News

Update: Lake Vermilion Drowning Victim Died of ‘Natural Causes’

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, preliminary autopsy results determined the 58-year-old who drowned in Lake Vermilion on Tuesday died of natural causes. Saint Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a water emergency in the Greenwood Bay area of Lake Vermilion around 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday. Officials say Darrell Pfannenstein was observed by a…

Two Shot in Michigan After man Fires on Crowd During Fireworks

Neither Victim Suffered Life-Threatening Injuries

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (AP) – Authorities and witnesses say a man fired gunshots hurting at least two people in a suburban Detroit neighborhood as fireworks were being set off, leading to a hours-long standoff with police. Police and residents in St. Clair Shores say the man fired into a crowd Thursday evening and hit a 12-year-old in the arm…

SUP, SUP! Gliding On Water

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: North Shore SUP Rents Stand-up Paddle Boards

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are gliding across the water on a stand up paddle board! North Shore SUP offers cheap rentals for both hourly and for the entire day! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot chatted with the co-owner Heather on some tips and tricks and why you should try this sport out. Interested? Click here to…

Wisconsin to Consider Lowering Workers’ Comp Insurance Rates

The new Rates Could go Into Effect Oct 1

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin insurance officials will soon consider a proposal to lower insurance rates for workers’ compensation. The Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau has proposed decreasing workers’ compensation insurance rates by more than 8.8%, continuing a three-year trend in falling premiums. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the new rates could go into effect Oct. 1, upon approval from the…

Volunteers Help with Cloquet Fourth Festivities

Volunteers say they're happy to make the event a success.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The 4th of July Festivities in Cloquet were made possible by about 100 volunteers across the 3rd, 4th and 5th. According to one of those volunteers, he is happy to make the holiday fun for everyone. “It helps the 4th of July Committee out and it helps all the volunteers out,” said Chad Erickson, who helped out with…

Wishing America Happy Birthday from Cloquet July 4th Fest

Cloquet hosts longstanding Fourth of July Fest

CLOQUET, Minn.- Veterans Park was packed with Cloquet residents enjoying fair food, live music, and 4th of July fun, despite the wet weather. Red, white and blue flooded the park as everyone put on their patriotic best to celebrate the 4th of July. “I think that people in Cloquet are patriotic and really like their town so they stay here…

Barker’s Island Prepares for the Fourth of July

People were out playing mini golf and setting up for the concerts in the evening.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Barker’s Island was busy with setup and preparation for the Fourth of July festivities on Thursday. Earlier in the day, many people were out playing mini golf and setting up for the concerts in the evening. People could also celebrate with food trucks including Mr. Goodies Food Concessions who’s been setting up at Barkers for three years….

Dog Owners Preparing for Fireworks

Some Duluth residents plan on staying home to take care of their furry friends.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dog owners around the Northland are preparing to watch their dogs closely during fireworks shows. Ken Stanley, a Duluth resident, was at a local dog park and said that he is not sure how his newly rescued dog will do with the fireworks, but he plans on staying home with her so she is not scared and…

President Reenactors Come To Town

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt were all in attendance

SUPERIOR, Wis.- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt, believe it or not, were all in Superior today for the Fourth of July. It was an event called Mount Rushmore Live, that featured four living history reenactors playing the U.S. Presidents on the landmark. The presidents interacted with those in attendance, answered questions and gave them stories from…

Memorial Car Show

Cars of all shapes and sizes filled Tower Avenue Thursday afternoon

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The sun finally began to shine following the Superior parade, just in time for the 22 year historic Van Alstine Car Show. From small to large, quiet to loud, all kinds of cars were on display at the Northland’s Memorial Car Show. Since Tower Avenue construction is complete, organizers say it was a good opportunity to bring the…

Superior 4th of July Parade

Rain didn't stop the hundreds from coming out and packing the streets of Superior Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hundreds packed the streets of Superior today for their annual Fourth of July parade. The pouring rain didn’t stop those of all ages from coming out this morning to pick up some candy, and see all the cool things Superior has to offer. And speaking of cool things, what better way to start a parade than with a…

Midday Update 7-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Gordon Gears up to Host 59th Annual Summer Festival

Gordon Good Neighbor Days is Happening July 5 - 7, 2019

GORDON, Wis. – The town of Gordon, Wisconsin is made up of nearly 600 people, but this weekend thousands will arrive to help kick off the summer season. The 59th annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days runs from Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7. A full schedule of events is listed below. Six board members work year round the help…

Morning Update 7-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Comunity, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Old Duluth Church Could Become New Duluth Restaurant

Two brothers are working to convert the old Bethany Lutheran Church into a full service restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new restaurant could be coming to Duluth, in a more unorthodox location. Brothers Chuck and Robert Bagley are working on turning the old Bethany Lutheran Church on the 2300 block of West 3rd Street into a restaurant. They have not decided the menu just yet, though have began amassing kitchen equipment and have their plans laid out….

