News

Morning Update 6-21-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 21, 2019

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

First Day of Summer Sweet Treat: Rhubarb Sorbet

COOKING CONNECTION: Loves Creamery Teaches Us How To Make Sorbet At Home!

DULUTH (LINCOLN PARK), Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Love Creamery teaches us how to make a Rhubarb Sorbet from home! RECIPE: Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet 2 Cups cooked down rhubarb 2 Cups seeded strawberries 1 Cup sugar (really, sugar to taste. One can make this one sweeter or less sweet) Mix all ingredients together, blend Freeze in an ice…

Divided Wisconsin Supreme Court Sides With GOP

The Court Ruled 4-3 on Friday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Conservatives who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court have sided with Republicans legislators in saying they legally called a lame-duck legislative session to pass laws limiting the powers of the new Democratic governor and attorney general. The court ruled 4-3 Friday along ideological lines. The majority says the Wisconsin Constitution gives the Legislature the authority to decide…

Civic Center Farmer’s Market is Open For The Season

The Civic Center Farmers market runs every Thursday until September 26th.

DULUTH, Minn. – The perfect place to grab fresh vegetables or a pick up a quick lunch is now open for the season. The Civic Center Farmer’s Market is back for a second year. Tables of vendors lined up outside the Duluth courthouse to sell a variety of goods such as fresh produce and jewelry. The Juice Farm was also…

St. Luke’s Unveils Newly Remodeled Inpatient Pharmacy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s celebrated the unveiling of their $1.5 million remodeled inpatient pharmacy. The project expanded the pharmacy from about 2,500 square feet to nearly 4,000 square feet. The added room provides more workspace to help keep up with new federal health requirements. The project also included upgrading the pharmacy’s security system and adding new sterile rooms for…

Canal Park Tents Being Set-up for Grandma’s Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The tents are being set up in the parking lot in the middle of Canal Park. Live performances will be there Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening. Tent set-up started Monday morning. Workers tell us it’s like the ultimate game of Tetris, fitting everything they need into one parking lot. But they love the experience and…

DECC Prepares for Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Two thousand pounds of pasta will be prepared for the Michelina's all-you-can-eat dinner

DULUTH, Minn. The tradition of carb-o loading is still strong before Grandma’s Marathon. Meal preparation began Monday including two thousand pounds of pasta, five thousand pounds of sauce, and more than thirty thousand meatballs for the Michelina’s all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner Friday at the DECC. Those organizing the event say the event continues to grow. “It’s the place to be during…

Hayward Family Has a Unique Grandma’s Marathon Tradition

Each family member runs the full marathon the year they turn 40

DULUTH, Minn. – A family from Hayward has a unique Grandma’s Marathon tradition. Steve Boss, his two daughters, and his son will run Grandma’s Marathon together on Saturday. Every time one of the family members celebrates their fortieth birthday, they’re expected to run their first full marathon. Steve’s daughter, Jessica Galde, turned forty in April. This year, she’ll become the…

Grandma’s Runners Pick Up Race Packets

Thousands of runners were at the DECC preparing for Grandma's races

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of runners are at the DECC getting ready for race day. They’re buying last-minute supplies and picking up their race packets. The packets are given to runners in Grandma’s Full Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K. They include a list of start times and pickup locations, and a bib number….

DTA Continues to Monitor Progress on New Electric Buses

The DTA purchased 7 new electric buses in the Fall of 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- DTA officials are continuing efforts to fix issues with their 7 new electric buses, an investment costing nearly 10 million dollars to get them on the streets last Fall. Since they were primarily funded by a federal grant, the buses were tracked carefully throughout Winter. Officials found that an average battery for the electric buses will only last…

Lake Superior Estuarium Gets Kids Excited About Nature

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This summer, the Lake Superior Estuarium on Barker’s Island and The River Rover Playgroup welcomes toddlers from the Northland to take part in getting to know about nature. Tiny tots from the Northland spent the day wandering through gardens and trails across from the estuarium. With magnifying glasses in hand, they took a closer look at flowers…

Grandma’s Marathon Preps in Full Swing in Two Harbors

The calm before the storm as the site for the starting line is ready for thousands of runners and spectators

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- With all the people coming to the Northland, it means a lot of work is going on behind the scenes. Rain or shine, come Saturday morning, thousands of runners and spectators will gather in Two Harbor’s for the 2019 Grandma’s Marathon. Ready or not. Here they come. As the start line for Grandma’s Marathon is ready for…

Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Remains at 2.8%

The State Gained 1,800 Private Sector Jobs Between April and May

(Jeff Morehead/The Chronicle-Tribune via AP, File)MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s unemployment rate remains at a record low. The state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate for May was 2.8%, the same as in April. That matched the record low of 2.8% reached in April 2018. The state gained 1,800 private sector jobs between April and May….

