News

NORTHLAND: Two Major Wildfires Expand to Over 35,000 Acres

From wildfire.gov, Image by T. Krueger Northland, MN — Two major wildfires continue to burn in northeastern Minnesota, prompting evacuations and drawing additional firefighting resources to the region. As of Wednesday morning, the Jenkins Creek Fire in St. Louis County has grown to 20,593 acres, while the Camp House Fire near Brimson is now reported at 14,979 acres. The Jenkins…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Art Institute Annual Member Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Now through June 9, the Duluth Art Institute’s Annual Member Show is on display, celebrating the vibrant and diverse talents of local artists across a wide range of mediums. Christina Woods, Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute (DAI), joined the broadcast to share details about the community exhibit. The Annual Member Show features around 140 works…

FOX 21 9 P.M. Wildfire Coverage: May 13, 2025

DULUTH, Minn. —  Click the video above to watch the first 15 minutes of FOX 21’s 9 p.m. wildfire coverage from Tuesday, May 13.   Topics covered included the latest acres burned, an update on firefighting efforts from Incident Command in Two Harbors, and what St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay believes caused the three separate wildfires that continued to burn…

Students Race in Fit-N-Fun Run

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Students raced in the annual Essentia health Fit N Fun Run. Students between third and fifth grade ran the quarter-mile race. Each student received a ribbon and commemorative T-shirt. Families and other students were also able to cheer classmates on. “I think it’s really great to have kids be part of this race style atmosphere, especially…

Seagull Outfitters Under New Ownership

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — Seagull Outfitters and Cabins has new owners. Grant and Christina Hopke purchased the well-loved Boundary Waters outfitter. According to the press release, they have a deep respect for the traditions of the outfitter and the area. Grant worked there previously during college and bonded with the staff, guests, land and waters. As they prepare for their…

Superior National Forest Closing Areas Around Brimson Due To Fire

Superior National Forest Brimson Complex Fire Area Closure DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the Brimson Complex fires (Camp House & Jenkins Creek fires) on the Superior National Forest (SNF) is closing a portion of the Laurentian Ranger District. Forest Supervisor Tom Hall elected to close visitor entry at campsites, recreation sites, trails, roads and lakes. The areas including range from near…

140 Structures Destroyed In Camp House Fire

Camp House Fire Damage BRIMSON, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say, as of Tuesday afternoon, “approximately 140 structures” have been destroyed in the Camp House wildfire. The fire has spread to more than 12,000 acres. The road closure on Hwy 44 from Rollins Road (Hugo’s Bar) to Townline Road is still in effect. Sheriff’s deputies and the…

Regional Group To Take Over Minnesota Wildfire Fighting

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. That will change the morning of Wednesday, May 14. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team will assume…

Camp House Fire Nears 12,000 Acres With No Containment

BRIMSON, MN – The Camp House Fire, burning north of Brimson since Sunday, May 11, has grown to 11,778 acres with 0% containment. The fire remains active and unpredictable, fueled by dry conditions and spruce budworm-infested forests. What Northlanders Need to Know: Fire Status: Crews continue aggressive suppression efforts, protecting nearby structures. Yesterday’s fire activity included torching and spot fires….

80 Wildfires Around Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in a news release says since Sunday (May 11), firefighters have responded to approximately 80 wildfires throughout Minnesota. Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) Three big wildfires are burning in Northeast Minnesota. As of Tuesday morning the information on the fires include: Camp House Fire Developed May 11, 2025. Currently 11,778  acres…

Lowell Elementary Teacher Named 2025 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher

Lowell Elementary teacher Megan Bennett, center, reacts after being named the 2025 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Monday, May 12, 2025, at Lincoln Park Middle School. (Adelle Wellens, Duluth Public Schools) DULUTH, Minn. – Lowell Elementary first grade Spanish teacher Megan Bennett was named this year’s Goldfine Gold Star Teacher during a ceremony Monday, Manley and Lillian Goldfine established the Goldfine…

Bait and Tackle Shops Busy for Minnesota Fishing Opener

FREDENBURG, Minn. –In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the fishing opener is like an unofficial holiday for Minnesotans. “It’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a tradition. It’s really kind of the kickoff to summer, it’s an essential part of being a Minnesotan,” Emily Manning, Fredenberg Minno-ette Inc. Store Manger said. Across the state, boaters hit the…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Career Specialist Shares Job Market Insight

DULUTH, Minn. — As graduation season kicks into high gear, many college seniors are feeling the pressure of entering a competitive and uncertain job market. On Tuesday, May 13, UMD Career Specialist Molly Stonesifer joined the FOX 21 Morning Newscast to offer valuable advice and encouragement for recent and soon-to-be graduates. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Activities Dir.: ‘Sexual Toy’ Is Center Of Hazing Investigation Involving Superior H.S. Boys Lacrosse Team

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A hazing investigation is underway by the Superior Police Department involving the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. In an email to the families of the team, Activities Director Ella Olson said she and the dean of students interviewed “many boys regarding the ‘sexual toy’ that was brought into the BLAX hotel and made its way into…

Sheriff: 40-Plus Structures Destroyed In ‘Camp House’ Fire Near Brimson

As Tuesday morning, there were no reports of injuries of fatalities in the three active wildfires in St. Louis County.

