News

St. Luke’s Plans to Expand, Residents Concerned About Helipad

Community meeting meld at Hospital to discuss

DULUTH, Minn.- Neighbors who live near St. Luke’s hospital in downtown Duluth are sounding off about potential noise disturbance they feel could come from the hospital’s plan to expand it’s campus. The first phase of the hospital’s extension is estimated to cost $37.5 million and add 16 more general treatment rooms, 2 more trauma rooms, and 3 more behavioral health treatment…

Finding a Match: Turning Life-or-Death Moments into Miracles

Experts say there are More People Waiting for Life-Saving Organ Transplants than there are Organs Available

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year on February 14 health officials and folks living in life-or-death situations take time to raise awareness for National Organ Donor Day. Statistics show more than 80 percent of people waiting for their life-saving gift are in need of a kidney. “I found out when I was 21,” said Connor Clark. Some say age is just…

Gary Anderson To Run for Second Term on Council

Current first district councilor announces he'll run for second term

DULUTH, Minn.- To cheers from his supporters at Vanilla Bean in Duluth, First District City Councilor Gary Anderson announced he will be running for council for a second 4-year-term. Anderson is currently the Vice President of the council. During his term has helped craft and vote on the Earn Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and changing the age to buy…

Vaping Now Illegal for Minors in Superior

City council extends tobacco ordinance to include vaping

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Vaping is now illegal for minors in Superior. The city council voted Tuesday night to extend their tobacco ordinance to include vaping. It had already been illegal to use tobacco as a minor or sell to a minor. Now vaping is treated the same way as tobacco products in Superior. Public school policy already banned vaping in…

New Plan Aims to Help with Stray Animal Problem in Cloquet

Plan would provide free animal micro-chipping and spaying and neutering

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet officials have a new short-term plan to help with the city’s stray animal problem. This comes after the shocking news last summer that the Friends of Animals shelter was to shut down, leaving Cloquet with no long-term plan for animal control. Cloquet officials hope to work with Carlton County and the Fond du Lac Band to…

Pottery Burn is Now Open After Relocating to Superior

"This is a little bit closer to home for me. It is a central location."

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Pottery Burn is now open for business after moving from the Village Square Mall in Duluth to Tower Avenue in Superior. Customers can still expect the same fun activities like painting mugs, plates, or other pottery. The new space will also provide more room for parties and classes. There is even a gift shop for patrons to…

Teachers in Minnesota Visit Duluth for MAAP Conference

"Teaching in an alternative setting is a little unique."

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs also known as MAAP is an organization that works to lead, support, and improve experiences in the classroom for students who may have learning disabilities. Representatives from several organizations and businesses from around Minnesota presented their expertise to educators giving ideas that could be used during the school year. Throughout the…

Mental Health Days Beat Winter Blues at Local Community College

Activities to promote mental health will be at the college through Thursday.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Mental health days beat the winter blues at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. The days this week consist of different activities such as yoga, massages, stress ball making, and even a Lake Superior Zoo Zoomobile. “We believe they’re important just because we want to look at the whole person and make sure they’re successful by…

Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College Hosts Nursing and Healthcare Expo

The third annual event aims to direct students and community to working in local healthcare options.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College hosted its third annual nursing and health sciences expo today. Students and community members had a chance to meet healthcare professionals and learn about how to get jobs in the field. Nursing students are being turned away from schools all over the country due to a shortage in teachers. Fond…

House Republican Seeks Quick Walz Decision on Line 3 Appeal

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. – A House Republican says he hopes a decision by the Minnesota Court of Appeals prompts Gov. Tim Walz to decide quickly that his administration should drop a challenge to the approval of Enbridge Energy’s proposal to replace its Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The Commerce Department filed the…

Anderson to run for Duluth City Council Re-Election

He is Running for his Second 4-Year Term

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth First District City Councilor, Gary Anderson, announced today that he will run for re-election. Announcing his re-election campaign Anderson said, “Those of you who know me understand that I am a person who is deeply committed to following my conscience.  As your district councilor, I have been guided by my values. I have sponsored and voted…

Update: Beltrami County Deputies Investigate Human Remains Discovery

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of some human remains west of Bemidji.

