News

UMD, Shannon Miller Reach Global Settlement

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth announced Thursday afternoon that they have reached a global settlement with former women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller. According to a statement from the Director of marking and Public Relations Lynne Williams: “The University has finalized a global settlement with Shannon Miller in the amount of $4,530,157.77. The settlement breaks down to payments…

Midday Update 12-19-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 19, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, December 19, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minneapolis VA Worker Accused of Hiding Bathroom Camera

Morales Has Not Worked at the VA For About 10 Months

MINNEAPOLIS – A former worker at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center is charged with filming 11 people with a hidden camera in a men’s restroom trash can. Forty-five-year-old Mauricio Morales of Eden Prairie was charged Tuesday with 11 counts of interfering with privacy. According to the charges, Morales said he drilled a hole into the trash can, mounted the…

Public Forum in Duluth Will Take Comments on Enbridge Line 3

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota regulators will hold a forum in Duluth on Thursday for members of the public to comment on additions to the state’s environmental review for Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The update became necessary after a court declared that the previous version was…

School Districts Fuel Biggest Property Tax Hike Since 2009

MADISON, Wis. – A new report says Wisconsin school districts are fueling the largest annual increase in property taxes in a decade. The Wisconsin Policy Forum analyzed data from the state Department of Revenue and found school districts are levying about $5 billion in property taxes this year. That’s a 4 1/2 percent increase from last year and the largest…

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Ursa Minor Brewing

The 2019 Winter Solstice Celebration is Happening Saturday, December 21 at Ursa Minor Brewing

DULUTH, Minn. – Ursa Minor Brewing invites you to celebrate the shortest day of the year with them during a day-long lineup of entertainment and locally crafted brews. The 2019 Winter Solstice Celebration is happening Saturday, December 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the brewery located at 2415 West Superior Street in Duluth. The Winter celebration is set…

Morning Update 12-19-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 19, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, December 19, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Hoffbauer Tree Farm Sold Out for Season

Hoffbauer Tree Farm in Duluth is sold out and owner Farmer Doug believes many people who wanted to cut their own tree did not this year because of all the snow that fell.

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas is only a week away and tree farms are selling out of their trees. Hoffbauer Tree Farm in Duluth is sold out and owner Farmer Doug believes many people who wanted to cut their own tree did not this year because of all the snow that fell. “We were sold out last Saturday, we sold a…

St. Louis County Passes Record Breaking Budget

The budget includes increased investment in public works equipment and materials to support roads and bridges.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County passed a budget more than 407 million dollars which is about a three percent increase over last year. The budget includes increased investment in public works equipment and materials to support roads and bridges. It also continues to support programs to assist members of the community addressing substance use, mental health, and other services…

Local Musician Sells Hand-Painted Ornaments at Pop-up Shop

Ingeborg von Agassiz creates ornaments with improvisational process

DULUTH, Minn. – A local musician is selling original ornaments at a holiday pop-up shop. Ornaments and paintings filled a table inside Duluth Cider. Each hand painted creation is unique and made using an improvisational process. “I just take glass bulbs that you can buy at Michael’s or Walmart or Target and I take acrylic paints and I paint blobs…

Holiday Wreaths Made at Glensheen Mansion

Event is a fundraiser for Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of wreaths were created at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. They were made with balsam fir that was sustainably cut from the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. The event has sold out every time for the past three years. “It’s just this pre-holiday community family friend event that they’re able to get together and there’s just something…

Cloquet, Fond du Lac Police Departments Fill Squad Cars with Toy Donations

Annual "Stuff the Squad" toy drive collects donations for Cloquet Area Salvation Army

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet and Fond do Lac Police Departments are spreading holiday cheer with an annual toy drive for the Salvation Army. This year, they hope to fill three and a half or four squad cars with toys for kids in need. Law enforcement officers have been collecting donations all week for the ‘Stuff the Squad’ toy drive….

Salvation Army Of Duluth Makes Christmas Possible For Families In Need

About 2,000 kids were given Christmas gifts.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army of Duluth is helping to make sure families in need aren’t going without Christmas gifts. Nearly 1,000 households stopped by the salvation army center in Duluth to “shop” for toys. Thousands of donated toys, including brand new bikes, stuffed animals and games, were up for grabs. Thanks to this years toy distribution about 2,000…

President Donald Trump Impeached by U.S. House on Two Charges

House impeaches President Trump on two charges, forcing Senate trial on whether to convict and remove him from office

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday night, becoming only the third American chief executive to be formally charged under the Constitution’s ultimate remedy for high crimes and misdemeanors. The historic vote split along party lines, much the way it has divided the nation, over the charges that the 45th president abused…

The College of St. Scholastica Gets Nearly $4 Million In Grant Funding

This is the largest amount of funding the college has ever earned in its 108-year history.

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica received two grants totaling nearly $4 million. This is the largest amount of funding the college has ever earned in its 108-year history. About $3 million was awarded to the School of Nursing will fund the Advanced Nurse Education Workforce project. ANEW is four year initiative that helps address the need for…

Warming Centers In The Twin Ports Are Keeping Busy

Another new warming center in Lincoln Park is expected to open January 1st.

