News

Duluth Airshow Adds Air Force and Navy F-35 Variants to Event

The Duluth Airshow has announced that the United States Air Force will send the F-35 Lighting II Demonstration Team to perform during this summer’s Duluth Airshow which will take place July 20-21 at the Duluth International Airport.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Airshow has announced that the United States Air Force will send the F-35 Lighting II Demonstration Team to perform during this summer’s Duluth Airshow which will take place July 20-21 at the Duluth International Airport. “We were very fortunate that Air Education Training Command (AETC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) selected us to host the most sought…

5K Fun Run, Walk to Benefit Veterans Memorial Hall

The Fun Run, Walk is Happening Saturday, May 18, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to attend the 2019 Veterans Memorial Hall 5K Fun Run, Walk happening Saturday, May 18. The race is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. at The Other Place Bar and Grille located at 3930 East Calvary Road in Duluth. This event is open to all ages. Runners are welcome to register online for $25. Registration…

Midday Update 5-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Update: Victim Identified as Former Hoyt Lakes Fire and Police Chief in Garbage Truck Pinning Incident

Authorities have identified the man killed Monday morning after being pinned between a garbage truck and a large dumpster in Biwabik.

BIWABIK, Minn.-Authorities have identified the man killed Monday morning after being pinned between a garbage truck and a large dumpster in Biwabik. He’s been identified as 61-year-old former Hoyt Lakes fire and police chief Steven Allen Stoks. On Facebook, Hoyt Lakes Fire and EMS posted about the loss of the community leader saying: “The Hoyt Lakes Fire and Ambulance is mourning…

Man Pleads Guilty in Mall Attack Against Child

MINNEAPOLIS-The man accused of throwing a 5-year-old boy from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America has pleaded guilty to attempted premeditated first-degree murder and faces 19 years in prison. Emmanuel Aranda, of Minneapolis, admitted his guilt as part of a plea agreement Tuesday. As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed not to pursue an aggravated circumstances component to…

The Northland Remembers America’s Ace of Aces Richard I. Bong

Northland Uncovered: The Richard I. Bong Veterans Center is in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a plane and a dream has now turned into a haven for Northland veterans. From Poplar, Wis. farm boy to America’s icon, U.S. Army Air Force Major Richard Bong was one of nation’s most decorated fighter pilots during World War II. “He ended up becoming America’s ace of aces shooting down 40 confirmed enemy air…

Morning Update 5-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Searches Off Northern Michigan Don’t Turn up Missing Plane

Authorities say searches haven't turned up signs of a small plane that went missing while flying over Lake Michigan.

FRANKFORT, Mich.-Authorities say searches haven’t turned up signs of a small plane that went missing while flying over Lake Michigan. The Benzie County sheriff’s office says the plane dropped off radar on Sunday night off of northern Michigan, about 4 miles  west of Frankfort, and two people were believed to be aboard. The sheriff’s office says the plane was reportedly…

Exotic Animals in Minnesota Homes

Organizations are taking in dozens of exotic reptiles and big cats every year

MINNESOTA – Owning exotic animals is a bigger problem than most people think. Whether its bears, monkeys, snakes, or tigers, it’s becoming more common across the country and right here in the Northland. 110 big cats are now living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone. Many of them were surrendered or seized from local homes. The Minnesota Herpetological Society takes…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Potluck Vintage and Modern Kitchenware

David Wigdahl always dreamt of opening an antique store and he wanted the store to be accessible to people with all kinds of tastes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people have a pot or kitchen instrument that has been passed down for generations, and one business owner is mixing the old and new in his kitchen and antiques store. This week’s Knowing Your Neighbor features Ely business, Potluck Vintage and Modern Kitchenware. Most business owners are ready for a cushy retirement, but this store owner…

Duluth Fire Department Launches a New Watercraft

The personal watercraft similar looking to a jet ski allows fire rescue crews to access emergency situations faster than a traditional boat.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has launched a new tool for water rescues. The personal watercraft similar looking to a jet ski allows fire rescue crews to access emergency situations faster than a traditional boat. “The personal water craft is capable of high speed and enables us as responders to work more safely and the new suits offers…

Duluth City Councilors Vote 7-0 to Downsize Lester Park Golf Course

The vote means the "Lake Nine" holes will be closed after the 2019 season making the total number of holes at 18 at Lester Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors voted 7-0 in favor of a plan to downsize the financially struggling Lester Park golf course on Monday. Councilors Em Westerlund and Jay Fosle were absent. The vote means the “Lake Nine” holes will be closed after the 2019 season — making the total number of holes at 18 at Lester Park. The vote…

One Killed in House Explosion

Authorities believe the explosion was not because of a criminal act.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior police confirmed on Monday that one person was killed in Sunday morning’s house explosion and subsequent fire in Superior. Police have not identified the victim yet as the investigation continues, but authorities believe the explosion was not a criminal act. The small home is located on 22nd Street near Corning Avenue along the railyard in Billings…

Northland Sixth Graders Go On a River Quest for Learning

Students learned about the waterfront at the DECC and on a boat.

