News – Latest News

Midday Update 8-28-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 28, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, weather

Duluth YMCA to “Light Up With Pride” Starting Thursday

Officials with the City of Duluth and YMCA will help Kick off Duluth-Superior Pride Weekend Thursday Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis’ the season to celebrate the history of the LGBTAQI community in the Northland. The Duluth Area Family YMCA, in collaboration with the Duluth Superior PRIDE committee is proud to host the inaugural Light Up With Pride event Thursday, August 29 at 9:00 p.m. at the Downtown branch of the YMCA. From 9:00 – 9:30 p.m., participants…

Great Minnesota Get-Together Teaches Sheep Shearing

This Week's Animal Answers Takes us to the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – When you’re at the State Fair, you can’t forget about all the animal exhibits available. In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re taking you to the sheep barn to meet a couple who walks us through the process of shearing sheep. “My parents fit sheep for a living and I’ve been showing sheep my whole life,” said sheep…

Morning Update 8-28-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 28, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Number of Immunized Students Down Slightly

Wisconsin Allows Parents to get Waivers Based on Personal Convictions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The number of Wisconsin students who are fully immunized declined slightly in the last school year. New data from state health officials show 91.9 % of students met immunization requirements, a decrease of 0.4% from the previous school year. Wisconsin Public Radio News reports that for diseases like measles, the immunization rate needs to be closer…

Evers: Feds OK Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin Storms

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers says Wisconsin has received a federal disaster declaration for 17 counties and two tribes that sustained damage during severe storms in July. Evers made the request to President Donald Trump’s administration last week. The governor also had requested Marinette County be included, but Evers’ office says the Federal Emergency Management Agency is still…

3rd Annual Grand Slam Fundraiser Moves to Heritage Center, Still Draws Crowds

Fundraiser expected to raise $8,000-$10,000

DULUTH, Minn.- The Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center was packed for the Salvation Army’s Third Annual Grand Slam Festival Fundraiser. It was supposed to be held Wade Stadium like it has been before, but the rain changed those plans. The fundraiser raised money for the Salvation Army’s food program which organizers said served about 81,000 last year. It featured different…

Paddlers Show Just How Easy Dragon Boat Racing Really Is

GREAT OUTDOORS: Paddlers at the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival teach the basics of the sport.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Paddlers hit the water on Lake Superior for the 18th annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. What does is take to get a two thousand pound boat to glide 500 meters in under three minutes? “It’s just like 20 of your friends in a boat paddling and having fun and team and sportsmanship,” paddler Mckenzie Macsarline said. A dragon…

Anderson Furniture To Close In Lincoln Park

The Store Has Been Open For More than 100 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Another longtime furniture store in Lincoln Park has announced it’s closing. Anderson Furniture will close its doors in the next couple of months after more than 100 years in business, according to a store employee. There’s no word on how many employees will be affected. The Anderson Furniture store in Virginia will stay open. In terms of the…

Wis. Rep. Milroy Considers Running for Duffy’s Congressional Seat

Democratic State Representative says he's still talking with friends and family.

On Monday, Congressman Sean Duffy, a Republican Wisconsin representative, shocked the political world as he announced he is resigning next month to prepare for the birth of his daughter who is suffering from heart complications. Just hours after Duffy’s announcement, Democratic State Rep. Nick Milroy of South Range announced he’s considering running for the soon-to-be-vacant 7th district seat. Just as…

New UWS YellowJackets Get a Chance to Move In Early

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin– Superior kicked off day one of move– in days for the fall semester. About 100 new students arrived on campus early Tuesday as u–w–s move in crews welcomed the students with open arms. They were also on hand to help students and their families get their things into the residence halls. Some students…

Dozens Sound Off on Husky Refinery Air Pollution Permits

SUPERIOR, Wis – Husky Energy has applied for several air pollution permits through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. But some people in the community have remained concerned about what will happen when Husky becomes fully operational again. The DNR has already completed a preliminary review of the permit applications, but the agency wants to hear the community input before…

Anderson Furniture Closing its Doors

DULUTH, Minn. – After 109 years in business Anderson Furniture says they are closing their doors. The business, located in Lincoln Park, does not yet have a date set for when they will close, but says they are in the process of a store closing sale. The Virginia location will remain open. There is no word on how many employees…

Suspect in Lakeside Home Invasion Charged With Felony Robbery

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say the suspect in a home invasion and robbery in Lakeside last week has now been formally charged. According to the criminal complaint, 32-year-old Brandon Edward Kall has been charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated robbery and felony theft. Authorities say police responded to the 5200 Block of Colorado Street on Thursday just before 10:00 p.m….

