News

Multiple Snow Storms Create Holiday Headaches

Breaking Down The Two Major Systems Targeting The Northland, Packing Heavy Snowfall

DULUTH, Minn. —  Two significant snowstorms will make holiday travel dangerous across the Great Lakes and both systems will drop heavy snow across parts of the Northland. A WINTER STORM WARNING in effect until noon Wednesday for St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Carlton, Aitkin, Pine, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Gogebic, Sawyer, Washburn and Burnett counties, where 5-15″ of heavy wet snow…

Make Magical Holiday Memories Aboard the Christmas City Express

Christmas City Express Begins Friday, November 29 at the North Shore Scenic Railroad Museum in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – What better way to see the holiday sights of the Northland than aboard the Christmas City Express. Starting Friday, November 29, passengers are welcome to hop aboard and experience the magical excursion. The Christmas City Express will board and depart at the St. Louis County Depot (Lake Superior Railroad Museum). The holiday fun of the Christmas City Express…

Morning Update 11-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 26, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Superior Meats Busy with Fresh Turkeys

Meat Shop says new batch of Turkeys will be gone by Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- If you still haven’t gotten your Thanksgiving turkey yet, it’s not too late as Superior Meats just got in a fresh batch of turkeys. The meat shop offers fresh never frozen turkeys along with double smoked hams and turduckens. The manager said the new turkeys aren’t going to last long. “We offer fresh never frozen, all natural turkeys,”…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Downtown Duluth Photo Gallery Celebrates Two Year Anniversary

Tischer Photographic Gallery sells nature images.

DULUTH, Minn.- The photographer at Tischer Photographic Gallery on West Superior Street captures breathtaking scenes of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls, or other Northland scenes and turns them into pieces you can hang in your home. “If you come into our gallery and purchase a piece of artwork y’know we make it with our hands right here,” owner and photographer Ryan…

Northland Top Cops Talk Importance of Armored Vehicles to Face Active Shooters, Save Lives

Five Law Enforcement Agencies in the Northland Have Some Type of Armored Vehicle

From schools and workplaces to concerts and nightclubs, innocent lives are being taken away in America by heavily armed suspects in active shooter situations, which is why more law enforcement agencies across the country and right here in the Northland are investing in armored vehicles that can withstand the worst of the worst.  FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The city…

Christmas Lights Up, Christmas Tours On at Glensheen Mansion

Choose from three different tours to take.

DULUTH, Minn.- The holidays are in full swing at Glensheen Mansion, with their Christmas Tours now underway. You can choose from three different tours at the mansion: a self-guided tour, a half self-guided full mansion tour, and the new candlelight tour. For the candlelight tour, staff turns off all the interior lights, illuminating the mansion in only Christmas lights. Staff…

Duluth Council Passes Plastic Bag Fee, Two Councilors Opposed

City has until April to decide enforcement.

DULUTH, Minn.- After discussing the issue of plastic bags for almost four years and  debating the Five Cent Bag Fee ordinance for two months, Duluth City Council has passed the ordinance 6-2, with Councilors Forsman and Van Nett opposed. As per usual with the meetings over the past couple months, many members of the public spoke out on the issue,…

Spice Shop Says Don’t Forget The Turkey Brine

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – With Northlanders getting ready for the upcoming holiday businesses are getting swamped with orders including one spice shop in Two Harbors. McQuade’s Herbs, Spices and More sells a variety of flavorful seasonings. During the holidays their turkey brine becomes one of their top sellers. All packaged and ready to go, the brines are a blend made…

UMD Journalism Students get Entrepreneurship Opportunity

UMD students got to meet with local entrepreneurs about business models they've been working on all semester

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students got the opportunity to meet with local entrepreneurs about business models they’ve been working on all semester. Students presented visuals involving the creating economy such as arts, crafts and the outdoors. One student believes this type of real-world access will be an advantage for her future in business. “One of the biggest things is they get…

Whole Foods Co-op Removes Lettuce from Shelves

The latest federal health warning has caused Whole Foods Co-op on Hillside to remove lettuce from its shelves

DULUTH, Minn.- With the latest federal health warning about not to eat romaine lettuce of any kind from the Salinas Valley, Whole Foods Co-op on Hillside has now removed the product from the shelves. The reason for the removal is due to the romaine lettuce having a particularly dangerous type of E coli bacteria that has sickened 40 people in…

