News

These Bricks Did More than Build Houses, They Built a Community

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The story behind the quaint 84 Jackson Project brick houses in Hermantown.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – America in the 1930’s is remembered for its high unemployment and struggle for working families to find affordable housing. President Franklin D. Roosevelt started a number of projects to help the nation’s families escape these problems and find a better life, including a Northland colony of depression–era housing projects, one of the nation’s only homestead colonies still…

Morning Update 9-24-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 24, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

GOP Army Veteran Church Challenging Tiffany for Congress

The Primary Will be Dec. 30 With a General Election on Jan. 27

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A second Republican has announced he’s running for a northern Wisconsin congressional seat to replace U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy. Army veteran Jason Church announced his candidacy Tuesday, a day after Duffy resigned his seat. Church joins fellow Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany as the only announced candidates in the race. Numerous others, including many Democrats, are…

Job Counselors Offer Free Service at Duluth Public Library

The Duluth WorkForce Development is offering free career counseling.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re trying to figure out your next career move, job counselors at the Duluth public library may be able to help out. Through the Duluth WorkForce Developement you can get help updating your resume, preparing for interviews or choosing a school. Counselors say this is a good opportunity to get professional guidance on such an important part…

WITC Kicks Off First Alumni Week with Some Healthy Competition

WITC Alumni Association hosts penny war competition.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Monday kicks off the first ever alumni week at WITC in Superior. The school’s alumni association wanted to be more involved on campus, starting with some penny wars! Through Thursday students can drop spare change into jars in the school’s main office. Each jar represents a different program or group of programs on campus. The money raised will…

Duluth Council Packed for 5-Cent Charge Ordinance for Single-Use Bags

Dozens speak in support of the ordinance, no one speaks against.

DULUTH, Minn.- A potential new ordinance in Duluth could mean that for every paper or plastic bag you use from a store, you’re charged an extra five cents. The proposal is got its first read at Monday night’s City Council meeting, with residents sharing how they feel about it during public comments. They could vote on the ordinance at their…

Knowing Your Neighbors: New Tattoo Shop in Lincoln Park

Stronghold Tattoo Studio adds to the revitalization of Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.- Looking to get a tattoo touched up, or even get one before the winter season begins? A new shop has opened up in Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park’s revitalization is continuing to grow as a new tattoo shop has opened their doors. Stronghold Tattoo Studio is just another business added to the new look Lincoln Park that has people…

Demolition Expected for Merritt Park Community Center

DULUTH, Minn. – West Duluth residents will soon have to say goodbye the Merritt Park Community Center. Starting this week, residents can expect to see workers preparing to tear down the center. Over the years, the building has deteriorated. City officials say it would cost nearly three quarters of a million dollars in maintenance and upgrades. The demolition is part…

MN Department of Health Talk Ways to Help Respond to Public Health Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Department of Health stopped by the American Red cross to discuss how to better communicate about public health incidents. The department even offered information on how they can help respond to incidents like an infectious disease outbreak or a flood. The department says they like to build up strong partnerships with the local organizations around the…

Minnesota Officials Continue Fight Against PolyMet Proposals

Former MN Gov. Arne Carlson joins Duluth leaders in speaking out against PolyMet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Minnesota governor Arne Carlson and some Duluth officials raised their voices outside city hall Monday to continue their fight against the proposed PolyMet copper nickel mine on the Iron Range. In honor of the first day of climate awareness week, these Minnesota officials are doing what they can to make sure Northlanders understand of how they could be…

Council Reads Ordinance Charging 5 Cents Per Single-Use Bags

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are one step closer to being charged five cents for every single-use plastic or paper carryout bag used while shopping. The ordinance gets its first read at City Council Monday night. It would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists, and bags for produce and meats. The retailers would keep…

Flu Season is on the Way

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized form flu complicatons.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall is here, which means winter is on the horizon. Now many physicians are reminding folks it is never too early to get a flu shot. The flu is one of the most common illnesses people get during the winter months. Doctors advise getting a flu shot to prevent it. Every year, it is recommended everyone get…

