News

Life Expectancy Drops In Wisconsin Due To Alcohol, Drugs

Drug and Alcohol Deaths in Wisconsin Have Tripled Since 1999

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new report says life expectancy in Wisconsin has dropped for two years in a row fueled by increased deaths from alcohol abuse and opioids. The Wisconsin Policy Forum report released Monday finds that while Wisconsin is mirroring a national trend in shorter life expectancies overall, the state loses ground due to alcohol and opioid deaths…

Meet the Creators of Three Minnesota Podcasts

Root Beer Radio, Dungeons and Dweebs, and Take It With You are entertaining audiences across the state and beyond

MINNESOTA – A podcast is kind of like a radio show, but on demand. They’re all-original online content about specific subjects produced by people around the world, including here in Minnesota. Dave Herdan and Matt Holton have recorded thirteen episodes of their podcast, Root Beer Radio. “We went to middle and high school together and then after college or during…

Art in Bayfront Park Festival Welcomes Artists Nation-Wide

The Art in Bayfront Festival Park event celebrates its 10th year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday wrapped up the third and final day of the 10th annual Bayfront Art in Park Festival in Duluth. Friday’s Wild Waters Music Fest kicked off the event. This was the first year the park incorporated a music element to the festival in addition to over 130 other art vendors from around the country. The festival owner thinks this…

Community Learns Sami Culture and Picnic and Program Event

The Sami Cultural Center hosts a Summer Picnic and Program event.

DULUTH, Minn.- The doors opened up at the Sami Cultural Center in Duluth where everyone was invited to learn more about the indigenous group of people. The Sami Summer picnic and program event allowed those interested in learning about the Sami culture to do so in a group setting. Sunday’s event focused on comparing two Sami artists, an older artist and…

Hillfest Unites Hillside for 10 Years

Annual festival takes over 4th St. and 6th Ave. E.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Hillfest is back for a 10th year of celebrating the East and Central hillside neighborhoods. This year’s Hillfest featured over 30 vendor booths and a stage with live music. The festival takes place at the intersection of East 4th street and 6th Avenue East, which organizers say divides East and Central Hillside. It’s nice, they said, to…

S and J’s Everything on London Road Open Selling Everything

New store holds grand opening.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new store has opened up on London Road in Duluth, selling, well, a little bit of everything. S and J’s Everything held its grand opening at 1702 London Road Sunday. They help with estate sales and house and business clean outs, and whatever is left over, they get to sell. With a hodgepodge mix of furniture, knick…

Intersection of Stebner and Maple Grove Road Closed Monday

City to close intersection for the final time, officials say.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-The intersection of Stebner Road and Maple Grove Road in Hermantown will be closed for most of the day Monday. St. Louis County is paving the roads there starting at 7:30 Monday morning until about 4 p.m. The closure means you may need to plan an alternate route to get to the Hermantown Community Church, Jefferson Children’s Center, and…

Parents and Kids ‘Climb’ Out of Darkness of Postpartum Disorders

Walk through Chester Park raises awareness for perinatal and postpartum disorders.

DULUTH, Minn.- With babies strapped in strollers, on backs, or sitting on shoulders, families took to the trails of Chester Park for Duluth’s very first Climb Out of the Darkness hiking event, to bring awareness to a very common problem among new parents. “As new moms there’s a lot of change that we’re going through and it can be very…

Chess Champs Battle at Twin Ports Open

8th Annual Chess tournament brings players from other countries.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was a meeting of the minds at University of Wisconsin Superior’s Yellowjacket Union for the 8th Annual Twin Ports Open Chess Tournament. Players were in town from as far as Canada. They’re as young as six and as old as 75. Some are even Mayors, like Superior Mayor Jim Paine, who was also hunched over a chess…

Ashland Family Says Final Goodbye to Fallen Korean War Soldier

Edward "Buster" Marshall Morrison was Killed in Action July 8, 1950.

ASHLAND, Wis.- A veteran’s remains were returned home to Ashland 69 years after he was killed in the Korean War. Edward Marshall Morrison, known as “Buster” to this family, was the first Wisconsin army personnel to pass way in the war. Edward was 19 years old when he enlisted in the United States Army. In July of 1950, just three…

100 Years of YMCA Camp Lake Nebagamon

YMCA holds event for old campers to reminisce about their days in summer camp.

