News

State Says 380 People Died in Traffic Crashes in 2018

The Figure is up From 2017

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says more people lost their lives on state roadways in 2018 compared to the year before. Initial reports show 380 people were victims of fatal crashes last year, up from 358 in 2017. Mike Hanson is director of the department’s Office of Traffic Safety. Hanson tells Minnesota Public Radio News there are…

Ellison Plans to Target Drug Prices as Attorney General

Ellison Plans to Create a Task Force

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Keith Ellison says prescription drug prices, student debt and housing costs will be among his top priorities when he’s sworn in next week as Minnesota’s attorney general. Ellison tells Minnesota Public Radio the community meetings he’s already held in Duluth and Albert Lea, and one planned for Thursday night in Minneapolis, are giving him insights into…

Lake Temperature Data Unavailable Due To Government Shutdown

The Partial Government Shutdown Is Affecting The Northland Directly, Especially Meteorologists

DULUTH, Minn. — With the partial Government Shutdown still underway the affects are being felt here in the Northland, even by local Meteorologists as they forecast this winter weather. First things first says Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot, “As a Meteorologist an important reading we need this time of year is the water temperature. It helps us determine lake effect…

Duluth Public Library Delivers Books to People Physically Unable to Visit

Home Library Service gives options to limited mobility readers

Every year the Duluth Public Library gets over four hundred thousand visits from Duluth residents but for some who enjoy reading, it may not be an option to go in to the library and check out books. The home library service provided by the Duluth Public Library is connecting the community through books. The service is dedicated to residents who…

Duluth Area Salvation Army Raises $260,000 Through Red Kettle Campaign

More was raised than last year, but Salvation Army was short of their $300,000 goal

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign has wrapped up for the season. In the greater Duluth area, the Salvation Army raised about ten percent more money than last year. In total, they took in about $260,000, just short of their $300,000 goal. Officials were impressed with how many people helped during the campaign. They got about a…

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin Sworn in for Third Term

Rubin has been County Attorney since 2011

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney, Mark Rubin, was sworn in for his third term in office on Wednesday. Rubin has been the County Attorney since 2011. He has worked for St. Louis County since 1978. He looks forward to following through with the nationwide civil opioid lawsuit St. Louis County is a part of. Rubin discussed the decision…

Officer Describes Ravine Rescue

Man experiencing homelessness was pulled from a ravine in West Duluth on Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday night, a man was pulled from a ravine along Kingsbury Creek near the Lake Superior Zoo. A man was hiking with his wife and dogs along the Superior Hiking Trail when he passed a man experiencing homelessness in a sleeping bag in a ravine. He contacted police and led them to the location where he…

Suspect in Custody After Potential Threat at UMD

Donald Allen Rankin is being held in St. Louis County Jail on 3 charges

DULUTH, Minn. – There was a potential threat on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus Tuesday night. It all started with a 911 call reporting a man making suicidal threats who may have had a gun. The suspect was arrested Monday night near the Marshall Alworth Planetarium at UMD about thirty minutes after the initial 911 call. Turns out the…

Gov. Scott Walker Appoints Ashland County District Attorney

Meany has Practiced law for More Than 35 Years

ASHLAND, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker appointed St. Croix County Circuit Court and Attorney David Meany as Ashland County District Attorney on Wednesday. “We are pleased to appoint David Meany to be the next district attorney for Ashland County,” said Governor Walker. “Meany is a distinguished attorney with tremendous leadership experience and a strong commitment to the rule of law….

Authorities Identify man Found in Ravine

Police say he is With Family now and Doind Well

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities have identified the man who was found by a hiker in a remote area near the Superior Hiking Trail as 36-year-old William Berger. Police believe he may have been stranded in the ravine for three to four days. Duluth Police say Berger was transported to a local area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. In a recent…

Officials Remind Rural Residents to Clear Address Markers

Hidden Signs Makes it Difficult for First Responders

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office issued an important reminder to folks in rural communities as snow starts to pile up. Sheriff Tom Burch is reminding residents to make sure their address sign is free of snow and ice. Officials say snow can often pile up and hide the signs making it difficult for responders to find…

Evers Open to Vetoing Entire GOP-Written Budget if Necessary

Evers Replaces Gov. Scott Walker on Monday

MADISON, Wis. – Democratic Wisconsin Gov.-elect Tony Evers says he isn’t ruling out vetoing the entire state budget if Republicans completely ignore his proposal and decide to write their two-year spending plan. Evers reiterated in a Wednesday interview with The Associated Press that he wants to work together with Republicans who control the Legislature. But when asked if he would…

