News

Spooktacular Family Fun Coming to Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

Boo Bash is Happening Wednesday, October 30 at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Parks and Recreation is partnering up with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland and many other fine sponsors to once again host the Halloween Boo Bash on Wednesday, October 30 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. The event will include a variety of activities…

Morning Update 10-28-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 28, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 28, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Marine Life Joins the Halloween Fun for “Scarium at the Aquarium”

The Great Lakes Aquarium hosts their annual Scarium at the Aquarium event.

DULUTH, Minn.- The animals at the Great Lakes Aquarium got involved in the Twin Ports Holiday fun at the annual Scarium at the Aquarium event. Kids and families were invited to dress up and learn about some of the animals. Agate and Ore, the aquarium’s two river otters, even got a special Halloween treat to play with in their cove….

Stella Maris Academy Recognizes Scholarship Contributors at Bishop’s Scholarship Dinner

Stella Maris Academy hosts their annual Bishop's Scholarship Dinner.

DULUTH, Minn.- Past and present members of the Stella Maris Academy celebrated students, families and their supporters at the annual Bishop’s Scholarship Dinner. The dinner and banquet recognized the contributions community members have made to the catholic school and how those contributions have benefited the academy’s student body of more than 200 kids. The event was also a way to look…

Families Trunk-Or-Treat at Duluth Gospel Tabernacle

The Duluth Gospel Tabernacle hosts Trunk-Or-Treat event.

DULIUTH, Minn.- Halloween celebrations took over the Twin Ports this weekend. The streets of West Duluth were filled with families doing a little trunk–or–treating. The Duluth Gospel Tabernacle had more than 20 cars decorated for their annual Halloween event. Members of the church could choose any non–scary theme they wanted. Meghan Amendola and her family had a bee–themed trunk where…

Celebrating a Heavy Halloween with Heavy on Wrestling

About 500 people packed the event.

DULUTH, Minn,- About 500 Northlanders were ready to rumble as they packed the Clyde Malting Building for the first time, for Heavy Halloween 2. “Heavy on Wrestling, Heavy on Wrestling, Heavy on Wrestling,” said wrestler The System. Crowds go crazy at the boom of wrestlers hitting the ring and the grunts of wrestlers hitting each other. “I like hurting people,”…

Kids in Halloween Costumes on Parade at Fitger’s

First ever Halloween Party held at Spirit of the North Theater.

DULUTH, Minn.- Families got into the Halloween spirit with a kids parade at the Spirit of the North Theater at Fitger’s. Over 100 people gathered in the theater to watch their little ones strut their stuff across stage. It was put on by the Whimsy Children’s Boutique at Fitger’s. The owner said it was the perfect way to celebrate one…

Dogs Celebrate Howl-O-Ween at Canal Bark

Second annual party brought out 30-40 dogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The tails were wagging as Canal Bark had their second annual Howl–o–ween Party at their downtown Duluth location. The celebration featured doggy costume contests for big dogs, small dogs, and group costumes. About 30–40 dogs came through to see all the other pups in the Halloween spirit, and it seems to be just as fun for the owners…

Enbridge Says Mysterious Pipeline Group’s Claims to Take Part in Line 3 Project are False

Enbridge responds to the claims made by the so-called "Indigenous Pipeline Council."

DULUTH, Minn.- A group calling itself the “Indigenous Pipeline Council” may actually be a comedy group that puts on hoaxes. On Saturday, the so–called group held a launch presentation claiming they will change the Duluth waterfront entirely by laying a supposed 19 miles of pipeline that Enbridge gifted them. Enbridge emphatically denied those claims today. The two men who led…

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Celebrates 150 Years in Duluth

St. Paul's Episcopal church was the first church in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s oldest church is celebrating 150 years this weekend by inviting the community to learn more about its teachings in the Northland. The outside is beautiful, the architecture is intricate, but it’s what’s inside the brick walls of St. Paul’s episcopal church that makes 150 years so incredible. “A church is really the people,” St. Paul’s rector Bill Van…

People Rock the Finished 100th Block of Superior Street

Businesses celebrate, as City said construction should come to an end soon, weather permitting.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since Superior Street reconstruction began, a block party was held on a finished portion of the road. People packed the 100 Block of East Superior Street to “Rock the Block.” The event celebrated the completion of that part of the street. Area businesses said the construction was both a welcome change and a relief…

