News - Latest News Archives - Page 659 of 825

Superior Fire & Police Department Back On Schedule After Husky Fire

Both departments tell us they trained for an event like this and felt like they were well prepared.

April 30, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire and Police Departments were just two of the many agencies to answer the call for the Husky Energy Refinery explosion. Now both departments are finally getting back on schedule after an exhausting few days. Both the Superior Fire and Police Departments tell me they are proud of their response and how everyone worked together to keep the…

Evening Update: 4-30-2018

A look at the latest local news and weather forecast

April 30, 2018

Site Staff,

Categories: News, News – Latest News

Local Road Improvements Take Priority Before Twin Ports Interchange Project Begins

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hoping to receive feedback from the community.

April 30, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Updates on the long-awaited can of worms construction formally known as the Twin Ports Interchange Project. Officials say construction on local roads will be the first priority before starting work on the interchange itself. Minnesota Department of Transportation officials tell us work will begin on Garfield Avenue, Railroad Street, and 7th Avenue W. during the 2019 construction season. The…

Servers and Customers at Local Diner Work Together to Evacuate Safely

Around 10 a.m. Thursday morning, customers at Julie's Diner began to point out the large smoke cloud outside the restaurant.

April 30, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Husky Oil Refinery explosion last Thursday forced business in Superior to close up shop for the day. We spoke with one local dinner where servers and customers watched it all happen right from the window. Around 10 a.m. last Thursday morning, customers at Julie’s Diner began to point out the large smoke cloud outside the restaurant. Staff…

Welcome to the Partisan Fury, Michelle Wolf

Wolf is Facing Criticism and Praise After White House Correspondents Dinner

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

(Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK (AP) – White House Correspondents Association roaster Michelle Wolf joins a club with the likes of Kathy Griffin, Stormy Daniels and David Hogg – little-known or unknown figures who suddenly became surrogates for the hyper-partisan rhetorical warfare of the Trump era. President Donald Trump tweeted his disgust at Wolf’s routine Monday, she was a…

Critical Bill Matching State, Federal tax Codes Passes House

The Senate Plans to Release its own Proposal

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has passed a bill matching the state’s tax code with new federal tax cuts. The GOP-backed proposal that cleared the House Monday includes modest income tax rate cuts for more than two million Minnesotans and a slight increase to the standard deduction. But it would also cause slight tax increases for some…

MPR News Announces Minnesota’s Most-Loved Lake

The Votes are in

April 30, 2018

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The votes are in and the most-loved Minnesota Lake is…Lake Superior! MPR News announced the winner today in their month-long ‘Minnesota’s Most-Loved Lake contest’. MPR News readers submitted hundreds of nominations, thousands of votes and heartfelt testimonials about what made their favorite Minnesota lakes so special. According to MPR News, Lake Superior beat out a total of…

Fire Danger Remains High in Much of Wisconsin

The Department of Natural Resources Responded to 43 Wildfires Sunday

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin natural resources officials say the danger of a wildfire igniting is high to extreme in much of the state due to warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds. The Department of Natural Resources responded to 43 wildfires Sunday, including two larger fires in steep terrain in central Wisconsin’s Clark County. The agency contracted tanker planes…

Businessman Offers Local Students Free College

Twenty-five Students are Taking up his Offer

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

RUSH CITY, Minn. (AP) – A Rush City businessman is giving the gift of education to seniors at the local high school. More than 40 percent of this year’s graduates at Rush City High School will be attending college for free thanks to Dennis Frandsen. He’s offering free tuition at Pine Technical and Community College, a 2-year school in nearby…

Senate Votes to Nullify Minnesota Wild Rice Water Standard

The Governor has not Said Whether he Will Sign or Veto

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The Minnesota Senate has voted 38-28 to nullify a water quality standard that’s meant to protect wild rice, a food central to the culture and diet of the region’s Ojibwe Indians. Senators voted Monday to add $500,000 for restoration work to the bill, which passed the House last week, so the legislation will have to go back to…

