News

Police: Douglas County Sheriff’s Detective Arrested For Drunken Hit-&-Run

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A detective with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is accused of hit-and-run while under the influence of alcohol. Superior police told FOX 21 Matthew DeRosia, 50, was arrested Sunday around 10:15 p.m. after an officer saw his vehicle sparking from a blown-out tire. The incident unfolded on the 1100 block of E. Fifth Street. Upon further investigation,…

‘Toward Zero Deaths’ Reminds Drivers to Slow Down and Drive More Safely

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the last two decades, the number of traffic-related deaths in Minnesota has declined by 37 percent through 2023. The Toward Zero Deaths program in that same period has brought many different groups together to work on making roads safer and changing people’s driving behaviors and habits to reduce crashes. On Tuesday, more than 80 regional traffic…

Aspiring Screenwriters Join Together for Classes in Duluth and Chisholm

Take a trip upstairs at Zeitgeist and you'll find yourself in the Film Lab, a learning ground for filmmakers

DULUTH, Minn. — Maybe you’ve stopped by Zeitgeist in downtown Duluth for a movie, comedy show, or bite to eat. What you might not know is that upstairs, you could become a filmmaker of your own. The Minnesota Media Arts School offers classes for any skill level, both here at the Zeitgeist Film Lab and the Minnesota Discovery Center in…

Biden Releasing 1 Million Barrels Of Gasoline From Northeast Reserve In Bid To Lower Prices At Pump

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Tuesday that it is releasing 1 million barrels of gasoline from a Northeast reserve established after Superstorm Sandy in a bid to lower prices at the pump this summer. The sale, from storage sites in New Jersey and Maine, will be allocated in increments of 100,000 barrels at a time. The approach will…

Women’s Business Alliance North Recognized With Excellence Award

The WBA North serves women entrepreneurs in seven counties in Northeast Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday women operated businesses were recognized for their part in the community. Women’s Business Alliance North was named the 2024 Women’s Business Center of Excellence in Minnesota. The WBA North provides support to female entrepreneurs through advising, training and opportunities. A discussion was held at Mexico Lindo for female businesses owners who shared their experiences around…

City Announces Proposed Changes to Skyline Parkway

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth hosted a listening session at Lincoln Park Middle School Monday evening to unveil proposed alternative modifications to W Skyline Pkwy in front of Enger Tower, as an attempt to increase non-motorized access, decrease speed and increase public safety. A city engineer says the Skyline Parkway loop could temporarily turn into a one-way road,…

Over Half Million Dollars in Grants From Northland Foundation

Targeting "basic" needs such as food, housing and shelter for those at risk of "falling through the cracks."

The people and programs working hard to help others, got some financial help themselves Monday. There are many efforts in our area to help those in need. Some prime examples would be the Damiano Center or the Salvation Army. They are just two of twenty-eight non-profits that will be receiving grants from the Northland Foundation. In the first quarter of…

Phase 1 Of Hammond Avenue Reconstruction Starts

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Construction has started for a main road over in Superior. The condition of Hammond Avenue has degraded over time according to the City of Superior. The reconstruction will be divided into 2 phases. The first phase starting Monday closing traffic from Belknap to North 21st Street. The project will include a new roadway, installation of storm sewers…

Target To Lower Prices On Thousands Of Basic Items As Inflation Sends Customers Scrounging For Deals

(AP) — Target plans to cut prices on thousands of consumer basics this summer, from diapers to milk, as inflation cuts into household budgets and more Americans pay closer attention to their spending. The price cuts, already applied to 1,500 items, will eventually include 5,000 food, drink and essential household goods. Target and other retailers are increasingly catering to customers…

Names Released Of 2 Missing Canoers, After Canoes Go Over Curtain Falls In BWCAW

Curtain Falls (Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co. 2017) UPDATE (May 20, 10:45 a.m.) — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of those involved in the search for two missing canoers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 41-year-old Jesse Melvin Haugen from Cambridge, Minnesota and 40-year-old Reis Melvin Grams of Lino Lakes, Minnesota are the two missing…

