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School Closings, Delays for Thursday, May 9, 2019

School Closings Received by FOX 21 Local News Thursday, May 9, 2019

Duluth Public Schools – 2 Hour Delay Lake Superior School District – 2 Hour Delay Lakeview Christian Academy – 2 Hour Delay Maple School District – 2 Hour Delay Solon Springs Schools – 2 Hour Delay South Shore School District – 2 Hour Delay Stella Maris Academy – 2 Hour Delay Categories: News, News – Latest News, School Closings Tags:…

Superior Competitive Dance Team Focuses on Inclusive Performance

Team Features Wheelchair and Deaf Dancers

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A competitive dance team in Superior gets special honors, taking home an award recognizing them for showing passion for dance onstage and off. Sterling Silver Studio is lined with trophies, and team group pictures on the walls. One team highlights the new perspective the studio is giving to dance, it’s an all-abilities team. “We take a different…

Gary-New Duluth Dog Park Named After Fallen K9 Haas

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary-New Duluth Dog Park is being renamed to honor fallen Duluth police K-9 Haas for his sacrifice. Haas was shot and killed during a domestic incident in January. The Gary-New Duluth Development Alliance is renaming the dog park to also show support for the Duluth Police Department. A plaque designed especially to recognize the fallen K-9 will…

Kids Practice Reading with Canines at West Duluth Public Library

Organizers say it's a good way for kids with reading trouble to practice.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a perfect Wednesday afternoon for being inside reading at the West Duluth Branch Library. Kids got a chance to practice their reading skills out loud to a very relaxed listener – a licensed therapy dog, named Moe. “Some are a little bit reluctant reading and often feel judged by human audiences and a dog is a…

Proposed Plans for Duluth Golf Courses Pass to City Council

Plans propose scaling back and developing Lester Park Golf Course.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Golf Courses are now $2.4 million in debt. The city’s recommendations, which the Parks and Recreation Commission passed with a 6-2 vote on Wednesday, would scale back the 27 holes at Lester Park Golf Course to 18 to make way for housing. Plans would also improve the infrastructure at Enger Park Golf Course. Among the proposed…

Charter Boats Dock in Minnesota Slip for Upcoming Season

For some, season is already underway.

DULUTH, Minn.- As snow is falling, the Charter boats in the Minnesota Slip are docked. The Charter fishing season in Duluth is already underway. The owner of Happy Hooker Charters, one of the longest running charters in the city, said they’re receiving bookings at double the pace of last year, no matter the nasty weather blanketing the Northland now. “So…

May Snow Falls on the Northland

Inches of spring snow dumped on the Northland on Wednesday evening.

Duluth, Minn. – April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but that has not been the case as inches of heavy snow fell in the Northland on Wednesday. Take a look at the snow falling outside of Fitger’s on East Superior Street.     Categories: News, News – Latest News

Minnesota Drivers Caught Driving Distracted, Including Watching “Parks and Rec,” Facetiming, and Texting

1,927 drivers cited in three-week period

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced that 1,927 drivers in the state of Minnesota have been cited for using their phones behind-the-wheel during a three-week period in April. The DPS said the three-week timeframe was part of a statewide law enforcement campaign from April 8th to the 30th to crack down on distracted driving. Some of…

Students Battle It Out At Lake Superior College’s 16th Annual Robot War Competition

Mesabi East, Cromwell/Wright, Proctor, and Wrenshall high school students also competed.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from both Lake Superior College and local high schools got the chance to battle it out today during the 16th Annual Robot War Competition. A total of 15 teams competed one on one in a tournament style battle at LSC’s downtown center. All of which were fighting to be the last robot standing. Over the last…

Jazz Lunch at University of Wisconsin-Superior

UWS held a different kind of music event today at Yellowjacket Union

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Today, those in the music department at Wisconsin-Superior filled the Yellowjacket Union with a different kind of music. At the end of each semester, music students get together to play some jazz as students can listen to something different while they prepare for finals next week. Sawyer Jones, a student at UWS, says “I think its just a…

Minnesota Fishing Preview

It may be snowing today, but thousands will be out on the lake fishing this weekend

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a cold and snowy forecast, but come this weekend, Minnesota fishermen will be hitting the waters as the 2019 season kicks off Saturday. As the opener approaches the rush is on to get fishing supplies. Some always wait until the last minute, but weather has also played a huge role in the shopping delay. Russ Francicso, Owner…

Juniper Network Trains Volunteers to Work with Chronic Pain Patients

The next workshop is August 6th through September 10th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Those suffering with chronic pain can face a difficult situations, especially when it comes to managing it. The Minnesota-based Juniper Network held a training session at the Mesabi building on West First Street in Duluth. They taught volunteers how to work with pain patients who face multiple issues including self empowerment and how to keep an active…

Bent Paddle to Celebrate 6th Anniversary with Festiversary Celebration

The Annual Celebration Will be Held on Saturday, May 11

(courtesy: Bent Paddle Brewing Co. ) DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company will be hosting their annual Festiversary celebration on Saturday, May 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The block party-style celebration will feature live music on two stages, food, family activities, and of course plenty of beer. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased in…

Senate Intelligence Committee Subpoenas Donald Trump Jr.

