Minnesota

‘Crush’ the Snapping Turtle Teaches Lessons at the Great Lakes Aquarium

The 50 pound common snapping turtle is at least 50 years old and he gets a healthy diet of mice, quail, and fish.

DULUTH, Minn. – Twice a week, Crush, the Great Lakes Aquarium’s resident snapping turtle, gets fed to help teach humans about the turtle. The 50-pound common snapping turtle is at least 50 years old and he gets a healthy diet of mice, quail, and fish. Snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water except for during mating season,…

Suspect in Fatal Downtown Duluth Shooting Found Guilty of Murder

Jamal Jackson is Being Held Without Bail

DULUTH, Minn. – The suspect accused of shooting and killing a Duluth man outside of a downtown bar in 2018 has been found guilty of murder. On Tuesday afternoon, a jury of six men and six women found 27-year-old Jamal Jackson guilty of second-degree intentional murder for the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Scott Pennington. St. Louis County prosecutor Jon Holets…

Driver in Fatal West Duluth Hit-and-Run Pleads Guilty

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man accused of fatally hitting and killing 30-year-old Peter Seppanen with his Jeep earlier this year pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday. According to court records, 30-year-old Stanley Brown pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide and test refusal in the second degree. Authorities say Brown admitted in July to being the driver of the Jeep…

Level 3 Predatory Offender Moving to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is releasing information to the public regarding a Level 3 predatory offender moving to Duluth. Authorities say Willie James Vaughn-Bey, 57, is moving to the vicinity of the 1700 Block of East Superior Street on November 15. According to reports, Vaughn-Bey has a history of sexual contact with a known minor female and…

Burglary Suspect Arrested Again

Carl Was Arrested Earlier This Month in Connection to a Burglary at Duluth Cider

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary after being released as he awaits trial for previous burglary arrests at multiple businesses in Lincoln Park. Police conducted a search warrant at 25-year-old Kyle Carl’s residence last week on the 2000 Block of West Second Street in response to other burglaries. While there,…

Police Patrolling Schools After Inmate Escape

Thirty-Four-Year-Old Ryan Petro is Still on the Run

WADENA, Minn. (AP) – Extra police officers are patrolling a central Minnesota school district after a jail inmate escaped as he was being taken to court. The Wadena-Deer Creek Public School District says all doors to the schools have been locked or manned, but classes are continuing as usual. Thirty-four-year-old Ryan Petro is still on the run Tuesday. Petro was…

Sacred Heart Music Center to Host Stage Dedication, Music Fest

The Stage Dedication and Music Fest is Happening Saturday, November 2 at Sacred Heart Music Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, November 2, Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth is hosting a stage dedication and Music Fest from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Music Center is located at 201 West 4th Street in Duluth, Minnesota. The event is open to the public with purchase of a ticket. Board member Mark Nicklawske stopped by FOX 21…

Report: Dysfunction at Agency Led to Overpayments to Tribes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor says “significant dysfunction” at the Department of Human Services resulted in $29 million in overpayments to two tribes for opioid treatment programs. The auditor’s office said in a report Tuesday the agency lacked authority to make the payments, no one at the department takes responsibility for the decision, and no one can…

Morning Update 10-29-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

DNR: 5,700 Hunters Bag Deer During Youth Season

More Than 5,700 Youth Hunters Bagged a Deer This Season

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says there was a strong response to the first statewide season for young deer hunters. The DNR says more than 5,700 youth hunters bagged a deer during the season which ran from Oct. 17 to Oct. 20. That’s an increase of 77 percent from last year’s youth hunt which…

MnDOT Hosts Monthly Construction Meeting

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT hosted its monthly construction meeting Monday. Among the updates were the announcements that summer projects like the repaving of Railroad Street and Garfield Avenue were completed. One of the bigger ones they showcased is a preview of the Lake Avenue bridge rehab work. The bridge crosses over Interstate 35. Rehab will begin next year. “Although it…

UMD Plans To Cut Over $5 Million From Next Year’s Budget

We have longtime faculty who don't know if they are going to have a job next year," said UMD Faculty Union President Scott Laderman

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth is planning to cut more than $5 million from its budget for next year. The potentially major cuts is causing concern among faculty and staff members at the university. Many are worried their jobs could be on the line. The substantial budget cuts are an attempt to recover from a longtime deficit…

