News

One Arrested in Duluth After Fleeing Police

Officers Observed Walbridge Discard What Appeared to be a Handgun

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force say a 35-year-old male has been arrested on multiple charges and a felony domestic assault warrant. According to authorities, investigators conducted an Attempt to Pick Up for Erik Mark Walbridge, 35, on July 30 around 2:15 p.m. in the vicinity of 27th Avenue West and Michigan Street when Walbridge…

Midday Update 8-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 7, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

DNR Investigating Western Wisconsin Frac Sand Mine Spill

(photo: twitter) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources is investigating a spill at a Jackson County frac sand mine. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the spill occurred Saturday at the 670-acre Wisconsin Proppants Hixton mine in the town of Curran northwest of Black River Falls. Town Chairman Dwight Swenson says he saw signs of a spill…

Two Energetic Performances Opening This Week at The Duluth Playhouse

The Duluth Playhouse will Host Two Opening Performances this Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Two new performances are set to take center stage this week at The Duluth Playhouse’s Family Theatre. Xanadu Jr. is a lighthearted spoof of the 1980 movie, Xanadu, which includes tons of references to the original film as well as to the 80’s in general. Cooper Petermeier plays Sonny in Xanadu Jr. Petermeier says it’s a fun…

See a Movie, Donate a Dollar Today at Marcus Duluth Cinema

The Fundriaser for the Lake Superior Zoo is Happening Wednesday, August 7

DULUTH, Minn. – Since The Lion King was released 25 years ago, we have lost half of Africa’s lions. Officials estimate only 20,000 remain. Disney and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are now teaming up to bring awareness to the declining lion population with their Protect the Pride campaign. Haley Hedstrom with the Lake Superior Zoo says the facility…

Morning Update 8-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 7, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Bloomington man Charged With Fatally Stabbing Wife

Prosecutors are Seeking $1 Million Bail

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) – A Bloomington man is charged with fatally stabbing his wife. Fifty-six-year-old John Lawler is facing a second-degree murder charge and is expected in court Wednesday. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says prosecutors are seeking bail of $1 million. A criminal complaint says Lawler and his 47-year-old wife, Darla King, returned their townhome about 6 p.m. Sunday…

Closs Family Home Torn Down

The Home was Demolished on Tuesday

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – The house where Jayme Closs was kidnapped and her parents were fatally shot has been torn down in northwestern Wisconsin. The bank that owns the house near Barron had it demolished Tuesday after consulting with relatives about the property. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald tells the Star Tribune his department released the crime scene back to…

New Apartment Complex Opens In Superior

P&R Properties opened their third site in three years as 320 North is the newest housing building to open their doors

SUPERIOR, Wis.- P&R Properties cut the ribbon on their third apartment complex in Superior today, and during that ceremony we could see what those in the Northland will get if they move into 320 North Apartments. The 89-unit apartment complex is located on F Street right near Lake Superior. The price falls into the luxury category, with renting starting at…

Busy Weekend Ahead For City of Duluth

The waterfront will be busy with Blues Fest and Festival of Sail happening this weekend

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth will be extremely busy come the weekend as the Blues Festival and Festival of Sail invade the waterfront. And with the Festival of Sail coming, it means the Vista Fleet will be running tours beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday until 10 p.m. on Tuesday which means more work for the Vista Fleet. But those with the Fleet…

National Night Out Around The Northland

Thousands gathered around the Twin Ports for a night of celebration and collaboration with law enforcement

DULUTH, Minn.- Thousands around the Northland gathered for a night of celebration and enjoying the community with those who protect them on a daily basis. It was a party in the Northland as community members and law enforcement got to celebrate National Night Out. August 6th, is nationally known for the annual event that promotes police-community partnership. The Village of…

Two Theaters, One Stone: Historic Auditoriums Brought Back to Life in West Duluth

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The West Theater was an art deco movie palace when it was originally built in 1937.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s not your average movie theater, it has a lot of history! The West Theater is one of two historic theaters making a comeback in the Northland. “I said I would only be interested if I could turn it back into a theater,” Bob Boone said. This was the promise Boone made to the last owner of his…

Port of Duluth Kiwanis Honored at Duluth Library

Kiwanis leaders were presented with a plaque for 40 years of dedication to the library's program.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Port of Duluth Kiwanis was honored for their 40 years of dedication to the popular Kaleidoscope program at the Duluth library. Kiwanis leaders were presented with a plaque shortly before kids were treated to a performance by the Teddy Bear Band for the final Kaleidoscope program of the summer. “This is such a special program we…

Crews Finishing Fairlawn Mansion Roof Makeover

SUPERIOR, WI – Crews began replacing the roof of the mansion in Mid-June. They are now putting the finishing touches on the tower, along with doing other maintenance. It’s been 30 years since major work was last done on the roof. Along with fixing the wear and tear, the new look will better represent the past look of the mansion….

