News

Bloom 2019 Brings Moms Together

The event provides expectant mothers a much needed night of pampering.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Moms Blog hosted their annual Bloom event focused on new and expecting mothers tonight at Clyde Iron Works. The event provides expectant mothers a much needed night of pampering. They are catering to both birth mothers and adoptive mothers and giving them a chance to meet and connect. “It’s so important to bring moms together in…

Twin Ports Ministry of Seafarers Blesses the Port and 2019 Shipping Season

The blessing of the port is an annual tradition.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth–Superior harbor is already proving to have a busy and steady 2019 season. There have been an estimated 30 thousand lives lost to shipwrecks in the great lakes. Thursday’s annual ‘Blessing of the Port’ was a way to speak a hand of protection on the harbor and all those on the water this year. Entering their 50th year,…

Roadside Smelt Shops Pop Up in Wisconsin

The season lasts until May 25th.

ASHLAND, Wis. – A road side smelt shop has popped up in the old ace hardware parking lot in Ashland. Owners of Smelt the business say people travel from far and wide to buy the little fish with deep roots in this community. “The locals call the radio station because they get all excited. Everybody get so upset and say…

Lions Club Pancake Day

The annual event hopes to bring in around 11,000 people this year

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a day full of pancakes at the DECC in Duluth. Just two hours into the annual pancake day feast, more than seven hundred people had already been served. Pat Swenson, Chairman of Pancake Day, says that “I love this. Each ticket that we sell goes back to the community in some fashion. And so to see,…

Wisconsin Fishing Preview

Saturday is the big day for fisherman in Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Opening Day for Wisconsin fishing season is this Saturday, which means big business for local bait shops. Over at Superior Fly Angler on Belknap Street, fisherman have been lining up to get their bait and tackle as they prepare for the big day. Leadership from that business say fisherman tend to like to buy local, because they have…

New Day Advocacy Center Almost Done with Renovations of New Location

New Day hopes to move in to the new facility by July 1st.

ASHLAND, Wis. – New Day Advocacy Center is halfway done with the more than $1 million  project, hoping to bring comfort and safety to the hundreds of victims using their services. For more than 30 years New Day has been a resource for men, women, and children involved in domestic violence and sexual assault situations. The current facility is based…

YMCA Remolding Begins Later This Month

Construction will cause the YMCA to close May 20th until May 27th

DULUTH, Minn.- Later this month, the Duluth YMCA will undergo a major renovation causing it to close for a week Construction is scheduled to begin May 20th and run through the 27th. Some of the changes will include replacing the raquet ball court, while making some locker room upgrades. Emily Ranta, Associate Executive Director, said “the big thing we hope…

City Suggests Downscaling Lester Park Golf Course

Recommendations Will be Brought to the Council May 13

DULUTH, Minn. – After a 15-month long collaboration with the Friends of Duluth Public Golf, Duluth Golf Citizen advisory Committee, and members of the public the City of Duluth has proposed their recommendations for the future of Duluth’s public golf courses. Their recommendations include closing and selling the Lake Nine at Lester Park Golf Course and making necessary updates to…

Minnesota Governor Signs Repeal of Marital Rape Exemption

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has signed a bill repealing a Minnesota law that prevented prosecutors from filing rape charges against people accused of sexually assaulting their spouses. Looking on as Walz signed the bill Thursday was Jenny Teeson. The Andover woman went public after prosecutors dropped a felony charge against her now ex-husband, who drugged her…

DTA to Provide 2019 Homegrown Trolley Service

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is once again offering providing the convenient DTA Homegrown Trolley during the 2019 Homegrown Music Festival from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday. In Superior, the trolley service operates between music venues every 20 minutes from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Thursday and will feature live music onboard the…

Moorhead man Involved in Standoff With Police Facing 6 Charges

An Attorney is not Listed for Fitzgerald

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say charges have been filed against a man involved in a nine-hour standoff with police at his Moorhead home. KFGO radio reports that 35-year-old Blake Fitzgerald is charged with six counts, including assault with a dangerous weapon, false imprisonment, domestic assault by strangulation and terroristic threats. Court documents say the incident began Tuesday when a…

Proposed Texas Bill Would ban Food Stamp use on Soda, Energy Drinks, Junk Food

Coffee Would Still be Allowed

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 35 ORLANDO) – A bill being proposed in Texas would ban food stamp recipients from using their benefits to buy ‘junk food,’ including soda and energy drinks. The bill, H.B. No. 4364, filed by Rep. Brisco Caine, would not allow those with food stamps to purchase any sweetened or carbonated beverage, some potato chips or corn chips,…

