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News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Police Arrest 15-Year-old boy in Accidental bus Shooting

The boy was Showing the gun to Others When it Went off
The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Madison police have arrested a 15-year-old boy suspected of accidentally shooting two teenagers on a city bus near a high school. Police arrested the teen at his home Thursday. Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain tells the Wisconsin State Journal the boy’s family had been in contact with police and that he surrendered when police showed up….
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Judge Orders State to Cover Transition Surgery

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A federal judge has ordered the state of Wisconsin and its insurers to pay for transgender transition surgery for its employees. U.S. District Judge William Conley says there’s no legal reason to exclude medically necessary care for the employees. University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student Alina Boyden and UW School of Medicine researcher Shannon Andrews filed a…
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‘Multiple Victims’ Reported in Maryland Shooting

Active Shooter Situation Reported
The Associated Press,

PERRYMAN, Md. (AP) — Authorities say multiple people have been shot in northeast Maryland in what the FBI is describing as an “active shooter situation.” The Harford County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that there was a shooting Thursday morning in the Perryman area that involves “multiple victims.” They warn that the situation is still fluid and ask people to avoid the…
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Minnesota Supreme Court Clears Release of Serial Rapist

Human Services Commissioner Opposed Release 'out of Deep Concern for Public Safety'
The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has cleared the way for the release of a convicted serial rapist. The court Tuesday declined to review a petition by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to review the case of Thomas Duvall. In July, the state Court of Appeals ruled Duvall should be allowed to be released into the…
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Wetterling Family Expresses Condolences Before Files Release

Jacob's Parents Fought to Keep Some Documents Private
The Associated Press,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – The family of Jacob Wetterling is expressing condolences before investigative files on the 1989 abduction and killing of their son are released. The Wetterling family issued a statement Wednesday saying, “Our hearts are hurt for anyone who is pained or hurt from the release of this file.” Stearns County authorities plan to release their investigative…
Community, Health, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Veterans Say Thanks, Voice Opinions about VA

Town Hall Style Meeting Held at Twin Ports VA Clinic
Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Veterans in Superior got a chance to say thank you and voice their concerns about the VA program at a town hall style meeting at the Twin Ports Outpatient VA Clinic today. This is the 23rd monthly community meeting held since 2014. Where officials say their primary concern is hearing from the men and women who served. “It’s always…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety, Road Construction/Traffic

Residents, City at a Crossroads over Glenwood Street

Community Meeting at Lester Park Elementary Abuzz with Concerns
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Lester Park Elementary School was alive after school hours Wednesday. A meeting was held between the city and community members to address traffic concerns with Glenwood street intersecting with Jean Duluth and Snively roads. It appears after numerous speeding tickets, accidents, and even a fatality at that intersection, community members and the city both say enough is enough, but…
Community, Environment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety, Road Construction/Traffic

Mission Creek Updates from MnDOT

Community Members Voice Concerns at Meeting
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- 387. That was the magic number from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the community. They say it will take 387 days to finish burial recovery at the grave site unearthed by Mission Creek Bridge Construction. It is the first time they have had a measurable timeline for the project. After burial recovery, crews move to cemetery restoration,…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

St. Louis County Employee Files Complaint, Wants Investigation on Commissioner Pete Stauber

Dennis Frazier believes Stauber is using his platform as a county commissioner to run for higher office.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn.  – A 30–year employee with St. Louis County is calling for an investigation into Commissioner Pete Stauber who is running for the 8th Congressional race on the republican side. Dennis Frazier believes Stauber is using his platform as a county commissioner to run for higher office. One example, Frazier says happened at an opioid round table in August where Stauber identified himself as a 8th District Congressional candidate….
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Stella Maris Academy Receives Million Dollar Gift from Duluth Native

The mission at Stella Maris Academy is to teach students to lead, love and serve.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. -The staff at Stella Maris Academy say this donation gives the school a stable financial base to grow future academic programs. Ninety-one-year-old Lorraine Casshie is the million–dollar donor who died last July. But in her will Lorraine desired for money to be given to the catholic schools in Duluth. Staff from Stella Maris Academy at the Holy Rosary School tell us they…
Education, News, News - Latest News

Zoomobile Visits UWS

Animals interacted with students and taught all about their species
Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Animals from the Lake Superior Zoo visited the library at UW-Superior Wednesday. The Zoomobile program traveled with a python, hedgehog, bearded dragon, plus much more. Students could hold and touch the animals and ask educators any questions they could think of. “For the snake, how they go to the bathroom is a great question that we get…
Community, Health, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Get Ready for the Head of the Lakes Chilli Cook-Off

