News

‘Raise Our Standards Tour’ Held on Park Point with Community Resistance

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday evening on Park Point, The Center of the American Experiment held an event at the Lafayette Park Community Center, after being denied at four Duluth locations in one month because of pressure from some in the community. The is the 17th stop in Minnesota for the “Raise Our Standards Tour” focusing on the state’s draft social studies…

Majority Of Duluth’s Central High School Sold To Property Developer

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board approved the sale of Central High School to Saturday Central Heights, LLC on Tuesday for $7.4 million. During a special meeting, the board unanimously signed off of selling 52 or more acres to the developer. The school district has been trying to sell the property for the past 11 years after the school…

Man Charged For Shooting At Stabbing Suspect In Babbitt

BABBITT, Minn. — A Babbitt man has been charged with three felonies after he was accused of shooting at a stabbing suspect last Saturday. 38-year-old Joel Earl Vandervest had a court appearance on Tuesday morning for second-degree assault, intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety, and reckless discharge of a firearm. According to the criminal complaint, he shot at…

Suspect Charged, New Details Revealed In Superior Drive-By Shooting

Surveillance images of Raeqwon Hawkins released by Superior Police Department before the arrest. SUPERIOR, Wis. – We’re learning more about what all went down involving a June drive-by shooting in downtown Superior. Raeqwon Jay Hawkins Raeqwon Jay Hawkins, 24, of Superior is now charged as being the shooter in the drive-by. The crime happened around 10:40 p.m. June 17 in…

Maritime Visitor Center’s Lake Superior Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- The Maritime Visitor Center is celebrating “Lake Superior Day” all weekend long, starting this Friday. The center is teaming up with local experts for a lineup of family-friendly activities. Friday and Saturday’s events are followed by a book reading of Sunken: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior by Kathy Groth. “We’re excited about hosting this and about seeing the crowds…

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Come to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan among other community leaders are celebrating new educational investments in Minnesota’s COVID recovery budget. The historic investments are designed to help schools and students across the state get back on track post pandemic. Minnesota’s COVID-19 budget includes $1.2 billion to be put towards education over the next four years. “Schools are the…

American Rescue Plan Funding Helps Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of Minnesota’s American Rescue Plan fund helped create more programs, provide transportation, and nearly double school attendance this summer. These additional programs offer more credit recovery classes for students. And with more funding coming in, Duluth Public Schools are able to expand their resources for summer learning programs. “But really what it’s allowing us to do…

Douglas County Employee Killed in “Work Related Accident” Identified

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Officials with Douglas County have identified the county employee that was killed in a “work-related accident” on Sunday while working in the Government Center. County officials said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon that Douglas County Building and Maintenance Worker, Robert Brown, 47, died Sunday morning “as a result of injuries he suffered while performing duties related…

Wisconsin Judge Suspended for Crude Remarks, Brandishing Gun

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended a Winnebago County judge for making crude remarks to defendants and attorneys, and for menacing a defendant with a gun during a hearing. The court said Tuesday that it has suspended Scott Woldt for seven days in August. The Wisconsin Judicial Commission filed a complaint alleging that Woldt committed multiple…

Update: Cause of Death Determined in Fatal Ashland Fire

ASHLAND, Wis. – Authorities in Ashland provided an update Tuesday in the fatal Ashland house fire that killed three people. According to the Ashland Police Department, the preliminary autopsy results confirmed that Jordan Chowning age 36, Alyssa Chowning age 14, and Michelle Hathaway age 17 died of smoke inhalation. Authorities also say preliminary findings show that the fire was believed…

Midday Update 7-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Police Respond to Apparent Shooting at Wisconsin Gas Station

UPDATE: FRANKSVILLE, Wis. (AP) – Authorities in Wisconsin say a man shot and killed another man at a gas station before fleeing and eventually dying in a shootout with an undercover investigator. Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling says the events unfolded starting about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Pilot Travel Center in the village of Caledonia. Schmaling says a 32-year-old…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The break was reported Tuesday morning and is located at the intersection of Vernon Street and Grand Forks Avenue. City officials say the areas impacted are Vernon Street from West 1st Street to Chestnut Street, West 1st Street from…

Unwanted Pets: Giant Goldfish Turn up in Minnesota Waterways

(courtesy: Twitter/City of Burnsville) BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) – Officials in Minnesota say they’re finding more giant goldfish in waterways, prompting a plea to citizens to stop illegally dumping their unwanted fish into ponds and lakes. The goldfish, which can grow to the size of a football, compete with native species for food and increase algae in lakes. Burnsville officials found…

Morning Update 7-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Minnesota TSA Employee Facing Charges After Taking Photos of Female Travelers

(FOX 9) – A Transportation Security Administration employee at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is facing charges after taking photos of female travelers. Court documents allege the 37-year-old had 42 photos of female travelers on his personal phone. The employee allegedly snapping the photos off the airport’s closed-circuit camera system over the course of a year. Charging documents say the photos…

