News

Harvest Moon Gala to Raise Funds for Two Harbors Community Radio

The Harvest Moon Gala is Happening Saturday, October 19 at the American Legion in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Happening Saturday, October 19, you’re encouraged to attend the 2019 Harvest Moon Gala supporting Two Harbors Community Radio 99.5 FM. Julie Luchsinger, event organizer, recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News to share a few details regarding the annual fundraiser. Local belly dancing group Tribal Alchemie also performed on the broadcast. Doors will open at 5:30…

Sheriff: Courage of Jayme Closs is Focus of Anniversary

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald to Hold a News Conference Monday

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin sheriff who led the investigation into the kidnapping of Jayme Closs and the slaying of her parents hopes the courage and resilience of the 13-year-old girl is the focus on the one-year anniversary of the crimes. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald will hold a news conference Monday, talk briefly about Jayme and honor his…

Animal Allies to Host Annual Fur Ball Fundraiser

Coffee Conversation: Fur Ball Gala for Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Country Club will be packed with adorable fur babies on Saturday, October 19. The annual Animal Allies Fur Ball Gala typically raises more than $100,000. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. Money raised this year will help support the shelter’s transportation fund. The gala is an opportunity for animal lovers in the Northland to come…

Morning Update 10-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Cub Foods Stops E-Cigarette Sales, Asks Customers to not Carry Firearms in Stores

Please see the below statement from CUB regarding recent policy changes in our stores: pic.twitter.com/vKT1WVWLva — Cub (@cubfoods) October 11, 2019 (FOX 9) – Cub Foods announced it will no longer sell e-cigarettes and is asking its customers to no longer openly carry firearms in its stores after reconsidering its policies. In a release, the Minnesota-based grocer said a review of its…

State Tests New Technology to Catch Carpool Lane Cheaters

A Citation Can Cost Carpool Lane Cheaters up to $300

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota transportation officials are testing new technology to catch carpool lane cheaters. Through September, the State Patrol issued nearly 3,500 citations to drivers who illegally used the lanes reserved for two or more people, buses, motorcycles and solo drivers who pay to use them. That compares with 2,933 citations in all of last year. The Star Tribune…

Northlanders Work Through Grief by Running Together

Runners participate in a "Healing 5K."

DULUTH, Minn.- A small but mighty group of women braved the chilly weather Sunday morning to take a couple of laps around Bayfront Park. They called it a healing run. It was the 4th 5K since July that was inspired by all of the loss felt by the Fond–Du–Lac community in recent months. Run organizers say that grief is hard to…

High School Bicyclists Race Down Spirit Mountain

The Minnesota High School Cyclist League races continue.

DULUTH, Minn.- More than three thousand bicyclists and coaches are riding through the Northland this weekend for the annual high school cycling league races. Sunday morning’s race down Spirit Mountain was the 6th one in the tournament. High school boys and girls tackled a four mile loop down the hillside and back up again. The event is a no drop, no…

Bong Center Director to Become Lighthouse Manager

Executive Director of the Bong Center will start part-time as Split Rock Lighthouse Manager November 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors now has a new manager. Hayes Scriven, current Executive Director of the Bong Veterans Center in Superior was named the new manager Thursday. He will be replacing Lee Radzak, who stepped down from the position after 36 years in April. The lighthouse is a big part of Scriven’s life, he even…

Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin at Lake Superior Art Glass

You can make Fall decorations at LSAG.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re looking for an activity to keep you warm indoors during these chilly Fall days, why not give glass blowing a try? Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal park kicked off their “make your own glass pumpkin” event Sunday. The Halloween–inspired activity allows customers to pick at least two colors for glass blowers to swirl into their…

Figure Skaters Hit the Ice in Costume

The Duluth Figure Skating Club celebrates Halloween on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Figure Skating club got spooky on the ice Sunday afternoon at their annual Halloween skate party. Students, family and friends at all levels were invited to put on their warmest costumes and dance on the ice. Tessa Schauer has been a DFSC student for 7 years. Her and her friends dressed up like skeletons for the…

Karate Masters in Training at Clyde Iron Works

Largest tournament in region brings students from Thunder Bay and Twin Cities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Clyde Iron Works was packed with students young and old, and their senseis, for the Spirit of the Arts Fall Karate Tournament. Students from as far as Thunder Bay and the Cities presented their choreographed forms and sparring to panels of judges. With kids starting as young as seven, organizers say teaching good sportsmanship is just as important…

