News

Essentia Health Welcomes Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery

The first hospital in the Northland to have this kind of technology

DULUTH, Minn.-Thank to donations from the community and the Essentia Health Foundation, St. Mary’s Medical Center will be the first hospital in the Northland to offer robotic-arm assisted surgery. Called MAKO, the robotic arm aid surgeons performing knee and hip replacements. The technology allows for less invasive procedure, closer precision and a quicker recovery time. Orthopedic surgeons at Essentia, like…

Miller Hill Mall Hosts Blood Drive

You can also stop by the mall on Friday if you're interested in donating blood.

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross hosted a back to school blood drive at the Miller Hill Mall on Thursday. They are currently in need of a lot of blood donations, which was a big factor in hosting this drive. They hoped to receive close to 100 pints, to try and rebound from the blood shortage they faced over…

Students Show Off New Zoo Skills

The 10-week program wrapped up on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local teenagers showed off what they learned all summer with the zoo crew summer showcase earlier Thursday afternoon at the Lake Superior Zoo. Zoo Crew was a 10-week summer camp that taught students how to care for animals, work alongside zookeepers and allowed them to improve their public speaking, giving the participants the chance to learn useful…

CHUM Annual Back-to-School Backpack Distribution

Every year CHUM partners up with the Duluth School District to set the tone and start kids off right for the school year with a new backpack.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the first day of class students need pencils, notebooks and of course backpacks. Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) held its annual backpack distribution in Duluth to help those students. Every year CHUM partners up with the Duluth School District to set the tone and start kids off right for the school year with a new backpack. “Every…

Tribute Fest Raises Money For Local Homeless Veterans

The three-day concert event kicked off Thursday with country tribute bands.

DULUTH, Minn. – Music is once again filling Bayfront Park this weekend, but there’s a little more meaning behind it this time. The annual Tribute Fest kicked off on Thursday and runs through Saturday night. Thursday featured country tribute bands, while Friday and Saturday has rock and roll music. All proceeds from the weekend will help local homeless veterans, which…

Snacks, Swag and Smiles at Summer Carnival

9th Annual Summer Carnival Held at Viewcrest

Duluth, Minn.- Families were invited to Viewcrest Health Center  to join residents for a free, fun day filled with games, food, and goldfish prizes, at their 9th annual Summer Carnival. The senior living facility opened up their yard and their indoor park for the staff’s families and the community. There was plenty of cotton candy around. But most importantly, kids got…

Douglas County Officials and FEMA Meet and Discuss

Federal Assistance Application Has New Elements

Superior, WI- Massive flooding devastated parts of Northwestern Wisconsin back in June. As recovery from that damage continues, FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management experts met at the Douglas County Government Center to discuss applications for federal assistance. The storms caused an estimated $3.8 million in damage in Douglas County alone. While many repairs have been completed by area townships, many…

Abortion Opponents Lose Appeal on UM’s Fetal Tissue Research

The Ruling was Issued Monday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Abortion opponents who challenged the University of Minnesota’s use of aborted fetal tissue for medical research have lost an appeal. The ruling was issued Monday by the state Court of Appeals. It says the lawsuit filed in 2016 by Pro-Life Action Ministries is moot because the Legislature clarified the law, which allowed the research, while the case…

Regents Approve Asking for $107 Million More in Next Budget

The Regents Approved 16-1

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – University of Wisconsin System regents have signed off on asking Gov. Scott Walker for an additional $107 million in the next state budget. The regents approved the request 16-1 on Thursday. The request seeks an additional $82.5 million in tax dollars to meet performance-based goals Republican legislators have imposed on the system. The system also wants…

Father Charged With Murder in Apple Valley Infant Abuse Case

The Infant was Just two Weeks old

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota man has been charged with murder after authorities say he inflicted life-threatening injuries on his newborn son, who later died. Thirty-two-year-old Michael Herkal of Burnsville was charged Thursday with three counts of second-degree murder in connection with the Aug. 14 death of Anthony, who was just two weeks old when he was injured…

Iowa Student Killed by ‘Sharp Force Injuries’

No Details About What Caused the Injuries

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)BROOKLYN, Iowa (AP) – Preliminary autopsy results show that Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts was killed by “multiple sharp force injuries.” The state medical examiner has determined that Tibbetts’ death was a homicide. No details were released about what caused the sharp force injuries. The agency says further examination may result in additional findings. The Division of Criminal…

Sears to Close Another 46 Stores in November

As of May 5, Sears had About 894 Stores

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) — Sears Holdings Corp. is closing another 13 Kmart stores and 33 Sears stores as sales shrink and losses grow. The ailing company said Thursday that liquidation sales at the 46 unprofitable stores marked for closure will start Aug. 30, and the stores will close in November. The company said it informed its workers. The move…