DEA, St. Louis County Accepts Unwanted Medications, Vapes

Biannual event held on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- For National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Drug Enforcement Administration held their biannual take back event at the St. Louis County Public Safety Building. According to officials, the hard part of preventing opioid addictions is that the number of opioids on the streets can never be known for sure. So events like these aim to get as…

Superior Gets Spooked for Spooktacular

Packed day featured parade, new North End Nightmare 5K.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Skeletons and superheroes, clowns and creatures line Tower Avenue, all to try and nab some candy from the parade goers. “There’s a lot of people, ran out of candy pretty fast actually,” said Grant Peterson, a player on the Superior Area Lacrosse float. “It’s awesome, we saw some people that we know, it’s pretty fun.” “It was definitely…

Myers-Wilkins Elementary Celebrates “Books For Kids” Success

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday, Myers–Wilkins Elementary School in Duluth is celebrating a massive fundraising effort. The “books for kids” program has received more than $20,000 in donations allowing the school to put 10,000 books in the hands of its students. The school principal says, students are grateful for the generous donations. “Many of them said to me, do I really…

Dancing Candy Calories Away at Halloween Zumba

Ignite Studio in Duluth hosts Halloween Costume Contest and Zumba

DULUTH, Minn.- While Halloween is mostly about eating all the candy you can get, ghouls and goblins, superheroes and animals of all kinds danced the candy calories away at Ignite Studio. “I, as an adult love dressing up in costumes and I find every excuse, I do it several times a year,” said Zumba regular Alex Loch. “So this was…

Bridgeman’s Renovates Dining Area

Restaurant opened after remodel on Friday October 11th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bridgeman’s Restaurant is celebrating the recent renovation of their dining area. The restaurant officially opened after the remodel on Friday the 11th. They updated the tables, flooring, front area, and the seating in the dining room over the last few months. They say the new booths in particular spark old memories for some of their customers. “Probably the…

2020 Polar Plunge Registration Officially Open

Thousands of thrill seekers take the jump into the world's largest freshwater lake all for a great cause

DULUTH, Minn. – Registrations are now open for the 20th annual Polar Plunge down on Lake Superior supporting the Special Olympics. Thousands of thrill seekers take the jump into the world’s largest freshwater lake all for a great cause. Last year the event raised more than $200,000 for the Special Olympics. That money goes straight to helping the athletes achieve…

North End Spooktacular Begins with Art and Music Festival

Six different venues in North End featured artwork.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior rang in the Halloween season with the North End Spooktacular. The first day featured an Art and Music festival hosted by six different venues the North End. More than 100 different local artists had their work featured for everyone to come and admire. “It’s part of our community and art’s all around us,” said Andrew Perfetti, owner…

Time to Prepare for the Ice Fishing Season

The season is quickly approaching, which means it's time to stock up on all your ice fishing needs

DULUTH, Minn.- Lakes and rivers may not be frozen yet, but that isn’t stopping ice anglers from getting ready for the upcoming season. At the ice fishing expo at Black Bear Casino, people can buy everything rods, to tackle, to full ice houses. Kids can even fish in the trout pond and win prizes. While it may still be early…

Curling for the First Time with the Duluth Curling Club

Curling is a precision game of inches and the first-time curlers got to see just how difficult the sport is.

DULUTH, Minn. – The weather is getting cold which means the Duluth Curling Club is back in action at the DECC. Friday, the club held a learn-to-curl event for people, which just happened to mostly be American Institute of Architects members. Curling is a precision game of inches and the first-time curlers got to see just how difficult the sport…

Man and Dog Die in Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

CANOSIA TWP., Minn. – A man and dog are dead after a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in St. Louis County. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Steen, 54, was found unresponsive at his home by a friend on Thursday evening. Deputies and first responders determined Steen and a family dog were both deceased inside the home in…

Saint Scholastica Hosts Culturally and Spiritually Responsive Healthcare Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, the second ever Culturally and Spiritually Responsive Healthcare Conference was held The College of Saint Scholastica Friday afternoon. The event brought hundreds of healthcare practitioners together from a variety of different backgrounds. Each were geared to help individuals learn about family, community and patient centered care for people with different backgrounds. Organizers say, the conference fulfills…