CAMP HOUSE FIRE: Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) One day after a massive wildfire erupted near Brimson, officials reported Monday night that at least 40 structures had been destroyed by the Camp House wildfire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office made that announcement about the losses in a news release around 10:30 p.m. The Camp House fire grew to…

Nearly 40 Residents Displaced After Apartment Bldg. Fire

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.– Four days after a fire affected the West Hillside Manor Apartment building in Moose Lake, nearly 40 residents have been evacuated. Hotels churches and shelters are stepping up to aid them during this difficult time. “It was midnight, all of a sudden fire strobe lights were going off and I flew out of bed. And went and…

Air Quality Alert Due To Wildfires In Northeast Minnesota

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Monday, May 12, through Tuesday, May 13, for northeast Minnesota  

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota due to the wildfires in the area. Air Quality Alert (May 12 – May 13, 2025) Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category or worse. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ely is in the middle of the Purple zone…

Minnesota National Guard Called to Help Fight Wildfires

ST. PAUL, Minn, – Governor Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance to help fight the Camp House wildfire in northern Minnesota. He signed an executive order for the National Guard to assist the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center with fire suppression efforts and assets. Governor Walz said in a news release, “Wildfires in northern Minnesota…

Flying into Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day

DULUTH, Minn.– The snow is melted, and the sun is shining that alone is something to celebrate. But with the turning of seasons, there was another special celebration. “It’s really important to highlight the really vital role that Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin along Lake Superior play for bird migration. And even just the interaction of the urban and rural with…

Highway 61 Construction Project Begins Between Grand Marais and Grand Portage

HOVLAND, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation started construction on a portion of Highway 61 on Monday, May 12. Crews will be completing culvert replacement work on the highway between Grand Marais and Grand Portage. The project will replace culverts at six locations around Hovland over two years. Starting Monday, traffic will be reduced to one lane near Myhr…

Hazing Investigation At Superior High School

UPDATE: The Wisconsin Dells Police Chief tells FOX 21 that his agency is investigating an “incident involving juveniles” that was referred to them by the Superior Police Department, but did not confirm the incident was regarding the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. SUPERIOR, Wis. – FOX 21 has received tips about possible hazing regarding the Superior High School boys…

MN Camp House Fire Grows to 750 Acres; 0% Contained

Brimson, MN (May 12, 2025) – The Camp House Fire, reported Sunday afternoon north of Brimson, has burned approximately 750 acres and remains at 0% containment. DCIM100MEDIADJI_0453.JPG The blaze is threatening nearby structures and burning in dense, spruce budworm-infested forest near the Lake County boundary. Minnesota Incident Command Team C, led by Incident Commander Jeb Backe, assumed command at 7…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth’s Best Bread Wednesday Night Farmer’s Market

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s officially farmer’s market season — and this year, Duluth’s Best Bread is adding a fresh spin by hosting its own Wednesday night markets throughout May at both its Downtown Duluth and Superior locations. Co-owner Robert Lillegard appeared live on Fox 21’s morning show to share more about the event. The weekly market runs from 6:00 PM…

‘Rapidly Spreading’ Wildfire Reported Near Brimson; Dozens Of Residents Evacuate

AULT TOWNSHIP, Minnesota — Multiple fire agencies are battling a “rapidly spreading” wildfire around the 2200 block of Highway 44 in Ault Township near Brimson. Courtesy: April Schultz The call for help came in around 1:15 p.m. Sunday. The flames were traveling in a northeasterly direction through the woods. As of 10 p.m. Sunday, the fire was estimated to be…

Sheriff: Canoeist Found Dead While On Trip In BWCAW

The body of a canoeist was recovered Saturday afternoon from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. United State Forest Service employees located a capsized canoe around 2:20 p.m. Saturday on Iron Lake, which is just north of Ely. “Upon investigating further, the USFS employees located a deceased individual and their gear floating near the canoe,” according to the St. Louis…

Duluth Farmers Market Opens for the Season

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the Northlands biggest signs of summer is here, and that’s the season opening of the Duluth Farmers Market. For over 100 years local farmers and crafters have been selling produce, plants, jewelry and much more at the market. Community members flocked to market for opening day, getting a taste of the produce to come throughout…

Anglers Hit the Water For 2025 Minnesota Fishing Opener

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday kicked off the Minnesota fishing opener, and anglers took to the water in hopes of reeling in a big one. The fishing opener is like an unofficial holiday across the state. Hundreds of boaters hit the water looking for some of Minnesota’s most popular fish including walleye, bass, and northern pike. During the fishing opener almost…

