News

Duluth Fire Dept: Rip Currents ‘can quite easily develop’ While Swimming

There was not a red flag rip current warning in effect at the time, so officials advise caution when swimming.

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Fire Department is urging the public to be cautious and alert when swimming the beaches on Park Point this summer, after they rescued a teen from sudden and unforeseen rip currents Saturday. “It’s just a good reminder that Lake Superior can be very unpredictable. The weather here in Duluth is very unpredictable, these conditions can develop…

Bus, Bike, Walk Helps Gather Central Entrance Feedback

DULUTH, Minn.– As part of Central Enterance prepares to be redone in a few years, the Metropolitan Interstate Council spent the weekend trying to get feedback from the community on what they’d like to see done with the street. The two-day event of food trucks, music, and games begins a year-long process to gather community input on the ways people…

ALS Fishing Tournament Returns to Island Lake

DULUTH, Minn.– Hundreds of anglers returned to the waters of Island Lake this morning for the 26th annual Kolar Fishing Tournament. More than 200 anglers were trying to reel in the biggest walleyes and bass of the day in teams or as individuals. All proceeds from the tournament go towards funding ALS research along with resources for those currently battling…

Local Boy Scouts Install 70 Bat Boxes

DULUTH, Minn.– Today the Voyageur’s Council of Boy Scouts of America spent some time in the woods near Island Lake building houses for the area’s bat populations. The scouts built and installed 70 bat boxes around the area. Experts from Minnesota Forest Industries say much of the bat species has plummeted 90 percent in recent years due to a fungus…

Lakewalk to Reopen Next Week in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s been a familiar site down in Canal Park to see fences and guardrails covering up its section of the Lakewalk, but by this time next week, it’s going to look completely different. “A week from now, we will formally reopen this Lakewalk,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. After sitting empty for so long, the path will be…

SAPPI in Cloquet to Release Steam Early Sunday Morning

This could emit loud noises from the plant, possibly sounding like a jet engine.

CLOQUET, Minn.- According to the Cloquet Police Department, SAPPI is scheduled to release steam early Sunday morning, which could cause loud noises. Officials said SAPPI is scheduled to release steam around 2:00-3:00 a.m. This could emit loud noises from the plant, possibly sounding like a jet engine. Carlton County Dispatch is aware of the scheduled steam release. Categories: Community, Minnesota,…

Lightning Strike Ignites 2-Acre Wildfire Within BWCAW

Smoke from the fire and aircraft activity could be noticeable in the area especially along Highway 169/Highway 1 between Tower and Ely.

DULUTH, Minn.- A lightning strike is believed to be the cause of a fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), estimated at roughly 2 acres. According to the U.S. Forest Service, late in the day on June 4th, a wildfire was detected southwest of Hassel Lake in BWCAW on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Hassel…

Three UMD Students Displaced, Uninjured After House Fire

No one in the home or firefighters were injured.

DULUTH, Minn.- A house near the UMD campus erupted in flames late Friday night, displacing three students, who were uninjured. According to a spokesperson for the Duluth Fire Department, at 11:37 p.m. Friday a fire was reported on the second story on the 200 block of West Kent Road near the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. The fire was reported…

The End of an Era: Carr’s Hobby Shop Final Auction

Carr Passed Away Abruptly One Year Ago; He Was 79

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is nearing the end of an era. After years in business, and countless items collected, the final pieces of collectible items from Duluthian Jack Carr’s collection will be auctioned off Saturday, June 5. Organizers say this could be your chance to own a piece of history that you’ll never see again. “I’m wound up very…

Duluth Offers Advice on How to be Ready for Heat Wave with Pets and Children

By knowing the heat index, experts suggest being aware of your limitations, and by not pushing them when there is heat like this.

DULUTH, Minn.–With temperatures in the high 80’s, and in some areas the 90’s this weekend, experts are trying to remind the community to not take any unnecessary risks when it comes to your children and pets in this weather. If you’re planning on taking your dog out to play or for a run, Animal Allies suggests doing it earlier or…

Bakeries are Keeping Busy with Graduation Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Local bakeries here have been busy and Twisted Pastries Bakery in Superior has been experiencing a rush of orders for graduation cupcakes and cakes. Cake orders are being requested for graduates of all ages. Owner Annette Jacobson shares the creative side that goes into every order. “That what really spurs out energy around here, is being creative, doing…

New Education Program Helps Students with Disabilities

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new program for special education students in Superior held a graduation ceremony at Barker Island Pavilion today. Project SEARCH helps 18 to 21 year olds with disabilities and just finished with their first year of the program. The program teaches students how to transition from a school environment into work. Transition coordinator Shawna Anderson shared how…

Essentia Health Tells How to Recognize Signs of a Heat Stroke

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Duluth Fire Department teaches us how to beat the heat, Essentia Health is also educating the public on signs to look for that indicate having a heat stroke. Some of the most common signs include physically looking unwell, fatigue and perspiration. But these symptoms can lead to confusion, disorientation, and sometimes even passing out. Essentia Health…

Minnesota COVID-19 Test Positivity Rate Continues to Fall as Vaccinations Increase

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – As COVID-19 vaccinations increase in Minnesota, the positivity rate continues to decline, according to the latest data released by the state health department. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 257 new cases of COVID-19 and eight more deaths Friday. The state has now seen daily case counts under 300 for five of the last seven days….