Catalyst Content Festival Wraps Up with Red Carpet Gala

Filmmakers and artists mingled with innovative ways of filmmaking and content creation.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Greysolon Ballroom dressed up like the Red Carpet on Oscars night as filmmakers, actors, and more mingled with other artists who showcased their work at the Catalyst Content Film Festival. “Just found kindred spirits,” said John T. O’Brien, writer, Producer and Lead Actor for the film Dad Man Walking. “And we all clicked.” “We’re all film people,…

Teen injured in West Duluth Shooting

17-year-old tranported to hospital with non-life threatening injury.

  DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday in reference to a shooting, Duluth Police responded to the area of 67th Avenue West and Sherburne Street. According to authorities it was reported a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The injury is non-life threatening. Police believe there is no risk to the…

Bentleyville Volunteers Set Up 128ft Tree for Tour of Lights

Bentleyville Tour of Lights set up continues.

DULUTH, Minn.- All this snow has us thinking about the holiday season, which is coming up quickly- and so is the Bentleyville Tour of Lights! Set up for the free display of lights continued this weekend. Saturday morning volunteers helped set up the event’s biggest display- a 128ft LED Christmas tree! Volunteers say they don’t mind the challenge of getting such…

NAPA Auto Care Gives Away Free Inspections and a Car

NAPA Auto Care in Hermantown gifts a Toyota RAV4 to Inga Parsons.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- NAPA Auto Centers across the Northland were extra generous this weekend. Mechanics at the 9 Twin Ports locations offered free inspection tests for vehicles… To take on Winter weather, but that was just the tip of the ice berg! Four recipients were given a refurbished car from NAPA auto care. NAPA staff says they realize how hard finding a…

Sports Cards, Coin, and Memorabilia Show

Sports fanatics got to check out some vintage collectibles at Miller Hill Mall Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Sports fanatics got to check out some vintage collectibles at Miller Hill Mall Saturday. Forty tables filled with new and vintage cards of all sports, autographed items like jerseys and bobbleheads, and even Pokemon cards, gave the public a diverse choice of cards to collect. “It’s just kind of nice to get a show like us that deals…

Esko Student Athlete Dies Following Cardiac Event

15-year-old Jackson Pfister collapsed Friday night and later died at the hospital

ESKO, Minn.- We are learning more about the 15-year-old Esko High School football player who died Friday night after collapsing on the field during a game. School officials say Jackson Pfister made an impact on his and in his community. People in the town of Esko, say this tragedy is the worst thing that could happen in the small close-knit…

Esko Football Player Dies After Collapsing on Field During Game

Police say investigation is still ongoing.

ESKO, Minn.- An Esko High School Football player has died, after collapsing on the field during the Varsity game on Friday. According to Aitkin Police, 15-year-old Jackson Pfister was transported to Riverwood Healthcare Center with a serious medical condition following his collapse. He passed away a short time later. In a press release the Police Department said: “Our thoughts and…

UMD Students Celebrate Homecoming With Corn on the Cob

DULUTH, Minn- Who doesn’t love fair food. Well there was a bunch at the University of Minnesota Duluth, as they hosted a county fair to kick off homecoming weekend. The UMD Student Association gave away tons of corn with butter for free. Students say it’s a great opportunity to get excited, even with the stress of the semester. “It’s so…

UMD Hosts Luncheon For National Coming Out Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Commission held a luncheon at the Kirby Student Center to celebrate National Coming Out day. Students and faculty of all orientations gathered to enjoy food and conversation. The commission welcomed a multi-generational panel of guests to share stories and perspectives. One panelist says an event like this…

WLSSD Disposes Old Or Unwanted Medications

DULUTH, Minn. – The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth hosted a free collection event to help people clean out their medicine cabinets to get rid of unwanted medications in a safe and convenient way. Old or unwanted medicine can pose many risks. WLSSD began the medicine cabinet clean out in 2006 as an effort to stop the misuse…

