News

Personal Training For Le Grand Du Nord

Snap Fitness Personal Trainers Get You In Shape Quick

DULUTH, Minn. —  In this week’s Active Adventures Brittney Merlot starts working out at Snap Fitness! With the help of two personal trainers, she is training to complete the Le Grand Du Nord gravel race that takes place on May 25th in Grand Marais! We will follow her along the journey of personal training, to see how quickly she can…

Foxconn Says it is Building Manufacturing Plant in Wisconsin

Foxconn Technology Group says after speaking with President Donald Trump the Taiwan company plans to proceed with plans to construct a plant in Wisconsin that will make screens that can be used for small electronic devices.

MADISON, Wis.-Foxconn Technology Group says after speaking with President Donald Trump the Taiwan company plans to proceed with plans to construct a plant in Wisconsin that will make screens that can be used for small electronic devices. The news Friday comes after a week of confusion about Foxconn’s plans in Wisconsin. The company had said last year that it was…

Complaint: Man Says Meth-Fueled ‘Death Party’ Held for Wife

Johnson is Charged With Criminal Neglect

SEARLES, Minn. – A Minnesota man is accused of removing his ailing wife from a care center, taking her home and holding what is described as a “death party” with methamphetamine before she died. Duane Johnson is charged with criminal neglect. Prosecutors say he failed to provide proper care for 69-year-old Debra Lynn Johnson who died at their home in…

Senator Baldwin Announces More Than $21 Million to Repair Wisconsin Roads and Bridges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced more than $21 million in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Relief federal funding to repair roads and bridges damaged by last year’s severe storms and flooding in communities across Wisconsin. “I saw firsthand the damage to our roads and bridges and I spoke to Wisconsinites who were concerned that their…

No Jail Time for Former Superintendent in Exposure Case

Will Only Serve Time if he Violates Probation

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The former superintendent of the Rocori School District won’t serve any jail time after pleading guilty to indecent exposure, unless he violates terms of his probation. The attorney for Scott Staska told a judge in Stearns County District Court Thursday that the superintendent’s actions were the result of trauma and stress, including the 2003 school shooting…

Rapid Thaw Could Wreak Havoc on Pipes, Roadways in Midwest

Detroit Experienced 44 Busted Water Mains on Wednesday

DETROIT – Much of the Midwest was preparing for a rapid thaw after this week’s polar vortex sent wind chill temperatures plummeting below minus-50 in some places. But the transition to warmer conditions threatens a new set of problems. Ruptured water mains, leaky pipes and gutters, an influx of potholes and flooding of roads and bridges are among the potential…

US Leaving Arms Control Treaty With Russia

Russia Denies Violating the Treaty

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that the U.S. is pulling out of a treaty with Russia that’s been a centerpiece of arms control since the Cold War. The American withdrawal had been expected for months. It follows years of unresolved dispute over Russian compliance with the 1987 pact, which bans certain ground-launched cruise missiles….

Minnesota Power Helping Out Customers in Need

The company will put customers struggling to pay on a payment plan.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Minnesota power is helping out their customers who might be struggling to pay their electric bills with a payment plan set in place when budgets get tight. “We want those customers to know they should call us and we will work with them to set up payment plans, answer any questions they have about their bill. And…

West Duluth Warming Shelter is Making Strides

More than 250 people have entered the facility since it's opening on January 17th.

DULUTH, Minn. – About three-fourths of visitors to CHUM have experienced some form of homelessness in their lifetime. The local organization and the homeless community could not be more grateful that the West Duluth warming center is open for use. As overnight temperatures have fallen way below zero recently, the need for use of the warming facility  has grown. So…

Special Report: Inside The Douglas County Jail

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In a two-part special report, we take you inside the Douglas and St. Louis county jails. Corrections officers talk about the dangers faced inside and outside the jails, and the training they go through to keep the peace. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. For corrections officers at the Douglas County Jail, things can get a little colorful…

Special Report: Inside The St. Louis County Jail

DULUTH, Minn. — In part two of a special report – Jail Dangers – we take you to the St. Louis County Jail where safety and security concerns go far beyond the walls of the jail. “We’re basically running a little city there,” said Sheriff Ross Litman. “I have a really high level of admiration for the staff that work…