Facebook Suspends Trump for 2 Years, Then Will Reassess

(AP) – Facebook said it is suspending former President Donald Trump’s accounts for two years following its finding that he stoked violence ahead of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection. The two-year suspension is effective from Jan. 7, so Trump has 19 months to go. In a press release, the former president called Facebook’s decision “an insult.” “They shouldn’t be allowed…

Duluth East Boys Hockey Coach Mike Randolph Addresses His Resignation in Friday Press Conference

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth East Boys Hockey Coach Mike Randolph held a Friday morning news conference to address his sudden resignation as head coach of the Duluth East boys hockey team. Randolph has coached hockey for the past 36 years, 32 of them with Duluth East. During the Friday news conference, Randolph said he wanted to focus more on the positives than…

Midday Update 6-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, June 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Reports: Facebook to End Rule Exemptions for Politicians

(AP) – Facebook plans to end a contentious policy championed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg that exempted politicians from certain moderation rules on its site, according to reports from the tech site The Verge, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. The company’s reasoning for the policy was that what political leaders say is newsworthy and in the public interest…

Keeping Animals in Mind During This Hot, Humid Weather Ahead

Animal Allies Humane Society Reminds Pet Owners to Use Caution as Temps Reach Upper 80s, 90s

DULUTH, Minn. – With temperatures soaring well into the upper 80s and low 90s this weekend and into next week, staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth want to remind the public, especially pet owners, of the danger hot weather can pose to pets. “Keep that air conditioning on if you do have to leave your pet in the…

Morning Update 6-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, June 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Archdiocese Won’t Cooperate With Wisconsin Sex Abuse Probe

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is refusing to turn over documents to Wisconsin Department of Justice investigators probing clergy sexual abuse across the state’s five Roman Catholic dioceses. Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the investigation in April, following the lead of officials who have launched similar probes in 22 other states. The archdiocese’s attorney, Frank LoCoco, sent Kaul…

US Adds 559K Jobs as Firms Still Struggle to Fill Positions

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added a modest 559,000 jobs in May, an improvement from April’s sluggish gain but still evidence that many companies are struggling to find enough workers as the economy rapidly recovers from the pandemic recession. Last month’s job gain was above April’s revised total of 278,000. The unemployment rate fell to 5.8%…

2 More Suspects Arrested For Shooting At Duluth Homicide Suspect, Final Suspect At Large

DULUTH, Minn. — Two more suspects, a 17-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, were arrested Thursday in connection to Duluth’s first homicide of the year. Homicide victim Juamada Anderson Jr., 22, of Duluth. Four firearms were collected between the two suspects who are accused of firing back at Patrick Battees Jr., 17, of Proctor shortly after police say Battees shot…

New Clothing Store Opens in Holiday Center

Hours are limited right now at Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — A new business has opened in the holiday center skywalk on superior street. “I’m a mama so everything is handmade by me so it kind of just fit perfectly,” Handmade Mama owner, Kayla Moorhead says. Owner Kayla Moorhead has been selling her products online and has gained an international following but wanted to market her products to the…

Carr’s Hobby Personal Train Collection For Final Auction

DULUTH, Minn.– A major auction is happening this weekend at Nordic Auction in Duluth as they work to sell many unique items from the late owner of Carr’s Hobby Shop. Jack Carr’s personal collection is attracting people from all over the country and even international buyers online. There have been seven auctions already with items from Mr. Carr, but this…

CHUM Receives 1,200 Lbs. Donation of Pet Food

DULUTH, Minn.– CHUM received a big donation today to help pet owners in the Twin Ports. The organization called Leadership Duluth brought more than 1,200 pounds of dog and cat food, along with cat litter this afternoon to CHUM’s food shelf in downtown Duluth. The donation was part of the group’s service project and chum says pet food is a…

West Duluth Smoke Shop Burglarized Wednesday Night

DULUTH, Minn.– A business owner in west Duluth is asking for the public’s help after his smoke shop was broken into last night. Owner Mike Wazwaz says security cameras caught a group of people smashing through the store’s front door in the strip mall on the 4600 block of Grand Avenue. The bad guys stole some product but the real…

The NorShor Theatre is Open at Full Capacity

  DULUTH, Minn.- The NorShor Theatre is open at full capacity and has a lineup of productions for the summer. The theatre will continue to offer socially distanced seating on the balconies for now. Tonight is opening night for its newest production, Age of Aquarius. “We are opening Age of Aquarius tonight and then on July 15th we open Xanadu,”…

Former Teacher Publishes Book About Shipwrecks in Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn.- A retired Hayward teacher and children’s author Kathy Groth released a book about shipwrecks in Lake Superior. Sunken: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior focuses on teaching kids and adults about the different wrecks through a fictional story with factual information about lost ships. Groth collected research from different areas surrounding the lakes, making it more adventurous. “I wrote it…

The Glensheen Mansion Features New Obscura Exhibit

DULUTH, Minn.- A new exhibit opens Friday at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, focusing on some of the more obscure pieces the Congdon family collected during their travels around the world. The Obscura exhibit has been in the works for months and it will be the newest attraction for those visiting the popular tourist stop this summer. Twelve new pieces will…

Truckers to Get Extra Incentives at Local Company

Because of the pandemic, there has been a bigger need for shipping and less people joining the industry.

