News

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…

Minnesota Cold Weather Rule Takes Effect Today

The Rule Takes Effect From October 15 Through April 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is reminding its residential customers that may have difficulty paying their energy bills that help is available to them. The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule takes effect today which will protect eligible customers from having their service disconnected during the winter as long as they take steps to ensure that protection. Under the statute, eligible customers…

Omar gets a primary challenger in organizer John Mason

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Community organizer John Mason says he’ll challenge U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar in a Democratic primary for Minnesota’s 5th District. Mason, a first-time candidate, said Tuesday he wants to build on President Barack Obama’s accomplishments in health care care, education, gun control and the environment. He said he supports inclusivity and condemns all forms of hate, including “anti-Semitic…

Midday Update 10-15-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Duluth Lakeside Marketplace to Host Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event

The Event is a Collaborations of Many Businesses in the Lakeside Neighborhood of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakeside Marketplace is a group of local businesses in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood looking to come together with the intention of enticing more customers to check out the selection of goods and services offered in the area. The group is offering a free trick-or-treating event on Thursday, October 31. From 4:00 until 5:30 p.m., families are encouraged…

Morning Update 10-15-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Lakewalk to Close Temporarily to Repave Path

The Work is Epxected to be Completed by Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk will close temporarily starting today and lasting through Friday. The area impacted is from Leif Erickson Park to the Endion Station. The pathway which had been damaged in past storms will be repaved as a part of Phase II work. The work is scheduled to be completed by Friday weather permitting. Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Minnesota Child Tests Positive for Fentanyl, Parents Charged

Reports say The Parents Told Officers the Child Swallowed a Tylenol Pill

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Two St. Louis Park parents are charged with child endangerment and neglect after prosecutors say their 1-year-old son tested positive for fentanyl. The child survived after spending six days in the hospital. A criminal complaint says police were called to the couple’s apartment Oct. 3 because the boy had become unresponsive. The Star Tribune reports police say…

Wisconsin Waitress Refuses to Serve Couple Over Transgender Comments

Spencer Says she was Told to do her Job or go Home

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) – A Fond du Lac woman says she was fired from a restaurant for refusing to serve a couple who were making disparaging comments about a transgender woman sitting at the bar. Brittany Spencer worked as a server at Fat Joe’s Bar & Grill in Fond du Lac. Spencer says she went to her manager…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Hermantown’s First Wellness Center

Essentia Wellness Center opens with YMCA, clinic, and more inside.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- On Tuesday Hermantown will open their first ever Wellness Center with fitness, healthare, and a hangout spot all in one. “It’s a great place for us to grow as a community, to build community together to help us to feel connected, and just be stronger together,” said John Mulder, Hermantown City Administrator. There’s no shortage of things to…

Medical Professionals Talk Opioids at Panel Discussion

Panel aimed to educate about the impacts of opioid misuse and abuse.

DULUTH, Minn.- Medical professionals talked opioids in our community during a panel discussion at Clyde Iron Works. The Essentia Institute of Rural Health put on the panel, to open the public to help them learn more about the health, social, and economic impacts of opioid misuse and abuse. They also hoped to let people know about prevention, treatment, and recovery…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Five Cent Bag Ordinance

Councilors site unanswered questions in reason to table.

DULUTH, Minn.- The proposed fee on plastic and paper bags in the City of Duluth has been postponed, as the City Council voted to table the ordinance to allow further discussion. The ordinance would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists and bags for produce and meats. Retailers would keep the five…

UMD Creates Murals for Land Acknowledgement

Two new murals will soon be available for all to see at UMD's Kirby Student Center

DULUTH, Minn.- Two murals will be painted at UMD this week both inside and outside of the Kirby Student Center. UMD is built on tribal land, and the murals are a way for the university to honor the Dakota and Anishinaabe people. A local artist painting these murals says it’s important for the students to get the full background of…

