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Morning Update 4-29-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 29, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, April 29, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Hosts Annual Spring Soiree

The biggest Wildwoods fundraiser of the year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center held its annual Spring Soiree and biggest fundraiser of the year at Clyde Iron Works Sunday. Those attending could bid in silent auctions or just donate money to the rehab center. It helps orphaned and injured animals. Volunteers shared some of their biggest success stories from the past year and loved getting to tell their…

Young Musicians Get Their Start in Homegrown 2019’s Kick-off Event

The 20th annual Homegrown Music Festival began at Lake Superior Zoo.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday kicked off the 20th anniversary of the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival. From Sunday to Sunday local musicians will perform in venues all over the Twin Ports. For some young musicians, the Lake Superior Zoo is the perfect venue to get started. “8 days, 200 bands and 68… I should know this. 68– 58 venues,” Homegrown production coordinator Scott…

Performing Arts Students Honored By Bluebird Foundation

Foundation holds 2019 Grant Ceremony.

PROCTOR, Minn.- High School students who excelled in the performing arts were recognized in Proctor, and given some support for their futures. The Bluebird Foundation presented 11 area High School students with awards, and grants as high as $750. Students entered in categories like music, dance, theater, and entrepreneurship. “I think the arts and everything don’t really get highlighted at…

Superior YMCA Helps Make Healthy Kids for a Healthy Summer

Healthy Kids Day event held.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With summer just a few months away, the Superior YMCA helped kids get a healthy head start. They hosted Healthy Kids Day on Sunday. Families could come and enjoy free swimming, bouncy houses, healthy snacks, and more to prepare for a fit summer. “To encourage families and kids to come out and be healthy and create healthy habits…

Volunteers Spend Day Cleaning Up Skyline Parkway

Dozens of volunteers line the street picking up trash.

DULUTH, Minn.- For this year’s 2nd Annual Skyline Parkway Spring Cleanup, volunteers attacked the garbage down Skyline Parkway between Haines Road and Highland Street. The wind and rustling of leaves mixes with the rustling of plastic bags, and the deep crinkle of soda cans. “We’re just gonna keep doing the garbage cleanup,” said one young volunteer. A sea of neon…

Getting the SS Meteor in Ship Shape

Volunteers freshen up ship for new season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- About 50 volunteers came together to cleanup the SS Meteor Whaleback Ship at Barker’s Island in Superior. Washing, painting the hull, and renovating the bedrooms gets the ship ready for tours starting May 18th. “It’s awesome to have this many people come out and work on this because it takes a great volunteer effort for this huge ship…

Protesters Environmental Rally on Anniversary of Husky Explosion

This after Husky announces rebuild of the Superior refinery, with the use of Hydrogen Fluoride.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Saturday, protestors rallied outside the Douglas County Courthouse in Superior, voicing their concerns about the Husky Energy Refinery Rebuild. Recently, Husky announced they will continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen fluoride after rebuilding the refinery which exploded a year ago. Protestors said it’s time to do away with the chemical, and the refinery, as a whole. “No…

Runners and Walkers Take to the Streets for Fitger’s 5K

Over two thousand competed in the 30th Annual Race.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 30th year, runners and walkers took over the streets of Duluth to complete the Fitger’s 5K Run and Walk, benefitting the Young Athletes Foundation. The chilly race warms athletes up to run 26 miles at Grandma’s Marathon in June. The airhorn sends off the first wave of runners, who take-off like a stampede. Runners of all…

Northland Service Member Returns Home with a Message

Roger Reinert returns home from 11 months active duty with the U.S. Navy.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland welcomed home one of their own. Roger Reinert, a former Minnesota state senator and current navy officer returned from 11 months of combat in Afghanistan with a message for his civilian friends. “Roger Reinert is a great friend, fellow runner, fellow service member and somebody who I’ve grown to love over many years of friendship,” Audra Flanagan…

Get Around on Two Wheels at Duluth’s Bike Swap

Continental Ski & Bike has their 13th annual Bike Swap

DULUTH, Minn.- For those who prefer to get around on two wheels, Duluth’s bike swap may be worth checking out. The 13th annual Continental Ski & Bike ‘Bike Swap’ started with more than 700 bikes for sale from the community. 600 hundred of them sold within the first few hours. 25% of sales go to United Way and Animal Allies…

Minnesota Viking C. J. Ham Receives An Honor of A Lifetime

"I just really hope they get out there and give everything into everything they do."

