News

Eastridge Community Church is Back with 10th Annual Trunk or Treat

DULUTH, Minn.- Eastridge Community Church in Duluth hosted its 10th Annual Trunk or Treat event today. The free event included bounce houses, music, and more. Even a few popular food trucks came out for some of the annual festivities. People were eager to come out in Halloween costumes, going trunk-to-trunk for candy, after not having the event last year due…

Minnesota Liquor Sales Soared in 2020 for a Record Year

Sales at the state’s 213 “munis” jumped 10% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sales at municipal liquor stores in Minnesota soared in 2020 for a record-breaking year. Sales at the state’s 213 “munis” jumped 10% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by State Auditor Julie Blaha. In recent years, a typical sales increase has been in the range of 1 to 3%. With many…

Haunted Yard in Cloquet Raises Money for County Seat Theater, Donations for Food Shelf

CLOQUET, Minn.- One man in Cloquet decked out his yard for a fun trick-or-treat destination, while also raising funds for the County Seat Theater and donations for the local food shelf. FOX 21 Photojournalist Marcus Asmus takes us to the Nicholson Haunted Yard. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Bil Nicholson, Halloween, Halloween Decorations, haunted yard

Haunted Barn Bringing Frights, Funds for Rice Lake Fire Department Saturday

Organizer Katie Engen says her older daughter wanted to help after seeing the fires up north.

DULUTH, Minn. –  If you were looking for a Halloween activity Saturday a bit more out of town, one family is continuing their tradition while also helping out first responders. The Haunted Barn at 3974 Hicken Road in Rice Lake Township is back this year, free for kids. Donations are encouraged, which go towards the Rice Lake Fire Department. Organizer…

Duluth Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison for Murder of St. Cloud Professor in June

On October 1, officials said Jason Beckman plead guilty and admitted the intentional homicide.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- Authorities have sentenced a 45-year-old Duluth man to more than 32 years in prison, for the murder of Ed Ward, a longtime St. Cloud Professor with ties in Duluth, this past June. According to the Stearns County Attorney’s Office, Jason Beckman of Duluth was sentenced to 386 months in prison Friday for intentional murder in the second…

Law Enforcement Prepared For Busy Halloweekend

DULUTH, Minn. –The Minnesota State Patrol is not messing around this Halloween. Normally a pretty busy night for them, they want to make sure the holiday doesn’t contribute to the record-breaking number of traffic deaths the state’s seen so far this year. Last year they reported 318 arrests state-wide, averaging three per hour on Halloween. A Lieutenant with the State…

Trick Or Treat At Lowell Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Lowell Elementary School invited students and families to come for a trick or treat hike through the school grounds this afternoon. Kids dressed as animals, super heroes, or their favorite Disney character, took a walk through the woods of Lowell Elementary to collect candy from their teachers and different treats from staff. This is a PTA event…

Duluth Parks and Rec Hosting ‘Halloween Hunt’ in Lincoln Park

There Are 20 Halloween Symbols Hidden Throughout Lincoln Park Along Miller Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking to gorge yourself on festive fun this weekend while enjoying the nice weather, Duluth Parks and Rec has an opportunity for you. They’re hosting a Halloween Hunt in Duluth’s Lincoln Park. All weekend long, families and all hikers are encouraged to trek along Miller Creek in the park, looking for 20 Halloween-themed symbols in…

Fire Officials Encourage Safety First This Halloween Weekend

Children Should Have Bright Colored Costumes, Reflective Material While Trick-or-Treating

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department wants to make sure everyone enjoys treats, not tricks this Halloween weekend. They’re looking to remind parents and children of the potential dangers associated with trick-or-treating. After COVID-19 practically sidelined festive fun last year, they’re encouraging parents to have a talk with kids before heading out to collect candy. It’s important to stay…

Halloween Marks 30th Anniversary of 1991 Blizzard

The storm dumped over 30 inches of snow in the northland during a three-day period.

DULUTH, Minn. — Weather forecasters are looking back at an even more scary holiday as Sunday marks 30 years since the 1991 blizzard in Minnesota. The storm dumped over 30 inches of snow in the northland during a three-day period. It broke records that still hold up decades later. Experts at the National Weather Service in Duluth say technology back…

Vintage Hideaway Market Brings Out Christmas Decor

With eight vendors now using the new space, they wanted to make sure they get their holiday products out early for crafters.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas? One local shop in Hermantown doesn’t think so. Vintage Hideaway Market has already set out a variety of Christmas items as they anticipate a busy holiday season. With eight vendors now using the new space, they wanted to make sure they get their holiday products out early for…

Lakewood Elementary Students Participate in Halloween Parade

Staff hope they can continue the tradition of going outside next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — Little ghouls and fairies paraded around Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth for their annual Halloween parade. With more than 200 students in the school, most of them were dressed up in their costumes for the end-of-the-day parade. A new element was added this year, where the students would be able to go outside and walk around the…

FDA Paves Way for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations in Young Kids

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration has paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The agency authorized the kid-size doses on Friday. But there’s one more regulatory hurdle. Next week, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will discuss which youngsters should get vaccinated. In the meantime, Pfizer plans…