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Kicks Off

"Big Science" Describes Their Sound Ahead of Performance

April 30, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Music is filling Duluth as the Homegrown Music Festival is officially underway. With several performances each day, the festival will run through Sunday, May 6. Tonight, Monday, April 30, “Big Science” is performing at 8:45 p.m. at the Rex Bar at Fitger’s. “Big Science” describes their music as experimental. Group members tell FOX 21 they avoid rehearsing…

Prominent Trump Critic Painter Enters Minnesota Senate Race

Richard Painter Filed Paperwork Last Week

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

TwitterST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A former Republican White House lawyer and prominent critic of President Donald Trump is running for former Sen. Al Franken’s seat. And he’s running as a Democrat. Richard Painter filed paperwork with the FEC late last week. Painter served as chief White House ethics lawyer to President George W. Bush but has emerged as a…

New “Learning Community” Provides Space for Families of Job Seekers with Disabilities

Employment Learning Community Created to Support Families

April 30, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – It can sometimes be difficult for those with disabilities to find a competitive job in the workforce. On Tuesday, May 1, families can get more insight on the topic through a new group. The Arc Minnesota is hosting an “Employment Learning Community” to support family members and job seekers with disabilities. This event will be from 4:30…

Get Ready for the Most Expensive Driving Season in Years

Crude oil Prices are at the Highest Level in Three Years

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Get ready for a little bit more pain at the pump this summer. Crude oil prices are at the highest level in more than three years and expected to climb higher, pushing up gasoline prices along the way. The U.S. daily national average for regular gasoline is now $2.81 per gallon. That’s up from about $2.39…

Minnesota Author to Release Newest Duluth-based Book

Alter Ego by, Brian Freeman

April 30, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A fictional Duluth Detective is back in action in Brian Freeman’s newest book, “Alter Ego” following Jonathan Stride. Alter Ego, like other books in the “Stride” series, features a character who lives on Park Point, homicide Detective Jonathan Stride of the Duluth PD – the rumpled, lovable, Indiana Jones-like character, a man who struggles in his personal…

Chmielewski Polkafest to Celebrate 40 Years

Coffee Conversation: Polkafest Preparations

April 30, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

HINCKLEY, Minn. – The polka tradition is continuing in Minnesota with the 40th Annual Chmielewski Polkafest this year. The long-standing weekend event is taking place Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20 at Grand Casino Hinckley. Florian Chmielewski describes polka as “happy music.” This year, there will be ten bands, 30 hours of dancing, polka dance lessons, door prizes, a…

UMinn Settles Harassment Complaints for Nearly $300,000

Terms of the Settlement Were Previously Undisclosed

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Newly released documents show the University of Minnesota paid nearly $300,000 to settle sexual harassment complaints related to former athletic director Norwood Teague. He resigned in 2015 after two high-ranking administrators said he sexually harassed them at a senior leadership retreat. Teague apologized for what he said was his “offensive behavior.” The women signed separate agreements in…

Minnesota to see Hungry Ticks Emerge in Warm Weather

Tick Season Peaks in July

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – An expert says the delayed spring and a week of temperatures reaching 65 degrees Fahrenheit means ticks will likely come out soon in large numbers in Minnesota. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that ticks can transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease, during the feeding process. Janet Jarnefeld is manager of tick vector services with…

Will Sprint-T-Mobile Combo Hurt Consumers?