Whole Foods Co-op Announces Paper Bag Fee

DULUTH, Minn. – Whole Foods Co–op is now leading the way in helping Duluth reduce disposable bag usage. On Friday morning, the grocery store announced they will be charging an extra five cents per paper bag beginning January 1st. The fee will be added onto shoppers’ total at the checkout line. Managers say, it’s been successful at other whole foods…

Duluth Looking to Update Snow Emergency Route Protocols

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is revamping an ordinance to update snow emergency protocols. During a recent city council meeting, city staff presented a revised plan that would include installing nearly three thousand snow emergency route signs on more than one hundred city streets. The plan also redesigned routes so each neighborhood has at least one main emergency…

Over 5,000 Citations Issued For Hands Free Law Violations

The consequence for violating the hands free law is a $50 ticket plus court fees for the first offense.

DULUTH, Minn – The results are in. More than 5,000 people violating the new Minnesota Hands Free law have been issued citations since it went into effect in August. Minnesota court records show that in August alone more than 2, 000 hands free citations were issued. Another 3,000 were also given in September making a grand total of more than…

Man Sentenced to 4 Years Probation for Fire that Destroyed Duluth’s Historic Synagogue

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot is sentenced for one count negligent fire that destroyed the Adas Israel Synagogue.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sentence is in for the man responsible for starting a fire that destroyed the Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth last month. Beyond the building, that fire also destroyed thousands of dollars worth of historic and religious artifacts and some congregation members fear his sentencing isn’t strict enough. “It will be the most intense monitoring experience you’ve ever had…

UW System President Ray Cross Announces Plans to Retire

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross is retiring. The 71-year-old Cross said Friday he plans to retire once a new president is selected. Cross has served as UW’s president since February 2014. He previously served three years as chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension and has spent more than four decades in higher education, previously…

Iron Range Murder Suspect Sentenced to Life in Prison

HIBBING, Minn. – A suspect who pleaded guilty to the January murder of 33-year-old Joshua LaValley has been sentenced. Today, 19-year-old Deshon Bonnell was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. LaValley’s body was found on the Mesabi Trail near Kerr on January 6. According to the Medical Examiner’s Office LaValley died from two…

Midday Update 10-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Duluth Man Sentenced for Synagogue Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless man charged with starting the fire that destroyed the historic downtown Adas Israel Synagogue last month was sentenced in court Friday morning. 36-year-old Matthew Amiot was sentenced to four years supervised probation, 90 days in county jail and 192 hours of community service. Amiot had already served 36 days in jail which was credited from…

Zombies VS. Academics, UMD Brings Back ZombieFest

ZombieFest is Happening Wednesday, October 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD academics are sharing valuable research just in time for a potential Halloween zombie apocalypse. ZombieFest is Wednesday, October 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in room 90 of Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court. This event is free and open to the public. Seven speakers are joining together for this symposium on the topic of zombies, an…

Morning Update 10-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

UMinn Professor Accused of Embezzlement Reaches Deal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A University of Minnesota law professor accused of stealing millions of dollars from his father-in-law’s company has pleaded guilty in an agreement with prosecutors. Edward Adams entered the plea Thursday to a misdemeanor charge related to federal income taxes. Prosecutors agreed to drop the more serious charges and recommend probation with no time behind bars….

Project to Restart After American Indian Graves Disturbed

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Officials say a bridge project in Minnesota will get a do-over after an American Indian burial site was disturbed. Minnesota Department of Transportation officials spoke at a community meeting Wednesday night about the state road project on the western edge of Duluth. They said the project is being restarted next year. The Star Tribune reports an…

Superior Days Meeting Identifies Issues for Lobbying Effort

Transportation funding, access to mental health care among the subjects discussed

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People from across Northern Wisconsin are identifying which issues they will bring to the state government in this year’s Superior Days lobbying effort. At a meeting Thursday night at Superior City Hall, people discussed which issues are most important to them. Transportation improvements, access to mental health care and addiction treatment, and lack of local government control…