Spooktacular Fun Planned in Superior This Weekend

Events Kick off Friday with the Fun Wrapping Up on Halloween Night

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Calling all ghosts and goblins! If you’re looking for spooktacular fun, head to the City of Superior this weekend. The annual Superior Spooktacular celebration begins Friday at 3 p.m. with Trick-or-Treating in the Business Improvement District. There will then be a drive-in movie at World of Wheels, and the free ‘Massacre on Hammond’ walk-thru display at 7…

Midday Update 10-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 29, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 10-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 29, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Judge Says Man Unfit for Trial, Cites Energy Drink Testimony

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge said a Minnesota man accused of killing three family members with a wrench is mentally incompetent to stand trial, citing testimony from doctors about his schizophrenia intensified by his consumption of energy drinks. David Ekers, 36, was charged with three counts of second-degree murder in last year’s attack in a Minneapolis suburb that killed his…

28-Year-Old Dies After Being Hit By Car While Crossing Street In Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. — A 28-year-old man from Hibbing died on Thursday evening after he was hit by a small SUV while crossing a street in the city, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. An 18-year-old man, also a Hibbing resident, was driving a Ford Ecosport and heading north on Highway 169 close to Howard Street just after 6:30 p.m. At…

Trick Or Treat At Fairlawn Mansion

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Fairlawn Mansion in Superior opened its front doors for a Halloween trick or treat event Thursday and Friday. Kids and families can go up the front steps and get candy, while being able to wander the first floor and look around the mansion. Staff says the front doors aren’t opened often to preserve their history and…

Duluth East Performs Freaky Friday Through Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East is showcasing its first all in-person theater production, starting Thursday and through the weekend. The cast is performing Disney’s Freaky Friday, which has been in the works since auditions back in May. They say building the set was a challenge with lumber being expensive through the pandemic, and there have been quarantine interruptions with the…

Lights On Afterschool Highlights Programs Who Help Beyond The Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — An after school program collaboration between Duluth Public Schools and the YMCA has been around since 2012, but Thursday, one of these programs took a chance to recognize the importance of them. Lights On Afterschool, was recognized by the Keyzone After School Program of Piedmont Elementary School which has about 1,000 students enrolled in the program. Staff…

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Looking for More Fosters, Adopters

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Looks to Break Down the Stigma Surrounding 'Bully Breeds'

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking to make a big impact in the lives of animals this month, look no further. October serves as Pit Bull Awareness Month. It’s a time when activists and rescue operations spread the word of positivity. Twin Cities-based Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue serves the entire state with a mission of taking rescued pit bulls in…

Costco Hosts Grand Opening In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. —  “I think they will be impressed with their first time at a Costco,” Duluth Costco General Manager John Kuzas said Thursday. The wholesale retail store is now officially open in Duluth. “There was a lot of excitement this morning we had people lining up at about seven o’clock,” Kuzas said. One of those people was Myra Cloud…

Duluth Marshall to Start Nature-Based School

The school will officially open in the fall of next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — Excitement is building for a new nature-based school on the campus of Duluth Marshall. The Forest School will serve 4-year-olds up to 4th graders. The goal is to increase academic achievement, social skills and self-management skills. Students will use Duluth Marshall’s campus, which sits on 40 acres of trails, fields and creeks — making for a natural…

City of Duluth Offers Date Night Childcare

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department offers a two-hour childcare service on November 5 as part of their new Date Night Childcare Program. The childcare program charges eight dollars for each child between the ages five and 12. The service will be held at the Portman Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The parks staff will conduct group…

The Duluth Fire Department is Hiring

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department is hiring for two different positions and encouraging people to apply now. The fire department has open positions for a traditional entry-level firefighter and lateral firefighter role. The traditional entry-level firefighter job listing requires applicants to pass the written entry exam held at Lake Superior College on December 3rd. The lateral positions are open…

Damiano Center Hosts Community Event

DULUTH, Minn.- The Damiano Center in Central Hillside hosts its annual Community Connect event, where they provide several different services to people in need. One main goal of the community event is to get people ready for the colder seasons with health services, winter clothing, and food. Various organizations provided vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and assisted-living services to homeless people or…

Victims Identified in Home Explosion, Fire Near Tower

(courtesy: Facebook/Friends of the Northland FireWire via The Timberjay Newspaper) GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities have identified the two victims in Wednesday’s house explosion and fire near Tower Minnesota. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says 72-year-old Michael Gramse was found severely injured in the yard by fire crews when they arrived at the scene around 9:36 a.m. According to…

Midday Update 10-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Second Harvest Launches New Program to Rescue Food for Local Families

DULUTH, Minn. – Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank announced Thursday it is launching a new program to rescue food for local families. Through the program, called “Fresh Connect,” volunteers can pick up food from convenience stores, retailers, restaurants, and caterers and deliver it to local food shelves, on-site meal programs, or the food bank directly. “The pandemic has affected…