He has Been Called to Answer Questions About his 2017 Testimony

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate intelligence committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump Jr., calling him in to answer questions about his 2017 testimony. That’s according to a person familiar with the subpoena who discussed it on condition of anonymity. The committee has renewed interest in talking to President Donald Trump’s eldest son after Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified earlier this…

House Panel Votes to Hold AG Barr in Contempt

The Committee Voted 26-16

WASHINGTON (AP) -The House Judiciary Committee has voted to hold Attorney General William Barr in contempt of Congress, escalating the legal battle with the Trump administration over access to special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. The committee voted 24-16 to hold Barr in contempt after the Justice Department rejected House Democrats’ demands for the full Mueller report and the underlying evidence….

Seven Deer Test Positive for CWD at Central Minnesota Deer Farm

89 Deer Were Tested and Seven Proved Positive

(DNR) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Officials say seven deer tested positive for a fatal brain disease at a central Minnesota farm where a herd of whitetails was euthanized. But the Minnesota Board of Animal Health says officials found 13 decomposed deer at the Crow Wing County farm when they arrived to euthanize the captive herd last month. The Star…

Police: Superior Middle School Student Brought Knives to School, Caused Lockdown

No Other Weapons Were Found

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department has released more details regarding the Superior Middle School being placed on lockdown Tuesday morning. According to police, the school was locked down after a knife fell out of a student’s clothing while playing in the gym. The child admitted to having the knife and also pointed out another knife in the gym….

GOP Sends Evers Letter Complaining About Prison Raises

Nineteen Republicans Sent a Letter Wednesday to Evers

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file)MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Assembly Republicans with prisons in their districts are complaining about Democratic Gov. Tony Evers decision to grant temporary raises at only six institutions. Nineteen Republicans sent a letter Wednesday to Evers on Wednesday saying the raises aren’t fair and compensation should be addressed through the state budget. Evers’ state budget calls for…

Vulnerable Adult Missing From Canosia Township

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A resident was reported missing from an adult foster care home in Canosia Township on Sunday. Julian Daniel Decoux was last seen outside the home Sunday afternoon according to staff members. A search was conducted by deputies and volunteers from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office aided by canines and aerial drones, but Decoux was…

Midday Update 5-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Animal Answers: It’s Time to Talk Turtles

Educators with the Lake Superior Zoo Offer Safety Tips to Remember when Interacting with Turtles

DULUTH, Minn. – With the Minnesota fishing opener on Saturday, May 11 and more humans enjoying area lakes, it’s time to once again talk turtle conservation. It’s also important to remember we often share rural roads with these interesting reptiles. Melanie Michaels with the Lake Superior Zoo stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday to share a few reminders in this…

Hibbing High School Student Arrested

HIBBING, Minn. – All Hibbing area schools were placed on a brief lockdown Wednesday morning due to the arrest of a juvenile male that attends the Hibbing High School. Hibbing police say officers were dispatched to the 2600 Block of 6th Avenue East for a disturbance call. During their investigation, officers learned one of the parties involved in the incident…

Mistrial Declared in Murder Trial of Rochester man

The Jury Failed to Reach a Verdict After 12 Hours

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – A mistrial has been declared in the case of a Rochester man accused of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy in a confrontation over a traffic accident. Twenty-six-year-old Alexander Weiss was on trial for second-degree murder in the death of Muhammed Rahim on Jan. 14, 2018. Weiss claimed self-defense, saying Rahim confronted him following the collision. The…

UWS Chamber Orchestra to Host Upcoming Performances

One Performance is Happening on the Campus of UWS, With the Other Taking Place in Duluth

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It’s a busy week for the talented musical performers at UWS as they have two upcoming concerts this week. One of them is taking place across the bridge in Duluth. The UW-Superior Orchestra will close out its season performing Mozart’s Requiem along with showcasing the winners of the 2019 Orchestra Concerto Competition. The concert is taking place…

Morning Update 5-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Coffee Company to Open new Cafe Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Coffee Company is opening its second location within The Ripple Bar located inside Hoops Brewing Company. The new café will include a full espresso bar, brewed coffee and baked goods from Great Harvest Bread Company. In a recent press release, the company said, “This location was chosen based on the synergy that Duluth Coffee Company has…