Rose Tipping at Leif Erickson Park

Tipping lays the plants down and buries them to protect them from the harsh winter.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual tradition of rose tipping has started at Lief Erickson Park as the Northland prepares for winter. The rose garden at Leif Erickson Park has over one thousand roses and many need to be tipped over and buried in the ground to protect them from the sub-zero temperatures Duluth offers up in the winter. Tipping takes…

An Early Halloween Celebration

Sterling Silver Dance Studio is getting spooky all week long

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior dance studio is starting its Halloween celebrations early this year. Sterling Silver Dance Studio is getting spooky all week long as the students are dressing up as they prepare to show off their moves this weekend. The director tells us this isn’t the only time they dress up, that way the kids are creative throughout the…

Duluth Hosts International Maple Meeting

Minnesota maple producers even took home some prizes for their award-winning syrup produced in the state.

DULUTH, Minn. – The International Maple Meeting was held this week in Duluth. The conference draws maple producers from as far away as Nova Scotia and Washington state. Minnesota maple producers even took home some prizes for their award-winning syrup produced in the state. More than 300 maple producers and aficionados gathered at the DECC and the Inn at Lake…

Enjoying the Lake Walk After a Stormy Week

Crews have now cleared the Carriage Way part of the Lake Walk behind the hotels so people can still take in the sights of Lake Superior.

DULUTH, Minn. – The cleanup continues around Duluth from Monday’s destructive storm. Crews have now cleared the Carriage Way part of the Lake Walk behind the hotels so people can still take in the sights of Lake Superior. Many were out on the path today even though the temperatures were chilly. “It’s nice that it’s cleared off now, it obviously…

Minnesota Health Professionals Fight Substance Abuse Around the State

Professionals tackle substance abuse at the annual Minnesota Prevention Program Sharing Conference.

DULUTH, Minn.- Educators, doctors and health professionals from across the state are in Duluth this week for the 45th annual Minnesota Prevention Program Sharing Conference. The event at the DECC is a way professionals can talk about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to fighting substance abuse problems in the area. These days it’s all focus on how professionals…

Cloquet Job Fair Addresses Need For Skilled Workers

This is the third year the job fair has been held at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn. – About 200 people had the opportunity to check out some of the latest jobs on the market at the Fall Harvest Job Fair in Cloquet. More than 40 employers from several different industries were onsite. The need for skilled labor workers has grown in recent years. As more building projects come forward more workers are needed especially…

Cloquet Affordable Housing Development Opens It’s Doors

About half of the development is already occupied.

CLOQUET, Minn. – A new housing development in Cloquet has finally opened its doors. White pines apartments began construction more than a year ago to help address a need for several affordable housing units in Cloquet. Finding affordable housing has become a big topic of concern for many people in the in Cloquet and across the Northland but opening This…

AT&T Foundation Awards $10 Thousand to Program Empowering Women

Girl Power! Summer Camp and Program receives $10 thousand.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Twin Ports program dedicated to empowering young girls received a ten thousand dollar donation. ‘Girl Power!’ is a Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) summer camp and after school program that inspires community leadership in girls ages 8-14. The program was gifted a competitive grant from the AT&T Foundation for their commitment to investing in the Twin Port’s…

Native Americans to Protest Washington NFL Team Name

The Protesters Plan to March From Peavy Field Park

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and other Native American leaders will protest outside of U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of Thursday night’s Minnesota Vikings game to urge the visiting Washington team to retire the Redskins team name and mascot. She’ll be joined by state Reps. Mary Kunesh-Podein and Jamie Becker-Finn, who are also Native Americans, U.S. Rep. Betty…

Culver Township Church Damaged by Gunshots

CULVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what appears to be gunshot damage to the Faith Lutheran Church in Culver Township. Authorities say they received a report from the church, located on the 5700 Block of Highway 7, that windows as well as siding and the church sign were damaged. Investigators found the damage to…

Midday Update 10-24-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 24, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 24, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News

Partial Proceeds of New Movie to Benefit John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Actor, Director, Producer Brian Presley Chats About New Movie, "The Great Alaskan Race"

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re trying to use the movie to help out others,” said Brian Presley, actor, producer, and director of “The Great Alaskan Race.” Presley is making a few stops in Duluth ahead of the nationwide release of the movie on Friday, October 25. Presley began writing the movie more than nine years ago, and is thrilled to see…