Evening Update 11-06-17
A look at the latest local news and weather forecast
Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update
News – Latest News
UWS Students Hold Sit-In Protest
Students Want University to Reconsider Suspending 25 Academic Programs
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior held a sit-in protest against the University’s recent decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs. The University has said offering fewer programs will help first generation students make better decisions. Students gathered in the Yellowjacket Union to write letters to University administrators urging them to reconsider last week’s program suspensions. Many students,…
Key Court Hearing for State Official in Flint Water Scandal
FLINT, Mich. (AP) – A judge has begun hearing testimony against a Michigan official who faces criminal charges tied to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak during the Flint water crisis. Dr. Eden Wells is the state’s chief medical executive. She’s charged with involuntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and lying to an investigator. The state attorney general says Wells and others could…
Feds Seek to Revoke US Citizenship of 4 Minnesota Somalis
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Justice Department has moved to revoke the U.S. citizenship of four Minnesotans from Somalia accused of lying on their visa applications. Fifty-one-year-old Fosia Abdi Adan of Eden Prairie entered the U.S. under the diversity lottery visa program in 2001. Civil complaints filed in federal court Monday allege she then used her visa to get visas for…
Target Adjusting Thanksgiving Hours
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota-based Target, has announced Black Friday specials, as well as new hours for Thanksgiving Day. In a press release Monday, Target announced that stores will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 23. Typically, the retailer is open through the night into Black Friday, but this year, stores will close at midnight. Stores will reopen Friday…
Florida State Suspends Greek Life Following Alcohol Death
Florida State University TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida State University indefinitely suspended it’s fraternities and sororities Monday after the alcohol-related death of a freshman pledge and cocaine charges for another fraternity member. University President John Thrasher didn’t say how long the suspension will last. “This pause is needed to review and reflect on the loss of a young life and…
AG Tells Walker Board Can Make Self-Insurance Available
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Attorney General Brad Schimel says the state Group Insurance Board can offer self-insurance plans to municipal employers. Gov. Scott Walker asked Schimel in April for a legal opinion on whether state law authorizes the board to set up a self-insurance plan open to municipal employers. under such a plan, the state would pay medical claims directly….
Opioid Overdoses Continue to Rise
Fewer Opioids are Being Prescribed in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis.-State records show that opioid overdose deaths continue to rise in Wisconsin despite fewer opioids being prescribed. Wisconsin’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program says the state saw 17 million fewer opioid prescriptions from April to June. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services says that’s a 12 percent decrease from the same time period in 2016. Wisconsin Public Radio…
Prince’s Teal Blue Cloud Guitar Auctioned for $700k
(Summer Evans/Julien’s Auctions via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A California auction house says a guitar that Prince used in the late 1980s and into the 1990s has been sold for $700,000. That’s the highest amount paid for one of the late rock star’s guitars. Julien’s Live auction house, based in Los Angeles, anticipated the teal blue Cloud guitar would be…
Santa Arriving at Miller Hill Mall on Saturday
DULUTH, Minn. – Children will get the chance to tell Santa about their Christmas wishes starting this Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Miller Hill Mall. Santa will be at his usual location in the Barnes & Noble Court through Sunday, Dec. 24. To welcome Santa, Miller Hill Mall is hosting the 5th annual Slumber Party with Santa on Friday, Nov….
General Election Info for Duluth Residents
DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, Nov. 7 is Election Day for the City of Duluth and School District 709 races. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday is the last day to vote absentee, which can be done in person at Duluth City Hall room 330 until 5 p.m. If residents are no registered at their current address,…
Minnesota-Made Gift Options for the Holiday Season
EDINA, Minn. – We’re entering the gift buying season and this year you can find those perfect presents in Minnesota. Shelly Loberg with Explore Edina stopped by FOX 21 to discuss some of the gifts made in the state. That includes products from Loll Designs which has expanded to the Twin Cities area. Loll Designs makes durable, outdoor furniture that…
How Technology Can Help You Have a Good Night’s Sleep
DULUTH, Minn. – As we experienced the “Fall Back” of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, the Northland is going to be seeing less daylight. This can affect mood and sleep cycle. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to describe technology that can help with the sleep cycle. The Fitbit Charge 2 can help monitor how much light,…
Minnesota Researcher Seeks Funds For Moose Parasite Research
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota researcher is turning to crowdfunding to pay for research of a parasite that kills moose. The Pioneer Press reports that up to 30 percent of moose are killed by the brainworm parasite, which is transmitted through snails and slugs. The parasite invades a moose’s brain. It debilitates it, making the animal unable to…
Researchers Find Way To Keep Sea Lampreys In Check
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Scientists have found a way to keep sea lampreys largely in check in the Great Lakes, which has allowed the lake trout population to rebound. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the sea lamprey is an invasive species that has needle-sharp teeth that can bore a hole through fish scales. Lampreys then suck out blood and fluids….
