News

Fans React To The Return Of The William A. Irvin

DULUTH, Minn. – The William A. Irvin is finally back in the Minnesota Slip after being removed for repairs more than a year ago. Now that The Irvin is back in its place fans have shown up to get their first look at the popular tourist attraction. The return of the Irvin caught the eye of people visiting the area….

Ashland National Guard Prepare For Deployment

ASHLAND, Wisc. – About 80 men and women from the Ashland National Guard prepared for their deployment to the Middle East Thursday morning. They dropped off their gear in the armory along with laptops, books and other comfort items to remind them of home. “It’s very difficult, but I’m proud of them. And I’m happy for the opportunity that they…

St. Luke’s Cardiac Unit Wins Multiple Awards

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Luke’s was honored today with national recognition for their treatment of severe heart attacks. The hospital received two different awards from the American Heart Association for all they do to save lives. Staff from the cardiac unit say they work hard to make sure they follow the latest trends in heart care so they can give their patients…

Juul Halts Sales of Fruit, Dessert Flavors For E-Cigarettes

WASHINGTON (AP) – Juul Labs will stop selling fruit and dessert flavors for its electronic cigarettes. The voluntary step announced Thursday is the company’s latest concession as it tries to weather a political backlash blaming its flavored-nicotine products for hooking a generation of teenagers. The move is unlikely to satisfy the company’s critics. Juul will continue selling its most popular…

University of Wisconsin Enrollment Drops 2.6%

In Contrast, UW Superior Enrollment Was Up

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Enrollment at the University of Wisconsin dropped 2.6% percent compared to last year. Preliminary enrollment for the 2019 academic year announced by the university Thursday was just over 167,000 students. That is down from nearly 4,500 students from last year. Enrollment on the flagship Madison campus was up 2% or 879 students. UW-Green Bay, La Crosse,…

Two Charged Following Duluth Heroin Bust

DULUTH, Minn. – Two men were arrested on drug charges earlier this month following a drug bust by the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. According to the Duluth Police Department, a search warrant was conducted at an apartment on the 900 Block of East Fourth Street on October 2. Police found heroin and drug packaging materials in…

Evers Creates Climate Change Task Force for Wisconsin

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes Will Serve as Chairman of the Task Force

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has created a task force to develop strategies to deal with climate change in the state. Evers announced formation of the new group Thursday at the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee. Evers tasked the group to come up with recommendations to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by August….

Wisconsin Unemployment Up For Fourth Straight Month

Tied a Record Low for the State

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s unemployment rate ticked up for the fourth straight month and is up nearly half a point since May. The state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday that unemployment in September was 3.2%. That is up from 3.1% the month before and 2.8% in April and May. That tied a record low for the state. The…

Get Juiced Up On Healthy Smoothies

COOKING CONNECTION: The Juice Pharm

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are exploring a lighter alternative for meals and a healthy dose of fruits, greens and more. Duluth’s micro-juicery provides 100% raw juice, superfood smoothies, acai bowls and global inspired plant-based food at The Juice Pharm. This week we blended up the Al Green Smoothie that is made fresh and all natural…

Klobuchar Raised $1.1M for Presidential Campaign Post-Debate

Wednesday was the Campaigns Best Day of Online Fundraising

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she raised $1.1 million for her 2020 presidential campaign in the 24 hours following this week’s Democratic debate. The moderate Democratic Minnesota senator was among the top critics of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday, criticizing Warren’s health care plan as a “pipe dream.” She also ripped President Donald Trump. Campaign manager Justin…

Ashland Burger King Franchisee to Pay $400K for Sexual Harassment

Two Former Employees Allege They Were Sexually Harassed by the Store's General Manager

ASHLAND, Wis. – A District Judge has ordered the owners of the Burger King in Ashland to pay two former employees over $400,000 in damages and fines for alleged ongoing sexual harassment by the store’s general manager. According to court documents, the two female employees were hired in 2017 and say the general manager began making “regular sexual advances and…

Death of Outing Woman Likely a Homicide

Officials Are Waiting For Toxicology Results

(photo: Cass County Sheriff’s Office) AITKIN, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say the death of a northeastern Minnesota woman who had been missing for nearly two weeks appears to be a homicide. Authorities had been searching for 35-year-old Michelle Mary Mae, of Outing, since her family reported her missing Oct. 3. Her body was found Tuesday on some rural property…

