News

Mesaba Avenue Fatal Crash Victim Identified

DULUTH, Minn. – The 24-year-old man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Mesaba Avenue Thursday has been identified. According to the Duluth Police department the victim has been identified as Gabriel Zachariah Stunkel of Duluth. The incident happened around 4:38 a.m. on Thursday when authorities responded to the scene of the crash on Mesaba Avenue at West 5th Street and…

Minorca Mine Crash Victim Identified

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The man killed in a single-vehicle crash at the Minorca Mine on Tuesday has been identified. According to the president of the United Steelworkers Local 6115 the victim was 51-year-old Kenny Mattson of Gilbert. The incident happened around 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday when authorities responded to the scene of the crash and found a service truck flipped…

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Welcomes New Executive Director

Executive Director Dustin Heckman Took Over at the Bong Center Effective Thursday, November 7

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As of Thursday, November 7, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is now being run under the leadership of Dustin Heckman. Heckman is from Red Wing, Minnesota. He says he has always wanted to move to the Twin Ports, and this was his chance to do so. Heckman was previously the Coordinator of the Minnesota Alliance…

Put A Rose Between Your Teeth and Learn to Tango!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Ballroom Dance Studio Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott take dance lessons at Superior Ballroom Dance Studio. Learning step by step the skills to do the tango. Adding style to the basic moves and creating muscle memory, you can dance your way into fitness and mental health. Click here for more information on how…

Morning Update 11-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 8, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 8, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Wisconsin Guard Whistleblower Says He’s Being Discharged

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin National Guard sergeant says he’s being discharged in retaliation for complaining about sexual misconduct in his unit. Wisconsin Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jay Ellis’ complaint last year has triggered two federal investigations. Ellis has alleged that Guard officials have launched a review of his medical history to set up a medical discharge and…

Talking About Differences with the Race Card Project

It started back in September when the library handed out cards asking people to write just six words depicting their experience with race.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth and Duluth Public Library brought citizens together on Thursday to talk candidly about race in the community as a wrap up to a months-long card writing program. The national program is called the Race Card Project. It started back in September when the library handed out cards asking people to write just six…

St. Luke’s Holiday Celebration Brings the Cheer

The sale has baked goods, a holiday raffle, and so many holiday themed items for sale.

DULUTH, Minn. – ‘Tis the season for the annual St. Luke’s holiday sale which allows volunteers from the hospital to raise money for different programs there. The sale has baked goods, a holiday raffle, and so many holiday themed items for sale. One volunteer was so happy to be back at the sale this year. “A holiday spirit? I’m always…

Vaping Awareness from Former X-Ray Technician

Cloquet students and parents learned more about vaping and it's effects on the bodies lungs

DULUTH, Minn.- Parents of students in Cloquet came together to learn more about vaping from a former X-Ray technician. Rob Holladay, has been speaking across the country, talking about the effects vaping has on a person’s body especially their lungs. The goal of Thursday’s nights presentation was to make parents aware of the latest nicotine trends involving our youth. “Kids…

Winter Farmer’s Market Kicks Off in Lincoln Park

The farmer's market brings in plenty of produce that is in season such as root vegetables and squash along with other vendors selling things like honey and pies.

DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures are well below normal outside Lincoln Park winter farmer’s market held its grand opening at the Duluth Folk School on Thursday. The farmer’s market brings in plenty of produce that is in season such as root vegetables and squash along with other vendors selling things like honey and pies. The market also includes a kids…

Study Recommends Part-Time Mayor, Full-Time Administrator For City of Superior

Mayor Jim Paine: Recommendation Holds No Weight, More Pressing Issues To Focus On Like Software Investments

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A new study has been released about the city of Superior’s operations at city hall and how it can improve to be more efficient and effective. The study was initiated by Mayor Jim Paine and the city council, and conducted by RW Management Group, Inc. The consultant group assessed things like current staffing, workflow, workloads and management…

