News – Latest News

Officers in Hibbing Shooting Deemed ‘Authorized and Justified’

The incident happened on January 13, 2017

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department has released the findings of the officer involved shooting incident that occurred on January 13, 2017. The incident was investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and upon completion of the investigation by the agents, the information was sent to the Office of the St. Louis County Attorney for review. After review…

Richard Giles Found in Prescott, Wis.

UPDATE: Richard Giles was located safe in Prescott, Wisconsin on 2/24 The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office is looking for assistance in locating Richard Griffith Giles, 89, of Verndale, Minnesota. Richard was last seen at the Super 8 in Grand Rapids, Minn. Thursday morning, Feb. 23, around 9:30 a.m., after spending the night after getting lost. He is described as 5’09”,…

Rochester Might Oust 200 Students Over Vaccine Requirements

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – The Rochester School District might remove more than 200 students from school next week if they fail to meet immunization requirements. School officials say they have been working since January to notify families that students must be vaccinated to attend school or provide documents exempting them from the state law that requires them to be immunized….

Ohio, Wisconsin Leaders Prepare for Trump Effect

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Republican legislative leaders from Ohio and Wisconsin are joining forces as they prepare for massive changes in how the federal government under president Donald Trump deals with states. Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberg and Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Thursday in Ohio, that they hope to enlist others in asserting the role of states in…

‘She Persisted’ Phrase Inked on Dozens of Minneapolis Women

A fresh “nevertheless, she persisted” tattoo is wiped clean inside Brass Knuckle Tattoo Shop. Evan Frost | MPR NewsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Women have packed at least one tattoo studio in Minneapolis to get a permanent reminder that there’s solidarity in ink. Minnesota Public Radio reports Minneapolis residents Chelsea Brink, Nora McInerny and Kate O’Reilly started a fundraiser in which people…

Walker Appoints Risch to Head Financial Institutions

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker has appointed a former lobbyist for the Wisconsin Bankers Association to head the state agency that regulates the banking industry. Walker announced Thursday that he was appointing Jay Risch to head the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Risch currently serves as deputy secretary of the department. He is replacing Lon Roberts whom Walker appointed…

Two Charged after Authorities Seize of One Pound of Meth from Vehicle

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Yesterday, Feb. 22, 2017, Christopher George Nytes, 35, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, along with Morgan Marie Scheff, 25, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, appeared in Itasca County District Court, according to Itasca County Attorney John J. Muhar. They were both charged with one count of Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree after both were arrested on…

Choice Unlimited Masquerade Ball Tonight

Tickets Going Fast

Duluth, Minn.-It will be a “royal affair” tonight at Choice Unlimited Masquerade Ball. The annual event, which serves as a fundraiser for the group, celebrates the talents of people with disabilities and the art they produce. Our own Dan Hanger is set to MC the event which will be at 7 p.m. at Greysolon Ballroom. For more information and tickets,…

Superior Trails and Rinks Shutdown

No Timetable for When They Reopen

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Yesterday, all trails and rinks in Superior were closed, due to being in such bad shape from the recent warm weather. These closures also include the road to McClure’s Landing. City officials told us there’s no timetable for when they reopen this season. Categories: News, News – Latest News Tags: news trails superior

Dayton Blasts Trump’s Transgender Bathroom Reversal

ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton is urging Minnesota schools to continue allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice. His Thursday pronouncement follows President Donald Trump administration’s decision this week to lift an Obama-era directive. It leaves the decision regarding bathrooms to individual states and school districts. Although the Obama guidance was not legally binding, transgender…

Many Factors to Blame for Duluth Power Outage

Squirrel a Contributing Factor to Power Outage

DULUTH, Minn.-Power has been restored to all Minnesota Power customers as of 10 a.m. The first outages, reported at about 5 p.m. last night, caused 4,000 customers to lose power in many East Duluth neighborhoods. Minnesota Power contributed the outage to a squirrel coming into contact with the wires, ice buildup, and equipment failure. For more on any outage information,…

A Long Wait: Untested Sexual Assault Kits Part 1

Duluth Ranks No. 1 in the State for Untested Sexual Assault Kits

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2015 Duluth earned a notorious title, one that put a dark spot on hope for sexual assault survivors. Out of the entire state, the city is No. 1 in the amount of untested rape kits sitting shelved in the evidence room, 578 kits to be exact and some 23 years old. The information came out after…

Rally to Heal the Water

Jingle dress dancers gathered at Minnesota Power Plaza for a rally to express concern over water quality.