Hilltoppers Baseball Rallies to Defeat Redhawks, Claim Class AA Championship

Duluth Marshall scored three in the top of the seventh to defeat Minnehaha Academy and win the state championship.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – After falling in the class AA state championship game last year, the Duluth Marshall baseball team finally reached the top, as the No. 1 seed Hilltoppers defeated No. 2 seed Minnehaha Academy 4-2 to claim the 2019 class AA state title. The Redhawks, who handed the Hilltoppers their only loss of the season back in April, took…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs Drunken Driving Bills

The Bills now go to the State Senate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Assembly has approved two bills that would stiffen drunken driving penalties. The first measure would require anyone arrested for a first offense to appear in court. Currently a first offense is a civil violation, not a criminal one, and people can skip their initial court appearance. The bill also would eliminate provisions in state…

Wilderness Society Sues for BWCA Mining Decision Documents

The Lawsuit was Filed Thursday in Federal Court in Washington

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Wilderness Society is suing the Trump administration to try to force the release of documents on its decision to lift restrictions on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. The Trump administration last year canceled a proposed 20-year ban on mining in the Boundary Waters watershed and an associated environmental study…

Midday Update 6-20-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 20, 2019

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot give an update on local news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 20. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

1 in 6 ER Visits or Hospital Stays Triggers ‘Surprise’ Bill

Congressional Lawmakers are Moving to Close the Loophole

WASHINGTON (AP) – A new study says about once in every six times someone is taken to an emergency room or checks in to a hospital, the treatment is followed by a “surprise” medical bill. The report Thursday from the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation also finds that depending on what state you live in, the odds can be much higher….

Local Competitive Eater Looks to “Make Hotdish Great Again” Saturday

Fortune Bay Resort Casino is Hosting a Hotdish Competitve Eating Competition Saturday, June 22 at 3:00 p.m.

TOWER, Minn. – On Saturday, June 22, wild rice hotdish will be on the menu at Fortune Bay Resort Casino in Tower, Minnesota. 14 major league eating athletes from across the nation will be in the area vying for the top spot as Wild Rice Hotdish-Eating Champion. Thursday morning, local competitive eater John Rembold and Sammy Richter from Fortune Bay…

Morning Update 6-20-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 20, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 20. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Minnesota State College System to Raise Tuition by 3%

Leaders say They Need to Raise Tuition to Keep up with Inflation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota State college system’s board of trustees has voted to raise tuition by 3% this fall as enrollment declines. The Star Tribune reports that the board of trustees approved a $2.1 billion budget for the 37 universities and community colleges in the system, which has lost almost a fifth of its enrollment over the past decade….

Maternity Home Hopes to Help Homeless Mothers

Star of the North Maternity House holds Grand Opening.

DULUTH, Minn.-Affordable housing is hard to find for many in the Northland, but one organization is hoping to change that for the city’s new and soon –to—be moms. Together for Life Northland held the grand opening of their Star of the North Maternity Home, on the upper floor of the Morning Star Women and Birthing Center on East Superior Street….

Duluth Reflects on Devastating Flood of 2012

"I hadn't been through anything quite like that in my 30 years of running restaurants."

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven years ago, the Northland was struck by a historic flash flood that destroyed cities, including Duluth. On June 19, 2012, heavy rain rolled through Duluth prompting the entire city to take cover. The next morning many woke up to damaged homes, roads and other infrastructure. More than 800 houses were assessed by the city for livability….

DECC Prepares for Grandma’s Marathon, Officials Monitoring Weather

Getting things ready for Health and Fitness Expo, Spaghetti Dinner.

