News

35th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest to Support Scholarship Program

Coffee Conversation: Chester Bowl Fall Fest Happening Saturday, September 21 at Chester Bowl in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend it’s estimated more than 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park to help celebrate the changing of seasons and support local businesses. The 35th annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday, September 21 at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if…

Minnesota Man Gets 28 Years in Prison for Producing, Distributing Child Porn

Campbell Was Also Given 25 Years of Supervised Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography. Thirty-seven-year-old Nicholas Campbell, of Otsego, was also given 25 years of supervised released during sentencing last week in federal court in St. Paul. Prosecutors say FBI agents seized a large volume of electronic evidence from Campbell’s home…

Esko Students Evacuated Due to Carbon Monoxide Concerns

Students Were Evacuated to a Nearby Church

  UPDATE Esko, Minn: Staff and students were given the all-clear to return to the building around 11:00 a.m. Monday morning. According to officials the issue stemmed from a malfunctioning water heater. “The exposure limit was very low and minute school started at 8 oclock this morning it was called out around nine and again the levels were in the…

Evers Creates Task Force to Study Retirement Savings

The Task Force Will Study The Amount of Money Retired People Have Saved

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has created a task force to study issues facing the growing number of retired people in Wisconsin, particularly the amount of money they have saved. Evers signed an executive order Monday creating the group that is led by state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and include members of Evers’ administration, Republican and Democratic…

Morning Update 9-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

No Deal: Auto Workers Strike Against GM in Contract Dispute

49,000 Union Members Went on Strike Monday

DETROIT (AP) – More than 49,000 members of the United Auto Workers union went on strike early Monday as contract talks with General Motors broke down. Union members walked out of factories and set up picket lines at 33 plants across the nation as well as 22 parts warehouses. UAW Vice President Terry Dittes says a strike is the union’s…

Park Point Community Plays Ball Together

All ages gather to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Park Point community got outside for the last few days of the Summer before Fall moves in. Folks of all ages gathered at the Lafayette Community Center to play a friendly game of softball, broken into Bayside versus Lakeside teams. Organizers say it’s nice to have neighbors out and mingling together. “I think it’s great…

Man Arrested for Adas Israel Synagogue Fire, Not a Hate Crime Yet Police Say

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson in the first degree.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police announced that they have arrested a suspect for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue fire last Monday. 36–year–old Matthew Amiot was arrested for first degree arson on Friday, but right now police say there is no evidence that this was a hate crime. The suspect is being held at St. Louis County Jail. No formal charges have…

Dachshund Race to Victory at Oktoberfestival

A dog named Keetza was the winning weiner on Sunday and it was not her first win, in fact her owners help her hone her skills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dachshund owners from around the Northland and beyond brought their short and long pups out for a run to hopefully capture the championship collar. A dog named Keetza was the winning weiner on Sunday and it was not her first win, in fact her owners help her hone her skills. “He will run around the house with…

Going to the Chapel at the Gitchee Gumee Wedding Show

Nearly 70 local vendors came out to help make bride's dreams come true.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 70 local vendors were featured at the Gitchee Gumee Wedding Show at the DECC. Everything from dresses to food to cakes were there giving brides a chance to get inspiration in what can be a difficult decision amongst the thousands of choices online. “In general it is hard but at things like this it doesn’t make…

Prayer Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The Global Indigenous Council says there were thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States in just 2016.

DULUTH, Minn. – Missing and murdered Indigenous women were honored on Sunday at a prayer vigil underneath a newly installed billboard bringing awareness to those women. The Global Indigenous Council says there were thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States in just 2016. The billboard is at the corner of Garfield Avenue and Superior Street. The…

Woman Dies After Crashing Car Into Tree

ALBORN, Minn. – A woman died after crashing her car into a tree on Saturday afternoon shortly before 5 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. 61 year-old Rachel Wermter of Culver died after her car skidded off the road and went into the opposite lane, then hit a tree. The sheriff’s office said that speed and alcohol…

Arrest Made in Synagogue Fire, No Evidence of Hate Crime Yet

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference Sunday Duluth Police and Fire announced that a suspect has been arrested for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue Fire. 36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth was arrested for Arson Friday afternoon, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said. Charges are imminent, meanwhile authorities recommended charging Amiot with arson in the first degree. Despite being arrested…

Celebrating Sustainable Farming at UMD Farm Fest

7th Annual Farm Fest features fresh local music, fresh produce, and fresh conversation.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students, local food vendors, and community members turned out for UMD Land Lab’s 7th Annual Farm Fest Saturday. Families were invited to come hear live local music and shop freshly picked produce. They also joined the conversation about local farming and sustainability in Northland agriculture. “Just getting people to have a connection with their food system, I think…

Fun with Farm Life at Mr. Ed’s Farm

Farm invites people for free for Old Farm Day.

