News

State Tackling Backlog of Elder Abuse Cases

State Hoping to Speed Up Cases on Elder Abuse

ST. PAUL, Minn.-State regulators have outlined a plan for speeding up investigations of elder abuse and reducing Minnesota’s backlog of unresolved cases. Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that a team of state officials is sorting through thousands of reports of maltreatment in senior homes. The Star Tribune reports more than 2,300 reports of…

Former ‘Chicken Spur’ Showing Signs of Demolition

Owner of the property is taking down the canopy and digging out old gas tanks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The former longtime home of the Chicken Spur gas station in Superior is showing signs of demolition. Superior city planner Jason Serck said Wednesday the owners of the property are simply tearing down the gas station’s canopy and digging out the old gas tanks. Serck says it’s all in an effort to better market the prime property on…

‘Visit Duluth’ Launches Minneapolis Marketing Campaign Ahead Of Super Bowl

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s convention and visitor’s bureau – Visit Duluth – has all eyes on the upcoming Super Bowl in Minneapolis and the thousands of visitors that’ll be there. A marketing campaign all about Duluth has launched on Metro Transit’s blue line to U.S. Bank Stadium. Visit Duluth has wrapped a light-rail train showing off what…

UMD College Republicans Host Fundraiser

The group will be traveling to Washington D.C.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth’s College Republicans held a fundraiser at Glensheen Mansion. The UMD College Republicans met with gubernatorial candidates at the event is a fundraiser. The group is attending the CPAC in Washington D.C. UMD College Republicans President Kynze Lundeen says organizing the event is an honor. “It means a lot to me to have my CR’s…

Duluth Public Library Rewarding Reading

The library is also giving away prizes if you attend events.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Public Library is giving away prizes to promote reading. Now until February 24th if you attend a class held at the library, you could win a prize. Wednesday the library held a Metal Tool Workshop partnering up with the Duluth Art Institute. The workshop inspired people to tap into their creative side, making raised art with tin foil…

Champ, UMD Hockey Players Visit Children’s Hospital

Each Kid Got a "Champ" Bobblehead Gift

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids in the Essentia Health Children’s Hospital got some special visitors today. UMD mascot Champ and some of the UMD Men’s Hockey players stopped in kids’ hospital rooms, talking with them and keeping them company for a little while. “It’s refreshing because you see the same nurses, same people every day,” said Bailey Eich, a cancer patient…

Public Comments on Barker’s Island Plans

The city is hoping for your input to restore the beach.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of superior focused in on the future restoration of Barker’s Island Beach during a public meeting. The city held the public meeting to share preliminary engineering concepts for the beach’s future. The beach is a major part of the overall success of Barker’s Island. Wednesday night the Parks Rec and Forestry Department presented drawings of the proposed…

Hartley Nature Center Expanding

The Board has been planning for this expansion over the last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to the Hartley Nature Center building in Duluth. As visitors and students continue to come through the doors, the center is trying to keep up with the demand. Thousands of children visit Hartley every year for school field trips and plans to add on to the building will allow kids to continue…

Law Enforcement Get Special Training at Juvenile Officer’s Conference

"We're hoping to create kind of a team effort." - Cory Spencer, Minnesota Juvenile Officer's Association Treasurer

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1955 the Minnesota Juvenile Officer’s Association has provided members of law enforcement special safety training. This training is designed to help with situations involving young people. Members of law enforcement from around the state who work in schools are learning valuable lessons this week at a special conference in Duluth. Those taking part include juvenile probation…

Gov. Walker Delivers State of the State Address

Gov. Scott Walker touts 2017 as an "amazing'' and "historic'' year.

  MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker laid out his priorities for the coming year at his eighth state of the state address Wednesday.  He also looked back on 2017 as “amazing” and “historic.” Republican legislative leaders are embracing Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to give families a $100 payment for every child living at home under age 18.  Both Republican…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Happening This Weekend

Superior Festival Will Include a Kids Zone, Snow Slide, and Pond Hockey Tounrnament

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is coming this weekend to Barker’s Island in Superior. This year’s festival will include a “kids zone” with craft activities and ice princesses for the kids to meet. The festival will also have live ice carving, a snow slide, a pond hockey tournament, and many more activities. “The community has gotten behind…

Fit Families Program Challenges People to Drink More Water

Drinking Water Can Help Families Stay Healthy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Fit Families program is encouraging families to drink more water this month. It’s the first of the program’s wellness challenges this year. They say water can help people stay healthy by reducing the amount of sugary drinks they consume. That helps them lose weight and improves dental health. “It’s a thing that anyone can…

