News – Latest News

9th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest Kicks off Saturday

Duluth Dylan Fest is Happening May 18 - 26

DULUTH, Minn. – The sights and sounds of Duluth native Bob Dylan will take over the Northland May 18 – 26 as the Bob Dylan Way Committee hosts 2019 Duluth Dylan Fest. This annual week-long celebration includes music, art and much more. During this year’s festival, Dylan will turn 78-years-old. Miriam Hanson, host of KUMD’s Highway 61 Revisited and Duluth…

Midday Update 5-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota 4th Grader Nearly hit by car Failing to Stop for School bus

There Have Been more Than 6,500 Stop arm Citations in Five Years

ZUMBROTA, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Patrol hopes a shocking video of a driver nearly hitting a fourth grader in Wabasha County in January is the last video they need to share. According to the State Patrol, the Zumbrota-Mazeppa Elementary School fourth-grader was crossing the road to get on her bus when a driver failed to yield, almost…

Kaul Sues Purdue Pharma Over Opioid Marketing Practices

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is suing Oxycontin maker Purdue Pharma over its opioid marketing practices. Kaul filed the lawsuit in state court Thursday. It alleges Purdue Pharma downplayed the addiction risks of opioid pain medication Oxycontin and the company’s former president, Richard Sackler, approved the strategy. The lawsuit alleges the practices amount to a public…

Morning Update 5-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Firefighter Killed, Three Injured in Wisconsin Shooting

This is an Ongoing Investigation

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — A firefighter responding to a medical emergency was killed in a shooting at a Wisconsin bus station that left three others injured, officials said. The shooting happened after police and firefighters responded to a medical emergency around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Valley Transit in downtown Appleton, fire and police officials said. Appleton Officer Meghan Cash said…

Northland Greenhouses in Full Bloom Thanks to Spring Weather

Lilac Hill Greenhouse report higher sales with Mother's Day and warmth.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The warm air and sun came just in time for area greenhouses to go into their busy season. The florists at Lilac Hill Greenhouse, formerly Engwall’s, said this past Mother’s Day weekend and this week’s warm weather has given them a boost going into the summer season. They say, after a long Northland winter, the flowers are refreshing….

Blacklist’s New Axe-Throwing Set to be On Target

New activity opens this Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The trend of Axe-Throwing in bars makes its way to Duluth, as Blacklist Artisan Ales prepares to open Axe-Throwing in their downtown Superior Street location. This Friday they will be debuting Duluth’s first recreational Axe-Throwing location, which started as all great ideas do. “It’s kinda fun because I thought it was a joke when it first started,” said…

Home Care Providers in Duluth for Expo at the DECC

Minnesota HomeCare Association representatives say the home care industry is seeing a surge in job growth.

  DULUTH, Minn – Hundreds of home care providers from across the state were in Duluth for Minnesota HomeCare Association’s 49th annual meeting and expo at the DECC. Home care providers are those who care for people with disabilities. During the expo the providers learned ways to offer higher quality service to their clients. The expo was also chance for…

Volunteers Honored at United Way Campaign

Without volunteers, the United Way wouldn't be able to survive

DULUTH, Minn.- About three hundred community partners and volunteers packed the DECC today celebrating this year’s Head of Lakes United Way campaign. The event served as a thank you to everyone that helps the organization. Leadership from the group says that without the help of contributions and volunteer work, they wouldn’t be able to survive. Matt Hunter, President at Head…

Duluth Rowing Club Prepares to Row Into Summer

Club holds informational meeting at Denfeld High School.

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer is about to roll in, Duluth rowers are about to row out. The Duluth Rowing Club is finishing construction on two new buildings at their Park Point location, just in time for summer. Those two buildings replace the reportedly failing infrastructure of the original building, built in the 1800s. The rehabilitations cost a total of a…

NTSB Report Released for Fatal Moose Lake Plane Crash

A preliminary report has been released that looks further into the fatal private plane crash near the Moose Lake Airport last Wednesday.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.-A preliminary report has been released that looks further into the fatal private plane crash near the Moose Lake Airport last Wednesday. The report, from the National Transportation Safety Board, does not list a cause as the investigation continues, but it did say the sole occupant in pilot 65-year-old Dr. Thomas Stillwell, did get a weather briefing before…

Local Law Enforcement Honored for Their Service

Bishop Sirba lead the blessing of squad cars.

