News

Beer Collaboration to Help Disabled Veterans

You will soon be able to enjoy a new brew at Canal Park Brewery, for a good cause

DULUTH, Minn.- You will soon be able to enjoy a new brew in Duluth, while helping disabled military veterans in the Northland. It’s happening at Canal Park Brewery. The company has partnered with ‘Lake Superior Warriors’ to create a special craft beer. Wednesday, some local veterans worked with the master brewer, a veteran himself, to get the process going. “It’s…

More Complaints Coming Forward Regarding Hicks Window and Door

The St. Louis County Sheriff's office says they believe the total amount paid by customers who have not received a service exceeds $100,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – More customers are coming forward believing they have been a victim of fraud by Hicks Window and Door in Duluth. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office says they believe the total amount paid by customers who have not received a service exceeds $100,000. “This case is substantial in the amount of victims or people that feel as…

The Soo Line Locomotive Sold Back To The Lake Superior Railroad Museum

The Soo Line has been at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum for more than a decade.

DULUTH, Minn. -The Soo Line Locomotive is now once again owned by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. More than a year ago the locomotive was sold to the City of Eau Claire for four dollars. On Tuesday Eau Claire City council voted to sell the locomotive back to the museum for $8. The city initially had plans to get it…

Carr’s Hobbies Shop Will Soon Close It’s Doors

The shop will remain open until December.

DULUTH, Minn. – Carr’s Hobbies shop in Lincoln Park is getting closer to the end of its days for being the go to spot to find memorabilia items and antiques. For 50 years people from all over have wandered through Carr’s Hobbies shop to find all kinds of treasures. Now that the store will soon close its doors folks are…

Experts Talk About Water Health and Forest Connections

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Water health and forest ecosystems can go hand and hand. And today forest experts stopped by the Lake Superior Estuarine to learn about that connection. About a dozen participants learned how one tree can have a great impact on the health of water. They also learned more about the watershed and its benefits. The group even worked…

Halloween Costumes Flying off the Shelves at Local Stores

Some of the most popular costumes there are aliens, zombies, animals, and decade-specific outfits.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland stores are busy with people shopping for their Halloween costumes. Staff at Ragstock in Downtown Duluth tell us October is their busiest month because of Halloween. This year, some of the most popular costumes there are aliens, zombies, animals, and decade-specific outfits. The manager encourages people to be as creative as possible. “We love helping people…

Union Gospel Mission Gives Winter Clothes to the Community

Last year, mission gave away more than 1,200 coats at one event

DULUTH, Minn. – With cold temperatures moving into the Northland, Union Gospel Mission is making sure Duluthians have proper winter clothes. On Wednesday, the organization held their first warm coat giveaway this season. Thousands of people are in need of winter clothing this winter season. So, Union Gospel Mission put out a call for donations and the community responded, bring…

Authorities Investigating Damage to South Ridge School, Believed to be Gunshot

NEW INDEPENDENCE TWP., Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they are investigating damage at South Ridge School when it was found that a window had been shot at. Deputies were dispatched to the school gymnasium just before 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for a complaint of criminal damage to property. Authorities found that damage to a window was the…

PolyMet Opponents Ask Appeals Court to Overturn Mine Permits

The Court of Appeals Usually Rules Within 90 Days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals is deciding whether to grant requests by opponents of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine to cancel two of its most important permits and order further proceedings. Ann Cohen, representing several environmental groups, told a three-judge panel Wednesday that PolyMet’s permit to mine and its dam safety permit lack enforceable terms…

76-Year-Old Minnesota Man Survives Home Explosion

(courtesy: Stearns County Sheriff’s Office) PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) – Officials are investigating a home explosion in Paynesville, Minnesota that – amazinglyĀ – left a man with only minor injuries. According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office,Ā at about 8:43 a.m. Tuesday, Paynesville police received a reportĀ of an explosion at a homeĀ in the 500 block of Morningside Ave. When officers arrived, they…