City Working to Tackle Flooding Problems on Park Point

The City of Duluth is jumping in to relieve some of the problems by improving sanitary and sewer issues

DULUTH, Minn.- When it rains it pour for residents on Park Point who are increasingly dealing with flooding outside and inside their homes. Now the city is jumping in to relieve some of the problems by improving sanitary and sewer issues in the area. High lake levels and storms often threaten water damage to Park Point homes, but now property…

High School Vocalists Participate In Choir Festival

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Area high school students gathered for the 36th Annual Choir fest at UWS. Roughly 85 students were able to participate, giving them the opportunity to experience larger orchestra works. One high school teacher says, his students will be able to take this new insight back with them. ”Their going to be all excited. Like, you have no…

W.I.T.C Hosts Annual Career Day

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College hosted their annual career day Thursday morning. Hundreds of area high school students were able to see some of the different opportunities of the tech industry. Students were able to participate in 40 minute hands-on career sessions for a variety of careers. Auto Service Technician, Welding and Nursing were just some of the…

Raleigh Academy Students Celebrate Military Members

DULUTH, Minn. – Veteran’s Day may be on Monday, but Raleigh Academy in Duluth is celebrating early to show their appreciation for veterans and active service members. Every year since 2001 the school has produced a Veteran’s Day program. This year students sang songs dedicated to military members. A music teacher says this program encourages kids to be selfless. “We…

Superior YMCA Gives Back To Children Worldwide

This year the YMCA is hoping to collect and distribute 200 boxes to send worldwide.

SUPERIOR, Wis, – In 2018 , the global effort called Operation Christmas Child distributed more than $10 million gift-filled boxes to children in nearly 150 countries. The YMCA of Superior is helping to continue that effort by giving back to more children worldwide. Volunteers are packed the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes to help make sure no child around the…

Coat Drive Helps Families in Need

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last month the Salvation Army of Superior and several sponsors collected nearly one thousand coats for families in the Northland. Those people in need finally got their chance to pick out one of those new coats to stay warm during these upcoming cold months. The coat drive is called Coats for Kids, but anyone is welcome. Coats…

State Officials Praise Duluth for Dedication to Housing Projects

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan discusses funding and housing projects in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan got an up close and personal look at how some of Duluth’s housing projects are helping those who were previously homeless in the area. Flanagan started her Northland trek with a tour around Lutheran Social Service’s “Center for Changing Lives.” There she met two of the previously homeless youth living at the center,…

Walz Seeks Agriculture Disaster Declaration for NW Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to declare a disaster for 12 counties of northwestern Minnesota where farmers are having a difficult harvest season. In his request Thursday, the governor said the unrelenting bad weather this season has come on top of challenges farmers were already facing from low commodity…

Deep Fried Catfish in Duluth

COOKING CONNECTION: Lyric Eat Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. — Eat downtown week is here! In this week’s Cooking Connection we are featuring a Deep Fried Catfish dinner special offered at Lyric. Complimented with sides of cauliflower rice and roasted vegetables. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot has flames flying for this recipe, check it out in the video above. LOCATION: Holiday Center ADDRESS: : 205 W Superior St,…

Evers Promotes Deputy After Senate Fires Agriculture Leader

(photo: DATCP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has promoted the deputy agriculture secretary after the Wisconsin Senate fired the head of the agency earlier this week. Evers’ spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff on Thursday said that Randy Romanski will take over as interim secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Romanski has worked for a variety of…

Midday Update 11-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 7, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 7, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

HealthPartners to Close All Retail Pharmacies in 2020, Eliminating 300 Employees

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) – HealthPartners announced it is closing all of its Minnesota and western Wisconsin retail pharmacies in 2020. The Bloomington-based business said it will shutter 30 retail pharmacies located within HealthPartners, Park Nicollet, Central Minnesota and Stillwater Medical Group clinics. The organization’s mail-order pharmacy operations will also cease. About 300 positions will be eliminated as a result of the…