“A Playground for Everybody” Could Soon Be Built in Proctor
Playground Will Be Accessible for Physically Impaired Children
PROCTOR, Minn. – A special playground accessible to kids with physical impairments could soon be coming to Proctor. “A Playground for Everybody” will have a ramp leading all the way around it so every child can make it to the tallest tower. Jennifer McDonald has three kids. When taking them to local playgrounds, she noticed the limitations her daughter had…
Talent Shines At 7th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition
Competition provides an event for dancers of all backgrounds.
DULUTH, Minn.- The 7th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition took place Sunday, honoring Kruger who was known as a local break dancing pioneer. The competition brings together dancers from diverse backgrounds. Some performances were choreographed in the studio and others mastered their skills out on the streets, which is where Willie Kruger’s love for dancing originated. “There’s no competitions around…
Gov. Scott Walker Announced Run For Third Term
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)Â Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is calling for an “army of grass-roots volunteers” to combat what he says will be a coordinated attack against his re-election campaign by “big government” Washington-based special interests. Walker officially kicked off his re-election effort with a rally Sunday before a couple hundred backers at a factory outside of Milwaukee. Walker says…
Meat Shops Get Busy With MN Deer Opener
DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders are returning home after a successful opening weekend of deer firearm season, which means a busy time for meat shops. For Old World Meats, by the end of the hunting season the shop will process nearly 150 deer. Although some Northlanders handle their deer from the hunt to the table, shops like Old World Meats offer…
Juvenile In Custody After Threat To Superior High School
Police Believe No Threat Remains At Any Superior School
Threat sent out on Snapchat SUPERIOR, Wis. –Â A juvenile was taken into custody Sunday after a threat of violence at Superior High School. According to police, the threat was posted on social media. The photo above was submitted to FOX 21 by a family member of a Superior High School student who said her niece and her niece’s fellow students…
Northlanders Attend the Gales of November Convention
The Gales of November convention is the largest fundraiser for the Maritime Museum.
DULUTH, Minn.-The 30th Gales of November convention took place this weekend at the DECC. The event is the largest fundraiser for the Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association. The association said it’s all thanks to community members. “Everywhere I look there’s somebody lending a hand, offering to donate something, to give back in some way,” executive director Tammy Sundbom Otterson said….
Congdon Students Enjoy Science Night
UMD Science Department Puts On Science Fair
DULUTH, Minn- Congdon Elementary School was full of students being inspired by science Friday evening. 45 students from UMD’s biology, chemistry, engineering and physics departments presented science related demonstrations and activities for the students and their families. One student says being a college student at UMD means you are a part of the Duluth community and it’s fun to get…
UWS Hosts Forum for Students to Discuss Program Suspensions
University Announced Current Students Can Enroll in Suspended Programs Next Week Only
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Earlier this week, the University of Wisconsin-Superior announced some big cuts to academic programs. On Tuesday, students, faculty, and alumni were shocked with UW-Superior’s decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs and emotions were still running high at the student forum on Friday. “There is a general air of no confidence in our administration here,” said Nick Isaacson,…
Language and Literacy at Duluth Children’s Museum
UMD's Communication Sciences and Disorder Department Put On Event
DULUTH, Minn- Language and literacy was another component kids could learn about at the Duluth Children’s Museum Friday. UMD’s Communication Sciences and Disorder Department teamed up with the museum for a dragons, queens, kings and castles themed event to raise awareness about literacy, language, and speech. Organizers looked to identify and address unmet needs in the community. “It’s a great…
Mentor Duluth Reaches Out To Public
Ugly Sweater Party
DULUTH, Minn- Mentor Duluth broke the ice in what might be the first ugly sweater party of the year at bent paddle brewery. Mentor Duluth matches area youth with mentors across the Twin Ports. Currently, there are over 200 kids in our area that are on a waiting list ready to be paired with the perfect mentor. The director of…
City of Duluth Moves Forward with Seawall Replacement Project
The project could begin as soon as spring of 2018
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making moves to replace the failing sea walls surrounding the Minnesota Slip. Funding is in place for the $6 million project. According to city officials, right now the sea walls are deteriorating, and would cause problems with the surrounding structures. Construction of the project could begin as soon as spring 2018. “We’ve been worrying…