DULUTH, Minn.- More than 1,500 sixth graders from throughout the region are learning about the Duluth waterfront and water safety all this week, during the 27th Annual Saint Louis River Quest Program. The program began Monday at the DECC’s Pioneer Hall, where students heard from experts about water pollution and the dangers of rip currents. Some, like Lydia Polkoski, said…

Red Cross Holds Mass Casualty Incident Training at Duluth International Airport

Drills went through how to open up a Family Assistance Center during a Mass Casualty Incident.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s training they hope is never actually used. With summer right around the corner, concerts, festivals and other large crowded events carry the potential for an accident or active threat scenario. The Red Cross gathered law enforcement, fire and medical experts to evaluate how they’d assist people if something like that happened in the Northland. The goal of…

A and Dubs is Open for its 69th Year

The restaurant is staying true to it's 1950's roots.

DULUTH, Minn. – The wait is finally over. The iconic A and Dubs in West Duluth is officially open for business for its 69 year. A and Dubs is the original drive in of Duluth. Still operating since 1950, the restaurant will continue to offer plenty of menu favorites like their homemade root beer. In a matter of minutes of…

“Get Downtown Week” to Encourage Patrons to Visit Downtown During Superior Street Reconstruction

Take advantage of buy one get one deals.

Shopping, dining, and entertainment are some of the things that brings the vibrancy to downtown Duluth. Now you have a chance to indulge Starting today, The Duluth Greater Downtown Council’s annual “Get Downtown Week” begins. About 25 participating downtown businesses will be offering buy one get one deals during the promotional week. the greater downtown council says this encourages people…

A Labor Agreement Implemented for Essentia’s Vision Northland Project

Vision Northland will create 5,600 on site construction jobs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction for Essentia Health’s historic $800 million  Vision Northland project is set to start later this year. A project labor agreement is the framework for collaboration between Essentia, McGough Construction, and the Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council. The PLA is used to ensure skilled labor and safe worker conditions. The agreement will also help keep the…

Multiple Elections Happening in the Northland Tomorrow

Multiple school referendums and a primary for a county board seat are happening in the Northland tomorrow.

Multiple school referendums and a primary for a county board seat are happening in the Northland tomorrow. The primary will feature six candidates vying for the District 5 St. Louis County commissioner seat which represents Hermantown, Proctor, and Rice Lake. The candidates are: Wayne Boucher, Keith Macdonald, Keith Musolf, Kal Randa, Timothy Herstad, and Robert Wagner. Up on the Iron…

Felicity Huffman Pleads Guilty in College Scheme

Sentencing is set for September 13

BOSTON (AP) – Felicity Huffman has pleaded guilty to participating in the college admissions cheating scheme. The 56-year-old actress entered the plea Monday to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Huffman stood with her hands clasped in front of her and responded, “Yes, your honor,” when asked whether she understood the charges. Her…

Update: One Dead Following Superior Home Explosion

Authorities say There is no Threat to the Public

SUPERIOR, Wis. – According to the Superior Police Department one person was found deceased inside a small home following an explosion in Superior’s Billings Park neighborhood Sunday. The explosion was reported around 10:50 a.m. Sunday on 22nd Street near Corning Avenue. The Superior Police Department, Superior Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance responded to 2219 North 22nd Street where they…

Man Injured by Explosives, More Found at Residence

EMILY, Minn. (AP) – Authorities are investigating a residence in the Emily area after a man suffered an explosives-related hand injury. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident about 5 p.m. Sunday. The man had suffered what authorities described as “extensive” injuries to his left hand and was flown to a St. Cloud hospital. The sheriff’s office…

Fresh Mex Beef Barbacoa Tacos

COOKING CONNECTION: NEW Taco Arcada Offers Street Tacos in the Twin Ports

LINCOLN PARK, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we met up with Conner Maki, the head chef at Corktown Deli and now Taco Arcada! We are cooking up fresh tacos, filled with beef cheeks and more! They don’t serve your traditional run of the mill tacos either, so you’ll want to check out the recipe in the video above….

