Midday Update 12-24-18
Your Midday Update for Monday, Dec. 24, 2018.
Categories: News, News – Latest News
News
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle this Christmas!
Find out how to be eco-friendly this holiday season.
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency joins the Fox 21 team to talk about how you can reduce waste and recycle your wrapping paper and other goods this Christmas. Categories: News, News – Latest News
Coffee Conversation: Spirit Mountain Winter Events
See what you can do this Winter at Spirit Mountain.
DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coffee Conversation, The executive director with Spirit Mountain joins the Fox 21 team to talk about what you can expect from their Winter season. Categories: Coffee Conversation, News, News – Latest News
Morning Update 12-24-18
Morning Update for Monday, Dec. 24, 2018.
Categories: News, News – Latest News
Autonomous Vehicles Made by UMD Students
DULUTH, Minn. – In the future, self driving vehicles could be taking over Northland roads, that’s if some UMD engineering students have their way. Earlier this month, fifteen teams from an introductory engineering course hosted a competition with miniature self driving vehicles which navigated a route without human intervention. Students in the class said this type of learning has taught…
Preparing for Annual VFW Christmas Eve Dinner
44 turkeys were prepared for this year's event
DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas Eve dinner is being served Monday at the VFW hall in Duluth. To make the annual event happen, volunteers are busy preparing forty-four turkeys, two hundred pounds of potatoes, and two hundred pounds of sweet potatoes. Organizers say they’ve served as many as five-hundred-seventy visitors in past years. “It helps people that don’t have anywhere to…
Legacy Toys Breaks Sale Records this Christmas
The Duluth branch store doubled Black Friday sales.
DULUTH, Minn.- Miller Hill Mall is busy with last minute shoppers. Legacy Toys has seen record breaking numbers in sales the two weekends leading up to Christmas, doubling what they saw on Black Friday. Employees say that a lot of their business is thanks to the new north woods themed play area that opened right in front of their store….
Northland Markets Round Off Their Busy Holiday Shopping Days
Mount Royal Market has all working hands on deck to help patrons prepare for Christmas.
DULUTH, Minn.- December 23 is the busiest shopping day of the Christmas season and all hands are on deck at many of the Northland’s grocery stores. Mount Royal Market is wrapping up their final hours helping shoppers prepare for Christmas meals. Employees are worried about last minute customers before closing early on Christmas Eve but say it’s nothing they can’t…
Owners of the Globe Grain Elevator Speak Out After Fire
Current and former owners of the historic Globe Elevator site share their thoughts on the future of the structure.
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Since the 1980’s the Glove Grain Elevator had been out of use, but in 1992, it was purchased by its current owner who is devistated after hearing of his building up in flames. “I never thought it’d affect me that much, but this is really been a large part of my life for the last 30 years. I’m really…
Winter Solstice Celebration at Ursa Minor Brewing In Duluth
Celebration for a good cause
DULUTH, Minn.- The winter solstice was Friday and today Ursa Minor Brewing hosted a celebration to welcome the winter season and to give back to the community. The Winter Solstice Celebration is the first community event for Ursa Minor Brewing, all with the hopes of raising money for two local non–profits. All day long patrons can enjoyed food, live music,…
Skaters Out On the Ice For Skate The Bay
Bay is frozen enough for ice skating
DULUTH, Minn.- Skaters hit the ice today for Skate the Bay at Park Point in Duluth. The skaters quickly tied up their skates and headed out on the ice to enjoy the fun. For years, the bay has not been in good condition for ice skating. According to the organizer of the event it may be the one chance many…
Ruby’s Pantry Fills Hearts and Stomachs
Mission Creek Church is one of four Ruby's Pop-Up Pantries in the Twin Ports.
DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers from the Mission Creek Church were busy filling the hearts and stomachs of many Saturday morning hosting their monthly food pantry for the Fond–du–Lac neighborhood. The church is one of four Ruby’s Pantry pop–up locations in the Twin Ports. For $20, those in need can come by and fill carts with everything from food to paper towels….
Miracle 11 Non-Profit Donates to New Accessible Park
The Miracle 11 Non-Profit group donated $5200 to charities in the Twin Ports.
