News

Edina District Sued After Search of 8-Year-Old Student

EDINA, Minn. (AP) – The mother of a former student at an Edina elementary school is suing the school district, saying staff members violated district policy when they searched her child. The alleged incident happened at Countryside Elementary School in the 2017-18 school year, when the student was in second grade. According to the Star Tribune , the lawsuit says…

Snowstorms, Heavy Rains, Take Toll on Minnesota Pheasants

Pheasant Season Runs From October 12 to January 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Wildlife managers say late-season snowstorms and heavy spring rains have taken a toll on Minnesota’s pheasant population. The Department of Natural Resources’ annual roadside survey indicates that Minnesota’s pheasant numbers are down 17% from 2018. The index is 11% below the 10-year average and 60% below the long-term average. DNR upland game research scientist Tim…

Minnesota Court: High School Coaches not Public Officials

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court says parents who defame their children’s public high school coaches don’t have legal protection against their claims. The high court ruled Wednesday the coaches are not public officials so they have a lower bar to prove any defamation case. The Star Tribune says the court’s decision involves former Woodbury High School…

Walmart to Stop Selling Handgun Ammunition

Walmart Will Also Discontinue Handgun Sales in Alaska

NEW YORK (AP) – Walmart says it will discontinue the sale of handgun ammunition and also publicly request that customers refrain from openly carrying firearms in stores even where state laws allow it. The announcement comes after a mass shooting claimed seven lives in Odessa, Texas and follows two other back-to-back shootings last month, one of them at a Walmart…

Pentagon Sidelines 127 Military Building Projects to Fund Border Wall

Defense Secretary Mark Esper Approved the Transfer of Funds on Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) – A total of 127 military construction projects are being sidelined by a Pentagon decision to shift $3.6 billion to build part of President Donald Trump’s border wall. Defense Secretary Mark Esper approved the transfer of funds on Tuesday. The Pentagon will cut funding from military projects like schools, target ranges, daycare centers for military families, and maintenance…

Classic Boat & Schooner Rendezvous Sailing into Bayfield

The Event Kicks off Friday, September 6 in Bayfield, Wisconsin

BAYFIELD, Wis. – The 2nd annual Lake Superior Tall Ships “Classic Boat & Schooner Rendezvous” is sailing back into Bayfield Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8. The mission of the event is to raise funds and awareness for the Lake Superior Tall Ships Youth Sailing & Sea Cadets Program including sailing trips to Isle Royale and Minnesota’s North Shore….

Midday Update 9-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

New Fall Menu Features Zesty, Savory Items at Ledge Rock Grille

Cooking Connection: Pork Belly Tacos

LARSMONT, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott is in the kitchen with Chef Richard Selz from Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages. The restaurant is proud to debut a new menu that combines the best of a classic lakeshore meal with global flavors and fresh, quality ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and…

Evers Taps Hughes as New WEDC Secretary

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has picked an attorney for an organic farming cooperative to serve as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s new leader. Evers said Thursday that he has appointed Melissa Hughes to replace Mark Hogan as WEDC secretary. Hogan was appointed by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker but stayed on the job after GOP lawmakers blocked…

Morning Update 9-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Three Dogs, Two Cats Die in Hibbing House Fire

No People Were Injured in the Fire

(courtesy: Cathy Isaacson for The Northland Fire Wire) HIBBING, Minn. – According to a Northland FireWire Facebook post, three dogs and two cats died in a Hibbing house fire early Wednesday evening. Fire crews responded to a fire in the 1700 Block of 1st Avenue around 5:25 p.m. in Hibbing. Officials say no people were home when the fire started….

Python on the run at Fond du Lac High School

The Snake Belongs to an Instructor at the School

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) – Students and staff at Fond du Lac High School are a bit on edge as the search continues for a missing python. The 3-foot long snake escaped from its cage at the high school sometime over the Labor Day weekend. Principal Matt Steinbarth says there’s some evidence the snake entered the ventilation system at…

Proctor High School Hires First Resource Officer in Nearly a Decade

Amid school shootings across the country, Proctor School Board and City agree on Police Presence.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It’s the second day of school at Proctor High School, but the hallways will look a little different this year. A new school resource officer (SRO) is now protecting the school for the first time in nearly 10 years. On Tuesday the Proctor City Council discussed with the School Board to not only assign a primary officer, but…

