News

Donations Impacting Decisions at Animal Allies Humane Society

A Stray Chihuahua is Struck and Left on the Side of a Duluth Road; Healing Hearts and Paws Fund to Pay for Emergency Surgery

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the years, FOX 21 has reported on countless fundraising efforts by Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. In this week’s Animal Answers, donors get a first hand look at how continued support and generosity is making an impact on a daily basis. This week, staff at the shelter have had to make many decisions based on…

Morning Update 9-11-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Nurses Ratify Agreement For Three-Year Contract With Essentia Health

St. Luke's nurses have yet to reach agreement with hospital

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association has accepted the terms of a new three-year contract with Essentia Health, according to a press release from the group. The previous contract expired on June 30th, and Essentia Health nurses have been working without one since then. Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s nurses went on informational strikes this summer to raise…

St. Luke’s Nurses Prepared to Strike After Failed Negotiations

Nurses say they need safer staffing. more consistent scheduling.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses at Saint Luke’s in Duluth are one step closer to a possible strike after negotiations stalled between the hospital and its union on Monday. It’s happening as nurses at Essentia Health are voting on their new contract. After negotiating for about 18 hours, Saint Luke’s nurses and management will return to the bargaining table again on Wednesday….

UW-Superior Teams To Raise Money For Mental Health Awareness

The funds raised will go towards supporting healthier lives of all on campus

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Tuesday, which is National Suicide Prevention Day, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds in the world. Athletes at UW-Superior are trying to help raise awareness about the problem. Throughout the year, Yellowjacket sports teams are playing “Cause Games” as they are know by. Proceeds from the games will benefit the “Pruitt Center For Mindfulness and…

Authorities Still Not Ruling Out Crime in Adas Israel Fire, Investigation Continues

Police are interviewing two people of interest and those living around the synagogue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Police Chief Mike Tusken has ordered nearly two dozen officers and detectives with the Duluth Police Department to find out if anybody started the fire at the Adas Israel Synagogue, a place of worship for more than a century. The Chief said his department is following up interviews with two people of interest who were at the scene…

Raising Fund For Abuse Education

The First Witness Child Advocacy Center is looking to raise $50,000 for education of all ages about child abuse

DULUTH, Minn.- September is “I Stand With Kids Month” which recognizes the grave problem of child abuse in society, and rallies a call to action to prevent it. Which is why, The First Witness Child Advocacy Center announced on Tuesday a campaign to raise $50,000 to support local school districts. 1 in 6 girls and 1 in 8 boys are…

Local Employers Seek Out UWS Students to Fill Job Openings

Number of employers attending the fair has doubled compared to previous years.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been about a week since students have been back on campus. and many local employers are jumping at the opportunity to reach out to students to fill job openings. Students could check out more than one hundred booths at this year’s fest. Director of Academic Advising Cortney Alexander-Doyle says “It’s so much fun. It’s a little…

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Repair Homes for Older Adults

Organization working on six homes this week in the Two Harbors area

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Habitat for Humanity is repairing six houses in the Two Harbors area. It’s part of the organization’s Age in Place program, which helps older adults stay in their homes. The sounds of power tools and demolition pierce through a quiet Two Harbors morning as volunteers remove the old front porch from Cheryl Sundstrom’s house. “So when…

Powersports Safety Event Coming Thursday to Superior

Event runs from 3:30pm - 6:30pm at Superior Middle School

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Hundreds of people die in ATV related accidents every year, and most of them were not wearing helmets. This week, a powersports safety event in Superior will teach people how to safely use their equipment. The Let’s Ride program was co-founded by “Nitro Circus” star, Hubert Rowland. “No matter where you go, you’ll run into someone that…

Cases of Rare Fungal Disease Rise in Northern Minnesota

The Infections are Caused by Fungi in the Ground

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – A summer of heavy rains has caused a rise in cases of a rare fungal infection in northern Minnesota. So far this year, more than 45 people and 150 animals have been diagnosed with blastomycosis. Last year, only 31 human cases and fewer than 100 animal infections were reported by this time. An epidemiologist with the…