DULUTH, Minn.- Before runners take off on either the William A. Irvin 5K, Half, or Grandma’s Full Marathon, they get to eat and shop around some products at the DECC. The two halls of the DECC were empty Wednesday, but these crews are preparing for the Essentia Health and Fitness Expo Thursday and Friday. “It’s really the gateway for people…

Lake Superior Zoo After the 2012 Flood

After major damage and missing and dead animals, Zoo says they're back and better than ever.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo was one of many areas ripped apart by the 2012 Northland Flash Floods. Now, seven years later, they’re on the right track, according to Zoo officials. The 2012 flood damaged the Barnyard, destroyed the Polar Shores exhibit, and claimed the lives of fourteen animals, even leaving a seal stranded on a nearby street. Now…

Torch Run Makes Stop in Duluth

The Flame of Hope made it's way around Duluth Wednesday afternoon before heading to the Twin Cities

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier in the week, the Flame of Hope Torch began its trip from Thunder Bay Canada to the Twin Cities, and today the torch was in Duluth starting its final leg to the Twin Cities. Seventeen bikers and runners along with law enforcement representatives made their way around Duluth today. They are celebrating the beginning of the Minnesota…

Hundreds Take Part in Day of Caring Event

Volunteers were seen up and down the railroad tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of volunteers fanned out across Duluth today for the United Way’s Day of Caring. Volunteers walked a three mile stretch along the Lakewalk on the North Shore Scenic Railroad and picked up trash and debris preventing it from getting into Lake Superior. Two volunteers we spoke to said making Duluth look clean is important, but with Grandma’s…

Lake Superior College Hosts Crash Simulation

Middle School aged kids saw the harsh reality of what could happen Wednesday when not paying attention on the roads

DULUTH, Minn.- They are not old enough to drive yet, but on Wednesday, 60 middle school aged campers saw the harsh reality of what could happen if they aren’t paying attention on the roads. Mock victims feigned injuries with cuts and bruises all over their bodies, showing young kids what distracted driving could lead to. The simulation had a dual…

Special Summit Promotes Bonding Between Generations

DULUTH, Minn. –  A variety of age groups from around the Northland shared stories and ideas for projects used to help build inter-generational connections during a special summit in Duluth. The Age to Age program launched in 2008 with the purpose of creating a pathway to get children and young adults to engage with the older generations. Not only is…

New Regents President to Focus on Internships, Counseling

UW Officials Will Continue to Make the Case for More Money

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – New University of Wisconsin System regents President Drew Petersen wants to focus on student internships and counseling. Petersen said in telephone interview that he wants to expand student internship opportunities, particularly in undergraduate research. He added he wants to invest more in student support services and counseling, saying kids are under more stress than ever before….

Duluth Police: Teen’s Death Ruled as Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, Ausineese Dufault’s manner of death has been listed as a suicide following lab results from the Midwest Medical Examiner and the investigation of the DPD Violent Crimes Unit. A preliminary report confirmed last month that Dufault’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities discovered Dufault, 16, dead…

At Least One Dead After Semi Explodes on I-94 in Wisconsin

(Katelyn Planka via AP) UPDATE: (AP) – A county coroner official says two people are dead after a semi crashed on an interstate in southeastern Wisconsin, exploding and setting fire to other vehicles. A WTMJ-TV photographer who witnessed the crash says the semi jumped the median on I-94 about 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the accident happened near…

Encouraging Conversation for Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Conversation Regarding Elder Abuse Awareness is Encouraged Throughout the Month of June

SUPERIOR, Wis. – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day takes place annually on June 15, as the world recognizes Elder Abuse Month. It’s an international observance, coming to be as a result of UN resolution 66/127. With a rapidly growing global population of seniors, and as longevity increases, abuse of the elderly is an increasing reality affecting health and human rights….

Midday Update 6-19-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 29, 2019

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot give a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, morning update, weather

Wisconsin Justices to Hand Down Lame-Duck Ruling

The Court Plans to Release its Decision Friday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Supreme Court is ready to hand down a ruling in a lawsuit challenging Republican’s lame-duck laws limiting Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul’s powers. The court plans to release its decision Friday morning. The ruling will settle a lawsuit brought by a group of liberal-leaning organizations that contends the Legislature convened…

Minnesota Skating Coach Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Student

Sentencing is set for September 27

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A figure skating coach has pleaded guilty in Hennepin County to sexually abusing a student. Forty-eight-year-old Thomas Incantalupo, of St. Louis Park, entered the plea to two counts of criminal sexual conduct Tuesday for abusing the girl beginning when she was 14 years old in 2015 and continuing for two years. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says…