DULUTH, Minn. – Men and women in law enforcement in the Northland make big sacrifices every day to protect the community The diocese hosted its annual Blue Mass to pay tribute to those men and women. People of all faiths joined in on those efforts. Following the mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, the Diocese…

Law Mower Repair Shops in Duluth Busy Fixing Problems

Most mower repairs can range betwee $75 and $100.

DULUTH, Minn. – Now that the weather has been good and the grass is finally green business is beginning to pick up for local lawn mower repair shops in Duluth. Over at Denny’s Lawn and Garden mechanics say that one of the biggest problems they see is lawn mowers being left with gas in them all winter. It causes the…

More Renewable and Clean Energy Is Coming to the Northland

Updates will be done by mid 2020's, and company expects 50% of energy to come from renewable energy

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Power and parent company Allete have announced more investments in clean energy. The organization recently sold a water company it had in the Twin Cities area for nearly three hundred million dollars with some of those funds will allow them to invest in more solar and wind energy. Julie Pierce, Vice President for Strategy and Planning at…

Three Art Pop-Ups Revealed in Canal Park

Local artists are showing off their talents on utility cabinets

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s part of the pilot project in the Image Duluth 2035 comprehensive plan and these new additions were unveiled today down in Canal Park. Today, the City of Duluth unveiled three art pop-ups in Canal Park highlighting local artists on utility cabinets. Adding art to Canal Park was one of the most common suggestions made at the Imagine…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs ‘Born Alive’ Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Assembly has passed a so-called “born alive” anti-abortion bill that would require physicians care for babies who survive abortion attempts or face prison. The chamber passed the Republican-authored measure 62-35 on Wednesday, sending it on to the state Senate. GOP leaders in that house expect to vote on the bill next month. Democratic Gov….

Ellison: Can’t Block Students From Graduation for Lunch Debt

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Attorney General Keith Ellison says Minnesota school districts cannot block students from graduation ceremonies over unpaid lunch debt. Ellison on Wednesday issued a written opinion citing two state laws governing school lunches and lunch aid. He says participation in a graduation ceremony “cannot be restricted by your ability to afford your life.” Ellison says his…

Wisconsin Budget Gets $753 Million Boost in tax Collections

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin state budget will have $753 million more than originally expected, thanks largely to a one-time spike in tax collections due to federal tax law changes. The money now becomes available for the Legislature as it’s working on the two-year spending plan. But Republican leaders don’t appear to be on the same page Wednesday about…

Moose Lake Voters Reject School Referendum

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Moose Lake voters rejected a school referendum to provide funds to upgrade and improve existing outdoor facilities at the Moose Lake Community School. The two tiered ballot question asked for a total of $6.6 million to put towards “the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities.” The first question failed 403-648 meaning the second question…

Kidnap Victim Jayme Closs Honored by Wisconsin Assembly

MADISON, Wis. – Jayme Closs is being honored by the Wisconsin Assembly as a “hometown hero.” The 13-year-old Closs appeared with family members and friends to receive her honor in the Assembly chamber on Wednesday. It was the most public appearance to date for Closs, who escaped her kidnapper in January after being held captive in a remote northwestern Wisconsin…

BLM Renews Twin Metals Mining Leases

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Joe Balash, today renewed two Twin Metals Minnesota LLC-held hardrock mineral leases located on the Superior National Forest in Northeastern Minnesota. “Mining on public lands balances conservation strategies and policies with the need to produce minerals that add value to the lives of all Americans…

Midday Update 5-15-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, midday update, News, weather

Superior Council for the Arts to Host First Annual “Arts Sampler”

The Superior Art Sampler is Happening Friday, May 17, 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Council for the Arts along with the Department of Communicating Arts, Music and Art at UWS invite you to attend the first “Superior Arts Sampler.” The colorful event is happening Friday, May 17 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Holden Fine Arts Building on the campus of UW-Superior. Carolyn Nelson Kavajecz with the…

Dirty Dog? Experts Express Routine Grooming Habits

Staff at Bark Avenue are Working Around the Clock to Keep up with Spring Grooming

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather warms up in the Northland and water hoses start turning out, we often think about bath time for out dogs after a long winter without. Local groomers are working around the clock right now to help your pets maintain a clean bill of health, and also make sure your home stays smelling fresh and…

Morning Update 5-15-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Join FOX’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Ford Adds 270,000 Cars to Recall for Unintended Rollaways

The Addition Covers Certain 2013 Through 2016 Fusion Midsize Cars

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is adding 270,000 vehicles to a recall in North America to fix a gearshift problem that could cause them roll away unexpectedly. The addition covers certain 2013 through 2016 Fusion midsize cars with 2.5-liter engines. The company is urging drivers to always use the parking brake until repairs are made. Ford says a bushing that attaches…