DULUTH, Minn. – Worried about water quality jingle dress dancers gathered for a rally at the Minnesota Power Plaza in downtown Duluth. Attendees expressed their concern over aging oil pipelines which they say are more prone to spills and leaks. The group also wanted to show solidarity with Standing Rock and bring healing to the water. “We don’t want to…

Aviation Career Night

Career's Possible At Job Fair

Duluth, Minn It was aviation career night at LSC’s center for advanced aviation. For community members and Lake Superior College’s graduating students it was an opportunity to meet possible future employers. Aviation jobs are a growing commodity in Duluth and having everyone in the same building makes it easier for those seeking employment. “We’re able to meet the workforce needs…

Deer Management Seminar

DNR Puts Plan Together To Maintain Good Deer Population For Years To Come

Duluth, Minn Deer hunting in the Northland is a big deal and the DNR now has a plan to keep it that way. The plan is a first of its kind in Minnesota and its focus is on maintaining a healthy deer population that offers recreational and economic opportunities. Deer hunters came together tonight to discuss the plan that includes…

Death Investigation at Virginia Jail

VIRGINIA, Minn. – On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, just before 2 p.m., a St. Louis County Corrections Deputy was making his rounds at the Virginia Jail when he noticed an unresponsive male collapsed inside of his cell. Medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the jail. Efforts to revive the male were unsuccessful and he was declared deceased. The St. Louis…

Man Goes Through Ice on St. Louis River

Lost Six-Wheeler to the River

VILLAGE OF OLIVER, Wis.-Some good Samaritans rescued an elderly man from the frigid waters of the St. Louis River today. The event happened about 2:45 p.m. near the Oliver Bridge, after two passerby’s heard a man yelling for help. They then noticed a man in the water hanging on a sheet of ice. Authorities said the man was driving a…

All-Girls Camp Takes over Animal Allies Humane Society

During Winter Break, A Group of Eight Girls Have the Chance to Learn and Have Fun at the Local Shelter

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though it’s beginning to feel like spring across the Northland, Duluth School District students are enjoying winter break this week. A group of eight girls, ages 10 to 14, are taking part in the first even all-girls camp at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. It’s a chance for the girls to engage in art projects,…

St. Scholastica Day of Volunteering

CSS Students, Faculty and Staff Gave Back to the Community

DULUTH, Minn. – College St. Scholastica students and staff gave back to the community Wednesday. It was part of the college’s Day of Volunteering.  Every two years, hundreds of Saints volunteer at various organizations in the community. A small group of volunteers helped out at Duluth’s First Lutheran Church, making and canning jams for the upcoming Rhubarb Festival. Many CSS…

UMD Hosts 24th Annual Diversity Summit

Students Came Together at Summit on Equity, Diversity and Multiculturalism

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted a summit on equity, diversity and multiculturalism Wednesday. The all–day event included more than 40 interactive workshops, presentations and lectures. The keynote speaker was Debby Irving, author of “Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race.”  Irving believes events like Wednesday’s help students better understand classmates of different…

Spirit Mountain Closed Temporarily

Unseasonable Weather Forced Closure Until Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – February Should be peak ski season at Spirit Mountain, but warm temperatures and rain have temporarily closed the slopes. The mountain closed Monday with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees.  The closure couldn’t come at a worse time with Duluth Public Schools out for spring break. “We want to be their backyard playground,” said Brandy Ream, Spirit Mountain…

Washburn Looks to Develop Land Near Waterfront

Development May Include Single and Multi Family Housing

WASHBURN, Wis. – The City of Washburn is looking to develop about ten acres of land near the city’s waterfront. The land parcel is located at Omaha Street and Second Avenue West. It may be developed into single and multiple family homes. The Mayor of Washburn says this is an important project to connect the city’s downtown to its waterfront….

