News

FedEx to Deliver 7 Days a Week to Satisfy Online Shoppers

FedEx Announced the Moves Thursday

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)(AP) – FedEx plans to deliver packages seven days a week starting next January as it tries to keep up with the continuing boom in online shopping. The company is also taking back nearly 2 million daily deliveries to homes that are currently handled by the post office. FedEx says shifting SmartPost packages back to its…

Walz Signs Education Budget Bill Passed in Special Session

Walz Signed the Bill Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed a $20 billion education funding bill approved by lawmakers in last week’s special session. Walz signed the bill Thursday at Bruce Vento Elementary School in St. Paul. The bill includes an increase in per-pupil state aid to public school districts of 2 percent in each year of the two-year…

R. Kelly Charged With 11 new sex-Related Crimes in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – Prosecutors charged R&B singer R. Kelly on Thursday with 11 new sex-related counts, including some that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, making them the most serious against him. Cook County prosecutors charged the Grammy award-winning singer with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, two counts of criminal sexual assault by force, two…

Two Injured in Cass County ATV Crash

Alochol is Believed to be a Factor in the Crash

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – Two people were injured after an ATV crash Wednesday night in Cass County, Minnesota. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says they were notified by the Deer River Essentia Health Emergency Room of two individuals being treated from an ATV crash on the Soo Line Trail near Boy River. Responding officers learned 21-year-old Benjamin Swankier of Remer…

Victim Identified in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Police Continue to Investigate the Incident

(courtesy: Facebook) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has identified the victim of the fatal hit-and-run accident in West Duluth on Tuesday evening. Authorities say 30-year-old Peter James Seppanen of Esko was driving his motorcycle up 40th Avenue West when it was struck by a car that witnesses say crossed over the center line. Police say Seppanen was pronounced…

Suspect in Fatal Park Point Attack Pleads Guilty

Sentencing is Scheduled for June 17

Darrel Mayhew DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man accused of burglarizing, robbing and killing 70-year-old Park Point Larry Watczak in January pleaded guilty Thursday morning to second-degree murder without intent. Larry Watczak According to court records, charges of first-degree aggravated robbery and first-degree burglary were dropped in a plea agreement against 30-year-old Darrel Mayhew. Mayhew is accused of violently attacking…

Midday Update 5-30-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 30, 2019

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

Food Allergy Walk to Raise Awareness in Duluth

The Walk is Happening Saturday, June 1

DULUTH, Minn. – The national organization, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is hosting a local Hometown Heroes Walk in Duluth Saturday, June 1. The event aims to raise critical funds to address the food allergy epidemic. Event organizer Emily Homan says the goal is not only to raise awareness, but also to celebrate families, educators, health professionals, emergency responders,…

Morning Update 5-30-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 30, 2019

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

Superior Residents Displaced After Porch Fire

The Cause of the Fire has not Been Determined

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior fire crews responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon that left two residents displaced and caused significant damage to their trailer. According to the Superior Fire Department, crews responded to the fire around 3:50 p.m. at 4932 Huron Drive where an enclosed porch attached to a mobile home was on fire. There were no reported injuries….

Barking Biking and Walking through Canal Park

Zeitgeist holds Bike Bark Walk through Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Wednesday Duluth families and their four-legged friends enjoyed the nice weather by taking a long walk along the lake. The Bark Bike Walk took the group to 12th street beach from Endion Station. It’s part of Zeitgeist Community’s Duluth Superior Bus Bike Walk Month, to celebrate people-powered modes of transportation. “Sometimes it’s hard to forget that some…

Duluth Soldier’s Medal of Honor Finally Comes Home

Henry A. Courtney's Medal of Honor installed at the Depot.

DULUTH, Minn.- On December 30th, 1947, Duluthian Henry A. Courtney was awarded a medal of honor. That medal transferred hands for decades, before returning to Duluth on Wednesday. Courtney, a U.S. Marine, gave his life leading his troops on Sugar Loaf Hill in the Battle of Okinawa, Japan during World War II. Then President, Harry S. Truman, awarded Courtney the…

Former Duluth Fire Chief Sentenced for DWI, Releases Statement

Former Duluth Fire Chief, Dennis Edwards, pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to a third degree DWI charge.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s former fire chief now knows his sentence for a DWI arrest in March, and he’s speaking out about it for the first time. Dennis Edwards, a 23-year veteran of the Duluth Fire Department, pleaded guilty in St. Louis County Court Wednesday to a 3rd-Degree DWI. The former fire chief was sentenced to 180 days in jail…