No Deal yet, but Minnesota Budget Talks to Resume at Capitol

Lawmakers are Required to Adjourn Monday Night

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — There’s no deal yet, but budget talks will continue at the Minnesota Capitol. Negotiators for Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s office, House Democrats and Senate Republicans held a marathon session that lasted until 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. Walz spokesman Teddy Tschann says they’ll reconvene at 10 a.m. None of the sides said much in public…

Wrenshall School Referendum Fails For Third Time

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Voters in Wrenshall voted down a school referendum Tuesday, 513 no – 428 yes, that would have helped upgrade the district, according to Superintendent Kim Belcastro. The referendum called for a $14 million remolding project for their schools that included a new gym and indoor air quality improvements. If the referendum passed, annual taxes would have gone up…

148th Fighter Wing Hosts Combat Training

Air National Guard F-16's and Navy EA-18G Growlers were in action at the 148th Fighter Wing Minnesota National Guard. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Today the 148th Fighter Wing joined forces with the Navy among other branches to train in maneuvers called Northern Lightning. Air National Guard F-16’s and Navy EA-18G Growlers were in action at the 148th Fighter Wing Minnesota National Guard. Northern Lightning is an annual exercise which involves many different capabilities of several different factions around the military…

Superior Pursuits Charter Fishing on Lake Superior

Great Outdoors: Family Fishing On Lake Superior For Novice & Expert on the Elixir

TWIN PORTS, Minn. — With Lake Superior on our doorstep, the urge to fish on it, is quite high! It can get expensive having a boat, buying the gear you need and knowing exactly where the fish will bite. For this week’s Great Outdoors, forget all of that, because we are joining an expert with a huge passion to fish…

Painter Captures the Effect of the Lake on Duluth

Effete Du Lac Exhibit on at the Depot.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth was on display at the Depot with the St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center’s new exhibit: “Effete Du Lac.” The title means “Lake Effect” in French. The artist, John Micheal Cook said he spent time around the city drawing and painting over 60 images that stuck out to him, or building on those images based on…

Wayne Boucher, Keith Musolf Win Primary Race in St. Louis County

Special election is on August 13th

Wayne Boucher Current Hermantown mayor Wayne Boucher and iron worker advocate Keith Musolf will advance to the special election this summer for the St. Louis County Board 5th district race. The seat opened up after Representative Pete Stauber was elected to Congress. Boucher took home the most votes, with 346 ballots cast in his favor. Musolf won the second-most votes,…

DECS Students Sing in the Sun

Duluth Edison Charter Schools put on Spring Concert in Leif Erickson Park

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders were out enjoying the summer-like temps on Monday. Many spent the day at the Leif Erickson Park listening to students sing, in what seemed to be one of Duluth’s many summer festivals. It was sort of a pre-music festival as students from Duluth Edison Charter schools put on their Spring Concert, taking audiences on a trip…

UWS Rifle Range Hits the Mark for Safety

Students have shot at the range in the university's Old Main building for decades

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Since the 1970s students have been shooting at the UWS rifle range, winning five national championships in a safe, supervised environment. “You have to stretch your body, make sure that your mind is completely clear because if you’re mind’s not clear, then you’re going to have an off day,” said UWS student Tiffany Kirk. Students dedicate time…

Superior Home Restoration Program

The Northland has it's own fixer upper program now

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- It’s a push to improve neighborhoods in a Northland community. Today, the City of Superior announced the completed renovation of it’s first vacant home under the ‘Home Restoration Program’. Many have seen television shows where they take a distressed or abandoned house and turn it into a brand new home without tearing it down. The Northland has it’s…

Lakewalk Getting Closer to Full Repair

Phase Two of the Lakewalk hopes to be completed by August

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s storm-battered Lakewalk is getting closer to a full repair. Phase one of the Lakewalk reconstruction is now wrapped up behind the Fitger’s Complex. A new concrete seawall is now in place after high waves from storms in 2017 and 2018 tore the area a part. A spokesperson for Fitger’s tells us it’s been quite a wild ride….

