Minnesota

Superior Seeking New Broadband Internet Infrastructure

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The city of Superior has begun researching how they can lower internet costs for residents. City councilors and the Mayor of Superior have come together to prioritize a broadband network infrastructure using fiber optic cable. The project would also increase internet speed for residents and businesses, increase competition for internet service providers and improve a variety of…

Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Two Underage Girls at Daycare

DULUTH, Minn. — A 23-year-old Duluth man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two felony charges of first degree sexual assault of two underage girls. According criminal complaints, Daniel Bunnell sexually assaulted an 11-year-old who was staying at the 24-hour at-home daycare that Bunnell’s mother was running. The victim told police he had sexually assaulted her more than once, and it…

Duluth Police Investigate Lincoln Park Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police arrested a 24-year-old Barnum man Tuesday afternoon after a shooting incident on the 2800 Block of West 1st Street. Officers responded to reports of shots fired around 2:30 p.m. Witnesses gave a description to officers of the suspect running into a nearby address.  When officers surrounded that address, the suspect exited and was taken into…

Downtown Alexandria Fire Destroys Four Buildings, 20 Residents Displaced

(courtesy: Fox 9) ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (FOX 9) – A fire burning in downtown Alexandria, Minnesota has destroyed four buildings and displaced more than a dozen residents who lived in the apartments above. The fire started early Tuesday morning on the west side of the 500 block of Broadway Street, according to officials. Firefighters are demolishing the four affected buildings—RM Tattoo, Raapers…

Listen Up Ladies! 12th Annual Women’s Expo Happening Saturday in Duluth

The Duluth Women's Expo is Happening at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Saturday, February 29, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is gearing up to host the 12th annual Duluth Women’s Expo Saturday, February 29, 2020. The show will run one day only, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Thousands of women from throughout the region are set to attend the expo with more than 100 vendors, a fashion show, shopping, sampling, a…

Minnesota Investigating Ex-Hockey Assistant Sex Allegations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota is investigating allegations that a former men’s hockey assistant sexually abused players more than 30 years ago. The move comes after The Athletic reported on sexual abuse allegations against former assistant Thomas “Chico” Adrahtas over many years, including the season Adrahtas spent with the Gophers in 1984-85. The website reported that several people…

Continuing Legal Education on Eviction Defense

A group of private attorneys came together in Duluth for a class to learn more about eviction law.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of private attorneys came together in Duluth for a class to learn more about eviction law. Thousands of tenants face eviction notices every year in the state of Minnesota and often times, they do not have a lawyer or understand what their rights are. Now local lawyers are working to fight back so their clients…

Despite Pushback, Garrison Keillor To Perform At NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – The NorShor Theatre has decided to allow controversial former MPR radio host Garrison Keillor to perform on stage at the theatre April 16. This comes after the NorShor Theatre pulled its announcement about Keillor’s performance from its Facebook page and website last Thursday amid negative backlash on social media. The comments pointed to his past sexual misconduct…

Working Group Offers Recommendations to Reduce Police Deadly Force Situations

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin updated the County's Officer Deadly Force Encounters Policy as well.

DULUTH, Minn.- A working group in the Twin Cities organized by Attorney General Keith Ellison unveiled a report with recommendations on how to reduce deadly force encounters with law enforcement, and Officer-Involved-Shootings across the state. The Working Group on Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters came up with 28 recommendations and 33 action steps. Those recommendations include training law enforcement in de-escalation…

Council Unanimously Approves New Police Protective Gear Policy

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a new policy for the use of newly purchased protective gear by the Duluth Police Department. This effectively puts an end to public discussions on the policy, which began back in 2017 when Police Chief Mike Tusken proposed purchasing the gear to replace outdated ones. Many councilors spoke on their reasons for…

Essentia Purchases Old Sears Space in Miller Hill Mall

It is now the second old storefront Essentia will own in the Mall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders will soon see another Essentia Health marquee replacing a storefront at Miller Hill Mall. Essentia has announced the official purchase of the old Sears Space. According to Essentia officials, plans on what to do with the former Sears space are still being discussed. This comes one year after Essentia purchased the old Younkers space in the mall,…

Old World Meats In Duluth Looking To Expand

The larger location would allow them to make up to a quarter of a million sticks a day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Old World Meats in Duluth is making plans to expand in a big way. The store is popular for its meat sticks which are sold in locations around the nation. The owner now wants to take that business to the next level by building a new plant. Old World Meats has been selling the popular snack in…

Construct Tomorrow Event Happening at the DECC Tuesday, Wednesday

Construct Tomorrow Has Reached More Than 50,000 Students in Minnesota Since 2013

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 2013, Construct Tomorrow has connected with almost 50,000 students from more than 100 high schools across Minnesota. The two-day event at the DECC Paulucci Hall looks to get students and other in the community excited to work in the trade industry. This year’s event is happening Tuesday, February 25 and Wednesday, February 26. Construct Tomorrow promotes…

