News

CEO, Co-Founder of Cirrus Aircraft To Step Down In 2019

Dale Klapmeier Will Take On Role As Senior Adviser

DULUTH, Minn.- Dale Klapmeier, CEO and co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft, has announced he will be stepping down next year. Klapmeier said it’s simply time for him to slow down a little bit after more than 30 years on the job. Cirrus has not decided on a new CEO just yet. The company will consider candidates internally and from the outside….

Viewcrest Hosts Annual Senior Christmas Party

The senior living facility provides gifts, food and holiday entertainment for its residents

DULUTH, Minn.- The residents of the Viewcrest Health Center, a senior living facility here in Duluth, were getting in the holiday spirit with its annual resident Christmas party. The facility provided gifts for all the residents along with a visit from Santa and live music for caroling. “The residents this is what they’ve done all of their life. We need to…

Rubber Chicken Theater Premiering New Holiday Show This Friday

Local sketch comedy show promises laughs for everybody

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is presenting their tenth anniversary holiday revue starting this Friday night. The ‘Wisecracker Suite’ is full of local sketch comedy and laughs for everybody in the audience. The show makes fun of local and regional news. The director describes it as a local Saturday Night Live. “These are all local folks, talented writers and…

Superior Fire Department Receives Grant for Hazmat Equipment

Grant Comes from Wisconsin Emergency Management

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior firefighters took on the Globe grain elevator fire with some new gear. After last year’s Husky Refinery explosion, the Superior Fire Department received a $62,000 to be better equipped for large–scale emergencies and hazmat situations. The grant came from Wisconsin Emergency Management. With the new equipment the department can better monitor and understand flammability, oxygen levels, carbon…

Carlton County Attorney’s Office Dismisses 18 Pending Cases Involving a Cloquet Police Officer

A prosecutor's office in northern Minnesota has dismissed 18 pending cases involving a Cloquet police officer.

CARLTON, Minn.-A prosecutor’s office in northern Minnesota has dismissed 18 pending cases involving a Cloquet police officer. Acting Carlton County Attorney Jeffrey Boucher said Wednesday that after assistant county attorneys learned of a misconduct finding involving the officer, all pending cases involving the officer were dismissed pending a review. In addition, Boucher says four cases submitted for review have not…

Kids Christmas Party at Duluth Heights Community Club

Toddlers make holiday crafts and gets a visit from Santa

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Heights Community Club hosted its Christmas party during one of their weekly play gym program days. Quite a few toddlers got down and dirty making some holiday crafts and having a good time playing with toys and games. They even had a visit from Santa. Organizers said events like this allow parents and children to bond with…

Progress Is Being Made at the Lakewalk in Duluth

Concrete wall completed along the Lakewalk

  DULUTH, Minn.- A big fix up continues for the Lakewalk in Duluth and this includes some major changes. Three big storms over the last year caused major structural damage to the Lakewalk but the repairs are taking shape. After suffering severe storm damage the Lakewalk is making headway as construction crews continue to repair 350 feet of shoreline during…

More Details Emerge in Globe Grain Elevator Fire

More details are coming forward tonight after a fire destroyed the historic Globe grain elevator in Superior Monday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-More details are coming forward tonight after a fire destroyed the historic Globe grain elevator in Superior Monday. Fire officials now tell us that the public may continue to see smoke and embers at the site for up to a week as the fire continues to smolder. They say there shouldn’t be any concern for the public, however, as…

Local Business Gives Back to the Community

A business in Superior is giving back this holiday season in a unique way.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-A business in Superior is giving back this holiday season in a unique way. Apple House Superior, which specializes in the sale of CBD oil, was donated a coat rack which they have placed on the sidewalk outside their store. The public can then hang up coats for those in need. The owner of the store says this type…

Superior Closes Chapter on Failed Kestrel Plant

City Council votes to dissolve Tax Increment Financing District they created for the project

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior has officially moved on from the failed Kestrel Project. The proposed airplane manufacturing company was supposed to bring a big economic boom to the city and create hundreds of permanent jobs but the business never came. The Superior City Council voted unanimously to dissolve a Tax Increment Financing District they created for the…

86-Year-old Found Dead in Burned Field in Central Minnesota

Authorities are Investigating the Cause of Death

ST. STEPHEN, Minn. – Authorities are investigating the death of an 86-year-old man whose body was found in a burned field in central Minnesota. Stearns County Sheriff Don Gudmundson says Edwin Opatz of Rice was found dead in a burned area of the field northwest of St. Stephen. An investigation found that Opatz was burning grass pastureland earlier on Monday….

