News

Midday Update 2-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

HealthPartners Union Workers Reach Tentative Contract Deal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The union representing 1,800 HealthPartners workers in Minnesota says it has reached a tentative labor agreement and averted a strike that was scheduled to begin Wednesday. The Service Employees International Union says the agreement was reached early Tuesday after 17 hours of negotiations. Union members will vote on it next week. Members include nurses, physicians assistants, dental…

Polls Open for Wisconsin Spring Primary Election

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Polls are now open for the Wisconsin spring primary election. Two Republican candidates and two Democratic candidates are running to replace former Congressman Sean Duffy’s seat in District 7. The Democratic candidates are Lawrence Dale and Tricia Zunker, and the Republican candidates are Jason Church and Tom Tiffany with only one to advance. Running for justice of…

Morning Update 2-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Suspect Sought in Fatal Bemidji Shooting

Authorities are Still Searching for the Suspect

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Authorities in northern Minnesota are searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting. Beltrami County sheriff’s dispatchers got a call about a man who had been shot outside a residence Monday night. Police officers and sheriff’s deputies arrived and found the body of a 20-year-old man. According to reports, another victim in the shooting, a 17-year-old male,…

Rookie League Practices with CSS Men’s Basketball

DULUTH, Minn.– Kids from a local youth basketball organization spent some time with college athletes in the gym tonight for a unique opportunity. The Rookie Basketball Association brought over a dozen kids to St. Scholastica to participate in their men’s basketball practice Monday. This is just one stop in the organization’s tour of college practices around the Northland and gives…

Duluth Heights Receives New Rink

DULUTH, Minn.– With the day off, parks and outdoor rinks were filled with kids. Thanks to the Minnesota Wild and others, one outdoor rink in Duluth is getting an upgrade. The Duluth Heights Community Center has been a place where kids from all over the city can come and skate but when association practices begin, public skaters are moved to…

Duluth Ski Hill Opens on Presidents Day

DULUTH, Minn.– With plenty of things to do this Presidents Day, some fresh snow made it a great day on the slopes. Spirit Mountain opened up their lifts today for a fun day of skiing. While the slopes are normally closed on Mondays, they open for holidays like President’s Day and Martin Luther King Day so students can get another…

Adventure Zone Celebrates Ninth Birthday

DULUTH, Minn.– On Monday’s day off from school, there was a lot going on inside a Duluth business that’s been a favorite for kids for almost a decade. Adventure Zone was filled with kids enjoying their day off from school. The theme park is celebrating its ninth birthday, offering drawings and a chance to earn free passes in March. Days…

Special Report: Suicidal Thoughts Resulting in “The Final Journey”

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – It’s one word surrounded by stigma and often never discussed — Suicide. Nationally, the number of people taking their lives continues to dramatically rise year-after-year. So how do the numbers break down locally? The number of suicides reported along the North Shore of Minnesota have spiked over the past ten years. Many people have come from…

The Number Of Flu Cases In Northland Jump From Last Year

Experts say flu cases are up by 15% for this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is really taking a hit with the influenza virus. Schools and senior living facilities are some of the places that are experiencing a widespread outbreak. Healthcare providers say the number of cases is up by 15% from last year. There are three strains of the Influenza Virus, but most commonly people get the “A” or…

At Sara’s Table Reopens After Week Long Renovations

DULUTH, Minn – The popular restaurant At Sara’s Table in Duluth has reopened after closing for more than a week while undergoing renovations. The restaurant added a few new bathrooms and an upstairs conference space, which can hold up to 30 people. Most notably, there is a new re-designed french-inspired professional kitchen. The new set up is more open giving…

President’s Day: A Holiday Filled with Fun and Remembrance

Who was the fourth president of the United States? What about the first president with a beard?

DULUTH, Minn. – President’s Day means school is out for kids of all ages, but it also means a day of remembering what the holiday is all about. Who was the fourth president of the United States? What about the first president with a beard? President’s Day is a reason to have the day off, but is also a day…

President’s Day Brings Winter Fluff

With the snow, Duluth looked like a small snow globe today...