Concern Grows Over Polymet Dam Proposal

After a dam collapse in Brazil, environmental groups are asking the Minnesota DNR to reconsider the Polymet Dam proposal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth for Clean Water and the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are asking the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to reverse its decision on a dam permit for Polymet’s proposed mine. This after the January 25 collapse of a dam in Brazil they say was constructed in the same way as the proposed dam for the copper…

Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights Coalition Seeks Hygiene Facility, Expanded Warming Shelter

The group is fighting for all Duluthian's rights to rest and food

DULUTH, Minn. – 125 to 200 people spend each night outdoors in Duluth, according to the Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights Coalition. Part of the group’s bill has been passed by the Duluth City Council, but they’re fighting for more to protect everybody’s right to rest and food. The coalition is asking for a twenty-four hour hygiene facility to be…

Donation Centers Declaring Urgent Need for Blood

Blood donation centers have an urgent need for blood due to extreme weather conditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Calling on people of all blood types- there is an urgent need for blood donations due to the extreme weather. Memorial Blood Centers across the state say blood donations are usually low this time of year, but this winter has been exceptionally bad because of its temperatures. The Duluth location says they’re down to 1 bag a day per…

Subzero Temperatures Could Leave Home Brutally Cold Due to Drafty Windows

"Condensation is going to deteriorate your window, it could even possibly create mold."

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend we will get a little relief from subzero temperatures. As the frigid cold is expected to return, drafty windows can leave your home feeling frosty. Glass Guru in Duluth offers a long list of window services including diagnosing and repairing window insulation problems. Experts say the common reason a window may be drafty is typically…

Tow Trucks Overwhelmed with Calls in the Northland

A frigid few days has led to hundreds of Northlanders experiencing car trouble.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tow Truck drivers all over the Northland have had a record setting few days as people’s cars are refusing to start due to the extreme cold. In recent days, tow truck drivers have been inundated with hundreds of calls. “Well the last couple days hasn’t been a lot of sleep, I can tell you that, yesterday we received…

Frostbite Stings the Northland as Hospital Admissions Spike

Officials from Essentia Health's Burn ICU warn against the cold.

  DULUTH, Minn. – Frost bite is just one of the many dangers when temperatures bottom out as low as they’ve been in recent weeks. Officials from Essentia Health’s Burn Unit say they have seen a spike in their admissions with seven frost bite cases in the last few weeks. We spoke to a burn intensive care nurse about signs…

Court Records: Moose Lake Sex Offender Inmate Slashed Counselor’s Throat

George Mack, Jr. 42, Charged With Attempted Murder

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – An inmate at the Moose Lake Sex Offender Program with past felony convictions of sexual assault and assault within that facility is charged with attempted premeditated murder after a counselor’s throat was slashed twice. The suspect, George Mack, Jr., 42, is charged with attempted murder in the first degree, and fourth-degree assault within a secure treatment…

Bill Introduced to Name Highway 53 Rukavina Memorial Bridge

Rukavina Passed Away Earlier This Month

VIRGINIA, Minn. – State Rep. Dave Lislegard, DFL-Aurora has introduced a bill to designate a bridge in Virginia as Tom Rukavina Memorial Bridge. The bridge is located on Highway 53 over a mining area east of 2nd Avenue West in Virginia. Rukavina, who was known for his passion and feistiness at times, served on the Minnesota House of Representatives for…

Senators Want to Protect Kids’ Rights to run Lemonade Stands

The Bill Passed a Senate Committee Last Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Two state senators want to protect the right of Minnesota kids to operate lemonade or hot dog stands without fear of the police. Republicans Roger Chamberlain and Linda Runbeck have authored a bill to allow kids 14 and under to operate temporary stands without permits. It passed a Senate committee last week and awaits floor action….

Federal Judge Lifts Hold on Lawsuits Against PolyMet Mine

Environmental Groups say the Deal Undervalues Federal Land

MINNEAPOLIS – A federal judge in Minnesota has lifted a hold that had been placed on four lawsuits challenging the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Thursday’s decision by U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen doesn’t list next steps, but her decision to lift the stay means the cases can proceed. The lawsuits filed by environmental groups seek to block…

Triple the Firefighters Needed Amid Cold at Minnesota Fire

Temperatures Plunged to Negative 30 Degrees

(David Joles/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Dangerously cold weather is creating added pressure on emergency responders in Minnesota, where three times the number of firefighters were needed to battle a house fire. A house in St. Paul was covered in heavy ice as firefighters hauled hoses through the snow as temperatures plunged Wednesday to nearly negative…