New Pet Transportation Service Opening Soon in Twin Ports

Poocher Pet Shuttle will Begin Animal Transportation Services on Monday, November 4

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever needed to get your pet to an appointment, but simply don’t have the time or want to go out in the cold, a new business will soon be at your service in the Twin Ports. Poocher Pet Shuttle will be similar to Lyft and Uber, but will only transport animals. Owner Gerald Osgan recently…

Middle School Students Become Zoo Keepers for a Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Local middle school students got to take a break from their classes Monday morning and were able to experience what it’s like to be a zoo keeper. This is made possible because of a partnership between the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Lake Superior Zoo. Monday, the students were helping make the bears diet. It’s all to…

Ahoy Matey! Treasure Island Takes Center Stage at Duluth Playhouse Family Theater

Coffee Conversation: Treasure Island at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to set sail with young Jim Hawkins as Treasure Island comes to life on stage at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater. This performance is geared toward thrill-seekers of all ages with a story that’s both epic and funny. Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers the dreaded Black Spot to the aging sea captain,…

Spooktacular Family Fun Coming to Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

Boo Bash is Happening Wednesday, October 30 at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Parks and Recreation is partnering up with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland and many other fine sponsors to once again host the Halloween Boo Bash on Wednesday, October 30 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. The event will include a variety of activities…

Celebrating a Heavy Halloween with Heavy on Wrestling

About 500 people packed the event.

DULUTH, Minn,- About 500 Northlanders were ready to rumble as they packed the Clyde Malting Building for the first time, for Heavy Halloween 2. “Heavy on Wrestling, Heavy on Wrestling, Heavy on Wrestling,” said wrestler The System. Crowds go crazy at the boom of wrestlers hitting the ring and the grunts of wrestlers hitting each other. “I like hurting people,”…

Kids in Halloween Costumes on Parade at Fitger’s

First ever Halloween Party held at Spirit of the North Theater.

DULUTH, Minn.- Families got into the Halloween spirit with a kids parade at the Spirit of the North Theater at Fitger’s. Over 100 people gathered in the theater to watch their little ones strut their stuff across stage. It was put on by the Whimsy Children’s Boutique at Fitger’s. The owner said it was the perfect way to celebrate one…

Dogs Celebrate Howl-O-Ween at Canal Bark

Second annual party brought out 30-40 dogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The tails were wagging as Canal Bark had their second annual Howl–o–ween Party at their downtown Duluth location. The celebration featured doggy costume contests for big dogs, small dogs, and group costumes. About 30–40 dogs came through to see all the other pups in the Halloween spirit, and it seems to be just as fun for the owners…

People Rock the Finished 100th Block of Superior Street

Businesses celebrate, as City said construction should come to an end soon, weather permitting.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since Superior Street reconstruction began, a block party was held on a finished portion of the road. People packed the 100 Block of East Superior Street to “Rock the Block.” The event celebrated the completion of that part of the street. Area businesses said the construction was both a welcome change and a relief…

DEA, St. Louis County Accepts Unwanted Medications, Vapes

Biannual event held on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- For National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Drug Enforcement Administration held their biannual take back event at the St. Louis County Public Safety Building. According to officials, the hard part of preventing opioid addictions is that the number of opioids on the streets can never be known for sure. So events like these aim to get as…

Myers-Wilkins Elementary Celebrates “Books For Kids” Success

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday, Myers–Wilkins Elementary School in Duluth is celebrating a massive fundraising effort. The “books for kids” program has received more than $20,000 in donations allowing the school to put 10,000 books in the hands of its students. The school principal says, students are grateful for the generous donations. “Many of them said to me, do I really…

Dancing Candy Calories Away at Halloween Zumba

Ignite Studio in Duluth hosts Halloween Costume Contest and Zumba

DULUTH, Minn.- While Halloween is mostly about eating all the candy you can get, ghouls and goblins, superheroes and animals of all kinds danced the candy calories away at Ignite Studio. “I, as an adult love dressing up in costumes and I find every excuse, I do it several times a year,” said Zumba regular Alex Loch. “So this was…