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snow, Duluth looked like a small snow globe today… Visitors were out at Canal Park and taking pictures and enjoying the dusting made by the snow. Some tourists came from the Twin Cities and they say that the snowfall creates a beautiful landscape. “Oh definitely, the trees were covered with a little bit of that…

Midday Update 2-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 17, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

One Severely Injured in Bayfield County Snowmobile Crash

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – A 23-year-old male was severely injured in an early Saturday morning snowmobile crash. Authorities say the crash happened at the Four Seasons Resort in Namakagon around 1:35 a.m. According to reports, 23-year-old Ryan Schelle, of Breda, IA, was ejected from his snowmobile after colliding into two other parked snowmobiles outside of the resort. Schelle was flown…

Rotary Club Hosts Craft Beer and Wine Tasting Event

8th Annual event raises money for WITC, Second Harvest Food Bank.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A fundraising event for the benefit of WITC Dreamkeepers Fund, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank and Rotary International Projects. During the event, there will be a live auction, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and raffles. The main event sponsor is Keyport Liquor Categories: Community, Entertainment, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin

Multiple Crashes Reported in Duluth Monday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – Multiple crashes have been reported Monday morning due to slick road conditions on I-35. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation 511 website, there were three reported crashes as of 9:20 a.m. One crash was reported between exit 258 and MN I94 at 5th Avenue West; another between Garfield Avenue and the end of I-535, between Exit…

Chicken Toss Draws Big Crowd, Animal Rights Groups Protest

More than 100 live chickens are tossed into crowd at annual event

RIDGELAND, Wis. – Every year, Ridgeland, Wisconsin holds a chicken toss as part of its Pioneer Days celebration. At the event, more than a hundred live chickens are thrown off a roof into a crowd of people. Some say it’s a harmless small town tradition. “Everyone stops you and says nice chicken and stuff like that. It’s just a fun…

First Annual Rice Lake Winter Frolic Brings Families Together

Frolic offered sledding, s'mores, and cider.

RICE LAKE, Minn.- Families in Rice Lake got out to enjoy the winter day at the first annual Winter Frolic. The event included s’mores-making on an open fire, hot chocolate and cider, a sledding hill and a snowy playground. Ice skating was going to be available as well, but was canceled due to excess snow. According to organizer Kathy LeFave,…

Move Over Downward Facing Dog; Laughter Yoga Lifts the Spirit

Relatively young practice uses laughter to bring positivity.

DULUTH, Minn.- They say laughter is the best medicine, well at the Lake Superior Interfaith Community Church in East Hillside, one group is putting that to the test and getting some pretty hilarious results. “When we start laughing we can’t stop,” said Laughter Yoga Leader Sue Brewer. If you stop in and wonder what’s so funny, don’t worry, you didn’t…

Town of Oakland Snowshoe Race Celebrates New Fire Station and Town Hall

The Snowshoe Race has been going on since the 1980s and this year, it was held next to the town's newest building.

TOWN OF OAKLAND, Wis. – The Town of Oakland recently opened its new combined fire station and town hall building. It opened a couple of months ago giving the community a place to gather and the volunteer fire department a new space. “We’ve got a lot more room for our fire equipment every piece of apparatus has a door to…

Virtual Outdoors at Duluth Boat Show

Patrons young and old came together to brush up on their fishing skills at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. – Practicing before the great catch. Patrons young and old came together to brush up on their fishing skills at the DECC. With 300 pounds of fighting Rainbow Trout and 3,500 gallons of water, virtual outdoors brings a way for Duluth Boat Show attendees to partake in fishing indoors. “I’m doing this all for my little brother,” said…

A Galentine’s Day Market at Flora North

Small businesses united today under the theme of Galentine's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses united today under the theme of Galentine’s Day. Flora North hosted four pop-up shops, all owned by local businesswomen. Lake Superior Bakehouse, Voula Vintage, Grey Cloth Natural Fiber Art and Lakewood Ceramics all joined Flora North at one location for a special pop-up shop event. “Well, it just helps everyone out,” said Kate Erickson, organizer…

Nearly 700 Take the Plunge Off Park Point to Support the Special Olympics

The water was running just above freezing as the St. Louis County Rescue Squad ushered people in and out of the water.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of people took the Polar Bear Plunge all to support the more than 8000 Special Olympics athletes in Minnesota. “Families of Special Olympics athletes and the athletes themselves are the most upbeat appreciative group of people I’ve ever met in my life,” said Mike Thamm, the coordinator of the Polar Plunge. The water was running just…

Two Snowmobilers Rescued from St. Louis County Ravine

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A snowmobile carrying two people fell 30 feet off a rock cliff and landed at the bottom of a ravine. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, first responders used a combination of rescue toboggans, ropes, and an ATV to rescue the snowmobilers. They were transported to Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth…

Hundreds to Take Polar Plunge Saturday

The normal plunge site off the Lake Walk is under construction so they are jumping off Park Point.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Polar Plunge is coming back for its nineteenth year and around 700 people are expected to jump into Superior Bay to raise money for the Special Olympics. This year, the Plunge looks a bit different. The normal plunge site off the Lake Walk is under construction so they are jumping off Park Point. The location might…

“Duluth Bikes” Hosts Annual Winter Bike To Work Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The organization “Duluth Bikes” hosted their 6th annual winter bike to work day Friday morning. Members of the group were out at the Minnesota power plaza on Friday morning, handing out coffee and greeting people who bike to work. Organizers say, although this is one of the colder events they have put on, dozens of people are…

5th Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s March Draws Hundreds

On Friday, hundreds marched through downtown Duluth remembering the lives lost and supporting communities of women who continue to fall victim.