DULUTH, Minn. — Truck drivers around the area are experiencing a shortage. Because of the pandemic, there has been a bigger need for shipping and less people joining the industry. To combat this, local trucking company Halvor Lines Inc. is offering another pay increase in early January along with other incentives, like new trucks for drivers. “They all have two…

Lawsuit Alleges Minneapolis Withholds Police Misconduct Data

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group that advocates for government transparency has sued the city of Minneapolis, alleging it uses a loophole known as coaching to circumvent public data laws and keep hundreds of police misconduct records private. Complaints against police are classified as public if the officer is disciplined. But the lawsuit alleges that Minneapolis says one-on-one mentoring known as…

Minnesota Reports 238 New COVID-19 Cases, 10 Deaths Thursday

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported 238 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 more deaths Thursday. The state has now seen daily case counts under 300 for four of the last seven days. The 238 newly reported cases were out of 9,706 tests, a 2.5% positivity rate, according to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health. Minnesota’s seven-day average…

More Felony Sexual Assault Charges Filed Against Former Superior Gymnastics Coach

DULUTH, Minn. – More sexual assault charges have been filed against former Superior gymnastics coach George Deppa, 47, who is already accused of sexually assaulting three teens he previously coached. The newest complaint charges Deppa with two counts of felony first-degree sexual conduct. According to court documents, the victim told authorities that between the ages of 8 and 10 Deppa…

Midday Update 6-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Remain Steady at Essentia Health

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Talks Hospitalizations, Vaccinations, and Summer Safety

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 46 percent of the eligible population in Minnesota is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In Wisconsin, over 44 percent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated. While the numbers continue to climb, health officials say there is still plenty of work to be done. Dr. Jon Pryor is the President of Essentia Health in Duluth. Pryor says…

Biden Announces International COVID-19 Vaccine Sharing Plan

(courtesy: Facebook/Biden) WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is unveiling President Joe Biden’s plans to share COVID-19 vaccines with the world, including directing 75% of excess doses through the UN-backed COVAX global vaccine sharing program. The White House has previously stated its intent to share 80 million vaccine doses with the world by the end of June. The administration says…

26-Year-Old Lioness Shanti Deva Dies at Wildcat Sanctuary

SANDSTONE, Minn. – The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone announced Thursday morning that its 26-year-old lioness matriarch named Shanti Deva has passed away. Shanti Deva came to the sanctuary in 2006 when she was rescued from an auction at the now-closed Catskill game farm in (courtesy: The Wildcat Sanctuary) New York by an animal watchdog group. The sanctuary says Shanti Deva…

‘Summer Sipper’ Guide with Duluth’s Hoops Brewing

Dave Hoops, Owner of Hoops Brewing in Duluth, Showcases Three Perfect Brews to Sip this Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The official start to summer kicks off on June 20 this year, but already with the heatwave on the way this weekend, many will be soaking up the summer sun at the beach or on the boat. Many local breweries and cideries are hoping you remember them as the season gets underway. Dave Hoops is the owner…

Morning Update 6-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

GND Rec Center Continues to Receive Donations

All of these donations are going towards the completion of the upcoming skate park that already has more than $400,000 invested in it this weekend. 

DULUTH, Minn– The Gary New Duluth Rec Center continues to receive donations as they gain more progress in building their new facilities. Minnesota power recently donated $25,000 while another anonymous donor made a $10,000 donation which the GND development alliance was able to match. All of these donations are going towards the completion of the upcoming skate park that already…

Crews Removing Barriers, Memorials at George Floyd Square

(AP Photo/Christian Monterrosa) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Crews are removing concrete barriers as well as artwork, flowers, and other memorial items from a Minneapolis intersection that has become a sprawling memorial to George Floyd. City crews began the work at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday at the intersection, which is informally known as George Floyd Square and was where the 46-year-old Black…

State Seeks 30 Years for Chauvin; Defense Wants Time Served

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors are seeking a 30-year sentence for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd, but a defense attorney is asking that Derek Chauvin be sentenced to probation and time already served. Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25 following his conviction on murder and manslaughter charges. Judge Peter…

AICHO Helps Kids Plant Garden at Duluth Library

DULUTH, Minn.– As summer approaches, a Duluth organization is teaching kids how to garden. The American Indian Community Housing Organization or AICHO was at the Duluth Library this afternoon to plant a small garden with its children’s program. They planted strawberries, pole beans, sunflowers, and more along Michigan Street. Those with AICHO say it will teach kids more about indigenous…