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Skaters Out On the Ice For Skate The Bay

Bay is frozen enough for ice skating

DULUTH, Minn.- Skaters hit the ice today for Skate the Bay at Park Point in Duluth. The skaters quickly tied up their skates and headed out on the ice to enjoy the fun. For years, the bay has not been in good condition for ice skating. According to the organizer of the event it may be the one chance many…

Ruby’s Pantry Fills Hearts and Stomachs

Mission Creek Church is one of four Ruby's Pop-Up Pantries in the Twin Ports.

DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers from the Mission Creek Church were busy filling the hearts and stomachs of many Saturday morning hosting their monthly food pantry for the Fond–du–Lac neighborhood. The church is one of four Ruby’s Pantry pop–up locations in the Twin Ports. For $20, those in need can come by and fill carts with everything from food to paper towels….

Miracle 11 Non-Profit Donates to New Accessible Park

The Miracle 11 Non-Profit group donated $5200 to charities in the Twin Ports.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Turning lemons into lemonade, that’s what members of the Miracle 11 non–profit did Saturday by giving back to four Twin Ports charities. Miracle 11, named after the 11 survivors from a 2–plane collision during a skydiving accident in 2013, spent the past five years raising and donating over $35 thousand to local organizations. The organization picked four charities, Second…

Duluth Affinity Plus Credit Union Robbed

DULUTH, Minn. – A robbery was reported Friday afternoon at the Affinity Plus Credit Union on Miller Trunk Highway in Duluth. According to the Duluth Police Department, just after 4 p.m., a person presented a note to the bank teller claiming to have a gun. No gun was seen and the person left with an undisclosed amount of money. A…

Twin Ports Christmas Lighting Challenge Winners Announced in Duluth

Award ceremony at Bentleyville

  DULUTH, Minn.- More than 1,200 votes were cast in the 4th annual Christmas Lighting Challenge. Today in duluth eight winners were awarded for their best light display. A special ceremony was held at Bentleyville in front of the giant christmas tree. All the winners were chosen by the community and each received a gift basket filled with goodies. The…

Trees Donated To Those In Need in Superior

Duluth's Flower Farm Christmas Tree Pop-Up Shop

SUPERIOR, Wisc- In the spirit of giving, Duluth’s Flower Farm is donating Christmas trees to families who may need one, at their pop-up shop in Superior. All are welcome to stop by and pick a tree free of charge or even have it delivered to their home. As a gesture the company is giving back by helping families who may…

Busy Travel Weekend Before Christmas

Minnesotans gearing up for travel plans

  DULUTH, Minn.- Record breaking travel is expected for Minnesota according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Now Northland travelers are preparing for a busy travel weekend. Thousands of  travelers are getting ready to hit the roads  as Christmas will be approaching very soon. MNDOT says more people are choosing to drive to get to their holiday destinations, this year,…

Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Making a Difference in the Northland

FOX 21 Local News Took Part in the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive, Supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 500 boys and girls in the Northland were receiving a little holiday cheer Friday evening in Duluth as the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland hosted holiday parties at multiple branches in the area. FOX 21 Local News taking part in the annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive once again. Officials at the Boys…

Comcast Says Facts Don’t Support Minnesota Suit

Minnesota's Attorney General is Suing Comcast/Xfinity

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cable and internet provider Comcast is defending itself against a consumer fraud lawsuit filed by Minnesota’s attorney general. The lawsuit filed Friday alleges that the company has overcharged thousands of consumers for cable TV packages, charged them for unordered equipment and services, and failed to deliver on promised Visa gift cards. Comcast spokeswoman Jill Hornbacher says…

Balsam Bough Harvesting: Make Your Own Wreath!

Active Adventures: Harvesting Boughs And Assembling A Holiday Wreath

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us deep into the woods to collect balsam boughs! Then we head inside to learn how to assemble your own wreath! A permit is required for collecting balsam boughs and can picked up at the district DNR offices for $25. Minnesota is a leader in…

Minnesota Governor’s Administration Files Line 3 Appeal

Other Opponents Appealed Earlier This Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration has appealed a state regulatory panel’s approval of Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its aging Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Commerce said Friday that the Public Utilities Commission ignored experts who said the project isn’t needed. Dayton says in a statement that Enbridge failed to…

Ursa Minor Brewing to Host Winter Solstice Event Saturday

The Event Sponsored by Ursa Minor Brewing will be Family Friendly and Feature a Wide Variety of Events, Live Music and Brews