Grandmothers Looking to Provide Supplies for Young People

A group of grandmothers are looking to bring some happiness to young peoples lives this holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of grandmothers are looking to bring some happiness to young peoples lives this holiday season. The Northland Chapter of Grandmothers for Peace is asking for donations of new and gently used books and art supplies for young people. Donation boxes are in Superior at the library, and Agnie’s Closet and in Duluth boxes are located at…

Lake County Looking Implement Lodging Tax

A public meeting is planned for December 12th at 6 p–m at the Beaver Bay Community Center.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lake County wants to implement a lodging tax across that entire region that would largely pay for more tourism advertising. Right now only Two Harbors and Silver Bay have the tax, but now the county wants to impose a four percent lodging tax on every city within county lines. 3% of the proposed tax would fund…

Senator Tina Smith Visits Two Harbors To Talk Jobs And Economic Development

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Creating new jobs and boosting economic development is often a challenge for small communities. Senator Tina smith was among those discussing solutions in Two Harbors. She sat down with school administrators, local officials, and business owners to hear their concerns. She says her goal is to listen to whats working and help build a better partnership…

Volunteers Hit the Ground Running with DECC Thanksgiving Preps

The DECC Thanksgiving Day Buffet will be Thursday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thanksgiving preps were already in full swing at the DECC early Monday morning. Hundreds of volunteers came in for a week of peeling potatoes, baking bread and cooking more than 200 turkeys to feed thousands at Duluth’s annual holiday meal. Volunteers like Mike Dittmar, who’s been helping prep the dinner for 15 years, say giving back to those in…

MnDOT Announces Major Delays Due to Costs of Upcoming “Can of Worms” Project

MnDOT delays two major parts of the Twin Ports Interchange project indefinitely.

DULUTH, Minn.- MnDOT says they’re struggling to get funding for unforeseen costs adding up in the upcoming Twin Ports Interchange, or “Can of Worms,” reconstruction project, and it’s causing parts of the project to downsize. Officials say they’re projecting construction to cost more than $100 million over the original budget, putting new estimated costs at $443 million. Some of the new…

Wisconsin Sees Uptick in Fatal Police Shootings in 2019

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin is ending the year with more fatal police shootings than last year. Data collected by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association shows police shot and killed 16 people this year. There were 13 fatal police shootings in 2018. Wisconsin Public Radio reported Monday that 11 of those killed this year were white, three were black and…

Two Men Charged With Felonies After Duluth Fentanyl Drug Bust

(Bowser | Hale) DULUTH, Minn. – Two men have been formally charged following their arrests in connection to the largest suspected fentanyl bust in Minnesota in 2019. According to court documents, Raymond Bowser, 35, has been charged with first degree aiding and abetting drugs and fleeing on foot. Denzel Hale, 29, has been charged with first degree sale of drugs….

Midday Update 11-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Duluth Art Institute Hosting Annual HoliDAI Market

The Market and Free Day at the Depot is Happening Saturday, November 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Shoppers are invited to take part in Small Business Saturday special events on Saturday, November 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the St. Louis County Depot. Christina Woods, Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute says the DAI HoliDAI Market is a unique way for artists to sell their creations, for collectors to purchase work,…

Landline to Offer Special Black Friday Mall of America Route

The Special Route Will Depart at 2:00 a.m. From the Duluth International Airport

DULUTH, Minn. – The transportation company Landline is offering a special one-day route for Duluthians looking to shop Black Friday deals at the Mall of America this holiday season. According to a recent press release, Landline will depart from the Duluth International Airport at 2:00 a.m. on Friday, November 29 with a brief transfer at MSP to the Black Friday…

Middle Schools Student Held, Accused of Making Bomb Threat

The Boy Made the Threat on November 18

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) – An International Falls Middle School student is in custody after he was accused of making a bomb threat. The Koochiching County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and deciding whether to issue a juvenile delinquency petition against the 12-year-old. He could have a detention hearing Monday in juvenile court to determine whether he should continue…

Pedestrian Struck, Killed in East Hillside Crash

The Female Victim Died From Her Injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, a female pedestrian was struck and killed while walking down the center line on 6th Avenue East in the area of 9th Street on Monday morning. Police responded to the scene in the East Hillside neighborhood around 6:09 a.m. The 42-year-old female victim was transported to a local hospital where she…

Black Friday Shopping? Don’t Forget These Four Helpful Tips

Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Offers Advice and Tips to Help Keep Your Wallet Happy This Black Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday is known for its door-busting deals and bargain-hunting shoppers. Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. with tips to help you make the most of your time and money this Black Friday. Black Friday is almost here and so are the deals….