Duluth Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Duluth celebrates its 12th Indigenous Peoples' Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- City leaders and community members celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Duluth Monday. the Anishinaabe people recognized the importance of their history in Northern Minnesota and all over the United States. They congratulated Duluth for being one of the first cities to change the meaning of this holiday back in 2007. “This is our land, we should have our…

Superior Street Construction Possibly Delayed Due to Weather

City officials will have a better idea of the construction timeline by the end of this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth drivers should keep planning for a longer commute time through downtown. Superior street construction has been delayed and will likely continue into November. City officials say the delay has to do with weather and the numbers check out– Duluth is more than three inches above average rainfall for September and October. “When we get rain storms like…

Doctor Advises Yearly Heart Scan

A doctor at St. Luke's is advising people of all ages to get a yearly heart scan

DULUTH, Minn.- A doctor at St. Luke’s is advising people of all ages to get a yearly heart scan to make sure everything is working the right way. D, Anemona Anghel is the head of Cardiology at St. Luke’s. She says a cardiac event is usually an arrhythmic event that makes the heart stop causing a person to collapse, which…

School Community Remembers Jackson Pfister

Classmates say Jackson will never be forgotten

ESKO, Minn.- We are learning the cause of death for the 15-year-old Esko football player who collapsed and died Friday night during the Eskomos football game in Aitkin. According to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, the death of Jackson Pfister was natural due to congenital heart disease. Two days following the death of their teammate, Esko football players returned…

The Catalyst Content Festival Wraps And Exceeds Expectations

DULUTH, Minn. – For five days the highly anticipated Catalyst Content Festival combined the creative worlds of a small town and an industry full of opportunities. The Festival brought out the who’s who of Television and film. Nearly 1,000 people from around the world came to town to give movie screenings, panel discussions and much more. The Executive Director of…

Superior Recognizes Indigenous People’s Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior recognizes Indigenous People’s Day. City leaders, activists, and the local tribal community came together in the Government Center in Superior to honor the importance of recognizing this holiday. Every year since 2016 the city of Superior has proclaimed Indigenous People’s Day. But many from the tribal community say the recognition by Superior brings…

 Texas Officer Resigns in 1-Sentence Letter

Update: FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) – A white police officer in Fort Worth who authorities say fatally shot a black woman in her home resigned in a one-sentence letter Monday. Aaron Dean’s letter said: “Effective immediately I am tendering my resignation from the Fort Worth Police Department.” The letter was released by the state’s largest police union, the Combined Law…

Democratic Rep. Pocan Says Impeachment Vote Coming Soon

Pocan Has Been Outspoken in Support of Impeachment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan says he expects the House to vote on articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump by the end of the calendar year. Pocan said Monday he believes Trump has committed an impeachable offense, but he can’t commit on whether he would vote to impeach until he sees the actual article of…

One Dead, Two Injured in Cass County Weekend Crash

The Crash Remains Under Investigation

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – A Sunday morning crash on County Road 8 south of Federal Dam has left one person dead and two others injured. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on County Road 8 at the intersection with County Road 63 around 10:57 a.m. When deputies arrived on scene they learned…

Cause of Death Released for Esko Football Player Who Died on Field

ESKO, Minn.-The cause of death has been released for 15-year-old Esko football player Jackson Pfister who died during a varsity game in Aitkin Friday. According to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, the death is natural due to congenital heart disease. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pfister family, Jackson’s teammates and the Esko community,” the Aitkin Police…

Midday Update 10-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update, weather

Wausau School Board President Running for Congress

Zunker is Running for the 7th Congressional District Seat

(Photo: Tricia Zunker campaign) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The president of the Wausau School Board who is also a justice on the Ho-Chunk Nation Supreme Court is running for Congress as a Democrat. Tricia Zunker is launching her campaign Monday. She would become the first Native American member of Congress from Wisconsin should she win. Zunker tells Wisconsin Public Radio…