County Building Re-Opened in Virginia Following Reports of Potential Gas Leak

There Were no Reported Injuries

(courtesy: Mesabi Daily News) VIRGINIA, Minn. – The St. Louis County Government Services Center building in Virginia has re-opened following an evacuation Wednesday morning due to a possible gas leak. In a recent press release officials said a transformer was damaged during the demolition of the Northland Office Building which caused a power outage in the downtown area as well…

“The Haunt” at Poplar Golf Course

A Horrifying Haunted Experience Leads Northlanders Through Fear

POPLAR, Wisc. —Ā  A small Wisconsin town is now hosting local screams, “The Haunt”! In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us inside at Poplar Golf Course, to experience a new fear. Formally known as The Haunt at Wentworth, it’s moved just a few miles down the road. “We had the opportunity to move it here and…

Midday Update 10-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 23, 2019

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

DNR Board Approves E. Coli Water Regulations

The Board Approved the Change Wednesday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources board has approved new regulations that change how the department measures bacterial contamination in water bodies. Currently the DNR measures the amount of fecal coliform in water bodies to determine the level of contamination. The new regulations require the department to measure the amount of e. coli in the water…

Trump Says Turkey Calls Cease-Fire ‘Permanent’

Trump Says Nearly All U.S. Troops Will be Leaving Syria

(AP PHOTO) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says Turkey has informed the U.S. it will make “permanent” a five-day cease-fire in Syria. In response, he says he’s directing the lifting of economic sanctions on Turkey. Claiming success at the U.S.-brokered effort, Trump said Wednesday, “this was an outcome created by us.” The cease-fire required Kurdish forces formerly allied with…

Duluth Pack Hosting 6th Annual Ladies Night

Duluth Pack is Hosting Ladies Night on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack will be hosting its 6th annual Ladies Night in-store retail event at their Canal Park retail location on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. The event is brought to the Northland region by Duluth Pack, local cidery, Wild State Cider and apparel partner, PrAna. ā€œWe are so proud for the sixth year in…

Wildwoods in Duluth Temporarily Closed Due to DNR Permitting Issue

At Least One Staff Member at Wildwoods Will Need to Receive Proper Certification from the DNR Before Reopening Rehab and Triage Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland’s only wildlife rehabilitation center is currently closed for rehab and triage services, meaning countless animals can no longer receive care at the facility located along West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. ā€œIt’s always been a dream of mine to do more with the environment and to work more with wildlife because I do believe that we…

Morning Update 10-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 23, 2019

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

Pence Making 2 Wisconsin Stops to Tout Trade Deal

(Bethany Baker/The Billings Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence is making a pair of stops in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin to tout a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. The Pence stops Wednesday in Marinette and Pleasant Prairie come after he traveled to Pennsylvania, another battleground state, on Monday. Pence was scheduled…

Northland Tree Services Busy After Storms

Duluth Tree Service says saturated soil can cause trees to fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday’s storm brought high winds, which tore much of the Northland apart and ripped trees from their roots, which crashed onto houses, garages, and cars. The owner of Duluth Tree Service said he experienced call volumes like the peak of the season–at a time when they normally drop. He added that high winds aren’t the only thing that…

Wind Gusts Don’t Stop Bayfront Tree Workers

40 mile per hour gusts wouldn't stop workers from putting lights up on the Bayfront Christmas Tree

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind gusts weren’t as bad as they were yesterday in Duluth, but gusts did exceed forty miles per hour, which didn’t stop workers from putting up the lights on the Christmas tree down in Bayfield Park Tuesday. One of the workers we spoke with who has been doing this for 11 years, the bad weather doesn’t affect him….