Yarn Harbor Searching for Volunteers, Winter Apparel Donations

Warm Up the City Donations Needed; Volunteers to Place Items Around the City of Duluth Saturday, November 16

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Saturday, November 16, Northlanders are encouraged to donate hats, mittens, scarves, and other warm winter items to Yarn Harbor in Duluth. The store is located at 4629 East Superior Street in Duluth. They’re open Monday & Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from…

Man Dies After Crashing Into Light Pole on Mesaba Avenue

The Crash is Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – A 24-year-old male died early Thursday morning after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a light pole. Authorities say the crash happened around 4:38 a.m. Thursday on Mesaba Avenue at West 5th Street. Preliminary investigations indicate the male was traveling down Mesaba Avenue and the driver was unable to a curve and crashed into the pole….

Assembly Weighs Expanding Birth Control Access for 18 and Up

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Assembly is expected to pass a bill opposed by anti-abortion groups that would broaden birth control access. The bill up for vote Thursday would allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptive patches and birth control pills to anyone 18 or older. Under current law, only doctors can prescribe them. Anti-abortion groups oppose the measure, arguing…

Morning Update 11-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 7, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 7, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, weather

Early Morning Fire Displaces Duluth Family

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth Family waking up dealing with $75,000 in damage to their home after an early morning fire. Fire crews responded around 2:30 a.m. this morning to the home located at 1401 East 10th Street in Duluth. Officials believe the fire started in the attic of the home. All family members and pets were able to evacuate….

Area High School Girls Participate In Sonia Kovalesky Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Area high school girls gathered at UWS for the third annual Sonia Kovalesky Day. Kovalesky was a Russian Mathematician who made a number of contributions to the subject. Roughly thirty girls from Duluth and Superior schools participated in workshops, panels and activities. Each were geared to help give them great exposure, and learn the importance of mathematics…

Glensheen Gets Ready For Christmas

Tours will also begin until November 15th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is closed this week to deck the halls with Christmas decorations. This year’s tour will feature the spirit of the lights display that once lived on the lawn of Marcia Hales of Park Point. Every year for nearly 20 years Marsha put up the Christmas display outside her home. Unfortunately last year she had to…

Red Kettle Kick-Off Begins

Northlanders got a sneak peak of Bentleyville USA Wednesday, while donating to a good cause

DULUTH, Minn.- Folks got a sneak peak at Bentleyville USA before their official opening. It was also the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle season kickoff and toy and food giveaway. People of all ages bundled up and got to witness America’s largest free walk through lighting display. It was also a night of getting into the holiday spirit. Roasting marsh mellows,…

Janet Kennedy Becomes First African American Council Member

History was made Tuesday night during the Duluth Election

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday night, history was made as Janet Kennedy became the first African American to be elected to the Duluth City Council. The third time was the charm for Kennedy as she had run for the District 5 seat the past two elections. Kennedy tells us, she hopes last night’s win serves as an example for young people. “As…

Voter Turnout at 34 Percent

Duluth voter turnout was pretty much the same four years ago

DULUTH, Minn.- Meanwhile, the Duluth City Clerk tells us voter turnout was pretty much the same as four years ago – at about 34%. Turnout in 2015 for the mayoral election was about 33%. City Clerk Chelsea Helmer was hoping for closer to forty. She says her office and city officials are committed to continuing to get as many voters…

A STEM Program At The 148th Fighter Wing Expands

Starbase Minnesota will be able to serve 1,000 additional students every year in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 148th Fighter Wing celebrated the groundbreaking of a new expansion project. Starbase Minnesota, which is a non–profit youth program that educates students about science, technology, engineering and math, will get new classrooms on the base to help serve more students. The St. Paul-based organization expanded its reach to Duluth in 2017. The program has been well…