Morning Update 11-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: ‘, Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Home Destroyed by Fire in Greenwood Township

There Were no Reported Injuries

(photo courtesy: The Northland FireWire) GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A house in Greenwood Township is a total loss after it went up in flames Sunday. The fire broke out around 3:00 p.m. at a home on the 2600 Block of Mordini Road. Multiple agencies responded to the fire at the residence which fire crews say was completely engulfed in flames….

Winter Snowstorm Could Impact Holiday Travel

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Forecasters say a winter snowstorm could muddle Thanksgiving travel plans in southern Minnesota. Up to 6 inches of snow is expected to begin falling Tuesday afternoon followed by strong winds on Wednesday. Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesman Jake Loesch tells the Star Tribune the agency has more than 800 snowplows ready to go and plenty of salt…

Four People Injured During Opening Weekend of Wisconsin’s Deer Hunt

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Four people are recovering after they were shot during the opening weekend of Wisconsin’s gun deer hunt. The Department of Natural Resources says it needs more information about a man who was shot in Washburn County Sunday. Elsewhere, two hunters shot themselves in the foot in two separate incidents in Oneida and Marathon counties. And, a…

Christmas Tree Market Opens at Duluth Farmer’s Market

The warm weather brought out plenty of people looking for just the right tree and greenery to decorate for Christmas.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Christmas Tree Market opened on Sunday at the Duluth Farmer’s Market for the holiday season. The warm weather brought out plenty of people looking for just the right tree and greenery to decorate for Christmas. Trees were getting shaken out and baled to go on top of customer’s cars. Farmer Allison Hoffbauer of Hoffbauer’s trees which…

Bentleyville Seeing High Numbers with Warm Weather

Temperatures around 40 degrees was a warm welcome for the thousands who came out.

DULUTH, Minn. – The nice weather was a welcome change for the thousands of people who attended Bentleyville on opening night Saturday. By Sunday afternoon the gift shop was full again and ready for day two, but that was only after creator Nathan Bentley along with five other people spent five hours restocking. This comes after a very well attended…

The Duluth Bethel’s Longtime Chaplain Bonnie Pugleasa Retires

This November she made the difficult decision to retire after a decade and a half of impacting those who are fighting some of the hardest battles of their lives.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 15 years Bonnie Pugleasa has been the chaplain at The Duluth Bethel helping people who are struggling with addiction or have a criminal record. This November she made the difficult decision to retire after a decade and a half of impacting those who are fighting some of the hardest battles of their lives. “I’m not ready…

Holiday Pop-Up Gives the Gift of Essential Oils

Participants make colognes and perfumes out of essential oils.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Holiday Pop-up at Clyde Iron Works is focused on making some holiday gifts out of essential oils. The group mixed natural scents like lemon, frankinscense and rose with a base of vodka to make perfumes and colognes. They hoped to provide a healthy alternative to the conventional perfumes and colognes that use toxic ingredients. “People want a…

Hundreds of Bowlers of All Abilities Fill Special Olympics State Tournament

Over 5,000 participants statewide, over 450 here in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of bowlers of all abilities gathered at the Incline Station in Downtown Duluth for Special Olympic’s Minnesota’s State Tournament. Duluth was one of nine cities hosting a state tournament Sunday, adding to the pot of over 5,000 participants statewide. Bowling balls land on the lane floor with a resounding thud. “Knock those pins down,” Jeniece Klammer of…

Multiple Fire Departments Respond to Fire at Home in Greenwood Township

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire in the Greenwood Township on Sunday afternoon. The house was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on scene at 3 p.m., and is now deemed a total loss, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The home is located on 2600-block of Mordini Road and is…

Man Dies After Falling Through Ice on St. Louis River

A 34-year-old Scanlon man pronounced dead at the scene

SCANLON, Minn. – A 34-year-old man is dead after falling through the ice in the St. Louis River early Saturday morning. According to the Cloquet Police Department, officers responded to a call at a local bar at about 1:30 a.m. where they were notified of the sound of someone calling for help. Officers discovered a person had fallen through the…

Festival of the Season Brings Holiday Shoppers to Duluth Farmer’s Market

A thousand people shopped from twenty-two local vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – A thousand holiday shoppers made their way to the annual Festival of the Season at the Duluth Farmer’s Market. Twenty-two local crafters and artisans sold their unique products ranging from ceramics to flowers to holiday wreaths. “Everything here is also homemade so if you buy it here, you know the person that’s selling it is the person…

