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Mixing Up Holiday Cocktails with Vikre Distillery

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by Vikre Distillery located in Duluth’s Canal Park to test out a few holiday cocktails. Visitor Experience and Events Manager Chelsy Whittington poured two cocktails from the distillery’s taproom. The Orange Whip includes Ovrevann Aquavit, Bent Paddle Bent Hop Syrup as well as grapefruit, lemon and orange…

Kangaroo Visits FOX 21 Ahead of Ice Fishing Show

Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show Runs Friday through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show is opening up Friday at the DECC. A big attraction will be an exhibit full of exotic animals. Kevin Vogel, the Owner of Safari North, stopped by FOX 21 to talk about the exhibit. Vogel says people will be able to feed some of the animals and see a wide…

Northland Doctors Discuss Ethical Patient Care

Northlanders can do their part addressing the opioid epidemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland medical professionals are discussing ethical issues when treating patients with pain or addiction. The goal of the Medical Ethics Conference is to make sure patients are being treated fairly. When treating chronic pain medical professionals have a lot to take into consideration; from when opioids should be prescribed, to what to do if your patient develops an…

Rise in Impaired Driving During Holiday Season

Local law enforcement are cracking down on driving under the influence this holiday season.

DULUTH, Minn.-Last year in Minnesota 74 people died due to alcohol involved crashes, on Wednesday 74 holiday gifts were handed out at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The event is part of the Towards Zero Death Campaign. Local law officials walked students through field sobriety tests. When participants attempted to complete the tasks wearing the drunk simulation goggles, it put things perspective….

Superior Carnegie Library has Purchase Offer

Old Superior Library Could Be Purchased by North Carolina Architect

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The Carnegie Library has received a purchase offer from a North Carolina architect. The building has sat vacant since 1991, 90 years after it was first built. The building could be sold for $125,000. Bob Swanson, of the Friends of the Superior Carnegie Library, told Fox 21 the potential buyer first wants to do a study on what potential…

Aerial Lift Bridge Malfunction Causes Brief Delay

The repairs were made within 45 minutes

DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is raised and lowered a lot. But just like any piece of equipment the bridge can malfunction. Last Friday a 1,000 foot ship couldn’t pass through with its cargo because the bridge wouldn’t come up properly leveled The captain ended up turning around and coming back and it was all caught on video….

Sen. Al Franken Announces His Resignation Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

  WASHINGTON – Senator Al Franken has announced his resignation from the United States Senate. During a scheduled speech on the senate floor, Senator Al Franken announced he will be leaving the United States Senate in the coming weeks amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Gov. Mark Dayton must now appoint someone to take Franken’s seat during the Nov. 2018 election….

Franken Faces New Allegations, Weighing Future

Franken Announcement Coming at 10:45 a.m.

WASHINGTON-Minnesota Democrat Al Franken, facing fresh allegations of sexual misconduct and vanishing support from fellow Democrats, appears to be on the brink of resigning from the Senate. Franken scheduled an announcement for Thursday at 10:45 a.m. which will be aired on Fox 21 and live streamed on our Facebook page. His office did tweet Wednesday evening that he had not…

Man Finds 22-Year-Old Message in Bottle in Lake Superior

Bottle Surfaced After Massive Waves in October Storm

It’s a story of friendship made in a way that you just don’t hear about often, and a message that took more than two decades to be delivered It all started for Charles Nelson back in October when a storm sent massive waves crashing onto the shore on Madeline Island, taking out docks and beaches in the process. The next…

7th annual Evening of the ARTS for CHOICE, unlimited

The program helps adults with disabilities with employment and community inclusion

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday was the 7th annual Evening of the ARTS for Choice, unlimited. Choice, unlimited is a day program that helps adults with disabilities find employment and inclusion in their local communities. on Wednesday, the organization shared some of the arts projects they worked on, such as writing and dance. “It’s a sense of accomplishment,” visual arts instructor Maria…

Northland Finnish community celebrates 100 years of independence

Finland declared their independence from Russia in 1917

DULUTH, Minn. – December 6 Finland’s Independence Day, and Northlanders were celebrating. Wednesday is the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence from Russia in 1917. Northlanders filled the Great Hall at The Depot to celebrate Finnish heritage, listen to music and eat some traditional food “There certainly are a lot of people here,” organizer Arlene Putikka Tucker said. “You go through the phone…

Denfeld Hockey Team Adopts Families For Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Denfeld High School hockey team is making Christmas a little brighter for Northland families again this year. The guys hit the isles at Target to spend $1,000 on families they have adopted from the Salvation Army. The teammates raised the money by bagging groceries at Cub Foods. “It means a lot, actually. I like giving back…

