News

Child who Survived Mall Plunge Undergoing Further Procedures

The Procedures are "Non-Life Threatening Complications" From the Fall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The family of a 5-year-old boy who survived after being thrown from a third-story balcony at the Mall of America in Minnesota says he will undergo further medical procedures. The Woodbury family posted Thursday evening on a GoFundMe page that the procedures are “non-life threatening complications” related to the fall. The boy, named Landen, plunged 40 feet…

Cloquet Police Chief Jeff Palmer Still On ‘Voluntary Paid Leave’ Since April 16

City Admin. Aaron Reeves Does Not Have A Return Date For Palmer

CLOQUET, Minn. – There’s still no official word on why Cloquet Police Chief Jeff Palmer remains off the job or when he will return. Chief Palmer began his “voluntary paid leave” on April 16. City Administrator Aaron Reeves told FOX 21 this week that the leave “… can’t go on forever but I also can’t provide a set time frame…

Nearly 2 Months After Now-Former Fire Chief’s DWI, Mayor Larson Still Mum

Larson Appointed Dennis Edwards To Fire Chief In 2016

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly two months since Duluth’s now-former fire chief, Dennis Edwards, was arrested and eventually charged with DWI. But there’s still no comment from Mayor Emily Larson who hand-selected Edwards for that position. FOX 21 has repeatedly asked Mayor Larson for any type of response, including this Thursday and Wednesday, but her spokesperson, Kate Van Daele,…

Local Meat Shops Prepare for Memorial Day Barbecues

Greenfield Meats and More in Superior has meat sales for Memorial Day.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some may have big plans to bust out the barbecue for the holiday weekend and take advantage of the Memorial Day sales in preparation it. Family–owned business Greenfield Meats and More in Superior says customers have been buying brats and steaks all week, getting everything together for a big camping weekend if the weather holds out. “Everybody likes the…

Duluth Playhouse Camps Offer Opportunities for Kids Ages 5-14

Camps start June 10th and run for for six weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – Many theatre camps and performance opportunities for kids are happening this summer at the Duluth Playhouse. The Playhouse hosted an open house, showing off its new rehearsal spaces at the NorShor Theatre. Staff tell us they get thirty to sixty kids every week for camp and even more for their junior and teen intensive programs. “We’re learning…

The Spirit Room Remembers Bars and Taverns of the Past

The Spirit Room hosts Tavern Throwback May 21-May 25.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Spirit Room is remembering bars and taverns of the past this week to raise money for the Douglas County Historical Society. The event is called Tavern Throwback. Customers can see old pictures and shirts from over 130 bars that once stood on the streets of the city of Superior. Employees say the throwback cocktail menu is a hit…

$800 Million Essentia Health Expansion to Begin This Fall

New renderings and details about the 340 foot tall facility are now available

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health’s new $800 million health care facility in Downtown Duluth is closer to breaking ground this fall with demolition beginning as early as September. During the construction of the 340-foot-tall facility, both East First Street and Fourth Avenue East will be closed for nearly two years. New Renderings show details of what’s being called the “Vision…

Neighbors React to Officer-Involved Shooting in Ashland

"I was scared. I was petrified. "

ASHLAND, Wis. – Neighbors in Ashland are reacting to the shooting. one resident Robin Weaver tells us she and her daughter saw officers hiding behind trees with guns drawn while yelling commands toward the home at times. She says she couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. “I was scared. I was petrified. No one would’ve thought this would go on…

Wanted Suspect Killed in Officer Involved Shooting in Ashland

Authorities believe he lived in the home on the 800 block of Fourth Avenue since October.

