Midday Update 12-21-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 21, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, FOX 21, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather
News – Latest News
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…
Morning Update 12-21-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 21, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather
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…
Carlton Co. Atty Thom Pertler Cites Medical Reasons For Leaving Office
CLOQUET, Minn. – Long time Carlton County District Attorney Thom Pertler has packed up and left his elected office. Acting County Attorney Jeff Boucher told FOX 21 Thursday that Pertler removed his personal items from the office and hasn’t come back since overwhelmingly losing in the general election Nov. 6. Boucher says he was told by Pertler to run the…
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…
Midday Update 12-20-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 20, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather
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…
Morning Update 12-20-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 20, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local, morning update, News, weather
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…
More Details Emerge in Globe Grain Elevator Fire
More details are coming forward tonight after a fire destroyed the historic Globe grain elevator in Superior Monday.
SUPERIOR, Wis.-More details are coming forward tonight after a fire destroyed the historic Globe grain elevator in Superior Monday. Fire officials now tell us that the public may continue to see smoke and embers at the site for up to a week as the fire continues to smolder. They say there shouldn’t be any concern for the public, however, as…
Local Business Gives Back to the Community
A business in Superior is giving back this holiday season in a unique way.
SUPERIOR, Wis.-A business in Superior is giving back this holiday season in a unique way. Apple House Superior, which specializes in the sale of CBD oil, was donated a coat rack which they have placed on the sidewalk outside their store. The public can then hang up coats for those in need. The owner of the store says this type…
Superior Closes Chapter on Failed Kestrel Plant
City Council votes to dissolve Tax Increment Financing District they created for the project
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior has officially moved on from the failed Kestrel Project. The proposed airplane manufacturing company was supposed to bring a big economic boom to the city and create hundreds of permanent jobs but the business never came. The Superior City Council voted unanimously to dissolve a Tax Increment Financing District they created for the…
86-Year-old Found Dead in Burned Field in Central Minnesota
Authorities are Investigating the Cause of Death
ST. STEPHEN, Minn. – Authorities are investigating the death of an 86-year-old man whose body was found in a burned field in central Minnesota. Stearns County Sheriff Don Gudmundson says Edwin Opatz of Rice was found dead in a burned area of the field northwest of St. Stephen. An investigation found that Opatz was burning grass pastureland earlier on Monday….
One Seriously Injured in Cloquet House Fire
The Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation
CLOQUET, Minn. – Multiple Cloquet Area Fire District Stations responded to reports of a house fire early Wednesday morning. Crews were dispatched to 120 15th Street in Cloquet where they found a two story home in heavy fire. The home sustained extensive fire damage estimated at $170,000. A sole occupant sustained serious injuries in the fire and was transported to…
Despite Population Growth, Minnesota Could Lose House Seat
The 2020 Census Will Determine the Number of Minnesota's House Seats
ST. PAUL, Minn. – New figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show Minnesota’s population continues to grow. But the state demographer warns Minnesota could lose a congressional seat after the 2020 census. According to the Census Bureau, Minnesota’s population grew by 43,000 people between 2017 and 2018. That puts the state’s population over 5.6 million. It’s the second consecutive year…
Nitek Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal Shooting of Rusk County Deputy
Glaze Died of Gunshot Wound to Head
RUSK COUNTY, Wis. – On Wednesday afternoon Doug Nitek was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nitek, 45, was found guilty of first degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property and one count each of possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia following jury deliberation in September. Nitek shot…
In Farewell, Ryan Sees Solutions if ‘Politics Will Allow it’
Ryan is Ending his two-Decade House Career
WASHINGTON – Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan is bemoaning America’s “broken politics.” He’s also using a farewell speech to say that Washington’s failure to overhaul costly federal benefit programs is “our greatest unfinished business.” The Wisconsin Republican is ending his two-decade House career. He says in prepared remarks that the country’s problems are solvable “if our politics will allow it.”…
Midday Update 12-19-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather
Great Outdoors: Mont Du Lac
Despite recent warm temperatures Mot Du Lac ski resort is open for the reason. Whether its tubing, snowboarding or skiing you’re looking for Mont Du Lac has tons of family friendly activities to choose from. Categories: Great Outdoors, News, News – Latest News
Cirrus CEO to Step Down Next Year
A Search for a new CEO is Currently Underway
DULUTH, Minn. – Cirrus Aircraft CEO, Dale Klapmeier, announced on Wednesday morning he plans to step down from his current position within the first half of 2019. Klapmeier says he will focus on transitioning into more of a senior advisory role in the company. “Transitioning out of day-to-day operations will give me the opportunity to focus on long-term strategic opportunities,”…
Animal Answers: Give the Gift of Adventure this Holiday Season
Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo Invite You to Purchase a Zoo Membership for a Family Member this Holiday Season
DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to picking out the perfect gift this holiday season, more and more people are picking experiences or adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo are inviting folks to think about purchasing a Zoo membership this holiday season. Details: A Zoo membership pays for itself in two times, and with…
Evers Picks Milwaukee Leaders for top Cabinet Slots
Evers Chose Four Cabinet Leaders
MADISON, Wis. – Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers has chosen four prominent Milwaukee leaders to hold top-level Cabinet positions in his new administration. Evers’ transition team announced Wednesday that Joel Brennan, chief executive officer for Discovery World, will serve as his top aide heading the Department of Administration. Brennan previously served as campaign manager for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Preston Cole,…