Coffee Conversation: YWCA Duluth To Host Annual Mission Soirée Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — In celebration of 130 years of serving the northland, YWCA Duluth will hold its annual Mission Soirée on Thursday, May 30 to raise funds to continue its programs. YWCA Operations and Communication Manager Asin Biiwaash-Smith joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about the event and its purpose. The Mission Soirée will take place…

Iran’s president, foreign minister and others found dead at helicopter crash site

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister and several other officials were found dead on Monday, hours after their helicopter crashed in a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest, state media reported. The crash comes as the Middle East remains unsettled by the Israel-Hamas war, during which Raisi, who was 63, under Supreme…

Duluth’s ‘Substance Use Response Team’ Coordinator Talks Opioid Crisis

DULUTH, Minn. —  Last year in Duluth, a record number of opioid-related overdoses were recorded. There were a total of 480 opioid-related overdoses, including 46 deaths. In 2013, there were 42 opioid-related overdoses and one death. Jessica Nickila, coordinator of the Duluth Police Department’s Substance Use Response Team (SURT), said the over prescribing of opioids decades ago in our area…

2024 UWS Commencement Ceremony

SUPERIOR, Wis. — As graduation season continues, it was students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s turn to walk the stage for their commencement ceremony. Around 300 students attended the in-person commencement, with around 630 students graduating in total. Friends and family cheered on the Yellowjacket students at the ceremony. This year UWS saw more graduate degrees earned then ever before….

Superior Woman Receives Electric Shock At Edgewater Hotel

DULUTH, Minn. — An enjoyable day swimming at the Edgewater Hotel ended badly for a Superior mom and her daughter. The family says the two received an electric shock, hospitaliizing the mother. The family says the mother, Heather Paquette, reached to open the gate to the outside whirlpool area and received a strong electric shock. According to her mother, Melissa…

National Bike Month is Celebrated in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday was a great day to bring out the bikes. With May being National Bike Month, people ditched the cars on their commute Friday morning. Riders also had the opportunity for bike checks and mechanical advice. Raising awareness about safety and sharing the roadways is also a large part of bike month. Being able to educate the public…

Reinstated Duluth Catholic Priest Returns To His Parish

Father William Graham reinstated by Vatican, appeared before grateful supporters Friday.

Describing it as a story of “light triumphing over darkness,” a Duluth Catholic priest once accused of sexual abuse returned to his church Friday. Standing in front of supportive congregation members, Father William Graham said the immediate task will be to pray together and listen to each other. The Duluth Diocese removed Graham from the St. Michael’s Parish for almost…

Fox21 Takes to the Sky in a World War II Stinson L-5

As a part of the Duluth Airshow, the Commemorative Air Force flies restored U.S. combat planes

DULUTH, Minn. — Practice was well underway this morning for the Duluth Airshow. But while eyes were trained on the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, another plane was ready for takeoff. The Stinson L-5 Sentinel is a World World II-era liaison plane. During the war, the L-5 was used for artillery spotting, bringing ammunition to the frontlines, and evacuating severely wounded…

MidCoast Catering Co. Expanding With New Small Event Space

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth-based catering company is expanding their operations with a new small event space. MidCoast Catering is located on Central Avenue in West Duluth. The owner purchased the law office next door to create the Tasting Room. The space can be used for business luncheons, groom’s dinners, birthday parties or any other private social gatherings. It can…

Salvation Army Holds First Black & White Ball

The fundraiser featured a wine pull and silent auction

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday, the Duluth Salvation Army hosted its first-ever Black and White Ball fundraiser at the Clyde Malting Building. The event not only had dinner, drinks, and dancing, but several opportunities to raise money for the Salvation Army. There was a wine pull and silent auction, featuring Minnesota sports memorabilia and lots of goodies from local businesses. It…

Coffee Conversation: Tutors Needed in Duluth and Across Minnesota Fall 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — Americorps is looking for 45 tutors to help students with reading and math this coming Fall. A total of 1,700 tutors are needed across the state of Minnesota. Early Learning Tutor Paige Blosberg and Duluth Tutor Recruiter Mikayla Karels joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to highlight the need and provide additionally information. No teaching…

