News

Camp Siegle Main Lodge a “Total Loss” After Friday Afternoon Fire

BIWABIK TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A fire has destroyed the main lodge at Camp Siegel according to reports from the Northland FireWire. Multiple fire crews responded to the fire at Camp Siegel around 12:45 p.m. Friday which is located near Biwabik. According to a Northland FireWire Facebook post, the lodge is a total loss. The Minnesota DNR and a wildland firefighting crew…

Midday Update 7-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson, weather

Minnesota Leaders Seek Drought Aid for Livestock Producers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to come to the aid of Minnesota livestock producers amid the worsening drought by easing grazing restrictions. Walz asked Vilsack in a letter released Thursday to allow emergency haying and grazing on eligible Conservation Reserve Program acres in Minnesota counties experiencing severe to extreme drought…

Beat the Summer Heat with a Fresh, No-Bake Fruit Tart from Sweet Exchange

Cooking Connection: No-Bake Fruit Tart

DULUTH, Minn. – What better way to beat the summer heat and satisfy your sweet tooth than with a delicious no-bake Fruit Tart from Sweet Exchange. In this week’s Cooking Connection, owner Lisa Quarles teaches Meteorologist Ken Slama how to prepare this fresh, fruity dessert. Sweet Exchange currently doesn’t have a storefront, but they are operating out of a kitchen…

Morning Update 7-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson, weather

The Latest: Europe’s Floods Kill 120; Climate Links Noted

(Rhein-Erft-Kreis via AP) (AP) – Despite ample warnings, politicians and weather forecasters in Europe have been shocked at the ferocity of the precipitation that caused flash flooding that killed at least 120 people. Many climate scientists say the link to global warming was unmistakable and the urgency to do something about it is undeniable. Scientists say climate change acerbates the…

Fully Vaccinated Americans Can Enter Canada as of Mid-August

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot,File) TORONTO (AP) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canada’s provinces on Thursday and released a readout of the call. The…

New Restrictions in Boundary Waters Due to Canadian Fires

ELY, Minn. (AP) — The Forest Service has announced new temporary travel restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness over concerns that large wildfires burning in Canada could spread across the border. The new closures include travel, campsites, and portages along and near Iron and Crooked lakes along the Canadian border north of Ely, as well as some smaller…

UPDATE: Investigators Determine Man Accidentally Shot Self, Duluth Police Say

Efforts are underway to recover the firearm. There is no danger to the public.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police have determined it was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound that sent a man to the hospital Thursday evening. According to a post on the Department Facebook page at 10:50 p.m., investigators determined that the 35-year-old male victim was traveling in a vehicle when the discharge of the firearm occurred. They learned the gunshot wound was accidentally…

Car Seat Clinics Push for Proper Installation, Usage

Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child if an accident were to occur.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department and St. Luke’s Hospital are teaming up over the next few months to educate parents on car seat safety. Car seat clinics will be going on at different fire stations throughout Duluth. Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child…

Woodland Days Rummage Sales Return

DULUTH, Minn.– Rummage sales are back in full force this summer in Duluth. With many popping up in one neighborhood. More than 30 rummage sales popped up in the Woodland area as the event returned bigger than ever. It’s been a steady day for one yard along Wabasha Street that’s selling clothes, shoes, and sports collectibles. Those organizing the neighborhood-wide…

Animal Allies’ Walk for Animals Fundraiser Brings Paws for a Good Cause Back to Lakewalk

250 people and their four-legged friends signed up for the two-mile walk.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lakewalk went to the dogs Thursday, as hundreds signed up for Animal Allies’ Walk For Animals fundraiser, which returned after being canceled last year. “It’s just awesome to see them all dressed up and kind of walking in a big group down the boardwalk,” said Nicole Facciotto, Humane Education Manager for Animal Allies. And after a rough…

Summer Brings Roadside Produce Back

Vendors say they've already been busy with people stocking up on fresh watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more.

DULUTH, Minn.- When summer returns, so do roadside produce stands from local farms. DC’s Best Produce Farms opened up their stand on Central Entrance this week. Vendors say they’ve already been busy with people stocking up on fresh watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more. And standing outside in the hot sun is no big deal, when you get to see all…

Duluth Kennel Club Dog Show Kicks off at DECC

More than 150 breeds of dogs competed for best in show.

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest dog sporting event in Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin has officially kicked off at the DECC. The Duluth Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show features more than 150 breeds of dogs competing for best in show. Dog owners come from all over the country. While there are plenty of professionals ready to show off their dog to…

Son Charged With Death of His Father; Mother Still Missing

MADISON, Wis. – The son of a Wisconsin couple who went missing last week has been formally accused of killing his father and dismembering his body. Twenty-three-year-old Chandler Halderson, who was living with his parents in Windsor, is charged in Dane County Court with first-degree intentional homicide, hiding and mutilating a corpse, and providing false information on a kidnapping. Court…

Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to COVID Fraud

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States Attorney’s Office says a Duluth man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to “mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.” According to reports, between the months of April and August, 2020 34-year-old Jared John Fiege admitted to stealing the names, birth dates, and social security numbers of…

Midday Update 7-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Sam Gabrielli, superior, weather

Minnesota Gov. Walz to Ban Conversion Therapy, Bypassing Legislature

(FOX News) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will sign an executive order Thursday bypassing the state legislature and banning the controversial practice of “gay conversion therapy.” Walz is expected to sign the order alongside Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan on Thursday morning in defiance of the Republican-held state senate, which doesn’t support the move, according to local media. “Our kids deserve…

Britney Spears’ New Attorney Says Father Must Step Aside

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An attorney of Britney Spears’ choosing has been appointed to represent the pop star in her conservatorship after a hearing in which the singer tearfully spoke about the case’s impact on her life. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny on Wednesday approved Spears hiring former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart to represent her. His appointment was…