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Ursa Minor Brewing is excited to announce they’ll be hosting their first community event on Saturday, December 22. The event is known as the Winter Solstice Celebration and Inaugural DiffeRUNce. The Winter Solstice Celebration is an all-day celebration of winter in Duluth and all the people that make the community such a great place to live,…

Bretting Manufacturing and Local 621 Reach Three Year Agreement

The Announcement was Made Friday Morning

ASHLAND, Wis. – According to a recent news release, C. G. Bretting Manufacturing and IAMAW Local 621 have reached a three-year agreement. The announcement was made Friday morning in a joint press release signed by Bretting Manufacturing CEO, David Bretting and IAM District 10 Assistant Directing Business Rep, Scott Parr. Nearly 200 workers were on strike after rejecting the company’s…

Evers Names Picks for Transportation, Agriculture, Insurance

The Announcement was Made Friday

MADISON, Wis.  – Gov.-elect Tony Evers has named four more members of his Cabinet, including an advocate for raising revenue to improve the condition of Wisconsin’s roads as head the state Department of Transportation. Evers announced the picks Friday. His choice to lead the Department of Transportation is Craig Thompson, the executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Development Association. Evers…

Police: Naked Wisconsin man Tears Down Neighbor’s Holiday Decorations

The 61-Year-old man was Drunk According to Officers

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Investigators say a 61-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested for tearing down a neighbor’s Christmas decorations while drunk and naked. The Green Bay Gazette reports that Gregory Brannigan faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. A criminal complaint shows Brannigan’s neighbor called police Wednesday after to report that he was naked, kicking her door…

Minnesota Approves Salary cap Waivers for 22 Local Officials

The new Limits Include Some Significant Increases

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republican lawmakers are criticizing Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration for approving pay raises for 22 local government officials. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans recently notified lawmakers that his agency is allowing salary cap waivers for positions in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties, as well as the Metropolitan Council and the city of Rochester. The…

Authorities Searching for Suspect in Police-Involved Shooting

Joshua Farmer Was Released From the Hospital After Being Shot Six Times

SUPERIOR, Wisc- Superior Police tell us the suspect charged with threatening three police officers resulting in an officer-involved shooting is still a wanted man. Joshua Farmer, 19, was shot six times by Superior Police officers back in October. The actions of the officers was ruled justified by the County Attorney’s office after a review of body camera video and Farmer’s…

Data Breach At Caribou Coffee Affecting Northland Locations

DULUTH, Minn. – Caribou Coffee said Thursday that some of its customer data has been breached across the country, including in Duluth, Hibbing and Grand Rapids. Company officials said customers who visited a Caribou between late August and early December may have had their credit card information compromised. Customers are asked to check credit card statements and contact the credit…

Gas Price at Superior Convenience Store Hits Statewide Low

The SuperAmerica on Hammond Avenue was selling gas for $1,75 per gallon on Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Gas prices across the country are at their lowest point in years. One gas station in Superior was selling gas for $1.75 per gallon on Thursday. The SuperAmerica on Hammond Avenue had a line of cars waiting to get the low fuel price. The manager there tells us she changed the sign to read $2.19 because it…

New Cobblestone Hotel Planned for Tower Avenue in Superior

Hotel chain is expected to break ground on the development sometime in 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new hotel is expected to be built on North Tower Avenue. Business leaders are excited about what it could mean for the city. Multiple city officials with close knowledge of the project have confirmed that a new hotel is being planned in Superior at the location where the historic Palace Theater once stood. We are told…

Duluth Teacher Convicted of Sexual Misconduct Sentenced

Karla Winterfeld Sentenced to 12 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- A former, young Duluth Middle School teacher, sentenced to 12 years in prison. Karla Winterfeld was once a decorated educator. In 2016 she landed the Greg Irons Award for Exceptional Commitment to the Well–Being of Students. That same year she was also one of the recipients of the Duluth News Tribune’s “20 under 40” awards. But none of…

New Details Emerge Regarding the Dismissal of a Cloquet Police Officer

The nature of the misconduct allegations that directly led to Beckman's dismissal were not made clear.

