News – Latest News

Costco Submits Application to Develop in Duluth

The site would include the department store, gas station, and liquor store at Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The site would include…

New Housing, Retail Development Breaks Ground

Ground has been broken in the heart of downtown Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Ground has been broken for a new housing and retail development in the heart of downtown Superior. Crews are now on site of the property along Belknap Street, where Central High School once stood. The 130 unit complex called “Central Flats” will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments beginning at $850 dollars a month. The project is…

Protesters Gather Ahead of President Trump’s Rally in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-Anti-Trump protesters are converging on the Minneapolis arena where President Donald Trump is holding his first political rally since the House opened its impeachment inquiry. Protesters are packing streets surrounding the Target Center hours before the Republican president is due to appear at Thursday’s rally at 7 p.m. Many are clutching helium-filled balloons depicting Trump as a baby. Others…

Costco Submits Application for Developing in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The land is being…

St. Louis County Hosts 37th Annual Health and Human Services Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County held its 37th annual health and human services conference at the DECC and more than 3,000 people showed up to gain a better understanding of how to improve public health. Professionals of all sectors of public health including mental health experts, attorneys  and social workers were among all those attending the conference to find…

Northland Goodwill- The One-Stop Shop for Halloween

All seven Northland Goodwill locations are selling Halloween decorations and costumes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be pretty daunting the closer we get to the holiday. Luckily, Goodwill in the Northland says they are a one stop shop for all of your spooky needs this October. Goodwill staff says the best part about shopping secondhand for Halloween is having the ability to be creative with what you find….

Catalyst Content Festival-goers Experience Dreary Duluth Day

People visiting the Catalyst Content Festival experience a true Duluth Fall day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Day two of the Catalyst Content Festival was a cold, dreary and a little more true to a Duluth Fall day. Some of the TV executives visiting from sunny L.A. and down South say they were given a heads up to dress for colder weather. Emily Gold is visiting the festival from North Carolina and says she’s relieved…

Take a Look Inside Historic UMD Limnology Building

Building began as a fish hatchery in 1880s, was taken over by UMD in the 1940s.

DULUTH, Minn. – As you drive along Highway 61 on your way in or out of Duluth, you may notice a unique building on the Lake Superior shoreline. That’s the UMD Limnology Building, a historic estate at 6008 London Road, that many people aren’t familiar with. It got its start as a freshwater fish hatchery in the 1880s. The University…

Young Activists Protest Proposed Superior Power Plant

"Friends of the Climate" protests the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth based group of high school and college students known as “Friends of the Climate” organized in the Minnesota Power Plaza Thursday to share their thoughts on the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior. The rally was a local representation of the arguments environmental groups made to the Minnesota court of appeals. These groups are asking…

UMD Hosts Annual Sustainability Fair

Students learned about sustainable resources in the area and browse through donated winter clothes

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Campus Sustainability Month and the University of Minnesota Duluth is celebrating with a sustainability fair and a pop-up winter shop. Twenty local and regional organizations met with students about how they can get involved with sustainability efforts. Some ways are walking and biking instead of driving, and changing diet and shopping habits. “Anybody and everybody…

28 Year-Old Man Gets 12 Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting Child

ITASCA CO., Minn. – Cody Michael Porter, 28, was sentenced to twelve years in prison for felony first degree criminal sexual conduct. Porter is from Wheeling, West Virginia. He initially was charged with four counts of felony first degree criminal sexual conduct. When Porter pleaded guilty to one felony charge on October 7th, the rest were dropped. The Itasca County…

Inaugural Trick-or-Treat Event Happening at Glensheen Mansion

Trick-or-Treating at the Mansion is Happening Thursday, October 31; Gates Open at 5:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – There are five big events happening throughout October at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. For the first time ever, Glensheen will be hosting a trick-or-treating event on Halloween. The mansion is also featuring a Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt, 21+ Flashlight Tours, and a Hiki Hut event. The Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt: October 1 – 31 | 9:00 a.m….

Midday Update 10-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019

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

UPDATE: Makinen ‘Suspicious Death’ Ruled a Homicide

MAKINEN, Minn.-More details are emerging after a body was found in a residence in Makinen Tuesday with the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office now ruling it a homicide. The medical examiner’s office has identified the deceased as Frank Gerald Meyer, 47, of Makinen. St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies located Meyer at a residence on Curt Lane at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday…

Wisconsin Assembly to Vote on Letting Kids Run Lemonade Stands

The Wisconsin Assembly is poised to pass a bill that would allow children to legally run lemonade stands.

