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Japanese Students Visit The Northland

Duluth Sister Cities International brings twelve middle school aged kids to explore the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth and Isumi-City, Japan may be far away from one another geographically, but one local program has been finding ways to connect these two special cities for almost thirty years. Duluth Sister Cities International brought twelve middle school aged kids from Japan to spend the next week here in Duluth. The students will be exploring the North Shore,…

Diverse Art Shown Off In Duluth

Two local artists showed off their creative paintings and sculptural works

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday, two Wisconsin artists premiered their creative art exhibits featuring a variety of paintings and sculptural works completed in the past. The work, intentionally diverse and colorful shows off their cultural heritage one of the artists we spoke with says when he paints, he paints his feelings. “I like to paint my feelings. What comes out in my…

Four New Superior Firefighters Sworn In

The Superior Fire Department swore in four new members Friday afternoon

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s something they have been waiting weeks for as four new firefighters were sworn in to the Superior Fire Department Friday. One of the newest firefighters sworn in has a long family connection. Charlee Edwards joins her father, brother, and cousin as fire officials. Edwards says this was something she was bound to do. “I’ve always grown up…

UMD Shows Off New Science Building

The almost $45 million dollar building had it's grand opening Friday after 18 months of construction

DULUTH, Minn.- The new Heikkila Chemistry and Advanced Materials Science Building at UMD allows students more collaboration opportunities with interior and exterior glass to add transparency to the building. The building was actually completed back in January for students. It offers more study space since the Swenson College of Science and Engineering Building maxed out capacity. It features three floors,…

CHUM Needs More Donations for Backpack School Supply Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – The first day of school is quickly approaching for many Northland students. To help kids in need get prepared for the school year CHUM hosts its annual backpack drive but the group needs more donations. Every year CHUM works with different agencies to collect school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, and pencils. Last year the organization gave away…

Protestors Paddle the Nemadji River to Speak Out Against Enbridge Expansion Plans

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Enbridge has big plans to invest millions of dollars to upgrade pipelines running through the Northland. Plans the company call the safest way to move oil and serve the region’s energy needs while many support the plans, others protested  on the Nemadji river to share their concern. Protesters came out to the rally with their canoes and…

Denfeld High School Principal Placed on Leave as Subject of Allegations

Tonya Sconiers was placed on leave from her position at Denfeld High School.

  DULUTH, Minn.-Fox 21 has confirmed that Denfeld Principal Tonya Sconiers has been placed on leave beginning June 18. In an email to Fox 21, Superintendent Bill Gronseth said “she was the subject of allegations. The nature of the allegations remain private at this time.” Gronseth said they will name an experienced substitute principal shortly. He also said there are…

Anglers Pack Island Lake for Minnesota Bass Nation Tournament of Champions

About 160 anglers compete in 36 statewide clubs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Anglers ended their tour of Island Lake as the Minnesota Bass Nation Tournament of Champions comes to a close. It’s the last day of the tournament where about 160 anglers competed to qualify for the Bass Master World Championships. “This is the biggest Bass Tournament in Minnesota,” said President of Minnesota Bass Nation, Peter Perovich. Island Lake was…

Viking Ship Comes Back to Duluth for Festival of Sail

Decades old ship restored and back on display this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend’s Festival of Sail is bringing an old Duluth resident out of storage. The Leif Erickson Viking Ship will be out on display in the parking lot behind Grandma’s after being fully restored, and sitting in storage. “The ship sailed through the ship canal back in 1927 and it’s been a part of Duluth’s history,” said Neill…

Ironwood Issues Precautionary Notice due to Elevated Manganese Levels in Water

For More Information About Manganese and Your Health, Please Contact WUPHD at 906-482-7382

IRONWOOD, Mich. – The City of Ironwood has issued a Precautionary Notice to residents of Ironwood and Hurley regarding elevated manganese levels in drinking water. According to officials, they are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services to investigate potential manganese levels in homes. The city says they currently meet all health advisory limits for manganese, but…

Walmart Removes Images of Violence in Stores, but Will Still Sell Guns

There is no Change to the Company's Policy Regarding gun Sales

(AP Photo, File) (AP) – Walmart is removing from all of its stores signs, displays or videos that depict violence following a mass shooting at an El Paso, Texas, store that killed 22 people. The retailer instructed employees in an internal memo to remove any marketing material, turn off or unplug video game consoles that show violent games, and to…