CLOQUET, Minn.- New details are emerging involving the dismissal of a Cloquet police officer – 18–year veteran of of the police force Scott Beckman is now on a mutually agreed upon paid leave through September of 2019. Because of the circumstances related to Beckman’s departure, 18 criminal cases in Carlton county have been dismissed and 25 other cases involving Beckman…

Students Give Christmas Trees to Essentia Patients in Duluth

16th Annual Giving Tree Project

Lester Park students brought holiday cheer to those at Essentia today… About 40 trees and gifts were donated to patients for the 16th Annual Giving Tree Project. Students raised about $2,000 by doing more chores to purchase the donations. The trees are decorated with homemade ornaments and inspiring messages. The project  teaches the children about giving. “It is so cool…

Northeast Minnesota Has Found Housing For All Homeless Vets On Waiting List

Accomplishment made in the effort to end veteran homelessness

  DULUTH, Minn.-Two organizations have hit a milestone in their efforts to end veteran homelessness in the northeast region of Minnesota. The Minnesota assistance council for veterans (MAC–V) and the Northeast Continuum of Care (CoC) is celebrating the accomplishment of finding housing for all the veterans on their wait list in the northeast region of Minnesota. It is estimated that…

YMCA in Duluth Waives Fees To Promote Healthy Habits

21 day promotion

  DULUTH, Minn.- Some health experts say it takes 21 days to form a habit and now the Downtown YMCA is offering  the Northland community a chance to become members so they can develop the habit of health. Starting December 26th the YMCA is waiving the joining fee and the first month membership fee for those who wish to sign…

Trump Says Defense Secretary Mattis Will Retire in February

The Announcement was Made Thursday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is stepping down from his post, President Donald Trump announced Thursday, after the retired Marine general clashed with the president over a troop drawdown in Syria and Trump’s go-it-alone stance in world affairs. Mattis, perhaps the most respected foreign policy official in Trump’s administration, will leave by the end of February after two…

Former Duluth Teacher Sentenced for Having sex With Student

Winterfeld is a Former Duluth Middle School Teacher

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Middle School teacher, Karla Winterfeld, was sentenced to twelve years in prison Thursday afternoon. Winterfeld will serve eight years of her sentence in prison and four years on supervised release. Winterfeld, 34, admitted to having sex with her 15-year-old foster son and former student in May. She pleaded guilty to the charge of first degree…

Feds Move to Formally Renew Leases for Twin Metals Mine

Public Comment Runs Through January 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The federal Bureau of Land Management says it plans to formally renew the mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. The bureau said in a statement Thursday that its plans to impose updated stipulations on the leases from the U.S. Forest Service to mitigate risks to water resources and wilderness areas….

Caribou Coffee Says 265 Locations Affected by Security Data Breach

Four Duluth Locations Are Involved in the Breach

DULUTH, Minn. – A handful of Duluth Caribou Coffee locations were involved in a recent data breach involving access to customer’s payment card information that affected 265 Caribou stores. According to a Data Security Notice sent out by the company, on November 28 the company identified unusual activity on their network though their information security monitoring system. The company says…

WLSSD Kicks off Annual Treecycling Program

The Program is Free and and Offers Multiple Locations

DULUTH, Minn. – WLSSD and area partners kicked off their annual Treecycling program this week. The programs is aimed at encouraging residents to recycle their fresh-cut holiday trees. The program is free and is offered at multiple locations throughout the area 24 hours a day. “Holiday trees, like yard and garden waste, are banned from the trash in Minnesota,” said…

Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are joined by Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco and we are baking a holiday appetizer, Cranberry Chutney! It’s a perfect dish to bring for the holidays and bursting with flavor. RECIPE: Holiday Cranberry Chutney (Makes 12 Servings) Canned cranberries; can be substituted for fresh when they are not in season, just…

No Charges in Wisconsin Explosion That Killed One

The Explosion Happened on July 10

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – A police chief says there will be no criminal charges against anyone related to an explosion in southern Wisconsin that killed a firefighter and leveled several buildings. Sun Prairie Police Chief Patrick Anhalt said Thursday “There is not probable cause to believe a crime was committed.” Sun Prairie firefighter Cory Barr was killed in the July…

Explore the North Shore this Holiday Season

Visit Cook County Staff Chat About Upcoming Events in the Area Through the Holiday Season

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Skiers and snowboarders are hitting the slopes at Lutsen Mountains! But that’s not all the vast wilderness in Cook County has to offer this winter season. Linda Jurek and Kjersti Vick spent their morning chatting with FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot about upcoming events in the Cook County region over the Christmas holiday…

More Details Come Forward After Cloquet Police Officer Dismissed

City of Cloquet Releases Statement on Dismissed Officer

CARLTON, Minn.-Last night, the Carlton County Attorney’s office announced it had dismissed 18 pending cases involving a Cloquet police officer. In a statement released today, the city of Cloquet said the officer being separated from his employment is Scott Beckman, who has been with the force since October of 2000. City Administrator Aaron Reeves told Fox 21 that a separation…

