News

‘Share the Shred’ Gets Kids Outside and On Bikes

Spirit Mountain's program provides bikes to kids who may not be able to afford one.

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids and families got a free and friendly welcome into the sport of Mountain Biking at the Spirit Mountain Grand Avenue Chalet. The summer “Share the Shred” series drew about 90-110 kids Tuesday night. This year the YMCA Bike Fleet was available for kids to rent a limited number of youth-sized bikes and helmets to kids who may…

Summer Readers Build-a-UFO at Superior Public Library

Kids make flying saucers out of household supplies and craft materials.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Tuesday some young Space Explorers at Superior Public Library made their own versions of alien flying saucers. As part of the Library’s “Universe of Stories” Summer reading program, kids constructed their own flying saucers with paper plates, pipe cleaners, plastic cups, and other household and craft materials. For some, it was a chance to channel their love…

Superior Intersection Painted Green Following Hit and Run

After 11-year-old boy hit and survived, City of Superior changes intersection to slow drivers down.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior has implemented safety changes at an intersection on Hammond Avenue after Police say an 11-year-old boy on his bicycle was struck by a driver, who then took off, last Friday. 11-year-old Cassius Carey is out of the hospital, his mother saying he suffered a concussion but no internal injuries. The woman who Superior Police…

Worker Shortage Around The Northland

Construction and nursing jobs are at an all time high so local workforce's are coming up with new creative ways to employee new workers

DULUTH, Minn.- There are some career paths in the Northland where the need for employees is at an all time high. With the need for nurses at an all time high, and large construction projects coming to the Northland, two local workforce’s are doing everything they can to add more employees. Some may think it is due to the lack…

Kwik Trip Hosts Job Fair in Proctor

Proctor, MN – Kwik Trip hosted a job fair Tuesday afternoon at the Blackwoods in Proctor. It’s in preparation for their new store opening on Boundary Avenue. That location is the first in Proctor area, and one of 21 in the Twin Ports. “Turnout’s been phenomenal. We’ve had a lot of people every day. We’re hiring part-time, full-time and leadership…

Duluthians Meet Candidates Running for Mayor, City Council, School Board

Meet and greet at Incline Station hosted by Club 710

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians met city candidates running for mayor, city council, and school board. Eighteen candidates, including four incumbents, attended the meet and greet at the Incline Station in Downtown Duluth. The event was put on by the 710 Club, a political group who wants to keep voters informed. “Tonight we just decided to open up our meeting to…

Two Dogs Rescued From Fire In Gilbert

Dogs suffered from burns and smoke inhalation but are expected to fully recover

Gilbert Police and Fire responded to a home that was on fire shortly after 2:30 this afternoon. The home was completely engulfed by the blaze when crews arrived. First responders rescued two dogs from the home, and both suffered from burns and smoke inhalation but are expected to recover. The Gilbert fire chief did not say if anyone was home…

Need For Nurses At All Time High

Hospitals around town are becoming more creative on ways to attract new workers

DULUTH, Minn.- And the construction industry isn’t the only workforce that is going through hiring stress. Over the last year, healthcare leaders say there are fewer people applying for jobs at both hospitals in the Northland, and it doesn’t seem to be turning around anytime soon. That is why hospitals are trying more creative methods to encourage nurses and nursing…

The Struggle To Fill Construction Jobs

With several major projects ahead, finding the right amount of workers could be hard

DULUTH, Minn.- Right now in the Northland, quite a few jobs are hard to fill. One of those industries where hiring is especially tough is construction. And with several major projects planned in the area, finding enough workers to complete them could be challenging. With that, CareerForce Center in Duluth is holding classes to help train workers to cut into…

Roses In Full Bloom

Roses of all colors are in full bloom over at Leif Erikson Park

DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s most visible and popular parks is in full bloom right now. The Rose Garden in Leif Erikson Park was filled with Northlanders checking out and even getting a smell or two of all the different roses down at the park. One visitor we talked with who had a rose garden for years, says having something…

Two Arrested for Drug Sales in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, two individuals were arrested Thursday following a drug bust in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Authorities say a search warrant was obtained for a residence at 3101 West 3rd Street but due to a known presence of firearms at the location officers waited for the suspects to leave the home. Matthew Hanson,…

