News – Latest News

New Duluth Officer Turns the Tables During Swearing-In Ceremony

Girlfriend gets a swearing in of her very own

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, eight new officers joined the Duluth Police force. The new officers and their families gathered for the swearing in ceremony at the Duluth Police Department. Chris Beekmann, Beau Hughes, Dakota Juarez, Ben Kneeland, Chris Olson, Andrew Park, Luke Renier, and Manuel Matos all took their oaths today. Officer Manuel Matos did more than just take his…

Death Toll from Southeast Tornadoes Rises to 21

Photo: Fox 8 ALBANY, Ga. (AP) – The death toll from a weekend outbreak of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms int he Southeast has increased to at least 21. A 77-year-old woman in southwest Georgia died form storm-related injuries, Thrusday night, at a hospital. Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler told The Associated Press on Friday that Patricia Ann Gohman received head…

Minnesota Poultry Farmers Warily Watch Bird Flu Outbreaks

Bird flu has been found in 40 countries, putting WHO on high alert

ST. PAUL (AP) – Poultry farmers in Minnesota are cautiously watching the spread of bird flu in Europe and Asia. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the World Health Organization is on “high alert” because the bird flu virus has been found in 40 countries around the world since last fall and is quickly spreading. Michael Osterholm, director of the University…

Seventh Avenue East Shooting Update

Victim Most Likely Knew Shooter

DULUTH, Minn.-New information has come out in the shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon at Seventh Avenue East and Fourth Street. The Duluth Police told Fox 21 they believe 17-year-old male victim knew the person that shot him. Originally the police responded to a local hospital who reported they had a shooting victim. Soon after officers established a crime scene at…

Cult Leader Victor Barnard Now Appealing Criminal Case

Taking his attorneys by surprise

Victor Barnard(KMSP – Fox 9) – Minnesota cult leader Victor Barnard is appealing his criminal conviction in which he plead guilty to sexually molesting tow of his teenage followers. As part of a plea bargain, Barnard had agreed to a 30 year prison sentence. The notice of appeal was filed Tuesday by Amy Lawler, an Assistant State Public Defender. Barnard’s…

Wisconsin Republicans Ask for Review of Road Project Costs

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Assembly Republican leaders are asking the state Department of Transportation for a review of costs for recently completed, ongoing, and planned projects. The letter sent Friday to DOT Secretary Dave Ross, comes after release of an audit that said the DOT underestimated costs of projects of ongoing projects by more than $3 billion. The letter was signed…

Hibbing Murder Update

Suspect Needs to Undergo Mental Health Evaluation

HIBBING, Minn.-A Grand Rapids man accused of murder has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation before going to trial. 32-year-old Benjamin Lundquist has been charged with second-degree murder for his connection to the Jan. 17 stabbing death of 54-year-old Joel Gangness of Hibbing. Lundquist initially told police that Jesus told him to commit the crime. Lundquist’s next court…

Man Charged with Killing Pregnant Eagan Woman

Senicha LessmanEAGAN, Minn. (AP) – A Brooklyn Park man is charged with killing the woman pregnant with his child. Senicha Lessman was found dead in her Eagan townhome by her mother, Margi Lessman, Tuesday afternoon. A criminal complaint states her throat was cut and a cloth was stuffed in her mouth; she was 25 years old and eight months pregnant….

Police Hold Parent Summit in Virginia

Parents Recieve Tips On How To Deal With Social Media And Drugs

Virginia, Minn Parents are raising kids in uncharted territory, as social media is making it easier for kids to get access to drugs. Community leaders in Virginia are hoping to help parents raise their children by filling them on some valuable information they need to know. Drugs and social media go hand in hand, it’s easier and faster to get…

Fungus Killing Northern Minnesota Bats

Bats at the Soudan Underground Mine have been dying from white nose syndrome.

