News

Warm and Sunny Weather Welcomes 2020 American Birkebeiner

Each year the spectacle draws racers and fans from all over the world to see America's largest cross-country ski race and the third-largest in the world.

HAYWARD, Wis. – Thousands of racers skied through Hayward on Saturday for the 2020 American Birkebeiner. The weather was what some racers were calling perfect nordic racing weather with temperatures around 40 and sunny skies. Each year the spectacle draws racers and fans from all over the world to see America’s largest cross-country ski race and the third-largest in the…

Husky Energy: No Damage Found to Stack at Superior Refinery

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – Husky Energy tells us no damage has been found to the stack seen swaying in the wind at the Superior Refinery. According to a Husky spokesperson, trained experts entered the site to safely conduct a closer examination of the stack. Drones and computer modeling reportedly provided the necessary engineering information for Husky to make that decision….

Chester Bowl Ski Lift Back Open

DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl ski and snowboard chairlift is back open. Those hoping to take to the hill were able to shred the slopes once again after a two-day maintenance issue was resolved. The lift had been closed because of an issue with a circuit breaker. “So our issue was that the electrical circuit was being triggered not…

Carlton And Wrenshall School Districts Vote to Move Forward With Consolidating

NORTHLAND – The Carlton and Wrenshall School Boards recently passed resolutions to begin planning the consolidation of two schools. The proposed consolidation plan would mean South Terrace school in Carlton becomes pre-k through sixth grade, and Wrenshall would have grades seven through twelve. The next step in the process is to work with local representatives to make the consolidation eligible…

Museum Teaches History of Shipping

DULUTH, Minn.– Today at Canal Park there was a unique opportunity to learn more about one of Duluth’s biggest industries. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center hosted a class teaching all about the ships that pass through the Twin Ports. Participants learned about different kinds of ships, how to tell them apart, and what the ships are carrying. “People want…

Bent Paddle Brewing Prepares to Expand

DULUTH, Minn.– Bent Paddle Brewing is gearing up to expand. The Duluth brewery is planning to double the size of their brewing building where a majority of their beer is produced. The extra space will allow Bent Paddle to add more fermenters, bigger bright tanks and more room for packaging. While brewery officials are excited to begin the expansion, growler…

Superior Library Hosts Investors Meeting

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A building in superior that used to be filled with books is hoping to soon be filled with businesses. The old Superior public library is on the verge of something brand new in the city. Co-working has become a popular business concept in recent years with locations all across the country including in Duluth. It brings small businesses…

Canal Park Brewing Brings Home The Gold And Bronze From Best Of Craft Beer Awards

This is the eighth award Canal Park Brewing has won within the last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Park Brewing in Duluth is toasting after getting some major recognition for their beer. The brewery recently took home the gold and bronze from the Best of Craft Beer Awards, which was held in Oregon. The competition is the third largest of its kind and recognizes breweries from around the world. Staff at Canal Park Brewing…

Random Acts of Flowers by Engwall

After having such a successful Valentine's Day, Engwall Florist and Gifts is donating flowers to different assisted living homes around the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – After having such a successful Valentine’s Day, Engwall Florist and Gifts is donating flowers to different assisted living homes around the area. Locations include Beehive Homes, Mount Royal Pines and Keystone Bluffs. Residents were excited to do activities with the flowers, like arranging the roses and carnations in vases. “I had one nursing home say that they…

Speech Club Encourages and Equips Duluth Residents

If you have a fear of talking in front of a group of people, you are not alone...

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have a fear of talking in front of a group of people, you are not alone…but a group called Toastmasters is here to help. Clapping…handshakes..and time cards…It’s a matter of taking steps out of your comfort zone to speak in front of an audience. “I wasn’t ever really comfortable speaking and I had a story…

Throw-A-Thon Begins in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-The 20th annual Throw-A-Thon kicked off at LSC today, which will serve as a benefit for the Second Harvest Food Bank. During the event students and Northland residents can make ceramic bowls that will be used during an Empty Bowl fundraiser in Grand Rapids later this year. The event continues tomorrow in LSC’s Fine Arts building from 9 a.m.-2…

Noah Hobbs Announces Run for St. Louis County Commissioner

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs announced Friday afternoon that he will be running for St. Louis County Commissioner in District 3. Hobbs had been city council president since 2018 and filled the seat of “At Large City Councilor” before losing the position in the November 2019 election. In a Friday press release, Hobbs said, “I’m engaged…

Ellison: Mille Lacs Band Still has 61K-Acre Reservation

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s attorney general contends the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation still exists. In a legal filing this week, Attorney General Keith Ellison backed the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s assertion that the band has 61,000 acres across the south shore of Mille Lacs Lake. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Gov. Tim Walz supports fellow Democrat Ellison’s…

Midday Update 2-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 21, 2020

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

Update: City of Superior and Husky Energy Continue to Monitor Refinery

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Paine says the City of Superior and Husky Energy are continuing to monitor the refinery after crews were evacuated from the site Thursday afternoon due to structural integrity issues with a stack. “The City of Superior will continue to monitor the refinery and support Husky’s efforts to safely stabilize the site. Public safety remains our highest…

Nurse Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Harming Infants

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A nurse convicted of injuring nine infants at a Wisconsin hospital has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. Christopher Kaphaem pleaded guilty in September to 19 felony counts, including child abuse, for injuries to the babies in the newborn intensive care unit at UnityPoint Health-Meriter hospital in Madison. Injuries ranged from bruises to broken bones…

Finnish ‘Kalevala Day’ Celebrated in Duluth

Admission is free, free will offering accepted.