Two Dogs Rescued From Large House Fire in Gilbert

The Home Appears to be a Total Loss

GILBERT, Minn. – Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire in rural Gilbert Tuesday afternoon. The Northland FireWire reports that fire crews were called to a home fully engulfed in flames on French Avenue East around 2:30 p.m. Officials say no one was home at the time of the fire, but two dogs were rescued from the home and…

Man Accused of Stealing Duluth Officer’s Taser Charged

DULUTH, Minn.-The suspect accused of taking a Duluth police officer’s taser Friday has been charged with four different counts including a felony (video found here). Bryan Hathaway, 32, has been charged with disarming a police officer (felony), along with the misdemeanors of obstructing the legal process, assault on a peace officer in the fourth degree, and fleeing on foot. According…

Trump Tweets he Will Win Minnesota in 2020

The Tweet focused in on Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar calling her an anti-semite.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-In the early morning hours, President Donald Trump vowed to win Minnesota after sending out a Tweet at 5:51 a.m. The Tweet focused in on Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar calling her an anti-semite. In the Tweet, Trump said: “In 2016 I almost won Minnesota. In 2020, because of America hating anti-Semite Rep. Omar, & the fact that Minnesota…

USDA Rule Could Affect 3.1M Food Stamp Recipients

The Proposal is to Tighten Automatic Eligibility Requirements

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is proposing to tighten automatic eligibility requirements for the food stamp program, a change that could affect about 3.1 million people. The Agriculture Department says the rule would close “a loophole” that enables people receiving only minimal benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to be eligible automatically for food stamps. Under…

St. Louis County Social Worker Charged With Sex Crimes No Longer Working for County

Bryant has Been Summoned to Court on August 14

DULUTH, Minn. – A St. Louis County social worker facing felony charges of criminal sexual conduct is no longer employed with the county. According to a St. Louis County spokesperson, “Michael Bryant is no longer an employee of St. Louis County. We continue to work toward a timely resolution of the employment complaint.” Bryant, 46, of Wrenshall is accused of…

Update: Never Before Attempted Stand Up Paddle Board To Arctic Ocean

Adventurer Jared Munch Takes To The Water On A SUP To Break Records

DULUTH, Minn. — Stand up paddle boarding is the new craze on calm and sunny days but what about in bad weather and through river rapids? In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot catches up with a true adventurer looking to be the first to complete a unique journey. A local Duluthian who took to the water last…

Senate Confirms Army Veteran Mark Esper Secretary of Defense

Esper won Senate Confirmation on Tuesday

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist Mark Esper as secretary of defense. Esper’s confirmation ends a stretch of seven months the Pentagon didn’t have a permanent leader. Esper won Senate confirmation on Tuesday by a vote of 90-8 and is to be sworn in by day’s end. The…

Fish Heads to Perform Thursday Evening in Gary New Duluth

The Fish Heads' Performance is One of Three Free Musical Events Happening this Summer in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Fish Heads and Friends, an evening of blues to bluegrass, will entertain crowds Thursday, July 25 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Gary New Duluth Pavilion. Fish Heads and Friends will perform starting at 5:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public to attend. Concessions will be available for sale. This is…

Midday Update 7-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 23, 2019

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

Preserving More Than 14,000 Acres of Forest Land Approved

Under the Deal the Land Would be Open to Public Uses

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Legislature’s budget committee has approved spending more than $4 million to purchase more than 14,000 acres of forest land in northern Wisconsin under the state’s stewardship program. The land in Iron County would be preserved for public access and protected from development under the $4.3 million purchase approved by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on…

Brewers to Implement new bag Policy for 2020 at Miller Park

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Fox 6) – The Milwaukee Brewers announced a new bag policy that will be implemented with the first game of the 2020 season. According to the Brewers, fans will be allowed only single-compartment (i.e. tote) bags, purses, clutch purses, soft-sided cooler bags, clear bags, drawstring bags, diaper bags and medically-necessary items will be allowed into Miller Park (maximum…

U.S. Navy Photographer Remembers Return of Apollo for Moon Landing Anniversary

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Patrick Shaw remembers his time as U.S. Navy Photogressman 2nd Class

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been 50 years since the return of the Apollo 11 module that carried the three astronauts who first walked on the moon. It’s a moment millions call one of the greatest achievements of man. July 1969, American astronauts landed on the moon. And the events that followed, only few had the chance to see in person….