Fire Erupts at Trailer Home in Balkan Township

The Cause of the Fire is Under Investigation

BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Chisholm and French Township firefighters were on the scene of a trailer house fire earlier this morning. The fire erupted around 5:00 am Thursday morning in the 6500 block of North Long Lake Road. There was one occupant in the trailer home who was able to get out safely. The cause of the fire is under…

Surgery Coverage for Wisconsin Transgender Workers Restored

The Board Reversed its Decision in 2017

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin board that oversees insurance for state employees has voted to restore coverage for sex reassignment procedures for transgender workers. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the Group Insurance Board voted 5-4 Wednesday to cover sex reassignment surgery and related treatments for transgender people seeking to match their sex to their gender identity. Sex reassignment…

Vintage Warplane Crashes at Blaine Airport Near Minneapolis

The Pilot was Taken to the Hospital

photo: Facebook/Blaine Police Department BLAINE, Minn. (AP) – A vintage warplane has crashed and burned at the Anoka County Airport in the Minneapolis suburb of Blaine. It happened shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday. Video from local TV stations shows the fuselage broken into pieces near the end of a runway. There was no immediate word on the condition of the…

Who Whacked Willy Wonka? Find Out on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

This Murder Mystery can be solved on the Disoriented Express train ride at the North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a Murder Mystery all aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad. While aboard the Disoriented Express, passengers must figure out Who Whacked Willy Wonka. A crew of actors aboard are interacting with the audience giving clues and playing part in the Murder Mystery. This adult night-out is a two and a half hour train ride, including a four-course…

Manafort Juror Says one Holdout Prevented 18-Count Conviction

The Federal Jury Found Manafort Guilty on Eight Counts

(Dana Verkouteren via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — A juror in Paul Manafort’s financial fraud trial says a lone holdout prevented the jury from convicting the onetime Trump campaign chairman on all 18 counts. Jurors repeatedly tried to persuade the holdout to “look at the paper trail” but she insisted there was reasonable doubt, juror Paula Duncan told Fox News. “We…

Herbalife Distributors Claim in $1B Suit Events Were a Sham

Herbalife’s Website Says it has About 2.3 Million Distributors

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)MIAMI (AP) — Patricia and Jeff Rodgers figured they did everything right to get rich beyond their wildest dreams selling Herbalife health and personal care products. They attended all of the “Circle of Success” events, brought in new recruits, met their quotas on buying Herbalife goods to sell and even set up a storefront shop. But they…

Duluth Neighbors Get Louder and Creative About Crumbling Street

The Olson's used parts of their vehicle that broke off while driving to attach to the signs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluth homeowners are getting creative and even comical about their city street, which they say has been falling apart for years and not getting the attention they need. Jeannette and Dale Olson have lived on Thurber Road for 30 years, but they said the road conditions have gotten worse over the past decade. They said they’ve…

Skating Before School

World Of Wheels Invites Families for Free Skating

Superior, WI- Before trudging back to school kids got one last hoorah thanks to the World of Wheels skate rink. The family–run skate rink invited Superior families to skate for free today. Kids could also play any of the many games, munch on some food, or compete in a drawing for school supplies. “Having the kids here, giving back some…

Cloquet Mends Ordinance for Strays

The city of Cloquet was in contract with Animal Allies since April.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Weeks after the Friends of Animals Shelter in Cloquet closed its doors, the city says it doesn’t want to deal with the strays anymore. After a city council meeting Tuesday night, city leaders decided to end their contract agreement with Animal Allies in Duluth, where they had been sending the strays. Now the council hopes that a different option…

Dragon Boats Dwell in Superior

Training and Preparations Underway for Dragonboat Festival

Superior, WI- A tradition with roots in ancient China continues this weekend in the Northland. It’s the Dragon Boat Festival, and the rowers have been hard at work preparing. There Be Dragons in Lake Superior, as Dragon Boats and their riders arrived to train for the 16th Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Rowers gathered on the shores of Barker’s Island Marina to…

Growing Season Helping Superior Downtown Farmers’ Market

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – The weather has been cooperating for local farmers at the Superior Downtown Farmers’ Market. Christel Lewis owns In the Woods Market Garden in Foxboro, Wisconsin,  about 20 miles outside of Superior. She says carrots and beets are in season and it’s the end of the bean season. Lewis starts planting her garden in the spring so it’s…

Senior Citizens Celebrate the End of Summer with a Side of Competition

This traditional Morgan Park Senior Picnic was put on hold for nearly 15 years, but it's back in full swing. 