Norshor Theatre Renovations Coming Along

The Theatre will have 650 seats and 195 new lights

DULUTH, Minn. -It’s been 18 months since the major renovations began at the historic Norshor Theatre in downtown Duluth. About 50 people got an update and went on a tour to see how the project is coming along. The restored venue underwent a top to bottom makeover. Our cameras weren’t allowed inside, but there will be new dressing rooms, rehearsal studios and administrative offices. Norshore…

Volunteers Spend Their Day of Caring At Safe Haven Shelter & Resource Center

Several non-profits benefited from the local projects for this Day of Caring Holiday Edition

DULUTH, Minn. – United Way’s Day of Caring lets volunteers pitch in at local non-profits by doing what they do best, volunteer. Safe Haven in Duluth works with women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. Volunteers were in the kitchen helping out and had it smelling like fresh baked cookies. The kids will bring the cookies home and decorate them with their family….

One Northlander is Helping Wildfire Responders

One Northlander with the Red Cross is assisting with the natural disaster in Southern California

DULUTH, Minn.- One Northlander with the American Red Cross packed up to lend a hand in with the growing wildfires in Southern California. Tony Guerra said helping this time of year means a little more. Guerra is managing a five man team heading out Tuesday afternoon to assist responders. Guerra has helped with other wild fire disasters in the past. “That’s what we…

New Business to Open at Gander Mountain Spot in Hermantown

Not Known When New Store Will Open

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Hiring signs are up at the old Gander Mountain site in Hermantown indicating they are about to open again. The store closed over the summer, but now it looks like its new owner in Camping World is trying to revive the store. Fox 21 reached out to the corporate headquarters of the new owner, but haven’t heard back yet…

Trump Says Government Shutdown Possible, Blames Democrats

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that a government shutdown was possible this weekend because Democrats were demanding to have “illegal immigrants pouring into our country,” tossing incendiary rhetoric onto a partisan showdown that had been showing signs of easing. Trump’s comments risked roiling a White House meeting with congressional leaders of both parties planned…

Wildfires Continue to Ravage Southern California

101 Freeway Fire Dec. 5, 2017 (AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wildfire erupted in Los Angeles’ exclusive Bel-Air section Wednesday as yet another part of Southern California found itself under siege from an outbreak of wind-whipped blazes that have consumed multimillion-dollar houses and tract homes alike. Hundreds of homes across the L.A. metropolitan area and beyond were feared destroyed…

Bent Paddle Relocating Taproom, as Brewery Continues to Expand

Expected to open in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company (BPBC) announced plans for a new taproom earlier this year, but details were not finalized. The brewery has officially announced relocation plans that will move their taproom into a historic space just across the street in early 2018. The taproom will shift to the next block to 1832 Michigan Street, a location formerly…

19 Arrested in Major Wisconsin Drug Bust

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Nineteen people have been arrested following an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) partnered with local and federal law enforcement to arrest 19 individuals for money laundering, bankruptcy fraud, and drug offenses, including the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, Wisconsin Attorney General…

New Northern Pike Fishing Regulations Coming in Spring 2018

Regulations go into effect March 1, 2018 for Minnesotans fishing on inland waters

(MnDNR) MINNESOTA – Anglers and spearers going after northern pike this winter can prepare for new regulations that will be in effect for the spring fishing opener on Minnesota’s inland waters. The new regulations on inland waters will be in effect starting March 1, however northern pike fishing is not allowed until fishing opener on May 12. “Pike regulations remain…

Superior Shelter to Receive Multiple Puppies from Texas

Anywhere from Seven to Seventeen Puppies will soon be arriving at the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Minn. – In the coming days the Douglas County Humane Society in Superior will be receiving a litter of perfect presents just in time for the holidays. The shelter announced earlier this week they will be receiving anywhere from seven to seventeen dogs. The animals are being transferred to the Twin Ports from Texas. Right now the shelter only…

Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel Capital, Smashing US Policy

Palestinians burn a poser of President Donald Trump during a protest in Bethlehem, West Bank, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2017. President Trump forged ahead Tuesday with plans to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim, and European opposition to ma move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests. (AP)     WASHINGTON (AP) —…

Sankta Lucia Event Celebrates Swedish Culture in Duluth

Swedish Singers, Traditional Procession and Brunch to Highlight Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend an annual celebration put on by the Swedish Cultural Society will be back in Duluth. The Sankta Lucia Celebration is being held Saturday, December 9. This event will feature a procession of the tomtes, star lights, maids of light and Lucia. Jenna Tolan is playing the role of Lucia this year. Following the procession, there…