Moose Lake Police Chief on Paid Leave

There is no Word on Why Bogenholm Was Put on Leave

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. –  Moose Lake police chief Bryce Bogenholm was put on paid leave last month according to city officials. Bogenholm, a nine-year-veteran of the department, was placed on leave August 26. At this time there has been no word on why Bogenholm was put on leave or when he will return. City officials verified that there is no…

AMSOIL Arena to Offer Seven New Concession Food Items

The New Items Will Debut on October 5

DULUTH, Minn. AMSOIL Arena is rolling out seven new food items at its concessions stands on October 5. The new items include: Fish Tacos: Beer-battered cod with red and green cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado poblano sauce. Served with an accoutrement of chips and salsa. Hand-Dipped Corn Dog: All beef hotdog hand-dipped in corn meal batter, paired with a creamy raspberry…

Midday Update 9-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 10, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Trump Fires National Security Adviser John Bolton

Bolton Submitted his Resignation Tuesday Morning

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has fired national security adviser John Bolton. Trump tweeted Tuesday that he told Bolton Monday night that his services were no longer needed at the White House. I informed John Bolton last night that his services are no longer needed at the White House. I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did…

St. Luke’s Nurses Schedule Strike Vote by End of Week

Essentia Nurses Vote on new Contract Today

DULUTH, Minn. – Nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital are one step closer to a possible strike after negotiations stalled between the hospital and the Minnesota Nurses Association Monday night. Negotiations lasted until nearly 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday and according to MNA spokesperson Rick Fuentes they did not go well. According to Fuentes, St. Luke’s nurses and management will return to…

Morning Update 9-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 10, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Republican Tiffany Launches Run for Congress in Wisconsin

A Special Election Date Has Yet to be Determined

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany is running for Congress in northern Wisconsin to replace U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, who is resigning in two weeks. Tiffany announced his candidacy on Tuesday, casting himself as a “proven conservative.” He has been in the state Legislature since 2011 and is a member of the Legislature’s powerful budget-writing committee. Other…

The Latest: No Accelerant Signs at Minnesota Synagogue Fire

Two Investigators Assigned From the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a preliminary investigation has found no signs of accelerants at a fire that destroyed a historic synagogue in northern Minnesota. But Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said Monday that further investigation will have to be done once the building is stabilized. Firefighters responded to the fire at the Adas Israel Congregation in downtown Duluth…

Mother Charged With Neglect After 42-Pound Teen Son Dies

She is Due Back in Court on September 18

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A Milwaukee mother is facing neglect charges after the medical examiner determined her 42-pound teenage son died of severe malnutrition. A criminal complaint says Iraida Pizarro-Osorio brought her 16-year-old son to a medical clinic in Milwaukee last week after he became unresponsive. The teen died at the clinic. The complaint says he weighed just 42 pounds. Pizarro-Osorio…

No Cause Known for Adas Israel Fire, Police Chief Not Ruling Out Arson

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The charred remains are all that stands of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. At a press conference at City Hall, officials said while it is early in the investigation, arson has not been ruled out, and they are interviewing people of interest. “We have today interviewed a couple of people of interest and we will see…

Take One Last Look Inside The Exchange

DULUTH, MN – Mark Edwards has been in the restaurant business for over 40 years. “I was at Spirit Mountain when they first opened and unpacked the plates from the straw back then,” Exchange Cafe and Bakery Owner, Mark Edwards says. The Exchange bakery and cafe first opened back in 1988, and after his tenure with Spirit Mountain, Edwards took…

Helping Children With Hair Loss

The community came together Monday to donate 8-10 inches of their hair to children across America