Girls Soaring to New Heights at Air and Space Camp

High school girls from around the Midwest are getting an in depth look into the vast expanses of aeronautics.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week the University of Wisconsin-Superior is hosting an air and space camp for girls. High school girls from around the Midwest are getting an in depth look into the vast expanses of aeronautics. The hands-on experience includes learning how to build and launch rockets, flying planes in flight simulators, and even checking out fighter planes at…

Cleveland-Cliffs Celebrates $100 Million North Shore Mining Expansion Project

Expansion to is expected to attract jobs for the industry.

SILVER BAY, Minn – A $100 million expansion project for North Shore Mining is officially complete. This major investment is intended to help support Cleveland Cliffs goal to create large scale production of what is called low silica DR–grade iron ore pellets. The company is optimistic about the new opportunities this expansion can bring. Cleveland– Cliffs celebrated the completion of…

Duluth Home a ‘Total Loss’ After Early Morning Fire

The Fire Remains Under Investigation

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A three story home in Duluth was deemed a total loss after an early morning fire on Tuesday. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, multiple fire crews responded to a structure fire at 7795 Briar Like Drive West just before 3:00 a.m. Authorities say no occupants were in the house at the time…

Battle Continues Over Polymet Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has issued a stay for the PolyMet wastewater permit. The ruling involves a pollution discharge elimination system at the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. Several environment groups pushed for the stay. The main issue is how the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency handled written comments for the permits. Critics say federal…

Update: Victim Identified in Fatal Lakeview Township ATV Accident

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The victim of the fatal Carlton County ATV accident earlier this week has been identified. Authorities say 36-year-old Elie Yang, of Brooklyn Center, was the victim who passed away from his injuries sustained in an ATV accident that happened around 12:06 p.m. on Sunday on South Finn Road. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office says Yang was…

Perkins & Marie Callender’s Files for Bankruptcy, Again

This is the Second Filing in Eight Years for the Company

MEMPHIS, TN – Perkins & Marie Callender’s Holding LLC announced on Monday that they have filed for bankruptcy and plan to sell most of its Perkins assets and some of its Foxtail bakery assets. The Chapter 11 filing is the second in eight years for the Memphis-based company. In a recent press release, the Company said, “As part of the…

Girls Burned When van Catches Fire Outside Minnesota Walmart

Authorities say the Fire is not Suspicious

FRIDLEY, Minn. (AP) – Two young sisters were burned, one critically, when a van caught fire in a Walmart parking lot in a northern Minneapolis suburb. Authorities say the girls were alone in the van Tuesday morning for 45 minutes to an hour as their mother shopped in the store in Fridley. A van next to the girls’ van caught…

Midday Update 08-06-19

Local News and Weather Making Headline Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 06, 2019. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Johnson Controls Sets Aside $140m To Clean Up PFAS

The Company Will set Money Aside to Clean-up Pollution From PFAS in Marinette

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Johnson Controls International is devoting $140 million to address pollutants from firefighting foam in northeastern Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the company’s third-quarter earnings report indicates it will set the money aside to clean-up pollution from PFAS in Marinette, where its Tyco Fire Products unit is based. PFAS are man-made chemicals found in products such…

Explore Art in the Artists’ Studio at CHARAC Art Crawl This Weekend

Cable Hayward Area Arts Council holds 8th Annual Art Crawl through six Northwest Wisconsin towns.