Elementary Students Snowboard in Gym Class

New Class is the First of its Kind in Wisconsin

WASHBURN, Wis. – Washburn Elementary School just became the first school in Wisconsin to offer an indoor snowboarding unit in their P.E. classes. Snowboarding is typically done outside on the slopes, but elementary students in Washburn can now experience the snowboarding thrill in their school gymnasium. Washburn is the first school in Wisconsin to add indoor snowboarding their P.E. curriculum….

Over 3,500 Minnesota Power Customers Without Power in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Reports of power outages began just before 5 p.m. Wednesday evening. Areas including the Woodland, Congdon Park, Lester Park, and the edge of the Lakeside neighborhoods are experience outages. Minnesota Power is currently assessing the situation and crews are on scene. An estimated restoration for the red section of the map is expected around 7:30 p.m. The…

DTA Route and Schedule Changes go into Effect on Sunday, March 5, 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will implement operational schedule changes to a limited number of bus routes on Sunday, March 5. All passenger hand schedules and shelter schedules impacted by these changes have been updated and will be distributed to the public one week before the schedule changes go into effect. The most significant change will be the…

Council Parts Ways With Longtime Proctor Police Chief

Walter Wobig Served As Chief Since 2002

PROCTOR, Minn. – After serving the city of Proctor as its police chief for more than 14 years, Walter Wobig has been voted out by the city council. The decision to not renew Wobig’s contract came on a 3-2 vote Tuesday, with Mayor Phil Larson and councilors Troy DeWall and Gary Nowak voting to end his employment. Councilors Jake Benson…

Superior Mayoral Primary Numbers

Paine Wins the Most Votes

Superior, Wis.-Final counts are in for the Superior mayoral primary from Tuesday night. Jim Paine and Brent Fennessey will be moving on to the general election April 4. Paine won with 1,542 votes, while Fennessey grabbed 970 votes. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Politics-imported Tags: news politics superior

Boy, 13, Dies After Being Shot While Hunting in Michigan

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Authorities say a 13-year-old boy has died after being shot in the head while hunting small game in western Michigan. Michigan State Police responded Saturday to a report of a hunting accident in Oceana County’s Greenwood Township and found the boy from the Grand Rapids-area community of Wyoming had been shot. He was taken to…

Wisconsin Veterans Warn Eliminating Prevailing Wage Will Cost Jobs

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The American Legion is warning Republicans that eliminating the prevailing wage on state projects could cost hundreds of veterans their jobs in the construction industry. The prevailing wage law sets minimum salaries for construction workers on public projects. Republican Governor Scott Walker has proposed wiping out the prevailing wage for state projects in the state budget….

Biometric Screening Speeds Check-in at Twin Cities Airport

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Travelers who are willing to pay the price will be able to skip the long security checkpoints at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and go directly to the metal detector line. A service that uses biometrics to verify identity will be offered beginning Wednesday at both the north and south checkpoints in Terminal 1. For $179 a year,…

Court Hearing Held Today in West Duluth Murder Case

Next Court Date Set for March 15th

DULUTH, Minn.-A suspect in connection with an October murder at the 2000 block of West Superior Street was in court today. 54–year–old Orin Vann has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Today an omnibus hearing was held. His next court date is scheduled for March 29th. He’s currently out on bail. 43–year–old Aaron Humphreys plead…

Another Catch-and-Release Season Expected on Mille Lacs Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Walleye anglers face another year of catch-and-release fishing on Mille Lacs Lake. The Star Tribune reports that the Department of Natural Resources officials told the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee last week to expect a second consecutive catch-and-release season as it tries to rebuild the popular lake’s struggling walleye population. Central region fisheries manager Brad Parsons says…

Duluth Firefighters Urge Planning Ahead for a Disaster

Are you prepared?