UW-Superior Begins 2019 School Year

Students filled the YellowJacket Union as classes are now back in session for the Yellowjackets

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Fall is in the air which means classes are back in session around the Northland as UW-Superior held their first day of the fall semester today. And with it comes students inside and out of the Yellowjacket Union beginning their homework for their classes or even hanging out with friends. One student we spoke with from St. Cloud…

Duluth City Attorney Reacts to Court’s Decision to Reinstate Officer Shown Misusing Force

City still disagrees, may petition case to Minnesota Supreme Court.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson is speaking out about the Minnesota Court of Appeals’ decision saying a Duluth Police officer should get his job back after a use-of-force incident. Officer Adam Huot was terminated after the 2017 incident where he was caught on body cam video dragging a handcuffed man through the skywalk before the man hit his…

New Housing, Retail Development Planned For Downtown Superior

Ground is expected to be broke on Central Flats within the next six weeks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Plans are in place for a new apartment building on Belknap Street in the heart of downtown Superior and will include shopping space on the first floor. Back in April, Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced in his State of the City address that a mixed-use development plan would be coming to Superior, and on Wednesday we got a…

Big Changes on Horizon for Soo Locks

DULUTH, MN – “The impact of the Soo Locks is felt nationwide,” Congressman, Pete Stauber says. That statement was the theme of today’s press conference where future improvement plans for the locks were announced. It’s not unusual for more than seventy thousand tons of iron ore to be carried on a vessel using the locks. That is not even the…

New Superior High School Opens Doors

Construction was completed after a $92 million referendum.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The brand new Superior High School opened its doors to the public for the very first time with a ribbon cutting. This comes after two years of construction on the school. Construction was completed after a $92 million referendum was passed three and a half years ago by Superior voters supporting a new Cooper Elementary and Superior…

Campus Cafe Links Senior Citizens with College Students

It allows senior citizens to dine and socialize in the Chartwell dining area alongside college students.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Chartwell’s dining area is opening its doors once again to senior citizens in the community as part of Senior Connections organization’s Campus Cafe program. It allows senior citizens to dine and socialize in the Chartwell dining area alongside college students. Senior Connections, an organization aimed at assisting seniors in the community, says it gives…

Gorham Resigns From School Board, Cites Frustration With Leadership; Sandstad Calls on Board Chair to Step Down

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth School Board Member Josh Gorham has resigned from his position effective immediately. Gorham cites frustrations with administration and board leadership as reasons for his departure. Josh Gorham In a prepared statement to the media Gorham says his experience in striving to provide accountability to educational equality has been met with a “dismissive, maintain-the-status-quo approach” under the…

DEA to Expand Into Northeastern Minnesota

2 DEA agents will now be stationed in Duluth to combat opioids, meth, and other drugs

DULUTH, Minn. – The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will soon be expanding into the Duluth area. Two DEA agents will now be stationed in Northeastern Minnesota, embedded with the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. “The addiction is destroying lives, it is disrupting families, it drives up crime and it tears apart our community,” said Duluth Mayor…

Downtown Duluth YMCA Offering Free Open House

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the Downtown Duluth YMCA is hosting an open house where folks can come try the Y for free. The five floor facility on West First Street is full of activities and spaces for everybody. Staff say anyone and any body is welcome to work out there. “Folks are able to start on something as simple…

Additional Damage Found on the William A. Irvin Vessel

No delays are expected.

DULUTH, Minn. – The William A. Irvin has been docked at the Fraser Shipyards in Superior for more than a month to undergo planned corrosion repairs. but after further assessment of the vessel additional damage was discovered. Officials say rivets on the bottom were found to also be corroded. They say about 250 rivets were inspected, which is only one…

Lake Superior Zoo Making Some Big Changes

Zoo welcomes two Brown Bear cubs and two Cougar cubs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Big changes are happening at Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth. A nearly one million dollar transformation is now underway. Construction crews officially began renovating a structure that has been around since 1930. It will be transformed into a habitat with three exhibits. The new habitat will be the home for a few new animals. “The key to…

National Recovery Month Celebrated in Duluth

Recovering addicts and local officials met on the steps of Duluth City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. – In honor of National Recovery Month, local officials and recovering addicts met on the steps of Duluth City Hall. People shared their stories about the impact of addiction and mental illness on their lives. Duluth’s Opioid Program Technician, Jessica Nickila, has been working with local addicts for nine months. She says the most rewarding part of her…