Alumni Look Back at Cooper Elementary One Last Time

School hosts tour before demolition next month.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Before Cooper Elementary in Superior is demolished next month, and its new building opens in August, the alumni of the old Cooper spent some time looking back at their old stomping grounds. To reminisce on all the history that it held, past and present Cooper Elementary School students looked at old yearbooks that date all the way back…

Duluth Fire Dept. Launches ‘Marine 19’

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has launched its new state-of-the-art, all-hazard vessel called Marine 19. Officials say it’s the only water resources of its kind in the Western Great Lakes. The vessel features water cannons, a night-vision camera, and medical equipment to handle a variety of hazards or threats along the waterfront. “A lot safer area for both our…

Constructions Set to Begin on New World War I Memorial in West Duluth

An official ribbon cutting is scheduled after completion.

DULUTH, Minn. – A $60,000 construction project is set to begin in June for a new World War I memorial at Memorial Park to honor more than 20 West Duluth soldiers. A new concrete surrounding and a flag pole will be installed in the park on the corner of Central and Grand Ave. The memorial will also pay tribute to…

Housing Summit Addresses Housing Crisis in Duluth

"We know through our experience here with the summit that things don't really change until people start speaking up and advocating,"

DULUTH, Minn. – The Affordable Housing Coalition is working to end Duluth’s housing crisis. Today, the coalition hosted its 7th annual “Housing for All” Summit at Copper Top Church. The summit welcomes everyone from the community to talk about housing solutions. The Affordable Housing Coalition says several people face many barriers when attempting to find housing. The chair also says…

Company Interested in Developing Kozy Building Site

City of Duluth can't sell building until lawsuits are settled with former owner, Erik Ringsred

DULUTH, Minn. – A company is interested in developing the site of the Pastoret Terrace Building, which some people call the Kozy Building, in Downtown Duluth. A company called Merge, LLC would like to transform that property and the nearby Paul Robeson Ballroom into a mixed-use development with housing and commercial spaces. But the city can’t even sell the property…

Opening Day for Superior Farmer’s Market

Just weeks away from summer, it officially began Wednesday in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.- We are just three weeks away from summer, but it appears it has already struck in Superior, as their downtown Farmer’s Market opened today. While the growing season has been slow due to the bad winter and cold spring we are having, vendors on site are hopeful that this nice weather can turn things around. “It’s been a…

Six Odyssey Properties Sold to New Owners

Vacation houses and updated cabins right on Lake Superior are part of this real estate deal

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday, six properties previously owned by Odyssey Resorts in Duluth have been sold to two new companies. Those properties are vacation houses and updated cabins right on Lake Superior. The East Bay Suites in Grand Marias, the Caribou Highlands in Lutsen, Beacon Pointe in Duluth, and three resorts in Two Harbors: Breezy Point Cabins, Grand Superior Lodge and…

Drivers Encouraged to Use Caution When Interacting with Motorcycles After Fatal Crash

Memorial Day through Labor Day is typically the deadliest time of the year on the roads in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.-Memorial Day through Labor Day is typically the deadliest time of the year on the roads in Minnesota. One motorcyclist was even killed in Duluth yesterday by a suspect accused of driving while intoxicated. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is encouraging drivers and riders to use these precautions to remain safe. Drivers are urged to watch for motorcycles…

Update: Authorities Continue to Investigate Fatal hit-and-run Incident

The Name of the Victim is Being Withheld

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says one suspect in the Tuesday fatal hit and run incident is being held at the St. Louis County Jail for possession of a controlled substance and DWI-related charges. Authorities say the other suspect was released after being found to have no involvement in the incident. The accident happened around 6:50 p.m. Tuesday….

