already been invested for the improvement project by the five counties the facility serves.

SAGINAW, Minn – The Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw is seeking more funding from the state to help make improvements to their campus. Today they gave a special tour to several state representatives visiting the area with hopes of getting them on board to grant the funding for the repairs. NERCC has a total of 42 buildings on their…

UWS Celebrates Constitution Day with Trivia Game

Constitution Day recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

SUPERIOR, Wis. – September 17th is Constitution Day, and annual holiday recognizing the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. At the University of Wisconsin-Superior, students and staff celebrated with a Constitution trivia game. They were asked questions about where the document was adopted, who was there, and what articles and amendments are included. “It really is part of our everyday experience…

People Work to ‘Unmask’ Traumatic Brain Injuries in Minnesota

Survivors and family members paint masks depicting their journeys with traumatic brain injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year in the United States. On Tuesday, people made masks at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, depicting how they’ve been impacted by brain injuries. Over the last four years, 1,400 Minnesotans have made their own, unique masks. They communicate in a way words can’t about how traumatic…

Elk Illegally Killed in Sawyer County

If You Have any Information You Are Asked to Contact Police

(courtesy: Fox 9) SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities are on the lookout in Sawyer County after someone shot and killed an elk illegally there. Police say the elk was killed sometime between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Saturday along the State Highway 77 near Forest Road 174. If you have any information on the case you are asked to contact…

Minnesota Supreme Court Rejects Line 3 Pipeline Challenges

The Court Rejected the Requests in a One-Page Order Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to take up challenges by tribal and conservation groups to the environmental review of Enbridge Energy’s proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The court rejected the requests in a one-page order Tuesday. The project could have faced a long delay if the…

State Health Officials Investigate State Fair E. coli Outbreak, 11 People Sick

Six of the Ill People Were Hospitalized

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials say at least 11 people got sick with E. coli infections after visiting the Minnesota State Fair this summer. The Minnesota Department of Health says six of the ill people were hospitalized, and one developed a potentially fatal complication. One person is still hospitalized. Cases range in age from 2 to 43 years…

Duluth, Cloquet Wendy’s Closes Its Doors

The Miller Hill Mall Wendy's Will Remain Open

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wendy’s fast food restaurants located on London Road in Duluth and in Cloquet have permanently closed their doors. According to the Wendy’s manager at the London Road restaurant, a local Burger King franchisee has purchased both of the locations. Employees at both locations will have the opportunity to work at the new Burger King fast food…

Midday Update 9-17-19

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

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

University Developing Faster Test for Fatal Deer Disease

The U of M Hopes to Develop the Test in Two Years

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – With Minnesota’s archery deer season underway, hunters in the state’s hot zones for chronic wasting disease are figuring out where to drop off the heads of their deer for testing. The science for detecting the fatal brain disease is making progress. But tissue samples must be sent out of state, and results take a few…

Violent Robbery Videos Go Viral Amid Police Shortage in Minneapolis

Police say There Were 23 Robberies Over the Course of One Week in August Alone

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CNN) – Cameras caught a violent robbery committed in broad daylight in downtown Minneapolis. Authorities say it’s part of a pattern of increased crime in the city that many say should be a wake-up call. According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office one victim was jumped on and run over with a bike in the aftermath of a…

UPDATE: Threat Evacuates Some University of St. Thomas Buildings

Classes are Cancelled Until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday

UPDATE: ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The University of St. Thomas has given the all clear after several buildings were evacuated on its St. Paul campus following a bomb threat. The university tweeted the four buildings evacuated have been search and cleared, including the John Roach Center, the Anderson Student Center, the O’Shaughnessy Science Center and the Facilities Design Center….

Spicy or Mild? Head of the Lakes United Way Hosting Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Head of the Lakes United Way Chili Cook-Off is Happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Head of the Lakes United Way is happy to be spilling the beans on the 28th annual Chili Cook-Off happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the DECC Arena. This year four newcomers will be entered into the competition, vying to win one of eleven trophies up for grabs. Local organizations will be providing…

Morning Update 9-17-19

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

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

Lawyer: Ex-Wisconsin Nurse to Plead Guilty to Hurting Babies

Kaphaem Allegedly Injured Nine NICU Infants

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A defense attorney says a former Wisconsin nurse is prepared to plead guilty to hurting infants in a Madison hospital’s intensive care unit. Forty-three-year-old Christopher Kaphaem faces 19 felony child abuse counts involving nine infants. WKOW-TV reports Kaphaem’s attorney, Jonas Bednarek, notified the court of the plea in a letter Monday. Bednarek wrote that his client…

Republican Fitzgerald Announces Run for Congress

Democrat Tom Palzewicz is Also Running

(courtesy: twitter) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is running for Congress to succeed retiring longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner. Fitzgerald announced his bid Tuesday on WISN-AM. He is the first Republican to enter the race. His newly launched campaign website prominently features a picture of Fitzgerald next to President Donald Trump, who is giving…