UW System To Follow Vaccine Order for Federal Contractors

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System says it will comply with an executive order issued by President Biden that requires federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Biden’s order has convinced colleges across the country to institute vaccine requirements, even in some conservative states where governors and legislators oppose mandates. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the…

Morning Update 10-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Biden at Capitol to Pitch $1.75T Agenda, Unite Democrats

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden is traveling to Capitol Hill to pitch House Democrats on a dramatically scaled back domestic policy package. It’s now $1.75 trillion and without a paid family leave program and other priorities. But it’s still a sweeping proposal with new health care, free-prekindergarten, and climate change programs. Later, the president will make remarks at the…

Stiffest Charge Stands for Ex-cop Who Killed Daunte Wright

MINNEAPOLIS – A Minnesota judge has denied a defense request to dismiss the most serious charge against a former suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she meant to use a Taser instead of a handgun when she fatally shot Black motorist Daunte Wright. Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter will stand trial in Hennepin County on first- and second-degree…

Duluth Consignment Shop Stocked With Winter Apparel

DULUTH, Minn. – With the weather turning cooler, a Duluth consignment shop has ditched its summer items for winter apparel. The Great Lakes Gear Exchange on East 4th Street has more than 1,600 consigners with cold-weather items in their store right now. The switchover to winter was made in early October and will continue until the end of March with…

Local Dealership Says There’s A Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles

DULUTH, Minn.- More people are going electric in the Northland. Local car dealerships are noticing an uptick in customers looking for electric vehicles, especially with more auto suppliers coming out with electric models, increasing gas prices, and the environmental benefits. “Been over the last couple of years, but there’s been more and more interest in the electric car since companies…

Curling Olympic Trials Underway at Curl Mesabi

The last time Northern Minnesota held a trials was for the men’s and women’s curling team in 1998, but this is the first time a Mixed Doubles Olympic Trials has been held.

EVELETH, Minn. — The US Olympic Trials for Mixed Doubles Curling is going on this week in Eveleth, and teams from all over the US are here vying for a spot on the US National Team as they get ready for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The trials started Tuesday with 10 teams, playing a round robin tournament till…

Outfitters Preparing for Winter Camping

The business' manager says there's nothing quite like winter camping at the BWCA.

ELY, Minn. — Camping became more popular as people changed up their hobbies and habits during the pandemic, and that includes even camping in the cold. The Piragis Northwoods Company in Ely is one of the few outfitting companies in the area which continues to draw in campers during the winter time. The shelves are stocked with everything they need…

Zup’s Opens In New Location

Store owners say they have added 30 employees giving them 90 total. 

ELY, Minn. — Folks in one part of the Northland have a brand new option for buying groceries. After closing their old location in mid-October, Zup’s has now officially opened a new store in Ely formerly occupied by Shopko. “They needed to expand, and they did. It’s a wonderful location,” Ely Resident James Stone says. While it’s still on the…

Hermantown Haunted Trail Fundraiser for the Community and Former Teacher

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown High School Student Council and Civility Club are hosting the school’s 3rd annual Haunted Trails fundraiser this Saturday, and 40 percent of the proceeds will go to the Dobinson family. Former 9th-grade chemistry teacher, Tony Dobinson, was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer this past summer, preventing his return as a teacher this school year. Tony…

The DECC is Installing a New Ice Plant

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is making some changes to the North Pioneer Hall refrigeration room, not long after an ammonia leak shut down the facility for a couple of days this past summer. Home to the Duluth Curling Club, the facility began construction on Tuesday and plans to have the project completed in time for curling leagues…

Update: One Dead, One Severely Injured in Home Explosion, Fire Near Tower

(courtesy: Facebook/Friends of the Northland FireWire via The Timberjay Newspaper) GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. Authorities say human remains have been found inside the home that appears to have exploded and then caught fire Wednesday morning in Greenwood Township. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the 911 Center received a report around 9:36 a.m. of a house explosion in the…

Merck Agrees To Let Other Drug Makers Make Its COVID Pill

(Merck & Co. via AP) LONDON (AP) – Pharmaceutical company Merck has agreed to allow other drug makers to make its COVID-19 treatment, the first pill that has been shown to be effective against the disease. The move aims at helping millions of people in poorer countries access the drug. The U.N.-backed Medicines Patent Pool said in a statement on…

Visit Duluth Launches New Tourism Website

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth on Wednesday announced the launch of its new website. The group says the newly launched site shows Duluth as a premier vacation, outdoor, convention, and destination spot while also highlighting helpful information for visitors to the area. To help get the new website up and running Visit Duluth says they teamed up with local marketing…

Twin Metals to Appeal Federal Decision on Proposed Mine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Twin Metals says it will appeal a federal decision that dealt a serious blow to its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Last week, the Biden administration ordered a mineral withdrawal study that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a popular recreational area in the Superior National…

Fire Crews Respond to Home Fire, Explosion Near Tower

  GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Fire crews responded to the scene of a potential home explosion and subsequent fire in Greenwood Township near Tower Wednesday morning. According to the Northland FireWire Facebook page, the fire was reported around 9:40 a.m. in the 1700 block of the Everett Bay Road. One person was severely injured and was airlifted to a Duluth…