Four Suspects Arrested in Grand Rapids Child Kidnapping Incident

A Fifth Suspect has not yet Been Located

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Four suspects have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of four young children. Authorities say officers were dispatched to a call of a parental kidnapping in an apartment in the 300 Block of 4th Avenue South in St. Cloud early Wednesday morning. According to reports, officers determined the father, along with…

DEA Opens new Office in Duluth to Combat Drug Trafficking

The New Office was Announced Wednesday by City Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is opening an office in Duluth in an effort to bring more federal resources to investigate drug crimes in northeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The new office was announced Wednesday by city leaders and Richard Salter, the special agent in charge of the DEA’s Omaha division, which oversees DEA operations in…

MNsure Announces 7-Week Enrollment Period for 2020 Coverage

Minnesotans Will Have From November 1 to December 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange has announced a seven-week enrollment period for 2020 coverage. MNsure said Wednesday that Minnesotans will have from Nov. 1, 2019, to Dec. 23, 2019, to shop for 2020 health coverage. Minnesota’s enrollment period is eight days longer than the federal open enrollment period that runs from Nov. 1 to Dec….

Midday Update 9-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Suspect in Fatal Hibbing Shooting Charged With First Degree Murder

He is Scheduled to Appear in Court on September 12

HIBBING, Minn. – The suspect connected to a Hibbing murder last Christmas has now been indicted on a first degree murder charge. According to court records, 30-year-old Jerome Diante Spann has already pleaded not guilty to a second degree murder charge and second-degree assault charge on June 5. Spann is accused of shooting two victims last December in the 2400…

Local Non-Profit Animal Rescue Seeking Foster Families

PJ's Rescue in Duluth is Looking for People Interested in Fostering Animals Until They Find Forever Homes

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth based PJ’s Rescue is a non-profit rescuing abandoned, neglected, injured, and stray animals from euthanasia throughout shelters in Texas. The Rescue is currently in search of foster families willing to house animals for a few weeks, up to months until the animal is able to be relocated to a forever home. “We are able to save…

Boy Thrown From Mall of America Balcony Returns Home

Landon was Thrown Nearly 40 Feet to the Ground by a Stranger in April

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A 5-year-old boy has returned home nearly five months after he was thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America in Minnesota. The boy’s family said Tuesday on a gofundme.com site that their son has completed inpatient treatment and has returned home. KSTP-TV reports the boy, identified only as Landen, will continue…

Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Begins Thursday

Rotary Rose Sale Tickets are Available for Purchase Through Friday, October 4; Pickup October 11, 12

DULUTH, Minn. – Roses are red, and starting Thursday, September 5, you’re purchase of a dozen can help make a big impact in the Northland. The Duluth Rotary Club is hosting its 34th Annual Rose Sale, September 5 through October 4. Roses will be sold throughout the Duluth and Superior region for only $25 a dozen. Bouquets will be available…

Morning Update 9-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Woman Killed by Black Bear on Island North of Minnesota

Experts say an Attack by a Black Bear is 'Extremely Rare'

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a Minnesota woman has been killed by a black bear on an island in Canadian waters. Ontario Provincial Police say 62-year-old Catherine Sweatt-Mueller, of Maple Plain, was staying with her parents in a remote cabin on Red Pine Island in Rainy Lake when she was killed. The Star Tribune reports that police Constable…

UWS International Students Share College Experience

This Fall, UWS is welcoming 200 international students from 40 countries

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The school year starts Wednesday at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. This fall, the university is welcoming two hundred international students from forty different countries. About nine percent of UW-Superior students are from a foreign country. That’s the highest percentage of any college in Northwestern Wisconsin or Northeastern Minnesota. “I’m from Vietnam, an Eastern country, I really want…

Piedmont Elementary Students Greeted by Denfeld Upperclassmen

DULUTH, Minn. – Denfeld students helped welcome Piedmont Elementary students to their first day of school Tuesday. After looking at school data, faculty wanted to stress the need for getting students to class. Staff now have the help of a new attendance committee, and has enlisted upperclassmen in an initiative called: “Present panthers, are you in the game?” “We want…

Police Warn Drivers to Pay Attention to School Buses

Fines for Minnesota stop-arm violations start at $500

DULUTH, Minn. – With thousands of kids coming back to schools across the Northland, it’s important for drivers to pay attention to school buses on the roads. When the stop-signal arm is out and the red lights flash, it’s illegal to pass a school bus from any direction. Fines for stop-arm violations in Minnesota start at $500. “Inattentive driving is…