UPDATE: Authorities have discovered what is believed to be human remains of two people at an apparent crime scene in Eckles Township. According to a recent press release, authorities discovered the remains after a concerned family member contacted the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office to report a possible missing person on February 4. The caller told authorities they had not had…

St. Louis County Emergency Siren Test Error

Questions can be Directed to St. Louis County Sheriffs Office

DULUTH, Minn. – During the monthly emergency siren test, St. Louis county encountered an error which sounded a voice message warning to seek shelter. Officials have confirmed there is no danger that requires immediate action. According to St. Louis County and city officials there is no emergency and the message was simply due to an error. Any questions can be…

Medical Examiner Says Milwaukee Officer has Died

He was Shot While Serving a Warrant

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the death of a Milwaukee police officer who was shot while serving a warrant on the city’s south side. The medical examiner says the officer was pronounced dead after being rushed to Froedtert Hospital following the shooting in a residential neighborhood late Wednesday morning. Details about the shooting haven’t been released….

Patterson Waives Hearing in Wisconsin Girl Abduction

Arraignment is set for March 27

BARRON, Wis. – A man accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl and killing her parents has been ordered to stand trial after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. Twenty-one-year-old Jake Patterson gave brief answers to the judge Wednesday. He acknowledged he was giving up his right to a hearing at which prosecutors would have had to show they…

Chester Bowl – The Northland’s Home Away from Home

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The park that's been around since Duluth became Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – What’s Winter without snow, and what’s snow without skiing? Chester Park is an outdoor haven that dates back to the late 1800’s. “A lot of people assume the Chester Bowl was named after Chester Congdon after so many things in this town that are named after Chester Congdon, but there is a man named Charles Chester who…

Making Memories with Ely’s Winter Festival

The Ely Winter Festival is Happening February 7 - 17, 2019

ELY, Minn. – Calling all winter enthusiasts! The Ely Winter Festival kicks off Thursday, February 7 and runs through Sunday, February 17. Event organizers say they’re excited to offer new and traditional events to enhance the enjoyment of winter. The annual event centers around Ely’s Whiteside Park. The International Snowsculpting Symposium starts February 7 as 18 teams from Ely, elsewhere…

Man Accused of Kidnapping Wisconsin Girl to Appear in Court

The Hearing Will Begin at 11:00 a.m.

BARRON, Wis. – A man accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl and killing her parents is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing. Jake Patterson is accused of killing James and Denise Closs on Oct. 15 and kidnapping their daughter , Jayme Closs, from their Barron home. Jayme escaped on Jan. 10, after 88 days . Patterson…

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies Coming to Duluth

The Business will be in a New Development Located on Miller Hill in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland will soon have more options for pet accessories and supplies. Originally starting in 1990 with one store in Eagan, Minnesota, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food and Supplies will now open their first store in the Northland in late 2019. Officials with the company tell FOX 21 Local News, the first Chuck & Don’s Northland location…

National Sami Day Celebrated in Duluth

Holiday honors Sami culture every February 6th

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday is National Sami Day, a celebration of the indigenous people of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and part of Russia. On Tuesday, their culture was honored with an open house at the Sami Cultural Center in Duluth. People could stop in at the open house, make crafts, eat cake, and learn about all things Sami. “It’s just another…

Battery Disposal Locations Busy After Cold Weather

Staff say it's important to properly dispose of batteries to protect the environment and recycle parts

DULUTH, Minn. – With the recent sub-zero temperatures, many drivers have been forced to buy vehicle batteries and ditch their old ones. In the last three weeks, the staff at Advance Auto Parts in West Duluth have filled three palettes with sixty to seventy old batteries each. They tell us it’s important to properly dispose of batteries to protect the…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing on Lake Superior

Anglers Get Out on Ice in Tough Weather Conditions

DULUTH, Minn.- As Lake Superior hardens with ice, you can bet Anglers are there to drill their holes and drop their lines. But these brave Northlanders have to get their timing just right, because in a day all that ice could be gone. The wind howls, cutting through ice houses like a knife. Suddenly, the wind’s song is interrupted by…

College Students on State of the Union

UMD College Democrats Watch and Critique

DULUTH, Minn.- Lots of people in the Northland had interest in President Trump’s State of the Union Speech, including some younger eyes. Students at a few of the political clubs in twin port colleges tell us they had private viewing parties to watch the big speech. According to one UMD College Democrat, President Trump should focus on topics he feels…