One Seriously Injured in Cloquet House Fire

The Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation

CLOQUET, Minn. – Multiple Cloquet Area Fire District Stations responded to reports of a house fire early Wednesday morning. Crews were dispatched to 120 15th Street in Cloquet where they found a two story home in heavy fire. The home sustained extensive fire damage estimated at $170,000. A sole occupant sustained serious injuries in the fire and was transported to…

Despite Population Growth, Minnesota Could Lose House Seat

The 2020 Census Will Determine the Number of Minnesota's House Seats

ST. PAUL, Minn. – New figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show Minnesota’s population continues to grow. But the state demographer warns Minnesota could lose a congressional seat after the 2020 census. According to the Census Bureau, Minnesota’s population grew by 43,000 people between 2017 and 2018. That puts the state’s population over 5.6 million. It’s the second consecutive year…

Nitek Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal Shooting of Rusk County Deputy

Glaze Died of Gunshot Wound to Head

RUSK COUNTY, Wis. – On Wednesday afternoon Doug Nitek was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nitek, 45, was found guilty of first degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property and one count each of possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia following jury deliberation in September. Nitek shot…

In Farewell, Ryan Sees Solutions if ‘Politics Will Allow it’

Ryan is Ending his two-Decade House Career

WASHINGTON – Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan is bemoaning America’s “broken politics.” He’s also using a farewell speech to say that Washington’s failure to overhaul costly federal benefit programs is “our greatest unfinished business.” The Wisconsin Republican is ending his two-decade House career. He says in prepared remarks that the country’s problems are solvable “if our politics will allow it.”…

Cirrus CEO to Step Down Next Year

A Search for a new CEO is Currently Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – Cirrus Aircraft CEO, Dale Klapmeier, announced on Wednesday morning he plans to step down from his current position within the first half of 2019. Klapmeier says he will focus on transitioning into more of a senior advisory role in the company. “Transitioning out of day-to-day operations will give me the opportunity to focus on long-term strategic opportunities,”…

Animal Answers: Give the Gift of Adventure this Holiday Season

Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo Invite You to Purchase a Zoo Membership for a Family Member this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to picking out the perfect gift this holiday season, more and more people are picking experiences or adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo are inviting folks to think about purchasing a Zoo membership this holiday season. Details: A Zoo membership pays for itself in two times, and with…

Evers Picks Milwaukee Leaders for top Cabinet Slots

Evers Chose Four Cabinet Leaders

MADISON, Wis. – Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers has chosen four prominent Milwaukee leaders to hold top-level Cabinet positions in his new administration. Evers’ transition team announced Wednesday that Joel Brennan, chief executive officer for Discovery World, will serve as his top aide heading the Department of Administration. Brennan previously served as campaign manager for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Preston Cole,…

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Wisconsin’s tax Burden Drops to Nearly 50-Year low

Marks the Seventh Straight Year of Declines

MADISON, Wis. – A new study finds that Wisconsin’s tax burden has dropped to a nearly 50-year low. The Wisconsin Policy Forum report released Wednesday examines state and local taxes as a share of personal income. The report says that taxes accounted for 10.5 percent of income, down slightly from 10.6 percent last year. That marks the seventh straight year…

Five Financial Tips to Consider Before 2019

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday Morning to Offer Five Easy Tips to Consider Before 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The confetti will fly as we soon sing and ring in 2019! But we can’t let the ball drop before setting ourselves up for financial success. Local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to offer tips to consider before we jump into 2019. Prep for Tax Season…

Bakeries Busy Across Northland

With Christmas fast approaching bakeries are getting busy with holiday orders.

DULUTH, Minn.-With Christmas fast approaching bakeries are getting busy with holiday orders. Over at Johnson’s Bakery on West Third Street, they have been seeing non-stop orders come in for big holiday parties and family gatherings. The owners say the holidays can get a little stressful for them. “We’re busy enough to just try and keep up with everything for everybody….