Agency Moves to Curb Chronic Wasting Among Minnesota’s Deer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota wildlife officials are taking steps to curb a fatal brain disease among the state’s wild deer. The Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday announced 2019 deer season regulations aimed at limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease. The agency plans to expand hunting opportunities and bag limits in areas where the disease has been…

Construction Zone Flagger Struck by Car, Sustains Serious Injuries

ASHLAND, Wis. – A 43-year-old woman suffered suspected serious injuries Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle at a construction site. According to the Ashland Police Department, Vickie Williams, of Odanah, was working as a construction zone flagger at a construction site on Highway 112 when a driver passed a line of stopped cars and struck Williams with his…

Midday Update 8-27-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 27, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, Headlines, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Minimum age for Vaping

The Bill Would Prohibit Sales to Anyone Under 21

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers wants to set a minimum age for purchasing vaping products and raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine. The group led by Republican state Sen. Howard Marklein has introduced a bill that would prohibit the sale of vaping products to anyone under 21. The bill also would move…

“Twin Ports Tonight” Seeking LIVE Studio Audience

Taping for Season Two of Twin Ports Tonight is Happening Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you ever wanted to be a part of a live studio audience for a local television show? On Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28 you have the chance to do so in Duluth. Season Two of Twin Ports Tonight hosted by Andrew Kirov will air in October on WDSE-WRPT throughout the Northland region. Twin Ports…

Morning Update 8-27-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 27, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Four Injured in Skyline Car Crash

Driver Impairment was not a Factor

DULUTH, Minn. – Four people were injured Monday night during a single vehicle crash in the Enger Park neighborhood. Authorities say the vehicle, driven by a 19-year-old male, left the road in the 1400 Block of West Skyline Boulevard around 9:38 p.m. The driver and three adult passengers suffered minor injuries. Police say the driver was not impaired, but was…

Minnesota Says it Must Repay Feds $48M for Improper Payments

That's on top of the $25 Million the Agency Overpaid to Two Tribes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Human Services says it must repay the federal government an estimated $48 million that it paid to ineligible chemical dependency treatment providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ordered the state in May to cease the payments to as many as 100 inpatient providers classified as “institutions for mental diseases.”…

Knowing Your Neighbors: New London Road Store Sells a Little Bit of Everything

New store sells items from estate sales, cleanouts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sometimes you just need somewhere to put all the things you don’t need anymore. Well “S&J’s Everything” on London Road can help, giving new meaning to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” “Our niche is if we don’t have it we can get it. If we can’t get it, you don’t need it,” said co-owner Scott…

Wells Fargo Presents Check, Volunteers to Habitat for Humanity

Over 60 volunteers donate over 300 hours of their time to Habitat.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Wells Fargo Stagecoach returned to the Twin Ports for the second year in a row to support Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity home-building in our region. A $20,000 check was presented by Wells Fargo to the Habitat for Humanity at their new center in Superior. The bank is also donating time to the cause, as about…

College Students Give Businesses a Big Boost

DULUTH, Minn. -Many colleges and universities in the Twin Ports have already welcomed thousands of students back to campus. Thanks to the return of thousands of students many businesses in the area are already feeling the impacts. Many students at University of Minnesota Dulut have already been on campus for a few days now. “I love school so it’s a…

Poe Lock Closes for Emergency Repairs

Closure causes concerns, stops two thousand-footer ships.

Emergency repairs forced the closure of the largest of the Soo Locks on Monday, causing some concern for the Duluth-Superior Port. The Poe Lock was closed for repairs for 12 hours. This cased delays in port shipping, including two thousand-footers waiting to get through at Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. According to Jayson Hron of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, this…

Duluth Council Approves Shawn Krizaj As Fire Chief

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday night the Duluth City Council voted 7-0 to appoint Mayor Emily Larson’s choice for the city’s next Fire Chief, Shawn Krizaj. Krizaj has been with the Duluth Fire Department for almost 22 years, starting as a firefighter and working his way up to Deputy Chief. Most recently he became Acting Chief in April, when Dennis Edwards…

Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy Resigns, Special Election will Decide 7th District Seat

Congressman Duffy resigns to spend more time with his family, as his soon-to-be born child will suffer from complications.