Harvest Moon Gala to Raise Funds for Two Harbors Community Radio

The Harvest Moon Gala is Happening Saturday, October 19 at the American Legion in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Happening Saturday, October 19, you’re encouraged to attend the 2019 Harvest Moon Gala supporting Two Harbors Community Radio 99.5 FM. Julie Luchsinger, event organizer, recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News to share a few details regarding the annual fundraiser. Local belly dancing group Tribal Alchemie also performed on the broadcast. Doors will open at 5:30…

Sheriff: Courage of Jayme Closs is Focus of Anniversary

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald to Hold a News Conference Monday

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin sheriff who led the investigation into the kidnapping of Jayme Closs and the slaying of her parents hopes the courage and resilience of the 13-year-old girl is the focus on the one-year anniversary of the crimes. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald will hold a news conference Monday, talk briefly about Jayme and honor his…

Animal Allies to Host Annual Fur Ball Fundraiser

Coffee Conversation: Fur Ball Gala for Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Country Club will be packed with adorable fur babies on Saturday, October 19. The annual Animal Allies Fur Ball Gala typically raises more than $100,000. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. Money raised this year will help support the shelter’s transportation fund. The gala is an opportunity for animal lovers in the Northland to come…

Morning Update 10-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Cub Foods Stops E-Cigarette Sales, Asks Customers to not Carry Firearms in Stores

Please see the below statement from CUB regarding recent policy changes in our stores: pic.twitter.com/vKT1WVWLva — Cub (@cubfoods) October 11, 2019 (FOX 9) – Cub Foods announced it will no longer sell e-cigarettes and is asking its customers to no longer openly carry firearms in its stores after reconsidering its policies. In a release, the Minnesota-based grocer said a review of its…

State Tests New Technology to Catch Carpool Lane Cheaters

A Citation Can Cost Carpool Lane Cheaters up to $300

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota transportation officials are testing new technology to catch carpool lane cheaters. Through September, the State Patrol issued nearly 3,500 citations to drivers who illegally used the lanes reserved for two or more people, buses, motorcycles and solo drivers who pay to use them. That compares with 2,933 citations in all of last year. The Star Tribune…

Northlanders Work Through Grief by Running Together

Runners participate in a "Healing 5K."

DULUTH, Minn.- A small but mighty group of women braved the chilly weather Sunday morning to take a couple of laps around Bayfront Park. They called it a healing run. It was the 4th 5K since July that was inspired by all of the loss felt by the Fond–Du–Lac community in recent months. Run organizers say that grief is hard to…

High School Bicyclists Race Down Spirit Mountain

The Minnesota High School Cyclist League races continue.

DULUTH, Minn.- More than three thousand bicyclists and coaches are riding through the Northland this weekend for the annual high school cycling league races. Sunday morning’s race down Spirit Mountain was the 6th one in the tournament. High school boys and girls tackled a four mile loop down the hillside and back up again. The event is a no drop, no…

Bong Center Director to Become Lighthouse Manager

Executive Director of the Bong Center will start part-time as Split Rock Lighthouse Manager November 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors now has a new manager. Hayes Scriven, current Executive Director of the Bong Veterans Center in Superior was named the new manager Thursday. He will be replacing Lee Radzak, who stepped down from the position after 36 years in April. The lighthouse is a big part of Scriven’s life, he even…

Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin at Lake Superior Art Glass

You can make Fall decorations at LSAG.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re looking for an activity to keep you warm indoors during these chilly Fall days, why not give glass blowing a try? Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal park kicked off their “make your own glass pumpkin” event Sunday. The Halloween–inspired activity allows customers to pick at least two colors for glass blowers to swirl into their…

Figure Skaters Hit the Ice in Costume

The Duluth Figure Skating Club celebrates Halloween on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Figure Skating club got spooky on the ice Sunday afternoon at their annual Halloween skate party. Students, family and friends at all levels were invited to put on their warmest costumes and dance on the ice. Tessa Schauer has been a DFSC student for 7 years. Her and her friends dressed up like skeletons for the…