Republican Assembly Speaker Open to Legalizing Medical pot

Vos has Supported Limited Legalization for Chronic Medical Conditions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he hopes to find a way to reach a deal with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on a limited legalization of medical marijuana. Vos on Thursday said Republicans won’t go along with Evers’ more expansive proposal that also includes legalizing small amounts of recreational marijuana. Republicans plan to kill that…

Lions Club Pancake Day Details

Pancakes For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Today In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s that time of year again for “Duluth’s Great Get Together” also known as the 62nd Annual Pancake Day at the DECC! Watch the video below for times, prices and what it all includes! Volunteers have been participating in this gathering for nearly 50 years, check out one local that makes something special for the kids upon…

Midday Update 5-2-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 2, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 2, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Trump Fed choice Stephen Moore withdraws amid controversy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his pick for the Federal Reserve board, conservative commentator Stephen Moore, has withdrawn from contention. The decision comes amid controversy over Moore’s past writings about women. He lost Republican support in the Senate, which would have to vote on a potential nomination. Trump tweeted the news Wednesday, calling Moore “a great pro-growth economist…

DNR’s Cole Refuses to Reinstate Permit for Sand Plant

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources’ secretary has decided not to reinstate a permit for a $75 million sand processing plant in Monroe County. The Wisconsin State Journal reports DNR Secretary Preston Cole signed a decision Tuesday that closes the agency’s review of a judge’s decision to revoke a permit allowing Meteor Timber to fill 16…

Evers Pledges to ‘Fight Like Hell’ for Medicaid

Some Republican Lawmakers say They're Open to Compromise

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Tony Evers says he will “fight like hell” to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin, even though Republican legislative leaders plan to kill his proposal next week. Evers and Democrats vowed at a news conference Thursday to save the proposal and called on voters to pressure Republicans to compromise. They cited public opinion polls that showed…

CHUM to Host Homeless Fundraising Event in Leif Erikson Park

"Walk a Mile in These Shoes" is Happening Saturday, May 4 in Duluth's Leif Erikson Park

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is set to host a first ever fundraising event, “Walk a Mile in These Shoes.” The event is happening Saturday, May 4 at Duluth’s Leif Erickson Park. The fundraising event for CHUM will call attention to the issues of poverty, hunger, homelessness, and the extreme shortage of affordable housing in Duluth. Participants will learn about the…

Morning Update 5-2-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 2, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 2, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Trump met With Foxconn CEO About Wisconsin Project

Foxconn Offered few Details on What was Discussed

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group CEO Terry Gou has met with President Donald Trump to discuss the company’s ever-changing Wisconsin project. Foxconn confirmed the meeting on Thursday but offered few details on what was discussed. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says Foxconn approached him about changing the state’s contract with the worldwide electronics leader. The current deal makes…

Health Records Conference Held Wednesday

The Minnesota Health Information Management Association is in Duluth until Friday

  DULUTH, Minn.- If you are interested in a healthcare career, without all the blood and guts, then a career in health records might be for you. Leaders in that field are holding the annual Minnesota Health Information Management Association conference at the DECC. They say thousands of jobs are available in that industry whose roots are based in the…

Duluth Rally Remembers Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous Women

Dozens gather in Canal Park to bring awareness to the issue.

DULUTH, Minn.- On this Mayday, members of the indigenous community in Duluth gathered in Canal Park to raise awareness about indigenous women who have gone missing, been murdered, or have been victims of human trafficking. Ralliers said they were obligated to come out and stand in the cold, rain, and wind. Because while it wasn’t easy, what the women in…

Vista Fleet’s Season Starts Friday With Discounted Tickets

DULUTH, Minn. – The Vista Fleet — one of  Duluth’s top tourist attractions — is ready to sail Friday, May 3. This comes after a 40-percent decline in business last season during complications with the delayed seawall reconstruction project in the Minnesota Slip. Vista officials say they’re ready to have a full season free of construction, and they’re going to…

Duluth Set to Demolition Another Community Center

It could be very expensive to repair the recreational center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth residents could lose another recreational center as the city is planning to demolish the Merritt Park Community Center in West Duluth. The city says the center is not compliant with the federal disability building codes. The building is also in need of significant maintenance upgrades. Officials say it would be too expensive to keep up with…

New Great Lakes Aquarium Director

Wednesday, the Aquarium welcomed a familiar face to the new position

DULUTH, Minn.- A familiar face is now the new Aquarium Executive Director. Effective today, Jay Walker is now calling the shots at the tourist attraction. Walker, who has previously served as the Aquarium’s Director of Operations has been with the organization since it opening back in 2000. He says he’s seen numerous positive changes at the site over the years, and…

UMD Public Health Students Showcase This Year’s Projects

Students proud to show off their hard work.