Meghan, Harry Present Royal Newborn to the Public

(Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP) LONDON (AP) — Two tired but beaming parents and one blissfully sleeping baby posed for the cameras Wednesday as Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, helped satisfy a huge global appetite for images and details about their newborn son. Standing in the vast, red-carpeted St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, Meghan declared the baby…

Hermantown Suspect Wore Bullet-Proof Vest During Officer-Involved Shooting

HERMANTOWN, Minn. –   The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified two officers who used deadly force during an officer-involved shooting May 4 in Hermantown.  Meanwhile, the investigation has revealed the suspect killed in the shooting – Timothy Russell Majchrzak, 37, of Hermantown — was wearing a bullet proof vest. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Fralich – a 12-year veteran…

Volunteers Pitch in To Clean Up Enger Park

With 129 parks and about 11,000 acres, Duluth needs some volunteer help getting the parks ready for the summer tourism season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Parks and Recreation crews are pushing ahead to prepare the city parks for the summer season. With 129 parks and about 11,000 acres, Duluth needs some volunteer help getting the parks ready for the summer tourism season. Volunteers met up with parks and recreation employees to help clean up  at Enger Park. School groups and volunteers…

Gitch Gear Devoted to Lakewalk Reconstruction

100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of special t-shirts will go to the city and its efforts to restore the lakewalk.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gitch Gear, a Lake Superior devoted retailer has launched a fundraiser called Lakewalk With Me. 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of special t-shirts will go to the city and its efforts to restore the lakewalk. “The Gitch Gear team we just have a passion for the lake, we love being down there. When I…

Duluth Playhouse Announces 2019-2020 Season

Season announced for NorShor, Underground, and Family Theatres

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse announced the upcoming season for the NorShor, Underground, and Family Theatres. At the NorShor this year will be Smokey Joe’s Cafe, the Wizard of Oz, Steel Magnolias, Spamalot, The Who’s Tommy, and two concert series. At the Family Theatre will be Treasure Island, Disney’s Frozen Jr, Matilda, A Year with Frog and Toad, James…

Superior City Council Fails to Elect President Again; Mayor Paine Frustrated

Vice President Craig Sutherland serving as acting president until president is selected

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine is growing increasingly frustrated after a second city council meeting that failed to vote in a new council president. “Basically the council failed to elect a president because Councilor Sutherland refused to do his job and vote in the election. We count on all the councilors to make a decision on who their…

EPA Announces Funding for Howard’s Bay in Superior

The construction won't begin until 2020 but today the EPA announced 14 million for clean-up efforts

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced 14 million dollars in funding to clean up Howard’s Bay in Superior. Contamination has built up in the sediment at the site damaging fish and the wildlife habitat there. Those in the St. Louis River Alliance are pleased this is going to get done making sure they can get off the…

Fighting Back on the Issues Veterans Face

Veterans affairs says 50 to 60 percent of Veterans don't reach out when they return home

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Douglas County non-profits gathered at the Bong Center in Superior today to host a forum on how to fight back against the many issues Veterans face. The event sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs had experts on hand discussing a variety of issues including alcohol addiction or even housing or billing help. People in these non-profits…

Lake View Hospital Breaks Ground on Expansion

Construction will begin Monday and is expected to be complete by the summer of 2020

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A major healthcare project is being celebrated in one Northland community tonight. A big campus expansion project costing fifteen million dollars. The project will allow for new specialty care, outreach space, expanded lab services and a bigger inpatient pharmacy. Plans also feature a gathering space with room for up to ninety people for activities and meetings. This…

“Unconfirmed Report of Ricin” Leads to Building Evacuation Near University of Minnesota

Fire crews are evacuating a residential building near the University of Minnesota because of a suspected hazardous materials incident.

MINNEAPOLIS-Fire crews are evacuating a residential building near the University of Minnesota because of a suspected hazardous materials incident. Authorities say the evacuation Tuesday in the Dinkytown area involves an “unconfirmed report of ricin,” a deadly toxin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans, but it “would take…

Union Miners and Construction Workers Show Support for Mining Project Near Ely

The project was not on the agenda for discussion

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of building trades union workers voiced their support for the twin metals project during a Saint Louis County board meeting. those workers say the proposed copper nickel mine near Ely would allow for a different form of mining while being environmentally responsible. According to Twin Metals Mining, if the project is approved by regulators it…

Rehabilitation Construction Resumes between Eight and Ninth Street

"It gets 6,000 to 7,000 cars a day,"

DULUTH, Minn. – A nearly $2 million construction project to improve intersections and the public right of way is now resuming between Eighth and Ninth Street near Woodland Avenue The federally funded project, which began in 20–18, will include new street striping and sidewalk repairs. During the construction, there will be no parking in selected areas while crews are working…

Sale of Duluth Based Clothing Retailer Maurices is Finalized

The controlling stake is valued at about $300 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – The sale of Longtime Duluth Based clothing retailer Maurice’s is now complete. The buyer, OpCapita is an European investment firm. OpCapita will now hold majority equity of Maurice’s. The controlling stake is valued at about $300 million. This is the first U.S. investment for the European company, which also recently purchased a stake in a German clothing retailer….