Life House Celebrates New Expansion

Life House opened its new Annex and Commons space

DULUTH, Minn.- Life House in Duluth which provides homeless and street youth from ages 14-24 with support, housing, and a safe alternative opened it’s doors today to it’s new space called the Annex. The future education and employment program over at Life House on West First Street in downtown Duluth has a new home. After renovations to the former Cooper’s…

Storm Damage Being Assessed in Duluth

The city says Brighton Beach sustained the heaviest damages and was blocked off to the public as of Tuesday as the roadways need to be reinforced.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is assessing damage to the already torn-apart Lakewalk from previous storms and Brighton Beach, however the newly redesigned Lakewalk behind Fitger’s held up as designed. The city says Brighton Beach sustained the heaviest damages and was blocked off to the public as of Tuesday as the roadways need to be reinforced. “We will…

Parking Lots, Sidewalks and More Flood on Barker’s Island

Combination of high winds and high lake levels meant unprecedented waves.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The storm affected more than just Duluth. Across the bridge in Superior, a section of Barker’s Island got flooded. Parking lots, sidewalks, and more were drowned in water, along with the big attraction, the SS Meteor. Quite a few people in the area told FOX 21 that the Meteor tried to float away Monday, as Barker’s Island dealt…

Authorities Investigating Duluth Window and Door Business

Customers paid about $100,000 but didn't get the services they paid for.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you feel you haven’t gotten the service you paid for from local business: Hicks Window and Door, you are asked to contact the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s office and Duluth Police are investigating the business, located on Martin Road in Duluth. According to authorities, several people reported paying thousands for window and other home…

Salvation Army Hosts 16th Annual Energy Expo

DULUTH, Minn.- The 16th annual energy saving awareness expo was held Tuesday afternoon at the Salvation Army. People in attendance were able to meet with local agencies to see how they could save on energy use throughout the year in their homes. Organizers say, its a great way to have a face to face conversation about energy savings. ā€œTo provide…

Local Non-Profits Receive Bike Fest Donations

DULUTH, Minn. –Ā It’s all thanks to Kraus–Anderson Construction. The organization has run the Duluth Bike Festival for the past six years in August. All the money raised from that event was presented Tuesday morning. Members of COGGS say, the $27,000 allows them to continue to support the mountain biking community in the area. ā€œMaintaining the trails we already have. Continuing…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Diamond Tool Reunion

25 years ago this month, Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company in West Duluth closed its doors

DULUTH, Minn.- Twenty-five years ago this month, Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company in West Duluth closed its doors. And last week, co-workers gathered to celebrate, and catch up with one another. Diamond Tool’s former office and factory employees gathered at Kom-On-Inn in West Duluth for a special anniversary. The local business at 4702 Grand Avenue began as Diamond Calk Horse…

Rising Lake Levels Causes Concern

DULUTH, Minn. – In the last three years major storms have come through the Twin Ports around this time. And now lake levels have become much of a problem. A professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lake Observatory says lake superior is about a foot deeper than its normal average. The professor says the increase in rain and…

Storm Causes Power Outages Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – About 10,000 customer went without power at the height of Monday’s storm. Minnesota Power staff say they called in extra crews and they worked through the night to help restore the power. But Tuesday morning about 40 homes were still without power due to more than 10 power poles being broken. The communications specialist says during times…

Hundred-Year-Olds Celebrated in Duluth

Five centenarians celebrated their birthdays together at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians who are a hundred years old or older were celebrated at the Northland Senior Expo at the DECC. Five centenarians celebrated their birthdays together in the company of family and friends. Julien Berntson turned a hundred years old this month. He served in the army during World War Two and worked many years for the Duluth…

Park Pointers Concerned as Flooding Strikes Again

Basements and homes flooded after Monday's powerful Lake Superior storm

DULUTH, Minn. – Park Point residents are concerned as flooding in and around their homes and businesses becomes more common. “It does seem to be happening like clockwork and that’s an alarming frequency,” said Rachel Mock, who lives on Park Point. There, hoses run from basements, draining the latest round of flooding from homes. “My sump pump runs continuously and…

