News

UWS Celebrates Constitution Day with Trivia Game

Constitution Day recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

SUPERIOR, Wis. – September 17th is Constitution Day, and annual holiday recognizing the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. At the University of Wisconsin-Superior, students and staff celebrated with a Constitution trivia game. They were asked questions about where the document was adopted, who was there, and what articles and amendments are included. “It really is part of our everyday experience…

People Work to ‘Unmask’ Traumatic Brain Injuries in Minnesota

Survivors and family members paint masks depicting their journeys with traumatic brain injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year in the United States. On Tuesday, people made masks at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, depicting how they’ve been impacted by brain injuries. Over the last four years, 1,400 Minnesotans have made their own, unique masks. They communicate in a way words can’t about how traumatic…

Elk Illegally Killed in Sawyer County

If You Have any Information You Are Asked to Contact Police

(courtesy: Fox 9) SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities are on the lookout in Sawyer County after someone shot and killed an elk illegally there. Police say the elk was killed sometime between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Saturday along the State Highway 77 near Forest Road 174. If you have any information on the case you are asked to contact…

Minnesota Supreme Court Rejects Line 3 Pipeline Challenges

The Court Rejected the Requests in a One-Page Order Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to take up challenges by tribal and conservation groups to the environmental review of Enbridge Energy’s proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The court rejected the requests in a one-page order Tuesday. The project could have faced a long delay if the…

State Health Officials Investigate State Fair E. coli Outbreak, 11 People Sick

Six of the Ill People Were Hospitalized

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials say at least 11 people got sick with E. coli infections after visiting the Minnesota State Fair this summer. The Minnesota Department of Health says six of the ill people were hospitalized, and one developed a potentially fatal complication. One person is still hospitalized. Cases range in age from 2 to 43 years…

Duluth, Cloquet Wendy’s Closes Its Doors

The Miller Hill Mall Wendy's Will Remain Open

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wendy’s fast food restaurants located on London Road in Duluth and in Cloquet have permanently closed their doors. According to the Wendy’s manager at the London Road restaurant, a local Burger King franchisee has purchased both of the locations. Employees at both locations will have the opportunity to work at the new Burger King fast food…

Midday Update 9-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

University Developing Faster Test for Fatal Deer Disease

The U of M Hopes to Develop the Test in Two Years

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – With Minnesota’s archery deer season underway, hunters in the state’s hot zones for chronic wasting disease are figuring out where to drop off the heads of their deer for testing. The science for detecting the fatal brain disease is making progress. But tissue samples must be sent out of state, and results take a few…

Violent Robbery Videos Go Viral Amid Police Shortage in Minneapolis

Police say There Were 23 Robberies Over the Course of One Week in August Alone

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CNN) – Cameras caught a violent robbery committed in broad daylight in downtown Minneapolis. Authorities say it’s part of a pattern of increased crime in the city that many say should be a wake-up call. According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office one victim was jumped on and run over with a bike in the aftermath of a…

UPDATE: Threat Evacuates Some University of St. Thomas Buildings

Classes are Cancelled Until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday

UPDATE: ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The University of St. Thomas has given the all clear after several buildings were evacuated on its St. Paul campus following a bomb threat. The university tweeted the four buildings evacuated have been search and cleared, including the John Roach Center, the Anderson Student Center, the O’Shaughnessy Science Center and the Facilities Design Center….

Spicy or Mild? Head of the Lakes United Way Hosting Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Head of the Lakes United Way Chili Cook-Off is Happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Head of the Lakes United Way is happy to be spilling the beans on the 28th annual Chili Cook-Off happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the DECC Arena. This year four newcomers will be entered into the competition, vying to win one of eleven trophies up for grabs. Local organizations will be providing…

Morning Update 9-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Lawyer: Ex-Wisconsin Nurse to Plead Guilty to Hurting Babies

Kaphaem Allegedly Injured Nine NICU Infants

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A defense attorney says a former Wisconsin nurse is prepared to plead guilty to hurting infants in a Madison hospital’s intensive care unit. Forty-three-year-old Christopher Kaphaem faces 19 felony child abuse counts involving nine infants. WKOW-TV reports Kaphaem’s attorney, Jonas Bednarek, notified the court of the plea in a letter Monday. Bednarek wrote that his client…