SUPERIOR, Wis.-Turning lemons into lemonade, that’s what members of the Miracle 11 non–profit did Saturday by giving back to four Twin Ports charities. Miracle 11, named after the 11 survivors from a 2–plane collision during a skydiving accident in 2013, spent the past five years raising and donating over $35 thousand to local organizations. The organization picked four charities, Second…
Duluth Affinity Plus Credit Union Robbed
DULUTH, Minn. – A robbery was reported Friday afternoon at the Affinity Plus Credit Union on Miller Trunk Highway in Duluth. According to the Duluth Police Department, just after 4 p.m., a person presented a note to the bank teller claiming to have a gun. No gun was seen and the person left with an undisclosed amount of money. A…
Twin Ports Christmas Lighting Challenge Winners Announced in Duluth
Award ceremony at Bentleyville
DULUTH, Minn.- More than 1,200 votes were cast in the 4th annual Christmas Lighting Challenge. Today in duluth eight winners were awarded for their best light display. A special ceremony was held at Bentleyville in front of the giant christmas tree. All the winners were chosen by the community and each received a gift basket filled with goodies. The…
Trees Donated To Those In Need in Superior
Duluth's Flower Farm Christmas Tree Pop-Up Shop
SUPERIOR, Wisc- In the spirit of giving, Duluth’s Flower Farm is donating Christmas trees to families who may need one, at their pop-up shop in Superior. All are welcome to stop by and pick a tree free of charge or even have it delivered to their home. As a gesture the company is giving back by helping families who may…
Busy Travel Weekend Before Christmas
Minnesotans gearing up for travel plans
DULUTH, Minn.- Record breaking travel is expected for Minnesota according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Now Northland travelers are preparing for a busy travel weekend. Thousands of travelers are getting ready to hit the roads as Christmas will be approaching very soon. MNDOT says more people are choosing to drive to get to their holiday destinations, this year,…
Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Making a Difference in the Northland
FOX 21 Local News Took Part in the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive, Supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland
DULUTH, Minn. – More than 500 boys and girls in the Northland were receiving a little holiday cheer Friday evening in Duluth as the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland hosted holiday parties at multiple branches in the area. FOX 21 Local News taking part in the annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive once again. Officials at the Boys…
Comcast Says Facts Don’t Support Minnesota Suit
Minnesota's Attorney General is Suing Comcast/Xfinity
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cable and internet provider Comcast is defending itself against a consumer fraud lawsuit filed by Minnesota’s attorney general. The lawsuit filed Friday alleges that the company has overcharged thousands of consumers for cable TV packages, charged them for unordered equipment and services, and failed to deliver on promised Visa gift cards. Comcast spokeswoman Jill Hornbacher says…
Balsam Bough Harvesting: Make Your Own Wreath!
Active Adventures: Harvesting Boughs And Assembling A Holiday Wreath
SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us deep into the woods to collect balsam boughs! Then we head inside to learn how to assemble your own wreath! A permit is required for collecting balsam boughs and can picked up at the district DNR offices for $25. Minnesota is a leader in…
Minnesota Governor’s Administration Files Line 3 Appeal
Other Opponents Appealed Earlier This Week
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration has appealed a state regulatory panel’s approval of Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its aging Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Commerce said Friday that the Public Utilities Commission ignored experts who said the project isn’t needed. Dayton says in a statement that Enbridge failed to…
Ursa Minor Brewing to Host Winter Solstice Event Saturday
The Event Sponsored by Ursa Minor Brewing will be Family Friendly and Feature a Wide Variety of Events, Live Music and Brews
DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Ursa Minor Brewing is excited to announce they’ll be hosting their first community event on Saturday, December 22. The event is known as the Winter Solstice Celebration and Inaugural DiffeRUNce. The Winter Solstice Celebration is an all-day celebration of winter in Duluth and all the people that make the community such a great place to live,…
Bretting Manufacturing and Local 621 Reach Three Year Agreement
The Announcement was Made Friday Morning
ASHLAND, Wis. – According to a recent news release, C. G. Bretting Manufacturing and IAMAW Local 621 have reached a three-year agreement. The announcement was made Friday morning in a joint press release signed by Bretting Manufacturing CEO, David Bretting and IAM District 10 Assistant Directing Business Rep, Scott Parr. Nearly 200 workers were on strike after rejecting the company’s…