ASHLAND, Wis. – New details have been released involving an officer–involved shooting in Ashland that happened yesterday. Investigators tell us the person shot and killed by police was wanted on a federal warrant. Authorities have not said what type of federal warrant the man was wanted on. Ashland police chief Jim Gregoire says shots were fired by law enforcement other…

A New Way to Collect Rip Current Research

Wisconsin-Madison students collected new water safety data today at Park Point Beach

DULUTH, Minn.- Thursday, on the Park Point Beach, students were collecting some new water safety data. The U-W Madison students used a drone to gather information and learn how rip currents affect the beach. They’re also researching how those in the water can prevent getting caught in a dangerous current. One student tells us, drones give them a more advanced…

American Airlines Comes to Duluth

Two nonstop flights to Chicago each day, which means Northlanders could travel to Chicago and back in the same day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thursday, the Duluth International Airport is celebrating adding American Airlines nonstop flights from Duluth to Chicago. The new partnership between the Duluth Airport and American Airlines is adding two more daily flights between the mid western cities. American Airlines representatives say it’s a great opportunity to expand the company’s reach in the Midwest. “We are starting with this…

Park Point Construction Begins Next Week

13th street to the Lift Bridge will be filled with construction cones starting next week

DULUTH, Minn.- A start date has now been set for a major Duluth construction project. Work on Park Point Road just south of the Lift Bridge will begin on May 29th. Starting later this month, 13th street to the Lift Bridge will be filled with construction cones. The city will take three inches of black top off the roads to…

Pedestrian Struck by car in Piedmont Heights Sustains Serious Injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – A 73-year-old female was struck by a car just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon, according to the Duluth Police Department. Officers were dispatched to the 2800 Block of Piedmont Avenue where they found the pedestrian with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. The 21-year-old male driver was cited for inattentive driving. Authorities say the female pedestrian was conscious…

Minnesota Official Wins UW-Whitewater Chancellor job

Watszon Will Begin new job August 1

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Minnesota academic official is the new chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The UW System Board of Regents announced Thursday that they have given the job to Dwight Watson, provost and vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at Southwest Minnesota State University. He replaces former Chancellor Beverly Kopper, who resigned in December after her…

Midday Update 5-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 23, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 23, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Superior man Arrested for Vandalism

Suspect not yet Formally Charged

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A 19-year-old Superior man has been arrested for his involvement in several incidents of vandalism throughout the city in recent months. According to the Superior Police Department, the man was arrested on Tuesday for the incidents that occurred at Wade Bowl Park and several other locations along Belknap Street. Authorities say the man was cooperative and gave…

Last Bills Settled; Lawmakers Await Word on Special Session

The Last Piece of the 2 Year Budget Fell Into Place Thursday

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz and top legislative leaders have now reached agreement on all nine of their major budget bills, and lawmakers are now waiting on the governor to call a special session so they can finish their work for the year. Aides say the last piece of the two-year budget fell into place…

Cable Natural History Museum to Host Grand Opening Saturday

The Cable Natural History Museum will Unveil Three New Exhibits Saturday, May 25, 2019

CABLE, Wis. – The Cable Natural History Museum nestled in downtown Cable is bursting with activity, fun, exhibits, activities, events, volunteers and kids, with even more of all that set to open this month as its Curiosity Center nears completion. The museum is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, May 25. “The new Curiosity Center is a dream come true…

Morning Update 5-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 23, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 23, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Governor Signs Bill to Fight Opioid Epidemic

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has signed a bipartisan bill aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic in Minnesota. Walz says the compromise bill “will help more families access the treatment they need and prevent addiction in the first place.” The bill imposes sharply higher registration fees on drugmakers and distributors to raise around $21 million…

Grandma’s Restaurant Company CEO Buys Lincoln Park Building

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of Grandma’s Restaurant Company, Andy Borg, has purchased a building in the growing Lincoln Park Craft District. The building is the former Duluth Sheet Metal building across from Duluth Cider on the 2300 block of West Superior Street. Grandma’s President Brian Dougherty says there aren’t major plans for the building right now other than eventually…

Thirsty Pagan Brewing to Open in Superior’s Soo Line Depot

Brewery held soft opening Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Thirsty Pagan Brewing has moved from its Broadway Street location into the Soo Line Depot on Winter Street. They plan to have a grand opening on June 8th. After renting the space at Broadway Street, the Brewery closed shop there. They now own this new location. According to owners, with more seating and performance space for 7 days…

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation hosts Story Corps

Annual Celebration featured guest speaker Story Corps.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation held their annual celebration at the DECC, with a pretty special guest. A guest speaker came from Story Corps, a nonprofit organization which compiles stories from different backgrounds. Organizers said stories are key for the work they do in the community. “We know that one of the things that can really be…

Plans to Ease Bayfront Area Traffic and Parking Unveiled

Metropolitan Interstate Council holds meeting to release full plan, get public feedback.