MN State Patrol Issued 500 Warning and Citations in First Week of Hands-Free law

Police Also Handed out Pamplets During Traffic Stops

(FOX 9) – Minnesota State Troopers handed out a total of 500 citations and warnings during the first week of Minnesota’s hands-free law. The law restricts drivers from using their phones while driving, except for one-touch activation systems. The new rules went into effect at the start of the month with law enforcement officials taking steps to make sure drivers…

Radinovich Announces he will not run for Congress Again

DULUTH, Minn. – Democrat Joe Radinovich confirmed on Friday that he will not run for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District again. Radinovich lost the race for 8th Congressional District to Republican Pete Stauber in November 2018. Radinovich made the announcement on his Facebook page writing in part: “While I believe that our country faces one of its most important elections in…

Throwing Axes & Tossing Back Ales Together

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Duluth Experience & Blacklist Artisan Ales Collaboration Tour

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us AXE THROWING, the perfect Northland sport. Currently Blacklist Artisan Ales in Duluth hosts the axe throwing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. They have also paired with Duluth Experience to tie in local brewery tours and tastes as well. Become an axepert and learn all the…

Minneapolis Bans new Drive-Through Windows

The City Council Voted Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Local planners say Minneapolis is the first city of its size in the country to ban new drive-through windows. The City Council voted Thursday to ban new construction of drive-through facilities. The existing ones are grandfathered. Council President Lisa Bender proposed the ban last year to cut down on vehicle noise, idling and traffic and to make…

Health Officials Confirm new Cases of Vaping Damage

Officials Have Confirmed 12 Cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says doctors in Wisconsin have confirmed new cases of lung disease tied to vaping. Health officials have confirmed a total of 12 cases and are investigating 13 other cases. The new cases include those who vaped marijuana oils, extracts or concentrates. Patients with confirmed cases range in age from teens…

Man Dies After Falling Into Mississippi River

The man was Pronounced Dead at Regions Hospital

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a man has died after falling into the Mississippi River as he was getting off a boat in Inver Grove Heights. The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a person who had fallen into the water at Twin Cities Marina about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. KMSP-TV reports first responders…

Cloquet Police Chief Resigns After 4-Month Voluntary Leave; City Admin. To Exit In Sept.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s over and out for Cloquet Police Chief Jeff Palmer who has chosen to leave the department – making him the third chief to do just that since Wade Lamirande in 2014. Cloquet City Administrator Aaron Reeves said Palmer was not being investigated for any complaints while he was on leave for the past four months leading…

Kids Get up Close and Personal to Mighty Machines and Big Trucks

Superior School District hosts their annual Mighty Machines event.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Kids and families got to play on big trucks and mighty machines at Superior Middle School Thursday afternoon. The school district’s annual event brought in fire trucks, construction equipment and other heavy–duty machinery for community members to get an up close look at. The event is a way for families to see what kind of work the people of…

Transportation Experts Look Ahead to the Future of Travel in the Twin Ports

Every 5 years, the Duluth-Superior Transportation Council makes new transportation plans for the region.

DULUTH, Minn.- The ongoing conversation about how to improve transportation through the Twin Ports continued this afternoon in an open house at the Duluth Folk School. The Duluth–Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council invited the public to comment on their draft for a new long–term transportation plan. The plan looks at how to improve current infrastructure in a sustainable way without increasing…

Hepatitis-A Virus Breaks Out in St. Louis County

St. Louis county is one of nine counties affected by a Hepatitis-A breakout in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota health officials have confirmed the outbreak of Hepatitis-A in 9 counties across Minnesota including st. Louis county. Hepatitis-A is a virus that affects the liver. Medical professionals at St. Luke’s hospital say it’s usually contracted orally. People can get it by eating foods contaminated by the virus in unsanitary areas. Those most at risk are people without stable…

Music for the Heart in the HART

Music in the HART concert series held through the month of August.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another concert sent music flowing through Duluth, originating somewhere you can only find on the Lakewalk. Throughout the month of August, the Gitchi-Ode Akiing, or Lake Place, Park along the Lakewalk will host the Music in the HART concert series. Five different bands will each play a day through August 29th and it is completely free to come…

Block Party Celebrates Health Center’s Impact in Northland

Lake Superior Community Health Center holds Block Party for surrounding community.