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Assembly is poised to pass a bill that would allow children to legally run lemonade stands. The measure would allow minors to run lemonade stands on private property without a permit and without fear of running afoul of the law, which has happened in some states. The bill would limit sales to $2,000 of lemonade a year,…

Police Allege Cameras Hid at Mall of America Dressing Rooms

MINNEAPOLIS-Police are investigating a Minnesota man who allegedly hid cameras inside dressing rooms at the Mall of America in Bloomington and another Minneapolis area shopping mall. The 41-year-old Elk River man has not been charged. The Star Tribune reports details were contained in a search warrant affidavit. The affidavit alleges the suspect used cameras that could be operated remotely using…

Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar Offering Gluten Free Options

Cooking Connection: Pesto Penne Pasta

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we’re catching up with Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar located in Duluth’s Canal Park. Senior Sous Chef Chad Bloomquist demonstrates how to prepare the restaurants indulgent Pesto Penne Pasta. Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 405 Lake Avenue South in Duluth, Minnesota. Click here to see the full…

Morning Update 10-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019

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

UMD’s Annual Take Back the Night Raises Voices Against Power-Based Violence

Dozens of people marched carrying signs and chanting for safe streets, campuses, and freedom from power-based violence.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Women’s Resource and Action Center at UMD held its annual Take Back the Night march and rally around campus. Dozens of people marched carrying signs and chanting for safe streets, campuses, and freedom from power-based violence. “It makes me happy Obviously I’m upset that we still have to do stuff like this. But I’m glad that…

Last “Summer Day” in the Northland

Sunny and 70 degrees brought everyone out to Canal Park's boardwalk Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.- With nasty weather on the way, and today being so nice, people were out enjoying the weather. Those of all ages enjoyed the boardwalk on Canal Park one final time in the 2019 calendar year. Folks were getting ice cream, feeding the birds, or just enjoying themselves on the beautiful day. People filled the park, and one visitor…

Ordinance Moves to Ban Smoking in Parks

The Parks and Recreation commission passed the ordinance Wednesday night, and will now head to the Superior City Council

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some Superior city leaders are looking to ban smoking and vaping near playgrounds at parks in Superior. The Parks and Rec Commission called a special meeting Wednesday night and passed the ordinance that originally would have banned smoking in Superior parks, but now could just ban it near playgrounds. The ban would include lighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes, vape…

Victim Identified in Suspicious Death Near Makinen

MACKINEN, Minn.-The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in the community of Makinen, southeast of Eveleth. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Frank Gerald Meyer, 47, of Makinen. St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies located Meyer at a residence at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday following a 911 call…

Giant Pumpkin Arrives at Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.-The giant pumpkin has arrived at the Lake Superior Zoo ahead of this weekend’s Boo at the Zoo. It was hauled in earlier this morning by a local gardener who says it’s one of the best he’s had in recent years. He says he’s glad that other people are going to be able to enjoy it. “I would give…

Kids Learn Mental Illness Awareness with Storytime at West Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s mental illness awareness week and a local group is doing what they can to end the stigma surrounding brain diseases. A storytime at the West Duluth Library addressed the topic in a kid-friendly way. The Northland Healthy Minds Collaborative gave families the book “Happy Sad.” It helps unpack feelings in a way little ones can understand…

New Apartments Being Developed in Downtown Duluth

The cost for units will range between $700 and $1,500.

DULUTH, Minn. – New apartments are being developed in two historic buildings in the heart of downtown Duluth. The 47–unit complex called the “First Street Lofts” is under construction at the corner of Lake Avenue and East First Street inside the old “Builders Exchange” and “Interstate Auto” buildings. The properties are owned by former Duluth Mayor Gary Doty, who is…

Catalyst Content Festival Begins in Duluth

Hundreds of Hollywood executives and creators are in the Northland for the media festival

DULUTH, Minn. – The Catalyst Content Festival kicked off Wednesday in Downtown Duluth. The festival showcases never-before-seen TV shows and other media made all around the world. Creators are hoping the festival is what they need to get their original content recognized. “The ultimate thing would be that we can be able to create the show here and have a…

St. Luke’s Celebrates Launch Of Their Comprehensive Breast Program

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Luke’s Hospital is celebrating the launch of their comprehensive Breast Program. They held a ribbon cutting to commemorate this achievement. The program will speed up the process to care, by helping patients get answers to their concerns and information for treatment at a shorter time frame. It isn’t just for patients with breast cancer. Patients with any…

Duffy’s Daughter Born With Holes in Heart, Down Syndrome

WAUSAU, Wis.-Former Congressman Sean Duffy’s ninth child was born with Down’s syndrome and will require open heart surgery in three to four months. Duffy’s wife Rachel Campos-Duffy posted Monday on Facebook that their daughter, Valentina StellaMaris Duffy, was born with two holes in her heart that will require open-heart surgery as expected. The Wausau Daily Herald Media reports that Campos-Duffy…

Wisconsin Governor: Second Monday in October is Indigenous Peoples’ Day

MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Tony Evers has declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin, following similar moves in other states away from recognizing it as Columbus Day. WLUK-TV reports that Evers signed an executive order making the designation on Tuesday at Indian Community School in Franklin. Evers says by signing the executive order the state is recognizing…

Midday Update 10-9-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Dayton Taking Fellowship Position at University of Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS-Former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is joining the University of Minnesota as an executive leadership fellow. Dayton has taken the unpaid position at the Center for Integrative Leadership which is housed at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The university says Dayton will participate in classroom discussions and meet with students. The 72-year-old Dayton will also work with a faculty…