US Consumer Prices Surge in June by the Most Since 2008

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) WASHINGTON (AP) – American consumers faced a third straight monthly surge in prices in June, the latest evidence that a rapid reopening of the economy is fueling pent-up spending for goods and services that in many cases remain in short supply. Tuesday’s report from the Labor Department showed that consumer prices in June rose 0.9% from May…

Lake Superior Day Returns This Weekend

The event is geared towards educating the public on the lake with interactive kids activities.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The annual Lake Superior Day on Barkers Island is back in action this coming weekend. It’s held every third weekend in July. The event is geared toward educating the public on the lake with interactive activities for kids. Organizations that work on Lake Superior hope people can come and learn more about the largest of the Great…

Douglas Co. Maintenance Employee Killed While Working In Government Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There were heavy hearts in Superior Monday after learning a Douglas County employee was killed while working in the Government Center over the weekend. The employee worked with the “Buildings and Grounds” crew. The work-related accident happened sometime Sunday in the Government Center building on the corner of Hammond Avenue and 14th Street. The name of the…

Ruth’s Local Greens Makes a Nutritional Impact in the Twin Ports

Two Students from UMD started a business only 5 months ago, and are making an impact already through the Twin Ports.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two UMD students came together earlier this year to figure out how to bring a little more green to the Twin Ports in a local and sustainable way. Wanting to explore ways to provide nutritious food to the Northland led them to find a creative and year-round way to provide these healthy products. “We always had an interest…

Spirit Mountain Offering Events Through the Summer

DULUTH, Minn.– Back in May, Mayor Larson proposed a $24 million dollar plan to help bring Spirit Mountain back to its full potential. The $24 million dollar proposed plan would be funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by Duluth tourism tax revenue, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. By doing so, Mayor Larson says hundreds of new jobs would be made,…

Fire at AmericInn Hotel Still Under Investigation

PROCTOR, Minn.– An investigation is underway in Proctor after fire broke out this morning at a hotel in town. Crews responded to the AmericInn Hotel around 10:45 AM on Monday morning along US highway 2, near Blackwoods. The hotel was fully booked at the time, but everyone was evacuated safely with no injuries. The flames were limited to the exterior…

Employee Stabbed ‘Multiple Times’ In Babbitt, 2 Arrested

"The victim and the suspect were acquainted," according to Police Chief Mike McGregor.

BABBITT, Minn. – Police in Babbitt have arrested two men after a woman was stabbed multiple times Saturday evening inside a local business. Police Chief Mike McGregor says the call for help came in around 7:45 p.m. Saturday. While officers were responding to the scene, a shooting was reported in the same area.  McGregor said nobody was shot and both…

First Concert for Recovery Held at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Northland Music and Recovery community is teaming up with the DECC and the Duluth Bethel to throw the Northland’s first concert for recovery. The Duluth Bethel Treatment Center invites Northlanders to celebrate National Recovery Month. Four bands will gather on the East side of the DECC for a performance on Saturday September 25, supporting substance…

Nail Salons are Back After a Hard Year

DULUTH, Minn.- Nail salons are among many businesses returning to normal after being forced to close during the pandemic. VP Nails and Hair off of Central Entrance is excited to see its clients return. The nail salon closed for a few months in March of 2020, and is seeing business pick up as COVID restrictions loosen. “Having regular clients like…

Fire Breaks Out at Proctor AmericInn Hotel

The Fire Was Reported Around 10:45 a.m. Monday, No Injuries Have Been Reported

PROCTOR, Minn. – Fire broke out Monday morning at the AmericInn Hotel in Proctor. Crews responded to the scene along US Highway 2 near Blackwoods around 10:45 a.m. Officials say the fire was limited to the exterior of the building. No one was injured. Guests and staff were evacuated. Fire officials are working to assess the damage. A manager at…

Death Valley Reaches 130 Degrees

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. (Fox 9) – California’s Death Valley has long been known as one of the hottest places on Earth. And true to form, the temperature climbed to an incredible 130 degrees in the northern Mojave desert all three days this past weekend. That’s just four degrees shy of the highest known temperature on the planet, which was also…

Wisconsin DNR Cancels Third Straight Sharp-Tailed Grouse Season

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources has canceled Wisconsin’s sharp-tailed grouse season for the third year in a row to protect the population. The DNR announced the decision Monday, saying a population survey this spring coupled with historical data trends and scientific modeling indicate hunting could cause a “marked decrease” in the population. Sharp-tailed grouse populations…

Minnesota DNR Expands Burning Restrictions

(courtesy: Minnesota DNR)   DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota DNR announced on Monday that it is activating additional burning restrictions effective Tuesday. The additional burning restrictions are for the eastern portion of Roseau County and all of Beltrami, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis counties, within state jurisdiction. Burning restrictions remain in effect for Cass, Crow…

Minnesota COVID-19 Audit Sought by Lawmakers Looks Doubtful

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s independent legislative auditor says he doesn’t have the resources to satisfy a request by lawmakers for a comprehensive study of the state’s COVID-19 response. Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles tells Minnesota Public Radio he’s ready to hear lawmakers out. But he says the scope of the request, combined with other projects his office is already…

Midday Update 7-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Douglas County Employee Killed in “Work-Related Accident”