The Deal was Announced Sunday

April 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Consumer advocacy groups are worried that T-Mobile’s bid for Sprint will likely lead to higher cellphone plans because there’s less competition. The watchdog group Common Cause says low-income consumers seeking more affordable services will be particularly hurt. But Mark Lowenstein, a mobile-industry consultant, says the move shouldn’t be seen as a consolidation in the wireless…

Tickets On Sale: Zeitgeist’s ‘Spirit Of The Times Fundraiser & Party’

April 29, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A big fundraiser is approaching at the Zeitgeist Arts Building, are you are invited. The Spirit of the Times Fundraiser and Party is May 19, which helps support the non-profit’s work, like investing in local artists and filmmakers, and addressing disparities in our communities like health, income, and access to fresh food. Tickets are on sale now, and…

Routine Inspections Of Blatnik Bridge Start Monday

April 29, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release) – Motorists travelling on Interstate 35/I-535 and Highway 53 in Duluth will encounter temporary ramp closures for routine Snooper bridge inspections Monday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 2. Monday, April 30 the ramp from northbound I-35 to southbound I-535 and the ramp from southbound Highway 53 to southbound I-535 will close between 9 a.m. and 3…

Clean-Up Effort, Questions Continue After Husky Explosion, Fire; Gov. Walker To Return

April 29, 2018

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is continuing to stay in the conversation among other local and state agencies as Husky Energy works through the clean-up effort after the historic explosion and fire at the Canadian company’s Superior refinery Thursday. Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 Sunday there is no evidence of any lingering health effects or contamination of…

Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner: Nolan O’Hara

12 Semi-finalists Selected to Win $10,000 Scholarship

April 29, 2018

Nikki Davidson,

Categories: News, News – Latest News, This Week in Education Tags: college cost, FOX 21, strength in the community, tutition

Special Report: The Fight Against Distracted Driving

Throughout Distracted Driving Awareness Month, 83 Citations Were Given to Distracted Drivers in the Duluth District

April 29, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the organization We Save Lives, millennials find distracted drivers scarier than public speaking, spiders, snakes and even death. It’s why local advocates and law enforcement are continuing to spread a strong message to drivers who chose to engage in other activities while behind the wheel. “When you’re driving, just concentrate on driving,” said Lt. Jason…

Aurora Mayor Announces DFL Candidacy for MN House 6B

April 29, 2018

Dan Hanger,

AURORA, Minn. (Press Release) — Aurora Mayor Dave Lislegard, an advocate for mining, healthy rural communities and “the Iron Range way of life,” hopes to bring his passion for jobs and a brighter economic future for the region to the Legislature in St. Paul. Lislegard, 45, has announced he will seek the DFL Party’s nomination for House 6B, a legislative…

Homegrown Music Festival Kicks Off For Adults, Kids

April 29, 2018

Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Homegrown Music Festival kicked off Sunday withe a proclamation by Mayor Emily Larson at Hoops Brewing in Canal Park. And earlier in the day was the third-annual Homegrown Children’s Music Festival, which combines homegrown bands with kid–friendly activities like face painting and hula hooping. “it’s just a way for people who have kids who might not otherwise…

Northland’s Wildfire Season Begins With Red Flag Warning

April 29, 2018

Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn. – Warm, dry, gusty air fueled up concern Sunday for fire crews ready to respond at any moment for wildfires, that if started could spread quickly. The National Weather Service in Duluth issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Northland Sunday morning. “Combination of strong winds and low humidities would promote a fast fire growth and rapid…

Mental Health Group Launched For Wisconsin Firefighters

April 29, 2018

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association has launched a task force to help firefighters struggling with mental health issues, following the death of a Superior firefighter who took his own life. Association President Jon Cohn tells Wisconsin Public Radio that members of the task force will receive 40 hours of training to become peer support counselors….

Concert Offers Free Admittance to First Responders, Red Cross Volunteers, Husky Employees

UWS athletics announced portion of ticket sales will be donated to those organizations

April 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior Yellowjacket athletics is honoring first responders, Red Cross Members, and Husky Energy employees by gifting them free admission to a concert held at Wessman Arena. “We had guys and women put their lives on the line to put that fire out,” said Tony Guerra, a Disaster Program Manager. “We had folks coming in to help people…

Local Library Helps Community Focus on Health

One method used, was coloring.