US Rep. Elijah Cummings Has Died

Cummings Was 68

BALTIMORE (AP) – Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings died early Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital due to complications from longstanding health challenges, his congressional office said. He was 68. A sharecropper’s son, Cummings became the powerful chairman of a U.S. House committee that investigated President Donald Trump, and was a formidable orator who passionately advocated for the poor in his…

William A. Irvin Arrives, Slowly Pulls into Minnesota Slip

610-foot laker pulls in with only 7 inches of room on each side.

DULUTH, Minn.- After much anticipation and setback, the William A. Irvin–Duluth’s historic museum ship–headed back home to Canal Park Wednesday night. This after it underwent repairs while the seawalls in the Minnesota Slip were also getting worked on. The “Queen of the Lakes” left Fraser Shipyards around 5:30. Just like last year the move was dicey with only seven inches…

Gary New Duluth Rec Area in Final Phase

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gary New Duluth Recreational Area has underwent several renovations, and added new amenities over the last several years. They are now in the final phase of the long process, and adding a skate park is in the mix. Although the park isn’t expected to be completed until next year, fundraising is already underway. Community members say,…

New Auto Shop Opens in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. -If you are looking for a place to get your car or truck repaired… Well a new auto shop has opened in Superior on Ogden Avenue. Twin Ports Diesel and Auto specializes in repairing medium to heavy duty trucks. But they can also handle all types of vehicles. The shop opened in April after relocating from a location…

Glensheen General Admission Tours Add Pumpkin Hunt

DULUTH, Minn. – The Glensheen Mansion in Duluth has added another element to the Halloween season celebrations. During tour hours, you can join in on the great pumpkin hunt. Nine pumpkins are hidden throughout the grounds and inside the mansion for visitors to find during the self-guided, general admission tours. “There’s no age maximum you need to be to participate…

Superior Ice Festival to Return with $40,000 Budget

The festival on Barker's Island is for all ages. It brings out ice ATV racing, pond hockey, bonfires, ice sculptures, fireworks, and a kids zone. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival is coming back to Superior for another weekend in January after a proposed cut in funding. The festival on Barker’s Island is for all ages. It brings out ice ATV racing, pond hockey, bonfires, ice sculptures, fireworks, and a kids zone. Mayor Jim Paine proposed to cut the festival’s funding by…

UMD Working To End Food Insecurities On Campus

DULUTH, Minn. -The University of Minnesota Duluth is fighting to end food insecurities on campus to help in this effort, the university hosted a food drive on World Food Day to ensure no student goes without food UMD  is one of few campuses that provides a free campus food shelf to help students who fall on hard times. The dining…

Free Parking In Canal Park Delayed Until October 20th

DULUTH, Minn. – This week was supposed to be the start for free parking in canal park, but unfortunately residents will now have to wait a little longer to enjoy the perk. Between October 16th and May 14th parking is typically free in Canal Park. City officials say they have decided to extend paid parking until after the Minnesota Educator…

Duluth Police Expect to be at Full Strength of Force for First Time Since 1999

Police union says even more officers are needed to to better meet law enforcement demands

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department expects to be at full strength of force in the coming months for the first time in twenty years. While it’s a big accomplishment, the police union says even more officers are needed to meet the demands of the job. A Duluth Police Department spokesperson tells us this is an exciting time for…

Healthcare Leaders Discuss Fixing ‘Broken’ System

Speakers from across the country lead discussion at Fitger's Spirit of the North Theater

DULUTH, Minn. – Health system leaders from across the country are in Duluth talking about how to better provide healthcare. The second annual “Believe in Better” project is a hands-on forum for invited guests to discuss how to fix what they call a “broken” healthcare system. Speakers talked about how marijuana legalization affects healthcare systems, using data and analytics to…

Union Says Deal With GM Offers ‘Major Gains’

