News – Latest News

West Duluth Porch Fire Causes Female To Jump From Second Floor

The fire occurred Monday morning and both the condition of the female and state of the house are unavailable at the moment

DULUTH, Minn.- Arson has not been ruled out involving an intense house fire in Duluth that injured a woman inside. Both Duluth Police and the Duluth Fire Marshall are investigating. Mayor Larson’s office is declining interview’s with fire officials until tomorrow, but here is what we know at the moment. Duluth firefighters were called to the scene around 5:30 Monday…

Moose Lake Campground Dry, Busy After 2018 Flood Damage

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Moose Lake Campground is starting off the season dry and busy after recovering from destructive flooding last year. Campers and RVs were lined up Monday on site, with the nearby Moose Lake in the distance not causing any problems like it did last year after heavy rainfall. The campground was closed due to flooding last…

Superior Police: Community Meeting to be Held Regarding Release of Registered sex Offenders

Three Registered Sex Offenders to be Released in July

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department announced Monday that a community meeting will be held on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. regarding the release of three registered sex offenders in Superior. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Douglas County Government Center. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Authorities…

Authorities say Virginia man Likely Drowned on Chippewa Flowage

Official Autopsy Results are Pending

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, an adult male reported missing on July 4 was found deceased near Big Timber Island. Officials say 20-year-old Gage James Backstrom of Arlington, Virginia was found around 9:00 a.m. Friday deceased, floating in the water without a personal flotation device. The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office says they received a…

Murders Decline in Minnesota in 2018, but Rapes Increase

The Report is Based on Data by Local law Enforcement Agencies

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A new report finds that murders decreased in Minnesota last year but rapes increased. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released the 2018 crime report Monday. The report says violent crimes – including murder, rape, robbery, human trafficking and aggravated assault – decreased by nearly 7% in 2018. Murders in Minnesota decreased from 114 in 2017…

UW Regents Ready to Increase Student Fees

Regents Willk Vote on the Changes Thursday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System regents are set to increase student fees as well as room-and-board costs for the upcoming academic year. The regents are scheduled to vote Thursday on a 2019-20 operation budget that calls for raising student fees an average of $36 across the system. UW-Madison students would see a $170 increase, the largest…

Wisconsin GOP: Trump Headed to Milwaukee-Area Fundraiser

The Fundraiser Will be Held on Friday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Officials with the state Republican Party say President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend a fundraiser in Wisconsin this week. Charles Nichols is a spokesman for the state GOP. He says the state party learned from the Republican National Committee on Monday morning that Trump is scheduled to attend a fundraiser in the Milwaukee area on…

Midday Update 7-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 8, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 8, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Coffee Conversation: Saddle Up! 66th Annual Spooner Rodeo Starts Thursday

Click Below for a Full List of Events Happening During the 66th Annual Spooner Rodeo

SPOONER, Wis. – The Spooner Rodeo kicks off this Thursday, July 11 with the Coca-Cola Family/Youth night starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Washburn County Fairgrounds in Spooner. This year Spooner Rodeo Queen Faith Ciesielski and Spooner Rodeo Princess Abby Droessler stopped by the studio to let us know what fun events will be taking place this year at the…

Get Hopped Up at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen Friday, Saturday

The 9th Annual Hopped Up on Caribou Festival is Happening Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 in Lutsen, Minnesota

LUTSEN, Minn. – Beer and cider connoisseurs have the chance to indulge responsibly Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14  during the 9th annual Caribou Highlands Lodge Hopped Up Caribou Festival. The event features an expansive list of craft brewers, live music and variety of activities. Several new breweries will make their festival debut this year joining some of the…

Morning Update 7-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 8, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 8, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

One Person Treated for Burns, Smoke Inhalation From Early Morning Duluth Fire

Damages from the fire are estimated at $75,000

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department says one person is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation after a house fire broke out Monday morning at 2213 West 4th Street. Fire crews responded to a rapidly growing porch fire just before 5:30 a.m. When fire crews arrived on scene, officials say a trapped occupant jumped from a window…