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Certain diseases and the treatments for them, such as chemotherapy can cause a child’s hair to fall out, and that can be devastating for kids who just want to fit in and don’t want to be seen as different. Serenity Spa & Salon partnered with a non-profit called ‘Children With Hair Loss’, to have those in the community…

Vision Northland Project Begins

The largest private investment in Duluth's history began Monday

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest private investment in Duluth’s history began Monday as Essentia Health started construction on its 3 year Vision Northland Project. And with it comes road closures that will restrict access to the 1st Street building which is why Essentia is now offering free valet parking via the 2nd Street building enterance at 502 East 2nd Street, something…

School Board Accepting Applications To Fill Josh Gorham’s Seat

The school board voted unanimously to accept applications this month

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School Board is moving forward to fill a vacant seat after last week’s abrupt resignation by Josh Gorham. Gorham cited his frustrations with administration and board leadership for what he calls a “dismissive approach to improving graduation rates and student test scores”. Monday the board held a special meeting and voted unanimously to accept applications this…

Community Reacts to the Loss of Adas Israel Synagogue

DULUTH, Minn. – The Adas Israel Synagogue has served the community for more than a century. Mixed emotions are the overwhelming reaction from many people on the tragic loss of this historical structure. One resident, who lives next door, says loud the sirens woke her up. She was shocked to see the building in flames. “This little shack was inflamed….

Streets Around Adas Israel Synagogue Closed as Fire Crews Investigate Cause

Fire was the biggest they've seen in while, Fire Chief said.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference, the Duluth Fire Chief released an update on the fire that burned down the Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. The East Third Street building caught fire around 2:30 Monday morning, in a blaze the Fire Chief said is the biggest they’ve seen in a while. It took crews a few hours to get the…

Superior Police and Fire Commission Appoint new Fire Chief

Gordon Will Start his new Role on October 1

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police and Fire Commission announced Monday that Battalion Chief Scott Gordon has been appointed as the next fire chief. Gordon, a 27-year veteran of the department, will be taking over for Fire Chief Steve Panger who is retiring on September 30. Panger announced his retirement in July saying the timing is right for him and…

Minnesota Oil Pipeline Fight Highlights Democratic Dilemmas

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A divisive fight over a crude-oil pipeline across Minnesota is pinning Democratic presidential hopefuls between environmentalists and trade unions in the 2020 battleground state. And that’s testing those candidates’ campaign promises to ease away from fossil fuels. Progressive candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have condemned a Canadian company’s plan to replace and…

Tiffany Poised to Launch Run for Congress

Fellow Republican Sen. Petrowski Says he Will not Run for Congress

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican state senator is poised to enter the race for Congress in northern Wisconsin to replace Rep. Sean Duffy, who is resigning in two weeks. Sen. Tom Tiffany said Monday he will make a “special announcement” Tuesday about the 7th Congressional District race. Tiffany plans seven stops across the district over two days. Meanwhile, fellow…

Medical Examiner Cites Drowning as Cause of UMD Student’s Death

Toxicology is Still Pending

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, drowning was cited as the preliminary cause of death for 21-year-old Jacob Lavoie. The UMD student was pulled from the Minnesota Slip in Canal Park around 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Lavoie was last seen leaving Grandma’s Sports Garden around midnight and early morning September 1. The Medical Examiner’s Office says…

Suspect, Shooting Victim Charged in Connection to Maple Shooting

Authorities say This is an Active Investigation

MAPLE, Wis. – One of the suspects, and the shooting victim detained in connection to a shooting incident earlier this month in Maple have been charged. According to court records, 37-year-old Leah Marie Sommerlot has been charged with aiding a felon – falsifying information, obstructing an officer and three counts of misdemeanor bail jumping and 29-year-old Patrick Staton has been…

Watch Live: Sconiers, Attorneys to Announce Federal Lawsuit Against Duluth Public Schools

