News

Midday Update 10-30-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Time Arc Theatre Presents “You’ll Find it at Roth’s”

"You'll Find it at Roth's" Will Debut at the Empire Building in Superior Friday, November 1

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Time Arc Theatre is proud to present its latest production of, “You’ll Find it at Roth’s.” The production will take center stage at the Empire Building (1208 Tower Avenue) in Superior starting Friday, November 1. The production takes place in 1943 Superior. It was locally written, and tells the entertaining and dramatically enthusiastic story of middle aged…

New Business Looks to be Twin Ports Only Pet Uber Service

Poocher Pet Shuttle will Officially Open Monday, November 4

DULUTH, Minn. – Uber and Lyft have skyrocketed in popularity with people over the past few years, but what about transportation for pets? Now one Northland resident has brainstormed an idea, and it’s becoming a reality. “I love animals,” said Gerald Osgan, co-owner of Poocher Pet Shuttle. Osgan is turning his passion into a profession. “It’s to free up people’s…

Wisconsin has Widest Achievement Gap on Nation’s Report Card

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin has the widest achievement gap between black and white students of any state based on results of a test known as the nation’s report card. The National Assessment of Educational Progress test results released Wednesday show no significant change from statewide results a decade ago. However, declining scores for the lowest performing students resulted in…

Morning Update 10-30-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Escaped Inmate Recaptured in Wadena

WADENA, Minn. (AP) – Authorities have caught up with the inmate who escaped in central Minnesota while he was being taken to court. Police say 34-year-old Ryan Petro was apprehended in Wadena Tuesday afternoon. He had been on the run for more than 24 hours, prompting additional police patrols around the Wadena-Deer Creek Public School District. Petro was handcuffed and…

Great Outdoors: Learning Archery Indoors with Duluth Parks and Rec

Archery offered at Washington Center Gym for $5 a person.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever wanted to play Robin Hood or Green Arrow, you can do so once a month, as Duluth Parks and Recreation now offers archery at $5 a person. The sound of an arrow puncturing the target echoes throughout the Washington Center Gym. “It’s just something different, it’s a new skill to learn and interesting,” said student…

Prep Work Begins for Taco Bell on London Road

After sitting vacant for more than a year, the former BP Gas Station on London Road is moving to become a Taco Bell

DULUTH, Minn.- After sitting vacant for more than a year, the former BP Gas Station on London Road in Duluth is moving closer to becoming a Taco Bell. Bulldozers could be seen digging on the site at the corner of London Road and 21st Avenue West. The City of Duluth says full construction hasn’t been given the all-clear just yet,…

Safe Haven Hosts Open House to Raise Awareness About Resources

One in four women and one in seven men nationally are victims of sever physical violence in their lifetime according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

DULUTH, Minn. – Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth held an open house to raise awareness about the resources they offer to help victims involved in domestic violence. One in four women and one in seven men nationally are victims of sever physical violence in their lifetime according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Every year nearly two…

Quilting for a Good Cause

Members of the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild are giving to those in need this holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.- Since April, members of the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild brought a quilt block they never finished to their monthly meeting, and since then everyone has taken one home to work on. Fast forward to Tuesday, and those blocks have now become pillows, blankets, and even bags for everyday use that members of the Guild bid on for…

Fall Market Brings Duluth Vendors Together

Duluth hosts a Fall Market at the Holiday Center through December.

DULUTH, Minn.- People looking for small goodies and sweet treats can buy some from a handful of local vendors who have set up shop at the Holiday Center in Duluth. This is the second year vendors put on the Fall market. Mark Walters usually sells his homemade honey and wax goods at the Duluth Farmer’s Market during Summer but thought…

Proposed Bag Fee Ordinance Will Now Exclude Paper Bags

DULUTH, Minn. – The proposed ordinance that would require business to charge customers five cents for single use bags will now exclude paper bags. The Duluth City Council voted on to amend the original ordinance. The exclusion was proposed by the Councilor Noah Hobbs. Hobbs told FOX21 that most people were aware the fee only pertained to plastic bags. The…