UMD Holds Commencement for 2025 Graduating Class

DULUTH, Minn. — As the school year wraps up, graduation season is upon us, and the University of Minnesota Duluth celebrated the class of 2025 at AMSOIL Arena on Saturday. Over 1,600 students attended this years commencements, there was two ceremonies on Saturday, in the morning and the afternoon. Bulldog students who earned their bachelor’s degree, doctoral degree, or master’s…

Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — The fire danger in the Northland has been rated as high, as a result the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued burn restrictions across the region. “This upcoming pattern that we’re going to be looking at as far as creating these possible critical fire weather conditions, especially Sunday and Monday, is something that we generally see,…

42 People Displaced After Fire in Moose Lake

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – 42-people were displaced early in the morning of May 9, 2025 after an apartment fire. Moose Lake Fire District firefighters says they responded to Hillside Manor West and discovered a smoke filled building. An apartment on third floor had a small kitchen fire but the sprinklers system had extinguished it. There were no injuries. There was…

Front Of Building Collapses in Eveleth

EVELETH, Minn. – The front of an apartment building in Eveleth collapsed the morning of May 8, 2025. The front of Essling Apartments in Eveleth collapsed The Friends of the Northland FireWire says the incident occurred around 11:00am at the Essling Apartments at the corner of Jones Street and Adams Avenue near downtown Eveleth. No injuries have been reported. The…

Nate Bargatze Breaks Elton John’s AMSOIL Attendance Record

DULUTH, Minn. – Comedian Nate Bargatze made history May 8, 2025 breaking AMSOIL Arena all-time attendance record with an unprecedented 7,840 tickets sold. Nate Bargatze Big Dub Eyes Tour Artwork Bargatze’s “Big Dumb Eyes” world tour kicked off its U.S. leg at Duluth’s AMSOIL Arena. The Grammy-nominated comedian’s performance surpassed the previous attendance record held by music legend Elton John. John’s…

Coffee Conversation: Bent Paddle Celebrates 12 Years With Festiversary

DULUTH, Minn. — This Saturday, May 10, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is marking 12 years of craft beer excellence with its annual outdoor celebration—Festiversary. Hannah Bourgault, Marketing Coordinator at Bent Paddle, joined Fox 21 News live Friday morning to share the details. From 2 to 8 p.m., West Michigan Street and the surrounding neighborhood parking lots will be transformed into…

True North Goodwill Leaving Garfield Ave., Opening $20M Headquarters At Atlas Industrial Park

Goodwill's headquarters near the Blatnik Bridge have been in operation since 1980.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1980, Duluth’s Goodwill has operated its headquarters near the base of the Blatnik Bridge on Garfield Avenue. But now, that’s about to change in a big way. A new True North Goodwill Resource and Training Center will be built in a new location at the Atlas Industrial Park on the western end of Duluth, which is…

Black Bear Casino Celebrates Event Center Expansion

CARLTON, Minn.– Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton near the Fond du Lac Reservation is celebrating the completion of a three-year long project. The 21-million-dollar expansion is finally complete after a year filled with construction. The new event center space is introducing 8 new rooms that can be used for conferences, banquets, or breakout sessions. And with the 20,000…

Small Campfire Spreads To Home

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A small campfire spread and started a cabin on fire plus the burned some surrounding woods. It happened on May 8th, 2025 around 3:00pm on the 4500 Block of Serenity Point Road, in Greenwood Township. The cabin was a total loss. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says multiple fire departments responded and were able to…

New Pope Is An American

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Catholic cardinals broke with tradition Thursday and elected the first U.S. pope, making Chicago-born missionary Robert Prevost the 267th pontiff to lead the Catholic Church in a moment of global turmoil and conflict. Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order who spent his career ministering in Peru, took the name Leo XIV. In his first…

‘Upper Lakes Food Show’ Feeds Customers and Clients

DULUTH, Minn.– The Upper Lakes Food Show is a chance for distributors to show off what they’re known for. They do this through sampling, demonstrations, and even simple conversation. “This is a cool opportunity for us to introduce new items, so items that maybe they haven’t seen yet before. Vendors that they didn’t know they worked with,” said Mitch Ryan,…

Mayor: Duluth’s Local Government Aid Could Be Cut By $1.1M

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is concerned, but not surprised, more Local Government Aid (LGA) could be cut from the city. On Wednesday, Reinert said the Minnesota Legislature’s Senate Committee on Taxes released its omnibus tax bill, which includes a 3.1 percent cut to Duluth’s LGA, or $1.1 million out of the city’s general fund budgets. Mayor Reinert…

Douglas County Humane Society Takes In Malnourished Horse, Needs Donations

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A severely malnourished horse is in need of financial support to get back to good health. The Douglas County Humane Society is organizing the fundraiser for Sunny the horse.  The staff members said Sunny is with a loving foster home right now while the long road to recovery begins. While the Humane Society did not give specifics…