Death of Woman Found Frozen in Milwaukee Investigated

The Woman was Found in her Unheated Apartment

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office says it’s investigating the death of a woman found frozen in her unheated apartment. The medical examiner says the 38-year-old woman was pronounced dead about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say an investigation revealed the thermostat in her apartment had malfunctioned. An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday. Another day of dangerously cold weather…

Cold Front Festival Begins Friday in Canal Park

This is the Second Annual Cold Front Festival in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians have a history of embracing what makes this community unique, vibrant, and one of the best outdoor cities in the country, and winter is no different. Officials with the City of Duluth say last year’s inaugural Cold Front Festival was an incredible success, with 96% of attendees rating it a positive February winter celebration experience. The City…

Quick Appetizers & Drinks Perfect For Super Bowl Weekend

Cooking Connection: Texas Roadhouse Whips Up A Jamaican Cowboy & Shrimp

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are making quick and easy appetizers and drinks that you can enjoy for your Super Bowl party! A Jamaican Cowboy is a fruity margarita that’s great for people who don’t like the taste of alcohol. It’s fruity flavor masks the tequila and can easily be made from home. Shrimp is a…

UPS Stalls Deliveries in Some Very Cold Places

About 100 zip Codes Have Been Affected

CHICAGO (AP) -United Parcel Service says it has halted deliveries in about 250 zip codes in the Midwest and western New York because of concerns for the safety of those making deliveries in the extreme cold. UPS Chief Operating Officer Jim Barber said Thursday that most of the routes that won’t receive deliveries are in rural areas. He says drivers…

East Lansing man Found Dead Outdoors in Extreme Cold

The Man's Body was Found Wednesday

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Police say a 60-year-old man was found dead outdoors in East Lansing. An autopsy will determine the cause of death, although foul play is not suspected. The deaths of at least two other Michigan residents have been connected to the extreme cold weather. Police say the man’s body was discovered Wednesday. In Ecorse, police identified a…

Report: Nearly Half of US Adults Have Heart or Blood Vessel Disease

More Than 120 Million Adults had Cardiovascular Disease in 2016

(AP) – A new report estimates that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some form of heart or blood vessel disease, a medical milestone that’s mostly due to recent guidelines that expanded how many people have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association said Thursday that more than 121 million adults had cardiovascular disease in 2016. Taking out those…

Ice Cream and Coffee: How the Northland Copes with the Cold

Two Local Businesses Remain Open with Customers to Show for It

DULUTH, Minn.- The extreme cold doesn’t keep the Northland from getting out to enjoy the finer things in life. Because if you think temps that feel like -40 keep people here inside, you don’t know Minnesota. “The weather doesn’t bother me at all.” Armon Freeman, a Junior at Denfeld High School, walks into Bridgeman’s in Duluth with his cousins, wearing only…

Thursday At 9: Jail Dangers

Coming up Thursday on FOX 21 News at 9 p.m., a two-part special report – Jail Dangers. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes you inside the Douglas and St. Louis county jails. Corrections officers describe what it’s like to face hundreds of inmates a year, the dangers that arise and the training they go through to keep the peace. Categories: News,…

Black Woods Blizzard Tour Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The event raises money for ALS research for the MN/ND/SD chapters.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Wednesday night, snowmobilers from across the Northland get ready to hit the trails for a great cause. And it all began at the Black Woods Grill and Bar in Proctor to kickoff the 20th annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour which raises funds for ALS research. The three–day ride begins Thursday morning as participants depart for Lake Vermilion…

DTA Offers Free Rides to City Center Warming Center

Extended hours are also offered after DTA Board Meeting today

DULUTH, MINN.- The Homeless Person Bill of Rights Coalition of Duluth hoped to get a second warming center approved in the city tonight. Although the DTA rejected that proposed new Warming Center located in the Duluth Transit Authority’s Transportation Center. Instead, the DTA Board voted unanimously to offer free transportation to Duluth’s current Warming Center. These free rides will be…

Tips for Starting Your Car

With the cold snap many of you may have trouble starting your car.