DULUTH, Minn.- Public Health students at UMD showed off projects they’ve been working on throughout the year. The 2019 student showcase featured campaigns and projects focused on Health and Wellness in and around the University. Presentation topics included ways teachers can prevent burning out from stress. “We all work so hard throughout the semester and we need a chance to celebrate…

Proctor Speedway Getting Ready for Season

Speedway getting ready for 2nd year of Monster Truck Show.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor Speedway is gearing up for their upcoming season. For the second year in a row they will be featuring the Monster Truck Show as well as King on the Hill, and the 47th annual Silver 1000. “It’s just at big invitationals and stuff is a lot of fun and we’re getting a little bit more younger fans…

Fond du Lac Band to Oversee Burial Ground Recovery Along Highway 23

Mission Creek MnDOT project has been delayed two years after burial ground was disturbed

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will now oversee the remaining burial ground recovery efforts at the Mission Creek bridge project. That MnDOT project has been on hold since 2017 when crews found native burial remains while digging on a hillside near Highway 23 in Duluth’s Fond du Lac Neighborhood. $4.5 million has already…

Pancake Day Prep

Organizers begun preparing for the expected crowd of over 11,000 tomorrow

DULUTH, Minn.- Organizers are busy getting ready for the 2019 version of Lions Club Pancake Day in Duluth. They are expecting to feed more than eleven thousand people tomorrow. Volunteers started showing up around eight this morning to get ready for pancake day 2019. They are bringing in more than 2,500 pounds of pancake flour, 1,200 pounds of sausage, and…

Educators from Around the Region In Duluth for Annual Early Childhood Summit

The Northland foundation says this is the largest summit they have ever had.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 300 educators from more than twenty five school districts from around the area were in attendance to build a better understanding of working with young people. The summit is designed as an approach to offer training resources for rural and urban communities that may not have access to them. The educators learned techniques and strategies to…

BNSF Investigation Finds Broken Wheel led to Train Derailment

BNSF Says 99% of Coal has Been Removed

DULUTH, Minn. – An investigation into a BNSF Railway train derailment in mid-February found a broken wheel caused the 40-car derailment near Cloquet. A BNSF spokesperson said about “99 percent” of the coal has been cleaned up, with a ‘very small amount’ of coal remaining. Clean up will continue as weather cooperates and BNSF says they will seed the area…

Body of Missing man Found on Red Lake Indian Reservation

Sayers was Last Seen on October 23

RED LAKE, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a body recovered on the Red Lake Indian Reservation has been identified as a man who was reported missing at the end of October. The Red Lake Department of Public Safety says in a release that the remains of 26-year-old Dillon Sayers were found last week. The cause of death remains under investigation….

Man at Duluth Senior Care Center Dies From Drinking Chemical

The man Lived at Westwood of Duluth

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – State investigators say a resident at a Duluth senior care apartment complex inadvertently drank a cleaning chemical that severely burned his digestive tract and killed him three days later. The Star Tribune reports the man had dementia and lived in a secured memory care unit at Westwood of Duluth. The investigation found that the man had a…

Walz Says State Should Pull Plug on Troubled MNLARS System

MNLARS had a Rocky Launch in 2017

(courtesy: Fox 9)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says the state should pull the plug on the troubled vehicle registration system known as MNLARS and replace it with commercial software used by other states. Walz told reporters Wednesday he accepts the conclusions of an expert panel that recommended freezing further development of MNLARS and quickly replacing it with…

FOX 21 Partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to Host Blood Drive for Bennett

The Blood Drive for Bennett is Happening Saturday, May 4 at the FOX 21 Studios on London Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Every day, patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever which is why FOX 21 Local News is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive Saturday, May 4 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Bennett Young, a normally cheerful, sweet 21-month-old boy developed unusual bruising on his leg. He…