Democratic Women in Senate Call on Franken to Resign

FOX 9 KMSP

UPDATE: Amid calls for resignation from fellow Democrats, Franken will be making an announcement tomorrow, according to his office. (KMSP) – At least seven Democratic women in the U.S. Senate are calling on Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign after the latest allegation of sexual misconduct was published Wednesday morning. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Sen. Mazie Hirono‏ of…

‘Silence Breakers’ Named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year

(Time Magazine) NEW YORK (AP) – The “Silence Breakers” – those who have shared their stories about sexual assault and harassment – have been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. Numerous women have spoken out publicly since October about sexual misconduct by dozens of high-profile men in entertainment, media, business, and sports. Time praised those who have given “voice…

Superior City Council Adding UWS Cuts To Agenda

Cuts Of 25 Programs Have Students And Staff Unhappy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students at UWS angry over cuts to 25 academic programs at the university are now turning to the Superior City Council for support. About a dozen students, staff, and even residents showed up at Tuesday night’s council meeting dressed in red in solidarity with students being affected. The group says the cuts will affect the local economy…

Texas Puppies to Find New Homes in the Northland

More than a Dozen Puppies are Headed to the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the coming days, the Douglas County Humane Society will be receiving a litter of perfect presents just in time for the holidays. The shelter announcing earlier this week they will be receiving anywhere from seven to 17 dogs. The animals are being transferred to the Twin Ports from Texas. Right now, the shelter only has two…

Wisconsin Rep. Zepnick Refuses to Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Representative Accused of Kissing Two Women Against Their Will

MADISON, Wis.-A Democratic state representative accused of kissing two women against their will is refusing to resign but says he will decide later whether to seek re-election in 2018. Milwaukee Rep. Josh Zepnick says he is “disappointed and disturbed” that he was stripped of his legislative committee assignments, a move that further marginalizes him in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Zepnick issued…

Sen. Franken Denies Allegation He Forcibly Tried to Kiss Woman

Sen. Franken Has Been Accused of Harassing Multiple Women

UPDATE: Several female Democratic senators unite in calling for Sen. Al Franken to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations. In Facebook posts and Tweets, the women said the two-term senator should step aside after a fresh allegation that he forcibly tried to kiss a woman in 2006. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote on Facebook that while Franken is entitled to have the Ethics…

Farmers Cook Up Their Harvest

Potluck To Raise Money For Local Farmers Association

DULUTH, Minn- The season for harvesting may be over for area farmers but that’s no reason for not enjoying the fruits of their labor. Tonight the Peace United Church of Christ hosted the Lake Superior Farmers Association for their annual pot luck fundraiser. Donated food from area farmers were whipped up for all to enjoy and to raise money to…

Holiday Party For Morgan Park Seniors

Live Music And Food Hosted By The City Of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn- Morgan Park seniors got in the holiday spirit tonight during the sold out holiday party hosted by the City of Duluth. Turkey and ham was on the menu along with live Christmas music. One resident says it’s a good reason to get out of the house “It keeps you young. It’s good to get out and be with…

New Coffee Shop Coming to Superior

Empire Coffee Will Offer Coffee Brewhouse Atmosphere on Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new coffee brewhouse is coming to Tower Avenue in Superior. Empire Coffee will give customers the chance to try different kinds of roasts from a variety of local roasters like Duluth Coffee Company and Big Water Coffee in Bayfield. The owners just got funding secured to build their shop in the historic Empire Block located at…

4-H Kids Do Chemistry Experiments at UWS

Discovery 4-H Club Focuses on Science and Math Career Preparation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kids in a new 4-H program did science experiments with college students in Superior. In the Discovery 4-H Club, kids can have traditional 4-H experiences and learn more about science and math. On Tuesday, they made slime and glow in the dark projects alongside UWS chemistry faculty and students. “You don’t necessarily get the opportunity to see…

Christmas Trees Lit at St. Scholastica

Annual Advent Vespers Ceremony Held at Monastery

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas season officially started at the College of Saint Scholastica on Tuesday. College students and staff lit the Christmas trees outside Tower Hall. Before that, they got together with the sisters of the Saint Scholastica Monastery to celebrate the beginning of advent at the annual Advent Vespers Ceremony. “It’s a really good way for all of us…

Duluth City Council Passes Mayor’s Budget Proposal

Budget Includes $2 Million in Cuts to City Spending

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has passed Mayor Emily Larson’s controversial 2018 budget proposal. The budget includes a $1 million increase to the street maintenance fund, a slight property tax increase, and about $2 million in cuts to city spending. City Council President Joel Sipress tells us the cuts mean a “significant” reduction to city staff, including the…

Two Arrested after Cloquet Drug Bust

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department with the assistance of other agencies, has been working to crack down on a large-scale marijuana distribution operation. The operation began in November, as investigators looked into large quantities of marijuana and hash oils being sold in the area. According to authorities, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Cloquet on…

Holiday Book Sale Helps Fund Children’s Programming

The Holiday Book sale has festive reading material for everyone.

