News

Duluth Pack Hosts 10th Annual Beer and Gear Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Pack held its 10th annual Beer and Gear event Friday at its retail flagship store, giving people a taste of Duluth. The event was filled with giveaways from Duluth Pack and free beer samples from Hoops Brewing. As the store gets ready for the upcoming tourist season, clearance items had an additional 10% off special during…

Snow Is Just a Bonus For Amsoil Snocross Finals

Popular event on track for first weekend in April

This winter many outdoors lovers had to delay, change or cancel their plans. But one event was determined to go on, and the coming snow will just be frosting on the cake. For years the competitive snowmobile Snocross season kicked off in Duluth over Thanksgiving weekend. This spring, after a several year hiatus, the Snocross will be back–but this time…

Duluth’s Best Bread Hosting Successful Pop-Ups In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Duluth’s Best Bread has turned into Superior’s Best Bread as they’ve been hosting pop-ups there this week. The French-German bakery had been wanting to do a pop-up in Superior with thoughts to open a permanent location there. The success has been outstanding. The pop-ups have been taking place since Wednesday and every day they have sold out…

Coffee Conversation: Car Fanatics Gear up for Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s largest indoor custom car show Motorhead Madness will return to the DECC on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Co-Owner of Motorhead Madness Mike Podgornik joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of the event. Four arenas will overflow with 150 one-of-a-kind customs, trucks, 4x4s, street rods, race cars, cycles, rat rods,…

Kate, Princess Of Wales, Says She Has Cancer And Is Undergoing Chemotherapy

LONDON (AP) — Kate, the Princess of Wales, said Friday she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Her condition was disclosed in a video message recorded on Wednesday and broadcast Friday, coming after weeks of speculation on social media about her whereabouts and health since she was hospitalized in January for unspecified abdominal surgery. Kate asked for “time, space and privacy” while…

Duluth Man Arrested for Nine Counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man has been arrested for nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material charges. The Duluth Police Department says they arrested the 44-year-old man on Thursday. Upon execution of the search warrant, police say multiple electronic devices containing images of child sexual abuse material were found. Authorities say the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Open for the 2024 Season

CLOQUET, Minn. — The restaurant known for keeping everything the same since 1960 is back open for the season. That’s Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet, known for its hand-pattied burgers, home-made onion rings, and fresh blended shakes. Gordy’s grandson says this year, opening was easy because unlike most seasons they didn’t have any snow to shovel. All they had to do…

Cross Country Ski National Championships Take Place at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Much of the Northland has been waiting all winter for the upcoming big snow but its timing may not be a coincidence. Some of the best cross-country skiers in the nation are converging at Spirit Mountain. It’s the SuperTour Final and National Championships. Things kicked off Thursday with the first of four races over the next six…

Demolition Begins For Condemned Superior Bar, Apartments After Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An apartment building and bar in Superior is being torn down after a Thanksgiving fire condemned the building in November. Crews were seen demolishing the former Viking Lounge and apartments on Superior north end. The fire broke out around 10 a.m. Nov. 23 on the 1500-block of North 5th Street near the Hammond Steakhouse. By the time…

UW-Superior Makes Room For Mental Health Discussion and Art

The university held a community conversation surrounding mental health and "Waiting for Beds"

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior is continuing to put an emphasis on mental health. Today, the Department of Social Work hosted a community discussion about mental health and the lack of options in Douglas County for people in crisis. The panel took place in the Kruk Gallery, which is the current home of “Waiting for Beds,” a collaborative art project between…

Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake Join Together for Annual State of the Cities

The three communities are focusing on working together and business growth

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake held their joint annual State of the Cities luncheon earlier today, bringing together the three communities. Over 100 people came to hear local government officials discuss the past, present, and future of their cities. Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Parmeter said this year brought the biggest turnout in…

Snowmobile Trails in the Area Will Not Open Despite Predicted Snow

Open water, wet areas, or swamps could be left underneath snow, making riding a safety concern.