MN Marine Shot, Killed, in DC Barracks in Apparent Accident

The Shooting Remains Under Investigation

WASHINGTON – A U.S. Marine has been shot and killed at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. Police say the Marine was shot early Tuesday in an apparent accident. Marine Corps spokesman Chief Gunnery Sgt. John Jackson said the man did not shoot himself. The U.S. Marine Corps said in a statement that the shooting was under investigation and that…

Patrol: 111 Drunken Driving Arrests New Year’s Eve

Six Fewer Arrests Than Last Year

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota State Patrol says there were 111 arrests for drunken driving overnight on New Year’s Eve. The arrests statewide by law enforcement agencies happened between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday. That’s six fewer arrests than the same time last year. The State Patrol says its troopers made 28 of those drunken driving arrests. Categories: News,…

Firefighters Battle Virginia House Fire

The Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Firefighters from the Virginia, Eveleth and Mountain Iron fire departments were dispatched to a house fire in Virginia on Tuesday evening. Authorities say the fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. in the 900 block of 3rd Avenue South. Upon arrival fire crews say a small house was filled with smoke and a fire in the basement. No…

Fit and Fabulous Tech to Help You Stay Motivated in 2019

Steve Van Dinter with Verizon Wireless Offers Tech Gadgets to Help Keep You on the Right Track in 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Verizon can help put a little pep in your step if health and fitness are on your 2019 to-do list. These wearable devices make hitting the gym something to look forward to: • Fitbit Versa –The perfect fitness companion for recording workouts, heart rate zones, sleep patterns and more. • Palm – Make a resolution to spend…

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Brutal Cold Temperatures

A Place for Fido in the Fitger's Complex Offers Unique Materials for Pets During Dangerously Cold Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – The cold temperatures aren’t just hard on humans, our pets also need to stay safe and warm this winter. Pet experts and the owners of A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth recommend bringing outside animals inside during the deep freeze and limit their exposure to the cold. A Place for Fido sells all…

$1 Million Bond set in Cass County Baby Death

The Infant Suffered a Seizure and was not Breathing

WALKER, Minn. – A central Minnesota man is being held on $1 million bond in the death of an infant in his care. Twenty-year-old Presley Sleyster is charged in Cass County with second-degree murder without intent in the Dec. 5 death of the three-month-old boy. Sheriff’s deputies were called to Sleyster’s rural Staples home for an infant who suffered a…

Kick 2019 Into High Gear at Swift Martial Arts Leadership

Boot Camp Helps People Set Fitness Goals for New Year

DULUTH, Minn.-Health and fitness are among the top of the list of resolutions almost every year. One Northland business is helping you kick that up a notch. For many, the moves of martial arts may seem impossible, or something only Bruce Lee can do. But Swift’s Leadership Martial Arts on Grand Avenue shows that Tae Kwon Do can help you…

Man Taken Into Custody on UMD Campus Following Gun Alert

UMD Threat has Been Contained

DULUTH, Minn- One person has been taken into custody at UMD after police responded to a report a person with a gun on campus. UMD Police say at 9:01 p.m. Tuesday, police received a 911 call from a suicidal male, with a weapon trying to gain access to the medical school. Officers from Duluth Police, Minnesota State Patrol, and St….

Staying Active in Jay Cooke State Park During the Winter

Many visit for winter activities.

DULUTH, Minn.-This winter, many Minnesotans are choosing to be active by exploring nature at Jay Cooke State Park. The park has a variety of programs this upcoming year including, kids activities and Park after Dark, which is a night snowshoe hike. Trailblazers also enjoy biggest highlight, the swinging bridge. The parks naturalist says  everyone should get out this winter. You…

Duluth Bethel Shines Beacon of Hope

Beacon Lighting Helps Ring in New Year for Recovering Addicts

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Bethel has been serving the Northland in different ways for 145 years. On New Years Eve, they honored that legacy by having a dinner celebrating the lighting of their green beacon. A small crowd of counselors, community members, and those being treated at the Bethel gathered for the small lighting ceremony. The biting wind and chilling cold…

MnDOT Says Prepare for Dangerous Roads

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

DULUTH, Minn.- On top of not driving under the influence, the freezing temperatures on the way spell double trouble for drivers late tonight. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has had their hands full with the new snow already, and officials said the extreme cold will make their job even harder. “The chemicals don’t work as well when it’s this cold, so…