HAYWARD, Wis.- This weekend the public is invited to take the Studio Art tour through six towns in Northwest Wisconsin during the 8th annual CHARAC (Cable Hayward Area Arts Council) Art Crawl. The Crawl goes through Barnes, Drummond, Cable, Hayward, Springbrook, and Stone Lake. CHARAC President Carol Morness stopped by the FOX21 Studio to chat about the art crawl, and…

Woman Arrested in Fatal Stabbing in Little Canada

Authorities do not Believe There is a Threat to the Public

LITTLE CANADA, Minn. (AP) – Authorities have made an arrest in a fatal stabbing in Little Canada. Ramsey County sheriff’s officials say a 30-year-old woman, found covered in blood at her residence, was arrested early Monday. A woman about the same age was found dead outside the home about 10 p.m. Sunday. Authorities believe the suspect and victim knew each…

Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison Dead at 88

Morrison was the First Black Woman to Receive the Nobel Literature Prize

(AP Photo/Guillermo Arias, File) NEW YORK (AP) – Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison has died. Publisher Alfred A. Knopf says Morrison died Monday night at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She was 88. She was the first black woman to receive the Nobel literature prize, awarded in 1993. The Swedish academy hailed her use of language and her “visionary…

Morning Update 08-06-19

Local News and Weather Making Headline Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 06, 2019. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Walz Says He’ll Seek Hearings This Fall on gun Restrictions

A Rally has Been Planned by Groups Against gun Violence for Wednesday at the Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll seek hearings on gun measures this fall after the latest mass shootings in Ohio and Texas. Democratic leaders and gun safety advocates in Minnesota have for years pursued universal background checks and “red flag” laws, which let police take guns from people thought to be a threat to themselves and…

Valuables Can Leave Your Car at Risk for Prowlers

"You often hear it happens to other people but your never think it will happen to you," said John Fillmore.

DULUTH, Minn. – Prowling can happen anywhere and anytime. Leaving your any type of valuables in your car can seriously put it at risk. Your car can sometimes feel like your home away from home. It is often very easy to keep items in your vehicle assuming everything will be there when you return. Keeping items like a purse or…

St. Cloud Girl Gets Her Wish Granted

DULUTH, Minn. – A little girl from Saint Cloud is getting her wish granted while on a special trip to Duluth, which was made possible by the Minnesota-based organization wishes and more. Six year-old Lillian Johannes was diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. But Lillian has focused on the future like her dream to become a veterinarian. Today that wish came…

Kids Sew Up Some Rainbows and Unicorns

DULUTH, Minn. – Who doesn’t love rainbows and unicorns. Well a few campers sewed some magical treasures at a four day camp hosted by Sew Duluth. Young, beginner to advanced sewers used their creative minds to stitch away on the sewing machine They made tote bags and pillows covered in rainbow and unicorns. Over the years hand arts have been…

Superior Police Keep Training in Light of El Paso and Dayton Mass Shootings

Law Enforcement always on high alert, officers said.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s a situation officers never hope happens, but one that is important for them to be prepared for. Superior Police Officers go through several active training sessions a year, which seem especially relevant now following the El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio shootings. Superior PD trains both their officers and civilians from businesses and organizations for active shooter…

Duluth’s Art Community Gears up for Annual Art Supply Drive

DULUTH, Minn.-Students aren’t the only ones headed back to school. As teachers get ready for the upcoming school year, the art faculty must prepare how they will divide their curriculum. Art supplies get more and more expensive through the grade levels, and sometimes teachers have to dip in their own pockets. So the Downtown Duluth Arts Collective along with Art…

St. Scholastica Welcomes New President

DULUTH, Minn.-The College of Saint Scholastica welcomed their newest Saint Monday morning. Dr. Barbara McDonald officially had her first day as President of the college. During a welcome ceremony, she was able to meet students and faculty who say she’s exactly what they school needs. “She brings a lot of experience with first generation students, which is a large portion…

Court Upholds Minnesota Mining Rules in win for PolyMet

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A state appeals court has dealt a setback to environmentalists who challenged Minnesota’s rules on hard-rock mining. In a unanimous opinion, the court said on Monday the rules developed by the Department of Natural Resources are valid. Environmentalists argued the rules are too vague to protect Minnesota’s natural resources. Two companies are preparing to build…

One Dead in ATV Accident in Lakeview Township

The Victim's Identity is Being Withheld Pending Family Notification

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – A Carlton County ATV accident has left one male dead according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. The accident happened around 12:06 p.m. Sunday on South Finn Road in Lakeview Township. Authorities say the 36-year-old male driver was riding his ATV up and down the driveway of the family cabin when he lost control and hit…