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis.- Summer camp, for many, is the highlight of the season, holding many fond memories. YMCA Camp Lake Nebagamon has been doing that for 100 years. “100 years is, it’s a huge amazing milestone, but it’s not our last,” said Camp Director Rachel Eisenmann. The one spot amid the trees by the lake carries with it a century…

Commemorative Air Force Museum Opens at Bong Airport

CAF Lake Superior Squadron holds car and plane show.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Planes and automobiles throughout history gathered at the Richard I. Bong Airport for the opening of the Commemorative Air Force museum. The Commemorative Air Force Lake Superior Squadron invited the public to a car show and plane show where they could even get a ride in one of the old flyers. The event honored veterans who piloted some…

Bad River Band Receiving Renewable Energy Grant

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two Native American tribes in Wisconsin are receiving federal grants for renewable energy projects that tribe members say will help reduce costs and lead to energy independence. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Odanah received a nearly $1 million grant, while the Forest County Potawatomi Community in Crandon got a grant for more…

University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus White Coat Ceremony

The ceremony also honored the tradition the medical school has in helping the Native American community gain access to improved healthcare.

DULUTH, Minn. – 65 first year medical students got their white coats in front of friends and family as medical school kicked off for the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus. The ceremony also honored the tradition the medical school has in helping the Native American community gain access to improved healthcare. “It’s always been special for me to…

Solar Garden to be Added in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Ecolibrium3 received a $50,000 grant Friday to help those who face problems when paying for their energy needs

DULUTH, Minn.- A community solar garden will soon be coming to the Lincoln Park neighborhood thanks to a $50,000 grant being given to a local non-profit. The group Ecolibrium3 which works to create renewable energy programs while also helping the poverty stricken has been honored with the CommunityWINS grant that will help approximately five hundred families. The grant will be…

Proctor Students Learn About the History of Their Hometown

Proctor students in grades 6th through 12 are in a photo scavenger hunt this week

PROCTOR, Minn.- This week, Proctor students are learning more about where they live through a photo scavenger hunt from the Proctor Area Historical Society. 6th to 12th grade Proctor students are solving puzzles to identify items in their city, taking selfies with those items, and answering questions about them. Teams competing were entered in drawings for $50 and $100. Organizers…

Flying High Over the Northland in a WWII Navy Plane

The SNJ-6 Navy Trainer plane is at the Richard I. Bong airport for the Commemorative Air Force's inaugural event at their new location in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn. – Looking down from high above the Northland this weekend is an antique from WWII. The plane is a SNJ-6 and it is at the Richard I. Bong airport giving people a rare opportunity to take in the treetops and Lake Superior from a completely different vantage point. The history of the plane is as incredible as the…

Strummers From Around the World Attend Silver Creek Ukulele Carnival

Strummers attend the 9th annual Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival.

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP, Minn.- Up the Northshore, strummers from all over the world are settling in at Silver Creek Town Hall for the 9th annual International Ukulele Carnival. The four day event is hosting more than 200 fans of the ukulele to make music for the community. Experienced uke-players or beginners can join in on seminars and fellowship with strummers of…

Thousands Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters at Wild Waters Music Festival

Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters hosts the first Wild Waters Music Festival.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thousands made their way down to Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth for the first ever Wild Waters Music Festival. The Wild Waters Music Festival invited 10 Minnesota bands to perform, but for many attending the event, it was less about what the bands were singing and more about what they stood for. The festival was the newest Save the…

Fundraiser Held for Local Golf Courses

A fundraiser was held earlier today to help Duluth public golf courses.

DULUTH, Minn.-A fundraiser was held earlier today to help Duluth public golf courses. The event, sponsored by the Friends of Duluth Public Golf, aims to raise funds to help offset costs the golf courses faces. A recent comprehensive study indicated that the courses operate with at a debt of about $2.4 million in recent years. This debt had lead the…

Artists From Around The County Are In Duluth This Weekend

Over 100 artists will be in Duluth this weekend to display their works

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Saturday, Bayfront Festival Park will be filled with artists from across the country. Over 100 artists will be in Duluth this weekend to display their jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics and more at this years “Art In The Park”. Organizers say with summer coming to a close, many of the artists see this as a must-attend event. “These…

Duluth Pizza Place Giving Back

DULUTH, Minn.-A West Duluth pizza joint is saying “thank you” to our local heroes. Throughout the month of August, Lee’s Pizza on the 2000 block of West Superior Street, is offering all police, fire, EMS and hospital employees 50 percent off their orders. The manager at Lee’s Pizza says it’s a great way to give back to members of the…

