News

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…

Campfires Banned in Boundary Waters, Fire Danger High

Delta Fire ELY, Minn. (AP) – Forest Service officials have temporarily banned campfires in the Superior National Forest,  including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and closed some lakes and access points because of four wildfires burning in the area. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reporting high or very high wildfire danger across most of northern Minnesota. The…

Fire Destroys Gazebo, Two Buildings at Resort on Lake Vermillion

Life Of Riley Resort ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- A structure fire Sunday at a resort on Lake Vermillion destroyed two buildings, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Life of Riley Resort The Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire at the Life of Riley Resort around 1:17 a.m. Sunday. According to authorities, the fire started in a resort…

First-Ever Bienvenue Coffee Fest Brews Excitement, Crowds at Depot

The next big event coming to the depot will be the Duluth Art Institute's member show next month.  

DULUTH, Minn.- The debut of a new festival at Duluth’s St. Louis County Depot *brewed* up excitement and big crowds today. It was the first ever “Bienvenue” Coffee Fest at the Depot. Hundreds of coffee roasters and enthusiasts poured in to talk beans and check out local vendors civil war re-enactors talking the importance of coffee in the war, and…

AICHO Holds First Indigenous Food, Art Market in Hillside

More than a dozen vendors showcased fresh locally farmed food or handmade goods and artwork.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood could browse food art and other products from local diverse sources at the American Indian Community Housing Organization or “AICHO’S” Indigenous Food and Art market. More than a dozen vendors showcased fresh locally farmed food or handmade goods and artwork. SNAP and EBT food stamps were also accepted. It was one of…

67th Annual Spooner Rodeo Continues

Tickets for the 2022 rodeo will be available in October. 

SPOONER, Wisc. —  The main event kicked off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. The fast paced event brings in participants from all over the country. Coordinators have met weekly to prepare for the big event with planning ramping up during the spring season. During the event, judges score both riders and the animals. “We are probably the only sporting event…

Spooner Businesses See Boost With Return of Rodeo Festivities

The parade kicked off the rodeos festivities, bringing people from all over back into the heart of town.

SPOONER, Wisc. — It is arguably one of the largest and longest traditions Spooner has to offer. “This is probably one of the biggest weekends of the year. From a seasonal community and county we really look forward to these events to help support us year round,” Washburn County Tourism Board Vice President, Sue Churchill says. After the cancellation of…

Cloquet Police: Armed Suspect Threatens Residents of Home, Shoots Himself Following Standoff with Officers

No officers on scene were injured, nor did they discharge their firearms. 

CLOQUET, Minn.- After an hours long standoff with police Saturday, an man who entered a home and threatened residents with a gun in Cloquet shot himself, according to the Cloquet Police Department. Officers responded to a home on Ridge Road in Cloquet around 10:19 a.m. Saturday, on a report of a 20-year-old man armed with a gun who entered the…

Cork Trees to be Removed on 4th Street

18 cork trees in total will need to be removed.

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth will be removing several trees on 4th street throughout the next several weeks. 18 cork trees in total will need to be removed. They were planted after the completion of the 4th street reconstruction. Afterwards, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture conducted research on the cork trees and found that they could be invasive….

Duluth Based Boomerang Energy to Partner with Life Time Athletic Clubs

Life Time Currently Has Over One Million Members

DULUTH, Minn. – A local energy drink company is soaring to new heights after announcing they’ve partnered with nationally known Life Time athletic clubs. Boomerang Energy will soon be available for purchase in over 140 Life Time Cafe’s across the nation. The company first started in Duluth back in 2016. Unlike its competitors, Boomerang Energy consists of four natural sweeteners…

Burns Restricted in Superior National Forest

Due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited resources, the Superior National Forest has prohibited campfires on Superior National Forest. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited resources, the Superior National Forest has prohibited campfires on Superior National Forest. Effective Friday, igniting, building, maintaining or using a campfire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal, and wood-burning stoves are prohibited, according to the order. Campfires are allowed in approved fire structures that have been installed a maintained by…

Duluth Police Arrest Suspect in Superior Drive-By Shooting

The arrest happened in Duluth during traffic stop at 2 p.m. Superior Police say that same car fled a traffic stop with their officers and detectives earlier in the afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn.- A suspect in a June drive-by shooting incident in Superior was arrested by Duluth Police Officers Friday. The arrest happened in Duluth during traffic stop at 2 p.m. Superior Police say that same car fled a traffic stop with their officers and detectives earlier in the afternoon. Officers stopped the car to serve a search warrant related to…

Local Union Volunteers Help Restore Wellstone Memorial

EVELETH, Minn. — Almost 20 years after the plane crash that killed Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their son David, and local volunteers came out to restore portions of the memorial and paid their respects. On October 25th, 2002, the plane that Paul, Sheila, their daughter, and three staff members were on crashed just before reaching the Eveleth airport. The memorial…

Destructive Fire in Downtown Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Fire crews in Virginia spent several hours battling a structure fire earlier today, which burned near several downtown businesses. The fire started around 10:30 this morning on the 300 block of Chestnut street in Virginia above the “Rocks the Jewelers” store building. The jewelry store owners heard a pop from the back of the building in one of…

Raminator Monster Truck Comes to Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Heritage Days Festival is back and so is a monster of an event happening in Two Harbors this weekend. Ram Truck’s Raminator monster truck is making an appearance at Sonju, celebrating the return of heritage days at their dealership. The Raminator broke the Guinness World Record of being the fastest monster truck, going more than 99 miles…

Heritage Days Festival is Back

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Like many other events, the Heritage Days Festival in Two Harbors was cancelled last year, but it’s back this year with more local vendors. The four-day event is filled with booths offering art, clothes, and food. Two harbors business birch and body is new to heritage days, bringing unique soaps and lotion made from birch bark. “We’ve…

DECC Hosts First Ever Paraunity Convention

Organizers are expecting a big weekend at the convention with people coming to see the over 50 vendors along with some celebrities and the top names in the paranormal field.

