News

Northern Lights Foundation to Host 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser

The Energetic More Cowbell Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, January 16 at Grandma's Sports Garden in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – For folks dealing with a strange fever in the Northland, the Northern Lights Foundation has a prescription — More Cowbell! The 11th annual Northern Lights Foundation Fundraiser supports local children facing life-threatening illnesses. The comical event is happening Thursday, January 16 at The Sports Garden in Canal Park. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with the show…

New Childcare Facility to Open in Downtown Duluth This Spring

The New Facility Plans to Open in May 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – A new childcare facility plans to open this spring in downtown Duluth. According to a recent press release, Mesabi Preschool Academy plans to open a second facility in the Wieland Building located at 26 East Superior Street in May. Mesabi Preschool Academy is currently located in Proctor and provides childcare to 70 children ages two through fifth…

Wisconsin Choice Schools Win Lawsuit Over Virtual Learning

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A judge has ruled that Wisconsin’s education department is illegally treating private choice schools differently to public schools by not allowing them to count online classes toward instructional time. The ruling on Tuesday from Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren is a win for School Choice Wisconsin Action. The group includes private schools in the state’s…

Pelosi Names Schiff, Nadler as Prosecutors for Trump Trial

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced the House prosecutors for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. They include Democrats Adam Schiff of California and Jerrold Nadler of New York, who led the House impeachment probe. Pelosi made the announcement Wednesday morning, hours before the House was expected to vote to send the articles of impeachment…

Morning Update 1-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

5 Residents Displaced After Pickup Truck Slams Into Building, Causes Gas Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Police were investigating Tuesday after a pickup truck slammed into a multi-unit residential building and caused a gas leak. The single-vehicle accident happened around 5 p.m. at 4010 E. 2nd Street. The vehicle’s impact severed multiple natural gas meters, according to authorities. Police closed down the area to the public at one point until Superior Water Light…

3 Suspected Opioid-Related Overdoses Of Inmates At Ashland County Jail

ASHLAND, Wis. — The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three suspected opioid-related overdoses of inmates at the Ashland County Jail. Two inmates experienced symptoms and were hospitalized Jan. 9.  Another inmate was hospitalized on Jan. 11. All three were eventually discharged from the hospital. Officials say the inmates were all housed in the same cell block.  It’s believed a…

Bearboo Coffee Escape and Car Wash Gets New Owners

Previous employee became owner on New Year's Day.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet’s only combination coffee shop and car wash is seeing new ownership this year. Natalie and Chris Swanson officially owned Bearaboo Coffee Escape and the adjacent car wash as of New Year’s Day. Natalie had been working at the hangout since February, she said customers warned not to change much and she respects that. So people can still…

Public Input Wanted Involving Changes To IDS 709’s School Boundaries

Survey available online through Feb. 3

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools is looking for public feedback to possibly re-do boundaries within the district, which could affect where your child attends school in the future. According to district officials, Congdon Elementary and Lester Park Elementary schools are currently over capacity, while Lowell Elementary is on track to be as well because of the addition of its immersion…

Workshop Trains Birth Workers New Practices

DULUTH, Minn. – A local organization called Spinning Babies held a workshop to train birth workers like doulas and midwives ways to better help new moms throughout their pregnancy. Throughout the session, nearly two dozen guests participated in group exercises. They learned techniques useful that birth workers and new mom can use to during and after pregnancy. A spinning babies…

Teamsters Local 320 Members Discuss Upcoming Plow Operator Strike

Union members say it was a tough decision to strike, but won't return to the table until their 'top priorities' are addressed

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County plow drivers are going on strike Wednesday, the same day measurable snowfall is expected to fall, and just before a winter storm arrives Friday that could dump more than six inches of snow. “I hope we get a ton of snow and I hope the employer, the county, thinks about that and…

UPDATE: One Killed in Eveleth House Fire

UPDATE: Once the fire was extinguished, personnel located the deceased body of a 77-year-old female inside the residence. The identification of the female is pending an autopsy by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and Eveleth Police Department. __________________________________________________________________ EVELETH, Minn. – According to a recent post on the Northland…

Cloquet Fire Sees Most Calls Ever in 2019

The Cloquet Area Fire District responded to just under 3200 calls last year.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Area Fire District has seen a very busy 2019, with the largest number of calls in the Department’s history. The Department has responded to just under 3200 calls last year, and 2020 is shaping up to be just as busy. Just last Sunday, they received two calls for fires in one day. But according to Fire…