HIBBING, Minn.- A real life Old McDonald showed his farm off to the public Saturday, and with a moo moo here and a cluck cluck there, Old Farm Day provided great entertainment for all ages. “A farm is a place that brings together plants, animals, soil, water sun and creates life,” said farm owner Ed Nelson. Just hop on a…

Shofar Blown at Adas Israel Synagogue Site

Synagogue was destroyed by fire on September 9th

DULUTH, Minn. – A shofar horn was blown Saturday evening at the site of the Adas Israel Synagogue, which was destroyed by fire early Monday morning. Many of Charles Edward Cohen’s family members belonged to the synagogue’s congregation. He says by blowing the shofar, he’s serving God’s will, blessing the land, and spreading love. “He called me to come here…

Firemen’s Picnic Allows Kids to Meet their Heroes

The picnic brings kids from all over the the town to try out their firefighting skills.

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – Each year the town of Superior hangs out with their local firefighters for a day of fun and games at a picnic. The picnic brings kids from all over the the town to try out their firefighting skills. They get time to put out pretend house fires and even meet the heroes who protect their…

24th NorthShore Inline Marathon Glides to Canal Park

This year the inline marathon was a special comeback story from one 77-year-old athlete who has been inline skating for nearly 20 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Speeding down past the Minnesota Slip Bridge were 1,500 athletes inline skating and inline skiing into the finish line at the end of a marathon from Two Harbors. Hundreds of men and women, children and seniors, were all on wheels for the 24th annual marathon. This year the inline marathon was a special comeback story from one…

Woman Dead After Single Vehicle Crash in St. Louis County

CULVER, Minn. – A 61-year-old woman is dead after a single-vehicle crash Saturday in Culver. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel responded to the area of 6500 Highway 47 for a call that a vehicle had hit a tree. Once on scene, first responders determined that the driver, Rachel Ann Wermter, was dead. Wermter’s vehicle had…

Once Upon A Child Holds Halloween Costume Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – Once Upon A Child in burning tree plaza has started stocking their shelves with Halloween costumes. This helps parents get a head start with finding the perfect costume at a bargain price. “That’s gonna be 50-70% off what you’re gonna buy brand new. And your kids wear the Halloween costume once. And it’s a really fun night,…

Graduates of Carpentry Program Ready for Next Step

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A graduation ceremony was held in Hermantown at the Jerry Alander Training Center Friday afternoon. Participants spent six weeks in a carpentry program sponsored by multiple organizations including the local carpenters union. That work group says they are in need of workers as the construction industry continues to boom in the northland. The graduates- with the majority…

Fast Growing Company Recognized In Duluth

A Duluth Credit company was recognized as one of the fastest growing in America on Friday

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday, a Duluth Credit Company was recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in America. The Inc. 5000 showcases fast-growing private companies in the U.S. and explains how they reached their lofty heights. The owner of Duluth’s Credit Services International who is a Denfeld and Saint Scholastica alum says it’s a dream come true that his company…

Showing Off On Inline Skates

All ages showed off their tricks and talents on wheels today ahead of the Inline Marathon Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend, the 24th Annual Inline Marathon will bring than 2,000 athletes to Duluth, and Friday skaters got to show off their skills in a unique way. Those of all ages laced up their skates for a different reason today. To hit the ramps and soar through the sky and show off their their moves on wheels. Ooo’s…

Preps Begin For Inline Marathon

Those in the marathon tomorrow picked up their race packets Friday

DULUTH, Minn.- Those in the marathon Saturday picked up their race packets, filled with all the information they need to know about the marathon. The race director tells us the attendance is up, due in part to the course the racers compete on. “Our course is just pristine. It’s so beautiful. It’s pretty rare to get a point to point…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Authorize Strike

Union can still negotiate a deal for 10 days before strike is implemented.