“Carrie: the Musical” Takes Over The Underground Theater

Performances Begin Thursday, June 20 at The Undergound Theater in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is extending prom season this year! Their production of “Carrie: the Musical” will be staged June 20 – 22 and June 27 – 29 starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Underground located in the lower level of the Depot, 506 West Michigan Street. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students. The performance…

Raptor Ridge Soars into Great Lakes Aquarium Friday

Raptor Ridge is an Exhibit Five Years in the Making, Costing $120,000

DULUTH, Minn. – As thousands of runners make their way into Canal Park Friday, others will flock to the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth for the opening of their new exhibit, Raptor Ridge. Officials with the Aquarium believe the new experience is full of lessons and environmental education. “Granted, don’t get me wrong, fish are great, I love fish,” said…

Morning Update 6-19-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Great Lakes States, Provinces Team up on Invasive Species

More Than 180 non-Native Species Have Been Introduced Into the Great Lakes

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – The eight states and two Canadian provinces in the Great Lakes region have agreed to cooperate on enforcing invasive species laws. They will share information and team up to investigate suspected violations, including possession and transport of banned exotic species such as Asian carp . An organization representing the region’s governors and premiers announced Monday…

Leaked Email Raises new Questions About PolyMet Water Permit

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A leaked email has raised new questions about how state and federal regulators handled a major permit for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The e-mail asks Environmental Protection Agency officials not to file written comments on the water quality permit during Minnesota’s public comment period, which had the effect of…

Deck Of Cards Picks Council Pres.; Mayor Paine Vetoes Censure Against Councilor Van Sickle

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was a heated Superior City Council meeting Tuesday night that included a censure vote and a cutting of the cards to finally pick a council president after three failed votes at past council meetings. In a 6-4 vote, the council sided with City Attorney Frog Prell’s Report — against Mayor Paine’s Conclusion — that a deck…

Great Outdoors: Grandma’s Runners Prepare for Marathon

Duluth Running Company busy with runners getting gear

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon runners will make their way down the North Shore this Saturday. Thousands will run 26.2 miles from Two Harbors to Canal Park in Duluth. Local shops are making sure the runners have everything they need to finish Grandma’s Marathon. “The energy is palpable, you can feel it. Everybody is really excited,” said Dayeton Tolle, a…

Hillside Farmer’s Market Reaches Families in Need

Market open every Tuesday afternoon through the end of October

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hillside Farmer’s Market is now open for the season with a focus on reaching families in need. The market at Fifth Avenue East and Third Street is a much needed food option in a neighborhood where nearly twenty percent of people don’t have access to transportation for groceries. Vendors like Golden Gardens of Willow River sell…

City Officials Preparing for Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – The 43rd annual Grandma’s Marathon is on Saturday, and city officials are busy preparing for the day. Roads along the route will be closed starting Saturday at 4 a.m. and will start opening back up around 2 p.m.. There will also be extra police presence to make sure everyone stays safe. Officers will even be coming from…

Duluth Area High School Soccer Players Sent to Sweden

Soccer Exchange gives Duluth students a taste of Swedish Culture.

DULUTH, Minn.- As part of a 22-year-program with Duluth’s sister city Vaxjo, Duluth-area high school soccer players headed to Sweden to play soccer, and be hosted by Swedish students. They’ll spend 18 days experiencing Swedish culture, and of course, soccer. On Tuesday students said goodbye to their families before hopping on the buses to MSP, where they’ll board a flight…

Hanging Flower Baskets Go Up in Canal Park

Greater Downtown Council puts up baskets to beautify Canal Park before Summer and Grandmas's

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s beginning to look like summer in Canal Park, as the hanging flower baskets have started going up, just in time for Grandma’s Marathon. More than 100 baskets were delivered and hung up Tuesday morning. Greater Downtown Council leaders said it’s important to liven up the scenery in Canal Park. “This is just important aesthetics for the Downtown…

Community Officers Clean Up Abandoned Homeless Camps

Anyone who is uncomfortable picking up needles found in public areas are asked to call the Sharps hotline at 218-730-4001.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police community officers coordinated with park rangers and other city staff to help clean up a few areas known to be abandoned homeless camps. Officers filled two dump trucks full with trash and debris. During the cleanup they found old couches and clothes. They also to picked up any drug needles left behind. The Duluth police…