Duluth Police Identify Victim in West Duluth Shooting

Police Say This is an Active and Ongoing Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has identified the victim of the Sunday morning West Duluth shooting as 33-year-old Timothy Jon Nelson. According to authorities, Nelson’s cause of death was determined to be from a gunshot wound to the abdomen and has been ruled a homicide. According to reports, police responded reports of shots fired around 1:45 a.m. near…

Special Election set to Replace Duffy

A Primary Will be Held on December 30

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The special election in Wisconsin to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy will be held Jan. 27. Gov. Tony Evers on Monday announced that will be the general election date, with a primary on Dec. 30. The 7th Congressional District covers mostly rural central, northern and northwest Wisconsin. Duffy was resigning effective Monday, citing concerns with…

Insect-Borne Disease Kills Wild Deer in SE Minnesota

EHD is Spread by a Biting Insect Called a Midge, or No-Seeum

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A disease spread by insects has killed a wild deer near Caledonia in Houston County of southeastern Minnesota and is suspected in the death of another deer nearby. The Department of Natural Resources said Monday that Houston County is the second county in Minnesota where wild deer have contracted epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. The…

Cloquet Police: Missing Cloquet Teen Found Safe

CLOQUET, Minn. – The missing Cloquet teen has been found safe, according to the Cloquet Police Department. Genesis Lacqier-Stillday, 15, has been located safe in Duluth. Lacquier-Stillday had been missing since Friday after not coming home from school. Cloquet Police thank assisting law enforcement agencies and the public for helping in Genesis’s safe return. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Midday Update 9-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 23, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 23, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Man Sentenced to Probation for Threats of Violence Against Duluth East

Busch was Arrested on April 5 While Working at the School

DULUTH, Minn. – The 36-year-old man accused of threatening to shoot up Duluth East High School in April was sentenced to five years of probation Monday morning. Travis John Anthony Warner Busch pleaded guilty to one count of Threats of Violence and one count of Possession of a Machine Gun Conversion Kit in July. Conditions of his probation include no…

Visit Cook County Announces Busy Lineup of Autumn Events

Staff at Visit Cook County Anticipate Peak Season to be Around the Last Weekend in September

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Fall colors are popping along the North Shore, prompting the staff at Visit Cook County to encourage leaf lookers to take a drive and enjoy the majestic maple forests full of vibrant colors. Linda Jurek with Visit Cook County stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about a plethora of upcoming events this autumn. Jurek…

Old Fashioned Fun, Entertainment Highlight Lester River Rendezvous

Lester River Rendezvous is Happening Saturday, September 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are invited to take part in the 21st annual Lester River Rendezvous Saturday, September 28. Before the main event this weekend, students from across Northern Minnesota will have the chance to explore and learn lifelong skills at the 2019 Lester River Rendezvous starting Thursday, September 26. For two days, classrooms will come alive outdoors as students…

Duffy’s Last Day in Congress Shifts Focus to Campaign

Tom Tiffany is the Only Announced Candidate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – As Republican U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy spends in his final day as a member of Congress, the focus shifts to whom else will run to succeed him. Duffy’s resignation Monday also clears the way for Gov. Tony Evers to announce when the special election will be to fill the seat. The Democratic Evers has said he…

Morning Update 9-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 23, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 23, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Body of Teen Pulled From Redwood River

The Teen Was Last Seen on September 15

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities say the body of a teenager reported missing while swimming with others in a western Minnesota river has been found. The Star Tribune reports the body of 16-year-old Thunder W. Brothersofall, of Redwood Falls, was located about 6:10 p.m. Saturday in the north-flowing Redwood River. Redwood Falls police say three men in kayaks searching for Brothersofall…

Orr Auto Dealer, Repair Business Burns in Early Morning Fire

The Fire was Reported Around 1:45 a.m. Monday, September 23

Courtesy: Friends of the Northland FireWire ORR, Minn. – An early morning fire has resulted in the total loss of Wally’s Auto Service in downtown Orr. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire and St. Louis County officials, the call for help came in around 1:45 a.m. Monday, September 23. The Orr Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Cook…

Blankets, Sleeping Bags Wanted for Homeless as Weather Cools

Donations can be dropped off at CHUM, Damiano Center, or Loaves and Fishes.