Regardless of how much snow is predicted this weekend and early next week snowmobile trails in the area will not open. Bayfield County in Wisconsin announcing that the snowmobile season was officially over on March 11th. That’s when all trails closed, and gates were locked. They also mention that swamps and wet areas will not be frozen enough to ride…

Justice Department Sues Apple, Alleging It Illegally Monopolized The Smartphone Market

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Thursday announced a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of engineering an illegal monopoly in smartphones that boxes out competitors, stifles innovation and keeps prices artificially high. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, alleges that Apple has monopoly power in the smartphone market and leverages control over the iPhone to…

Local Medical Supplies Store Celebrates Lymphedema Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. — A local medical supplies store is celebrating Lymphedema Awareness Month. Lymphedema is a chronic swelling condition that can be caused by a genetic condition, trauma from surgery, or cancer treatment. In 2021, Congress passed the Lymphedema Treatment Act which requires Medicare and certain insurance providers to cover garments. Heide’s Mastectomy and Compression Services in Duluth is helping…

Coffee Conversation: 17-Year-Old Belle Modeen Pursues Dream in Music

SUPERIOR, WI. — In honor of Thursday, March 21 being National Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, a local musician of Superior High School showcased her talent on the FOX21 morning newscast. 17-year-old Belle Modeen joined Fox 21 Thursday morning to talk about her passion for music, past accomplishments and future goals. Modeen played a cover of What Was I Made For? By…

City Releases Statement On Downtown Safety After Alleged Sexual Assault In Skywalk

In the skywalk off the downtown Transportation Center, victim says it only stopped when other people were walking toward them.

DULUTH, Minn. — An alleged sexual assault in the Duluth Skywalk system has resulted in felony charges against a Duluth man. The report came in Sunday afternoon, March 10, when police responded to a report of a sexual assault at the downtown Duluth Transportation Center. The criminal charges became public Tuesday, March 19, when first reported by the Duluth News…

Superior Plan Commission Makes No Recommendation On Road and Rezoning Requests for NTEC

Issues now go to the City Council regarding proposed natural gas-powered electricity plant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It was standing-room only Wednesday evening as the Superior Plan Commission met to vote on issues involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The commission was considering a request by Minnesota Power to vacate a street and rezone a piece of property at the proposed NTEC site. The meeting ended after nearly four hours of comments. …

Superior Approves $120K Marketing Partnership With Comedian Charlie Berens

The contract will be paid through hotel-motel tax revenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior City Council has approved a $120,000 deal with Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens to help boost tourism in the area. The council’s approval comes after an approval by the Tourism Development Commission. Hotel-motel tax revenue will pay for the production of 10 types of content created by Berens, including photos and videos on social media. The…

Historic Paintings on Tour for Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

DULUTH, Minn. — Historic paintings are on tour in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The Superior National Forest is hosting the 19 paintings at their Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. Smokey Bear’s story came about after a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire; he was saved but badly burned so, they ended up naming him Smokey. The…

UW-Superior Campus Receives Recognition for Efforts in Student Voting

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The UW-Superior campus is receiving recognition for its effort in student voter participation. The campus is the only one in the region and one of 93 in the U.S. to be given the 2024 Highly Established Action Plan Seal. The nonprofit organization called ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge provided this award. To get the award their nonpartisan…

Maurices Building In Downtown Duluth Hits The Market

Maurices CAO Sue Ross says there will be no impact because the company is in a "long-term lease."