Authorities Say a Shooting at a Suburban Denver School Has Injured Two People

Authorities say a shooting at a suburban Denver school has injured two people

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo.-Authorities say a shooting at a suburban Denver school has injured two people. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says deputies are trying to find the shooter or shooters, calling it an “active and unstable scene.” The shooting occurred at STEM School Highlands Ranch, a public charter school with more than 1,850 students in kindergarten through 12th grades. The…

Hill City Officer-Involved Shooting Suspect Ruled Competent for Trial

A Hill City man  facing multiple charges including attempted second-degree murder, after an officer involved shooting and domestic assault incident in February in Itasca County, has been ruled competent to proceed in court after a mental health evaluation.

HILL CITY, Minn.-A Hill City man  facing multiple charges including attempted second-degree murder, after an officer involved shooting and domestic assault incident in February in Itasca County, has been ruled competent to proceed in court after a mental health evaluation. According to the criminal complaint officers with the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a domestic assault call on…

Pence to Plug Trade Deal to Minnesota Farmers, Steelworkers

White House officials say Vice President Mike Pence plans to visit Minnesota to talk with farmers and steelworkers about the status of a trade deal with Mexico and Canada.

MINNEAPOLIS-White House officials say Vice President Mike Pence plans to visit Minnesota to talk with farmers and steelworkers about the status of a trade deal with Mexico and Canada. Pence is scheduled to begin his day Thursday at R & J Johnson Farms in Glyndon, located about 10 miles east of Fargo, North Dakota. Officials say he will tour the…

Superior Middle School Placed on Lockdown Earlier Today

Superior Middle School was put on a "lock hold" earlier today within the building.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior Middle School was put on a “lock hold” earlier today within the building. “The hold was initiated so that building staff could address a safety concern within the building,” the district said in a letter sent to parents. “The concern has been addressed, everyone is safe and the school day is proceeding as normal. The students and staff…

Two Missing Duluth Children Found Safe

UPDATE: The Children Have Been Found Safe.

UPDATE: The Children Have Been Found Safe. _____________________________ DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating two missing children who police are saying are runaways. Alexander LaFave: 15-years-old, 5’2″ 150lb white male with auburn hair and hazel eyes. Possibly wearing a gray hoodie, green army color jacket, black Air Jordans, and jeans. Addison LaFave: 9-years-old, 4’9″…

Living Well with Diabetes Workshop Offered in Duluth

The Six-Week Class is Offered Every Monday at Blue Cross Blue Shield Retail Center in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Managing a serious health condition can not only take a physical toll, but a mental and emotional toll as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in ten adults have diabetes. That rate rises to one in three for adults with pre-diabetes. These conditions can be managed with proven, simple lifestyle changes. If you or a…

Midday Update 5-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Rep. Sean Duffy Says he and His Wife are Expecting Ninth Child

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy has announced that he and his wife are expecting their ninth child.

HAYWARD, Wis.-U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy has announced that he and his wife are expecting their ninth child. In a post late Monday on his official U.S. House website, Duffy wrote: “God isn’t done with our family yet! Baby number nine coming to the crew this fall!” He wrote that he and his wife aren’t crazy, just full of hope for…

Sale of Maurices Finalized to Private Equity Firm

Maurices has announced that its sale to private equity firm OpCapita is complete, marking a new era in the Duluth-based women’s fashion retailer’s 88-year history.

DULUTH, Minn.-Maurices has announced that its sale to private equity firm OpCapita is complete, marking a new era in the Duluth-based women’s fashion retailer’s 88-year history. The headquarters of the company will remain in downtown Duluth. “This is an exciting day for our maurices family,” said maurices President and Chief Executive Officer, George Goldfarb. “We’ve had strong holiday and early…

Howards Bay Cleanup Project to Get $14 Million in Funding

It's part of the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) on the lake. Work will be funded through a cost-sharing partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the city of Superior and Fraser Shipyards.  

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a $13.8 million cleanup of Howards Bay in Superior. It’s part of the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) on the lake. Work will be funded through a cost-sharing partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the city of Superior and Fraser Shipyards. “The Howards Bay project is yet another…