Fire Officials Remind to Check Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend
According to fire officials, a majority of house fire related deaths are in houses with faulty smoke detectors
SUPERIOR, Wisc. –Â Sunday is the day to set the clocks back for daylight saving time, which means it’s also an important time to check something else around the house. Fire officials say it’s time to change the batteries on those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts say having a functioning smoke detector is a matter of life or…
KFC Closes on London Road
Still One KFC in Duluth on Central Avenue
DULUTH, Minn.-KFC has closed on London Road. Earlier today, crews could be seen removing items from the store and throwing them in a dumpster. In June, the Hibbing KFC also closed. There is still one other KFC in Duluth on Central Avenue. Earlier in the week, another business closed on London Road – the BP gas station across the street…
Alzheimer’s Disease Discussed at UWS Conference
10 Percent of Elderly Have Some Form of Dementia
SUPERIOR, Wis.-Alzheimer’s is a disease that has devastating effects on much of the elderly population. Today, a conference was held at UWS that looked at the future of Alzheimer’s treatment and where research is headed next. Event organizers said the problem of Alzheimer’s in Wisconsin seems to be increasing. “The prevalence of Alzheimer’s as our state ages is going up…
Critically Endangered Tamarin Welcomed to Local Zoo
The Lake Superior Zoo welcomes a critically endangered species to the family.
DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo welcomed a baby Cotton-top Tamarin on Thursday. Zoo officials say this is a very exciting addition to the family. Tamarins are a critically endangered species, with an estimated population in South Africa of 6,000. The baby was born following recommendations from the Species Survival Plan, a program which guides breeding of critically endangered…
Hermantown is not Receiving LGA in Upcoming Budget
Local government aid cut in Hermantown due to a glitch.
HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown is receiving no local government aid for the 2018 budget. This is the fourth year the city has received a cut in LGA. Back in 2016 an unintentional error caused the city to receive less LGA than the state determined. The glitch was corrected, but it was too late to fix the city from getting funding in…
Preparing for Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opener
Hunting shops are busy with Northlanders preparing for deer hunting.
HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Many Northlanders making final preparations before Minnesota firearm deer hunting opener takes place bright and early Saturday morning. Many hunters have already spotted bucks on their trail cams. With all the excitement, hunters need to remember the essentials. Many popular items bought from Fisherman’s Corner in preparation for the season are; scope protectors, hand warmers, and water proofing…
Hershey Unveils 1st New Bar Since 1995
(The Hershey Co.) PHILADELPHIA, Penn. (AP) – The first new candy bar to carry the Hershey’s name in more than two decades is set to hit shelves next month. The Hershey, Pennsylvania-based candy maker says Hershey’s Gold will go on sale Dec. 1. It’s described as a caramelized cream bar embedded with salty peanuts and pretzel bites. Hershey’s says the…
Unsecured Shard of Metal Smashes Through Woman’s Windshield on I-494
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. – Imagine watching as a shard of metal comes flying into your windshield, as you travel 70 miles per hour on the interstate. That was the case for a 38-year-old Minnesota woman traveling northbound on I-494 near I-94 on Thursday in Maple Grove. The Minnesota State Patrol posted the incident on their Facebook page, saying a…
Winter Anglers Allowed 1 Walleye on Mille Lacs
MILLE LACS, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that anglers will be allowed one walleye when the winter season opens on Dec. 1. Winter anglers will be allowed one walleye 20-22 inches or one longer than 28 inches. The DNR selected the size regulations to protect the walleye spawning population on the lake, which is largely…
Grand Rapids Couple Charged with Meth Related Crimes Involving Children
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A Grand Rapids couple have been charged with felony drug crimes after appearing in Itasca County District Court, according to Itasca County Attorney John Muhar. Forty-year-old Raymond Calhoun and Michelle Calhoun, 45, have been charged with Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree and Methamphetamine-Related Crimes Involving Children. According to court documents, the charges are based…
Key Piece of Evidence Found in Hunter’s Murder
Body of Victim was Found a Year Ago in Morrison County
LITTLE FALLS, Minn.-Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve recovered a key piece of evidence that could help lead them to the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a hunter near Little Falls. Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve recovered a key piece of evidence that could help lead them to the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a…
BMW Issues Recalls for Fire Risk