DULUTH, Minn. — A downtown Duluth building that houses the headquarters of clothing retailer Maurices is up for sale again. The news comes just three years after ASNA PropCo purchased the 11-story building for $15 million in 2021. The building, which includes a public parking ramp, is located on the 400 block of West Superior Street. It was built in…

‘Neighbors Against NTEC’ Rally Outside City Hall, So Do Supporters

SUPERIOR, Wis. — People for and against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) rallied outside Superior Government Center Tuesday evening. “Neighbors Against NTEC” were seen on the corner of Hammond Avenue and Belknap Street.  They’re concerned the natural gas energy plant would create air and water pollution, as well as cause health issues. “Our lake, our river matter too,”…

Start of Spring Means Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen

The start of spring can only mean one thing for a well-known fast food ice cream restaurant. It’s Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen! Customers can grab a small cone at participating locations. It is limited to one cone per customer. If you dip your cone for $1 you are also benefitting a local member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals….

The Spring Equinox Is Here. What Does That Mean?

(AP) — Spring is here — officially, at least. The vernal equinox arrives on Tuesday, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere. But what does that actually mean? Here’s what to know about how we split up the year using the Earth’s orbit. What is the equinox? As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at…

Crafts Retailer Joann Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy As Consumers Cut Back On Pandemic-Era Hobbies

NEW YORK (AP) — Fabric and crafts retailer Joann has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as consumers continue to cut back on discretionary spending and some pandemic-era hobbies. In a Monday statement, the Hudson, Ohio-based company said that it expected to emerge from bankruptcy as early as the end of next month. Following this process, Joann will likely become…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Damage Boardshop

DULUTH, Minn. — The hill that Duluth is built on provides a natural landscape for a variety of downhill sports. Once local shop that has been around for nearly 20 years has been watching and helping two sports in particular grow in popularity. “We carry snowboards, the snowboarding boots, bindings, jackets, snow pants, goggles, helmets, mittens, beanies, you name it,”…

Stolen ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers To Go On Tour, Then Be Auctioned

MINNESOTA –The famous “Wizard Of Oz” ruby slippers have been reunited with their owner, but will soon be on the auction block. Jerry Saliterman (AP) As first reported Sunday night, a second man was charged in the case Friday in Federal Court in St. Paul.  76-year-old Jerry Saliterman is accused of theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. The…

Superior Public Library Offers Free Resource Help

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Public Library is offering help to community members in need. The Community Resource Connection event is hosted twice a week for people to stop in and ask questions. Questions can be about getting connected with employment opportunities, housing, food, and clothing. The specialist will provide free information and support. Everyone is welcome to stop in….

Political Sign Alert: Careful Where You Plant Them

Superior is being proactive in getting the word out with spring election campaigns underway.

If November brings the general election season, what does April bring? Wisconsin’s spring election season of course! And what is a political campaign without political campaign signs? This spring the signs have sprouted out of the ground–not the snow.  Superior is being proactive on political sign etiquette, and says you’ll be just fine with a couple basic rules in mind….

Wisconsin Voters To Decide On Banning Private Money To Help Fund Elections

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin voters are set to decide next month whether to make it unconstitutional to accept private grant money to help administer state elections, one of two Republican-backed ballot measures that Democrats say are meant to make it harder to conduct elections in the presidential battleground state. The constitutional amendments on the state’s April 2 ballot also include a…

A Supreme Court Ruling In A Social Media Case Could Set Standards For Free Speech In The Digital Age

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a busy term that could set standards for free speech in the digital age, the Supreme Court on Monday is taking up a dispute between Republican-led states and the Biden administration over how far the federal government can go to combat controversial social media posts on topics including COVID-19 and election security. The justices are hearing arguments in a lawsuit filed by…

Klobuchar Leads Effort To Make all Veterans Exposed to Toxins .Now Eligible for VA Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The largest expansion of VA Health benefits ever just took effect on March 5 and it could benefit more than 100,000 veterans in Minnesota. In the past, only veterans who were exposed to toxins in specific locations were covered. Those veterans affected were to have been allowed to apply for this benefit in a staggered manner. Senator…