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Vikings player and Duluth native C. J. Ham received an honor of a lifetime today at Denfield High School. With little prior knowledge, Ham was joined by his parents for the unveiling of a mural dedicated to his time with the Vikings and as a student of Denfeld High School. Posted above the schools trophy display,…

First Look at CityView Flats Apartments

A look at how the apartments in downtown Duluth are coming along

DULUTH, Minn.- Today, we got a first look at how the CityView Flats apartments are coming along in downtown Duluth. While the expected date to open still is October of 2019 for the building consisting of more than one hundred units, the builders have experience some set backs due to multiple issues including the weather. Marshall Jackson, Managing Member CityView…

50 Percent of Engwall Has Been Sold

Longtime Engwall Florist and Gifts has a new owner

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Longtime Engwall Florist and Gifts owner Rod Saline has announced that fifty percent of his business will be sold. Saline who is starting his forty-sixth year at the Hermantown business said its time to slow down, but he will still own the flower portion of the business while the gift side is being sold to Duluthian Betty Eklund,…

Yellow Cab Taxi Bought By Yellow Door

Yellow Door announced the sale on Friday afternoon

DULUTH, Minn.- And as one door opens, another door closes. The taxi service Yellow Cab recently announced they were shutting down after being open for nearly a century, but now it’s been saved by an existing cab company in Duluth, as they have bought it out. Cabs have taken a huge hit since ride sharing operations like Uber and Lift…

On the One Year Anniversary Emergency Responders Reflect on the Husky Explosion

"That initial call we immediately knew it was something serious."

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The husky explosion will go down in Northland history, especially for the many emergency responders who are now grateful for how things turned out. “That initial call we immediately knew it was something serious,” said Superior Fire Chief Steve Panger. Multiple police, fire and disaster response crews from both Minnesota and Wisconsin sprang into action moments after…

Superior Residents Look Back at One Year Since the Husky Fire

Students at UWS and Superior remember the Husky fire

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior residents and emergency responders remember the explosion and fire that shook Superior Apr. 26, 2019, as Husky energy makes plans to move forward. Nearly 30 thousand people were evacuated. Not even three miles down the road from the Husky refinery, University of Wisconsin Superior students Laura Beres and Jocelyn Hassing remeber the moment they were told to…

Duluth Arts Walk Kicks Off Season

One local artist whose pieces fill Duluth Fine Pianos was in attendance to enjoy the evening.

DULUTH, Minn. – Twenty five different shops and restaurants participated in this year’s first downtown arts walk featuring musicians and artists alike. One local artist whose pieces fill Duluth Fine Pianos was in attendance to enjoy the evening. “There are so many fabulously talented and diverse artists in Duluth and it’s really really wonderful that this collective has come together,…

Community Activists Talk About their Concerns with Husky Energy Moving Forward

Some people are concerned with Husky's continued use of Hydrogen Fluoride

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Community activists are using the anniversary to remember what they’ve learned since the Husky fire. Many of those present at Zion Lutheran Church in Superior are worried about the refinery’s continued use of Hydrogen Fluoride. They think the refinery’s use of the chemical is careless. “There are so many passionate people and so many people with both answers…

Disabled American Veterans Hosts Annual Convention

At nearly 100 years old, the DAV says they have a simple purpose, to fulfill the promises of men and women who served before, and take care of veterans.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the Disabled American Veterans conference took place at the downtown Duluth Holiday Inn. At nearly 100 years old, the DAV says they have a simple purpose, to fulfill the promises of men and women who served before, and take care of veterans. The DAV assists nearly 20,000 disabled veterans in Minnesota. At this year’s convention, a…

Superior Police Looking for Wade Bowl Park Vandals

Police also say it will possibly cost the city several hundred dollars.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police department is asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible for vandalism at Wade Bowl Park on Wednesday night. Authorities says all four sides of the warming shack at the park are covered in graffiti. Police also say it will possibly cost the city several hundred dollars to paint over and clean up…

Remembering The Role The Weather Played In The Husky Superior Refinery Explosion

Evacuation Area Quickly Spread South From Strong Winds

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Many of us will never forget the fear and nervousness as the evacuation zone continued to grow last year on April 26th Husky Refinery explosion. The National Weather Service in Duluth and Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot closely forecasted the winds strength and direction that quickly carried the thick, possibly toxic, heavy black smoke southward. Winds were…

Final Suspect Sentenced in Murder of UMD Student

The final suspect in the 2017 murder of a UMD student was sentenced today.

