News

Duluth Highway 53 Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to try and keep drivers and the community up-to-date on what’s going on. Another camera has been added to the project site, and is available on the DOT website. During an online briefing today, the department said the project has also been fairly safe so far, with injuries to workers kept to…

Coffee Conversation: AICHO to Host Concert Fundraiser For DV Shelter Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) presents concert fundraiser for its domestic violence shelter expansion project. AICHO is expanding its DV shelter Dabinoo’Igan to increase resources and capacity to help more victims of domestic and sexual violence. A fundraiser concert will take place on April 6 at the NorShore Theater. AICHO Legal Advocate, Deanna Reder joined…

Beargrease Kicks Off At Billy’s Bar During Deep Freeze

DULUTH, Minn. — Even with temperatures below freezing, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon attracted hundreds of people to spectate the 39th run. However, the cold icy conditions makes this year’s race ideal for both dogs and mushers. “It should be faster,” said long-time musher Jennifer Freking. “Dogs feel pretty good and they like the cold. I expect the team…

Snow Leads To Massive Pileup In Wisconsin, Dozens Injured

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dozens of people were injured in a massive traffic pileup amid snowy conditions in southern Wisconsin on Friday, which blocked Interstate 39/90 for hours, authorities said. Beloit Memorial Hospital said at least 27 people were treated for injuries sustained in the crash, WIFR-TV reported. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear, the station said. State…

Duluth Mayor and Police Chief React to Memphis Police Beating Death

Duluth, Minn. – -Duluth’s Mayor and Police Chief posted statements on Social media Saturday regarding the release of the video which showed Tyre Nichols being beaten to death at the hands of five Memphis police offiicers. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said in a statment, “It’s an absolutely tragic and terrible death. I remain committed to the work ahead to listen…

Abortion Bill Passes Minnesota Senate

Duluth, Minn. —  After 15 hours of debate, the Minnesota Senate passed the Protect Reproduction Options bill, known as the PRO bill. It wasn’t until about 3 AM Saturday morning that the Senate voted. The vote went straight along party lines, DFLers 34, Republicans 33. Democrats had fast tracked the bill to codify the abortion rights in the state. Proponents…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Embraces the Cold

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Yes, it was cold out today, but that didn’t stop families from enjoying all the fun at the Lake Superior Ice Festival. The hay shuttle chauffeured people around the grounds of the festival where all kinds of things were happening. The Ice Carousel is always a standout feature, as the ice actually turns while you are on…

Cutest Puppy Contest held at Fitgers

DULUTH, Minn. — Walking through a hallway of Duluth’s most adorable puppies may sound like a dream, but it came true once again as 40 puppies, from the ages of 4 to 9 months, got a chance to prove that they are the cutest of them all. The event was free and open to the public with ballots being handed…

Police Chief Thankful For Community’s Support After Deaths Of Superior Officer’s Daughter, Retired K-9

K-9 Marik died one day after Hailey Eastman's unexpected death from an undiagnosed cardiac condition

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It has been a painful and challenging time over the past couple of weeks for the Superior Police Department with the unexpected losses of Sgt. Nick Eastman’s teenage daughter and his retired K-9 Marik. Late Friday, Police Chief Nicholas Alexander expressed his thanks to everyone who has helped his department through this difficult time. Hailey Eastman In…

New Billy’s Bar Owner Excited, Ready For Beargrease Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building for Sunday’s John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon. And that’s especially true for the new owner of Billy’s Bar. Billy’s is the starting line for Beargrease. It’s the prime spot to see all the dogs and mushers getting ready for the big race. For owner Brian Larson, he’s beyond ready to experience his first-ever Beargrease….

Lake Superior Ice Festival Kicks Off

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– The Lake Superior Ice Festival kicked off this evening in preparations for the main events tomorrow. It’s the 7th annual year for this event at Barkers Island. Tonight, there were yard games set up. Superior police officers and firefighters continued playing their traditional Kubb match. Visitors also got a chance to play some disc golf on the ice…

Ice Cross Racing at Mont Du Lac Resort

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– This weekend, the U.S Ice Cross Association is hosting its annual races at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior. Competitors race down a ice covered track, filled with, jumps, turns, and other obstacles. The Ice Cross Association travels across the world to host races, and welcome anyone interested to try it out. There is a Men’s and Women…

EMTs Meet in Duluth

Duluth, Minn. — Emergency Medical personnel, fire fighters and law enforcement professionals are meeting in Duluth. Attendees come from throughout the state and Wisconsin to learn more about new and different ways to deal with traumatic events. The job can be stressful, sometimes very stressful, but there ae many people who want to get into the field, generally known as…

Minnesota Senate Debates More Protection For Abortion Rights

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate began debate Friday on a bill to write broad protections for abortion rights into state statutes, which would make it difficult for future courts to roll back. Democratic legislative leaders have fast-tracked the bill as one of their top priorities for the 2023 session — in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last summer to reverse Roe…

Video Shows Struggle For Hammer During Pelosi Attack

(AP) — Video released publicly Friday shows the husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi fighting with his assailant for control of a hammer moments before he was struck in the head during a brutal attack in the couple’s San Francisco home last year. The body-camera footage shows suspect David DePape wrest the tool from Paul Pelosi, 82, and…

Bayfield Up For Two USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

BAYFIELD, Wis. — Bayfield is receiving some special recognition as it is up for two USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. These awards are highlighting the town in the categories, “Best Coastal Small Town” and “Best Midwestern Small Town.” Bayfield is known for being right on Lake Superior offering lots of boating and fishing, as well as it’s close proximity…