Workers Will Stay on the Picket Lines for Another 2 Days

DETROIT (AP) – The United Auto Workers union’s top bargainer with General Motors says a tentative deal with the company will bring “major gains” to workers. Union Vice President Terry Dittes says in a statement that bargainers wanted to get a strong and fair contract for the 49,000 members who have been on strike for a month. Details of the…

Wisconsin Boy Says Man Strapped Him to Chair in Basement

Pogrant is Being Held on $25,000 Cash Bond

SHAWANO, Wis. (AP) – An 8-year-old boy told authorities that a man who lives with him and his mother strapped him to a chair in the basement of their northeastern Wisconsin home, but that he escaped and sought help from strangers. WLUK-TV reports that police arrested 36-year-old Nathan Pogrant Monday on charges including false imprisonment and child abuse. The boy’s…

Midday Update 10-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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

Minnesota Reports Two More Deaths From Vaping, One in Duluth

Both Deaths Involved People Over the Age of 50

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting the state’s second and third deaths due to lung illnesses caused by vaping. The Department of Health said Wednesday both deaths involved people over age 50 who died in September after complicated hospitalizations. One of those deaths was reported at Essentia Health in Duluth. One had vaped several products including THC, the…

Local Fishing Foundation Raising Funds to Help Those Impacted by Cancer

Catch Your Moment Foundation is Hosting a Raffle Fundraiser to Help Expand Their Mission in the Northland and Beyond

DULUTH, Minn. – Receiving word of a cancer diagnosis is never something you plan for in life. It’s why Catch Your Moment Foundation is looking to help Northlanders impacted by their diagnosis build strength and keep spirits strong. The Foundation is made up of a group of dedicated anglers and professionals looking to connect families touched by cancer with the…

Morning Update 10-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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

Minnesota Boy, 6, Missing After Getting Off Bus Found Safe

Ethan Was Found Safe With His Dog on Wednesday Morning

Credit: MN Sheriff’s Association BECKER, Minn. (AP) – Authorities in Minnesota say a 6-year-old boy who had been missing since getting off the school bus with his siblings has been found safe. The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office said the boy, named Ethan, hadn’t been seen since 4:10 p.m. Tuesday when he got off the bus near Highway 25 in Becker…

Two People Killed in Polk County Crash

The Crash Happened Tuesday Afternoon

CROOKSTON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say two people were killed when their SUV collided with a semi in Polk County. The sheriff’s office says the crash happened shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday at an intersection on County Road 46. KFGO reports the driver of the SUV, a 36-year-old Fertile man, and his passenger, a 33-year-old woman from Winger, both died…

Two Harbors Police Ask for Public’s Help Locating Missing Teen

UPDATE: TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Missing teen Chloe HIetala has been located and is safe. The Two Harbors Police Department says they would like to thank everyone who shared, helped and kept an eye out for her. TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Two Harbors Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a possible runaway teen. Authorities say…

Body Found in Aitkin County Believed to be Missing Woman

More Information Will be Available Following Family Notification

AITKIN COUNTY, Minn. – Investigators in Aitkin County say a body was found on a private property near Swatara Tuesday afternoon. The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office believes the deceased woman is Michelle Mae of Outing who has been missing since October 3. The body was taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and formal identification. Authorities say…

Great Outdoors: Team Duluth Ski Club Kicks Off Season

Snow may not be sticking to the ground yet, but members gathered Tuesday night getting ready for the upcoming season

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow may not be sticking to the ground yet for skiers and snowboarders, but Tuesday night was the kick off open house for the 2019 winter season for Team Duluth Ski Club. Team Duluth Ski Club Participates in competitive racing and training for alpine, freestyle, and snowboard athletes that send 6 to 18 year olds all over the…

Learning Archery with Duluth Parks and Recreation

Parks and Rec hosted monthly Family Archery Night.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some people in Duluth got to play Robin Hood at Family Archery Night at the Washington Center Gym on First Avenue West. The night was put together by Duluth Parks and Recreation. Participants learned the basic safety, technique, and process for shooting archery. They also tested their skills in archery games and challenged. According to organizers, the hardest…

LSC Hosts First External Fire Department for Training

Firefighters and college learn from training.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior College’s Emergency Response Training Center hosted some visitors from afar–the Rochester Fire Department used the Center for their required fire ground training. The Rochester Fire Department is the first external group to use the recently completed multi-level facility. Firefighters used mock-up buildings called burn boxes to test their ability to go into a structure fire and…