DULUTH, Minn.-The final suspect in the 2017 murder of a UMD student was sentenced today. Twenty-eight–year–old Xavier Haywood was sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison after being found guilty of  aiding an offender in the murder of William Grahek. Prosecutors say three men entered Grahek’s home looking to steal cash and drugs. When the plan went wrong Grahek was…

Human Remains Found in Boundary Waters

U.S. Forestry Service Officers are reporting that human remains have been found near a campsite where a missing man from New Mexico was last camped.

BOUNDARY WATERS-U.S. Forestry Service Officers are reporting that human remains have been found near a campsite where a missing man from New Mexico was last camped. Police say that no foul play is suspected in the incident. On Oct. 22, 2018, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call to check on a vehicle that was parked at the Sioux…

Three-Car-Accident Snarls Traffic in Duluth

There were no injuries for the accident which occurred at eighth avenue east and second street.

DULUTH, Minn. – A three car accident occurred at eighth avenue east and second street in Duluth. There were no injuries. The intersection is one that has seen accidents before according to residents who live at the corner. Residentsat the scene blame the accident on what they call a dangerous two-way stop. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Trump Tells NRA he’s Withdrawing From Arms Trade Treaty

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says the U.S. has decided to withdraw its support for a treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade. Trump said Friday that he has decided to revoke the United States’ status as a signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty regulating international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat…

Wings North Offers Off-Season Hunting

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Wings North Pheasant Hunting & Clay Trapshooting

PINE CITY, Minn. — If the long winter has had you feeling cooped up, grab your over under shotgun and head on over to Wings North; where pheasant hunting is still underway, even though it’s the off-season. In this weeks Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot learns how to pheasant hunt and also gets her shot at clay trap pigeon…

Public Comment Period Open on Nemadji Trail Energy Center Proposal

Plan for The $700 Million Natural gas Plant was Announced Last Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The public comment period is now open in Wisconsin on the proposal to move ahead with the Nemadji Trail Energy Center. The Nemadji Trail Energy Center is a natural gas–fired power plant that’s in the works in Superior. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved it in a 3–2 vote at the end of October, so the two organizations…

Midday Update 4-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, April 26, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Friday, April 26, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Gov. Tim Walz Sends Letter of Reprimand to IRRRB Commissioner

Radinovich Will Resign Effective April 30

(courtesy: Office of Gov. Tim Walz)DULUTH, Minn. – The Star Tribune reports they obtained a letter of reprimand Thursday that Gov. Tim Walz sent to the commissioner of the IRRRB following controversy over the hiring of former state legislator Joe Radinovich. According to the tribune, the letter to Mark Phillips reads in part, “I expect you to model openness, transparency,…

Volunteers Needed to Help Make Skyline Parkway Sparkle

Duluth Parks and The Duluth Experience Teaming up to Host Skyline Cleanup Sunday, April 28

DULUTH, Minn. – Earth Day celebrations and cleanup events continue into the weekend as Duluth Parks and The Duluth Experience team up to host the annual Skyline Parkway Spring Cleanup. The cleanup is happening Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at Lake Superior Brewing before being deployed to various locations along Skyline…

Minnesota Guard: 90 Sexual Assault Reports in Past 5 Years

Guard Leaders Shared the Information Thursday

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota National Guard says it’s received 90 reports of sexual assault in the past five years, including cases that ranged from inappropriate touching to rape. Guard leaders shared the information with more than 400 soldiers, airmen and civilians who gathered at the Arden Hills armory Thursday to discuss sexual assaults and providing a safe…

Morning Update 4-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, April 26, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Friday, April 26, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

‘Titanium Partners’ Purchases Temple Opera Building; Plans Revealed

DULUTH, Minn. – The historic Temple Opera Building next to the NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth officially has a new owner — and changes are on the way. That owner is Titanium Partners, which is also behind the new multi-million dollar high-rise apartment building planned just blocks away, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The revitalization of downtown Duluth is…

Duluth East Students Use Theatre to Tell Story About Student with Autism

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" will run at Duluth East High School May 2-4

DULUTH, Minn.- Students in the theatre department at Duluth East High School are preparing to put on one of their most challenging shows yet. Often times, art says the things that are too difficult to put into words. It’s message is heavy, but the story of the Tony Award winning play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night…

Warm Weather Brings People to the Lakewalk

The Lakewalk filled up Thursday with people enjoying truly warm weather.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday was one of the warmest days of spring so far, especially along the lake. Temperatures at Sky Harbor Airport reached 66 degrees. The Lakewalk filled up Thursday with people enjoying truly warm weather. “It’s good for my soul I think it’s the best way for me to describe it, and when I close my eyes and…