DULUTH, Minn.- To celebrate National Health Center Week, Lake Superior Community Health Center put on their annual block party to celebrate being rooted in the community for 37 years. The event at the health center’s Duluth location on Grand Avenue featured live music, free bags of fresh produce from the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, a free yard sale,…

Superior Street and 6th Avenue West Closed Again for Repairs

Cracked concrete will be replaced at the intersection that had work done last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just as the first intersection of phase two of Superior Street Reconstruction opened at First Avenue East, another intersection closed temporarily. Where 6th Avenue West and Superior Street meet, there’s another road closed sign as Superior is temporarily closed from 6th Ave. to Mesaba. The closure is so crews can fix concrete panels which have cracked since they…

Kari Toyota Celebrating New General Manager

Chris Kari is the fourth generation Kari to be the general manager of the car dealership.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For over 86 years Kari Toyota has served the Northland and now they have a new general manager, Chris Kari. Chris is the fourth generation Kari to be the general manager of the car dealership. Co-Owners Wayne and Jim Kari are stepping away from the day-to-day business but will still be involved. “In reality my grandfather always…

Duluth Coffee Company Weathers the Construction

The first intersection that was part of Phase II of Superior Street construction opened today at 1st Avenue East.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first intersection that was part of Phase II of Superior Street construction opened today at 1st Avenue East. The Duluth Coffee Company has been weathering the construction and even opened another location in Hoops Brewing to keep revenues up. Though sales have not been nearly as low as they projected during the construction they are happy…

Busy Weekend Ahead For Duluth Waterfront

The Blues Festival and Festival of Sail will keep Duluth busy this weekend

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth waterfront is going to be packed with Northlanders this weekend as the Blues Festival and Festival of Sail are both being held, with the crossover of the events happening Sunday. And with that, Blues Fest organizers will be opening the gates early on Sunday, so those in attendance can get the spot they want, and also…

New Hope for Families Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Hundreds of young people in St. Louis county are in need of foster care each year and New Hope for Families helps support families who are generously giving their time to fostering.

DULUTH, Minn. – New Hope for Families foster care support organization held a ribbon cutting on Thursday at the old St. Anthony’s Community Center in East Hillside. Hundreds of young people in St. Louis county are in need of foster care each year and New Hope for Families helps support families who are generously giving their time to fostering. New…

Tips on Stress-Free Ways To Track Down Ancestors

Northlanders received tools on time saving ways to look for ancestors

DULUTH, Minn.- Often times, people don’t even know where to begin when it comes to searching for ancestors or looking up who they may be related too. But Thursday, some help was provided to those looking for answers during a genealogy workshop at the Depot. Participants learned what to search for when looking for ancestors, including how to sort through…

Future Of Clean And Safe Team In Property Owners Hands

City Council wants property owners to continue paying a combined total of $400,000 annually, with another $220,000 coming from the city

DULUTH, Minn.- In the coming weeks, the future of the Duluth’s Clean and Safe Team which works to beautify the downtown area will be decided by the City Council. Right now the council is looking at asking property owners in that area to continue paying a combined total of $400,000 annually, with another $220,000 coming from the city. They are…

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Visits UW-Superior

Baldwin got to check out a unique research hub that is protecting Lake Superior from invasive species

SUPERIOR, Wis.- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin was in Superior today checking out how a unique research hub is working to protect Lake Superior from invasive species. Senator Baldwin told us that she has a strong bipartisan agreement just introduced in place to re-authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative beginning in 2021 raising the funding from $300 million to…

Minnesota Signs $33.9M Deal to Replace Balky MNLARS System

The Signed a $33.9 Million Contract to Replace the System

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says the state has signed a $33.9 million contract with an outside vendor to replace its troubled Minnesota Licensing and Registration System, known as MNLARS. The contract goes to Fast Enterprises. The governor’s office said Thursday that Fast Enterprises has successfully implemented its software for vehicle title and registration…

Cloquet Police Chief Jeff Palmer Resigns

CLOQUET – The City of Cloquet Police Chief Jeff Palmer has officially resigned from his position effective today. City Administrator Aaron Reeves says the process of filling the position will be discussed by the Council, but he does not expect a new chief will be hired until September and after the completion of the Police Study. “The process of filling…

DOC Releases Inmates’ Protected Health Information

The Data has Since Been Destroyed

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin prison officials say they illegally released information that could reveal whether inmates are in substance abuse treatment. The Department of Corrections said Thursday that officials responding to an open records request released records on June 24 that contained 1,041 inmates’ personal identification numbers and locations. No names were released but DOC officials say someone could…