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s a celebration of summer, but this exclusive party is reserved for senior citizens. “And a picnic always sounds good,” picnic attendee Barbara Beverage said. This traditional Morgan Park Senior Picnic was put on hold for nearly 15 years, but it’s back in full swing. “Well, our senior community is one of our most prized so to be able…

Cloquet Youth Run Journey Garden and Market

This farmers market will be open every Wednesday from 12:00-2:00 until all the food runs out.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s never too late to get your start in a farmers market. That’s the case for a group of young students in Cloquet who are also learning about business by selling their goods. The Journey Garden is a summer program for youth on the Fond du Lac Reservation. Each Tuesday they harvest the foods, Wednesdays are dedicated to…

New Democratic Campaign Office Opens

Superior Location Stayed in Building, Changed Rooms

Superior, WI- Democrats in Superior now have a new hub, which opened Wednesday. The new campaign field office is located in the same Board of Trade building on Tower, but they moved to a new room. Democrats say they view it as a resource center where people can come get information about voting and the candidates. They can also sign…

Duluth East High School Welcomes Students Back With Jump Start

The event allowed students to get their schedules and turn in important paperwork.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students got their first taste of school being back on Wednesday as Duluth East High School hosted their Jump Start event. Students were able to pick up their schedules, sign up for clubs, purchase parking permits and much more. The school faculty liked the event because they are able to reach majority of the students at once,…

School Board Chairman says November Referendum Vote is Crucial

The vote happens on November 6th.

DULUTH, Minn.- A three question levy referendum is in place that would add both teachers and new technology to the Duluth school district if approved by voters in November. The School Board Chairman calls this vote crucial. If passed question one would renew the current ten-year operating levy without increasing property taxes. The second question would add 25 teachers to help…

“Tornado Hunters” Storm Chaser Coming To Town!

Chris Chittick Brings Flash 2 Storm Chase Vehicle & Autograph Signing To Virginia, MN.

VIRGINIA, Minn. –Are you familiar with the Netflix show “Tornado Hunters”? If so, you’ll recognize this storm chaser that’s headed to the Northland tomorrow! Is he coming here to chase storms you ask? NOPE! He is arriving to the Iron Range tomorrow to celebrate the Tractor Store’s 80th anniversary and meet you! Bring the family out and stop by Thursday…

Duluth International Airport Receives Grant to Finish Runway Restoration

The airport will receive $8.6 million to complete the main runway in 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport recently got an $8.6 million grant that will be used to complete their runway restoration. The final two thousand feet of the main runway will now be complete in 2019. The $40 million restoration project has upgraded the entire runway over the last several years. Airport officials say there is no more important…

UMD Welcomes Freshman and Honors Athletes with Pep Rally

The annual pep rally is a part of the students' Welcome Week Events

DULUTH, Minn.- As welcome week progresses for students old and new coming to the UMD campus, excitement is also building for the upcoming athletic season. The annual pep rally was dedicated to incoming freshman, but also to student athletes, who were introduced at the event. Nearly 2,000 freshmen filled the stands to cheer on fellow Bulldogs in the rally. UMD…

Multiple Fire Departments Battle Peat bog Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, sever fire departments are battling a peat bog fire in the Toivola area. The fire is located in the 8400 block of Highway 5, near Northwoods Organics. The five fire departments currently on the scene include: Alborn, Toivola, Meadowlands, Ellsburg, and Elmer. We will continue to update the status of the fire…

Chris Jensen Cited in Resident’s Death

The Nurses Were CPR Certified

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has released a report citing evidence of neglect by nursing staff at the Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center. According to the report nursing staff failed to perform CPR on a resident who was found unresponsive in their room and later died. The resident had a provider order for life sustaining treatment…

Flight Attendant Mistakes air Marshal for Passenger With gun

The Airline is Working With Investigators

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal air marshal was removed from a United Airlines flight in Minneapolis after a flight attendant mistook him for a gun-carrying passenger. The Transportation Safety Administration says the marshal was apprehended along with another marshal after Flight 3531 landed Monday night at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. According to the agency, the marshal was on official business….