Police: Duluth Window and Door Business Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth business is under investigation by local law enforcement after receiving reports from customers who allege they paid the business for work that was never completed. According to the Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, they have received multiple reports from customers who say Hicks Window and Door was paid thousands of dollars…

National Guard Probing Whistleblower’s Reprisal Allegations

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The National Guard is investigating allegations that Wisconsin commanders are trying to force a sergeant out of the service after he complained about sexual misconduct in his unit. Wisconsin Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jay Ellis’ complaint last year has triggered two federal investigations. Both probes are ongoing. Ellis has since alleged Guard officials have blocked…

Midday Update 10-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 10-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Jimmy Carter Hospitalized After Fall at Georgia Home

The Carter Center Says he Suffered a Minor Pelvic Fracture

PLAINS, Ga. (AP) – Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has been hospitalized after a fall at his home in Plains, Georgia. A statement from The Carter Center says Jimmy suffered “a minor pelvic fracture” on Monday, but remains in good spirits and looks forward to recovering at home. Carter Center spokeswoman Deanne Congileo told The Associated Press that she had…

Saint Scholastica Wraps Up Health Services Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. – The new additions are all part of Somers Hall. Renovations include: an improved layout, larger waiting area and wider hallways for emergency access. Saint Scholastica faculty say, the new accessibility will be an added bonus for students. “We know our students face many challenges today and if we can bring health to them and be of service…

Gov. Walz Visits Hibbing on Bonding Tour

Governor hears bonding request from DNR for $9.5 million.

HIBBING, Minn.- On Monday Governor Tim Walz made a stop at the Hibbing Airtanker Base as part of his bonding tour, as the State of Minnesota has over $3 billion in available bonding capacity for 2020-2021. The Governor heard a bonding request form the Minnesota DNR’s Wildire Aviation Divison for $9.5 million to make repairs at the Hibbing Airtanker Base,…

Power Being Restored to Customers as Stormy Day Grips Duluth

At the height of the storm about 9,000 customers were without power, but that number was close to halved by the evening.

DULUTH, Minn. – Another October storm has pummeled the Northland and brought heavy rains, winds, and downed trees. The city of Duluth held two emergency press conferences during the day. The evening press conference included updates from necessary agencies including Minnesota power. At the height of the storm about 9,000 customers were without power, but that number was close to…

Park Point Homes Experience Worst Flooding Homeowners Have Seen

"I've dealt with hurricanes, never seen anything like this," said one resident.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday’s storm brought waves that were a spectacle at times, and a hazard at others in Canal Park. But over on Park Point many were seeing water from the bay as a nuisance flooding their homes. “It’s just been a disaster for everybody who lives along the lake,” said Keith McLoughlin, who has lived on Park Point for…

CHUM’s Food Shelf Undergoes Transformation

Food shelf expected to reopen by October 30th.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM’sĀ  food shelf is undergoing a more than 15,000 dollar transformation to become a Super Shelf Volunteers spent most of the day getting rid of the old to prepare for the new. They un-stocked and tore down shelves to make way for new ones to be built. A new meat cooler will also be brought in. The…

$40 Million Settlement Against Diocese of Duluth For Sexual Abuse Survivors Gets Final Approval

DULUTH, Minn. – A Judge for The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Duluth has approved a nearly $40millionĀ  settlement against the Diocese of Duluth. The settlement is part of a resolution to sexual abuse claims against the diocese and 30 of its parishes. In the small courtroom, no seat went unfilled as survivors and their families waited to hear the approval…

Department of Justice Awards Money To Local Non-Profits

DULUTH, Minn. – Four non-profit organizations in the area received over two million dollars to help prevent domestic violence against women. Here in Duluth, Men as Peacemakers received $348,944 and Mending the Sacred Hoop received $302,174. Members Mending the Sacred Hoop say, this funding will help them continue to spread domestic violence awareness. “We wanna reduce the numbers. We wanna…