More People Dying in Wisconsin, but Elderly Living Longer

Deaths in Wisconsin Were up 15% Compared to a Decade ago

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – More people are dying in Wisconsin, but the state’s growing elderly population is living longer. Those are two findings of the annual death report from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The latest report released Monday looks at deaths in 2017. It found that deaths were up 15% compared with a decade ago. But the death…

Itasca Co. Sheriff’s Office: Alcohol a Contributing Factor in Fatal ATV Accident

One Arrested for Criminal Vehicle Homicide

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A 21-year-old Cohasset man was arrested for Criminal Vehicle Homicide following an ATV crash that resulted in a fatality early Saturday morning. According to the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to a report of an ATV accident on County Road 459 in Cohasset around 2:17 a.m. Saturday. Emergency Responders on the scene learned three men…

Midday Update 5-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, May 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Walz, Legislative Leaders Fail to Reach Budget Deal Again

They Have Until May 20 to Strike a Deal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Budget negotiations between Gov. Tim Walz and state House and Senate leaders have broken off again amid an ongoing clash over taxes. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the failure to reach a deal Sunday evening leaves lawmakers just one week to bridge major divides and pass a two-year state spending plan expected to top $45…

Duluth Musician Alan Sparhawk to Headline Music Resource Center Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Friday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth vocalist and guitarist Alan Sparhawk is set to headline a benefit concert for the Music Resource Center Friday, May 17 at Sacred Heart Music Center located at 201 West 4th Street in Duluth. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door….

Coffee Conversation: Children’s Charity Gala to Support Local Families

The Northern Lights Foundation is Hosting the Gala on Thursday, May 16

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Lights Foundation is proud to present the 2019 Children’s Charity Gala on Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. The event is happening at the Harborside Ballroom at the DECC. The annual gala is the Northern Lights Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event are provided as unrestricted grants to local families with…

Morning Update 5-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, May 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Update: Victim Pinned Between Garbage Truck and Dumpster Identified

According to the Gilbert Police Department, a male victim was pronounced dead Monday morning after being pinned between a garbage truck and a large dumpster.

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 61-year-old Steven Allen Stoks of Hoyt Lakes. BIWABIK, Minn. – According to the Gilbert Police Department, a male victim was pronounced dead Monday morning after being pinned between a garbage truck and a large dumpster. Authorities responded to 310 Main Street in Biwabik at approximately 8:23 a.m. where a 61-year-old male was found pinned…

Northlanders Melting for Smelt in Duluth’s Canal Park

8th Annual Run, Smelt, Run Parade and Party held.

DULUTH, Minn.- Mothers weren’t the only ones celebrated on Sunday. Canal Park was a sea of silver and blue, gathered to celebrate one thing. Smelt. The 8th Annual “Run Smelt, Run” Parade and Party brought out fans of the little fish caught in nets and served whole. People gathered to celebrate the end of winter, ring in the summer, and…

UWS Looks to Add New ‘Critical Civic Engagement’ Major

Major would focus on identifying and solving community issues

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A year and a half after suspending 25 academic programs, UW-Superior may add a new major. The university recently got a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities to develop a new academic major focusing on community advocacy. “After the program cuts they were saying they were open to innovative ideas so this was one of the…

Weather This Weekend Perfect for Mother’s Day

Moms out in Rose Garden enjoying the day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Mothers were out enjoying the nice weather on their special day. The Rose Garden in Duluth was full of mothers with their kids enjoying the sun, and each other’s company. “We’ve been stuck inside all winter so it’s just a good chance to spend time with them they’re still little and I want to take as much time…

Nation Representatives and Industry Leaders Discuss Tariffs and Trade in the Northland

Republican MN congressman Pete Stauber and White House director of trade and manufacturing policy Dr. Peter Navarro led the discussion.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s 8th district representative Republican Pete Stauber and a representative from the white house talked tariffs and the future of North American trade with local industry leaders. It’s crunch time for President Trump and his administration in making the push to get the newly proposed United State-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) to the next step. But getting congress on board…

School Parents File Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Duluth Edison Charter Schools

Duluth Edison Charter Schools Denies Any Discrimination

DULUTH, Minn. — Three parents of students who are attending or did attend Duluth Edison Charter Schools have filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the school system. In an email sent to school parents and faculty on Friday, Bonnie Jorgenson, the head of Duluth Edison, addressed the lawsuit but did not go into specific allegations made against the schools, which…

UPDATE: House Explodes In Superior; Police Investigating

Firefighters turn investigation to Superior Police, there is no threat to the public.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- Police are now investigating an explosion in Superior’s Billings Park neighborhood. Officials report that the incident was isolated and there is no threat to the public. The explosion was reported around 10:50 Sunday morning, in a small home on 22nd Street near Corning Avenue along the railyard. Mayo Ambulance was also called in. The smoke from the…