Republican Fitzgerald Announces Run for Congress

Democrat Tom Palzewicz is Also Running

(courtesy: twitter) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is running for Congress to succeed retiring longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner. Fitzgerald announced his bid Tuesday on WISN-AM. He is the first Republican to enter the race. His newly launched campaign website prominently features a picture of Fitzgerald next to President Donald Trump, who is giving…

One Dead, One Arrested After Car Went Into Kettle River

The Driver Was Arrested and Booked

WILLOW RIVER, Minn – A 47-year-old male from the Pine County area died after the car he was a passenger in went into Kettle River near Willow River on Monday. Authorities say they received reports of a vehicle in the Kettle River around 3:48 p.m. The caller told dispatch people were in the water and that they believed someone was…

Service Center Provides One Stop Shop For Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. – “For the Vietnam veterans and those that lived through the draft, they answered the call,” Virginia Veteran Service Officer, Tyler Behnke says. There are just under 18,000 veterans in St. Louis County alone. Some of them may have variety of questions, and the service center has answers. “We’re just kind of like a clearing house or google…

New Superior Fire Chief Taking Over in October

Current Battalion Chief Scott Gordon is taking the reigns from current Chief Steve Panger who is retiring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Battalion Chief Scott Gordon is a couple weeks away from taking over as fire chief of the Superior Fire Department. He is taking the reigns from current Chief Steve Panger who is retiring. This changing of the guard comes with many new things helping at the department. They have a new rig, new turnout gear, and new…

Getting Eclectic about Electric Vehicles at Duluth’s First Show and Tell Event

Event showcased different electric vehicles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s first ever Electric Vehicle Show and Tell was held at the electric car charging lot near Endion Station. The event showcased a range of electric vehicles, including Teslas, Chevy Volts, electric motorcycles and more. Experts were on hand to help answer questions about electric vehicles. They say some people still have their doubts about this newer driving…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Strike, Hospital Says Could Cause Reduced Services

Strike set for October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth have voted to strike after months of failed negotiations with hospital administration. The strike is set for October 3rd, and in the meantime a contract can still be reached between the two sides, as they are still set to return to the negotiating table this Friday. The nurses have been calling…

Homeless Man Charged in Adas Israel Synagogue Fire

Charges do not include arson, still no evidence of it being a hate crime.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 36–year–old Duluth homeless man, is now charged with starting the fire that destroyed the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in downtown Duluth one week ago. The charges don’t involve arson as Duluth Police recommended. Matthew Amiot had his first court appearance on Monday, charged with one count of negligent fires, and one count of negligent fires resulting in…

State Patrol: Driver Passes Out From Drug Use, Crosses Into Opposite Lane

ITASCA CO., Minn — A 19 year-old man passed out while driving after using drugs on Monday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. He was driving north on Highway 38 in the Deer Lake Unorganized Territory. After the man passed out while driving, his car went over the centerline and into a ditch. It then hit a retaining wall…

New Trail Work Begins at Ely’s Peak

It is all part of a volunteering project with employees at National Bank of Commerce.

DULUTH, Minn. – New trail work has begun at Ely’s Peak near Gary New Duluth. It is all part of a volunteering project with employees at National Bank of Commerce. The bike trail is in an area that already has miles of trails. The bank employees cleared the way by taking out small trees, roots, and rocks so mountain bikes…

Grant Secured for New Breathing Apparatus at Superior Fire Department

The station is getting 38 new sets breathing apparatuses including the tanks, masks, and equipment.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As current Superior Fire Department Chief Steve Panger is set to retire at the end of September, he was able to secure a FEMA grant for new breathing equipment. The station is getting 38 new sets breathing apparatuses including the tanks, masks, and equipment. The new gear allows firefighters to go into more confined spaces as well,…

UMD Students Get Opportunity To Meet With Future Employers

Freshmen to seniors, students filled the Kirby Ballroom to meet local employers

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a big day fro UMD students looking to make some professional connections. They got the chance to meet with employers about possible internships and job opportunities. Everyone from freshmen to soon to be graduating seniors were invited to this special job fair. The students filled the Kirby Ballroom meeting with employers from both Minnesota and Wisconsin….