Watch the Press Conference Live at 11:00 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime Denfeld High School Principal Tonya Sconiers announced on Monday morning she is filing a lawsuit against the Duluth School District. Sconiers was placed on administrative leave in June for unknown reasons. In an email to Fox 21 last month, Superintendent Bill Gronseth said “she was the subject of allegations. The nature of the allegations remains private…

Driver, Child Escaped Fiery Train Crash

Firefighters Kept the Train From Catching Fire

COON RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say an adult and a child escaped from their car just before it was hit by a freight train and caught fire in Coon Rapids. Fire officials say the car got stuck on railroad tracks late Saturday. The driver saw the approaching train and made it out of the vehicle with the child. Firefighters…

Historic Log Church Renovated, Open for 134 More Years of Memories

St. Mary and Joseph Church in Sawyer built in 1884 is open after seven years of renovations.

SAWYER, Minn.- This Sunday mass was no regular one for these churchgoers. They were attending service in the newly restored St. Mary and Joseph Log Church. “They think this is the greatest thing that happened,” said Deacon Bryan Bassa. “I’m just, oh I can’t explain, it’s just out of this world.” Also called the “Sawyer Log Church” and the “Church…

Fans Celebrate Viking First Game Win at the Reef

Game ends 28-12 Vikings.

DULUTH, Minn.- An impressive win for the Minnesota Vikings in their first game of the season as the NFL celebrates its 100th year. “GO VIKINGS! Come on let’s hear it for the Vikings! Woohooo!” Purple was everywhere as Vikings fans flooded the Reef Bar on London Road as fans turned out for the first game of the season. They said…

First Habitat for Humanity Home Dedicated in Duluth in Years

Lincoln Park home dedicated for partner family.

DULUTH, Minn.- Habitat for Humanity dedicated a home in Duluth to a family in need, their first Duluth home in years. The home is located in Lincoln Park. It now belongs to the Witherspoon family who also does work in the community. The family will pay for the home with Habitat’s help. Lake Superior Colleges’ construction program and ISD 709…

Man Accidentally Shot While Bird Hunting in Wisconsin

TOWN OF RED CEDAR, Wis. (AP) – Authorities in western Wisconsin say a 60-year-old man was accidentally shot while bird hunting with family members at a game farm. Dunn County sheriff’s authorities say the four family members were hunting together in the Town of Red Cedar on Sunday morning when one member set a shotgun down against some brush to…

Duluth Drag Races Tear Up Garfield Avenue

12th Annual Drag Races and Car Show draws over 200 drivers to Garfield.

DULUTH, Minn.- Garfield Avenue is the loudest road in town when the 12th Annual Duluth Drag Races rolls into town. The roar of engines, the scream of tires on asphalt, and the smoke rise off of Garfield Avenue. “It’s loud, there’s a lot of smoke from the tires,” said Ryan Kern, President of Kern and Kompany, who put on the…

First Wine Bar and Winery Opens in Superior

Owner handmakes and sells her own wine.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The first wine bar and winery in Superior held its grand opening, and the wines you get there you really can’t get anywhere else. Wine Seller Winery on Belknap Street is selling homemade wines that you can taste and buy for yourself. The owner has been making her own wine for years and wanted to share her creations…

26th Annual Harvest Festival Takes Over Bayfront Park

Farmers, local crafts and artists came out to meet their customers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Harvest Festival took over Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. Farmers and more than 30 local craftspeople and artists showed off their items. They also attended a renewable energy fair to learn more about making farming more sustainable. “This event is a really good time for people to meet their farmers face to face,” said Festival Director…

Gary New Duluth Celebrates Area Culture at 3rd Annual Ethnic Festival

The GND Rec hosts their 3rd annual Ethnic Festival.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Gary New Duluth were brought back to their Eastern European roots Saturday afternoon at the 3rd annual Ethnic Festival. The event was a fundraiser for the GND recreation center, filled with traditional foods, music and activities for the whole community. GND rec officials say it was the perfect way to honor how far the region has come….