Ironwood man Identified as Pilot in UP Plane Crash

CARP LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Authorities have identified a pilot who died after a small plane crashed in a remote area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. WLUC-TV reports Ontonagon County officials have identified the pilot as 36-year-old Jack Maccani of Ironwood. He was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Cellphone location data helped locate the plane in a remote area…

Portion of Superior Street to Close Wednesday for Repairs

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the City of Duluth a portion of Superior Street will close for repairs on Wednesday. The city says Superior Street between Mesaba and 6th Avenue West will close to replace some cracked concrete panels. The road will close after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday and will remain closed for approximately one week. Sixth Avenue West will…

R. Kelly Faces two new Charges in Minnesota in 2001 Allegation

Robert Kelly is Charged in an Incident Involving a Girl he met at a Concert

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota authorities are charging singer R. Kelly with two counts of prostitution and solicitation involving a girl under 18 for an alleged incident in 2001. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says Robert Kelly is charged in an incident involving a girl he met at a concert. Freeman says the girl was trying to get an autograph from…

Data: 842M Opioid Pills Sent to State Pharmacies 2006-2012

Minnesota's Senate Passed Legislation This Year to Combat the Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Data shows opioid manufacturers distributed about 842 million pills to Minnesota pharmacies from 2006 to 2012, amounting to 156 pills for each resident. Minnesota Public Radio News, analyzing data obtained by the Washington Post after a legal battle, reports that most of the pills were circulated in urban Hennepin and Ramsey counties, but that rural…

Another El Paso Victim Dies; Death Toll at 22

The Gunman has Been Booked on Capital Murder Charges

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -A hospital official says another victim of the weekend mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, has died. Dr. Stephen Flaherty, of the Del Sol Medical Center, says the patient was one of two victims of Saturday’s attack to die at the hospital on Monday. Police earlier announced the death of one of the patients. The new…

Midday Update 08-05-19

Local News and Weather Making Headline Monday, August 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 05, 2019. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Power Outages Reported Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Strong morning storms have led to power outages for many Northlanders. According to the MN Power electric outage map roughly 948 customers are without power as of 11:29 a.m. throughout the area. Lake Country Power’s outage viewer shows about 1,226 members affected by current power outages. East Central Energy is reporting roughly 16 current power outages on…

Morning Update 08-05-19

Local News and Weather Making Headline Monday, August 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 05, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

LIVE: President Trump Addresses the Nation Following Mass Shootings

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is calling the recent mass shootings “evil attacks” that are crimes “against all humanity” and says unity must replace hatred in society. Trump gave a speech from the White House on Monday following weekend shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, that left 29 people dead and dozens wounded. He called the shootings…

Trump Claims he Wants ‘Strong Background Checks’ on Guns

Trump Says Washing "Must Come Together" After two Weekend Mass Shootings

(AP) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says Washington “must come together” in the wake of two mass shootings this weekend to “get strong background checks” for gun users. But he is providing no details on what sort of legislation he would support. Trump, who will make remarks later Monday, tweeted about the weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio that…

Tall Timber Days Packs Grand Rapids for 39th Year

Festival brings in hundreds to the streets and businesses of Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The smell of sawdust is in the air and the hot summer weather isn’t keeping the crowds from downtown Grand Rapids for the 39th annual Tall Timber Days. “Been good attendance, very good attendance,” said festival Founder, Dr. Lee Jess. “Again like I said temperature has a little bearing on attendance but it has been good.” “And…

Duluth Says Goodbye To Thomas After Another Year

Thomas's Visit coupled with the Big Boy Steam Engine's brought about 30,000 people to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was the final day of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy’s visit to Duluth. Organizers say around 18,000 people visited Thomas and Percy over the past two weekends, making an estimated economic impact of $8.5 million in the Northland. The two trains also bring out about 200 volunteers from different community organizations, who also receive…

Athletes Swimming into 33rd Brewhouse Triathlon

Adults and children all ages participated in the race on Sunday.

GNESEN, Minn. – Triathletes swam their way into the 33rd Annual Brewhouse Triathlon sponsored by Fitger’s Brewhouse at Island Lake on Sunday. Adults and children alike participated in the race on Sunday. According to one of the race directors, who has raced in all 33 years of the event, it is about so much more than winning. “We have over…