DULUTH, Minn.- After weeks of negotiations, nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital authorized a strike for what they call unfair labor practices. The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) says staffing and scheduling is inefficient at the hospital. They say while they don’t want to strike, they see no other way of having their needs met. “Like we’ve been clear from the very…

Suspect Arrested in Synagogue Fire Case

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth Police have announced that a suspect has been arrested in Adas Israel Synagogue fire case. They were going to a hold a press conference Saturday morning. with an update on the case, but they are moving it to Sunday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. due to the Sabbath. Fox 21 spoke to the past president of the Adas…

Vigil Held for Missing Northland Woman Sheila St. Clair

Indigenous woman missing since 2015 still being looked for by Police, family.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been four years since 48-year-old Sheila St. Clair of Duluth went missing, and Duluth Police say the case is still open. Today the members of the indigenous community and the Duluth Police Department met for a press conference at One Roof Community Housing to hear any possible tips into the woman’s whereabouts. They also met to keep…

Annual Library Sale This Weekend in Superior

Biggest fundraiser of the year hopes to bring $10,000 to the library.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The Superior Public Library is hosting its annual book sale fundraiser today and tomorrow. Throughout the year the public has been donating items for the sale including not only books. This year a member of the community passed away, donating their whole record collection to the sale. This is the first year the sale featured records. Organizers hope they…

Ordean Building Sold for $1.2 Million, No Change for Tenants

Foundation Sells Building to Keep Focusing on Addressing Poverty

DULUTH, Minn.- The Ordean Building on Superior Street in Downtown Duluth is changing owners. The Ordean Foundation has sold the building to local professional real estate company Titanium Partners LLC. Officials with the Ordean Foundation say they sold the West Superior Street building because managing it was keeping them from their mission of addressing poverty issues in the area. The…

Actress Felicity Huffman Sentenced to 14 Days in Jail in College Admissions Scandal

"Desperate Housewives'' star Felicity Huffman says she takes full responsibility for her role in the college admissions scandal and deserves her punishment.

BOSTON, Mass.-“Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman says she takes full responsibility for her role in the college admissions scandal and deserves her punishment. A federal judge in Boston sentenced the actress on Friday to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 fine, 250 hours of community service and a year’s probation. Huffman was stoic in court, telling U.S. District Judge Indira…

Wisconsin Republicans Have no Plans to Cancel Primary

The chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party says there are no plans to cancel the presidential primary in the state next year.

MADISON, Wis.-The chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party says there are no plans to cancel the presidential primary in the state next year. Wisconsin GOP Chairman Andrew Hitt said Thursday that he has not received any pressure from the Republican National Committee or President Donald Trump to cancel the April 7 primary. At least four other states have done that….

Midday Update 9-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

R. Kelly a No-Show in Court on Minnesota Solicitation Charge

Singer R. Kelly was a no-show for an initial court appearance in a Minnesota case in which he is accused of offering a 17-year-old girl $200 to take off her clothes and dance in 2001.

MINNEAPOLIS-Singer R. Kelly was a no-show for an initial court appearance in a Minnesota case in which he is accused of offering a 17-year-old girl $200 to take off her clothes and dance in 2001. Kelly, who is jailed in Chicago on sexual abuse and other counts, was charged in Minnesota in August with soliciting the girl after meeting her…

Organizers, Athletes Prepare for 2019 North Shore Inline Marathon

Active Adventures: North Shore Inline Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – It takes a village and year round dedication to make the North Shore Inline Marathon a success every year. Race Director Mike Ward stopped by FOX 21 Local News Friday morning ahead of the jam packed lineup of events. Ward says many folks are concerned about detouring around the Lester Bridge construction this year. Traffic will be…

2019 Gitche Gumee Wedding Show Happening Sunday

The Show is Happening Sunday, September 15 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you a bride or groom-to-be? If so, the perfect is event is happening in Duluth Sunday, September 15. The Gitche Gumee Wedding Show is taking place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the DECC’s Lakeside Ballroom in Duluth. Wedding planning professionals, the stunning Lake Superior Lounge, Inspiration Stations and Fashion Experiences will highlight this year’s…

Interested in Finnish Culture? You Won’t Want to Miss this Musical Performance

The Kardemimmit Kantele Concert is Happening Friday, September 12

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Friday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m., the United Protestant Church in Duluth in partnership with the Finlandia Foundation Northland Chapter, are set to host a Finnish concert featuring Finnish group Kardemimmit. The church is located at 830 88th Avenue West in Morgan Park. Admission is $10 for adults, and there’s no charge for children to attend….