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer inches closer, so do festivals and concerts–both at the DECC and at Bayfront Festival Park. Those events are becoming more frequent, and that means growing parking concerns and traffic that backs up onto I-35. But plans are moving forward to help change that, unveiled Wednesday by the Metropolitan Interstate Council, or MIC. The Council is working…

1 Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – One person is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Ashland. It happened sometime after 3 p.m. Wednesday on the 800 block of 4th Avenue West in the city limits. “The shooting is currently under investigation and it will be several hours until the crime scene is clear. Currently, there is no danger to the citizens of Ashland…

SPECIAL REPORT: Body Camera Video Shows Lives Saved By Narcan

Superior Police have Adminstered the Opioid-Reversal Drug More than 50 Times Since 2016

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – As Superior Police Officers continue to respond to several opioid overdose calls each month, we’re getting a closer look at the reality behind the opioid crisis. In a FOX 21 exclusive, Superior Police released body camera video of officers using Narcan to save the lives of people overdosing on opioids. In the two videos released, officers respond…

Approaching Sexual Education a Different Way

Training to approach those with development disabilities about sexuality

DULUTH, Minn.- Forty professionals from the human services field started three days of training today to learn how to educate those with developmental disabilities about sexuality. Those leading the training course said when it comes to talking about sex with people with disabilities it can sometimes be tricky because educators don’t know how to approach the subject with them due…

UWS Student Art Displayed at St. Luke’s Mariner Medical Center

Art was created during a 15 week semester.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – St. Luke’s Mariner Medical clinic hosted a celebration to highlight new art work created by University of Wisconsin– Superior students for Mental Health Awareness Month. More than 15 art therapy students created nearly 60 pieces of art during the semester. The art is displayed on the walls of the lobby and exam rooms at the clinic. The…

Criminal Justice System Changing Approach Towards Mental Health

The Duluth police department says about 50% of people entering the county jail have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

DULUTH, Minn. – The worlds of mental health and criminal justice often come together in our court system as law enforcement tries to help those dealing with mental illness One in five people in Minnesota face a mental illness every year. Some of them end up having run–ins with the law. Many Criminal justice systems nationwide now have adapted mental…

Lakeside Neighborhood’s First Liquor Store Opens

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something the Duluth Lakeside neighborhood has never seen before — a liquor store now open for business. The Lakeside neighborhood has prohibited alcohol sales since the late 1800s until the Duluth City Council officially legalized those sales in 2016. Permits for two Lakeside liquor stores were approved in 2018 and as of Wednesday, Lakeside Liquors is…

Four Arrested in Hayward Shooting Incident

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

HAYWARD, Wis. – Officers with the Hayward Police Department say they responded to multiple calls about shots fired in the area of West Fourth Street on May 14. Soon after, Sawyer County dispatch received a call from an adult male saying he had just been shot at and was following the black Chevy vehicle the suspects fled in. Officers located…

Body Found in Canosia Believed to be Missing man

Foul Play is not Suspected

CANOSIA TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities believe they have found the body of a man who went missing from an adult foster care home in Canosia earlier this month. The body was found today about 30 yards off of the Castle Road, which is approximately two miles from the group home Julian Daniel Decoux, 34, went missing from. Police say positive…

Ashland Police Officer Accused of Auto Theft, Retired From Force

The Investigation is Ongoing

ASHLAND, Wis. – An 18-year veteran of the Ashland Police Department has retired from the force after being accused of stealing a vehicle in Ashland on April 28. According to the Ashland Police Department, officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 100 Block of 7th Avenue East. That same morning the victim called police after locating…