TWIN PORTS – CHUM in Duluth and the Ruth House in Superior both are getting their fair share of intakes on these frigid cold days. The Ruth House has seen an increase in new visitors this winter. On average nearly 30 people drop in during the day. Another 15 have been using the center as a warm place to sleep…

Harbor City International Students Carol in Downtown Duluth

The Harbor City International Honor Choir sings carols in the downtown skywalk.

DULUTH, Minn.- The students from the Harbor City International School choir filled the skywalk with sounds from the holiday season Wednesday. This is the honor choir’s first year caroling downtown. Students say they love doing it because of the joy it brings people during the holidays. “I love telling a story. That’s my favorite part- with body language and faces, and…

Duluth Mayor Recaps 2019 Successes in the City

Mayor Emily Larson recaps Duluth accomplishments in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time ever, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held a 2019 State of the City recap and spoke on some major accomplishments in Duluth since her speech in April. In her 2019 State of the City, Mayor Emily Larson set what she called urgent goals to build, develop and sustain the Duluth community. Larson recapped the city’s fight…

Duluth Looks to Fill Vacant Board and Commission Spots

More than 40 board and commission spots are open in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-The city of Duluth is on a search to fill more than 40 board and commission seats at the start of the new year. Duluth has more than 30 boards relating to the public arts, disabilities and heritage preservation. Board members will have a say in impact residents in these communities have on the rest of Duluth. “We want…

Duluth Continues Sidewalk Snow-Clearing Efforts

Duluth is using heavy-duty snowblowers to clear city sidewalks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is still digging the city out of snow. Clearing the sidewalks are a big priority right now- it’s why the Parks and Grounds committee is using their best equipment. Three, heavy-duty, model- trackless sidewalk snowblowers are clearing miles of snow each day. Wednesday, crews tackled Woodland, Kenwoord and Arrowhead roads. “If we did not have this type of…

Wisconsin, UW Employees Pay Raise Approved

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A special bipartisan legislative committee has unanimously approved pay raises for University of Wisconsin and state employees. The Joint Committee on Employment Relations on Wednesday approved 2% pay raises in each of the next two years. The raises are for state workers, University of Wisconsin System employees and workers on the flagship Madison campus. The committee…

Midday Update 12-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, News

Minnesota Power Crews Working to Restore Power to Customers Downtown

  Update: Power has been restored to the affected customers: Our crews restored power at 11:30 a.m. to the downtown/Canal Park areas of Duluth; cause was a faulty underground cable and power was restored quickly through the process of switching. — Minnesota Power (@mnpower) December 18, 2019 DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power says they are working to restore power to…

Victim Identified in Hibbing House Fire

(courtesy: Northland FireWire) HIBBING, Minn. – Authorities have released the identity of the man who died in Tuesday’s Hibbing house fire. After completion of an autopsy the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 55-year-old Kevin Charles Buchwitz of Hibbing. The preliminary cause of death is smoke inhalation. Hibbing Fire and Police Departments responded to reports of a house…

Twin Metals Files Formal Mine Plan With Regulators

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Twin Metals Minnesota has formally submitted a plan to regulators for an underground copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The filing launches what’s expected to be a lengthy environmental review and permitting process for what would be Minnesota’s second copper-nickel mine. The project has drawn fierce opposition because it would sit just…

Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm Provides Educational Experiences

Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm is Open to Visitors Year Round for Educational Experiences

DULUTH, Minn. – The alpaca species isn’t native to northern Minnesota. The livestock originates from the Andes Mountains in Peru, living at an average elevation of 14,000 feet. It wasn’t until the 1970s that alpacas were introduced to North America. In this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott takes you to a growing herd living in the Northland. “I’m…

Morning Update 12-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Jay Cooke State Park Offers Multiple Upcoming Winter Events

Ski Trails at Jay Cooke State Park Are Currently Closed While Crews Continue to Groom, Perform Maintenance

CARLTON, Minn. – As winter break approaches for many Northland students, families will have more time to venture out and explore the winter wilderness. Two upcoming events are set to take place at Jay Cooke State Park in December. Carly Hawkinson-Sohm stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the events and let folks know how to get involved….

Watch Live: House Starts Historic Session to Impeach Trump; GOP Stalls

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has gaveled in for a historic session to impeach President Donald Trump. He faces charges he abused his power and obstructed Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Democratic lawmakers to gather for what she calls a “solemn” session Wednesday. As soon as it opened, Republicans tried to halt the proceedings with a procedural vote. It was…

Great Outdoors: Enjoying the Winter Magic at Gooseberry Falls

People come from all across the country to experience the falls.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- While most dread seeing snow and ice here in Duluth they’re the cherry on top of the experience up at Gooseberry Falls. The fluffy white snow and icicles inching closer to the rushing water paint a pristine winter picture. “The sunset makes it look really nice,” said Amy Yip. The scene makes for the perfect background to…