Annual Noon Year’s Eve at Lake Superior Zoo

Parents and children celebrate the New Year

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo hosted its annual Noon Year’s Eve event for parents and children to celebrate the New Year. Everyone enjoyed a variety of activities like a scavenger hunt and a complimentary cider toast, even a ball drop with Lana the Tiger. The event was not only fun, but a learning experience for the zoo’s visitors. “We…

Woman In Custody After Man Stabbed Five Times

TOWN OF BASS LAKE, Wis. – A woman is under arrest and accused of stabbing a man at least five times in Sawyer County. The crime happened around 1:40 a.m. Dec. 16 in a home on Poppletown Lane in the Town of Bass Lake. The 27-year-old male victim was stabbed in the head, shoulder, back, chest and calf, according to…

Michigan Man Dies After Collision With Snow Plow

Man identified as 48-year-old Derek Tuomi of White Pine

ONTANAGON, Mich. – A man is dead after his car crashed into a snow plow truck in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Authroities in Ontanagon County, Michigan, have identified the man as 48-year-old Darren Tuomi of White Pine. Police say his Volkswagen Golf rear-ended a county truck Saturday night on M-64. The sheriff’s department believes speed and alcohol may have been factors…

Build A Community Of Snowmen!

Northland Gets Hit With More Snow, So Build A Snowman!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are grabbing a handful of snow and rolling it into a community of snowmen across the Northland, one snowball at a time! Join Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot for her tips and tricks on how to quickly create the perfect snowman or snowoman! Send her your pictures after you’ve built yours, she…

Sobriety Field Tests With Minnesota State Patrol

Troopers Partnered With FOX 21 to Demonstrate the Effects of Alcohol

DULUTH, Minn- As New Year’s Eve approaches, people are going to be out drinking alcohol and having a good time, but do you know your limit? How many drinks can you have before you’re legally impaired, and should not get behind the wheel? Is it 2, 3… 4 or more? FOX 21 teamed up with the Minnesota State Patrol to…

Celebrating the “Noon” Year at Duluth Children’s Museum

Kids and families celebrate 2019, a day early.

DULUTH, Minn.- The new year came early for one group of Northlanders, or should we say ‘noon’ year? Over a hundred kids filled the Duluth Children’s Museum to celebrate the turning of the year with a balloon drop. The annual event, a favorite of museum employees, has been a tradition for several years. They say it’s the perfect opportunity to teach kids…

Uber and Lyft Drivers Ready Themselves for a Busy New Year

Drivers are expecting a late New Year's Eve night

DULUTH, Minn.- After a slow holiday weekend for Uber and Lyft drivers, those working for the shuttling companies know not to get too comfortable before the turn of the new year. New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights for Uber and Lyft. In the twin ports, a lot drivers with one of the services also work for the other….

Using Yoga to Reflect on the Past Year

Yoga North Helping Northlanders Meditate

DULUTH, Minn.- We all have our rituals to celebrate the fresh New Year. But how many of us take steps to reflect on the year that past? At Yoga North, they say this is another key part to having a successful year, that many overlook. Reflection is not something many of us consider day to day, but according to the yoga…

From Blacklist to Food Bank to Plate: A Business’s Contribution

Blacklist Accepting Donations for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.- The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank just got a helping hand from a Duluth business. Blacklist Artisan Ales hosted a food drive for the food bank, giving customers a dollar off a pint with their donation. The brewery says, they feel it’s important to give back to the community. “You look at a lot of the businesses…

10 Days Later, Cloquet House Fire Survivor Speaks Out

Still Recovering, Thankful to Be Alive

CLOQUET, Minn.-Firefighters worked three hours to put out a house fire in Cloquet 10 days ago. Now, the woman who survived it all shares her experience. Terri Cordell now lives in the Super 8 Motel in Cloquet. Scattered around her room are the belongings she salvaged from the flames. Unfortunately, her health did not make it out unscathed. Her breathing,…

Early Morning Break-In at Iron Mug Coffeehouse

Burglar Stole a Few Items from Mike Letica's Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn.- Mike Letica, owner of the Iron Mug, awoke to a startling call at 2am. His restaurant had been broken into, the side door glass smashed to pieces. Initially, both Letica and the police found nothing stolen. He posted his unfortunate morning on Facebook, and got over 500 shares by midday. The outpouring of support even led some to…