Hitting the Slopes One Last Time for 2023-24 Season at Spirit Mountain

  DULUTH, Minn. — With the spring season right around the corner people grabbed their skis and snowboards for one last ride of the year. The Spirit Mountain annual Spring Happening, or smash event, is and end-of-the-season celebration for skiers and snowboarders. People could enjoy the events like the rail jam, a costume contest, and a fan favorite, the water…

Dubh Linn Celebrates 19th St. Patrick Day Celebrations

  DULUTH, Minn. — Whether it’s your local pub or a fan favorite bar or brewery, St. Patrick’s Day had the doors open Sunday morning for the Irish holiday weekend. At Dubh Linn Irish Pub on West Superior Street, the usually closed Sunday doors were open and packed inside with people excited to experience their favorite past times. Whether it’s…

Finnish Soup-Off Fundraises for Carlton County Historical Society

  CLOQUET, Minn. — While the majority of folks spent this weekend drinking, a handful of individuals were perfecting their soups for the 18th annual Mojakka Cook-off. Mojakka is Finnish-American slang for soup, originally consisting of fish, beef, and vegetables. Sunday 15 contestants brought their variations of the dish to be judged for glory. Mojakka dishes ranged from the more…

Second Man Charged in Connection With 2005 Theft of Ruby Slippers Worn in ‘The Wizard of Oz’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A second man has been charged in connection with the 2005 theft of a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz,” according to an indictment made public Sunday. Jerry Hal Saliterman, 76, of Crystal, Minnesota, was charged with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. He did not…

Downtown Duluth Eatery Closes After 5 Months; New Eatery Eyeing Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Rock Grill in the heart of downtown Duluth has closed after five months in business. Owner Rick Lampton tells FOX 21 the business closed on March 9. “We definitely didn’t get the volume we were expecting,” said Lampton. Blue Rock Grill moved into the former 7 West Taphouse in early October of 2023. 7 West Taphouse,…

Int’l Falls & Grand Portage Entry Points to Receive Federal Funding

Minn. — International Falls and Grand Portage will be getting federal funding for their Land Port of Entry projects. International Falls will receive $86 million and Grand Portage $27 million. The funds will go toward improving manufacturing and technologies by utilizing American-made, lower-carbon construction materials. It’s all apart of President Biden’s investing in America agenda. The ports in minnesota are two…

Plans For Superior Street Reconstruction Displayed

DULUTH, Minn. -The City of Duluth held its fourth and final public meeting on the reconstruction of West Superior Street between Carlton and West Michigan Street. Residents and Businesses were looking at the plans of the latest design for the multi-year project. At three earlier meetings, the city’s planning department has been listening to residents and businesses in the Lincoln…

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day In Style

DULUTH, Minn. –  Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day and that brings out the Irish in all of us, even if on the other 365 days of the year, you have no Irish in you! There are many different places where you can shake your shillelagh, and celebrate St. Paddy’s weekend. It’s likely there is at least one place in Duluth…

New Furnace Or Boat Or Air Conditioning?

Cloquet Chamber event tries to have something for everyone.

Well, it’s not winter, and it’s not spring, so you can’t blame anyone for being a bit confused. But people may get some clarity Friday and Saturday at the Home, Business and Sports Show. One hundred and twenty-five businesses from roofers to outboard motor dealers will be at the event put on by the Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce. The…

UMD Students Bus To State Capitol For ‘Bulldog Lobbying Days’

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students rode by bus to Minnesota’s state capitol Thursday on behalf of the university for Bulldog Lobbying Days. Bulldog Lobbying Days is an annual student-led event where students advocate for the University’s legislative priorities.  “In the past advocacy efforts have surrounded around funding for building projects, maintaining our current buildings, making sure they are in good…

Community Program Teaches Seniors About Gardening

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Rec is teaming up with a non-profit that focuses on supporting seniors as they age. Every month both organizations host an event called Lunch, Learn, and Share. Friday’s program took place at the Harrison Community Center in Duluth and was all about gardening. Superior Seed Company taught seniors about why gardening is for your…