Bridgeman’s Renovates Dining Area

Restaurant opened after remodel on Friday October 11th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bridgeman’s Restaurant is celebrating the recent renovation of their dining area. The restaurant officially opened after the remodel on Friday the 11th. They updated the tables, flooring, front area, and the seating in the dining room over the last few months. They say the new booths in particular spark old memories for some of their customers. “Probably the…

Saint Scholastica Hosts Culturally and Spiritually Responsive Healthcare Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, the second ever Culturally and Spiritually Responsive Healthcare Conference was held The College of Saint Scholastica Friday afternoon. The event brought hundreds of healthcare practitioners together from a variety of different backgrounds. Each were geared to help individuals learn about family, community and patient centered care for people with different backgrounds. Organizers say, the conference fulfills…

Whole Foods Co-op Announces Paper Bag Fee

DULUTH, Minn. – Whole Foods Co–op is now leading the way in helping Duluth reduce disposable bag usage. On Friday morning, the grocery store announced they will be charging an extra five cents per paper bag beginning January 1st. The fee will be added onto shoppers’ total at the checkout line. Managers say, it’s been successful at other whole foods…

Iron Range Murder Suspect Sentenced to Life in Prison

HIBBING, Minn. – A suspect who pleaded guilty to the January murder of 33-year-old Joshua LaValley has been sentenced. Today, 19-year-old Deshon Bonnell was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. LaValley’s body was found on the Mesabi Trail near Kerr on January 6. According to the Medical Examiner’s Office LaValley died from two…

Duluth Man Sentenced for Synagogue Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless man charged with starting the fire that destroyed the historic downtown Adas Israel Synagogue last month was sentenced in court Friday morning. 36-year-old Matthew Amiot was sentenced to four years supervised probation, 90 days in county jail and 192 hours of community service. Amiot had already served 36 days in jail which was credited from…

Zombies VS. Academics, UMD Brings Back ZombieFest

ZombieFest is Happening Wednesday, October 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD academics are sharing valuable research just in time for a potential Halloween zombie apocalypse. ZombieFest is Wednesday, October 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in room 90 of Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court. This event is free and open to the public. Seven speakers are joining together for this symposium on the topic of zombies, an…

UMinn Professor Accused of Embezzlement Reaches Deal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A University of Minnesota law professor accused of stealing millions of dollars from his father-in-law’s company has pleaded guilty in an agreement with prosecutors. Edward Adams entered the plea Thursday to a misdemeanor charge related to federal income taxes. Prosecutors agreed to drop the more serious charges and recommend probation with no time behind bars….

Project to Restart After American Indian Graves Disturbed

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Officials say a bridge project in Minnesota will get a do-over after an American Indian burial site was disturbed. Minnesota Department of Transportation officials spoke at a community meeting Wednesday night about the state road project on the western edge of Duluth. They said the project is being restarted next year. The Star Tribune reports an…

Cloquet Job Fair Addresses Need For Skilled Workers

This is the third year the job fair has been held at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn. – About 200 people had the opportunity to check out some of the latest jobs on the market at the Fall Harvest Job Fair in Cloquet. More than 40 employers from several different industries were onsite. The need for skilled labor workers has grown in recent years. As more building projects come forward more workers are needed especially…

Cloquet Affordable Housing Development Opens It’s Doors

About half of the development is already occupied.

CLOQUET, Minn. – A new housing development in Cloquet has finally opened its doors. White pines apartments began construction more than a year ago to help address a need for several affordable housing units in Cloquet. Finding affordable housing has become a big topic of concern for many people in the in Cloquet and across the Northland but opening This…

Native Americans to Protest Washington NFL Team Name

The Protesters Plan to March From Peavy Field Park

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and other Native American leaders will protest outside of U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of Thursday night’s Minnesota Vikings game to urge the visiting Washington team to retire the Redskins team name and mascot. She’ll be joined by state Reps. Mary Kunesh-Podein and Jamie Becker-Finn, who are also Native Americans, U.S. Rep. Betty…

Culver Township Church Damaged by Gunshots

CULVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what appears to be gunshot damage to the Faith Lutheran Church in Culver Township. Authorities say they received a report from the church, located on the 5700 Block of Highway 7, that windows as well as siding and the church sign were damaged. Investigators found the damage to…

Partial Proceeds of New Movie to Benefit John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Actor, Director, Producer Brian Presley Chats About New Movie, "The Great Alaskan Race"

