News

Mike Randolph Resigns as Head Coach of Duluth East Boys Hockey Team

His 658 career coaching victories rank third all-time in state history.

DULUTH, Minn. – For over three decades, Mike Randolph has been a staple of the Duluth East boys hockey team. But Tuesday, we learned some shocking news that is sure to impact not only prep hockey in the Northland, but in the entire state as well. FOX 21 has confirmed that Mike Randolph is resigning as head coach of the…

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Plan to Remove Dredging Debris from Park Point

In the past nine months, surveyors have discovered a gallon of mostly rocks and wood but also taconite pellets, nails, and other man made fragments.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Duluth have announced a plan to cleanup aluminum and tin metal fragments from Park Point Beach. The Corps had spread dredged sediment the help rebuild the beach washing away on Minnesota Point — but it left shards of decades old aluminum cans mixed into the sand. Since then…

Shorty’s Abruptly Shuts Down, Cites ‘Huge Shortage of Labor’

Due to a shortage of staff, owners say they couldn't deliver the experience they say they used to -- a problem that is affecting businesses throughout Superior and beyond.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The popular Shorty’s Pizza and Smoked Meats in Superior meats has abruptly shut down, just months after being featured again on the Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.” The once bustling kitchen and busy dining area — now a dark, closed down building on Tower Avenue. “It was just out of nowhere,” said Catrina Wuolu, a 20-year Superior…

Great Outdoors: Golf Shop Sales

A large part of what they do is custom fitted clubs helping golfers make bigger strides.

DULUTH, Minn. — Nevada Bobs is a full service golf store offering a little something for every golf enthusiast. “Anything golf related we carry and we sell. We also have simulators that we use for custom fitting which is bread our bread and butter of what we do,” Nevada Bob’s Golf Manager, Dan Szymczak says. With everyone working at the…

Duluth Candy Company Grand Opening is Today

DULUTH, Minn-Duluth Candy Company is holding its grand opening today under its new ownership. The popcorn was popping all morning and the shelves were stocked and ready for all the customers excited to return to the business that was forced to close last December.  Those who stopped by were given a sample of the caramel apple pie popcorn as well…

One Arrested in Cass County Shots Fired Incident

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a 25-year-old male has been arrested in connection to a Tuesday morning shots fired incident. Deputies responded to reports of several shots fired at individuals around 10:32 a.m. in the Sugar Point area of Gould Township. When authorities arrived at the scene they spoke with the caller who was reported…

Chauvin Faces Hearing on Federal Charges in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in last year’s death of George Floyd is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court for allegedly violating Floyd’s civil rights. Derek Chauvin is scheduled to appear in court via video conference Tuesday from Minnesota’s maximum-security prison in Oak Park Heights, where he’s being held as he…

Suspect Arrested in 2017 Hibbing Homicide

HIBBING, Minn. – Authorities say a suspect has been arrested and charged in connection to the 2017 Hibbing homicide of 71-year-old Courtney Fenske. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Blake Stangel was charged Friday with second-degree manslaughter, He is currently being held at the St.Louis County Jail on $100,000 bail. Court documents say Fenske was found dead…

Midday Update 6-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Guard Sues Minnesota State Patrol for Arrest During Protests

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Black man who worked as a security guard for a CNN crew covering protests in Minneapolis following George Floyd’s death last summer is suing two Minnesota State Patrol officers, accusing them of violating his civil rights and unlawful detention, his attorneys announced Tuesday. The lawsuit was filed in federal court last Thursday on behalf of Michael Cooper, a…

Moderna Seeks Full FDA Approval for Its Vaccine

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — American pharmaceutical company Moderna says it has begun the process to win full U.S. regulatory approval for the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in adults. Moderna announced Tuesday it has begun a “rolling submission” to the Food and Drug Administration of data from its studies of the two-dose vaccine. Moderna’s vaccine already has been cleared for emergency…