Riding Bulls at the 28th Great Northern Classic Rodeo

For 28 years the rodeo has been an end of summer tradition bringing cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Northland and beyond.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Great Northern Classic Rodeo wrapped up in Superior Labor Day Weekend. For 28 years the rodeo has been an end of summer tradition bringing cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Northland and beyond. “It’s just you and the bull out there you don’t have to worry about anyone else, it’s just taking care of what…

Search Is On For Missing UMD Student

Jacob Lavoie went missing Saturday night after a night out with friends

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are searching for missing 21 year-old UMD student Jacob Lavoie who vanished after a night out with friends at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park. Duluth Police describe Lavoie as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall weighing around 150 pounds. He has strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing jeans, a…

Red Cross Seeks Northland Volunteers to Help with Dorian

Five volunteers sent already, more is always needed.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Dorian continues to threaten landfall on the east coast, the American Red Cross Serving Northern Minnesota is already sending volunteers down south to help with recovery efforts. The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross will have sent 5 volunteers by Wednesday, spread out between Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. They will help with medical and mental health…

Court of Appeals Rules Duluth Officer Fired for Misuse of Force Be Reinstated

Officer Adam Huot closer to returning to force after being fired back in May 2017.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Officer who was fired after dragging a handcuffed man through the skywalk system and hitting his head on a doorway back in May of 2017 could be reinstated. On Tuesday the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed an earlier ruling that an arbitrator’s decision to reinstate Officer Adam Huot does not violate public policy. The fate…

Cooper Elementary Students View New School

SUPERIOR, WI – Students at Cooper Elementary got a first look at their new digs Tuesday morning. The students waited an extra year- after a fire ripped through the building last year during construction. Cooper Elementary had three orientation sessions throughout the day. It allowed the students new and old to tour the school, gather supplies and check in with…

Duluth Public Library Goes Fine Free

People with current fines can work to get them erased from their account.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is taking a new approach to helping the community to have more access to library books. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced Duluth public libraries are going fine free. Books will be checked out as normal and will still have a due date. But anyone who returns a late book will no longer be…

Condemned Home is Causing Concern for Community After Part of Roof Collapses

Condemned and blighted homes are causing some concern for many neighborhoods around Duluth. Many are falling apart and neighbors are reacting to the possible harm these buildings can cause. One in particular on 16th Avenue East has sat vacant for nearly five years. The eyesore has been deteriorating for quite some time. Over the weekend, the building finally gave way….

Fatal Iron County Crash Leaves One Dead, Two Seriously Injured

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

MERCER, Wis. – One man is dead and two are injured following a one vehicle crash on US Highway 51 near State Highway 47 around 7:22 a.m. Wednesday. According to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived on scene within minutes of the reported crash where it was determined the driver of the vehicle was deceased and the two passengers…

Minnesota State Fair Sets Attendance Record of 2.1M

This Year's State Fair Saw Six Daily Record Attendance Days

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota State Fair has wrapped up another year with another attendance record. Fair officials say the 2019 edition of the Great Minnesota Get-Together finished Monday with a 12-day total attendance of more than 2.1 million, thanks to a record Labor Day turnout of 184,740. That beats the previous overall attendance record of more than…

Nearly 50,000 Students Unvaccinated in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Health officials say nearly 50,000 children in Wisconsin have vaccination waivers as the school year gets underway, leaving them vulnerable to measles at a time when the number of cases has grown exponentially across the country. The Journal Sentinel says figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 1,215 cases of measles this year across…

Missing Person: Jacob Michael Lavioe, 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are asking for the public’s help locating 21-year-old Jacob Michael Lavoie. Authorities say Lavoie was last seen at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park on Saturday around midnight and early morning September 1. Lavoie is described as a white male, 5’10”, weighing approximately 150 pounds with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last…

Ex-Duluth Cop Who Dragged Man is Closer to Getting Job Back

Huot was Fired After the May 2017 Incident

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – A former Duluth police officer who was fired after he dragged a handcuffed man through a city skyway system is a step closer to getting his job back. Adam Huot was fired after the May 2017 incident. Video shows the man’s head hit a steel door frame as he was being dragged. The Minnesota Court of…