Humane Society of Burnett County Opens New Shelter

Take a look inside the new facility that houses dozens of cats and dogs

WEBSTER, Wis. – The Humane Society of Burnett County in Webster recently opened a brand new shelter building. Staff tell us the new facility allows them to provide better care to even more animals. It has double the space for furry friends like puppy Joan of Arc. “We have more animals, we have more people, we have more adoptions, it’s…

Ambulance Crew Injured in Central Entrance Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to a crash involving an ambulance Wednesday morning near the intersection of Central Entrance and Blackman Avenue. Authorities say the ambulance was traveling up Central Entrance with lights and sirens on when it was hit by a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old that ran a stop sign. The driver…

UPDATE: Another Warrant Issued for Duluth Man Who Started Synagogue Fire

Amiot Fled the Beth Port on November 4

Update: DULUTH, Minn. – According to authorities, Matthew Amiot, 36, was located and arrested Tuesday night. Police say Amiot was arrested around 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday and was admitted to a local hospital. It is unknown at this time why he was brought to hospital, but authorities confirm he will be transported to jail after he is released from the…

Midday Update 11-6-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Wisconsin Assembly to Attempt First Overrides in 11 Years

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Assembly plans to attempt the first veto overrides in 11 years, targeting three partial budget vetoes by Gov. Tony Evers. The Republican-controlled Assembly plans to vote on the veto overrides on Thursday. Republicans don’t have enough votes to pass them without Democratic support. Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz says no Democrats will support the…

Special Report: Professionals Helping Prepare For, Study Different Aspects of Grief

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a topic many shy away from, talking about what happens after we lose a loved one, and are left to live in the physical world without them. FOX 21’s Brett Scott examines how grief is studied on an academic level, and prepared for with the help of hospice professionals. “I think that mostly why I’m in…

St. Luke’s Holiday Sale Raising Funds for Volunteer Service Guild

The Annual Holiday Fundraiser Begins Thursday, November 7 in the St. Luke's Hospital Gift Shop

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Luke’s Volunteer Service Guild’s Annual Holiday Sale, Bake Sale and Raffle is happening Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8 in the St. Luke’s Hospital Gift Shop. Shoppers can find a wide selection of LED pictures, mugs, picture sets, holiday decorations and homemade bake sale items. Raffle tickets will be sold for $2 again this…

Duluth Police Officer on Administrative Leave for Alleged Impaired Driving

An Internal Investigation is Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth Police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for impaired driving last month. Authorities say off-duty officer Daryl Diver, 48, was stopped by Duluth Police on October 28 around 10:00 p.m. for ‘driving conduct consistent with signs of impairment.’ According to a recent press release, the officer immediately contacted the Minnesota…

Northland General Election Results

Below are the up to date results to the key races in Tuesday’s Northland General Elections Duluth Mayor Emily Larson (I) – 13,340  63.3% David Nolle – 7,509  35.8% Duluth Council Member at Large (Elect 2) Arik Forsman (I) – 8,972  25.8% Noah Hobbs (I) – 8,717  25.0% Mike Mayou – 7,869 22.6% Derek Medved – 9,068  26.2% Duluth Council…

Salvation Army to Kick off Red Kettle Campaign Wednesday Night at Bentleyville

The Red Kettle Karnival is Happening Wednesday, November 6 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Salvation Army invites you to help them kick off this year’s Red Kettle Campaign by stopping in at Bentleyville USA on Wednesday, November 6 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Attendees will get a sneak peek at Bentleyville USA before their official opening. There will be hot cocoa, mascot visits, marshmallows, music, and much more. Guests…

Great Lakes Aquarium, Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss Partner to Bring New Experience to Visitors

Tour the Great Lakes Aquarium by Touch; Kickoff Event Taking Place Saturday, November 9

DULUTH, Minn. – More than three million people in the United States live with vision loss, whether it be partial, full, for a lifetime, or later on in life. Great Lakes Aquarium is now working hard to break down barriers, making sure every visitor receives the same satisfaction no matter how much they’re able to see or hear. “If you…