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County officials say a county Buildings & Grounds employee was killed Sunday in a “work-related accident.” The accident happened Sunday morning at the County’s Government Center, according to the Douglas County Administrator Ann Doucette. The incident is currently under investigation by Douglas County and the State. County officials have not yet identified the employee or provided…

Late Night Laughs Returning to Fitger’s Complex

Stand Up Comedy Begins Friday, July 16 at Fitger's in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Professional stand-up comedy returns to the Fitget’s complex Friday, July 16. The event will take place on the third floor of the complex inside the Fitger’s Comedy Lounge. Tickets are $20 per person, and reservations are highly encouraged. Professional comedians Ryan Kahl and Mike Brody will be performing on Friday, July 16. The comedy kicks off at…

Scientists: Pup Births Hopeful Sign for Isle Royale Wolves

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – Scientists say wolf pups have been spotted again at Isle Royale National Park. And that’s a hopeful sign for efforts to rebuild a gray wolf population that had nearly died out. Crews brought wolves from Minnesota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the Canadian province of Ontario to the Lake Superior park several years ago. It’s unknown…

Morning Update 7-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Coronavirus Infects Vaccinated Leader at Florida Condo Site

(AP Photo) MIAMI (AP) – A vaccinated Miami-Dade county commissioner who helped other local officials in Surfside following the collapse of a condominium building has tested positive for COVID-19. Commission Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz says he and his chief of staff came down with flu-like symptoms Sunday and tested positive for the virus the same day. Diaz has been participating…

California and Other Parts of the West Broil and Burn

(AP) – Firefighters are working in extreme temperatures across the U.S. West and struggling to contain wildfires, the largest burning in California and Oregon, as another heatwave baked the region, straining power grids and forcing calls to conserve water. The largest wildfire of the year in California is raging along the Nevada state line and has burned about 134 square…

‘A mass of flame’: Lake Vermillion Resort Owners Will Rebuild After Fire Destroys 4 Buildings

Resort owners the Gillson family say the fire started in the gazebo's enclosed fireplace, spreading to the bait house, resort store, and game room.

BUYCK, Minn.- An early Sunday morning scare at Life of Riley Resort on Lake Vermillion — fire ripping through a gazebo, and two other buildings, leaving charred ashes behind. “I tell ya dude, I came over the hill and it’s like ‘oh man.’ I was in the Twilight Zone,” said Life of Riley owner Rock Gillson. “It reminded me, first…

Zeitgeist Café Hosts First-Ever Drag Brunch

Guests got to sip some mimosas while watching the drag performers dance to top 40 hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- Zeitgeist Arts Café played host to some live brunch entertainment normally seen in places like the Twin Cities Sunday. Zeitgeist hosted its first ever drag brunch featuring performers from the Twin Ports’ Zenith City Horror and some from Minneapolis. Guests got to sip some mimosas while watching the drag performers dance to top 40 hits. “Fun songs, y’know…

40th Annual Heritage Days Wraps Up Successful Weekend

The popular festival will continue next year with even more vendors.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The annual festival and class reunion in Two Harbors came roaring back this weekend. “It’s the largest festival in Two Harbors that is a city sanctioned event,” Heritage Days Chairman, Cheryl Sundstrom says. Complete with a parade, fireworks and 42 vendors throughout the weekend. “We didn’t know what to expect but it’s been phenomenal. We’ve got…

Hibbing Police K9 Ready For A&E’s ‘America’s Top Dog’

HIBBING, Minn. (FOX 9) – Chase, a police K9 from Hibbing, Minnesota is one of 16 Police K9s selected to compete in this season of A&E’s competition show “America’s Top Dog.” Chase was selected out of thousands of dogs after his handler, Hibbing Police Officer Joey Burns, put in an application after watching an episode of the show. “I was sitting there…

Superior Fuel Company Adds Four 80,000 Gallon Fuel Tanks to Rail Terminal Site

The tanks should be up and running within the next two months.

DULUTH, Minn. — Superior Fuel have added four 80,000 gallon propane tanks at their rail terminal site in West Duluth. The 2.5 million dollar project is expected to help heat more homes during the winter season. With each tank able to provide fuel refills to over three-hundred homes. Throughout the next few weeks the tanks will be gearing up to…

Blow-Up Movie Screen On Irvin, Projection Art Just A Few Ideas From New DECC Exec. Dir.

DULUTH,  Minn. – Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s newly hired executive director, Dan Hartman, says he’s ready to rebrand the venue inside and out to become truly the central hub of Duluth. Hartman say his leadership team at the DECC is mostly made up of 20-plus-year employees. They’ve been brainstorming on ways to bring new life to the DECC, like creating…

Haze Blows Into Duluth Skies from Canada Wildfires

The haze was potentially problematic for those suffering from sensitive breathing.

DULUTH, Minn.- The skies above the Twin Ports getting getting choked by heavy smoke this weekend from wildfires in Canada making air quality poor. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the National Weather Service issued an air quality warning for all of this. It started Friday and ended Sunday morning. The haze was potentially problematic for those suffering from sensitive…