11th Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk Happening Saturday

The Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk is Happening Saturday, October 12 at Carlton High School

CARLTON, Minn. – The 11th Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk is happening Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Carlton High School. In 2018, over 200 walkers, from around the region and state participated in this free community event. There will be a short walk followed by refreshments and a short message of hope from Sandy Raisanen…

Tricks and Treats Taking Over Lake Superior Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is Happening Saturday, October 12, and Saturday, October 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Boo at the Zoo is back once again for another season of tricking and collecting treats. The event is happening Saturday, October 12 and 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in costume, but not too scary! More than 40 trick-or-treating stations will be available. Henna tattoos, a magic show, straw maze…

Morning Update 10-9-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Missing Indiana Man’s Pickup Truck Found Near Two Harbors

Public Asked To Keep An Eye Out For James Runkle And His Missing Kayak

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities are asking for the public’s help after a missing Indiana man’s truck was found just north of Two Harbors. James Runkle, 56, went missing from North Judson, Indiana, Sept. 20. He told his wife he planned to go fishing locally before going to a doctor’s appointment and then coming home. Lake County Sheriff Carey Johnson…

Great Outdoors: Birkie Training Begins Without Snow

The American Birkebeiner is four and a half months away, but the intense training for some is beginning

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Birkebeiner is four and a half months away. But preparation is intensifying for a group of skiers ready to take on North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon. Snow may not be falling just yet, but that isn’t stopping a group of skiers from some intense conditioning for the 50 kilometer race from Cable to Hayward Wisconsin….

Tips Out on the Water for Fly Fishing

Excited anglers for the fall season all gathered Tuesday night

DULUTH, Minn.- Meanwhile, even though snow is in the forecast, anglers are all about the fall fishing season. Tuesday night at UMD, people learned about local fisheries, where they can go to fish or fly fish, and learn what type of fish they can catch. A member of the Gitche Gumme Trout Unlimited tells us it’s also about anglers keeping…

Twin Ports College Students Connect with Business Mentors

Mentor Connection program helps students establish connections with the Twin Ports Business Community.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland College students got to rub elbows with Twin Ports business leaders who work in the field they’re studying. The career-finding organization Northforce put on the event at Great Lakes Aquarium. It’s part of the launch of their Mentor Connect program, which matches students from the College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, University of Wisconsin-Superior, and UMD…

Warm Weather Brings out Dogs and their Owners

At the Keene Creek Dog Park in West Duluth a few dogs were soaking in the 60 degree weather.

DULUTH, Minn. – The warm weather brought out humans and their furry friends to the dog parks on Tuesday enjoying what might be one of the last nice days until next spring. At the Keene Creek Dog Park in West Duluth a few dogs were soaking in the 60 degree weather. Not every owner is worried about the winter ahead….

Hallett Dock Company Supplying Northland’s Salt

Hallett supplies the top third of Wisconsin as well as from Forest Lake to International Falls.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Hallett Dock Company takes in thousands of tons of salt each year. Right now they have about 65,000 tons of it on their property in anticipation of the winter including this weekend’s possibly wintry outlook. Hallett Dock Company uses salt form Morton, Compass Minerals, and Cargill. The salt actually comes from mines underneath the Great Lakes….

Phase One of St. Luke’s Expansion Almost Complete

Phase Two and Three expected to be done in 5-7 years.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Essentia Hospital starts their $800 million Vision Northland expansion project, St. Luke’s is moving into the next phase of their campus redevelopment. Phase One involved the construction of Building A in 2012 and expanding surgery into that building. Now that’s wrapping up, consolidating more services into that one main building. The completion of Phase One in August…

Golfer’s Take Advantage of Warm Weather

Nemadji Golf Course in Superior was filled with golfers getting one last round in

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The other big story Tuesday was the weather. With snow in the forecast for this weekend, golfers took advantage of the warm and sunny day Tuesday. People of all ages filled Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, thankful for possibly one last time to hit the green. “Oh it’s really nice like I said, when you get this kind…

St. Louis County Hosts Open House to Find Foster Families

More than 500 kids are in need of a foster home.

St. Louis County Public health division held an open house at the Government Center in Duluth for “Finding Foster Families Day.” In St. Louis county there is more than 500 kids that have been displaced and are in need of a foster home. The open house was an opportunity for to help anyone interested learn more about the process required…

UMD’s Women’s Hockey Team Give Thanks to Service Members

Team signed cards to be distributed to service member and veterans in December

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Women’s hockey team is embracing the chance to show appreciation to the men and women serving in the military by partnering with the American Red Cross. After getting in tons of practice on the ice, the women’s hockey team headed back to the locker room to fill out the holiday cards for…

700 High School Students Attend Wisconsin Education Fair at UWS

Students meet with colleges, universities, and military branches

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Seven-hundred high school students came to the Wisconsin Education Fair at UWS. Sixty-three colleges, universities, and military branches met with prospective students at the fair. It gives high-schoolers a two-hour window to see how many options they have after graduation. “You get the chance to talk to representatives about the application process, about scholarship opportunities, about the…