Superior Celebrates National Scoop the Poop Day

Owners were treated to free poop bag handouts to encourage them to always pick up after their dogs to protect the environment.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dog owners and their owners played at the Superior dog park today during national scoop the poop week. Owners were treated to free poop bag handouts to encourage them to always pick up after their dogs to protect the environment. “Anything that is left on the ground whether it is pet waste or litter, grass clippings from…

Class Teaches People in Superior How to Run for Office

City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle and Mayor Jim Paine teach the course

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A class in Superior taught citizens how to run for office. It’s a three-part course taught by Superior City Councilor, Jenny Van Sickle, and Mayor Jim Paine. Students learn how to fill out and file paperwork and how to campaign for a variety of offices. Everyone is welcome at the class, but it’s geared toward women and…

CSA Farm Sign Up

Farmers are looking to connect with consumers through their CSA program

DULUTH, Minn.- Local farmers are looking to connect with local consumers through what’s called “Community Supported Agricultural Shares”. The CSA model allows people to subscribe to the harvest of a farm or group of farms. Subscribers receive their box of produce or other farm goods every Wednesday at “Market Day Duluth” on Third Avenue West. Roxanne Schmidt, a farmer said…

Tutor Shortage in Duluth

Tutors are need in Duluth but also in all of Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.- More than thirty positions for Minnesota reading and math corps tutors are currently available in Duluth public schools for the next school year. These tutors don’t have to be teachers they can be everyday people who hope to make an impact in a child’s life, and those that do it, are thrilled they can help out in anyway…

Marketing Professionals From Around the World Stop in Duluth For Zenith Digital Marketing Conference

Proceeds from the conference's registration fees is being donated to the Duluth Chamber of Commerce's Fuse program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marketing professionals from around the world were in Duluth today for the Zenith Digital Marketing conference. Some of the most innovative minds gathered at Zeitgeist to discuss marketing strategies and latest trends to help companies make money. Local students even stopped by the conference to build on their knowledge. The professionals say the conference can be beneficial…

New Grant Could Help Fight the Child Care Shortage in the Region

More than 4,000 child care openings are still needed in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – The childcare shortage in the Northland continues to be a big topic of discussion. Thanks to a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Northland Foundation is making funding available for licensed or soon to be licensed child care centers in seven counties and tribal nations in Northeastern Minnesota. Those counties include Aitkin, Carlton, Cook,…

Charter Docks Installed at Newly Constructed Minnesota Slip

Spring is in the air as ten docks were put in the new look Minnesota slip

DULUTH, Minn.- The signs of summer are starting to pop up in Duluth. Today, charter docks were installed in the newly constructed Minnesota Slip. This comes after a cramped season last summer for the charters during the slip’s reconstruction project that pushed the William A. Irvin out from the slips seawall. It’s been a wild scene in the Minnesota slip…

Radinovich Resigns From Position at Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation

After some controversy over how he was hired, effective Tuesday, April 30th, Joe Radinovich will resign from his position as state program administrator working with the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board.

EVELETH, Minn.-After some controversy over how he was hired, effective Tuesday, April 30th, Joe Radinovich will resign from his position as state program administrator working with the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board. The IRRRB came under fire this month after Joe Radinovich, a former state legislator, was fast-tracked for a job working with the IRRRB. The weekly Ely Timberjay newspaper…

Hibbing Murder Suspect Found Competent to Stand Trial

HIBBING, Minn. – A suspect charged in the murder of an Aurora man in January has been found competent to stand trial after undergoing a psychological evaluation. Deshon Israel Bonnell, 18, is accused of shooting and killing 33-year-old Joshua Lavalley on January 6 in Hibbing. Lavalley’s body was found the same day by a snowmobiler on the Mesabi Trail near…

Republican Leaders say Evers’ pot Proposal to be Snuffed out

Under Evers' Plan Medical Marijuana Would be Legalized

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee say Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ proposal to legalize medical marijuana and small amounts of recreational pot will be snuffed out. Sen. Alberta Darling on Thursday called Evers’ marijuana legalization proposal “off the wall scary.” Evers proposed it as part of the two-year state budget. Under his plan, medical…

CDC Warns Blood-Sucking ‘Kissing bug’ Spreading North

The "Kissing bug" has Been Making its way Into the the U.S.

(courtesy: Fox News) FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — A blood-sucking bug that can spread disease and is nicknamed for biting people around their mouths has been sighted in Colorado. The Coloradoan reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the “kissing bug,” or Triatoma sanguisuga, has been making its way into the U.S. from South and Central America. The…