Golden Ball Swiped From Como Park Conservatory is Returned

There Have Been no Arrests so far

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A golden ball swiped from the top of the conservatory at St. Paul’s Como Park has been returned – gift wrapped in giant Christmas stocking. Officials say someone scaled the 64-foot-tall Marjorie McNeely Conservatory over the weekend and stole the finial from atop the building’s dome. A conservatory official put out a request for information Tuesday….

The Globe Elevator: 131 Years of History

Here's a look at some of the history behind the grain elevator that went up in flames.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Along with the wood that went up in flames from the Globe grain elevator, over 100 years of history burned with it. “It was an older elevator that was… It wasn’t very modern,” former Globe worker Ted Pellman said in front of the structure that was up in flames. 131 years, that’s how long it’s been since the…

Dodge Ball Game Rewarded To Students After Raising Money for Local Charity

Salvation Army presented with check

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- Over the last two weeks 9th grade students at Superior High School have been raising money for their 4th annual charity event, to benefit the salvation army toy drive. The  organization  was presented with a check for more than $800 from the fundraising efforts. The students were awarded for their good deed with a dodge ball tournament…

Iron Mug Hands Out $10K Worth Of Toys for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. – For the last three weeks Iron Mug owner Mike Letica has been accepting donations and collecting gifts for the third annual Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. This year alone Letica has collected around $10,000 worth of items to give back to the community giving them something to smile about this holiday season. “The line behind me kind…

School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Public School Board approved a 2019 levy which was voted on by the public in the November elections. The public voted on raising an existing 2013 levy by about $8,000,000 due to updated pupil counts, facilities maintenance project approvals, and a change in unemployment adjustment, among other reasons. The board met tonight, hearing a presentation titled Truth…

Cloquet Cops Spread Christmas Cheer with Stuff the Squad

Cloquet Police Department Holds Stuff the Squad Toy Drive and Shop with a Cop

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Police Department spread some Holiday Cheer with their annual “Stuff the Squad” Toy Drive. Officers parked outside the Walmart, and L&M stores with their squad cars, ready to be stuffed with toys to be distributed by the Salvation Army. Last year, the department loaded up three squad cars: a Dodge Charger, Ford Explorer, and a pickup…

Trump Administration’s Bump Stock Ban Doesn’t Effect Superior Gun Store

Superior Shooters Supply Never Sold Bump Stocks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Trump Administration has officially banned bump stocks in the U.S. It’s an equipment which allows semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. Meanwhile, the owner of Superior Shooters Supply in Superior tells us this ban really doesn’t affect her business. She’s never sold bump stocks, and said they are barely effective, hurt accuracy, and are limited…

Free Rides On New Year’s Eve in Duluth

DTA Free Ride Campaign

  DULUTH, Minn.- New Year’s Eve is becoming one of the safest holidays in Minnesota. According to officials awareness of drunk driving has helped aid in the process. Now the city of Duluth is partnering with the Duluth Transit Authority and other organizations for their free ride campaign during the holiday. Beginning at 5 pm on New Year’s Eve the…

St. Louis County Board Approves $394.7 Million Budget for 2019

The Board Approved the Budget Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday the St. Louis County board approved a $394.7 million budget for 2019. The overall budget, while slightly less than in 2018, makes increased investments in human services, particularly in the areas of out-of-home placements, substance abuse and mental health. The Board says they set a goal to keep any increase in the property tax levy…

C. G. Bretting Manufacturing Issues Second Statement Regarding Union Strike

This is the Second Statement Bretting Manufacturing has Issued in two Days

ASHLAND, Wis. – Representatives from C. G. Bretting issued a second statement on Monday night regarding the ongoing union strike. The full statement can be viewed here: Members of Local 621 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) say they are striking for better wages, pension and health benefits. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Super One Matching Red Kettle Donations Through Christmas Eve

They Will Match up to $50,000

DULUTH, Minn. – Miner’s Inc, the parent company of Super One Foods grocery stores, is carrying on their tradition of matching up to $50,000 of Salvation Army Red Kettle donations at 13 area Superior One Foods locations. Miner’s Inc says they will match every cent collected by bell ringers through Christmas Eve. This year’s goal is $300,000. ” We appreciate…