UMD Becomes ‘Boo-MD’ for Halloween

About 400-500 people cycled through the evening.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Kirby Ballroom was crawling with little monsters, superheroes, and princesses as kids got to play dress up with college students who are kids at heart to celebrate Halloween. This is the second year Boo-MD has been put on, bringing out about 400-500 people throughout the evening. The event gives students the opportunity to give back and connect…

Spirit Mountain Job Fair Drawing Snow Lovers for Winter Season

They are looking for ski instructors and people who love to be out on the slopes with indoor jobs available as well.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is getting ready for the snowy season with a series of job fairs. The season typically begins in mid-November. They are looking for ski instructors and people who love to be out on the slopes. There are also indoor jobs available if someone cannot ski or snowboard. “It’s extremely fun it’s family oriented there are…

How to Trick or Treat Safely from Duluth Police

Officers advise to travel in groups, carry flashlights.

DULUTH, Minn.- With Halloween just days away, the Duluth Police Department has some tips and tricks for being safe, while being scary. Officers are reminding families to have younger kids travel in a group with a parent or responsible adult, and have older kids let their parents know where they’ll be. While drivers should be extra watchful for kids, Lt….

Duluth International Airport Sees Large Passenger Increase

Passenger numbers have grown by 15% between July and September

DULUTH, Minn.- Leadership at the Duluth International Airport say they’ve seen passenger numbers grow by 15% between July to September. The addition of American Airlines service to Chicago helped contribute to a 14% increase this year with travelers choosing Duluth over the Twin Cities. More competition also brought the average ticket price down 5%. “It just opens up opportunities. We…

Carlton County Attorney Says Officer Justified In Shooting Suspect

CARLTON CO., Minn. — A sergeant with the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office who shot a suspect while trying to arrest him has been justified in using deadly force, the Carlton County attorney said on Tuesday. Back on July 29th, Sgt. Jason Wornygora was executing an arrest warrant for a suspect named Shawn Olthoff at the suspect’s mom’s house in Moose…

‘Crush’ the Snapping Turtle Teaches Lessons at the Great Lakes Aquarium

The 50 pound common snapping turtle is at least 50 years old and he gets a healthy diet of mice, quail, and fish.

DULUTH, Minn. – Twice a week, Crush, the Great Lakes Aquarium’s resident snapping turtle, gets fed to help teach humans about the turtle. The 50-pound common snapping turtle is at least 50 years old and he gets a healthy diet of mice, quail, and fish. Snapping turtles spend most of their time in the water except for during mating season,…

Suspect in Fatal Downtown Duluth Shooting Found Guilty of Murder

Jamal Jackson is Being Held Without Bail

DULUTH, Minn. – The suspect accused of shooting and killing a Duluth man outside of a downtown bar in 2018 has been found guilty of murder. On Tuesday afternoon, a jury of six men and six women found 27-year-old Jamal Jackson guilty of second-degree intentional murder for the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Scott Pennington. St. Louis County prosecutor Jon Holets…

City Council Approves Zoning Changes To Make Building Tiny Homes Easier

The change includes fewer restrictions for where people can build tiny homes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City leaders are hoping to expand the use of tiny homes to address the ongoing housing shortage. On Monday the Duluth city council approved a zoning change which will make it easier to build tiny homes in the city. That change includes fewer restrictions for where people can build tiny homes. A tiny home is a…

Superior Invests in New Snow Removal Equipment

New sander trucks and the chemical potassium acetate are expected to make snow removal more efficient

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New snow plows have arrived in Superior just in time for winter. The city spent nearly a million dollars on the trucks and a new chemical compound used for melting show. Superior officials tell us their brand new equipment is expected to make snow removal faster and more efficient across the city. Three new sander trucks now…

Celebrate Your Furry Friends this National Cat Day

National Cat Day is every day at Animal Allies Humane Society.

DULUTH, Minn.- October 29 is a special day to recognize so furry friends in the Northland– it’s National Cat Day! Although it is a fun day to celebrate our pets, it’s also a reminder to be extra loving and careful to those cats who might need a home now that it’s getting cold out. “Give us a call, give city…

Early Voting Now Open in Duluth

Duluthians have two places to vote early: Duluth City Hall and City Center West

DULUTH, Minn. – Early voting is now open in Duluth for next week’s municipal elections. Now through Monday, November 4th, voters have two places to cast their ballot early: At Duluth City Hall and at City Center West. The city clerk tells us early voting has become more popular over the last few elections as people become more aware of…

Folks In West Duluth Wants Lights Turned Back on In Former Kmart Parking Lot

It is reported the lights cost between $1,500 to $2,500 a month to keep on.