DULUTH, Minn.- Rita Perttula Wiegel and Arlene Putikka Tucker stop by to talk the big Kalevala day celebration at the Kenwood Lutheran Church this Sunday. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Arlene Putikka Tucker, Kalevala, Kenwood Lutheran church, Rita Perttula Wiegel

“Sunscriptions” Filled on the SunSpot Bus

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Mobile Unit Geared to Help Vitamin D Deficiency, SAD and Winter Blues

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes on the SUNSPOT BUS! If you are battling the winter blues, cabin fever, vitamin D deficiency and finding yourself not being very active, light therapy can help you! ABOUT: The further one lives north of the equator, the less sunshine hits the surface of the earth or…

Morning Update 2-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 21, 2020

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

Wisconsin Legislature Sends $250 Million Tax Cut to Governor

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature has sent a $250 million income tax cut to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who appears likely to veto it. Both the Senate and Assembly voted to pass the tax cut Thursday on mostly party-line votes. Evers has not said whether he will sign the measure. Republicans introduced it after new estimates projected the…

Chief Tusken Reflects On Police Department Assessment Report

DULUTH, Minn. – A top to bottom outside assessment of the Duluth Police Department is now complete. And Chief Mike Tusken says he’s pleased that the recommendations for improvements were nothing overly unexpected. Tusken says one of the strengths highlighted in the report applauds the department’s mental health unit as innovative and progressive. On the flip side, the report concluded…

Husky Energy Evacuated Due to Infrastructure Concerns

Stinson Avenue blocked in front of refinery; officials say there's no risk of fire, explosion, or chemical release

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tonight, an investigation is underway at the Husky Energy Refinery in Superior after a swaying stack caused an evacuation. The stack could be seen swaying back and forth. Wind gusts at the nearby Bong Airport were reported at twenty-five miles per hour. The Superior Police Department tells us refinery crews heard a “pop” and noticed a problem…

Minnesota Surveyor Conference Showcases New Technology

DULUTH, Minn. – An annual event showcasing the future of land surveying has made its return to Duluth for the first time since 2017. The Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors held their yearly convention Thursday. More than 300 people met at the DECC to see the future of survey technology featuring items such as 3-D laser scanning and drones. Land…

Ashland Parks and Recreation Announces New Waterfront Improvements

Coming up in 2020, work will continue to bolster the shoreline for coastal resiliency after storms have washed away key features.

ASHLAND, Wis. – The City of Ashland Parks and Recreation Department announced their improvements to the coastline in 2019 and what is to come in 2020 after years of storms battering the coastlines. Some projects completed in 2019 involve finishing the Bayview Pier, completion of the diamond access on the historic iron ore dock. Coming up in 2020, work will…

Hermantown Prepares for Road Construction

Hermantown is making efforts to repair roads before they get worse...

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown is making efforts to repair roads before they get worse…but even though many of the city’s roads are in need of repair, some are worried about the cost. Bumps and more bumps. Hermantown is making efforts to make roads safer for residents. The newly approved road construction plan is an eight-year project. The first phase is…

The Lake Superior Zoo Hosts Annual “Community Day”

The Duluth "Community Days" are celebrated by other tourist attractions such as the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Duluth Depot.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo hosted it’s annual Community Day to say thank you to Duluthians and other supporters of the popular tourist attraction. Visitors received the great perk of free admission to explore the zoo. They had the chance to learn more about their nearly 150 species of animals and also a few new additions like Taj…

Congressman Pete Stauber Meets With Duluth School Board To Discuss Special Education Challenges

DULUTH, Minn. – Special education needs in public schools have risen drastically over the years, not just in Minnesota, but nationally. Congressman Pete Stauber sat down with the Duluth School Board to hear some of the special education challenges impacting our schools. Funding to support special education needs was promised long ago by the federal government to help offset costs,…

NorShor Theatre Board Discussing Upcoming Garrison Keillor Performance Amid Backlash

DULUTH, Minn. – Just hours after the NorShor Theatre posted on its Facebook page Thursday about the April performance by former MPR “A Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor, the post was pulled down and the show’s ticket information was removed from the NorShor’s website amid backlash on social media. There was no official word of the show being canceled,…

Essentia Health Purchases Former Miller Hill Mall Sears Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Thursday afternoon that they have purchased the former Sears location at Miller Hill Mall. Essentia Health made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a press release saying, “The acquisition will allow the Northland’s largest health care provider to offer a variety of services to its patients at a convenient location. Several options are being considered…

Dehumidifiers Recalled for being a Fire Hazard

Fire officials want you to check your dehumidifier as some are being recalled as a fire hazard..