Lake Superior Art Glass Now Offering Kid’s Classes

Classes will be Offered Seven Days a Week Beginning Thursday, May 23

DULUTH, Minn. – A new kid’s class is coming to Lake Superior Art Glass in Duluth’s Canal Park. Owner Dan Neff says classes will begin on Thursday, May 23, and will be offered seven days a week. The Kid’s Class is offered to children ages 4 – 11 where the kids will help design and create their own pendant. As…

Midday Update 5-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 5-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, FOX 21 Local News, Headlines, morning update, News

Kwik Trip Veggie Trays Again Linked to Salmonella

Several Illnesses Have Been Reported

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Kwik Trip has removed some vegetable trays from its convenience stores after several reported illnesses in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Health officials say the Del Monte vegetable trays, which included broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip, have been linked to salmonella bacteria which has, so far, sickened three people in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota. Symptoms of…

Authorities Investigate Drowning in Cass County

Authorities say This is an Ongoing Investigation

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, authorities received a report of a possible drowning just before 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities responded to Louise Lake in Wabedo Township in rural Longville where first responders located a deceased adult male in the water near a fishing boat. The identity of the male is being withheld pending…

More Airport Infrastructure Upgrades Planned After Runway Reconstruction

DULUTH, Minn. – More upgrades are in the master plan for the Duluth International Airport, as the final phase of the main runway’s reconstruction is underway. There are discussions to eventually extend the smaller “cross wing runway” to 8,000 feet from the roughly 5,700 it’s at now. Airport officials say a larger second runway would help to support aviation growth…

Campgrounds Prepare for Memorial Day Weekend

Buffalo House Campgrounds are busy getting ready for the rush.

DULUTH, Minn.- Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and that’s famously a time when families get in their camper, or pack up their tents, to go camping. With 105 campsites for RVs and areas for tents, the staff at Buffalo House Campground is busy getting ready for the Memorial Day rush. The peaceful trees and sounds of birds…

Students Put on Empty Bowl Fundraiser

Funds raised total $5,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two seniors from Duluth Marshall school put on their version of the Empty Bowl Fundraiser, previously put on for 25 years by the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Organizers said Tuesday’s event raised roughly $5,000, which they say helps because one dollar can turn around three meals. The two seniors, Elizabeth Jarocki and David Olsen, said that…

Public Voting for City of Duluth Flag Begins

9 final options available for choosing.

DULUTH, Minn.- Now’s your chance to help Duluth pick which design should be on the next city flag. There were at total of 195 designs submitted by people in Duluth, and a volunteer flag committee narrowed the choices down to its top 9. Those designs were unveiled tonight at city hall, and one of them will soon become the next symbol…

Ely Resort Impacts Veterans, People Living with Disabilities

Veterans on the Lake Resort is Located at 161 Fernberg Road; The Resort is Open Year-Round

ELY, Minn. – Recent studies show up to 20 percent of military veterans will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning home from war. While these numbers may seem small, the grim reality shows nearly 20 veterans commit suicide every day. One secluded resort in Northeastern Minnesota is looking to shed positive light on the reality, one visit at…

New Animal Ownership Rules in Superior

Previously banned animals like small goats and small pigs will now be allowed

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior City Council voted unanimously to change their animal ownership rules. It is now legal to own more than three dogs or more than three cats. In addition, it’s now legal to own some animals that were previously banned like small goats and small pigs. To qualify for the new ownership rules, residents will have to…

Nemadji Golf Course to be Managed by KemperSports

Mark Carlson has managed the course for 44 years, will continue to manage it through end of 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Public golf courses are struggling. Duluth recently announced they will be selling nine holes of the Lester Park Golf Course for a private housing development. Now, a big change is coming to Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. The city council voted to move on from longtime golf course manager and instead have company KemperSports manage the public…