Protestors Rally in Duluth to Support Trump Impeachment

Protestors voiced disappointment with Republican Congressman Pete Stauber.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the House of Representatives is set to vote on President Trump’s impeachment Wednesday, some in Duluth voiced their support for his ouster. The “No One is Above the Law” Rally was one of the more than 500 protests planned in all fifty states Tuesday. According to organizers, they want to ensure Congress holds President Trump accountable for…

Kids Shop Til they Drop with Cops for Christmas

10th annual Shop with a Cop brought 32 kids and 22 officers to Target.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday 22 Duluth Police Officers were able to make this Christmas one to remember for a special group of kids. The Duluth Police Department held their 10th annual Shop with a Cop event at the Target up the hill. Each of the 32 children was given a $200 gift card to pick out anything for themselves or…

One Year After Globe Grain Elevator Fire, Owner Hasn’t Been Paid for Damages

Owner Gordon Oftedahl tells us the 130-year-old grain elevator was valued at $10 million

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been one year since the Globe Grain Elevator was destroyed by fire. The structure was the largest wooden grain elevator in the world at one time, and it was made of rare, expensive wood. The elevator’s owner tells us he has still not been paid for the millions of dollars in damages caused by the fire….

$1.6 Million Lottery Ticket Sold in Hermantown

Gopher 5 jackpot ticket sold at Hermantown General Store

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Someone who bought a lottery ticket in Hermantown is now a millionaire after winning the $1.6 million Gopher 5 jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at the Hermantown General Store on Morris Thomas Road. The store gets a $5,000 bonus for selling the ticket. Employees tell us they’ve been selling a lot more lottery tickets than usual…

Port of Duluth-Superior Celebrating Another Record Breaking Year

The port also saw a record amount of wind energy products with 306,000 freight tons, the most ever in to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Port of Duluth-Superior’s shipping season is drawing to a close and the Great Lakes busiest port is still a very busy place. According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority the port is on pace to handle of 35 million tons of cargo for the third straight year. This is helped because the port reached its highest…

Police and Fire Chiefs Serving at The Kitchen in Memory of Late Waitress

This year, the fundraiser was held in memory of waitress Janice McConnell who recently passed away after 40 years of working at the restaurant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s police and fire chiefs along with the district attorney and sheriff put on their aprons and got serving at The Kitchen restaurant all for a good cause. This year, the fundraiser was held in memory of waitress Janice McConnell who recently passed away after 40 years of working at the restaurant. All tips from the day…

New Lakewalk Fencing Being Installed on Lakewalk

New wrought iron fencing between the walkway and railroad tracks is being installed this week.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new section of the Duluth Lakewalk behind Fitger’s is undergoing more improvements to weather future storms. New wrought iron fencing between the walkway and railroad tracks is being installed this week. Parts of the Lakewalk will be closed during that time. “The fence was old but the last few storms kinda took it out so it…

Superior Street Snow Removal to Begin Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will begin accumulated snow removal from Superior Street on Thursday in the downtown area. The city says staff will start on Superior Street from 6th Avenue West and work their way East beginning on Thursday from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. No parking signs will be posted before snow removal begins. The city…

Shakopee Schools Report 400 Student Absences Due to Flu-Related Illnesses

Shakopee, Minn. (FOX 9) – Shakopee Public Schools says around 400 student absences due to flu-related illnesses have been reported in the last week. The district put out a notice to families saying more than 300 West Middle School absences have been reported and about 100 absences have been reported at Sun Path Elementary, too. As required by the Minnesota…

Midday Update 12-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Wisconsin Governor: No Tax Credits for New Foxconn Plant

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ top aide is warning Foxconn Technology Group that it won’t collect any state incentives for its scaled-down factory in Wisconsin if it doesn’t renegotiate the deal. Foxconn had originally promised to build a massive flat-screen factory in Mount Pleasant that would eventually employ 13,000 people. But the company said this spring that…

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Offers Smart Salting Tips

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Says 60 Percent of Home and Business Owners Tend to Oversalt

DULUTH, Minn. – With the winter months upon us, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is reminding business and homeowners of smart salting and deicing tips. Officials with MPCA say over 60 percent of residents routinely over salt, resulting in harsh chemicals making way into our area lakes, streams and rivers. According to the MPCA, one teaspoon of deicing agent…

Morning Update 12-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Hermantown General Store Sells Winning Million Dollar Lottery Ticket

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Someone who purchased a Gopher 5 lottery ticket in Hermantown is over a million dollars richer Tuesday morning. According to the Minnesota Lottery Communications, a ticket purchased at the Hermantown General Store at 5105 Morris Thomas Road was worth $1,606,134. The ticket matched the numbers 4-14-23-31-34 drawn on December 16. Hermantown General Store will earn a $5,000…

One Dead in Early Morning Hibbing House Fire

The Remains Will be Transported for Identification and to Determine Cause of Death

HIBBING, Minn. – One person is dead following an early Tuesday morning house fire in Hibbing. According to the Hibbing Police and Fire Departments, fire crews responded to reports of a structure fire at 1834 25th Street around 12:17 a.m. Firefighters from Hibbing, Chisholm and Keewatin arrived on scene and found a residence fully engulfed in flames. When the fire…