News – Latest News

Superior’s Midwest Energy Fire Could Cost Company Nearly A Million Dollars

Fire On Belt System Has Shut Down Ability To Obtain Coal

SUPERIOR, Wis. Press Release Below: Members of the media: this is to inform you of a fire this morning in Superior. At 0530 all three engine companies, Battalion Chief and Gold Cross Ambulance were called for a fire at 2400 Winter street which is Midwest Energy. Once on scene crews found fire in the belt system used to move coal…

DOJ: Teen ‘Lunged’ At Deputy With Butcher Knife Before Deputy Fatally Shot Him

Report Says Teen Was Despondent Over A Period Of A Few Days Prior To Incident

Update: Ashland County Officer Involved Death Investigation Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), at the request of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, has been investigating an officer involved death (OID) that took place on November 8, 2017 in Odanah, Wis., which is located on the Bad River Reservation. The Ashland County Emergency…

Annual Beacon Lighting Commemorates 42nd Anniversary of SS Edmund Fitzgerald

It's the only time each year visitors can climb to the top of the tower while the beacon is lit and revolving after dark.

TWIN HARBORS, Minn. – Nov.10 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald freighter sinking into Lake Superior. Split Rock has been the site of the memorial since 1985 to make sure those men are not forgotten. In 1975, the ship sailed out of Superior with nearly 26,000 tons of ore on-board. The Edmund Fitzgerald sailed by Split Rock the…

Skis, Suds and Slices Fundraiser Raising Thousands of Dollars

The 10th Annual Fundraiser Supports the Chester Bowl Scholarship Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday evening hundreds of Northlanders settled in at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth for the 10th annual Skis, Suds and Slices fundraising event. Money raised at the event goes toward helping families strap on skis and snowboards this year at Chester Bowl. Last year, the Scholarship Fund gave more than $18,500 dollars away to local families. The…

Veterans Day March in Duluth

Many Northlanders Have a Personal Connection to the Federal Holiday

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday is Veterans Day and all across the Northland people are honoring veterans with marches and ceremonies. On Veterans Day, the men and women who served in our country’s military are celebrated and honored. For many Northland families, the holiday holds personal significance. Each veteran marching through Downtown Duluth, has a unique story of the service. “I…

Santa Claus Arrives at the Miller Hill Mall in Style

It was the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northland kids were at the Miller Hill Mall this evening to see Santa Claus arrive. It is the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party at the mall. Santa arrived in style in a decorated trolley thanks to the Duluth Transit Authority. “We just dropped Santa Claus off, and now all the boys and girls of the…

Harbor City International School Has Penny Drive For Hurricane Victims

The Total Sum For The Penny Drive Was $2,088.68

DULUTH, Minn. – One penny can go a long way. In this case all the way to Puerto Rico. Harbor City International School students in Duluth decided to have a penny war to raise money for hurricane victims. In just five days, students raised more than $2,000. “We never really had a goal for the penny war, we weren’t sure how…

Roof Catches Fire in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A fire broke out on Friday on the roof of a home at 34th Avenue East and East First Street in Duluth. According to the fire department, the fire was contained to an area close to the chimney. It was put out quickly and no one was injured. “All because of whoever was passing by saw some…

Red Kettles Ready for Donations in the Northland

Bells are ringing and volunteers are singing for donations to the Salvation Army red kettles.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s the season of giving; Santa Claus is not the only jolly man wearing red, and giving back around the Northland. Northlanders will now see the red kettles stationed around the Twin Ports. Donations made benefit the Salvation Army. If you don’t have any spare change, the non-profit is always looking for an array of volunteers. According to…

AmeriCorps Wants You to Share Your Experience in Duluth Program

AmeriCorps Hopes Stories Inspire Duluthians

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth chapter of AmeriCorps is taking pen to pad to write down experiences other members of the group have had over the years. It’s all part of a legacy project AmeriCorps members in Duluth are working on to get the word out about what they do. The hope is to also build interest in their dream of redeveloping…

UWS Ceremony Acknowledges Student Veterans

The University of Wisconsin Superior honored student veterans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The University of Wisconsin Superior honored nontraditional students with a special set of skills, obtained from serving in the armed forces. Currently 130 students at UWS are veterans. Representatives from the University said veterans truly enhance campus culture. “The experiences you gained and learned in the military in invaluable, you don’t get them anywhere else,” Veteran guest speaker Craig…