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a strong need for donations to help keep the homeless in Duluth warm right now and into the winter. Besides hats and gloves, CHUM’s drop-in shelter on First Avenue West needs as many sleeping bags and blankets as possible. This comes especially with the up-and-down weather the Northland has been experiencing lately. “If we look over the…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Brings Autumn Fun

Rain pushes Festival back to Sunday, park still filled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s rain wasn’t enough to keep the 35th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest down. The event was rescheduled for Sunday, bringing thousands to the park. There were 130 vendors selling handcrafted items as well as 8 food vendors. The fresh caramel apples are one of the most popular treats, sold by the Duluth Lions club for more than…

Hundreds Muddied Up at Dirt Yard Dash

7th Annual Dirt Yard Dash brought all ages out to run through the mud,

DULUTH, Minn.- The sloshing of mud, followed by the cheers of fans, fills the air. “It’s more mental than it is physical,” said Peter Koering. No, these people jogging through the woods aren’t running from the law, they’re running through the mud for fun. “I don’t know it’s kinda fun for, I mean it’s nice, it’s what I do at…

A Story of Hope and Inspiration: Jeff LeMay Returns to the Sideline

Jeff LeMay was in a coma for over a week, but now is back on the sideline with the Saints football team

DULUTH, Minn.- A story of hope and inspiration as one St. Scholastica athlete was honored this weekend. Jeff LeMay who was hit by a vehicle almost two months ago while crossing the street, is now up, walking, and even got to join his teammates for the first time since the accident at the homecoming football game. Back on July 31st,…

Breeze Inn Celebrates Fall with Their 7th Annual Oktoberfest

Bringing a little bit of Germany to the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- A little bit of Germany has made its way to the Breeze Inn in Duluth. It’s Oktoberfest at the Breeze Inn bar and restaurant. The event kicked off its 7th year of German themed food, music and celebration tonight. The owner of the bar tells us people love the Oktoberfest menu, featuring special dishes like the “Herman the German…

Shooting in West Duluth Neighborhood Leaves One Dead

A 33-year-old male died from a gunshot wound early Sunday morning.

DULUTH, Minn. — No arrests had been made Sunday night after a man was shot in his vehicle early Sunday morning in West Duluth. Broken glass left behind from the incident could still be seen Sunday afternoon where the shooting happened at the end of a driveway around 1:45 a.m. near the 300 block of North 62nd Avenue West. “It…

Teenage Girl From Cloquet Missing After Running Away

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department is searching for a 15 year-old girl named Genesis Lacquier-Stillday who has been missing since Friday. According to Cloquet Police, Genesis is a 15 year-old Native American girl from Cloquet with brown hair and brown eyes, and has her upper lip pierced. She’s 5’5″ and 130 pounds. She may be carrying a white…

Police Investigate Fatal Shooting In West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating the shooting death of a man in West Duluth. The call for help came in around 1:47 a.m. Sunday to the 300 block of North 62nd Avenue West on a report of shots fired. When police arrived, they located a 33-year-old male inside a vehicle with a gunshot would to “his midsection,” according…

‘Tis the Season to Set Up Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Bentleyville setup at Bayfront Festival Park begins

DULUTH, Minn.- ‘Tis the season to setup the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Saturday, volunteers began decorating Bayfront Festival Park. Close to 100 volunteers unloaded ten semi–trucks of Christmas lights, including new NASA and aquarium themed displays. Sean Stevenson has been on the Bentleyville set up staff since 2013 and says he loves the feeling of giving back. “There’s a lot of…

Government Officials Honor Duluth Veterans Cemetery with Dedication Ceremony

The Duluth Veterans Cemetery is the 3rd dedicated cemetery in Minnesota

SAGINAW, Minn.- Minnesota’s 3rd veterans cemetery was dedicated in Saginaw Saturday afternoon by state and national representatives. In February 2016, the project to build a 104 acre veterans cemetery began. In 2018, the cemetery was opened for use. And on Saturday, the cemetery was recognized by elected officials as sacred ground. “In this nation we may disagree, but when it comes…

UMD Walks a Mile to Support People with Disabilities

12th Annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes hopes to raise $50,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a sea of burgundy at the UMD Fieldhouse for Udac’s 12th Annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes event. UMD athletes and Band students walked a one mile journey to support those who journey through life with intellectual and developmental disabilities. UMD teams were encouraged to raise funds before enjoying the energetic morning on campus. “It…