New Way To Eliminate Drug Epidemic

The White House has approved St. Louis County to be part of its High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program

DULUTH, Minn.- To cut back on the current drug epidemic in northeast Minnesota, the White House has announced that St. Louis County has been approved a part of the existing High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program. The program provides counties assistance in the coordinating efforts between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials. “Investigations are becoming more and more…

St. Luke’s Nurses File Notice to Strike

Nurses Will Try Again to Reach an Agreement on September 20

DULUTH, Minn. – Nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital have filed a 10-day notice that they intend to hold a one-day strike on October 3, according to the Minnesota Nurses Association. The nurses will try again to reach an agreement on a new three-year contract with the hospital on September 20. MNA says if an agreement is not reached by 7:00…

Lift Bridge Dropped to One Lane for Inspection

The Bridge Will Reduce to One Lane 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Through Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Aerial Lift Bridge will drop down to one lane between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and Tuesday. According to the City of Duluth, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is conducting a critical inspection of the bridge. The Bridge will resume two-way traffic after 5:00 p.m. both days. The city says traffic flow…

Dairy Industry Pushes Back Against new Manure Storage Rules

State Agriculture Officials are Crafting New Standards

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin dairy industry is raising a stink about potential new regulations governing where factory farms can store manure. State agriculture officials are crafting new farm standards to serve as a template for local ordinances. The standards would expand setbacks for manure storage. New farms with 1,000 or more animals as well as farms looking to…

Suspect Formally Charged in Duluth Synagogue Fire

Matthew Amiot, 36, Was Arrested Friday for Suspected Arson

DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless suspect arrested last Friday for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue fire has been formally charged. According to court records Matthew James Amiot, 36, has been charged with negligent fires and negligent fires-human being injured/bodily harm. Amiot was arrested for first degree arson on Friday, but right now police say there is no evidence that this…

Midday Update 9-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 16, 2019.

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples  for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Registration Now Open for New North End Nightmare 5K

The 5K is Happening Saturday, October 26 in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Are you in the mood for spooktacular fun? How about a little exercise before loading on those candy calories? Grandma’s Marathon and the Young Athletes Foundation are proud to be hosting the first ever North End Nightmare 5K taking place during the North End Spooktacular in Superior. The 5K will take place on Saturday, October 26. The…

35th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest to Support Scholarship Program

Coffee Conversation: Chester Bowl Fall Fest Happening Saturday, September 21 at Chester Bowl in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend it’s estimated more than 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park to help celebrate the changing of seasons and support local businesses. The 35th annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday, September 21 at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if…

Minnesota Man Gets 28 Years in Prison for Producing, Distributing Child Porn

Campbell Was Also Given 25 Years of Supervised Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography. Thirty-seven-year-old Nicholas Campbell, of Otsego, was also given 25 years of supervised released during sentencing last week in federal court in St. Paul. Prosecutors say FBI agents seized a large volume of electronic evidence from Campbell’s home…

Esko Students Evacuated Due to Carbon Monoxide Concerns

Students Were Evacuated to a Nearby Church

  UPDATE Esko, Minn: Staff and students were given the all-clear to return to the building around 11:00 a.m. Monday morning. According to officials the issue stemmed from a malfunctioning water heater. “The exposure limit was very low and minute school started at 8 oclock this morning it was called out around nine and again the levels were in the…

Evers Creates Task Force to Study Retirement Savings

The Task Force Will Study The Amount of Money Retired People Have Saved

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has created a task force to study issues facing the growing number of retired people in Wisconsin, particularly the amount of money they have saved. Evers signed an executive order Monday creating the group that is led by state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and include members of Evers’ administration, Republican and Democratic…

Morning Update 9-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

No Deal: Auto Workers Strike Against GM in Contract Dispute

49,000 Union Members Went on Strike Monday

DETROIT (AP) – More than 49,000 members of the United Auto Workers union went on strike early Monday as contract talks with General Motors broke down. Union members walked out of factories and set up picket lines at 33 plants across the nation as well as 22 parts warehouses. UAW Vice President Terry Dittes says a strike is the union’s…

Park Point Community Plays Ball Together

All ages gather to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Park Point community got outside for the last few days of the Summer before Fall moves in. Folks of all ages gathered at the Lafayette Community Center to play a friendly game of softball, broken into Bayside versus Lakeside teams. Organizers say it’s nice to have neighbors out and mingling together. “I think it’s great…