Fake Law Officer Stopping Drivers in Northwestern Minnesota

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities are warning motorists about a phony law enforcement officer who is stopping drivers in northwestern Minnesota. At least two incidents have been reported, in Clay and Becker counties. One driver reported being stopped in Hitterdal by a man who asked to see a driver’s license and then told the driver to slow down. A similar…

Teamsters Local 320 Announces It Will Strike Wednesday; Measurable Snowfall In Forecast

DULUTH, Minn. – Teamsters Local 320 announced in a press release Tuesday that it will officially strike Wednesday morning.  This comes as 2-5 inches of snowfall is expected Wednesday. The union says the strike will “affect every Public Works Department location within St. Louis County.” “This was a tough decision for the membership to make,” says Brian Aldes, Teamsters Local…

Midday Update 1-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Wisconsin Appeals Court Puts Voter Rolls Purge on Hold

(Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin appeals court on Tuesday put on hold an order to immediately remove up to 209,000 names from the state’s voter registration rolls. The appeals court sided with the bipartisan state elections commission in putting the brakes on removing any voters while the court fight continues. It also put on…

2020 Brings Changes to Retirement Savings

Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Explains the New SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act)

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the first major law impacting retirement savers in more than a decade. The SECURE Act took effect January 1, which means big changes for anyone with a 401(k) or IRA. Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to discuss how the changes will…

Morning Update 1-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Trump’s Milwaukee Rally Kicks off Election Year in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Some supporters of President Donald Trump lined up starting Monday night to make sure they would have a spot inside the Milwaukee arena where he hosts a rally Tuesday evening. Trump is making his first 2020 appearance in a state that’s a critical battleground in the race. He’s also counter-programming the Democratic presidential hopefuls’ debate in neighboring…

Clean Water Advocates Applaud Halt of Key PolyMet Permits For Copper-Nickel Mine

DULUTH, Minn. – Environmentalists and advocates of clean water gathered in Duluth Monday to celebrate the Minnesota Court of Appeals’ ruling to put a halt on two crucial permits for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes. Leaders from WaterLegacy, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and even Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress were among those praising…

Many in Hoyt Lakes Frustrated as Court of Appeals Halts PolyMet Permits

Many in town say after 15 years work, more delay is detrimental to the town.

HOYT LAKES, Minn.- A three judge panel said the Minnesota DNR made a mistake regarding the PolyMet NorthMet project, as the Minnesota Court of Appeals put a halt on two crucial permits. “It feels like a slap in the face, to tell you the truth. It really does,” said Hoyt Lakes Mayor Chris Vreeland. The word on the streets of…

“Can Of Worms” Project Is Still On Track

DULUTH, Minn. – In November the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the “Can of Worms” reconstruction project came in 100-million dollars over budget. But during Monday’s monthly public meeting, MnDOT officials said the project is still right on track. To help stay within the $343 million budget MnDOT decided to hold off indefinitely on two portions of the reconstruction, which…

The Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes A New Addition To It’s Animal Family

The 300 pound tiger comes to Duluth from the South Bend Zoo in Indiana.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is welcoming a new member to it’s animal family. A new Amur tiger named Taj will now make Duluth it’s new home. Taj arrived in Duluth last Tuesday. Lake Superior Zoo staff members say the six-year-old tiger is already beginning to get acclimated with her new home. Taj spends most of her time…

Queen Agrees To Let Harry, Meghan Move Part-Time to Canada

SANDRINGHAM, England (AP) – Queen Elizabeth II has agreed to grant Prince Harry and his wife Meghan their wish for a more independent life, allowing them to move part-time to Canada while remaining firmly in the House of Windsor. The British monarch said in a statement Monday that the summit of senior royals on Monday was “constructive,” and that it…

Hinch, Luhnow Fired for Astros’ Sign Stealing

(AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File) HOUSTON (AP) – Houston manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow have been fired after the pair were suspended by Major League Baseball for the team’s sign-stealing during the Astros’ run to the 2017 World Series title and during the 2018 season. Commissioner Rob Manfred strongly hinted that current Boston manager Alex Cora – the…

Midday Update 1-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minnesota Court Rejects Two Major Permits for PolyMet Mine

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected some of the most important permits for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota in a major victory for environmentalists. The court ruled Monday the state Department of Natural Resources erred when it declined to order a trial-like proceeding known as a “contested…

International Falls Community Prepares to Celebrate 40th Annual Icebox Days

Icebox Days Festival is Happening January 16 - 19 in International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Many in the Northland travel south when temperatures drop below zero, but one community in Northern Minnesota looks to celebrate the cold with a three day festival jam packed with fun events. Icebox Days Festival is happening Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 19 in International Falls. This will mark the 40th year of the celebration,…