DULUTH, Minn. – The former West Duluth Kmart building has sat vacant for about a year. Now he building’s surrounding parking lot is raising concerns for being too dark for people to access the area. Lights in the former Kmart parking lot are no longer li. That’s why folks in West Duluth are hoping to get those lights turned back…

Driver in Fatal West Duluth Hit-and-Run Pleads Guilty

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man accused of fatally hitting and killing 30-year-old Peter Seppanen with his Jeep earlier this year pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday. According to court records, 30-year-old Stanley Brown pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide and test refusal in the second degree. Authorities say Brown admitted in July to being the driver of the Jeep…

Level 3 Predatory Offender Moving to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is releasing information to the public regarding a Level 3 predatory offender moving to Duluth. Authorities say Willie James Vaughn-Bey, 57, is moving to the vicinity of the 1700 Block of East Superior Street on November 15. According to reports, Vaughn-Bey has a history of sexual contact with a known minor female and…

Burglary Suspect Arrested Again

Carl Was Arrested Earlier This Month in Connection to a Burglary at Duluth Cider

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary after being released as he awaits trial for previous burglary arrests at multiple businesses in Lincoln Park. Police conducted a search warrant at 25-year-old Kyle Carl’s residence last week on the 2000 Block of West Second Street in response to other burglaries. While there,…

Police Patrolling Schools After Inmate Escape

Thirty-Four-Year-Old Ryan Petro is Still on the Run

WADENA, Minn. (AP) – Extra police officers are patrolling a central Minnesota school district after a jail inmate escaped as he was being taken to court. The Wadena-Deer Creek Public School District says all doors to the schools have been locked or manned, but classes are continuing as usual. Thirty-four-year-old Ryan Petro is still on the run Tuesday. Petro was…

Midday Update 10-29-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Sacred Heart Music Center to Host Stage Dedication, Music Fest

The Stage Dedication and Music Fest is Happening Saturday, November 2 at Sacred Heart Music Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, November 2, Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth is hosting a stage dedication and Music Fest from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Music Center is located at 201 West 4th Street in Duluth, Minnesota. The event is open to the public with purchase of a ticket. Board member Mark Nicklawske stopped by FOX 21…

Report: Dysfunction at Agency Led to Overpayments to Tribes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor says “significant dysfunction” at the Department of Human Services resulted in $29 million in overpayments to two tribes for opioid treatment programs. The auditor’s office said in a report Tuesday the agency lacked authority to make the payments, no one at the department takes responsibility for the decision, and no one can…

Morning Update 10-29-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

DNR: 5,700 Hunters Bag Deer During Youth Season

More Than 5,700 Youth Hunters Bagged a Deer This Season

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says there was a strong response to the first statewide season for young deer hunters. The DNR says more than 5,700 youth hunters bagged a deer during the season which ran from Oct. 17 to Oct. 20. That’s an increase of 77 percent from last year’s youth hunt which…

MnDOT Hosts Monthly Construction Meeting

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT hosted its monthly construction meeting Monday. Among the updates were the announcements that summer projects like the repaving of Railroad Street and Garfield Avenue were completed. One of the bigger ones they showcased is a preview of the Lake Avenue bridge rehab work. The bridge crosses over Interstate 35. Rehab will begin next year. “Although it…

First Two Formal Graduates Complete St. Louis County Veterans Court

Program helps veterans through the criminal justice system

DULUTH, Minn. – The first two formal graduates celebrated their completion of St. Louis County Veterans Court. The specialty court helps high risk, high need veterans through the criminal justice system. The veterans are closely supervised during the program, which lasts at least 14 weeks. One graduate tells us he recommends the court to other veterans because it helped him…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Thai by Thai

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a family restaurant serving up authentic Thai food in Downtown Duluth. Thai by Thai is owned by two sisters in Thailand. They tout their menu as having something for everybody. The kitchen in Thai by Thai is filled with the smells of delicious foods and spices. “This is definitely some of the most homestyle, authentic Thai…