USAF Thunderbirds Land in Duluth Ahead of Airshow

The 15th Duluth Airshow will be headlined by the Thunderbirds this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The United States Air Force Thunderbirds have landed in Duluth ahead of the big air show this weekend. The 15th Duluth Airshow is just about ready for take off. This weekend’s headliner, The Thunderbirds, includes eight pilots who will demonstrate the speed and accuracy of their F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Major Jeffrey Downie — call sign “Simmer”…

Garage Sale With No Price Tags–For a Good Cause

In Carlton tables of donated goods will raise money for scholarships and more.

Who doesn’t like a garage sale?  Especially if it’s for a good cause– and there are no price tags! That’s the deal in Carlton at the Four Seasons Sports Complex. Tables are filled with toys, kitchen items, books– you name it. It’s put on and organized by volunteers– literally and officially. The Volunteers Services Organization does it every year. It helps…

UMD Remodeling Main Kitchen, Among Other Campus Projects

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s 1971 kitchen, originally designed to serve 800 students is getting a multi-million-dollar makeover to better service the campus community. The main kitchen is located underground, and nearby offices will be converted for expansion needs. The new kitchen total costs are about $25 million. It is designed to be more efficient and include newer equipment. As for…

Hawk Ridge Housing Development Opposition

DULUTH, Minn. — A cottage-style housing development planned for Duluth’s Hawk Ridge is meeting opposition. The development is planned for four acres of land which needs to be rezoned to allow homes there. At Monday’s City Council meeting, several residents expressed concern about the possible environmental impact the project could bring. According to one of the architects present the cottage…

Coffee Conversation: Musicians/Venues Wanted for Make Music Day Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — Community members will fill the streets with the sound of music for the third annual Make Music Day Superior on Friday, June 21st, from 11am to 9pm. Siggy’s Musical Garden Executive Director Cheryl Finkbeiner, SMG Board President Scott Lillo, and local Musician Shane Nelson joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the purpose…

Duluth Public Schools Look to a Future Without Special Levy Money

Voters said "no" to referendum--round two.

Voters said ‘no’ to a tax increase, and now the Duluth Public School system will be looking at what to cut and how much. This follows Tuesday’s referendum, which failed by an unofficial tally of about 450 votes–5,007 to 5,460. Superintendent John Magas said the results were disappointing, but that he appreciated all the hard-work and support from citizens, parents…

Voters Reject Duluth School District’s Technology Referendum For Second Time

DULUTH, Minn. — For a second time, voters have rejected a proposed technology referendum Tuesday for the Duluth School District. The levy would have provided $5.2 million annually over the next decade for learning technology, digital curriculum and security, according to the district. Below is a press release sent out by the district Tuesday night: Residents of Duluth Public Schools…

Newfoundland Showcase Takes Over Bayfront Park This Week

The NCA Specialty Showcase Visits Minnesota for the First Time in Its History

DULUTH, Minn. — If you walk around the Bayfront area in Duluth, you might just spot one almost 600 “gentle giants” who have made the area home this week. The Newfoundland Club of America National Showcase is at Bayfront Park this week, with an opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon. This is the first time the showcase has been in Minnesota. The…

Fit-N-Fun Run Gets Duluth Students Active and Outside

ISD 709 elementary school students raced around the track at UMD's Malosky Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday morning was an opportunity to get outside and get active for students from Duluth Public Elementary Schools. The Essentia Health Fit-N-Fun Run took over Malosky Stadium at UMD. More than 1,500 students from third to fifth grade raced around the track to celebrate the approaching end of the school year. Kids ran 400 meters, or one…

Authors Of Northern Waters Smokehaus Cookbook Talk Recent Award Nomination

DULUTH, Minn. — Northern Waters Smokehaus is receiving recognition for their cookbook, Smoke on the Waterfront. This is the first cookbook that has been written for the Smokehaus. It took years to complete and came out just in time for their 25th anniversary this last November. The book features recipes that were converted from industrial size to ones you can…