Gov.-Elect Tim Walz Names First Five Commissioners

The Announcements Were Made Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz has named a former speaker of the Minnesota House as his transportation commissioner and is keeping the budget commissioner of outgoing Gov. Mark Dayton. Walz on Tuesday appointed former House speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher to lead the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The governor-elect also announced that Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron…

Trump Foundation Reaches Deal to Dissolve Amid Lawsuit

A Judge Must Still Sign off on the Agreement

NEW YORK – President Donald Trump’s charitable foundation has reached a deal to dissolve amid a legal battle with New York’s attorney general. Attorney General Barbara Underwood and the foundation filed a joint stipulation with the court Tuesday laying out a process for shutting down the charity and distributing its remaining assets to other nonprofit groups. New York filed a…

UW Hospital now has 14 Cases of Legionnaires’ and 3 Deaths

One Patient Remains Hospitalized

MADISON, Wis. – A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to UW Hospital’s water system has infected 14 people with the pneumonia-like bacteria, and three have died. Hospital spokeswoman Lisa Brunette tells the Wisconsin State Journal that the patients who died had other serious, life-limiting health conditions. One patient remains hospitalized. A hospital official has said the cases appear to be linked…

Duluth City Council Approves More Funding for Lakewalk Repair

More money will be needed to pay for engineering services related to the damage done to the Lakewalk damage during the October 2017 and April 2018 storms.

DULUTH, Minn.-More money will be needed to pay for engineering services related to the damage done to the Lakewalk damage during the October 2017 and April 2018 storms. Last night, the Duluth City Council unanimously approved more funding for the contractor the city is working with in the amount of $225,000, bringing the total cost of engineering services to about…

Minnesota Climber Preps for Solo Mt. Hunter Climb; First Winter Ascent of Mt. Luciana

Dupre Will Make his Second Attempt in January

DULUTH, Minn. – Grand Marais native, Lonnie Dupre, is preparing to tackle a solo ascent of Mount Hunter in January 2019. Mount Hunter is hailed as the steepest and most technical of the three peaks in Denali National Park and this will be Dupre’s second attempt at a solo ascent of the mountain. Dupre will also take on his second…

Coffee Conversation: Staying Heart Healthy this Winter

Dr. Leif Christianson, St. Luke's Cardiologist, Offers Tips to Stay Heart Healthy this Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation, St. Luke’s Cardiologist, Dr. Leif Christianson, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about ways to stay heart healthy this winter. The Northland is suffering a lack of snowfall so far this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make up for it as the season goes on. Christianson wants to…

Trump Administration Moves to ban Bump Stocks

It Will Take Effect in Late March

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is moving to officially ban bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. A senior Justice Department official says bump stocks will be banned under the federal law that prohibits machine guns. It will take effect in late March. After that, it will be illegal to possess bump stocks. The…

Regents Unanimously Approve Joan Gabel as U of M President

Gabel Will be the First U of M Female President

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents announced Tuesday that Joan Gabel will be the next University of Minnesota President. Gabel will be the first female president of the University of Minnesota. “President-Designate Gabel stood out from a highly competitive pool of candidates that advanced through a thorough and thoughtful search process. Her qualifications, combined with her…

Kenwood Rezoning Plan Fails at Council Meeting

The Duluth City Council failed to pass a vote for a proposed rezoning of a portion of the Kenwood neighborhood.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council failed to pass a vote for a proposed commercial rezoning of a portion of the Kenwood neighborhood. Councilors rejected it unanimously. Here’s the map which shows the proposed rezone area. The area is one that councilors tell us, is a full of single family affordable housing. The initial plan could have made room for apartments…

Duluth International Airport to Open Club DLH Business Suite

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport announced on Tuesday the opening of the Club DLH Business Suite on January 7. The Duluth International Airport, along with presenting partner St. Luke’s, says, “The Club DLH Business Suite is an exclusive private area at the west end of the secure terminal, designed with the working traveler in mind.” Annual passes are…

Gov.-Elect Tim Walz Will Name his First Five Commissioners

Walz's Team Received Over 500 Applications

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov-elect Tim Walz will announce the first five state agency heads who will serve in his administration. Walz and Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan have called a news conference for 1 p.m. Tuesday to name his first five out of what will eventually be 23 commissioners for his new administration. Walz’s transition team received over 500…