All Lake Nokomis Beaches Close After Illnesses Jump to 49

No one has Been Hospitalized

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Health officials have closed all beaches at a popular Minneapolis lake after the number of illnesses identified in people who swam there rose to 49. All of the diarrhea cases involve people who became ill after swimming at Lake Nokomis since mid-July. The Minnesota Department of Health reported the jump in cases Friday. The…

Medical Examiner Rules Epstein Death a Suicide by Hanging

He was Found Dead August 10

NEW YORK (AP) – New York City’s medical examiner has ruled Jeffrey Epstein’s death a suicide. The medical examiner’s office said in a statement Friday that an autopsy and other evidence confirms the 66-year-old financier hanged himself in his cell at a federal jail. Epstein was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls. Epstein was placed on…

Changes Coming to MSP Airport Security Checkpoints

The Remodeling is Expected to be Completed by Mid-December

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – According to the MSP Airport, starting Monday, August 19, travelers who do not have TSA PreCheck will only be able to use the North Security Checkpoint at the airport. The airport says this change is due to remodeling in the ticket lobby of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s Terminal 1. The upcoming security changes include:…

Midday Update 8-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Scooting Around Town On A Leaf

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Leaf Scooters Take Over Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot shows us how the new Leaf scooters work. You’ll see how to download the app, get it set up, where you can and can’t go with them and then she takes to the streets of Canal Park. Randomly going up to people and asking them to take it…

Classic Car and Plane Show Taking Over the Bong Airport Saturday

The PBY Black Cats Classic Car and Plane Show is Happening Saturday, August 17

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Saturday, August 17, the community is invited to an event featuring food, historic planes, and classic cars. The Commemorative Air Force Lake Superior Squadron 101 is hosting the first ever PBY Black Cats Classic Car and Plane Show. Rides on an authentic WWII plane are taking place Friday, August 16. On Saturday a pancake breakfast will…

GOP Twitter block will cost Wisconsin taxpayers $200,000

Taxpayers Will pay a Liberal Group's Attorneys $200,000

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin taxpayers will pay a liberal group’s attorneys $200,000 because Republican lawmakers blocked them on Twitter. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports state officials agreed Thursday to pay the legal bills for One Wisconsin Now’s attorneys. A federal judge ruled in January that Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Rep. John Nygren, both Republicans, had infringed on the…

Students Returning to School Damaged by Explosion in 2017

Two People Were Killed in the August 2, 2017 Explosion

Image from Fox 9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Students will return to Minnehaha Academy next week, two years after a natural gas explosion leveled part of the Minneapolis campus, killing two staffers and injuring nine other people. Brick salvaged from the rubble as well as stone stair treads have been incorporated into the new construction. Two wooden benches in the lobby…

Morning Update 8-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Tlaib Says she Won’t Remain Silent During Trip

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib is Granted Entry to the Israeli-Occupied Territory on ``Humanitarian Grounds.''

JERUSALEM (AP) – Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib says she will not let down the Palestinian people by remaining silent about their condition on a visit to the West Bank. That’s the case despite a letter she submitted earlier to the Israeli government in which she promised to respect any restrictions imposed on her visit to the West Bank. Tlaib tweeted…

Duluth Elks Giveaway Backpacks for the Start of School Year

The Duluth Elk Lodge hosts their 7th annual carnival of backpacks.

DULUTH, Minn.- With school just around the corner, many families are making their rounds getting everything ready for their kids to start the year out strong, and the Duluth Elks are doing what they can to help out. For seven years the Duluth Elk Lodge has been lifting a financial burden off of hundreds of family’s backs with something as simple…

Duluth School Board Call in Outside Help to Pick New Superintendent

The Duluth school board decided to use an external hiring company to pick a new superintendent.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School Board is beginning its search for a new superintendent, but not without a little help. The board decided to use an outside company to find a candidate that will take over current Supt. Bill Gronseth in July of next year. The process will cost $25,000 from funds already set aside in this year’s budget. The…

Superior City Council Considering Ban on Conversion Therapy

Ban would be for therapy on anyone under 18; it would not include religious counseling

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior City Council is planning to consider a city-wide ban on conversion therapy for anyone under eighteen years of age. Medical experts say the controversial practice aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s still practiced by some across the country, but there’s no evidence of it happening in Superior. Conversion therapy for minors…

Recession In The Near Future?