Two Die in Head-On Crash in Eagan

(courtesy: Fox 9) EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – Two people died in head-on crash in Eagan, Minnesota early Monday morning. Police say it appears two SUVs collided head-on in the northbound lane of Johnny Cake Ridge Road near Sherwood Way around 5:40 a.m. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Neither vehicle had any passengers. Johnny Cake Ridge Road…

‘If the Dress Fits’ Gives Away Prom Dresses in Barnum

Non-profit has given away close to a thousand dresses over the last five years

BARNUM, Minn. – Prom dresses can be a huge expense for families, but the local non-profit ‘If the Dress Fits’ is here to help. The organization has given away close to a thousand dresses to local families over the last five years. This prom season, they’re taking the donated dresses on the road to small towns across the Northland. “I…

Old and New Snowmobiles Ride at Vintage Classic Snowmobile Party

Snowmobiles from as far back as the 1970s were present.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians were finding all kinds of ways to get outside, including on vintage snowmobiles at Blue Max Restaurant on Lavaque Road. The Vintage Classic Snowmobile Party was full of classic and new snowmobiles tearing it up on the frozen lake. The Party featured from snowmobiles from as far back as the 1970s, giving their owners a chance to…

Warm Temps Bring Dogs out to Dog Park

Jean Duluth Dog Park filled with happy canines.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather Saturday was perfect for some pups and their people to hit the Jean Duluth Dog Park. The park was filled with furry four-legged friends frolicking in the sun, enjoying temperatures that reached the low 40s. One dog, a Newfoundland puppy named Boris, was the biggest kid on the playground. He’s 130 lbs now, and will grow…

Carlton And Wrenshall School Districts Vote to Move Forward With Consolidating

NORTHLAND – The Carlton and Wrenshall School Boards recently passed resolutions to begin planning the consolidation of two schools. The proposed consolidation plan would mean South Terrace school in Carlton becomes pre-k through sixth grade, and Wrenshall would have grades seven through twelve. The next step in the process is to work with local representatives to make the consolidation eligible…

Canal Park Brewing Brings Home The Gold And Bronze From Best Of Craft Beer Awards

This is the eighth award Canal Park Brewing has won within the last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Park Brewing in Duluth is toasting after getting some major recognition for their beer. The brewery recently took home the gold and bronze from the Best of Craft Beer Awards, which was held in Oregon. The competition is the third largest of its kind and recognizes breweries from around the world. Staff at Canal Park Brewing…

Noah Hobbs Announces Run for St. Louis County Commissioner

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs announced Friday afternoon that he will be running for St. Louis County Commissioner in District 3. Hobbs had been city council president since 2018 and filled the seat of “At Large City Councilor” before losing the position in the November 2019 election. In a Friday press release, Hobbs said, “I’m engaged…

Ellison: Mille Lacs Band Still has 61K-Acre Reservation

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s attorney general contends the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation still exists. In a legal filing this week, Attorney General Keith Ellison backed the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s assertion that the band has 61,000 acres across the south shore of Mille Lacs Lake. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Gov. Tim Walz supports fellow Democrat Ellison’s…

Midday Update 2-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 21, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Nurse Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Harming Infants

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A nurse convicted of injuring nine infants at a Wisconsin hospital has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. Christopher Kaphaem pleaded guilty in September to 19 felony counts, including child abuse, for injuries to the babies in the newborn intensive care unit at UnityPoint Health-Meriter hospital in Madison. Injuries ranged from bruises to broken bones…

Finnish ‘Kalevala Day’ Celebrated in Duluth

Admission is free, free will offering accepted.

DULUTH, Minn.- Rita Perttula Wiegel and Arlene Putikka Tucker stop by to talk the big Kalevala day celebration at the Kenwood Lutheran Church this Sunday. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Arlene Putikka Tucker, Kalevala, Kenwood Lutheran church, Rita Perttula Wiegel

“Sunscriptions” Filled on the SunSpot Bus

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Mobile Unit Geared to Help Vitamin D Deficiency, SAD and Winter Blues

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes on the SUNSPOT BUS! If you are battling the winter blues, cabin fever, vitamin D deficiency and finding yourself not being very active, light therapy can help you! ABOUT: The further one lives north of the equator, the less sunshine hits the surface of the earth or…

Morning Update 2-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 21, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Chief Tusken Reflects On Police Department Assessment Report