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency OKs PolyMet mine permits

The MPCA has Signed off

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has signed off on three important permits sought by the developers of the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The agency Thursday announced its approval of the air and water quality permits for the project and a certification of the company’s plan to mitigate the mine’s impact on wetlands. The…

Gov.-Elect Walz to Name Three More Cabinet Appointments

Walz Announced his First Five on Tuesday

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz is preparing to announce three more cabinet appointments. Walz, a former teacher, will visit a school in St. Paul on Thursday to name his picks to run the Department of Education, Office of Higher Education, and Department of Corrections. Walz announced his first five commissioners on Tuesday. His transition team…

Foes of Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline File Appeals in Minnesota

The Notices Were Filed Wednesday

MINNEAPOLIS – Opponents of Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota have filed appeals to challenge the state Public Utilities Commission’s approval of the project. Environmental and tribal groups filed initial notices Wednesday with the Minnesota Court of Appeals against the commission’s decision to grant a certificate of need for the project….

Two Killed in Head-On Collision in Deer River

The Road Conditions were Snowy and icy

DEER RIVER, Minn. – Two people are dead following a head on crash on Highway 46 Wednesday evening. According to the MN State Patrol the accident happened on Highway 46 and County Road 39 near Deer River just before 6:00 p.m. involving a semi-truck, Ford pickup truck and a Chevy Impala. According to reports, the semi-truck was traveling southbound on…

CEO, Co-Founder of Cirrus Aircraft To Step Down In 2019

Dale Klapmeier Will Take On Role As Senior Adviser

DULUTH, Minn.- Dale Klapmeier, CEO and co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft, has announced he will be stepping down next year. Klapmeier said it’s simply time for him to slow down a little bit after more than 30 years on the job. Cirrus has not decided on a new CEO just yet. The company will consider candidates internally and from the outside….

Viewcrest Hosts Annual Senior Christmas Party

The senior living facility provides gifts, food and holiday entertainment for its residents

DULUTH, Minn.- The residents of the Viewcrest Health Center, a senior living facility here in Duluth, were getting in the holiday spirit with its annual resident Christmas party. The facility provided gifts for all the residents along with a visit from Santa and live music for caroling. “The residents this is what they’ve done all of their life. We need to…

Rubber Chicken Theater Premiering New Holiday Show This Friday

Local sketch comedy show promises laughs for everybody

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is presenting their tenth anniversary holiday revue starting this Friday night. The ‘Wisecracker Suite’ is full of local sketch comedy and laughs for everybody in the audience. The show makes fun of local and regional news. The director describes it as a local Saturday Night Live. “These are all local folks, talented writers and…

Superior Fire Department Receives Grant for Hazmat Equipment

Grant Comes from Wisconsin Emergency Management

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior firefighters took on the Globe grain elevator fire with some new gear. After last year’s Husky Refinery explosion, the Superior Fire Department received a $62,000 to be better equipped for large–scale emergencies and hazmat situations. The grant came from Wisconsin Emergency Management. With the new equipment the department can better monitor and understand flammability, oxygen levels, carbon…

Carlton County Attorney’s Office Dismisses 18 Pending Cases Involving a Cloquet Police Officer

A prosecutor's office in northern Minnesota has dismissed 18 pending cases involving a Cloquet police officer.

CARLTON, Minn.-A prosecutor’s office in northern Minnesota has dismissed 18 pending cases involving a Cloquet police officer. Acting Carlton County Attorney Jeffrey Boucher said Wednesday that after assistant county attorneys learned of a misconduct finding involving the officer, all pending cases involving the officer were dismissed pending a review. In addition, Boucher says four cases submitted for review have not…

Kids Christmas Party at Duluth Heights Community Club

Toddlers make holiday crafts and gets a visit from Santa

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Heights Community Club hosted its Christmas party during one of their weekly play gym program days. Quite a few toddlers got down and dirty making some holiday crafts and having a good time playing with toys and games. They even had a visit from Santa. Organizers said events like this allow parents and children to bond with…

Progress Is Being Made at the Lakewalk in Duluth

Concrete wall completed along the Lakewalk

  DULUTH, Minn.- A big fix up continues for the Lakewalk in Duluth and this includes some major changes. Three big storms over the last year caused major structural damage to the Lakewalk but the repairs are taking shape. After suffering severe storm damage the Lakewalk is making headway as construction crews continue to repair 350 feet of shoreline during…