Wisconsin’s Gov. Walker, Foxconn Leader Sign Plant Contract

Today's Deal Could Lead to Influx of Jobs in State

(AP) RACINE, Wis.-Gov. Scott Walker and Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Terry Gou have signed off on a $3 billion contract for the Taiwanese company to build a massive display screen factory in southeast Wisconsin. Walker and Gou signed a contract Friday that locks the state into providing up to $3 billion in tax incentives if Foxconn invests $10 billion on…

Husky Energy Finalizes Deal for Calumet in Superior

Workers Will be Retained at the Refinery

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Husky Energy has closed its purchase of the Calumet Oil Refinery in Superior. That facility produces 50,000 barrels of oil-based products a day. The new purchase for the Alberta-based company, will increase its crude oil processing capacity. “The Superior Refinery increases Husky’s downstream crude processing capacity, in line with the company’s growing production,” the company said in a prepared…

More Details Emerge in Bad River Case Which Left Teen Dead

14-Year-Old Jason Pero Was Shot and Killed by Sheriff's Deputy

(Facebook) BAD RIVER, Wis.-The grandparents of a Wisconsin eighth grader shot and killed by police say the teen had left school with the flu that morning. An Ashland County Sheriff’s deputy shot 14-year-old Jason Pero on the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation on Wednesday. Authorities say Pero had a knife but haven’t elaborated. The state Justice Department…

Walker Appoints Sen. Sheila Harsdorf as Agriculture Head

Sheila Harsdorf MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has appointed Republican state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf as secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. The appointment announced Friday makes Harsdorf the first woman to lead the agency. She will replace Ben Brancel, who retired in August. Harsdorf, of River Hills, is resigning her northwestern Wisconsin state Senate…

Santa and Mrs. Claus to Visit Miller Hill Mall

Tonight: Slumber Party with Santa

DULUTH, Minn. – Santa is coming to the Northland! It’s all to support little Northland boys and girls. This evening, Friday, November 10, is the 5th Annual Slumber Party with Santa. Santa Claus is coming to the Miller Hill Mall via the DTA Port Town Trolley at Door 6 at 6:45 p.m. Pre-registration begins in the Barnes & Noble court…

Another Minnesota Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment

Rep. Tony CornishST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s House speaker has suspended the committee chairmanship of state Rep. Tony Cornish after two women accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. Speaker Kurt Daudt issued a statement late Thursday in which he also asked the House’s nonpartisan human resources staff to look into the allegations against the Republican from Vernon Center. Cornish…

St. Luke’s Showcases Traveling Art Show

Art Can Be Seen On Third Floor

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s hospital is adding some new art to their hallways for a short period of time. The hospital is hosting the traveling, community focused art exhibit known as, to really see. The exhibit focuses on the display of creative medication use stories that users, artist, and participants want to express and share. “I would like this…

Family of Teen Fatally Shot by Officer Speaks Out

The family and community are mourning the loss of the 14-year-old boy involved in a police shooting.

ODANAH, Wis.- FOX 21 is learning more details about the teenage boy fatally shot by an Ashland County Deputy, family members believe this all could have been avoided. “He was just a kid outside,” cousin Christian Delgado said.  The 14-year-old, identified by family as Jason Pero attended Ashland Middle School. Pero was in the school band and a member of…

Gearing Up for Cold Weather

Active Adventures: Proper Dressing for Frigid Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average temperatures have been keeping the Northland cold throughout the week. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay got advice for dressing for the cold weather. Eve Graves told William how to dress if he’s interested in skiing, jogging, or doing some other active activity in frigid temperatures. Graves tells FOX 21, “there’s no…

Special Report: Early Education

State Funding Sends Thousands of Young Minnesotans to Preschool

MINNESOTA – More than 20,000 of  Minnesota’s 4-year-olds are heading to preschool this year because of state funding. This has been great news for some rural Northland areas. However, it is having an impact on area child care centers. As a result of the 2017 Legislative Session, Minnesota lawmakers are providing $50 million in new, one-time funding to 59 school…