Somewhere between 8,000-12,000 bats call the Soudan Underground Mine home, but a wide spreading fungus is hurting their numbers. The fungus known as white nose syndrome grows on the bat’s muzzle and causes them to wake up from their winter hibernation. The bats then leave the mine to look for food, but don’t have enough fat stored up for the…

Superior’s ‘Chicken Spur’ To Close Friday

Owner's Daughter: Nearby Kwik Trip Is To Blame

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A longtime Superior gas station known for its fresh chicken and hometown feel is being forced to shut down. The family of the Hammond Spur, or “Chicken Spur” as its best known, is telling us the nearby Kwik Trip is to blame, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. It was a different type of vibe Thursday with…

Dayton Signs Premium Relief Bill

Will provide immediate relief to 125,000 Minnesotans

ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton today signed Chapter 2, SF 1 to provide an automatic 25-percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant premium increases in the individual market. The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton: “In order to provide urgently-needed health insurance premium relief to 125,000 Minnesotans, I am signing…

Superior Fire Department Teaches First Aid to Area Middle School Students

Students Enjoy Day of Learning New Skills

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior fire fighters gathered today to teach the city’s seventh graders all about their craft. The fire department hosted four classes at Superior Middle School including ones relating to CPR, first aid, AED’s, along with the basics for fire fighting. The event is part of the state Assembly Bill 545 which makes it mandatory for school districts to introduce…

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Still Needed in Many Area Homes

Ice Fishing Houses All Threaten Public with CO

DULUTH, Minn.-Carbon monoxide can be deadly as it may go unnoticed. CO killed 64 people between 2011 and 2015 in Minnesota, according to the department of health. The Duluth Fire Department said CO-detectors are just as important as smoke detectors. They can be found at any place that sells smoke alarms, but the fire department urges every homeowner to have…

Teachers of the Year Nominated

Four From Area Nominated

  Jeanne Bymark Kristen Kilpo DULUTH, Minn.-Four local teachers have been nominated for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year. Annette Petersmyer, and Sheila Shusterich of Duluth, along with Kristen Kilpo of Proctor and Jeanne Bymark of Hibbing have all been honored as nominees. The winner will be announced May 7 at the Radisson by the Mall of America. Categories: News, News…

Duluth Police Respond to Shooting at 7th Ave E and 4th Street

DULUTH, Minn. – Early Thursday afternoon around 1:28 p.m., Duluth Police responded to a local hospital on a report of a shooting victim. Officers established a crime scene in the area of 7th Avenue East and 4th Street. Officers and investigators arrived at the location and are investigating the incident. A 17-year-old male is currently at a local hospital facility…

3 Charged in Millville Gun Shop Robbery; 75 Guns Stolen

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Three people are charged with stealing about 75 firearms from a Millville gunshop in September and trying to sell them. A federal indictment unsealed this week, charged 38-year-old Alex Boyd, 30-year-old Sasha Marie Erdner, and 19-year-old Trinity James Wicka with conspiracy to possess and distribute stolen fire arms and possession of stolen fire arms. Boyd faces another…

Premium Relief Deal Starts Path to Dayton’s Desk

ST. PAUL (AP) – Financial help for Minnesota residents paying massive health insurance premium hikes is nearing the finish line at the Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota Senate approved a bill, Thursday, using $325 million in state funds to cut monthly premiums by 25-percent. The House was expected to follow up later Thursday, and Governor Mark Dayton has indicated he’ll sign…

Official: Trump Wants to Slash EPA Workforce, Budget

WASHINGTON (AP) – The former head of President Donald Trump’s transition team at the Environmental Protection Agency says he expects the new administration to seek budget and staff cuts. Myron Ebell left the transition team last week saying, in an interview with The Associated Press, that his specific proposals to the White House remain confidential. But asked what he personally…

Highly Critical Audit of WisDOT Released

MADISON (AP) – A highly critical audit of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, released Thursday morning, says the agency budgeted to complete more highway projects than could be done with the money available because it didn’t take into account inflation and unexpected cost increases. The audit comes as Governor Scott Walker and the Legislature are grappling with how to deal…

DFL Legislators Propose $100 Million Broadband Investment

Minnesota currently ranks 19th for average connection speed

ST. PAUL , Minn – Legislators from across greater Minnesota have joined together to call for a $100 million investment in broadband. They’re stressing the economic development reach that investment in broadband creates, something they say Minnesota is in need of. “For every dollar invested in broadband in the state, $10 is generated in economic activity. That kind of return…