BWCA Trip Brings Peace, Tranquility to Local Veterans

Click Below if You'd Like to Donate to the 2020 Veterans to the BWCA Trip

LAKE ISABELLA, Minn. – More than a dozen area veterans recently returned home after experiencing a life changing getaway. The annual Veterans to the BWCA excursion started in 2018 after Hayes Scriven, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, wanted to come up with a way to give back while also helping disabled veterans and…

Human Services Administrator Complains of Retaliation

DHS Deputy Commissioner Says the Agency is Reviewing the Issues

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A compliance officer in Minnesota’s Department of Human Services says she was retaliated against after reporting problems with contracts at the agency. Faye K. Bernstein says she was verbally reprimanded and not allowed to carry out her duties after she pointed out what she called “serious non-compliance issues” with some contracts approved by leaders in…

Morning Update 7-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 23, 2019

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

Appeals Court Grants Child Abuser’s Release From Program

Kerkoff Sexually Abused 41 Children

(photo: AP news) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota appeals court has upheld a decision to discharge a repeat child molester from the state’s sex offender program. The Minnesota Department of Human Services objected to the release of 46-year-old Jerry Gene Kerkhoff from the treatment program in which he has been enrolled for 20 years. Department officials argued Kerkoff still needs…

MDA Holds Muscle Walk for Those Affected by Muscular Diseases

MDA Muscle Walk draws walkers to Leif Erickson Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday night Leif Erickson park was taken over by walkers coming together for a good cause. The Muscular Dystrophy Association held their first muscle walk in Duluth in a couple years. MDA holds muscle walks throughout Minnesota, raising about $250,000 collectively for muscle disease research. Organizers say the walks bring members of the community and those affected by…

Hideaway Head Shop Coming to Downtown Duluth

New Head Shop coming to Superior Street.

DULUTH, Minn.-A new head shop selling tobacco and CBD products is coming to Superior Street in downtown Duluth. Hideaway will be opening up their fifth store in the old Saw Mill Unpainted Furniture building. Their website says they sell hand pipes, water pipes, e–cigarettes, art, apparel, CBD products and more. Some nearby businesses, like Minnesota Surplus, say they are ready…

Outside Storytime by Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation department joined hands with the Duluth Public Library to  bring an outdoor storytime to Bayfront Festival Park. Parents of young children gathered to hear stories, sing songs, and play music. The free event allows people of all backgrounds to attend and be exposed to the activities which are all geared at early…

Kids Learn First Hand Farming Experiences

Northland kids are doing chores on the farm, and harvesting peas, just like actual farmers would do on a daily basis

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday morning, Northland kids got hands on farming experience during a unique camp. From chores on the farm, to working with the chickens and sheep, and even harvesting peas. Needless to say, the kids attending the camp had a lot of tasks to complete. Those organizing the event also said they like them to think about their work…

Council Candidates Door-Knock Ahead of Primaries

Volunteers take to the doors in their district to talk to voters.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth primary elections are less than a month away on August 13th. Early voting has been open since June 28th, so some city council candidates and volunteers took advantage of the cool summer evening to get out and knock on some doors. Volunteers met at the Labor Temple to discuss strategy, scripts and plot which neighborhoods to…

Round Man Brewing Company Finds Place as First Brewery in Washburn County

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: Round Man Brewing Company

SPOONER, Wis.- People out in Spooner, WI may have noticed a newer restaurant getting a bit of attention lately. Round Man Brewing Co. opened back in the Fall and made it through a surprisingly successful Winter as the only brewery in the city. But is isn’t just the only brewery in Spooner, it’s the only one in all of Washburn…

Car on Fire on Blatnik Bridge in Superior

Crews responded, closed bridge causing heavy traffic.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Monday afternoon traffic was backed up coming out of Superior on the Blatnik Bridge as a car was found on fire. Superior Fire and Police responded to the burning car. Crews were able to put out the fire. This happened right off the on–ramp to I–35, causing a standstill both down Hammond avenue and Second street. Crews…

Locals Enjoy New Electric Scooters in Duluth

"Leaf" electric scooters are available for people to ride around designated areas of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s newest form of transportation is a little more electric than what most Northlanders are used to. “Leaf” electric scooters can be found riding around downtown and various parts of the city. Scooters are left and can be picked up for use in designated areas found on the “Leaf” phone app. Erik Carlson says he’s seen people riding them…