DULUTH, Minn. – A top to bottom outside assessment of the Duluth Police Department is now complete. And Chief Mike Tusken says he’s pleased that the recommendations for improvements were nothing overly unexpected. Tusken says one of the strengths highlighted in the report applauds the department’s mental health unit as innovative and progressive. On the flip side, the report concluded…

Husky Energy Evacuated Due to Infrastructure Concerns

Stinson Avenue blocked in front of refinery; officials say there's no risk of fire, explosion, or chemical release

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tonight, an investigation is underway at the Husky Energy Refinery in Superior after a swaying stack caused an evacuation. The stack could be seen swaying back and forth. Wind gusts at the nearby Bong Airport were reported at twenty-five miles per hour. The Superior Police Department tells us refinery crews heard a “pop” and noticed a problem…

The Lake Superior Zoo Hosts Annual “Community Day”

The Duluth "Community Days" are celebrated by other tourist attractions such as the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Duluth Depot.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo hosted it’s annual Community Day to say thank you to Duluthians and other supporters of the popular tourist attraction. Visitors received the great perk of free admission to explore the zoo. They had the chance to learn more about their nearly 150 species of animals and also a few new additions like Taj…

Congressman Pete Stauber Meets With Duluth School Board To Discuss Special Education Challenges

DULUTH, Minn. – Special education needs in public schools have risen drastically over the years, not just in Minnesota, but nationally. Congressman Pete Stauber sat down with the Duluth School Board to hear some of the special education challenges impacting our schools. Funding to support special education needs was promised long ago by the federal government to help offset costs,…

NorShor Theatre Board Discussing Upcoming Garrison Keillor Performance Amid Backlash

DULUTH, Minn. – Just hours after the NorShor Theatre posted on its Facebook page Thursday about the April performance by former MPR “A Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor, the post was pulled down and the show’s ticket information was removed from the NorShor’s website amid backlash on social media. There was no official word of the show being canceled,…

Essentia Health Purchases Former Miller Hill Mall Sears Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Thursday afternoon that they have purchased the former Sears location at Miller Hill Mall. Essentia Health made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a press release saying, “The acquisition will allow the Northland’s largest health care provider to offer a variety of services to its patients at a convenient location. Several options are being considered…

Shrimp Scampi Roma A Favorite At Valentini’s

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make their popular and loved Italian menu item, Shrimp Scampi Roma! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years….

Roger Stone Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison

WASHINGTON (AP) – Roger Stone, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison on his convictions for witness tampering and lying to Congress. Thursday’s action in federal court comes amid Trump’s unrelenting defense of his longtime confidant that has led to a mini-revolt inside the Justice Department and allegations the president has interfered…

Midday Update 2-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Recycling Plant Fire Burns for 3rd Day in Minnesota

(courtesy: Fox 9) BECKER, Minn. (AP) – Firefighters are battling a stubborn fire at a metal recycling plant in a small Minnesota community for a third consecutive day. The fire at the Northern Metals plant in Becker is unleashing noxious, billowing smoke. Firefighters on Thursday worked to extinguish the blaze in the Sherburne County city about 50 miles northwest of…

Morning Update 2-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

St. Paul Man Dies on Lutsen Ski Hill

LUTSEN, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a St. Paul man has died on a ski hill in northeastern Minnesota. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office says 70-year-old David Skog was found unresponsive and bleeding from the face on a ski hill at Lutsen Mountains ski area Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t immediately clear how Skog was fatally injured. The ski patrol…

Surf’s Up On A Wintry Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – Who needs to go to California, Florida, or Hawaii to surf when you can jump in Lake Superior in the middle of the winter? Some brave souls wet-suited up and rode the big lake’s waves near Brighton Beach recently. FOX 21 photojournalist Nathaniel LeCapitaine takes us there in this week’s Great Outdoors. Categories: Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News,…

Longtime Duluth City Attorney Suspended; No Comment From Mayor Larson’s Office

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson confirmed to FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s been placed on administrative suspension. Johnson said he was “shocked” to learn about his suspension last Wednesday and never saw anything of this magnitude coming from Mayor Emily Larson and her administration. Johnson said it’s his understanding a Twin Cities law firm has been…

Birkie Preps Are Well Underway For This Weekend

HAYWARD, Wis. – The town of Hayward is already beginning to transform and the excitement is building as everyone gets ready for the 46th Annual American Birkebeiner The cross-country ski race is one of the largest of its kind in North America. It typically draws tens of thousands of people including spectators and experienced skiers from around the world to…

2nd Annual “Superior Sinker” Event Underway

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One group of young professionals over in Superior is putting on a unique fundraiser. After its success last year, the organization Superior Jaycees is underway with its second annual “Superior Sinker” event. For the fundraiser, the group put a car out in the middle of the frozen pond on Barker’s Island. The public can now guess the…