DULUTH, Minn.- Materials are donated to the Mount Royal Branch Library all year long. Workers sets aside all holiday products in preparation for their annual book sale. The holiday book sale is one of the largest fundraisers put on by Friends of the Library. Purchasing the festive books gives money to children’s programming put on at the Duluth Public Library….

New Program Helps Domestic Abuse Survivors Temporarily House Pets

The Twin Ports Pets Housing Program helps victims have one less thing to worry about.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Leaving a  relationship with domestic abuse is a difficult situation and here in the Twin Ports it’s a decision made even harder, as victims fear about what will happen to their pets. The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) is asking the community to help a new program, that will ensure victim’s animals will have a home….

Hartley Nature Center Reports on Solar Energy Storage Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Hartley Nature Center is powered for the future! Last August, the Nature Center installed a battery to store energy from its solar panels. Now more than a year after the battery’s installation, representatives from Hartley and its partners on the project talk about their results. They held an info session in the Nature Center earlier this morning….

Meeting Held on Preventing Future Fires

Multiple Federal Agencies Involved in Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.-Training to respond to unique fires all boils down to communication. Today, multiple federal organizations gathered at the Duluth Holiday Inn to determine how to better handle responding to situations like wildfires, chemical spills, and even tornadoes. Leaders at the meeting said much of the discussions are about predicting how the next fire season will go and how they…

Gales Of December Rock The South Shore

High Winds Created Massive Waves And Churned Up Lake Superior

PORT WING, Wis. — High winds battered the Northland today but the Lake Superior Shorelines felt the worst of it. “It’s very windy! Very blustery!” explained the owner of South Shore Bar, Holly Wyant. The winds howled at 20-30mph sustained today, with gusts up to 40mph at times. The lake was under a Storm Warning until 10am and a Gale…

Duluth Winter Village Organizers Already Looking at Next Year

DULUTH, Minn — Partially because of mild temperatures this past weekend, huge crowds flocked to Glensheen for the Duluth Winter Village. The event was a huge success, officially bringing 17,250 people to the city for food, drink, and all sorts of locally crafted items for sale. Forty local businesses set up shop on the festival grounds at the Glensheen Estate….

Where Protected Lands Stand After National Monument Review

“Moonhouse” in McLoyd Canyon which is part of Bears Ears National Monument, near Blanding, Utah. (AP File) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — President Donald Trump earlier this year ordered U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to conduct an unprecedented review of 27 monuments established by former presidents over more than two decades on lands and waters revered for their natural beauty…

Russia Barred from 2018 Winter Olympics

Olympic ringsLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Russian athletes will be allowed to stand on the medal podium at the Winter Olympics — just not with their anthem playing or their nation’s flag rising above them. The International Olympic Committee barred Russia and the its sports leaders from the upcoming games in South Korea after its lead investigator concluded members of the…

Gov. Dayton Announces He’s Cancer Free

Dayton Had Prostate Cancer

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he is cancer-free. Dayton made the announcement Monday while urging Minnesotans to get screened for cancer if they have risk factors or a family history of the disease. Minnesota Public Radio News reports the 70-year-old Dayton credited his own early diagnosis with helping him beat cancer. Dayton announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in…

I-35 Bridge Maintenance Scheduled Dec. 7, 8

DULUTH, Minn. – Motorists traveling southbound on Interstate 35 between Garfield Avenue and 27th Avenue West in Duluth will encounter a left lane closure from Dec. 7-8. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports the closure will allow crews to conduct bridge maintenance activties. Work will occur between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Width restriction will be in place – loads…

Minnesota Budget Forecast Swings from $1.65 Billion Surplus to $188 Million Deficit

FOX 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota is facing a $188 million deficit, according to the latest projection from the state budget office. Last year at this time, Minnesota Management and Budget officials had a projected budget surplus of a $1.4 billion – a surplus that grew to $1.65 billion in the March projection. The deficit is expected to grow to $586 million in the next…