Ready, Set, Build! LEGO® MASTERS Season 2 Kicks Off Tonight On FOX

Watch LEGO® MASTERS on FOX Starting Tuesday, June 1 on FOX 21

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking for a show that brings imagination, design, and creativity to life, then you’re in luck this summer. Tune in to FOX 21 Tuesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. for the season two premiere of LEGO® MASTERS. The show is hosted by actor and producer Will Arnett. Teams of two will compete against each other…

Morning Update 6-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

COVID-19 Hospitalizations at Their Lowest Level in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Hospitalizations due to the COVID-19 virus are at their lowest recorded levels in Wisconsin, a 92% drop from the peak less than seven months ago. The Wisconsin Hospital Association said that as of Monday, there were 186 people reported as hospitalized statewide due to the virus. The previous low was 192 people on April 2, the first…

Teen Arrested for Aggravated Robbery in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say an 18-year-old male was arrested Monday after robbing an individual at the Northland Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. According to the police, the incident happened just after 4:00 p.m. The victim told authorities that the teen threatened him with a machete and stole his backpack. The victim was able to take pictures of the suspect during…

Water Emergency on BWCA Leaves One Dead

The victim had been underwater for two to three minutes according to his party. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY.–  The St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies responded to a water emergency on trout lake in the BWCA Monday afternoon at 2:20 p.m. Due to poor cell phone service, it took authorities longer to find out a 51-year-old male had fallen out of a boat and into the water on the north arm of the lake. The victim…

Veterans, Active Servicemen in Community Take Time to Remember Fallen on Memorial Day

Veterans and active duty military members in the Northland observed Memorial Day from work -- some in jobs that keep our community running and safe.

DULUTH, Minn.- While different events honored those who gave their lives for our country, veterans and active duty military members in the Northland observed Memorial Day from work — some in jobs that keep our community running and safe. Across the country at 3 p.m. Taps Across America events held a moment of silence and presented the colors honoring service…

Duluth Huskies Fans Excited to be ‘Out to Ballgame’ Again

It was Huskies gear as far as the eye could see and the smell of popcorn in the air at Wade Stadium Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The grandstands were packed as plenty of Duluth Huskies fans got to sing “take me out to the ballgame” again after not seeing games for two years. It was Huskies gear as far as the eye could see and the smell of popcorn in the air at Wade Stadium Monday night. One super-fan was overjoyed to be back,…

Proctor Holds Annual Memorial Say Observance

Following the program, Proctors American Legion 106 visited six area cemeteries to salute the departed.

PROCTOR, Minn. — The annual proctor memorial day observance took place this morning at the proctor community center. Hosted by the American Legion 106, the event was geared towards memorializing those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In a time when restrictions are loosening up, organizers took the time to reflect on this past year. “With the…

Firefighters Share Grill Safety Tips Ahead of Summer Barbecue Season

Charcoal should also be stored in a dry area because if it gets wet and need to be dried charcoal can be heat sensitive.

DULUTH, Minn.- With Memorial Day being the unofficial kickoff to summer, many break out and fire up the grill for the season, so the Duluth Fire Department wants to remind the public of proper grill safety. According to state rules open flames are prohibited on decks of apartments with three or more dwelling units. Firefighters also say to be cautious…

Superior Hosts Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

Afterwards, the event moved to the Richard Bong Veterans Historical Center for a flag raising ceremony.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Superior hosted their own memorial day ceremonies at the greenwood cemetery on tower avenue. With a presentation of wreaths, guest speakers, harbor master singers and an honor guard presentation. Organizers wanted to keep the event going rain or shine, even having an abbreviated event last year to honor our nations veterans. “We really honor the veterans. Our…

New Canal Park Business Opens

Duluth Love opened in early May

DULUTH, Minn. — “We kind of cater to a really special crowd,” Duluth Love Owner, Garrett Kirwan says. The company Pandora’s Box owns about eight stores around the Midwest including one in Wisconsin Dell. In early May, they opened up shop down in Canal Park. “Luckily things were able to fall together for us and we were able to pick…

Grandmothers and Veterans for Peace Gathered to Map Out War Spending

DULUTH, Minn. — In Duluth on the Lake Walk today, Grandmothers for Peace and Veterans for Peace gathered to draw attention to both the human and financial costs of war. They set up signs citing numbers from a Brown University study called “The Costs of War Project” that analyzed how many people have been affected by conflicts and how much…