Lake Nebagamon Suspect Facing 3 Felony Charges

John Raymond Lundberg Douglas Co. Sheriff’s OfficeSUPERIOR, Wis. – John Raymond Lundberg appeared in Douglas County Circuit Court, today, and is currently facing three separate felony charges for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a man in Lake Nebagamon on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. According to the Probable Cause Statement, at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the Douglas County…

Barker’s Island Readies for Ice Festival

Festival Opens Friday with Events Planned for the Whole Family

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is ready for another Lake Superior Ice Festival. “The community has really pulled together,” said Linda Cadotte; Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director for the City of Superior.  “Non–profits, businesses, partners, to put on a festival to showcase the coolest aspects of our region and have something for everybody.” Unlike the past couple of years, which centered…

Superior Students Witness Inauguration and Women’s March in D.C.

The group also visited the office of Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A group of Superior High School students got to be part of some historic events last weekend in Washington D.C. Six students from the UW-Superior Upward Bound program traveled from Wisconsin to the nation’s capital to witness the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The group was given special entrance to watch the ceremony from just below the…

Grand Avenue Estates Project Gets Pollution Grant

Development Project Near Morgan Park Gets a Boost

DULUTH, Minn- There is growing excitement for a major housing development along the St. Louis River corridor that hit a polluted snag. The city of Duluth and the developer have landed a $654,000  clean–up grant from the state. That money will go towards the nearly 1 million cost to get rid of contaminated soil on the property. This means the…

Wisconsin Point Restoration Plans Taking Shape

The project will focus on eliminating areas of concern, specifically to dunes along the peninsula

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Plans for restoration on Wisconsin Point are nearing completion. The Superior Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department shared design details of the project with residents tonight. The restoration focuses on eliminating areas of concern, specifically to the dunes along the peninsula. Some of the planned changes on Wisconsin Point include boardwalks from updated parking lots to the dunes…

Solon Springs Movies in the Park

In July, Solon Springs will show movies at the Lucious Woods Park.

The bright lights of Hollywood will light up the night skies in Solon Springs this summer. The Family Fun Days committee started a crowd-funding campaign to bring movies to Lucious Woods Park on Friday nights. The village has already stepped up to provide funding for the screen and projector. Organizers said the response from the community has been overflowing with…

Berndt Sentenced for Two Superior Robberies

Berndt will serve twenty-five years in prison for the May assaults on two women in Superior.

Scott Berndt was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison for two separate assaults that happened just eleven hours apart from each other. After emotional testimony from one of the victims, Berndt broke down in tears. The judge noticed his remorse, but said Berndt’s crimes and previous history were worthy of a long sentence. Berndt was convicted for violently attacking two…

Vikings Teach Kids to Stop Bullying

Vikings' Mascot Viktor Stopped at Lakewood Elementary in Duluth to Interact with Students

DULUTH, Minn. -The Minnesota Vikings stopped at Lakewood Elementary in Duluth today. The appearance was part of mascot Viktor the Viking’s quest to stop bullying. The program brings him and other members of the Vikings around the state to interact with kids and teach them how to prevent all kinds of bullying, including verbal, physical, social, and cyber bullying. “To…

Irving Community Club Makes Donation

Club Donated Over $85,000 to Local Non-Profits, Police

DULUTH, Minn. – The Irving Community Club continued its tradition of giving back to the community Wednesday. The club donated more than $85,000 to non–profits and police. Among the donations, $60,000 to Valley Youth Centers for a new teen building, and $15,000 each to the Duluth Police Department’s K–9 unit and to the West Duluth Little League. The club raises…

Snow Plow Simulator Teaches Drivers Safety

MnDOT Uses Simulator Year Round to Help Drivers Brush Up on Skills

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has a plow truck simulator they send around the state to train snow plow drivers. From the outside, this may look like an ordinary trailer, but inside there is a state of the art plow driving simulator. “The drivers get the opportunity every time we come around during a training cycle, they…