DULUTH, Minn. – Disasters take many forms from fires to earthquakes, and they can strike anywhere, at anytime. “Before a disaster strikes, it’s important for families to have a plan. If you don’t already have one, start one today. Prepare now, so you don’t panic later,” says Local 101 firefighter Pete Johnson. Local 101 suggests using the following guidelines to…

Animal Answers: Microchipping Month

One in Three Animals Will Go Missing at Some Point, Animal Allies is Looking to Help

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott took a trip to Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth to find out more about a helpful event happening during the month of February. Statistics show one in three animals will go missing at some point in the life, leading to an array of problems. To celebrate Micro…

Birkie Organizers Hoping for Better Weather

Events Start Tomorrow

Hayward, Wis.-Birkebeiner ski race organizers still have many concerns over the weather. There are some puddles on the trails, as crews work on siphoning off water from them. Some trails are also being repaired after they were damaged from the recent weather. “With below freezing temps in our future, along with snow in the forecast, we’re going all in with…

Superior Mayoral Primary Results

Spring election is April 4, 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tuesday was the Wisconsin primary election, and for Superior, that meant narrowing down to two opponents for the race for mayor. In the running was Brent Fennessey, Kalee Hermanson, Jim Paine, and Mike Herrick. Polls closed at 8 p.m. and shortly after that the official results were in: Brent Fennessey  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  ….

Duluth Closes 85 Miles of Traverse Trails

Warm weather has left many of the trails in poor condition

DULUTH, Minn. – The warmer conditions in the area have caused Duluth to close nearly eighty-five miles of trails. Many of the traverse trails are in delicate condition. The trails are wet, muddy, and prone to damage. Cyclists of Gitchi Gumee Shores said that going out onto the trails in these conditions will lead to water gathering on them that…

Duluth Transit Authority Works on Five Year Plan

The DTA is looking for help form the public in developing their new five year development plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is asking for the public’s help in coming up with their five year transit development plan. They specifically asked riders what they’re doing well and in what ways can they improve. Early respondents at an open house said the DTA has many courteous drivers but could use more buses and routes. The DTA…

Mother Has Message for Missing Son

Christopher Kerze has Been Missing Since 1990

DULUTH, Minn.-Today marks the 44th birthday for Christopher Kerze, who went missing from Eagan April 20, 1990 when he was 17-years-old. After he went missing, his parents received a note allegedly from Kerze postmarked from Duluth. In the note he mentioned a desire to commit suicide. A few days later his parents van, which he allegedly took, was found in…

Choice Unlimited Masquerade Ball Set for Thursday

"A Royal Affair" Celebrates People and the Art They Produce

DULUTH, Minn. – Dust off your best mask because there’s a masquerade ball Thursday night in Duluth. “A Royal Affair” is this year’s theme for Choice Unlimited’s 4th annual fundraising gala, celebrating the talents of people with disabilities and the art they produce. Organizers say the fundraiser helps bring people together. “People get to know people,” said Annie Roseen, Arts…

Sen. Franken Tours Denfeld Techology Department

Senator Addressed Concerns About High-Tech Education

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Senator Al Franken toured the Duluth Denfeld High School’s technology department Tuesday, to see how students here are learning to fill tomorrow’s high tech jobs. The was part of the Senator’s “Advancing Career Pathways Tour” across Minnesota.  America is facing a shortage of high-tech workers, something Sen. Franken wants to see addressed. “We have skills gaps…

Minong Community Center Construction Continues

Could be Completed by August

MINONG, Wis.-Construction is humming along at the Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center in Minong. The facility, which includes a gym, pool, and even a museum, is expected to be completed by August. Currently the walls have gone up around the pool, while construction is just beginning on the walls of the entire facility. Construction workers did say that the…

State Lawmakers Channel Grief Into Fight Against Opioids

ST. PAUL (AP) – In statehouses across the country, lawmakers with loved ones who fell victim to drugs are leading the fight against the nation’s deadly opioid-abuse crisis, drawing on tragic personal experience to attack the problem. In Minnesota, for example, state Senator Chris Eaton’s daughter died of a heroin overdose in 2007. Eaton has since spearheaded a law granting…