Northland Mayors Join Forces For Habitat For Humanity

The First Western Lake Superior Habitat For Humanity Home Was Built In July 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Several mayors from the Northland prove they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty for a good cause. They came together to work on a Habitat for Humanity home, which provides affordable housing for families in need. “The mayors here in our community are people who really work well together, network together and undertand that partnering with…

Local Businesses Highlighted at Woodland Block Party

Annual Open House Gives Opportunity to Shop Local for Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses showed off some of their best products tonight at the Woodland Block Party. The annual open house kicks off the holiday shopping season and gives people a great selection of products to choose from. The artwork, jewelry, and clothing on sale is all unique to the Northland. “It’s always really fun to just kind of…

Duluth School Board Releases Numbers

Outperformed National Average On ACT Test

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board released its annual education report for the district. Parents, Teachers and Students were all on hand Thursday night. Among the report reading and math proficiency increased district wide by 8.2% compared to the 2012 / 2013 school year. The district out performed state and national averages for their scores on the ACT test….

WITC Welcomes High School Students For Career Day

Students Learned About Programs Such As Early Childhood Education, Auto Services and HVAC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Hundreds of area high school students had an opportunity to experience a college environment. Career day at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) gave about 450 high school students a chance to start thinking about their future career goals. “They’re actually operating things like when they’re doing welding, they’ll be hands on doing that. Same thing with gerontology, they’re…

A Local Woman Advocates For A Veterans Treatment Court In Douglas County

Research On Veterans Needs Revealed At UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A local woman’s goal is to keep Veterans with mental health issues out of the traditional justice system through a Veterans Treatment Court in Douglas County. Adelia Kindstrand lives in Beaver Bay and has been commuting to and from University of Wisconsin-Superior. She has been conducting research on the needs that Douglas County has for a Veterans…

Skis, Suds and Slices for a Good Cause

The Chester Bowl Improvement Club is Hosting their 10th Annual Skis, Suds and Slices Scholarship Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Improvement Club in Duluth is inviting all Northlanders to the annual Skis, Suds and Slices event Friday evening. This is the 10th annual fundraiser with all proceeds going toward the Chester Bowl Scholarship Fund. Last winter the fund provided more than $18,000 dollars to get children strapped into skis and snowboards at Chester Bowl….

Duluth Hosts Turkey Bowl on Ice Skating Party

WED., NOV. 15 6:30-8 P.M.

DULUTH, Minn. – The public is invited to the free Turkey Bowl on Ice event at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. The event includes free ice skating party and family-fun activities. Turkey Bowling on Ice will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. Those who bring a food shelf donation will be eligible to win a Thanksgiving turkey….

UPDATE: Teen Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting in Odanah Identified

ODANAH, Wis. – The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has confirmed that a teenage boy was shot and killed Wednesday in an officer involved shooting, according to a release on their Facebook page. The release indicates that the incident happened on East Maple Street in Odanah, Wisconsin and involved an Ashland County Sheriff’s Deputy. Jason Pero (Facebook) The…

3 Arrested After Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking Investigation in Sawyer County

TOWNSHIP OF COUDERAY, Wis. (AP) – On Monday, Nov. 6 several agencies in Sawyer County executed a search warrant at 12329W County Highway N in the Township of Couderay, according to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office. Sawyer County Deputies and Swat Team, along with Lac Court Oreilles Police Department and WI DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation Agents recovered a 9mm…

Foxconn Looks Forward to Wisconsin Plant After Contract

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group officials say they look forward to building a plant in Mount Pleasant after the state’s economic development board signed off on a contract handing the company up to $3 billion in incentives. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s board approved the deal Wednesday. Gov. Scott Walker and company officials plan to sign the…

Nearly 200 Craft Vendors to fill DECC this Weekend

Junior League of Duluth Holds Festival of Trees

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Junior League of Duluth is hoping Northlanders get in the holiday spirit because they’re hosting the region’s largest arts and crafts show. The Festival of Trees is being held on Saturday, November 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DECC. At Festival…

Cooking Connection: Tortellini Aglio e Olio

Cooking with JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – With one of the best views of the Twin Ports, JJ Astor is working to also produce the tastiest food. Newly hired Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, was back in the kitchen with FOX 21. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Tortellini Aglio e Olio. TORTELLINI AGLIO E…