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2016 nearly 6,000 Indigenous women were missing or murdered nationwide. On Friday, hundreds marched through downtown Duluth remembering the lives lost and supporting communities of women who continue to fall victim. Those marching wore red which is a traditional healing color that has also come to signify missing and murdered indigenous women. The day started with…

UMD Plans To Sell Campus Radio Station To Local Public Television Station

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth has agreed to sell its radio station to the parent company that runs Duluth’s PBS station, WDSE. The university has owned and operated its campus radio station for more than 60 years. According to an agreement, the Duluth- Superior Area Educational Television corporation is expected to purchase the radio station for $175,000….

Potential Weather Troubles for Flowers

With the negative chills in February, flowers were bound to face the cold on Valentine's Day...

DULUTH, Minn. – Hydrangeas, tulips, lilies and roses. With the negative chills in February, flowers were bound to face the cold on Valentine’s Day. Those at Engwall Florist and Gifts are taking precautions against drooping flowers. “Unfortunately the weather is colder this Valentine’s Day season,” said Shellie Tomlin, florist at Engwall Florist and Gifts. “We are doing double-bagging of things,…

Ikidarod Kicks Off

Kids transformed into dogs at this year's Ikidarod race...

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids transformed into dogs at this year’s Ikidarod race. Second graders at North Shore Community School ran their 13th annual Ikidarod race, a play on words of Iditarod. Not only do they get to run a dog sled race, they get to act as the musher and as the dogs. “I think they’ve really liked learning about…

Boreal House Opens in West Duluth

Serving drinks with Minnesota nice...

DULUTH, Minn. – Boreal House is now open. The new business features 16 craft beer taps and a full range of cocktails. The lounge hopes to be the next friendly neighborhood bar. “I hope that we’re your neighborhood bar,” said Katie Fast, owner of Boreal House, on what she hopes one year of operating Boreal House will bring. “I hope…

Kids Train for Birkie Weekend

NorthStar Community Charter School students learn to cross country ski for Barnebirkie Youth Ski Tour

MINONG, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race is next weekend in Hayward. Kids in Minong have been training to ski in the Barnebirkie Youth Ski Tour during Birkebeiner weekend. Students at NorthStar Community Charter School do project-based learning, meaning they can sometimes get outside during their school day and learn activities like cross-country skiing. Once or twice a…

Midday Update 2-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

No Working Smoke, CO Detectors Located After Fire Breaks Out in Superior Home

Approximately $25,000 in Damage Was Reported to the Home

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 6831 Ogden Avenue in the Village of Superior shortly before 1:30 p.m. Thursday. When crews arrived, heavy smoke and fire were observed coming from the windows on the east and south sides of the home. Officials say all residents were out of the home. The fire was…

Minnesota Senate Panel Passes GOP Insulin Affordability Bill

The Passing Comes As Patients and Parents Urged Senators to Keep Working on a Compromise Between Parties

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The long-running debate at the Capitol over insulin affordability has shifted to the Minnesota Senate. Patients and parents urged senators Thursday to keep working toward a compromise between competing Senate Republican and House Democratic proposals. Helping diabetics afford insulin is one of the main pieces of unfinished business left over from the 2019 session, when…

Fatal Snowmobile Crash in St. Louis County

Authorities Say the Snowmobiler Veered Off the Trail, Eventually Hitting a Tree

TOWER, Minn. – A snowmobiler is dead after a crash in Northern St. Louis County. Authorities say 51-year-old Daniel Cottew of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, was on the Arrowhead Trail near Tower when he veered off the trail, eventually hitting a tree. Cottew was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders from Tower, Vermilion Lake, St. Louis County…

American Birkebeiner 2020 Could Yield Record Setting Race Times

American Birkebeiner 2020 Events Begin Thursday, February 20 in Hayward, Wisconsin

HAYWARD, Wis. – Events leading up to the American Birkebeiner kick off Thursday, February 20 in Hayward, Wisconsin. Preparations are already underway, with excitement getting wild in the region. Ben Popp, Executive Director of the Birkie chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Friday morning regarding preparations and the potential for a record-setting year. “It’s interesting, we had so much snow…

Ready, Set, Book Across the Bay! Registration Remains Open

Ski, Snowshoe, Hike or Run From Ashland to Washburn Across The Frozen Chequamegon Bay

CHEQUAMEGON BAY, Wis. – The 24th annual Book Across the Bay takes place Saturday, February 15th, 2020. Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest’s most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and…

Morning Update 2-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update