Man Hurt After Becoming Trapped Under Small Minnesota Cabin

The 40-Year-old man was Trying to Move the 12x16 Cabin

TOWER, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a man was injured when he became trapped under a small cabin in Minnesota while trying to move it. St. Louis County Sheriff’s officials say the 40-year-old man, identified as Michael A. Tam of Tower, was trying to move the 12 feet by 16 feet cabin Saturday at Daisy Bay Resort on Lake Vermillion,…

Nostalgic 90s Crafts at Hucklebeary

Craft store hosted 90s Craft Party.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some nostalgic 90s kids got crafty with their memories at Hucklebeary in Duluth today. The store hosted a 90s craft party. Those who signed up made desk accessories out of old 90s crafts like melted beads and weebles, all while enjoying a lunchables lunch and listening to 90s jams. “It’s good to reminisce and remember the good times…

Five Nights of Bayfront Boosts Business in Canal Park

Restaurants and Hotels experiencing an increase in sales as concert-goers flock after shows.

DULUTH, Minn.- All the events at Bayfront the last few days have been lucrative for Canal Park businesses. The staff at 310 pub tells us even though they’ve been working through the concerts, they enjoy hearing stories about the shows from customers who come in afterward for a drink. “Business is booming we definitely had quite a lot of business…

Five Nights of Fun at Bayfront Wrapping Up

Longest run of concerts in venue's history set to bring in sizable revenue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Music lovers packed Bayfront Festival Park for the final time to hear the bands 311 and Dirty Heads Sunday night. The show concludes an impressive 5-night, back-to-back run of festivals and concerts at Bayfront, the largest run in the venue’s history. “About 35,000 total over the course of those 5 days have set foot through Bayfront Festival Park,”…

Duluth Woman Raises Questions Regarding Ambiguous Language Used to Define “Indecent Exposure” in Minnesota Laws

A Duluth resident challenges whether or not she is breaking the law by being topless on the beach.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth woman is raising questions regarding the ambiguous language used to define “indecent exposure” in Minnesota laws. This, after an individual called the police on the woman for being topless at Park Point beach and refusing to cover up. Michelle Bennett enjoys the beach as much as the next person, but unlike most women you’ll see, she enjoys…

Duluth Firefighters Save Young Deer Trapped in Fence

Firefighters helped the fawn escape.

DULUTH, Minn.- “Bambi” was spotted on the UMD campus and needed a little help from Duluth Fire Department. The fawn was found trapped in a fence. College police called the fire department to assist in letting the baby deer free. Firefighters said they could see how scared the animal was, but it was an easy call to take care of….

Fans Enjoy Bayfront for the Trampled by Turtles Festival

Close to 10 thousand people are expected to attend this year's festival and concert.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland–grown and internationally known folk–band ‘Trampled by Turtles” has quite the following, thousands of which spent the day gathered at Bayfront Park in Duluth to hear them play at one of the city’s biggest events of the Summer. Trampled by Turtles is arguably the most well known musical group from the Northland. The folk–rock band makes a point to…

Battle is On at Superior Paintball’s Junkyard Paintball

A look inside the battlefield over at Superior Paintball

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Combine capture the flag, and paintball, and throw it in a junkyard. That’s what dozens of paintballers got to experience at Superior Paintball Saturday. Once the whistle blows to begin the round, you better keep an eye out for your opponent and hope your aim is on target. Players use bunkers to shield themselves, or even crawl on…

Getting Up Close with Snakes at Pattison Park

Northlanders got an up-close look at snakes from the area and around the country Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Northlanders packed Pattison Park in Superior Saturday night to get a look at snakes of all shapes, sizes and colors. Participants of all ages got the rare opportunity to touch the snakes, feed a rat to one of them, and learn more about the reptiles native to the Northland and around the country. “It’s really interesting. We don’t…

After Dropping ‘Midgets’ Wisconsin’s Hurley High Gets New Mascot

After dropping controversial nickname Hurley High School decides on new mascot.