Dancers Gather to Compete, Honor Fallen Breakdancer

9th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition held at the Encounter.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tapping feet and grooving bodies filled the Encounter on First Street for the 9th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition, held in honor of the local breakdancing pioneer. Dancers came from around the country–from nine-year-olds to adults. Founder John D’Auria started the competition in honor of his cousin Willie, who died in 2010. According to dancers, the competition highlights…

Native American Heritage Day Celebrated at The Depot

The day celebrated local Ojibwe history, art, and culture and special attention was also given to Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces.

DULUTH, Minn. – November is Native American Heritage Month and the St. Louis County Historical Society partnered with many Native organizations for the third annual day celebrating Native heritage at The Depot. The day celebrated local Ojibwe history, art, and culture. Special attention was also given to Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. The lessons also went towards…

Wisconsin Hunters Take to the Woods for Deer Opener

Hunters reach milestones with family, meat processors see spikes in business.

POPLAR, Wis.- Hunters across Wisconsin took to the millions of acres of public hunting lands for the firearm deer hunting opener. “It’s one of the best states in the nation for both quality of deer and quantity of deer historically,” said Greg Kessler, Wildlife Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR. It’s that time of year again, and hunters aren’t wasting a…

Bentleyville 2019 Officially Opens for the Holiday Season

Thousands of guests waited in line for hours to be some of the first to tour the display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is officially open this holiday season. Down at Bayfront Festival Park thousands of people lined up outside the gates eagerly awaiting Santa and Mrs. Claus parachuting from a helicopter signaling the start of Bentleyville 2019. Guests waited in line for hours to be some of the first to tour the display. “Well…

Christmas City of the North Parade Decks the Halls of Superior Street

Crowds take over sidewalks to watch the 61st Parade.

DULUTH, Minn.- The crowds outside of Sir Ben’s were full of holiday cheer as Superior Street turned into a Winter Wonderland for the 61st Annual Christmas City of the North Parade. Thumping marching bands, colorful floats, and favorite characters line the street. It’s a special night not only for spectators, but those who have been preparing to be in the…

Bentleyville Finishing Up Last Touches Before Opening Night

Over 36,000 volunteer hours go into making Bentleyville the destination for hundreds of thousands of people each year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville is officially opening and turning the lights on on Saturday evening. Friday, workers were busy putting the final touches on the display at Bayfront Festival Park. “It doesn’t matter people job description or their income is or everything everyone is just the same down here for that hour of enjoyment and keeping thing simple forgetting about…

First Witness Holds Annual Bake Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – First Witness Child Advocacy Center held their annual bake sale Friday morning at the Holiday Center. The sale has thousand of baked goods including cupcakes, muffins and cookies. All of the proceeds donated go directly back to the families they serve. “It can go to anything from if the family comes in and the family doesn’t have…

Changes May Come To Superior’s Stormwater Flood Control Program

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The public works committee recently approved the changes, which will then go before city council on December 3rd. Right now, only homeowners can apply to the program which includes sump pump installation to help prevent basement flooding. The proposed resolution would also apply to landlords who own rental properties. “The occupancy criteria would be taken into consideration…

Anishinaabe Artists Host Pop Up Art Sale

ClOQUET, Minn – Anishinaabe artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin hosted a pop up art sale at the Fond Du Lac Tribal Center in Cloquet. About 15 vendors took part in the this year’s art sale. Shoppers could purchase everything from embroidered clothing to pottery. Bead work artists were also at the sale crafting beautiful jewelry. The organizer says the art…

Essentia Health Breaks Ground For New Cloquet Clinic

The clinic is expected to open next summer.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ground has been broken for the new $4 million dollar Essentia Health clinic planned for Cloquet. The new 10,000 square foot facility will take over the site of the former driftwood hotel. It will feature an urgent care unit and a primary care practice. Also a rehab space for physical therapy patients as well as lab and…

Thunderbird-Wren Halfway House Opens Doors To New Facility

The $7 million project was solely paid for with loans and very little private money.

DULUTH, Minn. – In September of 2018 the Thunderbird–Wren Halfway House broke ground on a $7 million project to build a new treatment center. After 14 months of construction, the new facility has opened its doors. The Thunderbird-Wren House moved from a nearly 100 year old building, which no longer fit the needs to fulfill their mission. This new facility…