This savory event commemorates United Ways Giving Campaign.
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- It comes once a year and just when the chilly weather starts to set in, the Head of The Lakes Chilli Cook-Off is here. The 27th annual Head of The Lakes Chilli Cook-Off starts Thursday, Sept. 20th at the DECC from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This savory event commemorates United Way’s Giving Campaign. United Way partners with…
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Bird Migration Nears Peak at Hawk Ridge

Some days, counters see thousands of flying overhead
Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bird migration is at its peak for many species flying over the Northland. At Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth, counters are keeping track of exactly how many birds and dragonflies pass overhead. They have counted birds for the last forty-seven years, submitting the data they gather for wildlife information and studies. Though Wednesday was slow, on some…
Community, News, News - Latest News, Road Construction/Traffic, Wisconsin

ATV Ordinance Passes in Superior

The ATV ordinance has not yet gone into affect.
Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A long-debated ordinance allowing ATV’s on trails year-round throughout the city of Superior passed. The Superior City Council passed an ordinance allowing ATV’s to be driven all year round. The ordinance allows ATV’s to be driven on select trails throughout the city. It’s been a debate for almost a year now but city councilors believe allowing the recreational…
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Superior Repeals Panhandling Ordinance

Action comes after Superior and seven other Wisconsin cities received a letter from the ACLU
Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was back in July when Duluth repealed its panhandling ordinance. Now, the Superior City Council has voted unanimously to do the same. Last month, Superior and seven other Wisconsin cities got a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) addressing why the organization believes panhandling laws are unconstitutional and asking the cities to repeal those…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

How to Help the Second Harvest Food Bank

Do you know the difference between food banks and food shelves?
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- September is Hunger Action Month and the Second Harvest Food Bank is opening its doors highlighting how you can help. Fun fact food banks and food shelves are different. We’re taking a look inside the Second Harvest Food Bank which distributes food to local non–profit programs. Second Harvest is the only food bank in the region which serves…
News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

UPDATE: Woman Fled From Shots at Wisconsin Business

Four People Have Been Shot
The Associated Press,

(AP/WISC)MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) – An employee at a Wisconsin business where a shooting took place says she ran for her life after hearing “really loud” shots. Judy Lahmers is a business analyst at WTS Paradigm in the Madison suburb of Middleton. She says she didn’t know whether to run or hide when she heard shots about 10 a.m. Wednesday. She…
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Active Shooter Reported at Business in Madison Suburb

The Associated Press,

MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) — Police are responding to a report of an active shooter at a commercial building in a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin. The State Journal reports that the Dane County dispatch center said shots have been fired at Esker Software in Middleton. Police and multiple ambulances have responded. Dane County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Elise Schaffer confirmed there is…
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Trial Begins for man Accused of Fatally Shooting a Rusk County Deputy

Nitek is Facing 31 Charges
Site Staff,

RUSK COUNTY, Wis. – The trial has begun for a man accused of killing a former Hayward Police Officer in 2016. Doug Nitek, 45, allegedly shot Rusk County Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Glaze on October 29, 2016 while Glaze was investigating a suspicious vehicle. According to the criminal complaint as Glaze approached the suspicious vehicle, which was parked in a field…
Business, Community, Education, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Tips for Avoiding Future Money Problems

Money Problems Were Different Back in the Day; Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Offers Tips to Staying Financially Alert
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Planning for retirement used to be fairly predictable. As decades pass, times have changed and we’re now facing money problems today that didn’t exist years ago. Financial professional Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to share a few key tips when it comes to staying up-to-date financially.  Q: What…
Community, Education, Health, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Free Medicare Advice Offered This Evening in Duluth

UnitedHealthcare is Offering a Free Community Event Wednesday, September 19 for Folks to Learn About Medicare
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With 62 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, and more than 10,000 Americans turning 65 every single day, there is significant interest in Medicare health coverage. Unfortunately, there’s also tremendous confusion. According to UnitedHealthcare, roughly 39 percent of Medicare beneficiaries say they have a “fair” or “poor” understanding of Medicare, and two in five beneficiaries describes Medicare as “confusing”….
Animal Answers, News, News - Latest News

Animal Answers: Hawk Ridge Observes Bird Migration

Bird migration season is in full swing!
Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- Bird Migration season started in mid-August and runs through November. For this week’s Animal Answers, Fox 21’s Viktoria Capek talks with John Richardson and Margie Menzies from the bird watching platform at Hawk Ridge to learn about the year’s migration season and what people can expect from the annual bird migration festival. Categories: Animal Answers, News, News –…
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Line 3 Pipeline Protesters Block Bridge Near Bemidji