UMD Hosts Fit-N-Fun Run

Thousands of students laced up their shoes at Malosky Stadium today

DULUTH, Minn.- Students laced up their shoes, stretched out their legs, and got to enjoy the beautiful weather today at UMD during the annual fit and fun run. Two thousand third, fourth, and fifth graders from Duluth Elementary Schools ran a lap around the school’s Stadium in celebration of their hard work put forth in their physical education classes. Once…

Duluth Library Helps Northland Community Understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia

1 in 10 people over 65 are living with Dementia and Alzheimer's.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The Duluth Public Library offered an education session to help the Northland community understand the disease. Attendees learned tips on how to communicate with people living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The educational session is a part of a series to help the Duluth Library become Dementia friendly….

Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity is Helping Older Adults Keep Their Independence

This is the 16th home Habitat for Humanity has repaired this year for an aging homeowner.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity Age in Place program is geared to help aging homeowners maintain their independence. The program takes away the stress of preserving homes for older adults with repair needs. Project repairs can range from installing new handrails to re-leveling a porch. The nonprofit believes the Age in Place program helps keep…

Duluth Airshow Adds Air Force and Navy F-35 Variants to Event

The Duluth Airshow has announced that the United States Air Force will send the F-35 Lighting II Demonstration Team to perform during this summer’s Duluth Airshow which will take place July 20-21 at the Duluth International Airport.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Airshow has announced that the United States Air Force will send the F-35 Lighting II Demonstration Team to perform during this summer’s Duluth Airshow which will take place July 20-21 at the Duluth International Airport. “We were very fortunate that Air Education Training Command (AETC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) selected us to host the most sought…

5K Fun Run, Walk to Benefit Veterans Memorial Hall

The Fun Run, Walk is Happening Saturday, May 18, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to attend the 2019 Veterans Memorial Hall 5K Fun Run, Walk happening Saturday, May 18. The race is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. at The Other Place Bar and Grille located at 3930 East Calvary Road in Duluth. This event is open to all ages. Runners are welcome to register online for $25. Registration…

Midday Update 5-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Update: Victim Identified as Former Hoyt Lakes Fire and Police Chief in Garbage Truck Pinning Incident

Authorities have identified the man killed Monday morning after being pinned between a garbage truck and a large dumpster in Biwabik.

BIWABIK, Minn.-Authorities have identified the man killed Monday morning after being pinned between a garbage truck and a large dumpster in Biwabik. He’s been identified as 61-year-old former Hoyt Lakes fire and police chief Steven Allen Stoks. On Facebook, Hoyt Lakes Fire and EMS posted about the loss of the community leader saying: “The Hoyt Lakes Fire and Ambulance is mourning…

Man Pleads Guilty in Mall Attack Against Child

MINNEAPOLIS-The man accused of throwing a 5-year-old boy from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America has pleaded guilty to attempted premeditated first-degree murder and faces 19 years in prison. Emmanuel Aranda, of Minneapolis, admitted his guilt as part of a plea agreement Tuesday. As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed not to pursue an aggravated circumstances component to…

The Northland Remembers America’s Ace of Aces Richard I. Bong

Northland Uncovered: The Richard I. Bong Veterans Center is in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a plane and a dream has now turned into a haven for Northland veterans. From Poplar, Wis. farm boy to America’s icon, U.S. Army Air Force Major Richard Bong was one of nation’s most decorated fighter pilots during World War II. “He ended up becoming America’s ace of aces shooting down 40 confirmed enemy air…

Morning Update 5-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Searches Off Northern Michigan Don’t Turn up Missing Plane

Authorities say searches haven't turned up signs of a small plane that went missing while flying over Lake Michigan.

FRANKFORT, Mich.-Authorities say searches haven’t turned up signs of a small plane that went missing while flying over Lake Michigan. The Benzie County sheriff’s office says the plane dropped off radar on Sunday night off of northern Michigan, about 4 miles  west of Frankfort, and two people were believed to be aboard. The sheriff’s office says the plane was reportedly…

Exotic Animals in Minnesota Homes

Organizations are taking in dozens of exotic reptiles and big cats every year

MINNESOTA – Owning exotic animals is a bigger problem than most people think. Whether its bears, monkeys, snakes, or tigers, it’s becoming more common across the country and right here in the Northland. 110 big cats are now living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone. Many of them were surrendered or seized from local homes. The Minnesota Herpetological Society takes…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Potluck Vintage and Modern Kitchenware

David Wigdahl always dreamt of opening an antique store and he wanted the store to be accessible to people with all kinds of tastes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people have a pot or kitchen instrument that has been passed down for generations, and one business owner is mixing the old and new in his kitchen and antiques store. This week’s Knowing Your Neighbor features Ely business, Potluck Vintage and Modern Kitchenware. Most business owners are ready for a cushy retirement, but this store owner…