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Trump Says Defense Secretary Mattis Will Retire in February

The Announcement was Made Thursday
The Associated Press,

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…
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Former Duluth Teacher Sentenced for Having sex With Student

Winterfeld is a Former Duluth Middle School Teacher
Site Staff,

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…
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Feds Move to Formally Renew Leases for Twin Metals Mine

Public Comment Runs Through January 22
The Associated Press,

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….
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Caribou Coffee Says 265 Locations Affected by Security Data Breach

Four Duluth Locations Are Involved in the Breach
Site Staff,

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…
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WLSSD Kicks off Annual Treecycling Program

The Program is Free and and Offers Multiple Locations
Site Staff,

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…
Business, Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!
Brittney Merlot,

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…
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No Charges in Wisconsin Explosion That Killed One

The Explosion Happened on July 10
The Associated Press,

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…
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Explore the North Shore this Holiday Season

Visit Cook County Staff Chat About Upcoming Events in the Area Through the Holiday Season
Brett Scott,

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…
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More Details Come Forward After Cloquet Police Officer Dismissed

City of Cloquet Releases Statement on Dismissed Officer
Site Staff, The Associated Press,

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…
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency OKs PolyMet mine permits

The MPCA has Signed off
The Associated Press,

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…
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Gov.-Elect Walz to Name Three More Cabinet Appointments

Walz Announced his First Five on Tuesday
The Associated Press,

(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…
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Foes of Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline File Appeals in Minnesota

The Notices Were Filed Wednesday
The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Opponents of Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota have filed appeals to challenge the state Public Utilities Commission’s approval of the project. Environmental and tribal groups filed initial notices Wednesday with the Minnesota Court of Appeals against the commission’s decision to grant a certificate of need for the project….
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Two Killed in Head-On Collision in Deer River

The Road Conditions were Snowy and icy
Site Staff,

DEER RIVER, Minn. – Two people are dead following a head on crash on Highway 46 Wednesday evening. According to the MN State Patrol the accident happened on Highway 46 and County Road 39 near Deer River just before 6:00 p.m. involving a semi-truck, Ford pickup truck and a Chevy Impala. According to reports, the semi-truck was traveling southbound on…
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CEO, Co-Founder of Cirrus Aircraft To Step Down In 2019

Dale Klapmeier Will Take On Role As Senior Adviser
Mariah Janos,

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….
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Viewcrest Hosts Annual Senior Christmas Party

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

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…
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Rubber Chicken Theater Premiering New Holiday Show This Friday

Local sketch comedy show promises laughs for everybody
Andrew Kirov,

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…
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Superior Fire Department Receives Grant for Hazmat Equipment

Grant Comes from Wisconsin Emergency Management
Arman Rahman,

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…
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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.
The Associated Press,

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…
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Kids Christmas Party at Duluth Heights Community Club

Toddlers make holiday crafts and gets a visit from Santa
Nachai Taylor,

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…
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Progress Is Being Made at the Lakewalk in Duluth

Concrete wall completed along the Lakewalk
Nachai Taylor,

  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…
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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.
Site Staff,

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…
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Local Business Gives Back to the Community

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

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…
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Superior Closes Chapter on Failed Kestrel Plant

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

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

Authorities are Investigating the Cause of Death
The Associated Press,

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….
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One Seriously Injured in Cloquet House Fire

The Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation
Site Staff,

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…
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Despite Population Growth, Minnesota Could Lose House Seat

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

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

Glaze Died of Gunshot Wound to Head
Site Staff,

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

Ryan is Ending his two-Decade House Career
The Associated Press,

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.”…
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Cirrus CEO to Step Down Next Year

A Search for a new CEO is Currently Underway
Site Staff,

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,”…
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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
Brett Scott,

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…
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Evers Picks Milwaukee Leaders for top Cabinet Slots

Evers Chose Four Cabinet Leaders
The Associated Press,

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,…
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Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

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

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

Marks the Seventh Straight Year of Declines
The Associated Press,

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…
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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
Brett Scott,

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…
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Bakeries Busy Across Northland

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

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….
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Golden Ball Swiped From Como Park Conservatory is Returned

There Have Been no Arrests so far
The Associated Press,

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….
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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.
Viktoria Capek,

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

Salvation Army presented with check
Nachai Taylor,

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

Mariah Janos,

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…
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School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School
Arman Rahman,

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…
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Cloquet Cops Spread Christmas Cheer with Stuff the Squad

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

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

Superior Shooters Supply Never Sold Bump Stocks
Arman Rahman,

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…
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Free Rides On New Year’s Eve in Duluth

DTA Free Ride Campaign
Nachai Taylor,

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

The Board Approved the Budget Tuesday
Site Staff,

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…