Morning Update 7-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Child Tax Credit: First Payments Go out July 15

WASHINGTON (FOX 9) – Starting this week, millions of American families can expect to receive the first round of payments from the new expanded child tax credit that was signed into law in March after the passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. As part of Biden’s relief bill, eligible families can receive as much as $3,600…

US Unemployment Claims Fall to 360,000, a New Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits has reached its lowest level since the pandemic struck last year, further evidence that the U.S. economy and job market are quickly rebounding from the pandemic recession. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims fell by 26,000 last week to 360,000. The weekly tally, a proxy…

Johnson & Johnson Recalling Sunscreens Due to Benzene Traces

(AP) – Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday that it is recalling five of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure. The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry…

Visit Duluth, DECC Among Finalists For City’s 2022 Destination Marketing Contract

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm since 1935, known as Visit Duluth, is a finalist for next year’s one-year contract, as Mayor Emily Larson looks to possibly go a different direction with a mission to “elevate the brand of Duluth,” according to the Request for Qualifications document put out by the city. The Mayor’s Office…

Swimmers Walk the Line Over Harvey’s Mausoleum

DULUTH, Minn.– Everyone’s looking for some new and exciting ways to stay cool during the summer in Duluth. A group of brave swimmers were walking that line in a pretty cool way just off the shore of Canal Park. The swimmers set up a slackline tied from the uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum, otherwise known as the crib off Lake Superior and…

Flagship Brings Back Screen Printer

It also allows them to create more of their products in-house. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The popular clothing store ‘Flagship’ in canal park has brought back their screen printing machine. First opening back up on memorial day, the live printing process continues to gain popularity. With several different designs, staff say bringing the printing machine back helps show customers how each shirt is made by hand. It also allows them to create…

Grand Rapids Business Owners Experiencing Positive Economic Rebound

Crowds are Coming in Droves to Many Locally Owned Businesses in the City of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Small business owners on the Iron Range are continuing to witness more customers coming back through their doors as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and more people become vaccinated. Staff at Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Grand Rapids are seeing droves of people coming in to purchase clothing, footwear, bait, and fishing gear. With the continued closure of…

Preparation for Head of the Lakes Fair Underway

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Preparations for the head of the lakes fair are gearing up over in Superior. While they did have a modified version of the fair last year for social distancing purposes, many fair-goers weren’t able to get the full experience because of the pandemic. Now more events planned including a livestock auction, races and demo derbies. Organizers say…

Downtown Virginia Rebuilding After Structure Fire, Cause Still Unknown

Nine area fire departments and more than 30 first responders worked the fire.  

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The community of downtown Virginia is rebuilding after a fire destroyed multiple businesses there last Friday — the cause still unknown. According to Virginia Fire officials, the fire stated above the Rocks the Jewelers store on the 300 Block of Chestnut Street. Other businesses that suffered damages include a nearby bakery and florist. After the small town came…

DECC Ammonia Leak Highlights Building’s Aging Equipment

Duluth Fire officials said their brand new Hazmat 31 rig and its state-of-the-art tech was integral in their response.

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC’s public spaces were clear of ammonia and safe to enter Wednesday, after a major leak overnight. DECC officials say it’s the result of the convention center’s aging infrastructure that needs serious investment. “Went through the lion’s share of the building with a reader to see if any of the ammonia smell was around anymore and the…

Historic St. Louis County Jail Could Become Apartments

The building could be converted into 33 apartment units with a portion demolished for parking space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Historic Downtown Duluth building that has been empty for decades and once housed some of the Northland’s toughest criminals could soon serve a new purpose. The Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse on Second Street behind the courthouse was built back in 1923 and decommissioned in 1995. It has sat unused since. Now it could be converted into…

National Blood Shortage Continues

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to a national shortage Northland blood donation centers are facing a lack of inventory for local hospitals. Not only did the pandemic cause a decrease in blood donations but schools and colleges that are out for summer break have also taken a dip into the donor pool that blood centers rely on. “I think that what we’re…

Drought Conditions and Air Quality Worsens

DULUTH, Minn.- Wildfires and the lack of rain is causing drought and poor air quality here in the Northland. Normally, June is when Duluth gets most of its rainfall but this June was the third driest on record. “With the drought conditions that have happened, we’ve seen a rapid increase in our fire season,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Appeal to Minnesota Supreme Court

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Tribal and environmental groups opposed to Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline have asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision affirming the approvals of the project. The state Commerce Department, which was part of the earlier appeal, is not joining in the appeal this time. The legal move comes as protests continue along…

Big Top Chautauqua Announces Cancellation of Tanya Tucker Concert

(courtesy: Adkins Publicity) BAYFIELD, Wis. – On Wednesday, Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield announced the cancelation of the July 17th show with Tanya Tucker. In a recent press release, officials with the Big Top said Tanya Tucker’s representation issued the following statement this afternoon: “It is with regret that we have to cancel all shows for the remainder of July…

Audit Finds No Overpayments by Minnesota for COVID-19 Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Office of the Legislative Auditor says it found no evidence that the state of Minnesota overpaid two companies it hired to conduct COVID-19 saliva testing. Instead, the auditor’s report says, managed care organizations. acting on behalf of the state, scrutinized the claims submitted by the two companies, and paid just a fraction of the…

Canadian Wildfires Impact Air Quality in U.S.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — Burning wildfires in Canada are causing air quality issues in parts of the U.S., including Minnesota and North Dakota. The smoke is lingering closer to the ground, according to weather experts. “Sometimes it stays aloft, but in this particular case behind the front, the smoke is finding its way closer to the surface. That’s why we…