WISCONSIN,- Republican Congressman Sean Duffy of Wisconsin’s 7th District has abruptly announced he’s resigning from office. Duffy said he needs to spend more time with his family as the baby he and his wife are expecting in Late October is having heart complications. 47-year-old Duffy, a former cast member of MTV’s “The Real World: Boston” landed the 7th district seat…

New Flight Service to Denver Could Be in the Future for DLH

The Small Communities Air Service Development grant is worth $750,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new flight service to Denver could be added to the Duluth Airport’s schedule in the future. Airport officials have applied for a grant through the department of transportation to help fund the western hub. The grant is worth $750,000. An additional 250,000 will come from local businesses that would benefit from the Denver flight. The total…

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin Says He’s Resigning

Cites Wife's Pending Childbirth

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, who represents northern Wisconsin in Congress, is resigning next month. Duffy posted on his Facebook page Monday that he is resigning on Sept. 23 to spend more time with his family. Duffy says that he recently learned that his ninth child due in October has a heart condition and “will need…

More Opportunities Now Offered at Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.-All this week local kids can participate in Fun Days at the Duluth YMCA where they can take part in swimming lessons, gym games, along with numerous outdoor activities. Staff from the program say it’s a really good option for parents as summer camps wind down leaving parents in a bind for childcare. “This morning I was in the…

St. Louis County Commissioner Musolf Sworn In

DULUTH, Minn.-Earlier today the newest St. Louis County Commissioner was sworn into office. Keith Musolf defeated Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher earlier this month to fill the vacant seat left by Pete Stauber, who was elected to Congress. Musolf said he’s excited to be able help those he represents, especially when it comes to issues such as childcare and the budget….

Human Services Official Who Quit, Then Stayed, Resigns Again

Wilson's Last day Will be August 30

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A top leader at Minnesota’s largest state agency has resigned for a second time, just weeks after she rescinded her original resignation. Deputy Commissioner Claire Wilson’s last day at the Department of Human Services will be Friday. As first reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Acting Commissioner Pam Wheelock made the announcement in an email to…

Poe Shipping Lock Closes Temporarily for Repair Work

Construction of a Cecond Large Lock is Expected to Begin Next Year

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) – A shipping lock that enables cargo vessels to move between Lake Huron and Lake Superior has closed temporarily for repairs. Beverly McCready of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the Poe Lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was closed around 8 a.m. EDT Monday and is expected to reopen at 6:30 p.m. She…

Minnesota Governor Seeks to Ready State for Pot Legalization

Minnesota's Senate Rejected a Bill Last Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he’s ordered state agencies to be prepared to legalize recreational marijuana next year if the Legislature approves a bill. But Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says he’ll block the bill in the Republican-controlled chamber. Walz tells Minnesota Public Radio News that he’s relying on supporters to continue pushing for legalization….

CDC: Nearly 200 in 22 States Sick After Vaping

Officials Say it's not Clear if There's a Common Cause

CHICAGO (AP) – Health officials say the number of severe breathing illnesses reported in people who vape has grown to nearly 200 in 22 states. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the new figures Friday and confirmed that an adult in Illinois is being counted as the first death in the investigation. An Illinois official said…

Morning Update 08-26-19

Morning Update for Monday, Aug. 26, 2019.

Join FOX 21’s Viktoria Capek and Meteorologist Joey Norton for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 26, 2019. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Wisconsin’s Next for man Behind Minnesota’s Hands-Free law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A man who pushed for Minnesota’s hands-free driving law says he wants to take his fight to Wisconsin. Thomas Goetz lost his pregnant daughter to an alleged distracted driver in February 2016 near Stillwater. Goetz spent the next three years lobbying Minnesota lawmakers to make it illegal for drivers to use a cellphone or other…

Vineyard Church Celebrates Eastside Neighborhood with Get Together

Church makes effort to meet members of their new community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The new Vineyard Church in the Congdon Park neighborhood threw a barbecue to get to know its East End neighbors better. The church has been in the community for a little over a year after merging with the Duluth Congregational Church. So on Sunday they hosted a barbecue with a bouncy house, facepainting and other activities to meet…

Police: Man Falls Into Creek Running From Attempted Robbery

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating an attempted robbery that left a man seriously injured. Police say the 26-year-old victim fell into the creek near the 500 block of Lincoln Park Drive while running away from the suspects. Investigators believe the suspects are known to the victim. No arrests had been made Sunday. The victim’s injuries are not life…

Tractors Steam Engines and More at Lakehead Harvest Show

58th Annual Show shows off farm machinery of yore.

ESKO, Minn.- If you think tractors are sexy, then you’ll fit right in at the Lakehead Harvest Reunion Steam and Tractor Show in Esko. “You’re not gonna be able to take your 25 ton steam engine and drive it down Superior Street for a car show, y’know,” said Ryan Hansen, President of Lakehead Harvest. For 58 years the show has…

American Legion Post Swears in New Officers

American Legion members celebrate the expansion of their group

DULUTH, Minn.- The local American Legion chapter celebrated their group expanding at the Shriner Center in Duluth this afternoon. About a dozen new post officers were sworn into different positions. Friends and family were were invited to share in the celebration with music and food as well as learn what the American Legion does for the community, including how they help…