Karate Masters in Training at Clyde Iron Works

Largest tournament in region brings students from Thunder Bay and Twin Cities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Clyde Iron Works was packed with students young and old, and their senseis, for the Spirit of the Arts Fall Karate Tournament. Students from as far as Thunder Bay and the Cities presented their choreographed forms and sparring to panels of judges. With kids starting as young as seven, organizers say teaching good sportsmanship is just as important…

Catalyst Content Festival Wraps Up with Red Carpet Gala

Filmmakers and artists mingled with innovative ways of filmmaking and content creation.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Greysolon Ballroom dressed up like the Red Carpet on Oscars night as filmmakers, actors, and more mingled with other artists who showcased their work at the Catalyst Content Film Festival. “Just found kindred spirits,” said John T. O’Brien, writer, Producer and Lead Actor for the film Dad Man Walking. “And we all clicked.” “We’re all film people,…

Teen injured in West Duluth Shooting

17-year-old tranported to hospital with non-life threatening injury.

  DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday in reference to a shooting, Duluth Police responded to the area of 67th Avenue West and Sherburne Street. According to authorities it was reported a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The injury is non-life threatening. Police believe there is no risk to the…

Bentleyville Volunteers Set Up 128ft Tree for Tour of Lights

Bentleyville Tour of Lights set up continues.

DULUTH, Minn.- All this snow has us thinking about the holiday season, which is coming up quickly- and so is the Bentleyville Tour of Lights! Set up for the free display of lights continued this weekend. Saturday morning volunteers helped set up the event’s biggest display- a 128ft LED Christmas tree! Volunteers say they don’t mind the challenge of getting such…

NAPA Auto Care Gives Away Free Inspections and a Car

NAPA Auto Care in Hermantown gifts a Toyota RAV4 to Inga Parsons.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- NAPA Auto Centers across the Northland were extra generous this weekend. Mechanics at the 9 Twin Ports locations offered free inspection tests for vehicles… To take on Winter weather, but that was just the tip of the ice berg! Four recipients were given a refurbished car from NAPA auto care. NAPA staff says they realize how hard finding a…

Sports Cards, Coin, and Memorabilia Show

Sports fanatics got to check out some vintage collectibles at Miller Hill Mall Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Sports fanatics got to check out some vintage collectibles at Miller Hill Mall Saturday. Forty tables filled with new and vintage cards of all sports, autographed items like jerseys and bobbleheads, and even Pokemon cards, gave the public a diverse choice of cards to collect. “It’s just kind of nice to get a show like us that deals…

Esko Student Athlete Dies Following Cardiac Event

15-year-old Jackson Pfister collapsed Friday night and later died at the hospital

ESKO, Minn.- We are learning more about the 15-year-old Esko High School football player who died Friday night after collapsing on the field during a game. School officials say Jackson Pfister made an impact on his and in his community. People in the town of Esko, say this tragedy is the worst thing that could happen in the small close-knit…

Esko Football Player Dies After Collapsing on Field During Game

Police say investigation is still ongoing.

ESKO, Minn.- An Esko High School Football player has died, after collapsing on the field during the Varsity game on Friday. According to Aitkin Police, 15-year-old Jackson Pfister was transported to Riverwood Healthcare Center with a serious medical condition following his collapse. He passed away a short time later. In a press release the Police Department said: “Our thoughts and…

UMD Students Celebrate Homecoming With Corn on the Cob

DULUTH, Minn- Who doesn’t love fair food. Well there was a bunch at the University of Minnesota Duluth, as they hosted a county fair to kick off homecoming weekend. The UMD Student Association gave away tons of corn with butter for free. Students say it’s a great opportunity to get excited, even with the stress of the semester. “It’s so…

UMD Hosts Luncheon For National Coming Out Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Commission held a luncheon at the Kirby Student Center to celebrate National Coming Out day. Students and faculty of all orientations gathered to enjoy food and conversation. The commission welcomed a multi-generational panel of guests to share stories and perspectives. One panelist says an event like this…