Construction is not Expected Until 2019
The Associated Press,

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – Protesters have conducted a water ceremony and blocked a bridge near Enbridge Energy’s planned Line 3 replacement pipeline in northern Minnesota. An American Indian woman conducted the ceremony on the banks of the Mississippi River on Tuesday. Demonstrators also raised a tepee on the bridge south of Bemidji. There were no arrests, and the tepee is…
Education, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety

UMD Students Help One Another Get Home Safely

Students can call a free hotline to be assisted walking anywhere within a two mile radius of campus.
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- At the University of Minnesota Duluth, one campus program is helping students feel safe and ensuring no one has to walk alone. With the exception of alcohol and drug arrests sexual assault and stalking cases are the most commonly reported crimes on the UMD campus. Now some students are helping one–another feel safe on campus so they don’t…
Great Outdoors, News, News - Latest News

Great Outdoors: Deadheading at the Rose Garden

City employees and volunteers deadhead the roses from April until early October.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the summer and early part of fall, the rose garden has become a beautiful sight in Duluth. But keeping it as beautiful as it is takes a lot of work. The rose garden has become a popular attraction for both tourists and Duluth residents. “This is my fourth trip here and every time we come to…
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UMD Receives Grant For Hybrid Trees

The one million dollar grant will help the program expand their research and conduct more trials.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth received a huge grant to expand their research on fast–growing hybrid trees. The University’s natural resources research institute received a one million dollar grant to breed hybrid poplar trees, which would be used for industrial use. The NRRI has been working for over two decades to develop these hybrid trees, which allows…
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Fresh Veggies Grown Behind Duluth Grill

The large gourds are used in the restaurant's soups to give customers a nice fall flavor.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Grill is known for their local, fresh ingredients, and some of those are being grown directly out back. The large crops being grown in the garden behind the restaurant are getting read to be picked for the fall harvest. Many of the seeds come from around the world, which is producing some amazing veggies, including this four–foot…
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A Second Rolled Ice Cream Shop is Coming to Duluth

The new Thai Hibachi-based ice cream shop plans to open within the next few months.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new Hibachi ice cream shop is in the works for downtown Duluth. It’s located on the corner of 2nd Avenue East and Superior Street, in the former home of Lake Superior Art Glass. T–Icyroll, as its being called, will open in the coming months and offer rolled ice cream, bubble tea, smoothies and more. “I was very…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Lights, Camera, Action! Ironbound Studios Open House

Ironbound Studios is located in the basement at Chisholm City Hall.
Haydee Clotter,

CHISHOLM, Minn. – If you have dreams of making it big you don’t have to travel to Hollywood. Just drive up to the Iron Range to Ironbound Studios. “There aren’t many sound stages of this size east of Burbank,” said Ironbound Studios President Joel McGuire. Lights, camera, action! During an open house people could see the 45,000 square foot sound…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Celebrating National Cheeseburger Day.

On average Americans eat 50 billion burgers a year.
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s national cheeseburger day, whether you prefer cheddar, swiss, or provolone it’s the day to enjoy a cheeseburger without guilt. On average Americans eat 50 billion burgers a year. To celebrate FOX21 stopped by Big Daddy’s Burgers in Duluth, which is offering a special deal for a pepper jack cheeseburger. “Cause who doesn’t love cheese,” burger chef Casey McDougall…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Bark Avenue Recovering after SUV Slammed into Building

The damage to the dog food alone costs nearly $2,800.
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Bark Avenue has reopened after an SUV crashed into the business last week causing massive damage. At the corner of W. Third St. and N. 24th Avenue W. after hitting a bus an SUV slammed into the right side of the dog groomer building, causing workers and animals to evacuate immediately. Now temporary beams are currently in place. Cost…
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Driver Putting Away Phone Crashed Into car, Killed 2

The Driver of the Hummer was Unhurt in the Crash
The Associated Press,

CLAREMONT, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a 24-year-old Minnesota man was putting away his cellphone when he crashed into a car stopped on a highway, killing a woman and her 8-year-old daughter. Forty-three-year-old Rachel Harberts of Dodge Center was stopped on Highway 14 in Claremont on Sept. 7, waiting to turn left, when her car was struck from the rear…
Crime, News, News - Latest News

15-Year-old Accused of Drunken Driving With Baby in car

Beer Bottles Were Found Next to the car Seat
The Associated Press,

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (AP) – Police in southeastern Wisconsin say a 15-year-old boy is accused of driving drunk with a baby in the back seat. Mount Pleasant police say the baby’s mother and another teen in the car were also intoxicated. Sgt. Eric Relich says police responded to a report of a reckless driver about 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Relich says…
Community, Entertainment, Environment, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Weather in the News