Wisconsin Raids Church Accused of Giving pot to Members

Police did not say how Much Marijuana They Took

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin authorities say they raided a self-styled Rastafarian church in Madison that claimed marijuana was a “sacrament” they gave its members in exchange for donations. Madison police said the Dane County Narcotics Task Force on Wednesday morning raided the Lion of Judah House of Rastafari, which has been open since March. The church was started by…

Lawsuit Seeks to Overturn Minnesota Abortion Restrictions

The Lawsuit Argues Restrictions Violate Minnesota's Constitution

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Abortion rights supporters are seeking to overturn Minnesota’s restrictions on abortion, including its 24-hour waiting period and parental notification requirements. A lawsuit, filed in state court by Gender Justice and the Lawyering Project, argues the restrictions violate Minnesota’s constitution. A 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision affirmed abortion rights. But the lawsuit contends opponents have chipped…

Midday Update 5-29-19

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

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

Walz Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration

Damages From March 12 to April 28 Totaled $39,257,773

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has requested Presidential Disaster Declaration for 51 counties and four tribal governments in Minnesota. From March 12 to April 28, major flooding, blizzard conditions and gale force winds combined to cause nearly $40 million dollars in infrastructure damage across the state. “The transition from winter to spring in Minnesota…

Schools ‘Almost’ Out, Let’s Skate!

The Free Skate Event is Happening Wednesday, May 29 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Duluth Heritage Center is hosting a skating event for families Wednesday, May 29 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The “School’s Out Skate” is a free event including plenty of outside organizations and activities. Music and lighting will be provided for the skating. Plenty of carnival style games will wrap the edge of the Seitz Arena turf, as…

Mueller to Make First Public Statement on Russia Probe

UPDATE: Special counsel Robert Mueller says he’s leaving the Justice Department now that he’s concluded his Russia probe. WASHINGTON (AP) – Special counsel Robert Mueller will make his first public statement on the results of his nearly two-year long Russia investigation on Wednesday. That’s according to the Justice Department, which said he would speak at 11 a.m. Mueller has not…

Upcoming Walk for Animals to Support Animal Allies Humane Society

Walk for Animals is Happening Saturday, June 1, in Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies is proud to host the 27th annual Walk for Animals happening Saturday, June 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pets, owners, and other furry friend enthusiasts are invited to stop by Bayfront Festival Park. Animal Allies will kick off the day with the Furry 5K Fun Ran. It’s the largest pet-friendly event in the…

Morning Update 5-29-19

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

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

Cloquet Police ask for Public’s Help Identifying Burglary Suspect

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect that burglarized the B&B Market in Cloquet on Monday. According to police the suspect caused damage to a door and stole numerous cigarette cartons. The Cloquet Police Department is asking that if anyone recognizes the suspect through clothing or has knowledge of someone…

Motorcyclist Killed After Hit-And-Run In West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a hit-and-run accident in West Duluth that killed a 31-year-old driver of a motorcycle. The accident happened around 6:50 p.m. Tuesday. Officials say the motorcycle was headed up 40th Avenue West “just below horseshoe bend” when it was struck by a car that apparently crossed over the center line. The “suspect vehicle” continued…

Speedway Gas Station Closes In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A gas station in Superior that was most known for being a SuperAmerica and recently became a Speedway has closed. The gas station is located on the corner of Hammond Avenue and Broadway Street. The last day of operation was Memorial Day. There was no official word from company officials Tuesday on why it closed. This comes…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Trains in Members New and Old

The St. Louis County Rescue Squad has 67 members.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is roughly the size of the state of New Jersey. It’s the largest county East of the Mississippi with a rising population of over two hundred thousand. The past three years, the St. Louis County Rescue Squad has responded to a record breaking number of calls, helping thousands ‘get out of a jam.’ The group of…

Bean Bag Leagues Begin Playing at Skyline Lanes and Volleyball

84 bags teams, 70 bacci ball and 350 volleyball teams play at Skyline.

DULUTH, Minn.- Warm, sunny weather means it’s time for summer sports and activities at places like Skyline Lanes and Volleyball in Duluth. They’ve opened up their deck space for leagues to play Volleyball, Bacci Ball, and starting Tuesday, Bean Bags. A total of 84 teams play bags at Skyline Lanes–42 on Mondays and 42 on Tuesdays. Along with the Volleyball…

Va Bene Caffe Opens “The Grotto” for the Season

Seating space is located under restaurant's enclosed deck and offers Lake Superior views.