Preparing for Bad Weather: Tips and Tricks Walking into the Season’s First Storm

Tips and tricks to stay safe walking into bad Winter-like weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fall snow storms and colder weather is nothing Northlanders can’t handle, but it’s important to remember how to stay safe during these seasonal changes. “Every year when we get our first slippery roadway, ice event, we’re busy,” Minnesota State Patrol public information officer Sgt. Neil Dickenson said. Three major things state patrol want drivers to keep in mind…

Charges: Eagan Woman Smashed Vehicle With Hatchet While Wearing Joker Mask

The Incident Occured in a Transit Ramp in Eagan

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – An Eagan, Minnesota woman was charged earlier this week for smashing the windows of a car while wearing a joker mask. Tazara Oliver, 19, is charged with one count of criminal damage to property, a felony. The incident occurred on Friday, Oct. 4 in a transit ramp in Eagan. According to the charges, the victim…

Wisconsin DNR: New Lead Contamination Rules not Good Enough

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials say the Trump administration’s proposed rewrite of lead contamination rules isn’t good enough. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced in Green Bay on Thursday that the chances will require water systems to test lead levels at schools and child care facilities, require officials to identify areas with the…

California to Require Abortion Medication at Public Colleges

The Law Takes Effect in 2023

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California will become the first state to require public colleges and universities to offer abortion medication at campus health centers. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday he had signed the legislation. It’s a reversal from his predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown, who vetoed the measure last year. The law takes effect in 2023. Democratic lawmakers who…

UW Regents OK Staff to Write Free Speech Policy

The Regents Voted During a Meeting Friday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System regents have authorized staff to begin drafting formal language implementing a Republican-backed plan to punish students who disrupt others’ free speech rights. The regents in 2017 adopted a Republican-backed policy declaring students who twice disrupt others’ free speech would be suspended for at least a semester. The policy hasn’t taken effect…

Duluth Cider Hosting Big Bad Apple Bash

The Cider Celebration is Happening Saturday, October 12 from Noon Until 11:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Cider has been operating in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for nearly one year, and the owners of the business are looking to celebrate in fall fashion. Duluth Cider’s Big Bad Apple Bash is happening Saturday, October 12 from noon until 11:00 p.m. Owner Jake Scott invites the community to bring your apples, your appetite, your friends,…

Major North Dakota Highways Closed Amid Fall Snowstorm

Winter Storm Warning are in Effect in South Dakota and Minnesota Through Saturday Afternoon

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Hundreds of miles of major highways in North Dakota have been closed due to what forecasters are calling a crippling fall snowstorm. Transportation officials shut portions of Interstates 29 and 94 and U.S. Highway 2 on Friday due to severe winter conditions and poor visibility. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for northern North…

FBI: Woman Kidnapped, Sex Assaulted Girl She Met Online

Authorities Found the GIel in Greenville With the Woman

GREEVILLE, S.C. (AP) – Federal authorities say a South Carolina woman kidnapped a girl from Minnesota and sexually assaulted her. Citing an FBI affidavit, news outlets report 23-year-old Katrina Marie Aliff was arrested last month on charges including aggravated child sexual abuse. The affidavit says Aliff met the girl, who’s younger than 12, on the messaging app Amino in March….

Prince Estate Slams Trump Use of ‘Purple Rain’

They say the Campaign Confirmed a Year Ago it Would not use Prince's Music

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The estate of musical legend Prince is objecting to President Donald Trump’s use of a Prince song before a campaign rally in Minneapolis Thursday night. The Trump campaign played Prince’s “Purple Rain” as the audience at the rally waited for the president to begin speaking. Prince’s estate released a statement after the rally…

Gardeners Learn From the Pros at Fall Garden Fest

The University of Minnesota Educators use the Italian feast theme to focus on growing things like garlic and tomatoes for sauce the right way.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 100 people celebrated the fall harvest with an Italian meal and learning session about how to make their gardens better. The University of Minnesota Educators use the Italian feast theme to focus on growing things like garlic and tomatoes for sauce the right way. They also teach the gardeners how to produce healthy food, soil…

Webster Dream Park Nears Completion

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Construction on the new Webster Dream Park in Superior is inching closer to completion. On Monday the final work on the playground began. Crews are currently finishing the landscaping, so new rubber flooring can be installed. They will also complete the walkway and add a cement barrier around the rest of the playground. Many were hoping to…

Fire Officials Warn of Electrical Fires

The Duluth Fire Marshal's Office says it is critical to plug space heaters directly into outlets and not into old power strips or extension cords which can easily overheat and catch fire.