All Aboard the Fall Colors Train Starting this Friday

CNN Once Named the North Shore Fall Colors Train Tour "Top 5 out of the Top 10 in America"
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, September 21, folks will be able to hop aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Fall Color Tours. Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Ken Buehler, told FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning that this opportunity gives riders the chance to view the Northland in a vibrant, colorful perspective. The Fall Color Tours will be…
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Red Cliff to Build Cell Tower in Aftermath of Drownings

The Tower Will Cover the Northern Part of Apostle Islands
The Associated Press,

RED CLIFF, Wis. (AP) – The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa says plans are underway for a cell tower on its reservation in northern Wisconsin, a need that was underscored by the recent drowning deaths of four family members in the Apostle Islands. The family’s calls for help on Lake Michigan went unanswered for hours due to poor…
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Third Minnesota Measles Case Prompts Travel Warning

This is the Third Travel Related Case in Less Than six Weeks
The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Health officials are urging Minnesotans to make sure their measles vaccinations are up to date before they travel after the state confirmed a third measles case. Last week the Minnesota Department of Health identified a case of measles in a 24-month-old child who recently returned from the Middle East, where measles are common. The Ramsey County child…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Remembering the 100-Year Anniversary of the Death of Finnish Immigrant

Olli Kinkkonen was hanged in Lester Park for his acts, or lack thereof.
Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sept. 18, 1918 marks the supposed lynching of Finnish immigrant Olli Kinkkonen. The story goes that Olli refused to fight in World War I and there was a toss up on if he was a peaceful man refusing to fight or an outspoken anti-war advocate. A group known as the “Knights of Loyalty” labeled men who didn’t go…
Business, Community, News, News - Latest News

Hotel Pikku Opens in Lincoln Park

One of the many newly opened editions for the Lincoln Park Craft District.
Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- Pikku means ‘small and odd,’ but the Hotel Pukku’s size and aesthetic appears to fit perfectly in the renovated Lincoln Park Craft District. The hotel was opened for guests to stay at for the first time in mid-September. With three suite style rooms, each with a living room, bedroom and bathroom and two with full kitchens, it was…
Crime, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Plea For Answers In Case of Missing Duluth Woman

Over the past three years, Duluth Police have received multiple tips but none have lead to anything big
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Three years after Sheila St. Clair went missing in Duluth family and police are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. Over the past three years, Duluth Police have received multiple tips but none have lead to anything big.  48–year–old Shelia St. Clair was reported missing Septemeber 10th, 2015. Authorities believe she was planning to…
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Senior Apartment Complex Held Grand Re-Opening

Heritage Apartments houses residents for seniors 62 or older.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Heritage Senior Apartments held their grand re-opening today, celebrating the end to their renovation. The complex, located at 700 Commonwealth Avenue, homes one and two bedroom apartments for people 62 or older and was built 42 years ago. The renovation fixed the siding of the building, as well some other fixes to make the place better for residents….
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Local Business Has Fun With Construction Traffic

Two Harbors construction is causing a back up in traffic and one local business wanted to lighten the mood.
Viktoria Capek,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A local business is making light of the traffic construction is causing through town. Sweet Pea’s Gift Shop waned to make sure their store was noticed by backed up cars, so they decided to put jokes in the windows for passer-by’s to read. This was owners Randy and Katie Lancaster’s idea to keep people from getting frustrated…
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Perfect Time To Go Pumpkin Picking

Now that the fall weather is on its way, local produce sellers are switching out their normal produce for more pumpkins.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Well it’s starting to feel like fall out and everyone is getting ready for their favorite fall activities like apple picking, corn mazes and of course, pumpkin picking. Local roadside produce sellers are also busy preparing for these fall activities, switching out their normal fruits and veggies for more fall friendly treats like pumpkins. “Usually we get…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

United Steelworkers Local 6115 Vote Unanimously for Strike Authorization

Negotiations from both sides will resume on Thursday in Pittsburgh.
Haydee Clotter,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A crucial vote for the members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6115. The group in Virginia is demanding an increase in their wages and better benefits. One member told me as recently as 2015 they took some concessions like wage freezes since the company wasn’t doing so well. Now that they are, members want an increase in…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Inside Look at UMD’s Media Technology Lab

The director tells us the resources are meant to spark the student's creativity.
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth is showing off their state of the art media technology lab. From the green screen to virtual reality this MMAD lab is utilized by everyone from theatre majors to researchers. The director tells us the resources are meant to spark the student’s creativity. “Nobody else in Hollywood is doing what we are, because we’re…