HURLEY, Wis. (AP)- Six months after dropping its controversial nickname, a northern Wisconsin high school has a new moniker. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, Hurley High School will now be known as the “Northstars.” Back in January FOX 21 covered the Hurley School Board’s unanimous decision to change the controversial mascot. They said in a statement: “In a school district…

Law Enforcement Cracking Down on Drunk Boating in Northland

Crackdown is part of Operation Dry Water Campaign.

MINNESOTA-  Safety on the water will be a top priority this weekend. According to authorities, drunk boating is drunk driving. Law enforcement will be increasing patrols on Northland waters as part of their yearly Operation Dry Water campaign. From 2013 to 2017 alcohol was a factor in 26 boating deaths and 46 injuries on Minnesota waters. Meanwhile Wisconsin was the…

Planter’s Nutmobile Visits Bayfront Country Jam

The 26-foot-long Nutmobile is on an east to west countrywide tour.

DULUTH, Minn. – Planter’s Nutmobile is spending some time in the Northland this week and Friday it visited the first ever Bayfront Country Jam. The 26 foot long Nutmobile is on an East to West countrywide nut cracking tour promoting the brand and allowing people to meet the famous Mr. Peanut. “We’re here at the Bayfront Country Festival just to…

Mighty Thomas Carnival Continues at the DECC

Carnival goers are being treated to classic rides including the Ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Mighty Thomas Carnival is up and running down by the DECC and all ages have been enjoying this carnival which has been visiting Duluth since the 1960s. Carnival goers are being treated to classic rides including the Ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl. The president of the carnival says Duluth is one of their best locations and it…

Man Dies of Natural Causes in Lake Vermillion

St. Louis County is investigating the incident.

ELY, Minn.- A man is pronounced dead Tuesday after trying to get back on his watercraft on Lake Vermillion, about 30 miles west of Ely. A resident saw 58-year-old Darrell Pfannenstein of St. Joseph struggling to get back on his jet ski in shallow water. The resident offered help but Pfannenstein declined. Later he was seen walking towards shore and…

Duluth Gets a Boost in Tourism this Fourth of July

DULUTH, Minn. – Fourth of July can be one of the busiest times of the year for Duluth. It draws thousands of visitors from across the country. And the increase in tourism can have its advantages for the city. Many call Duluth the “go to” place to spend their weekend on a non–holiday. “Well it’s a beautiful city. You have…

Hill City Fourth of July Festival

A small town most days, but come Fourth of July weekend, crowds exceed 5,000.

HILL CITY, Minn.- The Fourth of July may be over, but that isn’t stopping one small town in Minnesota from keeping the festivities going. All ages made the most of the Fourth of July long weekend, as Hill City continued it’s holiday celebration from yesterday. From kids using the water slide to keep cool, to others testing their aim to…

Update: Lake Vermilion Drowning Victim Died of ‘Natural Causes’

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, preliminary autopsy results determined the 58-year-old who drowned in Lake Vermilion on Tuesday died of natural causes. Saint Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a water emergency in the Greenwood Bay area of Lake Vermilion around 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday. Officials say Darrell Pfannenstein was observed by a…

Two Shot in Michigan After man Fires on Crowd During Fireworks

Neither Victim Suffered Life-Threatening Injuries

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (AP) – Authorities and witnesses say a man fired gunshots hurting at least two people in a suburban Detroit neighborhood as fireworks were being set off, leading to a hours-long standoff with police. Police and residents in St. Clair Shores say the man fired into a crowd Thursday evening and hit a 12-year-old in the arm…

SUP, SUP! Gliding On Water

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: North Shore SUP Rents Stand-up Paddle Boards

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are gliding across the water on a stand up paddle board! North Shore SUP offers cheap rentals for both hourly and for the entire day! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot chatted with the co-owner Heather on some tips and tricks and why you should try this sport out. Interested? Click here to…