DULUTH, Minn. – Electrical fires are on the minds of firefighters as the temperatures begin to dip and space heaters come out. The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office says it is critical to plug space heaters directly into outlets and not into old power strips or extension cords which can easily overheat and catch fire. “Look at your space heater and…

Discussions Underway to Expand Duluth Warming Shelter Options

Nearly 200 people used the shelter in West Duluth last yer during the 29 days it was activated.

DULUTH, Minn. – Discussions are underway to expand and change the city of Duluth’s warming center options after its trial run in West Duluth last year. St. Louis County and the CHUM drop-in shelter are working to finalize agreements before the deep freeze sets in. Nearly 200 people used the shelter in West Duluth last yer during the 29 days…

Art and Comedy Show Comes to UW-Superior

The show celebrates comedians of past and present along with the public getting a chance to do stand-up

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A show that celebrates comedians of the past and present, that opens the conversation of things that wouldn’t be allowed back when some comedians were performing will be discussed Friday at UW-Superior. There is also fifty portraits including Bob Saget, Ellen Degeneres, and even David Letterman. Along with those portraits the public can get a chance to look…

Costco Submits Application to Develop in Duluth

The site would include the department store, gas station, and liquor store at Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The site would include…

New Housing, Retail Development Breaks Ground

Ground has been broken in the heart of downtown Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Ground has been broken for a new housing and retail development in the heart of downtown Superior. Crews are now on site of the property along Belknap Street, where Central High School once stood. The 130 unit complex called “Central Flats” will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments beginning at $850 dollars a month. The project is…

Protesters Gather Ahead of President Trump’s Rally in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-Anti-Trump protesters are converging on the Minneapolis arena where President Donald Trump is holding his first political rally since the House opened its impeachment inquiry. Protesters are packing streets surrounding the Target Center hours before the Republican president is due to appear at Thursday’s rally at 7 p.m. Many are clutching helium-filled balloons depicting Trump as a baby. Others…

Costco Submits Application for Developing in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The land is being…

St. Louis County Hosts 37th Annual Health and Human Services Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County held its 37th annual health and human services conference at the DECC and more than 3,000 people showed up to gain a better understanding of how to improve public health. Professionals of all sectors of public health including mental health experts, attorneys  and social workers were among all those attending the conference to find…

Northland Goodwill- The One-Stop Shop for Halloween

All seven Northland Goodwill locations are selling Halloween decorations and costumes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be pretty daunting the closer we get to the holiday. Luckily, Goodwill in the Northland says they are a one stop shop for all of your spooky needs this October. Goodwill staff says the best part about shopping secondhand for Halloween is having the ability to be creative with what you find….

Catalyst Content Festival-goers Experience Dreary Duluth Day

People visiting the Catalyst Content Festival experience a true Duluth Fall day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Day two of the Catalyst Content Festival was a cold, dreary and a little more true to a Duluth Fall day. Some of the TV executives visiting from sunny L.A. and down South say they were given a heads up to dress for colder weather. Emily Gold is visiting the festival from North Carolina and says she’s relieved…

Take a Look Inside Historic UMD Limnology Building

Building began as a fish hatchery in 1880s, was taken over by UMD in the 1940s.

DULUTH, Minn. – As you drive along Highway 61 on your way in or out of Duluth, you may notice a unique building on the Lake Superior shoreline. That’s the UMD Limnology Building, a historic estate at 6008 London Road, that many people aren’t familiar with. It got its start as a freshwater fish hatchery in the 1880s. The University…

Young Activists Protest Proposed Superior Power Plant

"Friends of the Climate" protests the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth based group of high school and college students known as “Friends of the Climate” organized in the Minnesota Power Plaza Thursday to share their thoughts on the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior. The rally was a local representation of the arguments environmental groups made to the Minnesota court of appeals. These groups are asking…

UMD Hosts Annual Sustainability Fair

Students learned about sustainable resources in the area and browse through donated winter clothes

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Campus Sustainability Month and the University of Minnesota Duluth is celebrating with a sustainability fair and a pop-up winter shop. Twenty local and regional organizations met with students about how they can get involved with sustainability efforts. Some ways are walking and biking instead of driving, and changing diet and shopping habits. “Anybody and everybody…