New Kwik Trip Causing Proctor Small Businesses to Close

Proctor Milk House and Stokke's Meat Market Closing Doors.

DULUTH, Minn.- One Proctor business has closed, and another announced its closure, as the new Duluth Kwik Trip near Proctor undergoes construction. Back in 2017 over 100 Duluth and Proctor residents and business owners packed an open house, opposing the Kwik Trip on Boundary Avenue, for fear of it forcing smaller businesses out. Ultimately Kwik Trip got the land, and…

Fourth of July Festivities Kick Off in Cloquet

Burgers and brats were flipping for the Disabled American Veterans along with preparations for Cloquet's 4th of July parade.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Towns around the Northland are gearing up for Independence Day and Wednesday, Cloquet was getting started as well. Burgers and brats were flipping for the Disabled American Veterans in the Premiere Theater’s parking lot. Hundreds of people lined up to support and organization who helps disabled veterans right in their own county. “It means the world to…

Following The Fireworks Laws

Duluth Police Department offers last minute tips ahead of the Fourth of July

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police want to remind the public of all of the rules when it comes to shooting off fireworks. Any firework that flies is considered illegal in the state of Minnesota. Authorities say they are hoping Northlanders will take all the rules into consideration to keep problems from happening. “Leave that to the professionals. Even they take…

Crews Set Up for Duluth’s Largest Fireworks Display

DULUTH, Minn. – Fireworks are typically the highlight of everyone’s Fourth of July. But have your ever wondered what it takes to get ready for a big fireworks display? To put on Duluth’s largest fireworks display it takes several hands and a few days of set up. Technicians spent the last couple of days setting UP racks near the lake….

AAA Offers Free Rides To Impaired Drivers

Members and non-members of AAA in Michigan and Wisconsin can use this offer until Friday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Fourth of July holiday ranks as one of the deadliest holiday periods for drunk driving crashes, and now AAA is working to help curb that trend with a free ride program being offered up in both Wisconsin and Michigan. AAA is urging anyone celebrating away from home to plan ahead by choosing a designated driver, or arrange…

Four Democratic Presidential Candidates Coming to Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Four Democratic presidential candidates are planning to attend a town hall event on July 11 in Milwaukee. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former U.S. Housing Secretary Julian Castro and former Texas Rep. Beto O’ Rourke are slated to appear at the two-hour event. It is organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens….

Fire Destroys Jim Beam Warehouse Filled With Bourbon Barrels

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A fire destroyed a massive Jim Beam warehouse filled with about 45,000 barrels of bourbon, sending flames shooting into the night sky and generating so much heat that firetruck lights melted, authorities said Wednesday. Firefighters from four counties responded to the blaze that erupted late Tuesday. Lightning might have been a factor, but fire investigators haven’t…

New Apartment Complex Proposed for Endion Neighborhood

A Public Hearing Will be Held on July 9

DULUTH, Minn. – A new apartment building is being proposed in the 2200 Block of South Street directly next to the Endi apartment complex on London Road. Launch Properties, based out of Minneapolis, says the four to six story apartment building would hold 98 units with roughly 84 interior parking spaces for automobiles, 5 interior motorcycle spaces and 19 additional…

Evers Signs Wisconsin Budget With 78 Partial Vetoes

Evers Signed the Budget Wednesday

(AP Photo)MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has made 78 partial vetoes to the state budget passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Evers signed the budget Wednesday, ignoring pleas from some liberals who wanted the new Democratic governor to reject the entire two-year spending plan. Evers says he considered doing that, but decided it would be petty and divisive…

Midday Update 7-3-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 3, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Water Emergency at Little Grand Lake Leaves Teen in Critical Condition

The Teen was Transported to the Hospital

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A 14-year-old male is in critical condition following a water emergency at Little Grand Lake near Sampo Beach on Tuesday. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area around 8:19 p.m. When squads arrived on scene they found the teen had been removed from the water by bystanders and life saving measures…

Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington & Jefferson to Visit Superior’s Bong Center

Mount Rushmore, LIVE! is Happening Thursday, July 4 at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – President Teddy Roosevelt is the reason why the Executive Mansion is known as The White House today. This is just one of the fun facts folks will have the chance to learn Thursday, July 4 at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. Mount Rushmore, LIVE! will feature four living history reenactors that will present the show…

One Dead Following Water Emergency on Lake Vermillion

The Incident is Being Investigated by the Saint Louis County Sheriff's Office

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 58-year-old man from Saint Joseph was pronounced dead on Tuesday after being found unresponsive and face down in the water. Saint Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a water emergency in the Greenwood Bay area of Lake Vermilion around 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities say the water in the bay is shallow and the victim,…

Keeping Fido Calm During Fourth Festivities

A Place for Fido Offers a Variety of Products to Help Keep Animals Calm During Stressful Situations

DULUTH, Minn. – Anxiety medications are flying out the doors of local veterinary clinics and hospitals this week along with other treats, toys, and materials used to keep animals calm as humans prepare to blast off fireworks to celebrate independence. “We do get a lot of anxiety ridden dogs that come in this time of year,” said Jamie Parent, Owner…