Lawmakers Hold Community Conversation on Cannabis

Duluth is the first stop of 15 communities to give feedback.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth was the first stop on a list of 15 communities lawmakers are planning on visiting to get feedback from community members as they craft a marijuana legalization bill to present to the house when they reconvene in February. In a town hall format the five lawmakers heard thoughts and concerns about legalizing cannabis. From whether or not…

St. Luke’s Management, Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Strike vote withdrawn Monday, nurses to vote on the contract Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the early hours of Saturday morning, nurses at St. Luke’s reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management. The nurses’ negotiating team is recommending a “yes” vote to ratify. This comes after the nurses voted to strike last Monday. The nurses will withdraw the strike notice this Monday. The new contract addresses the staffing shortage at the…

Merritt Park Demolition Continues with Hockey Rink

The work is all part of the Duluth 2010 parks and recreation master plan calling for a fewer but higher quality parks facilities throughout the city.

DULUTH, Minn. – Merritt Park is undergoing a demolition which will include taking away the community center and historic ice rink. The work is all part of the Duluth 2010 parks and recreation master plan calling for a fewer but higher quality parks facilities throughout the city. The demolition of the hockey rink boards was done after the community club…

Hawk Weekend Festival Kicks Off

The festival coincides with the Broad-Winged Hawk migration over the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – The fall migration season is upon the Northland and birders are soaring into Duluth this weekend for the annual hawk weekend festival. The festival coincides with the Broad-Winged Hawk migration over the Northland. Dozens of avid birders visited Duluth to get a glimpse of thousands of birds flying overhead. The festival celebrates all things hawks and the…

Veterans Honored at POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – September 20th is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, when military service members who never returned home from war are remembered. The Vietnam Veterans Association hosted a ceremony at Memorial Park in West Duluth. There, people honored the sacrifices made by thousands of American veterans still missing in action. A military motto is “never leave a man behind,” but…

Wisconsin Point Fully Opens to Public After a Three Year Reconstruction Project

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin Point in Superior went through a $1. 5 million restoration project. After three years, the popular attraction is now fully open to the public. Today, the City of Superior held a ribbon cutting to reintroduce it to everyone. Wisconsin Point is a nearly 250 acre peninsula with a large habitat and beaches. This restoration project is part…

Hundreds of Health Professionals Address Problems in Medicine at MN Medical Association Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of health professionals filled the DECC in Duluth for the annual Minnesota Medical Association conference. Attendees participated in open forums. Multiple health vendors were available to share information on different services. Every year, the conference is a way for doctors and other health professionals to get together to discuss problems in medicine. One major issue is…

Bentleyville Candy Bar Sale Fundraiser Kicks Off This Weekend

Bentleyville candy bar sales begins Sept. 21.

DULUTH, Minn.- The holidays are coming to the Northland and that means preparations for the Bentleyville Tour of Lights are underway. Bentleyville’s biggest fundraiser kicks off Sept. 21 For one dollar, people can buy a chocolate candy bar at participating Holiday gas stations in the area in hopes of being one of 10 golden ticket recipients. Golden ticket winners could end…

Northlanders Participate in World Wide Climate Strike

Duluth youth host a climate protest at city hall.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth lined the steps of city hall Friday rallying against the climate crisis and striking against things they say are harmful to the planet. The hundreds who picketed in downtown Duluth were just a handful of the thousands who skipped school or work across the globe to combat climate change. Chants could be heard throughout the city….

Patriots Release Antonio Brown After Another Accusation

The Team Announced the Move Friday

(AP) – The New England Patriots have released receiver Antonio Brown after a second woman accused him of sexual misconduct. The team announced the move Friday in a statement emailed to reporters. The statement said: “We appreciate the hard work of many people over the past 11 days, but we feel that it is best to move in a different…

Trump Proposal Could cut off Food Stamps to 35K in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota food pantry officials are opposing a federal proposal that could take away food stamp benefits from more than 35,000 state residents. The Trump administration in July proposed closing what it calls “a loophole” that that enables people receiving only minimal benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to be eligible automatically…