Morning Update 9-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote ‘Overwhelmingly’ To Allow Strike

The nurses are concerned about staffing levels and they want both paid time off and sick time separated for new hires.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s nurses voted late on Thursday night to allow a strike after weeks of stalled negotiations. The nurses are concerned about staffing levels and they want both paid time off and sick time separated for new hires. Nurses said they are increasingly frustrated they do not have a contract deal with St. Luke’s now that nurses…

Preparations Underway for Inline Skating Marathon

TWO HARBORS, MN – The 24th Annual Inline Skating Marathon will get underway this Satuday. To kick things off, there will be an expo on Friday at the DECC, along with “Skatefest” followed by the race. Upwards of two-thousand people will be participating, bringing more business to the area. “It’s great. Any time you can have a great event like…

Catalyst Content Festival to Bring Hundreds of TV Executives, Creators to Duluth

Festival organizers say the event could be the beginning of a year-round film and TV industry in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – In October, the Catalyst Content Festival will bring a hundred TV executives and hundreds more producers from Hollywood to Downtown Duluth. At the festival, people will watch never-before-seen shows made all around the world. The Catalyst Content Festival, formerly called the Independent TV Festival, chose Duluth as its home over every other city in America because it…

Aunty’s Child Care Opening Doors in Lakeside

The child care facility has been a dream of owner April Westman's for nearly a decade and now her dream is coming to reality with natural homemade cleaning supplies and nutritious meals for he children.

DULUTH, Minn. – Aunty’s Child Care is finally opening its doors after years of planning in Lakeside neighborhood in Duluth. They moved into what used to be the East Duluth Church of Christ. The child care facility has been a dream of owner April Westman’s for nearly a decade and now her dream is coming to reality with natural homemade…

Remaining Safe On Powersport Vehicles

Some of the best powersport athletes in the world were in Superior stressing helmet safety

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some of the best athletes in motorsports and powersports were in Superior Thursday stressing the concerns of being safe on off-road vehicles. One out of every five all-terrain vehicles fatalities is under the age of 16, 90% of those a child wasn’t wearing a helmet, and 95% percent of them didn’t have a safety certification. Which is why,…

Essentia Health Treated Two Patients With Lung Issues Likely Caused By Vaping

St. Luke's Hospital says it hasn't seen any vaping-related lung issues with patients

(AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)DULUTH, Minn. — Two people in the Northland have been treated for lung issues earlier this summer that may have been caused by vaping, according to Essentia Health, which treated the patients. Essentia Health was not able to share the ages or current conditions of the two patients with respect to HIPPA laws. St. Luke’s Hospital has…

Grandma’s 44th Annual Oktoberfest Gets Underway

DULUTH, MN – Grandma’s 44th annual Oktoberfest kicked off this afternoon with a ceremonial keg tapping and live music. Grandma’s is also working with the Duluth Oktober Festival at Bayfront Park this weekend to give everyone a unique German experience. “It begins a longtime tradition with our company where we bring in authentic German fair, food, features and beer,” Grandma’s…

Two Harbors Wastewater Treatment Plant Seeking Upgrades

TWO HARBORS, MN – The wastewater treatment plant in Two Harbors is looking to get $20 million in upgrades. On Thursday morning, Two Harbors city leaders met with the senate and capitol investment committee to bring forward and appropriation bill which would cover half of the project. The plant was originally built in the 1950’s and has had upgrades throughout…

WLSSD Seeks State Bonding Money to Fund Renewable Energy Project

Project would build generators to convert methane gas into an energy source

DULUTH, Minn. – A renewable energy project at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) in Duluth could mean big savings for the organization and for customers. WLSSD officials met with Minnesota State Senators, asking them for some money through state bonding to help pay for the project. In the treatment of wastewater, methane gas is created. That gas can…

Environmentalists, tribe challenge PolyMet wetlands permit

Several environmental groups and a Native American tribe have gone to court to challenge a permit issued by the Army Corps of Engineers for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS-Several environmental groups and a Native American tribe have gone to court to challenge a permit issued by the Army Corps of Engineers for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in Minnesota. The lawsuits filed in federal court Tuesday say the corps violated federal law when it issued a permit authorizing the destruction of wetlands for the project. It was the…

Convicted Sex Offender Moves to Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn.-A convicted sex offender has moved into Virginia. Police say Joseph Goerdt, 38, “engaged in sexual contact with known female children and a teen. Contact included penetration. Goerdt took advantage of a child’s disability and used force against another. Goerdt was known to victims.” Police say he is also known as Joe Bernard Patch. He is living on the…

Duluth Timber Industry Leader Passes Away

DULUTH, Minn.-A leader in the timber industry has passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. Wayne E. Brandt, 61, died in Duluth on Sept. 12 just ahead of his 62nd birthday. Brandt’s career was a mix of politics and advocacy, beginning as a campaign aide for Rep. Jim Oberstar. He also worked on Walter Mondale’s 1984 presidential campaign and the 1988…