Father of Jackson Pfister Speaks Out

Jackson's father says his son was a leader who was always looking out for others who struggled

ESKO, Minn.- Last Friday night, a 15-year-old Esko football player collapsed during a game and later died. Fox 21’s Ryan Compeau talked with Jackson Pfister’s father Matt over the phone. “Jackson was a leader who was always looking out for others who struggled and often cared more about classmates than himself”, said Pfister. Jackson died Friday night after collapsing during…

Fuel Companies See Heating Oil Sales Go Up Ahead of Winter

Customers asked to keep paths to tanks and pipes clear of snow.

DULUTH, Minn.- Heating oil and propane are starting to be hot commodities again as we move loser to winter. Superior Fuel is already seeing more gallons of fuel go out the door as customers are turning on their heat for the first time. The company’s President, Ryan Gunderson, said while you heat up your home this winter, remember to shovel…

Pumpkin Giveaway and Halloween Celebration

A local Duluth realtor is hosting a pumpkin pick-up for clients, customers and friends

DULUTH, Minn.- One local Duluth realtor is hosting a pumpkin pickup for the clients, customers, and friends that they do business with on a daily basis. J.S. Realty is keeping the yearly tradition going of giving away free pumpkins to members of the community, along with giving them a home cooked meal, and just catching up with friends. “Real estate…

Vietnamese Family Rescued by USS Duluth Honored

Family members share their story of fleeing Vietnam in 1975

DULUTH, Minn. – A family who evacuated war-torn Vietnam in the 1970s was honored with a ceremony in Duluth. The Pham family of seven was rescued from Saigon and brought on-board the USS Duluth navy ship. One family member recently bought an engraved brick at the USS Duluth Anchor Monument to commemorate the ship and his family’s history. “So that…

Therapy Animals Help UMD Students Relieve Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – Some folks at University of Minnesota Duluth are petting away their stress with the help from some furry friends. Pet Away Worry and Stress or PAWS is a program designed to help students, faculty and staff reduce their stress level from the comfort of animals. Once a month nearly 15 therapy animals and their handlers are invited…

Its Back To Business for Goodwill Duluth After Small Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Business is back to normal for the Goodwill store on Garfield Avenue in Duluth after a small fire broke out last week. A palette caught fire, causing some donations to be destroyed. Fortunately everyone was able to evacuate the building… And no injuries were reported. The Duluth Transit Authority also provided a bus during the incident to…

Cold Weather Rule Can Help Avoid Heat and Power Shut Offs In The Winter

DULUTH, Minn. -Winter can be a time when heating and electric bills can skyrocket, due to frequently cold temperatures. Minnesota power is reminding residents that help is available, thanks to what’s called the Cold Weather Rule. The Cold Weather Rule is designed to ensure Minnesota residents don’t go without heat or power during the coldest months of the year. Under…

Portion of Lakewalk Reconstruction Almost Complete

Phase 3, from Endion Station to the Canal, to be reconstructed next year

DULUTH, Minn. – A stretch of the Duluth Lakewalk is closed as crews draw closer to completing the first two phases of the reconstruction project. The new, updated Lakewalk, from Endion Station, to Leif Erickson Park, is expected to open by early December. City officials tell us the asphalt path in that stretch will be paved as early as this…

Irvin Could Come Back to Slip This Week

Tours and the Haunted Ship Will Remain Closed for 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Fraser Shipyards has begun reflooding its dry dock as crews finalize work on the William A. Irvin. Officials from the DECC say the ship could return to the Minnesota Slip as early as this week depending on the weather and water conditions. Historic tours and the Haunted Ship however will remain closed for the 2019 season. Categories:…

Pence Cancels Wisconsin Visit to Lead Turkey Delegation

Pence Was Scheduled to Visit Uline on Thursday

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has canceled his visit to Wisconsin because he’s been dispatched to Turkey to try and reach a ceasefire deal. Pence was scheduled to visit Uline in Pleasant Prairie on Thursday to advocate for passing President Donald Trump’s trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. Instead, Pence will lead a delegation to Turkey…