April 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- You’ve heard it many times before, taking time out of your day to care for yourself is important. The Duluth Public Library gave a space for community members to focus on their health on Saturday. Organizers say there are many ways we can reduce stress in our life. One method used, was coloring. Studies show coloring has mental health…

Cleaning-up the S.S. Meteor

The S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum will open-up mid-May.

April 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.-It’s that time of year, clean up for the S.S. Meteor is underway this weekend. It’s become known as work weekend. The view of the ship is beautiful, but the projects volunteers work on are hard work. Every year around 50 volunteers lend a hand. “This event is really humbling, these people mostly come from out of town on…

Meeting Puppy Connections at the Canine Carnival

This is the 6th annual Canine Carnival

April 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a party puppy Saturday afternoon at the Canine Carnival. The festival is put on by a Place for Fido and Fitgers. Dogs and owners participate in fun challenges, such as trying to balance a potato on a spoon, while walking your pooch. “You could use word commands with the dog, absolutely walking works very well, I…

How to Celebrate Your Locally Owned Bookstore

National Independent Bookstore Day is the last Saturday of April.

April 28, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Communities across the nation are celebrating independent bookstores. Independent Bookstore Day is a chance for locally owned bookstores to through a party showing the community what makes their store unique. Every locally owned bookstore is filled with its own charm. The Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth wants everyone to feel welcome. The shelves are stacked full of the…

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Opens at UWS

Opening was delayed because of the University being closed Friday

April 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Because of Thursday’s mandatory evacuation after the Husky Refinery explosion and fire, UW-Superior was closed Friday, April 27th. Because of that, the opening of their spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was delayed until Saturday. The comedy musical tells the story of six students all trying to win a spelling bee championship. There are…

Two People Fall Through Lake Superior Ice

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office urges everyone to stay off ice

April 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday evening, two people fell through ice on Lake Superior off of Park Point. A 13-year-old boy was seen in the water floating on an ice chunk. He was pulled out of the water by a supervising adult and was treated for possible injuries at the scene. Later, a 47-year-old woman also fell through the ice in…

Veterinarians Recommend Getting Dogs Lyme Disease Vaccine

It's that time of year, ticks are out for the spring

April 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of the warm weather — ticks are out for the season. Veterinarians tell us the time is now to get pets up to date on flea and tick products. The Northland is one of the hot bed areas for Lyme disease, so vets recommend getting every dog a Lyme vaccine. They say the vaccine is…

20th Anniversary Homegrown Illustration Show

show starts tonight and continues through May 18

April 27, 2018

Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- The twentieth anniversary homegrown illustration show kicks off tonight at the prove gallery in Duluth. The event features twenty different artists who have each created a portrait of a Duluth celebrity, dressed as the homegrown chicken mascot. “a space for folks to play music, to showcase their experimental side, to showcase their artistry, to showcase how they feel…

Volunteers Encouraged to Raise Roses Saturday in Duluth

Flowers will soon be on display at the Rose Garden on London Road

April 27, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The roses will soon be back for the season at the Rose Garden on London Road. Saturday, April 28th, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, Duluth Parks staff and volunteers will raise the roses out of the ground. Pre-registration for volunteers is encouraged but not required. Volunteers are reminded to wear gloves and dress for the weather. Categories:…

Superior Residents Excited to Return Home

The evacuation order was lifted Friday morning at 6 a.m.

April 27, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The evacuation order that had been put in place for a large area around superior was lifted at 6 a.m. we spoke with families heading home. The Twin Ports Region teamed up to ensure Superior residents had a safe place to stay. Now the hustle and bustle continues as families head home. A lot of Duluth hotels were completely…

Superior Trying to Get Back To Normal Routine After Fire

The investigation to figure out the cause of the fire is still ongoing.