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re trying to use the movie to help out others,” said Brian Presley, actor, producer, and director of “The Great Alaskan Race.” Presley is making a few stops in Duluth ahead of the nationwide release of the movie on Friday, October 25. Presley began writing the movie more than nine years ago, and is thrilled to see…

Going Bananas For Acai Bowls

COOKING CONNECTION: The Juice Pharm

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot goes “bananas” for the Peanut Butter Acai Bowl at The Juice Pharm. Blending acai berries, a Brazilian “superfruit” with a variety of fruit and other superfoods into an extra thick smoothie, poured into a bowl and topped off with a variety of fresh fruit, granola, coconut, more superfoods…

Former Duluth Dentist Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

Sentencing is Scheduled for February 20

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The former owner of a Duluth dental practice in Duluth has pleaded guilty to tax fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Gary Hedin failed to file required tax returns and pay employment taxes for the tax years 2012 through 2017 and owes nearly $160,000 in unpaid taxes to the IRS. The 41-year-old Hedin owned Downtown Dental…

Former UMD Coach Files Lawsuits Against University of Minnesota Board of Regents

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Cross Country Track and Field Head Coach, Joanna Warmington, filed two lawsuits against the University Of Minnesota Board Of Regents earlier this week claiming the University “violated Warmington’s due process” and defamed her character and reputation. Warmington announced her resignation in August 2018 alleging a “variety of NCAA violations at UMD.” According to court records,…

More Than 5,000 Cited for Using Cellphones While Driving

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State officials say more than 5,000 citations have been issued to drivers in Minnesota since a hands-free law took affect in August. The new law makes it illegal to use a cellphone while driving. Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike Hanson tells Minnesota Public Radio News law enforcement officers don’t have to determine what drivers…

Essentia Health Offers Community Booth Flu Shot Clinics

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health and Super One Foods partnered up to offer in-store flu shot clinics. People 19 years and older could get the shot, with the clinic also having high dose shots available for people 65 years and older. So far, reception for these easily accessible flu shots have been positive. “We’ve had a lot of people that…

Authorities Investigating Damage to South Ridge School, Believed to be Gunshot

NEW INDEPENDENCE TWP., Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they are investigating damage at South Ridge School when it was found that a window had been shot at. Deputies were dispatched to the school gymnasium just before 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for a complaint of criminal damage to property. Authorities found that damage to a window was the…

PolyMet Opponents Ask Appeals Court to Overturn Mine Permits

The Court of Appeals Usually Rules Within 90 Days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals is deciding whether to grant requests by opponents of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine to cancel two of its most important permits and order further proceedings. Ann Cohen, representing several environmental groups, told a three-judge panel Wednesday that PolyMet’s permit to mine and its dam safety permit lack enforceable terms…

76-Year-Old Minnesota Man Survives Home Explosion

(courtesy: Stearns County Sheriff’s Office) PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) – Officials are investigating a home explosion in Paynesville, Minnesota that – amazingly – left a man with only minor injuries. According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, at about 8:43 a.m. Tuesday, Paynesville police received a report of an explosion at a home in the 500 block of Morningside Ave. When officers arrived, they…

County Building Re-Opened in Virginia Following Reports of Potential Gas Leak

There Were no Reported Injuries

(courtesy: Mesabi Daily News) VIRGINIA, Minn. – The St. Louis County Government Services Center building in Virginia has re-opened following an evacuation Wednesday morning due to a possible gas leak. In a recent press release officials said a transformer was damaged during the demolition of the Northland Office Building which caused a power outage in the downtown area as well…

“The Haunt” at Poplar Golf Course

A Horrifying Haunted Experience Leads Northlanders Through Fear

POPLAR, Wisc. —  A small Wisconsin town is now hosting local screams, “The Haunt”! In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us inside at Poplar Golf Course, to experience a new fear. Formally known as The Haunt at Wentworth, it’s moved just a few miles down the road. “We had the opportunity to move it here and…

Duluth Pack Hosting 6th Annual Ladies Night

Duluth Pack is Hosting Ladies Night on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack will be hosting its 6th annual Ladies Night in-store retail event at their Canal Park retail location on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. The event is brought to the Northland region by Duluth Pack, local cidery, Wild State Cider and apparel partner, PrAna. “We are so proud for the sixth year in…