Midday Update 5-1-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota House Narrowly Votes to ban Wolf Hunting for Sport

Opponents say Minnesota's Wolf Population Needs to be Controlled

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House has voted narrowly to ban a resumption of wolf hunting for sport in Minnesota. The vote was 66-65 Tuesday on an amendment to a broader environment and natural resources funding bill. The federal government announced plans in March to lift protections for wolves and return management to the states. Minnesota held three…

Settlement Reached in Duluth Diocese Church Abuse Cases

The Settlement Requires the Diocese to pay $10 Million

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The Diocese of Duluth has reached a settlement with dozens of people who say they were abused as children by its priests. The attorney for 125 claimants in the diocese’s bankruptcy case, Jeff Anderson, says the agreement requires the diocese to pay them $40 million. The settlement also requires the diocese to release the files of…

Minnesota DNR: Be Aware of Bears This Spring

Minnesota DNR Advises Caution as Black Bears Awake from a Deep Winter Slumber

DULUTH, Minn. – Now that spring has officially sprung, officials with the Minnesota DNR are reminding homeowners to be aware of bears. While these animals are typically more scared of humans than we are of them, experts say it’s important to make sure you’re aware of what to do if destruction is knocking on your door. “The calls have started…

Morning Update 5-1-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Two Dead, Motive Unclear in North Carolina Campus Shooting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A student with a pistol and no immediately apparent motive killed two people and wounded four others at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte before campus police disarmed and arrested him, authorities said. The campus police chief said the suspect had not appeared on their radar as a potential threat. “I just went into a classroom and…

Great Outdoors: Women in Duluth Take a Hike

Women Hike Duluth unite women to get active.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the weather warms up, trails fill up with hikers and walkers. Women Hike Duluth is a group making sure Northland women can get out, get active, and stay safe. “People stopped us on the trail and asked us what we were marching for, it looked more like a women’s march than a women’s hike,” said the group’s…

Webster Dream Park to be Built Late Summer thanks to Donations

Check from Enbridge Energy brought donation total to $250,000.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior girl’s dream for an all abilities playground at Webster Park is coming true. Enbridge Energy donated a $10,000 check to the city of Superior to build Webster Dream Park. The idea was dreamt up by nine-year-old Kenna Hermanson. Private donations, including the check from Enbridge, totals $50,000, and the City of Superior contributed $200,000 from last year’s…

Superior Emergency Departments Practice Response to Mass Casualty Incident

Fire and Police Department, and Paramedics evaluated response to active shooter situation.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department and Police Department joined together for their third mass casualty training. Rather than practicing their response to an active shooter directly, firefighters, police officers, and paramedics worked on getting quick and precise care to those wounded after the shooter had been neutralized. With makeup and uniforms scattered across the Wessman Arena Gym, it may…

Duluth Denfeld Mock Distracted Driving Crash

Students at Denfeld got a first hand look at what could happen while distracted behind the wheel

DULUTH, Minn.- Recent statistics from the Office of Traffic Safety show distracted or inattentive driving is a contributing factor in one in five Minnesota traffic crashes, causing an average of 53 deaths and 216 serious injuries each year in the state. A study done in 2017 by AAA found distraction played a role in about six out of ten teen…

Aquatic Drop Off

Students at UMD today got a refresher on if they can't take care of their pet, to properly get rid of it

DULUTH, Minn.- Many think that pets like turtles are easy to take care of but some of their owners might not realize what type of workload they are taking on. And today, the group Habitattitude held an event at UMD where Northlanders could turn in their unwanted fish, aquatic plants, and reptiles so they can be give a healthier home…

Enger Park Golf Course Open for the Season

Enger Park gets up to about 35,000 golfers a year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Good news for the avid golfers Enger Park Golf Course is finally open for the season. Nine of the 18 holes are open for use. Some golfers were already at the course ready for a tee time. The golf season can be very uncertain thanks to winter conditions in the spring, but Enger Park Golf Director says…

Rescuer Remembered 52 Years After Attempting to Save the Lives of Three Teenagers

A brand new 150 foot Coast Guard cutter will be named after Ed Culbertson.

DULUTH, Minn. – April 30th 1967, is a day the Northland won’t forget, especially for those still heartbroken by the loss of a hero three teenagers and the hero who tried to save them. More than a half a century ago, Coast Guardsman Ed Culbertson died attempting to rescue three brothers, Nathan, Eric, and Arthur Halverson, from a pier in…