Republican Jason Rarick Wins MN 11th District State Senate Race

Rarick tops DFL candidate Stu Lourey

FINLAYSON, Minn. – Republican candidate, Jason Rarick, won the special election to represent Minnesota’s 11th District in the State Senate. When the final results were counted on Tuesday night, Rarick had 8,127 votes compared to DFL candidate Stu Lourey’s 7,171. Rarick is a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives where he has served since 2015. He and his supporters…

MATHCOUNTS Competition Draws Dozens of Middle School Students to UMD

The organization promotes a fun math learning environment while also giving students a chance to win awards.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 75 middle schoolers from ten different schools competed in a MATHCOUNTS competition today at UMD. The competition pits teams from schools all over the Northland against each other to win awards. “They get acknowledged for their skill in math it’s not like they’re an athlete; they do this for scholastic type of reasons,” said local…

Students Enjoy Festivities at the 45th Annual Sno-Week at WITC

Daily prizes are given and at the end of the week one student could win $100 in cash.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior is celebrating its second day into their 45th annual Sno-Week. Today, students enjoyed a host of activities such as making photo key chains, root beer floats and participating in an interactive program with reptiles. One student volunteer we spoke to said events like this really help lift their spirits during the…

Multiple Minnesota Politicians Attending State of the Union

Multiple Minnesota lawmakers are expected to be at tonight's State of the Union, including Sen. Tina Smith and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan.

DULUTH, Minn.-Multiple Minnesota lawmakers are expected to be at tonight’s State of the Union, including Sen. Tina Smith and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan. Earlier today Fox 21 spoke with them and they said they hope President Trump tackles a variety of issues including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They both also hope Trump will use language that brings the country together,…

10th Annual 95 KQDS Medallion Hunt is Underway in the Northland

The highly sought after prize tops ten thousand dollars for the tenth anniversary of the competition.

DULUTH, Minn. – The tenth annual 95 KQDS medallion hunt is underway here in the Northland. This year’s prize for finding the medallion includes five thousand dollars cash along with an ATV. “The medallion will be hidden on public property in the four twin port cities in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, and Proctor. Somewhere public property in one of those cities…

Winter Temperatures Can Be Dangerous for Stray Animals

It can be useful to check Facebook and online websites to try and find the owners of the animals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies has already seen about 30 strays enter their shelter since the start of 2019. Cold temperatures can be dangerous for strays and lost pets and the need for help becomes greater as winter continues. Winter is a crucial time for strays in the Northland. As temperatures continue to drop, it can be common to see…

Northland Foundation Receives Award for Combatting Childcare Crisis

More than 30% of childcare services have become "Parent Aware."

DULUTH, Minn. – Today,  the Northland Foundation was honored with the Trailblazer award, from Blue Cross Blue Shield, for their efforts to help provide better childcare in greater Minnesota. The Northland Foundation’s initiative “Parent Aware” works to help rate daycare centers along with helping parents understand which daycare fits their children’s needs. The Vice President of the foundation says the…

Duluth Police Hope Sting Operations Cut Down Underage Solicitation

The joint task force with state and local authorities arrested seven men in the latest operation.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the latest sex sting operations by a joint task force of state and local authorities in the Northland resulted in formally charging seven local men. The undercover operation placed ads on various known sex solicitation websites. The men charged ranged greatly in terms of age and socioeconomic status including one Grand Rapids doctor and a…

Police: School Bus Driver Shot After Crash in Minneapolis

Minneapolis police say the driver of a school bus was shot following an apparent crash.

MINNEAPOLIS-Minneapolis police say the driver of a school bus was shot following an apparent crash. Police spokesman John Elder says a suspect is in custody and the driver’s injuries are not life-threatening. The incident happened Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 35W south of the city. It’s unclear if children were on the bus at the time of the shooting, but Elder…

Man Accused of Raping Incapacitated Woman in Arizona Pleads Not Guilty

A lawyer representing a man accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix says his client will present a full legal defense.

PHOENIX-A lawyer representing a man accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix says his client will present a full legal defense. Attorney David Gregan made a brief statement to reporters after 36-year-old Nathan Sutherland pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of sexual abuse and abuse of a vulnerable adult. Gregan…

One Killed, One Severely Burned in Dakota County House Explosion

Sheriff's officials say a house explosion in Dakota County has killed a woman and severely burned a man.