DULUTH, Minn. — The first ever paraunity convention began at the DECC Friday morning. Fans of the paranormal can expect presentations on UFOS, demonology and anything supernatural. Organizers are expecting a big weekend at the convention with people coming to see the over 50 vendors along with some celebrities and the top names in the paranormal field. “Their going to…

‘Heartbreaking’: Death Toll in Florida Condo Collapse Now 78

SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP) – The death toll in the Florida condominium collapse has risen to 78 after 14 additional victims were pulled out of the rubble. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced the new number at a Friday news conference, calling it both “staggering” and “heartbreaking.” An additional 62 people are still unaccounted for. On Thursday, Paraguay’s foreign minister said…

Fire Crews Battle Blaze in Downtown Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Fire crews are battling a large fire that broke out in downtown Virginia Friday morning. According to a Fox 21 reporter on the scene, the fire is believed to have started around 11:00 a.m. on the 300 block of Chestnut Street. Fire officials say one cat died in the fire, however, no other fatalities were reported. There…

Midday Update 7-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 9, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Coronavirus, duluth, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, superior, weather

Local Nonprofit ‘Wags & Kisses’ Hosting Adoption Event at Kolar Chevrolet

The Adoption Extravaganza is Happening Saturday, July 10 at Kolar Chevrolet in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wags & Kisses Rescue is a local nonprofit 501c3 organization providing in-home foster care, vetting, and training for dogs that are abandoned, surrendered or coming from hoarding situations with abuse involved. The organization is fortunate to have partnered with Kolar Totota to help educate the public on caring for their pets, offering assistance when needed, and looking…

Vaccinated Teachers and Students Don’t Need Masks, CDC Says

(Richard Chung via AP) NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. health officials say vaccinated teachers and students don’t need to wear masks inside school buildings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the new guidelines Friday. The changes come after a growing national vaccination campaign in which children as young as 12 are eligible to get shots, as well as…

Jam Packed Weekend of Events Offered at Silver Bay’s ‘Bay Days’ Celebration

Silver Bay is Hosting the Celebration July 9 - 11

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Food, fun, fireworks, and live entertainment are just some of the activities on the agenda for this weekend’s Bay Days celebration in Silver Bay. After a COVID-19 prompted cancellation in 2020, the weekend of events is back and better than ever before in 2021. As folks enter the City of Silver Bay, they’ll notice the celebration…

Morning Update 7-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 9, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, hibbing, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, superior, weather

Report: Great Lakes Region Needs About $2B for Flood Repairs

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – Cities and towns along Great Lakes shorelines will pay a heavy price for recent flooding. That’s according to an organization representing the region’s local governments. It says a survey of cities, villages, and other jurisdictions found that fixing infrastructure damaged by high water and erosion will cost nearly $2 billion over the next five years….

St. Louis, Carlton County 911 Lines Down Due to Power Outage

St. Louis County 911 can be reached at 218-625-3581, and Carlton County at 218-451-6843.

UPDATE: The 911 system for St Louis County is now operational and functioning properly. Most phones lines in Carlton County are now working. The cities of Kettle river and Wright are working on a limited capacity and will still need to use an alternate number of 218-384-4185 or 218-451-6843 if they can not get through to 911 with cell or…

Beer Garden Returns to Great Lakes Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn.– A new summer tradition continued at the Great Lakes Aquarium Thursday night. The aquarium’s beer garden is back for its second year. Partnering with Earth Rider Brewing and the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, people could come through, sit along the water and enjoy some music. The event was created last year when the aquarium was closed for five months…

Superior Kids Meet SPD K9 Lacka in Meet and Greet

SUPERIOR, Wis.– It’s common to see people bringing their dogs to the park to play and see some new faces. And on Thursday the Superior Police Department brought one of their dogs to do just that. Put on by the Northland K9 Foundation and the SPD, a small crowd of families met Officer Jeff Herriman and K9 Lacka at Heritage…

Marshall School Board Names New Head of School

DULUTH, Minn.- Marshall School Board of Trustees has voted unanimously naming a new head of school. Midwesterner Jamie Steckart has more than 26 years of experience in education while also designing schools. He says he’s happy to be here in the Northland to help local students. “I’m a huge fan small learning communities,” said Steckart. “I think schools of less…

City Urges Public to be Aware of Swim Condition Warnings

DULUTH, Minn.– Last year there were 25 water emergencies through the city of Duluth, and this year there are already 20. But with two of the most recent happening last week, the Duluth Fire Department and Park Point lifeguards who are urging swimmers to be aware of quickly changing conditions. In one of the most common areas for rip currents…

Food Vendors are Back at Local Events

DULUTH, Minn.- With more festivals now happening including the Duluth Sidewalk Days. Business is picking up for them. Finn and Lok’s Funnel Cake stand is now at Sidewalk Days Festival serving their foot long sausages, funnel cakes, and more. The owners say they couldn’t be happier. “We are really thrilled to be back,” said co-owner Michelle Olson. “So fun seeing…

Kevin Costner to Appear at Minnesota State Fair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Actor Kevin Costner will appear at the Minnesota State Fair in September. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday that Costner’s country-rock band, Modern West, will perform at the fair’s grandstand on Sept. 3. A live question-and-answer session with Costner will follow. The evening will conclude with a screening of Costner’s film “Field of Dreams.” Tickets…