White Bear Lake Man Missing

Jeffery EckbladUPDATE: Mr. Eckblad was located safe on 1/27/17 WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. – The White Bear Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jeffery Eckblad, 46, of White Bear Lake. Jeffery was last see at his residence on January 20, 2017. Because of on-going health concerns, family and authorities are concerned for his welfare. Jeffery does not…

Trump Moves to Build Border Wall, Cut Sanctuary City Funds

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump moved aggressively to tighten the nation’s immigration controls Wednesday, signing executive actions to jumpstart construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall and block federal grants from immigrant-protecting “sanctuary cities.” “Beginning today the United States of America gets back control of its borders,” Trump declared during a visit to the Department of Homeland Security. “We are…

Danny Heinrich Sent to Prison Near Boston

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The man who admitted, last year, to killing 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in central Minnesota in 1989 is serving his sentence at a federal prison outside Boston. Fifty-three-year-old Danny Heinrich is listed as an inmate at the Federal Medical Center Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts. His release date is listed as March 28, 2033. Last year, Heinrich was sentenced…

Civil Lawsuit Filed in Pine County Cult Case

Suspect Previously Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

PINE COUNTY , Minn.-A woman that was sexually assaulted by a Pine County cult leader filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday against 15 former leaders of the River Road Fellowship. Lindsey Tornambe said she was sexually assaulted beginning at the age of 13 by 55-year-old Victor Barnard, the leader of the group. A lawsuit was also filed in Washington state, where…

One Dead as Truck Breaks Through Ice on Long Lake

Body Recovered Today

A diver tries to recover a body on Long Lake.WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis.-David Magnus, 60, is dead after his vehicle broke through the ice on Long Lake in Washburn County last night. According to witnesses, they heard a loud truck spinning around on the lake last night. The witnesses then found vehicle tracks leading to a hole in the ice. Multiple…

Pregnant Woman Found Dead in Eagan

Suspect has been arrested

Senicha LessmanEAGAN, Minn. (KMSP – Fox 9) – A 25-year-old woman has died after an incident Tuesday afternoon in Eagan, Minnesota. Wednesday morning, Eagan police identified the victim as Senicha Marie Lessman and confirmed her baby also died. Eagan police were called to the 3100 block of Alden Pond Lane shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday where Lessman was found unresponsive….

Mayo Clinic: Dayton’s Fall Unrelated to Cancer Diagnosis

ST. PAUL (AP) – The Mayo Clinic says Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s fall during his State of the State address was not related to his prostate cancer diagnosis. In a statement Tuesday evening, Mayo Clinic spokesman Karl Oestreich says doctors believe Dayton’s fainting spell “was situational and related to standing for a long time while giving his speech and possible…

Former S.C. Gov. Sworn in as UN Ambassador

Senate voted 96-4 in favor of her nomination

WASHINGTON (AP) – Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has been sworn in to be President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations. Vice President Mike Pence swore in Haley on Wednesday. The Senate voted 96-4, Tuesday night, in favor of her nomination despite her lack of significant foreign policy experience. During her confirmation hearing, the South Carolina-born daughter of…

St. Louis County Historical Society Seeking Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to attend the Lake Superior Ojibwe Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Historical Society is seeking volunteer gallery attendants for its Lake Superior Ojibwe Gallery. The Ojibwe Gallery currently features the work of nationally recognized 19th century painter Eastman Johnson, whose paintings and drawings are notable for their realism and attention to detail. An equally important feature of the Gallery is the selection of American…

Animal Answers: Mushing with Endurance Kennels

Endurance Kennels Specialize in Sprint Sled Dog Racing; Teaches Community Members about the Sport of Mushing

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will kick off this weekend, after months of hard work and preparation from mushers and their dogs. But what is it like for sled dogs that prefer to mush a shorter distance? In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re mushing with Endurance Kennels. “I usually start my morning…

Lady Brew “Pantsuit” on Tap in Superior

Female Brewers and Beer Drinkers Taking on Craft Brew Scene

The Women’s March on Washington happened the same weekend a Northland brewery released a one- of-its- kind beer called “Pantsuit.” The timing wasn’t a coincidence; it’s a beer with a meaning at Thirsty Pagan in Superior. Allyson Rolph is one of few female master brewers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She says her gender hasn’t affected her success, apart from some…