Lincoln Park Winter Farmers Market

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park Farmers market usually runs during the summer, but on Thursday vendors had a chance to take part in a Winter Market. It was held at the Harrison Community Center and featured ten vendors and three community organizations. Produce, candles, stickers, and jewelry were just some of the products for sale at the market. SNAP…

Stauber Talks About U.S. Connection To Congo Child Labor For Mining After Order To Protect BWCAW

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08) said on Thursday that the Biden administration’s decision to section off 350-square miles of the Superior National Forest from mining projects for 20 years means that the U.S. could rely on child labor overseas. The decision was made due to environmental concerns of potential mining near the Rainy River Watershed close to…

Fun Outside As Preparations Are Underway For Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival begins Friday afternoon in Superior. The event takes place all over Barkers Island. Preparations for the two-day festival were underway Thursday afternoon. Crews were clearing snow away from parking areas, fire pits were being spread out and work was well underway for the Ice Carousel, always one of the highlights of…

Damiano Center Hosts Community Event For Those In Need

DULUTH, Minn. — Every October and January a community event is held as a one-stop-shop service for Northland members in need. Thursday, the Damiano Center hosted the Donna Howard Community Connect that involved local organizations such as Safe Haven, Life House, and the Salvation Army. They provided various free resources such as haircuts, hot meals, and help with getting warrants…

Superintendent Says Cherry School’s Noxious Smell Likely Fixed After Propane Leak

CHERRY, Minn. — After complaints of a noxious odor at the Cherry School, the superintendent says the issue is now hopefully fixed. Dr. Reggie Engebritson, the superintendent of St. Louis County Schools, said on Wednesday that the district “found a small leak on the roof and turned off the propane,” with contractors fixing the leak “immediately.” Dr. Engebritson added that…

DA: 5 Memphis Cops ‘All Responsible’ For Tyre Nichols’ Death

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Five fired Memphis police officers were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes in the killing of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told a news conference that although the officers each played different roles in the…

Abortion Front And Center In Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A liberal judge running in a pivotal race to determine majority control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court touts her support for abortion rights in the first two television ads of the closely watched race launched Thursday. The winner of the April 4 election will determine whether the court remains under control of conservative justices or flips to a…

Minnesota Boundary Waters: US Moves To Protect Area From Planned Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Biden administration moved Thursday to protect northeastern Minnesota’s pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from future mining, dealing a potentially fatal blow to a copper-nickel project. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed an order closing over 350 square miles (900 square kilometers) of the Superior National Forest, in the Rainy River Watershed around the town of Ely, to…

St. Luke’s Volunteer Receives State Award

DULUTH, Minn. — One community member now holds a commendable state award for more than 25 years spent volunteering at St. Luke’s. Wednesday, Linda Tezak was granted the “Presidents Award” from Minnesota Association of Healthcare Volunteers. Tezak is currently the MAHV Membership Chair and Interim District B Chair. She’s been volunteering with St. Luke’s for more than 25 years completing…

Gooseberry Falls Park in the Winter

Duluth, Minn. — It’s been a very snowy winter, and now the deep cold is moving in.  This could mean that Cabin Fever is at your doorstep and it’s time to begin to fight that feeling. Ted Kent, who was at Gooseberry Falls Park said, “So beautiful, especially when it’s snowing.” As he was talking you could hear the birds…

DPD Looking for Applicants for Citizen Police Academy

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is looking for more applicants to join their upcoming Citizen Police Academy. It’s a 12-week program that the DPD puts on every year as a way for community members to build relationships with officers and learn what they do day in and day out. The course consists of speakers, presentations, and demonstrations from…

Superior High School Hosts Career Fair

SUPERIOR, Wisc– Students at Superior High School got a chance to explore options for future careers. The 2 hour long career fair was open for all grades, 9 to 12. With booths from Lake Superior College, Frasier Shipyards, and even military services. The fair was the second of the year at the High School, centered around construction and trades. Superior…

Walz Extends Unemployment Pay For Northeast Minnesota Miners

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz signed his second bill of the young 2023 legislative session Wednesday, extending unemployment benefits for six months for more than 400 laid-off workers at Northshore Mining. Northshore Mining shut down May 1, and about 450 workers out of around 580 workers there and at an associated contractor have been laid off. Unemployment…

Faculty Calls On Embattled Minnesota College Head To Resign

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Faculty leaders at a Minnesota college that dismissed an art history instructor who showed depictions of the Prophet Muhammad in a course have overwhelmingly called for the university president to resign. Faculty leaders at Hamline University said 71 of 92 members who attended a meeting Tuesday voted to call on President Fayneese Miller to resign immediately. They…

Minnesota ‘Name A Snowplow’ Finalists Announced

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The finalists for MnDOT’s 2022-2023 “Name a Snowplow” are in and the voting is open. MnDOT announced the 60 finalists Wednesday morning, which include “Miracle on Ice,” “Taylor Drift” and “Camp Scoopy”. The finalists were selected from over 10,000 submissions. According to MnDOT, the finalists were selected based on “including uniqueness, frequency of submissions, Minnesota-specific ideas, and names…

Chum Food Shelf Program In Need Of Drivers

DULUTH, Minn. — If you need food, just head to the grocery store. For some people it is not that easy. Chum’s food shelf is looking for volunteer drivers to make deliveries every other Thursday between 9.30 am and 12. “The people who get the deliveries are people with disabilities, seniors, families who don’t have transportation, and it’s also designed…

Coffee Conversation: Two Harbors Musher Gears Up for Beargrease Race

DULUTH, Minn. — Two Harbors Musher Colleen Wallin and sled dog Maple joined FOX21 on the morning show ahead of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon this weekend. The Beargrease Marathon starts at 10:00 am Sunday, Jan. 29 at Billy’s Bar in Duluth and will finish around 5:00 pm Tuesday, Jan. 31 at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. This…