HASTINGS, Minn.-Sheriff’s officials say a house explosion in Dakota County has killed a woman and severely burned a man. Firefighters and deputies were dispatched to a house south of Hampton about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday. Deputies found a man wandering the scene of the blast with severe burns over much of his body. The man said he was looking for his…

Duluth Airport Sees Increase in Travelers in 2018

Possible Denver Flight in Future for Duluth Airport

Duluth, MN-Duluth International Airport officials have announced they saw a 13 percent increase in traffic in 2018 compared to 2017. More than 280,000 passengers flew through their facility last year. Both United and Delta saw increases over 2017, with United’s addition of the airbus flight in May leading to a nearly 30 percent increase year-over-year. Officials also said they expect…

Show Your Love for Lincoln Park this February

Love'n Lincoln Park is Happening February 9 - 16

DULUTH, Minn. – Advancing Lincoln Park and the Lincoln park Business Group are proud to present the inaugural Love’n Lincoln Park event. The fun is happening Saturday, February 9 – Saturday, February 16 all over the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Businesses will offer events, specials and Valentine’s themed things to do. Lincoln Park is celebrating Valentine’s week and winter with Love’n…

Trump to Call for Unity, Face Skepticism in State of Union

President Donald Trump is expected to call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, but skeptics are likely to question whether he can be successful in pursuing such a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and personal attacks.

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump is expected to call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, but skeptics are likely to question whether he can be successful in pursuing such a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and personal attacks. Ahead of Trump’s prime-time Tuesday speech, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hopes to hear a commitment…

Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club to Host 4th Annual Snowball Gala

The 4th Annual Snowball Gala is Happening Saturday, February 9 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Cross Country Ski Club (DXC) is excited to be hosting its 4th Annual Snow Ball Gala. The event is happening Saturday, February 9, at the Greysolon Ballroom in Duluth. Gala proceeds will support DXC’s Capital Campaign to complete the transformational new Nordic ski trails at the Grand Avenue Nordic Center at the bottom of Spirit Mountain. The Snow…

Doctor, Six Other Men Arrested in Northland Sex Solicitation Sting

A Grand Rapids physician is among seven men arrested and suspected of soliciting a minor for sex.

DULUTH, Minn.-A Grand Rapids physician is among seven men arrested and suspected of soliciting a minor for sex. Authorities conducted an undercover sting operation and placed ads on various sites know for soliciting sex. Prosecutors say Dr. Ogechukwu Adekweh was among those who responded to an ad and was arrested when he arrived to meet a juvenile female at a…

Narrow Divide in Senate Raises Stakes in Special Election

Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual. Republicans had just a one-seat majority in the Senate before newly elected Gov. Tim Walz appointed Democrat Tony Lourey to his cabinet. Now the GOP is hoping to flip the seat Lourey vacated to give themselves a bit…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Holds Conductor Training

7 Days is All it Takes to Get Behind the Wheel of a Train

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever dreamed of working on a railroad all the live long day, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is offering that chance. This Thursday they will begin 7 volunteer conductor training sessions. Railroad officials say the classes will start from scratch, teaching the basics, and prepare students to take the G-COR exam in April. “These are the same…

Superior School District Gets Green for Going Green

Focus on Energy Donates Check for Eco-Friendly Renovations

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior School District was just awarded some green for going green in their new school renovations. Focus on Energy, in partnership with Superior Water, Light and Power, awarded the district nearly $200,000 at their board meeting tonight. This comes after renovations to Superior High School, which included more energy efficient lights, HVAC and kitchen equipment, among other eco–friendly…

Check Donated in Memory of K-9 Haas

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $2K to DPD

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been almost a month since Duluth Police K-9 Haas was shot and killed in the line of duty. The community is continuing to give financial support toward the K-9 Unit’s efforts. On Monday, that included Harbor Pointe Credit Union. They presented Duluth Police with a check worth $2,211.72, bringing the total community donations to roughly $23,000. Police…

Greenfield Meats and More

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: A family owned and operated meat store opens in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Straight from the farm to your kitchen table- that’s what Greenfield Meats and More promises every customer. At 25 years old Brandon Greenfield’s dream became a reality. “My grandpa farmed, so I was always around it,” Owner Brandon Greenfield said. Greenfield grew up on the farm and raised sheep, so the idea of his own meat store was…