Teamsters Local 320 Members Preparing Picket Signs For Potential Strike

Members Could Strike Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, January 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The Teamsters Local 320 is prepping for a strike after rejecting St. Louis County’s Last Best Final Offer during contract negotiations on Saturday. The union of nearly 180 members includes mechanics, bridge workers, and 102 snow plow operators. They could strike as early as Tuesday and with measurable snow in the forecast the county is also prepping…

Frozen Jr. Takes Over Duluth Playhouse Throughout January

Frozen Jr. is Happening January 10 - 26 at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse kicks off the new year with the regional premiere of the enchanting modern classic, Disney’s Frozen JR, at the Playhouse Family Theatre. The show runs at the Depot January 10 – 26. Shows are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. “This will be the regional premiere of Frozen JR in our area, and we are…

Morning Update 1-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Train Cars Derail in Dunn County

(courtesy: Fox 9) MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) – Officials say a train derailment in western Wisconsin has closed roads in the area. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office says the Union Pacific train was traveling east of the village of Knapp when some cars jumped the track Sunday. No one was hurt and no hazardous materials spilled. The Menomonie Fire Department says…

Ex-Prisoners Who Can Vote Sought for Wisconsin 2020 Election

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Community activists believe there are thousands of former prisoners across Wisconsin who have the right to vote but don’t know it. They say those people could be a factor next year in a state known for deciding elections by the narrowest of margins. So a statewide group of former prisoners is fanning out across Wisconsin in an…

Superior Curling Club Hosts Curling Instructor Course

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Representatives from the United States Curling Association were in Superior on Sunday to help people learn the ins and outs of coaching curling. About 20 people participated in the program with the goal of becoming a certified curling instructor. Proper form, and also proper instructing techniques were the main focus of the class. “A lot of the…

Parks and Recreation Hosts Snowshoe Hike on Piedmont Trail

They explained that using snowshoes in the winter instead of just hiking keeps the trail groomed for all kinds of other activities such as fat tire biking.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department hosted a snowshoe hike starting from the Piedmont Trailhead on Sunday. Parks and Recreation wanted to show people a different trail they might not have visited yet. They explained that using snowshoes in the winter instead of just hiking keeps the trail groomed for all kinds of other activities…

Social Media Threat Against Superior Middle School Resolved By Police

School Will Begin Monday As Normal

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  The following statements were released by the Superior School District and the Superior Police Department after a video surfaced on social media with someone saying they planned to shoot up the middle school on Monday.   That threat has since been investigated and dealt with by the Superior Police Department.  School will go on as usual on Monday…

Thousands Attend Annual Duluth Wedding Show

DULUTH, Minn. –  Thousands of people flooded the DECC in Duluth looking for the latest and greatest ideas for their big day. The 32nd annual wedding show was in full swing with hundreds of exhibitors for the future brides and grooms. One bride to be we spoke with says, events like these are essential for planning such an important day….

Young Snowmobilers Earn Certification and Learn Rules of the Trails

Anyone born after 1976 needs a certification to operate a sled to take advantage of the more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Young snowmobiliers earned their certifications to operate sleds on their own at Reservoir Riders Snowmobile Club. Snowmobiling is a widely popular sport in Minnesota. There are more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails statewide. Anyone born after 1976 needs a certification to operate a sled. “Now I can drive my own sled in Canada when we go…

Teamsters Union Rejects Final Contract Offer from St. Louis County

Potential strike could happen as early as January 14th

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The Teamsters Local 320 has rejected St. Louis County’s latest contract offer, moving them closer to a potential strike. Nearly 180 county public works employees are represented by the union, including plow operators, mechanics, bridge crew members, and maintenance workers. “We are disappointed in the outcome of today’s vote rejecting this Last Best Final Offer,”…

8th Annual Lake Superior Libraries Unsymposium

Around 40 library workers spoke about topics ranging from climate change in libraries to different outreach programs.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Librarians in Minnesota and Wisconsin met at the Superior Public Library for the annual winter unsymposium. It is called an unsymposium because there is no set agenda coming into the day and the librarians choose the topics as a group. Around 40 library workers spoke about topics ranging from climate change in libraries to different outreach programs….

City of Duluth Seeks Million in Bonding Money for Coastal Repair

City officials say the bonding money will be used to put focus on community gems such as the Lakewalk, Baywalk, and Brighton Beach.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth announced a proposal seeking $13.5 million in state bonding money this upcoming legislative session for coastal repair. City officials say the bonding money will be used to put focus on community gems such as the Lakewalk, Baywalk, and Brighton Beach. The money will contribute to an ongoing $62 million project aimed at reconstructing…