Minnesota Task Force Addresses Affordable Housing Shortage

They Suggest Building 300,000 new Homes by 2030

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota housing task force is recommending broad changes in funding, technology and regulation to meet a statewide demand for affordable housing. Minnesota Public Radio News reports that the task force has made 30 recommendations and identified six goals to improve access to housing. Gov. Mark Dayton appointed the task force last year. The task…

Tips to Avoid Back-to-School Budget Busters

Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Offers Tips to Back-to-School Shopping

DULUTH, Minn. – Pens, pencils and notebooks are just the tip of the icebery for families stocking up on back-to-school supplies. Every year, surprise budget busters catch shoppers off guard and cost them cash. That’s why local financial professional Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial is offering tips to save on your back-to-school buys. 1. Technology • Parents are shelling…

18-Year-old Drowns in Twin Lakes

Life Saving Attempts Were Unsuccessful

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – An 18-year-old male drowned Tuesday evening in Morse Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department along with the Rescue Squad were called to Twin Lakes in Morse Township on reports of a male swimmer who had sank into the lake while swimming to a floating dock. Witnesses say the male had swam out to the floating…

What Are You Going to Do With All That Poo?

Animal Allies Humane Society is Looking for Community Input and Ideas When it Comes to Composting Animal Waste

DULUTH, Minn. – With the power of reasoning and a grant from the Northland Foundation, Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth could soon become more sustainable. Youth allies with the shelter recently noticed a big problem, and now, they’re looking to spread the news when it comes to composting “number two.” “They saw a problem and we decided that we…

Experience an Extreme Form of Relaxation Called Floating Pt. 2

Floatation is meant to put you in a dream-like state.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fox 21’s Viktoria Capek took a trip to Inner Bliss on Superior Street to experience the Floatation Duluth Dreamfloat. Sessions normally run 60 to 90 minutes inside of a float pod, which includes calming music and lights to enhance your altered experience. For more information on Inner Bliss, Floating and Floatation sessions, you can visit the studio’s website…

Experience an Extreme Form of Relaxation Called Floating Pt. 1

Floatation is meant to put you in a dream-like state.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fox 21’s Viktoria Capek took a trip to Inner Bliss on Superior Street to experience the Floatation Duluth Dreamfloat. Sessions normally run 60 to 90 minutes inside of a float pod, which includes calming music and lights to enhance your altered experience. For more information on Inner Bliss, Floating and Floatation sessions, you can visit the studio’s website…

Cloquet Baby Born Premature Remains in Hospital After Birth

Beau was Born at Just 26 Weeks Old

CLOQUET, Minn – One out of every ten babies is born prematurely nationwide, a number that is on the rise nationwide according to the Minnesota Department of Health. In Minnesota, prematurity is the second leading cause of infant death. Roxanne Wood and her finance Ryan Worgren know that experience all too well after their baby, Beau was born at 26…

Welcome to Duluth, UMD Students

Over 2,200 new students are moving into the University of Minnesota Duluth dorms for the first time.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth welcomes students who attend the University of Minnesota Duluth back to the Northland. Those students make a large impact on Duluth and their return is creating a lot of energy and excitement on campus. “It’s always been something that’s been so far away and now it’s here so it’s weird,” UMD freshman Riley Campion said. Over 2,200 new…

Educators and City Leaders Address Community Truancy Issue

The Student Attendance Review Board considers a student to be truant after missing seven class periods.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students skipping class or not going to school at all is something Duluth educators and community leaders want to end. With the start of the school year only weeks away a conversation about truancy is the first step in making it happen. School may be out, but the session on keeping students in the classroom is in….

Great Outdoors: Wednesday Night at the Races

The next race will be Aug. 22 in Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. -The Wednesday night tradition here in Duluth continues to get kids outside and be active during the summer. Wednesday night at the races, part of Grandma’s marathon, is a six week event that features a short race at a different location each week. The races are free and any kid ages four to 14 can participate. “Not only…

Club Canal Bark Holds Grand Opening

The second store is located in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Club Canal Bark celebrated its second location on Tuesday with their grand opening of their downtown store. This location features large and small play areas, so dogs can hang out and play with dogs more of their size. Their focus is primarily training and day care, taking care of a need that the owners have heard from…

City Officials Look to Decriminalize Possession of Marijuana

A proposed ordinance is currently under review for new possession of marijuana charges

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior city councilor brought discussion to the most recent public safety meeting on the potential decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana. Craig Sutherland along with the police department, city attorney and the county attorney are drafting an ordinance that would keep offenders from facing the criminal system for first time and small amount possession offences….

Duluth Tanning Salon Now Selling CBD Oils

Selling CBD oils is popular among salons all over the country

DULUTH, Minn.- A local tanning company announced they’re selling CBD from multiple locations. AJ’s Tanning Salon on Redwing Street and Grand Avenue began carrying the oils in their stores because of health benefits some believe the products have. Owner Christ Verhel says that the natural substances are being sold by salons everywhere as a prescription drug alternative. “The benefits are…