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire officials want you to check your dehumidifier as some are being recalled as a fire hazard. Even though the winter has made our air more dry. Some people are still using dehumidifiers because Duluth is a wet city that can leave basements damp. Fire officials discovered 14 recalled units in the field that are still in…

Shrimp Scampi Roma A Favorite At Valentini’s

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make their popular and loved Italian menu item, Shrimp Scampi Roma! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years….

Roger Stone Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison

WASHINGTON (AP) – Roger Stone, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison on his convictions for witness tampering and lying to Congress. Thursday’s action in federal court comes amid Trump’s unrelenting defense of his longtime confidant that has led to a mini-revolt inside the Justice Department and allegations the president has interfered…

Midday Update 2-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Recycling Plant Fire Burns for 3rd Day in Minnesota

(courtesy: Fox 9) BECKER, Minn. (AP) – Firefighters are battling a stubborn fire at a metal recycling plant in a small Minnesota community for a third consecutive day. The fire at the Northern Metals plant in Becker is unleashing noxious, billowing smoke. Firefighters on Thursday worked to extinguish the blaze in the Sherburne County city about 50 miles northwest of…

Air Force: Madison Preferred Location for F-35 Fighter Jets

MADISON, Wis. – The U.S. Air Force says Madison’s Truax Field is the preferred location for the next squadron of F-35 fighter jets despite some negative environmental impacts. The Air Force’s study finds that about 1,019 households would be impacted by average daily noise levels about 65 decibels, which is considered incompatible with residential areas. The study also found the…

Morning Update 2-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 20, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

St. Paul Man Dies on Lutsen Ski Hill

LUTSEN, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a St. Paul man has died on a ski hill in northeastern Minnesota. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office says 70-year-old David Skog was found unresponsive and bleeding from the face on a ski hill at Lutsen Mountains ski area Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t immediately clear how Skog was fatally injured. The ski patrol…

Surf’s Up On A Wintry Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – Who needs to go to California, Florida, or Hawaii to surf when you can jump in Lake Superior in the middle of the winter? Some brave souls wet-suited up and rode the big lake’s waves near Brighton Beach recently. FOX 21 photojournalist Nathaniel LeCapitaine takes us there in this week’s Great Outdoors. Categories: Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News,…

Final Presentation of Project Held for Mission Creek Burial Ground

The burial ground was disturbed by a Minnesota Department of Transportation project to replace the Higway 23 Bridge in Fond Du Lac neighborhood.

CARLTON, Minn. – Black Bear Casino hosted a final presentation on Wednesday night by Urban Ecosystems, the Twin Cities landscape architecture firm working on the project, for the Mission Creek Burial Ground. The burial ground was disturbed by a Minnesota Department of Transportation project to replace the Highway 23 Bridge in Fond Du Lac neighborhood in 2017. According to Urban…

Local Health Expert Gives Coronavirus Update

DULUTH, Minn.– An expert from UMD is giving update on the coronavirus. As of last week, there are 15 confirmed cases of the disease here in the U.S. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin have each had people tested for coronavirus which has resulted in one confirmed case in Wisconsin about two weeks ago. Coronavirus has over 70,000 cases worldwide. While most…

Opening Date for Duluth HomeGoods Announced

DULUTH, Minn.– A new home fixture store in Duluth has announced when they will open their doors. The new HomeGoods location in Burning Tree Plaza will be where Dunham’s Sports used to sit. The store will open its 15th location in Minnesota on March 29th. The national chain will sell items like furniture rugs cookware and more. Categories: News, News…

Longtime Duluth City Attorney Suspended; No Comment From Mayor Larson’s Office

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson confirmed to FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s been placed on administrative suspension. Johnson said he was “shocked” to learn about his suspension last Wednesday and never saw anything of this magnitude coming from Mayor Emily Larson and her administration. Johnson said it’s his understanding a Twin Cities law firm has been…

Birkie Helps Give Hayward Businesses A Big Boost

HAYWARD, Wis. – The Birkie can be a big moneymaker for many of the businesses in Hayward. Main Street Tacos is heading into its third year and has gained popularity from the locals. The owner says the increase in tourists during the Birkie gives them the opportunity to share their authentic food with more people from all over. “They love…

Birkie Preps Are Well Underway For This Weekend

HAYWARD, Wis. – The town of Hayward is already beginning to transform and the excitement is building as everyone gets ready for the 46th Annual American Birkebeiner The cross-country ski race is one of the largest of its kind in North America. It typically draws tens of thousands of people including spectators and experienced skiers from around the world to…