Gary New Duluth Memorial Day Ceremony Takes Place Virtually Due to COVID-19

The 2021 Ceremony is Free to Watch Via YouTube

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second year in a row, the Gary New Duluth Memorial Day Ceremony took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly a dozen guest speakers came together to prerecord the annual ceremony which was published for the community to view on YouTube. Their message was simple, yet heartfelt — thanking the men and women in…

Visit Cook County Looks Toward Summer Fun as Restrictions Continue to Ease

Visit Cook County Continues to Update Their Website Daily with New Entertainment, Activities Happening in the Region

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – With summer fun now in full swing, more visitors will be venturing up north to check out the sights, sounds, and entertainment Cook County has to offer. Kjersti Vick with Visit Cook County says they are prepared and excited to welcome tourists back to the region after a year of tight restrictions. Safety measures still remain…

Midday Update 5-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 31, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 31, 2021. Have a safe Memorial Day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin Dells Attractions Making Do With Fewer Workers

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (AP) – One of Wisconsin’s major tourist attractions is making do during Memorial Day weekend with fewer workers, hoping that more will arrive during the summer. Tom Diehl is the president of the Attractions Association and Tommy Bartlett Inc. in Wisconsin Dells. He says they’re ready to welcome visitors but labor is a problem. Diehl tells WMTV-TV…

Minnesota Legislators Miss Friday Goal for Budget Numbers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Lawmakers are still negotiating Minnesota’s next two-year budget and won’t meet the goal of Friday set by their leaders for agreeing on the final numbers that will go into the big-spending bills that lawmakers must pass in the coming weeks. Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman says negotiators are still driving as hard as they can to get…

Morning Update 5-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 31, 2021

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

Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Mental Health Legislation As Demand For Therapists Skyrockets

WASHINGTON, D.C./DULUTH, Minn. — U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat representing Minnesota, wants to expand and support mental health resources with several proposals in Congress as clinics are seeing their patient lists fill up like never before. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Senator Smith posted several tweets on her Twitter page about her own journey with depression. “Having that opportunity…

Superior Fire Uses ‘Purple K’ Unit to Fight Equipment Fire at Graymont Saturday

No one was hurt from the fire, and fire officials say that's due in large part to the Purple K Dry Foam unit.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A fire at Superior’s Graymont facility Saturday night kept firefighters busy for more than two hours. The call came in about 20 minutes before midnight. Superior firefighters who were off-duty at the time needed to be called in to cover any possible calls elsewhere in the city that night. Crews needed to use a lift to reach the…

‘What Memorial Day is Really All About’: Northlanders Honor Veterans, Fallen Troops Sunday

"Really good to see the people here, to know that there are people that are very caring about remembering, what Memorial Day is really all about," Brad Bennett said.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Sunday the Northland observed what many call “traditional Memorial Day” to honor those who gave their lives in war, at the Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Lakewalk. “136 names on our wall, of local veterans, or not veterans because they’re still in uniform,” said Dwight Nelson, Secretary of the Northland Vietnam Veterans Association. The nearly 30-year…

Barkers Island Farmers Market Continues

The weekly events at Barkers Island will continue from 8:45 a.m. to noon every Saturday until October.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –Barkers Island in Superior continued their farmers market this weekend. Despite the challenging weather, it’s been a good year for vendors who locally grow their produce. Some say, they following up on a strong year drawing in more people each weekend. “Since then we’ve picked up a lot of customers this year. So it’s been really good for…

Burlington Station Hosts Grand Opening

Burlington station opened to the public on Saturday with plans to improve the model train room throughout the summer. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A unique gift shop and candy store held its grand opening Saturday morning in Two Harbors. Burlington station opened to the public on Saturday with plans to improve the model train room throughout the summer. With that, they would be adding 5,000 feet of train tracks both inside and outside of the building. Chamber of commerce…

Canal Park Busy as Temperatures Warm Up

The Lakewalk down in Canal Park is expected to be completed by Grandmas Marathon weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. — Canal Park was packed with people enjoying the warm weather Saturday afternoon. With the slight warm up in temperatures people from around the state checked out the popular destination. We caught up with one couple who say along with the beautiful scenery, it’s also a good place for the kids to burn some energy. “The kids that…

Area Campsites Excited for Busy Season

Campsites around the area began taking reservations in early February and to no surprise, they filled up quickly.