DULUTH, Minn. – Outdoor seating at Duluth restaurants are now open for the season. Va Bene Caffe on East Superior Street has opened “The Grotto” for the summer. The open-air seating space is under the restaurant’s enclosed deck. It can fit twenty-two people at tables and a bar overlooking Lake Superior. “The weather has to be just perfect,” said Va…

Duluth City Council Passes Ordinance Regulating Massage Businesses

Ordinance's goal is to cut down on sex trafficking.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance they believe will cut down on sex trafficking across the ctity. The ordinance requires that all massage providers have at least five-hundred hours of certified training. Massage business owners will also have to complete background checks and their shops can no longer be open from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m….

Northland Paddle Alliance Cleans Up Superior Boat Launch

People picked up trash along shore of Woodstock Bay Boat Launch.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The nicer weather gave some in Superior a chance to clean up local boat launches. The Northland Paddlers Alliance adopted the Woodstock Bay Paddle Access Launch, after it was designated for Paddle Access last year. On Tuesday they broke out the bags to pick up garbage, and get the launch ready for paddlers this summer. “I think anybody…

Harbor City International School Students Fix Up Superior Hiking Trail

This project is part of a school community service requirement.

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior Hiking Trail along Spirit Mountain got a fresh new look thanks to some students from Harbor City International School. Students restored the trail by adding a new boardwalk for a better hiking experience. this restoration project is part of a community service requirement for the school. a teacher says sometimes its best to get out of…

Tobacco 21 Goes into Effect Starting May 29th

Research shows raising the tobacco purchase age can reduce the number of youth who start smoking by 25%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in January, the Duluth City Council voted to raise the age a person is allowed to buy tobacco to 21. And tomorrow, that new ordinance is taking effect. The American Lung Association celebrated the new law during a recent press conference. The new ordinance means anyone under the age of 21 cannot buy cigarettes, e–cigarettes, and…

Indigenous Community Responds to the Shooting Death of 16-Year-Old Boy

"A lot of times kids will fall through the cracks and the system."

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after a 16-year-old boy, Auso Dufault, was found dead from a gunshot wound in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Duluth police have not determined if the shooting was criminal or self-inflicted. Dufault is the same person charged as an adult with two felonies for allegedly robbing and shooting at a female April 23 on the same block…

Pet Parade Hosted by Zeitgesit Scheduled for Wednesday in Canal Park

Pets and their Owners are Asked to Meet at Endion Station by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 29

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all Northland pets, and owners, too! You’re invited to a pet parade known as Bark, Bike, Walk, on Wednesday, May 29 in Canal Park. Zeitgeist is behind the 2nd annual event. It’s part of the organizations month long Bus, Bike, Walk campaign. The walk is set to begin at 6:00 p.m., with pets and their owners walking…

Council to Vote on Zoo’s Bear Country Exhibit Tonight

The future of the proposed Bear Country exhibit at the Lake Superior Zoo could get a little bit brighter tonight.

DULUTH, Minn.-The future of the proposed Bear Country exhibit at the Lake Superior Zoo could get a little bit brighter tonight. The Duluth City Council is set to vote on spending nearly $400,000 on the project. With those funds, an architectural firm would develop design drawings which would eventually be used for construction of the site which will feature brown,…

Manner of Lincoln Park Shooting Death Undetermined

This is an Ongoing Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, a preliminary report has confirmed that Ausineese Aubin Dufault’s cause of death has been confirmed as a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities say that the manner of death is still pending further investigation and they will “provide more details as they become available.” Duluth police discovered Dufault dead inside a…

Planting Woes Continue for Minnesota Farmers Amid wet Spring

MN Farmers are 8 Days Behind Last Year's Pace

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota farmers are still having trouble getting their crops into the ground as an unusually wet spring persists. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in its weekly crop progress and condition report for Minnesota Tuesday that a third of the state’s corn crop has yet to be planted. That puts Minnesota farmers eight days behind…

Top Senate Republican Expects Insulin Bill to Return in 2020

Walz is Expected to Sign the Budget Bills Thursday or Friday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Legislation to help make emergency insulin supplies more affordable for diabetics who lack adequate insurance failed to make it across this finish line in last week’s special session. But Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says he expects the issue will return next year. The proposal was named after Alec Smith, a 26-year-old uninsured Minneapolis…

UW Tuition Freeze, DNR Scientists up for key Vote

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Continuing a University of Wisconsin tuition freeze for another two years and adding back scientists positions at the Department of Natural Resources are both up for key votes in the Legislature’s budget committee. The Joint Finance Committee was scheduled to vote Tuesday on UW funding and issues related to the DNR. The Republican-controlled panel was also…