Up Close with Draft Horses Hank and Henry

Hank and Henry, the horses, are part of Positive Energy Outdoors adventure club program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Lowell Elementary School in Duluth got up close and personal with Percheron horses. Hank and Henry, the horses, are part of Positive Energy Outdoors adventure club program. The goal is to expose children to the history of draft horses and how they should act around large animals. “Lots of excitement seeing a big creature like…

UMD Plans To Cut Over $5 Million From Next Year’s Budget

We have longtime faculty who don't know if they are going to have a job next year," said UMD Faculty Union President Scott Laderman

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth is planning to cut more than $5 million from its budget for next year. The potentially major cuts is causing concern among faculty and staff members at the university. Many are worried their jobs could be on the line. The substantial budget cuts are an attempt to recover from a longtime deficit…

Fond-Du-Lac Band’s Tribal Flag Permanently in City Hall

The mayor's reception room was packed with people who came together to see the Fond-Du-Lac flag up in front next to the city of Duluth flag, the Minnesota state flag, and the United States flag.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fond-Du-Lac band’s tribal flag was permanently installed in the Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s reception room in City Hall as another step to building a stronger partnership between the city and the tribe. The occasion brought out dozens of Fond-Du-Lac band members and Duluthians alike. The mayor’s reception room was packed with people who came together to…

Public Speaks out Regarding Proposed Natural Gas Plant

The Nemadji Trail Energy Center is currently in the permitting process which includes hearing from the people of Wisconsin and Superior about how they feel about the proposed plant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A proposed natural gas power plant in Superior called the Nemadji Trail Energy Center drew around 200 people to the Belgian Club for a public hearing. The Nemadji Trail Energy Center is currently in the permitting process which includes hearing from the people of Wisconsin and Superior about how they feel about the proposed plant. The plant…

New Pet Transportation Service Opening Soon in Twin Ports

Poocher Pet Shuttle will Begin Animal Transportation Services on Monday, November 4

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever needed to get your pet to an appointment, but simply don’t have the time or want to go out in the cold, a new business will soon be at your service in the Twin Ports. Poocher Pet Shuttle will be similar to Lyft and Uber, but will only transport animals. Owner Gerald Osgan recently…

Middle School Students Become Zoo Keepers for a Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Local middle school students got to take a break from their classes Monday morning and were able to experience what it’s like to be a zoo keeper. This is made possible because of a partnership between the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Lake Superior Zoo. Monday, the students were helping make the bears diet. It’s all to…

‘Miracle on Ice’ Member Ruled Incompetent for Trial After Assault Arrest

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.-A member of the 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympic hockey team has been ruled incompetent to stand trial after being arrested on multiple charges including felony assault back in August. Authorities say 61-year-old Mark Pavelich assaulted his Cook County neighbor with a metal pole causing serious injury. According to the criminal complaint, the attack happened in Pavelich’s home…

Midday 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, midday update

Security Increased at IS Prisons After al-Baghdadi’s Death Announced

Syrian Kurdish forces say they are beefing up security in prisons and detention facilities where tens of thousands of Islamic State militants and their supporters are held, including foreigners, after the killing of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

BEIRUT-Syrian Kurdish forces say they are beefing up security in prisons and detention facilities where tens of thousands of Islamic State militants and their supporters are held, including foreigners, after the killing of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. An official with the Kurdish-led internal security agency said on Monday the forces were “on high alert” in anticipation of possible riots…

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan Launches New Organization

MADISON, Wis.-Former House Speaker Paul Ryan has launched a new nonprofit organization he says will be focused on fighting poverty, increasing economic opportunities and advancing evidence-based public policies. Ryan announced the launch of the American Idea Foundation on Monday. He moved more than $7 million from his congressional account into the nonprofit when he announced its formation earlier this year….

Ahoy Matey! Treasure Island Takes Center Stage at Duluth Playhouse Family Theater

Coffee Conversation: Treasure Island at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to set sail with young Jim Hawkins as Treasure Island comes to life on stage at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater. This performance is geared toward thrill-seekers of all ages with a story that’s both epic and funny. Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers the dreaded Black Spot to the aging sea captain,…