DULUTH, Minn.-With the cold snap many of you may have trouble starting your car. Local mechanics from All Star Service and Accessories tell us that the top ways to make sure your car will start in the morning is by having it connected to a charger while also having a block heater. They say another good way to make sure…

Duluth’s Best Bread Raises Dough for Australia

Duluth's Best Bread is raising some dough tomorrow to benefit Australian’s who are dealing with extreme temperatures almost 150 degrees more than Duluth's.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Best Bread is raising some dough tomorrow to benefit Australians who are dealing with extreme temperatures almost 150 degrees more than Duluth’s. “We got to thinking, what about our poor friends in Australia, it’s 118 degrees there. They’re going through a terrible, terrible heatwave so we thought we should start a little fundraiser and help them…

Plows Pulled From Roads in Rochester Due to Mechanical Issues

Plows in 11 Southeastern counties weren't working properly due to mechanical issues.

DULUTH, Minn. – Snow plows have been pulled off of the roads in parts of Minnesota after the below zero temperatures caused them not to work properly. MnDot says plows in 11 Southeastern counties weren’t working properly due to mechanical issues. They choose to keep the plows off of the roads in the interest of driver safety. The local MnDot…

Skating to Gold at the 39th Northland Figure Skating Competition

This weekend Duluth Figure Skating Club is hosting the 39th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition.

DULUTH, Minn.-This weekend Duluth Figure Skating Club is hosting the 39th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition. Skaters of all ages from all over the region will be gliding into Duluth for their chance to win gold starting tomorrow. This competition hosts an unprecedented 450 skaters from all over the United States and Canada. Organizers say there’s going to be many…

Family Remembers Heroin Overdose Victim

"He felt alone."

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days ago, the Duluth Police announced a spike in opioid overdoses, which is causing concern in the area. Since the start of 2019 the city has already seen five fatalities. 26–year–old Jess Sprately recently died due to a heroin overdose. The tragic and unexpected loss has left those who love him in mourning. On…

UPDATES: Closings, Delays for Jan. 30, 31

Aitkin Public Schools: CLOSED Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 Includes all after school activities Animal Allies Humane Society: CLOSING at 5:00 p.m. Jan. 30 Ashland Schools: School will be CLOSED Jan. 30 – all evening and after school activities have been cancelled Jan. 30; the field house is closed. Closed Jan. 31 Barnum Public Schools: CLOSED Jan. 30 and Jan. 31…

DTA Offering Free Rides to Warming Center

Routes 1, 2, 3, and 5 Service to the Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously to offer citizens who are traveling to-and-from the City Center West Warming Center free rides from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. on evenings the warming center is open. Officials at the DTA say the action by the Board of Directors “is an additional measure being taken to support…

University of Iowa Student Found Dead Amid Cold

There Have Been at Least Eight Deaths due to Extreme Cold

CHICAGO – The body of a University of Iowa student has been found on the campus in Iowa City, and officials say they believe his death was weather-related. Television station KCRG reports that the body of 18-year-old Gerald Belz was found behind an academic hall just before 3 a.m. Wednesday by campus police. He was taken to a hospital, where…

The Impact of the Frigid Cold, Snowstorm, by the Numbers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) — A look at how this week’s snowstorm and bitter cold have affected the United States, by the numbers: 22 – Number of states that recorded sub-zero temperatures Wednesday. Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York all saw temperatures that were below zero. New…

Minnesota Lawmakers: Tax Drug Makers Over Opioid Crisis

The Current fee is $235

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers and activists are making a push to require drug companies to pay more of the costs of dealing with the opioid crisis. A House health and human services committee had its first hearing scheduled Wednesday on a bill to require manufacturers and wholesalers that sell or distribute opioids in Minnesota to pay registration fees…

Minnesota Department of Human Services Reports Data Breach

Letters Started Going out Wednesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Human Services says a data breach potentially exposed personal information on up to 3,000 people. Commissioner Tony Lourey tells legislative leaders it happened Sept. 28 when an employee fell for a phishing scam and clicked on a malicious link that caused the employee’s email account to send spam. Lourey says technicians could…

Foxconn Changes Focus of Massive Wisconsin Project

They Remain Committed to Creating 13,000 Jobs

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Foxconn Technology Group said Wednesday it is shifting the focus of its planned $10 billion Wisconsin campus away from blue-collar manufacturing to a research hub, while insisting it remains committed to creating 13,000 jobs as promised. The much-ballyhooed facility was heralded by President Donald Trump and former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as…

39th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition Begins Thursday

The Competition is Happening at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

DULUTH, Minn. – The 39th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition in conjunction with the United States Figure Skating National Excel Series is happening in Duluth. The competition kicks off on Thursday, January 31 and will run through Sunday, February 3. The Duluth Figure Skating Club is the first Official host of the National Excel Series in the United States. The…