Man Arrested for Adas Israel Synagogue Fire, Not a Hate Crime Yet Police Say

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson in the first degree.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police announced that they have arrested a suspect for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue fire last Monday. 36–year–old Matthew Amiot was arrested for first degree arson on Friday, but right now police say there is no evidence that this was a hate crime. The suspect is being held at St. Louis County Jail. No formal charges have…

Dachshund Race to Victory at Oktoberfestival

A dog named Keetza was the winning weiner on Sunday and it was not her first win, in fact her owners help her hone her skills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dachshund owners from around the Northland and beyond brought their short and long pups out for a run to hopefully capture the championship collar. A dog named Keetza was the winning weiner on Sunday and it was not her first win, in fact her owners help her hone her skills. “He will run around the house with…

Going to the Chapel at the Gitchee Gumee Wedding Show

Nearly 70 local vendors came out to help make bride's dreams come true.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 70 local vendors were featured at the Gitchee Gumee Wedding Show at the DECC. Everything from dresses to food to cakes were there giving brides a chance to get inspiration in what can be a difficult decision amongst the thousands of choices online. “In general it is hard but at things like this it doesn’t make…

Prayer Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The Global Indigenous Council says there were thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States in just 2016.

DULUTH, Minn. – Missing and murdered Indigenous women were honored on Sunday at a prayer vigil underneath a newly installed billboard bringing awareness to those women. The Global Indigenous Council says there were thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States in just 2016. The billboard is at the corner of Garfield Avenue and Superior Street. The…

Woman Dies After Crashing Car Into Tree

ALBORN, Minn. – A woman died after crashing her car into a tree on Saturday afternoon shortly before 5 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. 61 year-old Rachel Wermter of Culver died after her car skidded off the road and went into the opposite lane, then hit a tree. The sheriff’s office said that speed and alcohol…

Arrest Made in Synagogue Fire, No Evidence of Hate Crime Yet

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference Sunday Duluth Police and Fire announced that a suspect has been arrested for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue Fire. 36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth was arrested for Arson Friday afternoon, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said. Charges are imminent, meanwhile authorities recommended charging Amiot with arson in the first degree. Despite being arrested…

Celebrating Sustainable Farming at UMD Farm Fest

7th Annual Farm Fest features fresh local music, fresh produce, and fresh conversation.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students, local food vendors, and community members turned out for UMD Land Lab’s 7th Annual Farm Fest Saturday. Families were invited to come hear live local music and shop freshly picked produce. They also joined the conversation about local farming and sustainability in Northland agriculture. “Just getting people to have a connection with their food system, I think…

Fun with Farm Life at Mr. Ed’s Farm

Farm invites people for free for Old Farm Day.

HIBBING, Minn.- A real life Old McDonald showed his farm off to the public Saturday, and with a moo moo here and a cluck cluck there, Old Farm Day provided great entertainment for all ages. “A farm is a place that brings together plants, animals, soil, water sun and creates life,” said farm owner Ed Nelson. Just hop on a…

Shofar Blown at Adas Israel Synagogue Site

Synagogue was destroyed by fire on September 9th

DULUTH, Minn. – A shofar horn was blown Saturday evening at the site of the Adas Israel Synagogue, which was destroyed by fire early Monday morning. Many of Charles Edward Cohen’s family members belonged to the synagogue’s congregation. He says by blowing the shofar, he’s serving God’s will, blessing the land, and spreading love. “He called me to come here…

Firemen’s Picnic Allows Kids to Meet their Heroes

The picnic brings kids from all over the the town to try out their firefighting skills.

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – Each year the town of Superior hangs out with their local firefighters for a day of fun and games at a picnic. The picnic brings kids from all over the the town to try out their firefighting skills. They get time to put out pretend house fires and even meet the heroes who protect their…

24th NorthShore Inline Marathon Glides to Canal Park

This year the inline marathon was a special comeback story from one 77-year-old athlete who has been inline skating for nearly 20 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Speeding down past the Minnesota Slip Bridge were 1,500 athletes inline skating and inline skiing into the finish line at the end of a marathon from Two Harbors. Hundreds of men and women, children and seniors, were all on wheels for the 24th annual marathon. This year the inline marathon was a special comeback story from one…