University of Wisconsin Regents to Vote on Merging Campuses

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System regents are set to approve a plan to merge the system’s two-year schools with its four-year campuses. The regents are scheduled to vote on the proposal at UW-Madison Thursday afternoon. The plan calls for transforming the system’s 13 two-year schools into regional branches of seven of the 13 four-year schools. Students…

Catholic Diocese of Duluth Reaches $9 Million Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case

Deal Contingent on Court Approval

DULUTH, Minn.-The Diocese of Duluth’s multiple insurers have reached a settlement in a bankruptcy case that stems from clergy sexual abuse. Their insurer, Catholic Mutual, will give $8,950,000 toward the case. If it’s approved by a bankruptcy court, it will go to the claimants in sexual abuse cases. “The agreement must be approved by the bankruptcy court and is contingent…

Gov. Dayton Calls for Minnesota Senator to Resign

Sen. Dan Schoen ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says a state senator accused of sexual harassment should resign. State Sen. Dan Schoen is accused of behavior ranging from unwanted attention to women to physically grabbing a woman from behind. The online news outlet MinnPost first reported the allegations late Wednesday. Dayton says the reports are “totally…

Veteran Unemployment Rates Fall to Record Low in October

(FOX NEWS) – The unemployment rate for military veterans in October reached a low of just 2.7 percent, continuing a long-term downward trend in unemployment among members of the U.S. Armed Services. Mirroring October’s overall drop in unemployment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the improved numbers offset a decline in September that largely reflected the impact of Hurricanes…

Coats for Kids Helps Twin Ports Residents in Need

The Superior Salvation Army is distributing coats this week to help those in need.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s getting chillier in the Northland, but thanks to one local organization Twin Ports residents in need have access to winter gear. The Superior Salvation Army is hosting Coats for Kids Wednesday through Friday. Community members were asked to donate coats, which will be distributed this week. The event is for the whole family with coats for infants…

Boardwalk Segment of Lakewalk Closed by Fitger’s

Damage from Storm Caused the Closure

DULUTH, Minn.-The boardwalk segment of the Lakewalk Trail by the Fitger’s complex will be closed due to damage caused by a recent storm. Barricades are in front of the boardwalk section and the public is asked to avoid it for safety reasons. The asphalt path in the area will remain open. These repairs are part of the city’s application and request…

Gov. Walker Running for Third Term

Governor Scott Walker addressed his goals if elected for a third term in the Northland.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Governor Scott Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch laid out their campaign visions Wednesday in the Northland. The main goal is to keep Wisconsin moving forward. The Governor said he plans to focus on the opiod epidemic and support the choice of schools. Gov. Walker plans to run again, because he feels Wisconsin is the best its ever been….

Duluth Train Depot Celebrates 125 Years

Free Tours Were Given At The Event

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Train Depot celebrated another milestone Wednesday. Many came out to the celebration marking 125 years in existence. The Depot along with the St. Louis county heritage and arts center wanted to celebrate the arts culture and history that made their way to the region starting in 1892 via the Duluth Union Depot. “The immigrants that came…

Healthy Duluth Ideas Fest

Zeitgeist Hosts 3rd Annual Event

DULUTH, Minn- 4 local organizations competed Wednesday night for their share of a $10,000 prize. The night marks the 3rd annual Healthy Duluth Ideas Fest. Hosted by Zeitgeist, the Fest celebrates work organizations have already put in to making the community healthier while also trying to find new ways to meet the needs of the city. After 23 submissions only…

Monthly Sobriety Dinner Helps Addicts in Duluth

Natives Against Heroin Puts on the Event

DULUTH, Minn. – A monthly sobriety dinner in Duluth helps addicts connect with the community. Natives Against Heroin puts on the event. Food and drinks are provided for attendees to feel like they’re eating with a family. Addicts can share what they’re going through and get support and guidance from the community around them. “In Duluth it’s rampant,” said Derrick…

Saint Scholastica Hosts Health Career Fair

30 Employers Met With About 150 CSS Students Seeking Health Careers

DULUTH, Minn. – A health career fair was held Wednesday at the College of Saint Scholastica. Thirty employers from across the region including St. Luke’s, Essentia, and the Mayo Clinic met with CSS students wanting to enter the healthcare industry. “For a recruiter to be able to see someone and to make that face to face connection, it can really…