A local financial advisor is telling his clients to remain calm following Wednesday's plummet

DULUTH, Minn.- On Wednesday, the U.S. Stocks dropped 800 points which is causing concerns about a possible recession. A local financial advisor we talked with today says the public shouldn’t panic and that dips like this do happen from time to time and it’s not that unusual. “We are just telling people to hold on because there has been recessions…

Duck Pluck on the Slip

Patrons bought ducks from the rotary to be dumped in hopes their duck would be picked for the $3000 prize.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five thousand rubber ducks were dumped by crane into the water at the Pier B slip tonight by the Rotary Club of Duluth supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland. Patrons bought ducks from the rotary to be dumped in hopes their duck would be picked for the $3000 prize. The money raised all goes…

129th Carlton County Fair

The fair features all the fixings with plenty of fair food along with many 4-H animals including cows, goats, rabbits, and so many more.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Carlton County Fair kicked off on Thursday in Barnume with all kinds of animals from all over the county. The fair features all the fixings with plenty of fair food along with many 4-H animals including cows, goats, rabbits, and so many more. Organizers say they are excited to welcome people to what they call and…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Wants to Preserve Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad

The trail and rail option would add over seven miles of hiking and preserve the railroad tracks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation department will be recommending to city council that the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad should be preserved in their entirey in something called a trail and rail option. The trail and rail plan would lengthen the Western Waterfront Hiking Trail by about seven and a half miles and in some places would…

Local Animal Celebrities Get Special Send-Off

DULUTH, MN- “It’s pretty crazy because this is not what we do professionally,” Biscuit and Gravy Promotions, Sheila Wixo says. She and her husband, Darrin Wixo are heading to the 30th annual Ox Cart Days parade on Saturday in Crookston, Minnesota. They aren’t going alone. “They know log splitters, they know the sound of tractors and stuff going by them….

Construction Begins On Dream Playground

Superior will now have a all-inclusive, all-abilities playground

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The process began Thursday to build the first all-inclusive, all-abilities playground in Superior. The brain behind this plan; a seven year old. When Kenna Hermanson was just seven years old, she came home from school one day and told her mom enough is enough. She wants her friends with disabilities to be able to play on the playground…

Volunteers Spruce Up Hartley Nature Center’s Playscape

DULUTH, Minn.- Hartley Nature Preschool students and their families got their hands a little dirty to help spruce up the trail’s playscape. Volunteers helped add a few new elements to that area including re-purposing an old outhouse, which they are turning into a new playhouse for kids. They also removed some invasive weeds taking over the grounds in order to…

Law Enforcement Increasing Patrol for Labor Day

St. Louis County has the fourth highest number of drunk driving-related deaths.

Starting tomorrow Minnesota law enforcement will amp up their Labor Day patrol to help crack down on drunk driving. It’s part of a national campaign to reach closer to zero drunk or impaired related deaths. Saint Louis County ranks fourth in the state for drunk driving related fatalities. Last year authorities reported more than 1,200 crashes by drunk drivers in…

St. Luke’s Introduces New CEO and President

Kevin Nokels takes over for John Strange who retired in February after almost 23 years

DULUTH, Minn.- A new face is taking over St. Luke’s following John Strange’s retirement after almost 23 years as President and CEO. Kevin Nokels took over just this week as the hospital’s new leader. He was selected from a pool of more than 100 prospects by the St. Luke’s CEO Search Committee. The Prairie, Minnesota native says he is excited…

Iron Range Murder Trial Postponed

The Trial Will Begin on October 21

Deshon Bonnell HIBBING, Minn. – The trial for a suspect in an Iron Range murder case has been pushed back. According to court records, the order of a speedy trial was removed for 18-year-old Deshon Bonnell who is charged in the shooting death of 33-year-old Joshua LaValley in January. LaValley’s body was found by a snowmobiler on the Mesabi Trail…

Former St. Louis County Social Worker Makes First Court Appearance on Sex Assault Charges

His Next Court Appearance is Scheduled for October 8

Michael Bryant DULUTH, Minn. – A former St. Louis County Social Worker accused of demanding sex from a female client made his first court appearance on Wednesday in Duluth. According to court records, 46-year-old Michael Bryant, of Wrenshall, is charged with two counts of third-degree felony criminal sexual conduct. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office says Bryant was also placed…

Slow Cooked Carnitas Taco in the Twin Ports

COOKING CONNECTION: La Tequila Cooks Flavorful & Fall of the Bone Pork Tacos

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection the brand new La Tequila in the Twin Ports cook us up a delicious Carnitas Taco! The recipe is in the video above to make this at home, otherwise you can visit the restaurant at: LOCATION: 5802 Tower Ave, Superior, WI 54880 HOURS: 11am – 10pm Tuesday- Saturday; 11am – 8:30pm Sunday…