April 27, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is now in the aftermath of Thursday’s explosion at the Husky Energy Refinery. City officials say the main mission is to get people back to their routines after what’s been a very hectic time in their community. More than 24 hours after the explosion and fire at the Husky Energy Refinery some of…

Modified Route for Grandma’s Marathon

due to road reconstruction projects, the course will be modified through 2020

April 27, 2018

Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to construction on the streets of downtown Duluth, Grandma’s marathon and the Garry Bjorklund will have a modified route this year. As race participants make their way through downtown Duluth they will make a left turn off of superior street at fourth avenue east and then proceed down michigan street for nine blocks until they reach fifth…

Second Evacuation in the Twin Ports in 26 Years

how yesterday's refinery explosion compares to the benzene spill of 1992

April 27, 2018

Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in 1992, several rail cars went off a bridge and in to the Nemadji river south of Superior. The chemicals from the event created a large, expanding cloud moving over Lake Superior. Sound familiar? I spoke with Duluth police chief at the time, Scott Lyons, to see how yesterdays refinery explosion compared to that of twenty six…

Emergency Plan Keeps Adoptable Four-Legged Friends Safe

The Douglas County Humane Society was forced to evacuate after the Husky refinery explosion on Thursday.

April 27, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- We checked in on our four-legged friends at the Douglas County Humane Society after dealing with evacuating. The shelter shook on Thursday, after the explosion at the Husky refinery, putting their emergency plan in motion. The director says the plan has been in place for nearly five years and they never expected to put it to use….

Evening Update: 4-27-2018

A look at the latest local news and weather forecast

April 27, 2018

Site Staff,

Categories: News, News – Latest News Tags: duluth, News

EPA Officials Determine Air Quality Is Not A Threat After Husky Fire

Air monitoring crews with husky refinery will continue doing so for several days.

April 27, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began monitoring the air quality after the explosion. The focus started with responder safety and then transitioned into monitoring the air throughout the nearby area. This was done to evaluate possible community exposure and collect information for the evacuation order. “So we pushed out air monitoring out further away from the…

City: Irvin Can Fit Through Slip Bridge; Seawall Construction Timeline Released

April 27, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has released new details to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger involving an updated construction timeline on the delayed seawall project in Canal Park, and also when and where the William A. Irvin could eventually open for the season. But first, the Minnesota Slip Bridge in Canal Park, also known as the “Blue Bridge,” is…

U.S. Olympians Honored at White House Celebration

Team Shuster Among Those Honored

April 27, 2018

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the White House hosted a celebration for Team USA. Team Shuster was among more than 200 athletes that attended the celebration alongside President Donald Trump. President Trump told the members of the 2018 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams during his speech this morning, “You made us very proud!.” The President was presented with flags signed by…

UW-Superior Concert Will go on as Scheduled

UW-Superior Will Honor Those Involved in Explosion

April 27, 2018

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tomorrow UW-Superior will be holding a concert featuring Canaan Smith, Maddie & Tae, and Chris Hawkey at Wessman Arena at 7 p.m. The concert will honor first responders, members of the American Red Cross and employees of Husky Energy who will all be admitted to the show free of charge. “On behalf of Yellowjacket Athletics, Canaan Smith,…

A Look Inside the Northland’s Newest Non-Profit

The Oldenburg House opened its doors to the community.

April 27, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

CARLTON, Minn.-A new non–profit is bringing cultural programs to the Northland. The Oldenburg House opened its doors to the community offering music and opportunities to get outdoors. The non–profit is run by the Swansons a couple dedicated to bringing the community together through local art. “Trying to make art and cultural connections for people with what is abundantly and irreplaceably around…

Paramedics Talk with FOX 21 During Husky Explosion Incident

April 27, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – First responders have established a command center in Superior. Duluth and Hermantown Police, along with the St. Louis County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices all on the scene to assist the Superior Fire and Police Departments. We spoke with one of the paramedics standing by today, “we do train for this sort of thing, so this is…