Midday Update 12-21-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 21, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, FOX 21, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather
Evers Names Picks for Transportation, Agriculture, Insurance
The Announcement was Made Friday
MADISON, Wis. – Gov.-elect Tony Evers has named four more members of his Cabinet, including an advocate for raising revenue to improve the condition of Wisconsin’s roads as head the state Department of Transportation. Evers announced the picks Friday. His choice to lead the Department of Transportation is Craig Thompson, the executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Development Association. Evers…
Police: Naked Wisconsin man Tears Down Neighbor’s Holiday Decorations
The 61-Year-old man was Drunk According to Officers
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Investigators say a 61-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested for tearing down a neighbor’s Christmas decorations while drunk and naked. The Green Bay Gazette reports that Gregory Brannigan faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. A criminal complaint shows Brannigan’s neighbor called police Wednesday after to report that he was naked, kicking her door…
Minnesota Approves Salary cap Waivers for 22 Local Officials
The new Limits Include Some Significant Increases
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republican lawmakers are criticizing Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration for approving pay raises for 22 local government officials. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans recently notified lawmakers that his agency is allowing salary cap waivers for positions in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties, as well as the Metropolitan Council and the city of Rochester. The…
Morning Update 12-21-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 21, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather
Authorities Searching for Suspect in Police-Involved Shooting
Joshua Farmer Was Released From the Hospital After Being Shot Six Times
SUPERIOR, Wisc- Superior Police tell us the suspect charged with threatening three police officers resulting in an officer-involved shooting is still a wanted man. Joshua Farmer, 19, was shot six times by Superior Police officers back in October. The actions of the officers was ruled justified by the County Attorney’s office after a review of body camera video and Farmer’s…
Data Breach At Caribou Coffee Affecting Northland Locations
DULUTH, Minn. – Caribou Coffee said Thursday that some of its customer data has been breached across the country, including in Duluth, Hibbing and Grand Rapids. Company officials said customers who visited a Caribou between late August and early December may have had their credit card information compromised. Customers are asked to check credit card statements and contact the credit…
Carlton Co. Atty Thom Pertler Cites Medical Reasons For Leaving Office
CLOQUET, Minn. – Long time Carlton County District Attorney Thom Pertler has packed up and left his elected office. Acting County Attorney Jeff Boucher told FOX 21 Thursday that Pertler removed his personal items from the office and hasn’t come back since overwhelmingly losing in the general election Nov. 6. Boucher says he was told by Pertler to run the…
Gas Price at Superior Convenience Store Hits Statewide Low
The SuperAmerica on Hammond Avenue was selling gas for $1,75 per gallon on Thursday
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Gas prices across the country are at their lowest point in years. One gas station in Superior was selling gas for $1.75 per gallon on Thursday. The SuperAmerica on Hammond Avenue had a line of cars waiting to get the low fuel price. The manager there tells us she changed the sign to read $2.19 because it…
New Cobblestone Hotel Planned for Tower Avenue in Superior
Hotel chain is expected to break ground on the development sometime in 2019
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new hotel is expected to be built on North Tower Avenue. Business leaders are excited about what it could mean for the city. Multiple city officials with close knowledge of the project have confirmed that a new hotel is being planned in Superior at the location where the historic Palace Theater once stood. We are told…
Duluth Teacher Convicted of Sexual Misconduct Sentenced
Karla Winterfeld Sentenced to 12 Years
DULUTH, Minn.- A former, young Duluth Middle School teacher, sentenced to 12 years in prison. Karla Winterfeld was once a decorated educator. In 2016 she landed the Greg Irons Award for Exceptional Commitment to the Well–Being of Students. That same year she was also one of the recipients of the Duluth News Tribune’s “20 under 40” awards. But none of…
New Details Emerge Regarding the Dismissal of a Cloquet Police Officer
The nature of the misconduct allegations that directly led to Beckman's dismissal were not made clear.