Wisconsin to Consider Lowering Workers’ Comp Insurance Rates

The new Rates Could go Into Effect Oct 1

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin insurance officials will soon consider a proposal to lower insurance rates for workers’ compensation. The Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau has proposed decreasing workers’ compensation insurance rates by more than 8.8%, continuing a three-year trend in falling premiums. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the new rates could go into effect Oct. 1, upon approval from the…

Volunteers Help with Cloquet Fourth Festivities

Volunteers say they're happy to make the event a success.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The 4th of July Festivities in Cloquet were made possible by about 100 volunteers across the 3rd, 4th and 5th. According to one of those volunteers, he is happy to make the holiday fun for everyone. “It helps the 4th of July Committee out and it helps all the volunteers out,” said Chad Erickson, who helped out with…

Wishing America Happy Birthday from Cloquet July 4th Fest

Cloquet hosts longstanding Fourth of July Fest

CLOQUET, Minn.- Veterans Park was packed with Cloquet residents enjoying fair food, live music, and 4th of July fun, despite the wet weather. Red, white and blue flooded the park as everyone put on their patriotic best to celebrate the 4th of July. “I think that people in Cloquet are patriotic and really like their town so they stay here…

Barker’s Island Prepares for the Fourth of July

People were out playing mini golf and setting up for the concerts in the evening.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Barker’s Island was busy with setup and preparation for the Fourth of July festivities on Thursday. Earlier in the day, many people were out playing mini golf and setting up for the concerts in the evening. People could also celebrate with food trucks including Mr. Goodies Food Concessions who’s been setting up at Barkers for three years….

Dog Owners Preparing for Fireworks

Some Duluth residents plan on staying home to take care of their furry friends.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dog owners around the Northland are preparing to watch their dogs closely during fireworks shows. Ken Stanley, a Duluth resident, was at a local dog park and said that he is not sure how his newly rescued dog will do with the fireworks, but he plans on staying home with her so she is not scared and…

President Reenactors Come To Town

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt were all in attendance

SUPERIOR, Wis.- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt, believe it or not, were all in Superior today for the Fourth of July. It was an event called Mount Rushmore Live, that featured four living history reenactors playing the U.S. Presidents on the landmark. The presidents interacted with those in attendance, answered questions and gave them stories from…

Memorial Car Show

Cars of all shapes and sizes filled Tower Avenue Thursday afternoon

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The sun finally began to shine following the Superior parade, just in time for the 22 year historic Van Alstine Car Show. From small to large, quiet to loud, all kinds of cars were on display at the Northland’s Memorial Car Show. Since Tower Avenue construction is complete, organizers say it was a good opportunity to bring the…

Superior 4th of July Parade

Rain didn't stop the hundreds from coming out and packing the streets of Superior Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hundreds packed the streets of Superior today for their annual Fourth of July parade. The pouring rain didn’t stop those of all ages from coming out this morning to pick up some candy, and see all the cool things Superior has to offer. And speaking of cool things, what better way to start a parade than with a…

Midday Update 7-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Gordon Gears up to Host 59th Annual Summer Festival

Gordon Good Neighbor Days is Happening July 5 - 7, 2019

GORDON, Wis. – The town of Gordon, Wisconsin is made up of nearly 600 people, but this weekend thousands will arrive to help kick off the summer season. The 59th annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days runs from Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7. A full schedule of events is listed below. Six board members work year round the help…

Morning Update 7-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Comunity, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Old Duluth Church Could Become New Duluth Restaurant

Two brothers are working to convert the old Bethany Lutheran Church into a full service restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new restaurant could be coming to Duluth, in a more unorthodox location. Brothers Chuck and Robert Bagley are working on turning the old Bethany Lutheran Church on the 2300 block of West 3rd Street into a restaurant. They have not decided the menu just yet, though have began amassing kitchen equipment and have their plans laid out….