Wisconsin and Minnesota Communities Come Together to Preserve History

Communities are trying to make the St. Croix River watershed a National Heritage Area

GORDON, Wis.- Communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota are working to preserve the history of the St. Croix River watershed. “A heritage area brings together all those arts and history and cultural organizations and couples them with chambers of commerce and economic development organizations,” North Woods and Waters St. Croix Heritage Area chair Marty Harding said. The St. Croix watershed is an…

Bent Paddle Celebrates 6 Years with Festiversary

More than 20 beers were available on tap

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company is celebrating their sixth anniversary with a ‘Festiversary.’ There was live music all day, fourteen food vendors, and more than twenty brews on tap, including special infusions made with all of Bent Paddle’s flagship beers. Brewery staff say the weather cooperated to make the festival a perfect chance to celebrate the Lincoln Park…

Thinking Spring at the Think Spring Craft and Vendor Show

Event held at Black Bear Casino in Carlton

CARLTON, Minn.- The Otter Creek Event Center was packed with at least 100 booths of unique handmade items, like puppets and fudge. If you visited at least 25 booths, you had a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Seven Fires Steakhouse at Black Bear Casino. “Anything in this arena today, a lot of stuff you might be able…

Volunteers Work Together to Clean Wade Bowl Park

The community raked leaves, picked up trash and painted the warming shack

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Volunteers spent their morning hard at work getting Wade Bowl Park in shape for summer. Superior City Councilor Tylor Elm and members of the community got together to rake leaves and pick up trash. The group’s main focus was scrubbing and painting the warming shack that was vandalized back in April. Councilor Elm says cleaning the park is a…

Duluth Anglers Reel In Minnesota Fishing Opener

Half a million anglers are expected to get out on the water this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Almost every lake in the Land of 10,000 is filled with Anglers. “It’s peaceful, and just to get to hold the rod and get fish again,” said Angler Jilleine Luoma. And they are all hoping for the perfect catch. “We get to test out the boats, make sure they’re working alright,” said James Orman. “Get to teach the…

Twin Ports Mayors Perform Theatrical Read

The event raises funds for Duluth sister cities international which sends students from Duluth around the globe and brings international students back to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine of Duluth and Superior came together for a table reading of the play “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. The event raises funds for Duluth sister cities international which sends students from Duluth around the globe and brings international students back to Duluth. “We can build some cultural understanding, increase our knowledge…

Local Girl Scout Troupe Receives Special Honors and Awards

Cook County/Grand Marais Girl Scouts hold their Court of Awards Ceremony.

DULUTH, Minn.- A proud group of ladies young and old spent the day celebrating their accomplishments throughout the year. The Cook County –Grand Marais girl scout troupe held their Court of Awards ceremony. Every girl scout was presented badges or patches to recognize the hard work put into learning skills from cooking to leadership. “The program adapts and tried to be…

Northlanders Enjoy Mr. D’s Annual Smelt Fry

Smelting season brings on the smelt fry.

DULUTH, Minn.- Smelting season is here and so is Mr. D’s annual smelt fry. It’s a favorite among some of the older generations. Smelt is a small, silver fish that you can get in an 8 ounce portion at Mr. D’s during the annual smelt fry. The smelt come from Bayfield, Wis. Servers say customers are extra excited for this year’s…

Superior Fifth Graders Learn How to Keep Lake Superior Clean

Tours are open to any group interested in learning about the process.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A group of fifth graders stopped by the city of superior’s waste water treatment plant for a tour to get an inside look at what it takes to keep Lake Superior clean. Over the last two weeks, the plant offered tours to nearly 300 local fifth graders. The students learned the process of cleaning water used in…

St. Luke’s Wound Care Center Receives Awards

The wound center also won a Center of Excellence Award and the President's Circle Award from Healogics.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beating out more than 600 wound care centers across the U.S., St. Luke’s Advance Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center is celebrating after being named the Wound Care Center of the Year. St. Luke’s center specializes in treating patients suffering from diabetic ulcers and other chronic wounds. The Hyperbaric chamber is used to build blood vessels by administering…

Lakewood Students Spend the Day Outside Learning About the Environment

Environmental Education Day held at school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was greats for students at Lakewood Elementary School to get outside and learn about the environment. The school participated in Environmental Education Day. It’s like a field day with various activities like bird watching, and learning about animal furs, from local organizations like the Minnesota DNR. “We concentrate so much on reading and math and specific…