CLOQUET, Minn.- New details are emerging involving the dismissal of a Cloquet police officer – 18–year veteran of of the police force Scott Beckman is now on a mutually agreed upon paid leave through September of 2019. Because of the circumstances related to Beckman’s departure, 18 criminal cases in Carlton county have been dismissed and 25 other cases involving Beckman…
Students Give Christmas Trees to Essentia Patients in Duluth
16th Annual Giving Tree Project
Lester Park students brought holiday cheer to those at Essentia today… About 40 trees and gifts were donated to patients for the 16th Annual Giving Tree Project. Students raised about $2,000 by doing more chores to purchase the donations. The trees are decorated with homemade ornaments and inspiring messages. The project teaches the children about giving. “It is so cool…
Northeast Minnesota Has Found Housing For All Homeless Vets On Waiting List
Accomplishment made in the effort to end veteran homelessness
DULUTH, Minn.-Two organizations have hit a milestone in their efforts to end veteran homelessness in the northeast region of Minnesota. The Minnesota assistance council for veterans (MAC–V) and the Northeast Continuum of Care (CoC) is celebrating the accomplishment of finding housing for all the veterans on their wait list in the northeast region of Minnesota. It is estimated that…
YMCA in Duluth Waives Fees To Promote Healthy Habits
21 day promotion
DULUTH, Minn.- Some health experts say it takes 21 days to form a habit and now the Downtown YMCA is offering the Northland community a chance to become members so they can develop the habit of health. Starting December 26th the YMCA is waiving the joining fee and the first month membership fee for those who wish to sign…
Trump Says Defense Secretary Mattis Will Retire in February
The Announcement was Made Thursday
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is stepping down from his post, President Donald Trump announced Thursday, after the retired Marine general clashed with the president over a troop drawdown in Syria and Trump’s go-it-alone stance in world affairs. Mattis, perhaps the most respected foreign policy official in Trump’s administration, will leave by the end of February after two…
Former Duluth Teacher Sentenced for Having sex With Student
Winterfeld is a Former Duluth Middle School Teacher
DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Middle School teacher, Karla Winterfeld, was sentenced to twelve years in prison Thursday afternoon. Winterfeld will serve eight years of her sentence in prison and four years on supervised release. Winterfeld, 34, admitted to having sex with her 15-year-old foster son and former student in May. She pleaded guilty to the charge of first degree…
Feds Move to Formally Renew Leases for Twin Metals Mine
Public Comment Runs Through January 22
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The federal Bureau of Land Management says it plans to formally renew the mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. The bureau said in a statement Thursday that its plans to impose updated stipulations on the leases from the U.S. Forest Service to mitigate risks to water resources and wilderness areas….
Caribou Coffee Says 265 Locations Affected by Security Data Breach
Four Duluth Locations Are Involved in the Breach
DULUTH, Minn. – A handful of Duluth Caribou Coffee locations were involved in a recent data breach involving access to customer’s payment card information that affected 265 Caribou stores. According to a Data Security Notice sent out by the company, on November 28 the company identified unusual activity on their network though their information security monitoring system. The company says…
WLSSD Kicks off Annual Treecycling Program
The Program is Free and and Offers Multiple Locations
DULUTH, Minn. – WLSSD and area partners kicked off their annual Treecycling program this week. The programs is aimed at encouraging residents to recycle their fresh-cut holiday trees. The program is free and is offered at multiple locations throughout the area 24 hours a day. “Holiday trees, like yard and garden waste, are banned from the trash in Minnesota,” said…
Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer
Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!
DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are joined by Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco and we are baking a holiday appetizer, Cranberry Chutney! It’s a perfect dish to bring for the holidays and bursting with flavor. RECIPE: Holiday Cranberry Chutney (Makes 12 Servings) Canned cranberries; can be substituted for fresh when they are not in season, just…
No Charges in Wisconsin Explosion That Killed One
The Explosion Happened on July 10
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – A police chief says there will be no criminal charges against anyone related to an explosion in southern Wisconsin that killed a firefighter and leveled several buildings. Sun Prairie Police Chief Patrick Anhalt said Thursday “There is not probable cause to believe a crime was committed.” Sun Prairie firefighter Cory Barr was killed in the July…
Explore the North Shore this Holiday Season
Visit Cook County Staff Chat About Upcoming Events in the Area Through the Holiday Season
GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Skiers and snowboarders are hitting the slopes at Lutsen Mountains! But that’s not all the vast wilderness in Cook County has to offer this winter season. Linda Jurek and Kjersti Vick spent their morning chatting with FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot about upcoming events in the Cook County region over the Christmas holiday…
Midday Update 12-20-18
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 20, 2018
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather
More Details Come Forward After Cloquet Police Officer Dismissed
City of Cloquet Releases Statement on Dismissed Officer
CARLTON, Minn.-Last night, the Carlton County Attorney’s office announced it had dismissed 18 pending cases involving a Cloquet police officer. In a statement released today, the city of Cloquet said the officer being separated from his employment is Scott Beckman, who has been with the force since October of 2000. City Administrator Aaron Reeves told Fox 21 that a separation…
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency OKs PolyMet mine permits
The MPCA has Signed off
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has signed off on three important permits sought by the developers of the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The agency Thursday announced its approval of the air and water quality permits for the project and a certification of the company’s plan to mitigate the mine’s impact on wetlands. The…
Gov.-Elect Walz to Name Three More Cabinet Appointments
Walz Announced his First Five on Tuesday
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz is preparing to announce three more cabinet appointments. Walz, a former teacher, will visit a school in St. Paul on Thursday to name his picks to run the Department of Education, Office of Higher Education, and Department of Corrections. Walz announced his first five commissioners on Tuesday. His transition team…