DULUTH, Minn. — Campsites around the area began taking reservations in early February and to no surprise, they filled up quickly. “In three hours I made 50 reservations,” Penmarallter Campground Co-Owner, Pennie Burton says. Campgrounds like Penmarallter on highway sixty one in Two Harbors have seen some of their biggest numbers in years. “Going into this year. Starting taking reservations….

Vehicle Rollover in Biwabik Leaves One Critically Injured

Speed and alcohol were major contributing factors in the incident. No other persons or property was involved in the crash.

BIWABIK, Minn.- Speed and alcohol contributed to a single-vehicle rollover crash in Biwabik, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, leaving one with life threatening injuries. According to authorities, deputies and Officers from the Gilbert / Biwabik Police Department responded around 9:14 PM Friday to a one vehicle rollover on Vermillion Trail just South East Raymond Road, in unorganized…

Area Boy Scouts Plant Flags for Memorial Day Weekend

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– During Memorial Day weekend, a group of local boy scouts honored fallen veterans. Dozens of flags filled up parts of Hermantown’s Sunrise Cemetery as Boy Scout troop 106 in Hermantown spent their day planting American flags around the grave sights of veterans. Scouts say it’s an honor to pay their respects. “I hope to go through all of…

Duluth Fire Department Introduces New Car Extraction Tool

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Fire Department went to Bayside Recycling this morning for their annual car extraction training. This annual training is aimed at keeping the fire department sharp while being ready to respond to any situation. So far in 2021, there have been 149 deaths from car crashes which is already 42 more than this time last year. Duluth Fire…

Mont du Lac Resort Announces Grand Opening of New Marina

SUPERIOR, Wis. —  Mont du Lac resort in Superior, has a new addition. A boat marina is now open at the resort that offers jet-ski rentals, boat launch, tubing, and other options. But the resort is most excited to offer activities during all four seasons. Bridgette Duffy, the Resorts Sales and Marketing Manager said, “pushing into the summer operations and…

Duluth Public Library Announces Summer Reading Program

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Public Library begins its annual Summer Reading Program June 1st, and can’t wait to welcome children of all ages back through its doors to pick up their books. This annual program invites children to read daily and log their reading times through an online tracker to compete for different prizes like gift cards or toys. “It’s incredibly…

Community Remembers Fallen DNR Conservation Officer

Grells leaves behind a husband and three children.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The Grand Rapids community and people from across the state met on Friday to remember the life of a DNR officer that lost her life in the line of duty earlier this week. On Monday, Cohasset resident and veteran DNR conservation officer Sarah Grell, 39, was killed in the line of duty when a semi struck…

Summer Kicks Off at Spirit Mountain with Busy Memorial Day Weekend

According to resort staff, as of Friday the campgrounds were completely full for the weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer is kicking off at Spirit Mountain, set to be packed for the holiday weekend. According to resort staff, as of Friday the campgrounds were completely full for the weekend. They say excitement’s been building for opening day of the Adventure Park Friday, which includes the alpine coaster, mini golf, and more. After being closed last summer, staff…

Minnesota Legislators Miss Friday Goal for Budget Numbers

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Lawmakers are still negotiating Minnesota’s next two-year budget and won’t meet the goal of Friday set by their leaders for agreeing on the final numbers that will go into the big-spending bills that lawmakers must pass in the coming weeks. But Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman said negotiators are still “driving as hard as…

Governor Walz Appoints Shawn Pearson to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Friday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Shawn Pearson as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. “I am proud to appoint Shawn Pearson to the Sixth Judicial District bench,” said Governor Walz. “Mr. Pearson brings a wealth and depth of experience and steadfast leadership to the bench. I have…