FedEx to end Ground Delivery Business with Amazon

The Announcement was Made Wednesday

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) NEW YORK (AP) – FedEx says it will no longer make ground deliveries for Amazon as the online shopping giant builds its own fleet and becomes more of a threat to delivery companies. The announcement Wednesday comes two months after FedEx terminated its air delivery contract with Amazon. FedEx said dumping Amazon is part of…

Minnesota Breakfast Hash is Popping

COOKING CONNECTION: Bridgeman's Breakfast, Minnesota Hash

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Bridgeman’s stirs up a Minnesota version of the classic breakfast hash. Adding in the wild rice has the chef and Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot popping with dance moves and all. You can ask for this breakfast anytime at their restaurant and you can also learn how to make it for yourself at…

Conservation Corps Minnesota an Iowa Improves Superior Hiking Trail

Adults and young people spent the day working on a part of the trail that often gets wet and muddy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Part of the Superior Hiking Trail got a face lift on Wednesday thanks to the Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa and ALLETE. Adults and young people spent the day working on a part of the trail that often gets wet and muddy. Hikers then go around that mud causing the trail to widen and harm the natural…

Minnesota Declares Outbreak of Hepatitis A

The Virus can Cause Severe Liver Damage

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials say there’s an outbreak in cases of hepatitis A, a virus that can cause severe liver damage. Twenty-three cases have been identified with 13 patients requiring hospitalization for the virus, which is spread by unsanitary conditions. The state Department of Health is advocating for broader vaccination efforts in high-risk areas, such as jails and…

Guns and Hoses Play Ball for Good Cause

12th annual Guns and Hoses Charity Softball game raises money for Northern Lights Foundation.

DULUTH, Minn.- The bases were loaded, the crowd was pumped, and the players knew all eyes were on them to play a good game, for a great cause. Every year Duluth Firefighters and Police Officers battle it out on the diamond in the 12th Annual Guns and Hoses Charity Softball Game, to raise money for the Northern Lights Foundation, which…

See a Movie, Save a Lion at Marcus Duluth Cinemas

Theater partners with Lake Superior Zoo to raise money to conserve lion.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo partnered with Marcus Duluth Cinemas in capitalizing on the success of a new Disney movie for conservation efforts. $1 from any ticket purchased went towards the Lion Recovery Fund to help Lion conservation efforts. Since the first Lion King was released 25 years ago, half of Africa’s Lions have been lost and only 20,000…

Paul Davis Grand Opening in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new business focused on helping people in crisis is now officially open in Superior. Paul Davis restoration of the Northland is located on North Tower Avenue. Officials from the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth Chamber helped celebrate the grand opening. “We serve people in their time of need when they have a water…

A Celebration of Lighthouses

The lighthouses of Superior and Duluth were celebrated Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday, the lighthouses of both Duluth and Superior were celebrated during Twin Ports Lighthouse Days. Kids got to make their own lighthouses from cups, stamp their lighthouse passport, create and color an activity book, and even check out some lighthouse films. Officials say although GPS’ are in most boats, having the lighthouse there in case of emergency is…

Gun Violence Rally Held In Duluth

Duluth City Hall was packed with those honoring the lives lost in the past week, as well as pushing for action to prevent future gun violence.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a series of recent deadly shootings across the country, the topic of gun violence getting a lot of attention. That’s why people filled the steps of City Hall in Duluth Wednesday. Duluth City Hall was packed with those honoring the lives lost in the past week, as well as pushing for action to prevent future gun violence….

Psychiatrists: Mass Shootings Have Psychological Impact on Children of All Ages

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Northland psychiatrists are speaking out about the recent string of mass shootings and its effect on children. They say that parents should be pro-active in their approach and not avoid talking about, and even though those conversations can be tough, they are necessary. “Open it up to a dialogue and see where they are at,” said Margaret Saracino, a…

Update: Man Cooking in Walmart lot Sets van on Fire, Killing Girl

Hipolito is Charged With Second Degree Murder

(courtesy: Fox 9) FRIDLEY, Minn. (AP) – Authorities in Minnesota say a 70-year-old man camping in a Walmart parking lot put a hot cook stove in his van, causing it to catch fire and spread to another van, burning two young sisters and killing one of them. Prosecutors on Wednesday charged Roberto Lino Hipolito of Long Beach, California, with second-degree…

DNR Declines to Reconsider dam Permits for PolyMet Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has denied requests to reconsider the tailings dam permits that it issued for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine. The DNR said Wednesday that opponents did not raise any new issues that materially affect its 2008 decision granting the permits. The Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa and environmental groups…