2019 Northland Fourth of July Festivities

Events Across the Northland for the 4th of July

Minnesota: Aurora July 3: Quilt Show from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Kids’ Carnival and Amazing Charles Balloon Sculpturist from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. First Annual Eino Koivisto & Terry Koivisto Vintage Car & Motorcycle Show on Main Street from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening Patriotic Parade at 5:30 p.m. Live Music: Diamonds & Dreams from 3:30 to…

Morning Update 7-3-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 3, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Domestic Assault Suspect Dead After Police Standoff

Police Will Hold a News Conference Wednesday Morning

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) – A domestic assault suspect has been fatally shot following a standoff with police in a St. Paul suburb. The Star Tribune reports the man fled on foot after assaulting a woman in a car in Eagan about 6 p.m. Tuesday. Eagan police spokesman Aaron Machtemes says officers tracked the man down to a commercial area and…

Superior Council Overturns Mayor Paine’s Censure Veto Of Councilor Van Sickle

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  It was another vocal and passionate council meeting in Superior Tuesday night. Councilors voted 8-2 to overturn Mayor Jim Paine’s veto involving the censure of Councilor Jenny Van Sickle and her negative social media comments about City Attorney Frog Prell. Those comments called Prell incompetent, lazy and a manipulator in response to Prell’s legal opinion that concluded…

Benedictine Living Community of Duluth Introduces New People Mover

Dozens of residents at the facility came together for an ice cream party to welcome in the new vehicle.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of residents at the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth gathered together for the blessing of the senior apartment’s new people mover. The eight-seater golf cart is designed to help residents explore the nearly 200 acres of their campus, and allows residents to stay on the move. “As we age, many people, all the people here had…

Boaters Gearing Up for the Fourth

At Spirit Lake Marina, people were out enjoying a hot day on the water.

DULUTH, Minn. – Boaters around the Northland are heading to their marinas to get their respective boats ready for the Fourth of July. At Spirit Lake Marina and Duluth, many people were out in their campers, houseboats, and RVs taking in the sun and working on their boats. For one couple is planning on boating to Bayfron Festival Park for…

Longtime City of Superior Fire Chief, Finance Director Retiring

Mayor Paine Congratulates Retirees, Says Change Can Bring Fresh Perspective

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Longtime Superior Fire Chief Steve Panger and Finance Director Jean Vito are retiring after more than two decades each with the city. Panger, a 26-year veteran of the fire department, made the announcement official to councilors and Mayor Jim Paine Tuesday. Panger told FOX 21 he has reached the age of retirement at 53 years old and…

An Opportunity To Give

Duluth Salvation Army now accepting donations for 'Open Your Heart' campaign.

DULUTH, Minn.- Throughout the month of July, a portion of donations made to the Duluth Salvation Army will be matched through a grant from an organization called “Open Your Heart To The Hungry and Homeless”. Organization leaders say the summer months are extra hard on low income families, with their children out of school. Organizations say while donations like canned…

Camping Sites Beginning To Fill Up

Campsites around the Northland have begun to fill up as Fourth of July draws near

DULUTH, Minn.- Campgrounds across the Northland are beginning to fill up as the Fourth of July is just days away. The Indian Point Campground is about half full right now. Campers who just pulled in to start their vacation here in Duluth say it’s great to escape their routines and get outdoors for a few days. “It’s like a home…

Fire Department Offers Key Tips To Remain Safe Over 4th of July

A good refresher with the 4th of July just days away

DULUTH, Minn.- Fireworks start an average of almost 19,000 fires in America every year, and with the 4th of July almost here it’s not a bad idea to have a refresher course of firework safety. In 2017, U.S. Hospital Emergency Rooms treated an estimated 13,000 people for fireworks related injuries, but there’s ways to prevent being part of that statistic….

Duluth Waterfront Getting Set Up for Fourth of July Fun

Some events can draw up to 10,000 people every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Waterfront is often a popular spot to spend the Fourth of July. And this year is no different. Crews spent most of the day building tents and setting up fencing over at Bayfront Park for the festivities. This year, the park is kicking off five straight days of fun events including Hairball and the Fourth…

So Long to the Old Superior Fire Station

The new state of the art facility is more than twice the size of the old station.

ze SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s in with the new and out with the old. The former Superior Fire station was finally torn down this week after the department moved into its new state of the art facility. Crews will spend some time sorting through debris and taking out recyclables such as iron. The bulldozed site will free up more space…

Minnetonka Couple Becomes Target of Phony Police Call

Some "Swatting" Pranks have led to Deaths

MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) – Nearly two dozen well-armed officers sealed off several blocks and surrounded a Minnetonka home on Saturday in response to a call about a man who killed his wife with an AR-15 rifle and was threatening to kill police. But inside the home, a couple in their 60s were sleeping safely – the unwitting targets of “swatting,”…