Duluth Woman Charged for Hitting a Child with her SUV

Mary Catherine Trea is charged with felony hit and run.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Duluth woman is charged with felony hit and run after leaving the scene where she struck and injured an 11–year–old boy riding a bicycle. Mary Catherine Trea made her initial appearance in court Monday. This after telling police that she left the scene of the hit and run accident because she felt panicked and scared. According to the criminal…

Professionals Stand Against Child Abuse

DULUTH, Minn. – The Stand Against Child Abuse Conference draws hundreds from all over Minnesota. For the fifth annual event in Duluth the conference is hoping to help people better serve children dealing with abuse situations. One in ten children across the nation experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. . This year’s theme for the conference is to…

Galveston-Based Seafood Truck Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting fresh seafood in the Northland can be tough sometimes. But one unique truck made its way back to the Northland. Galveston–based Fabian Seafood has been traveling throughout Minnesota for more than 40 years. A few times a year the seafood truck parks at Copasetic Lounge in Duluth to sell some of their finest seafood. And once…

Chance Meeting Leads to Friendship for Boy and Firefighter

No one could have predicted the boy who was saved would have a surprise reunion with that very same firefighter years later.

DULUTH, Minn. – What started off as an emergency call to firefighters and paramedics by a Northland woman with a high risk pregnancy turned into an unlikely friendship years later. Firefighters often help out on people’s worst days. So when Sarah Crowell went into labor and needed emergency assistance Duluth firefighter Captain Mark Herman was there. Though, no one could…

Workforce Struggles With Big Construction Projects Looming

Major construction projects are happening in the coming years, but those workers may not

DULUTH, Minn.- A few major construction projects are slated to begin in the Northland this year, but there may not be enough construction workers in our area to actually do those jobs. That is why the CareerForce Center in Duluth is holding classes to train workers to fill the large void. Officials say just in the City of Duluth there…

Duluth Airshow 2019 Brings Potential Record Crowd

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow, presented by St. Luke’s had another successful year with early projections showing around 65,000 people attended the event over the weekend. “We’re thrilled with the outcome of the 2019 show,” said Duluth Airshow President, Ryan Kern.  “The weather really cooperated, and we had one of our strongest airshow performance line-ups ever.” Kern says final…

Salads, Sandwiches Sold at Target Recalled due to Listeria Concerns

Elevation Foods is Working With Retailers to get the Products off the Shelves

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Fox 10) – Elevation Foods is voluntarily recalling egg salad, tuna salad, and sandwiches due to listeria concerns. Elevations Foods says containers of Archer Farms-brand egg salad, Fresket-brand egg salad, tuna salad, and Thai lobster salad, and Archer Farms-brand deviled egg sandwiches produced on June 18 have been recalled…

Multiple U.S. Senators ask EPA to Re-Evaluate Continued use of Hydrogen Fluoride

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Multiple U.S. Senators are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to re-evaluate the continued use of hydrogen fluoride at refineries across the country. U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) signed a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Friday stating the EPA needed to promptly…

DNR Asks Wastewater Plants to Test for PFAS Contamination

DNR Officials Have Started Sending Letters to 125 Municipal Wastewater Plants

(photo: twitter)   MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources is asking wastewater treatment plants to test for polyfluoroalkyl pollution. The substances, also known as PFAS, are man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in products such as fire-fighting foam, non-stick cookware and fast-food wrappers. Research suggests PFAS can decrease female fertility, increase the risk of…

Update: Suspicious Death in Spooner Ruled Homicide

The Case Remains Under Investigation

SPOONER, Wis. – The Spooner Police Department has ruled the suspicious death of a 52-year-old male as a homicide. According to a recent press release, authorities say the body of Troy Sweep, 52, was found in his Spooner residence on July 16. Investigators found evidence at the scene which they deemed suspicious in nature. An autopsy of the victim was…

Update: Authorities Identify Male Victim of Skidsteer Tractor Incident

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

MORCOM TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of the Sunday night skidsteer tractor accident as 50-year-old Sheldon D. Sandberg of Cook. The sheriff’s office received a call around 8:00 p.m. that a male had been trapped underwater for approximately 30 minutes after the skidsteer he was driving flipped into a pond. According to…

Coffee Conversation: All Pints North Brew Fest at Bayfront Festival Park

All Pints North Brew Fest is Happening Saturday, July 27 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Craft brew enthusiasts are invited to raise a glass and cheers Saturday, July 27 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The All Pints North Brew Fest, established in 2012, is back for another year featuring more than 120 craft breweries. Attendees will have the chance to sample from all of the…