DETROIT (AP) – BMW is recalling more than 1 million cars and SUVs in two U.S. recalls due to the risk of fires under the hood, and it’s recommending that they be parked outdoors until repairs are made. A spokesman for the German automaker says the risk of fire is very low in both cases, but the vehicles should stay…
Minnesota Announces $16.6M in Grants to Fight Opioid Crisis
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is investing $16.6 million in federal grant money toward efforts to combat opioid addiction across the state. Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper announced the grants Friday. State data shows that in 2008, less than 10 Minnesotans died from heroin overdoses. But the number of opioid overdoses has been on…
Bergdahl Gets no Prison Time
Former Army Sergeant Left Post Which Caused Soldiers to Get Injured in Search for Him
FORT BRAGG, N.C.-Bowe Bergdahl, the Army sergeant who walked off his post in Afghanistan and triggered a search that wounded some of his comrades, will serve no prison time, a military judge ruled Friday at the end of the politically divisive case that stirred debate during the president campaign. The charges centered on a decision by one soldier that affected…
Wise Fool Theater Presents First Show Since Name Change
Tonight: Wise Fool Theater's "The Merchant of Venice" Premieres
DULUTH, Minn. – Friday night, Wise Fool Theater is presenting their latest show. “The Merchant of Venice” will run through the next two weekends. On November 3-4 and 10-11 the shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Matinee shows will be on November 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. The performances will be at Lincoln Park Middle School. To purchase tickets,…
Duluth Trampoline Park Offers Fun for All Ages
Active Adventures: Jumping Around at Planet 3 Extreme Air Park
DULUTH, Minn. – A trampoline park is open in Duluth, but it’s much more than what you might think. Planet 3 Extreme Air Park offers extreme dodgeball, trapeze, launchpads, foam pits, dunk zones, a ninja obstacle course. All ages are encouraged to jump at the park. Planet 3 Duluth is located at 101 N 46th Ave W., Duluth, MN 55807….
Walker Signs Bill Aimed at Fentanyl Analogs
Bill Crackdowns on Opioids and Fentanyl in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill aimed at deadly opioids known as fentanyl analogs. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid far more powerful than heroin, and its analogs have slight variants in the chemical makeup. They have been blamed for a spike in overdoses around Wisconsin. The bill Walker signed was passed just Thursday night in the…
Hunting Age Limit Set to be Removed in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Assembly Passes Bill Which Removes Age Limit
MADISON, Wis.-Residents of any age, no matter how young, could legally hunt in Wisconsin under a bill the state Assembly passed that eliminates the state’s minimum hunting age. Currently, a resident must be at least 12 years old to purchase a hunting license or hunt with a gun unless they’re participating in a mentored hunt. Children as young as 10…
Body Found Off Maintenance Road in Nashwauk
Body is of 24-Year-Old Curtis Strand Who Had Been Missing
NASHWAUK, Minn.-A body discovered in a snow-covered ditch off a maintenance road near the Essar Steel mining property in Nashwauk, has been identified as a Hibbing man who went missing several weeks ago. Curtis Strand’s, 24, body has been taken to the Midwest County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination. It does not appear foul play was a factor in his…
Carlton County Medical Professionals Receive Narcan Training
Pharmacy's Have A New Protocol
The push to educate people on the access one has to Narcan expands outside of Duluth. Thursday medical professionals from towns across Carlton County came out to Fond du Lac Technical College to learn more about the protocol in Minnesota for area pharmacies. As part of the recent opiate protocol in Minnesota, community members are able to seek access to…
New Restaurant Owner Eyeing Closed ‘Blind Pig’
DULUTH, Minn. – The Blind Pig on East Superior Street in downtown Duluth closed earlier this month, but the space could now turn into a new restaurant. The current owner, Rod Raymond, of Just Take Action, is in the process of signing the space over to a new entity that plans to open a new restaurant, according to real-estate broker…
Medical Discovery Team Has New Home
Hoping New Home Relieves Workplace Stress
DULUTH, Minn- Duluth now has a new home for their Medical Discovery Team. In the new quarters, they hope to gain better knowledge on diabetes and dementia in the Native American communities around the Northland. In 2014 Medical Discovery Teams or “MDT’s” were created in Minnesota through support of Governor Mark Dayton. The Duluth-based team has a new facility to…
Weekend Spotlight: Nov. 3-5
Categories: News, News – Latest News
Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Pick-Up Truck on Tower Avenue
SUPERIOR, Wis.- A pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck at 7 a.m. Thursday at North 12th Street and Tower Avenue in Superior. The pedestrian, who authorities have identified as 59-year-old Kenneth Meinke, of Superior, was crossing Tower when a company truck with a plow on it struck him. Police believe Meinke was in the crosswalk at the time…