Lake Superior Water Level Nears Record High

Next Year's Level Could Be As High or Higher

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior water levels hit near record highs last year. This year, experts predict the lake levels could be just as high or higher. Lake Superior water levels were about a foot above normal last year. The high levels are better for shipping but can have negative effects on the shoreline. According to experts, the October storm…

Superior’s Cooper Elementary School In Finishing Stages

Some of the upper grade level classrooms will have their own bathrooms.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cooper Elementary School in Superior is expected to be open and ready for students to start classes in Sept. The project is well ahead of schedule. When finished it will be a new two story 95,000 square foot school. The school is being built to look more like a house and will feature an east and west…

Over $300,000 in History Grants go to Minnesota Counties

Nearly $40,000 goes to organizations in Northeast Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society announces 36 recipients of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants (up to $10,000 each), totaling $324,149 in 22 counties.  A handful of the endowments landed right here in the Northland. Two of those recipients are in Duluth. The Lincoln Center for Arts Education Building (2229 W 2ndSt Duluth, MN 55806) Photo Courtesy:…

Former UMD Hockey Captain Leaves Lasting Impact

Bulldogs Honor Andrew Carroll

DULUTH, Minn- The middle of January 2018 comes with heavy hearts for the UMD hockey community. “He always had the biggest smile on his face, I’d say. He was just an awesome guy, he was positive, he would do anything you wanted him to do, he never had anything bad to say about anyone.” Kind words used by UMD Sophomore…

Grand Jury Convened in Police Killing of Australian Woman

Shooting Occurred After Woman Called Police to Report Incident

Justine Damond, Fox 9MINNEAPOLIS-A Minnesota prosecutor has convened a grand jury in the police shooting of an Australian woman. Justine Ruszczyk Damond was killed by Minneapolis Officer Mohamed Noor in July 2017. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said previously he would no longer use grand juries in police shootings, and would decide those cases himself. He said last month that…

Walker Ready to Give State of State’s Address Today

Walker to Discuss Juvenile Prisons, Health Care Proposals

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to lay out his priorities for the year in his eighth State of the State speech that comes as he runs for a third term. Walker makes the speech Wednesday afternoon before a joint meeting of the state Senate and Assembly. Walker has said he will reveal more details about his plan to move…

Nassar Hearing Ends With Applause, Tears, Hugs

Olympic Doctor Sentenced to Between 40 and 175 Years

LANSING, Mich.-A seven-day hearing for a Michigan sports doctor ended with tears, hugs and applause after he was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for molestation allegations. Kyle Stephens grew up as a friend of Larry Nassar’s family and was the first victim to testify in court last year. She was glad to attend the sentencing and called…

Water Main Break on West Superior Street

Crews were on the scene much of the day

UPDATE: City crews have clamped the section of damaged pipe. Water is expected to be back on as normal at this time. ****************************** DULUTH, Minn.-A waterline began leaking this morning on West Superior Street, just outside the North Shore Bank. Crews are still at the scene assessing the damage. The water has been shutoff for that block. Categories: News, News…

History Organizations in 22 Minnesota Counties Receive Grants

The Grants are Available for History and Historic Preservation Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society is announcing 36 recipients of 38 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants, totaling $324,149 in 22 counties. Locally, the Duluth Art Institute will  receive $10,000. This money will go toward plans for two phases of Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building preservation. The grant will help the Institute hire a qualified consultant to…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Gets $2.3 Million for Project

Project Will Include a Storage Facility

Courtesy: Duluth Shipping NewsDULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has received $2.3 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a new expansion. The project will provide for additional vessel mooring and storage area at the facility, allow for dredging to full seaway depth, and will stabilize existing failing timber and concrete dockage. The expansion will also help support the…

Mamma Mia! Actors Visit FOX 21 Ahead of Opening Night

Famous Musical Marks Reopening of Historic NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – The long-awaited opening of the NorShor Theatre is just over a week away and the regional premier of Mamma Mia! is kicking off the entertainment. The show features songs from Abba. The story follows a young bride as she prepares for her wedding. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping to find out who her…

Best Friend Beagles in Search of Forever Home

Baby and Johnny are Currently at Animal Allies Humane Society, Searching for a Forever Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Beagles Baby and Johnny stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday morning with Animal Allies Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg. Sternberg spoke about the need to find more families looking to adopt bonded animals. The shelter often sees animals being surrendered together from previous homes, and always strive to find a new home for them where…

Police Ruled Justified in December Officer-Involved Shooting in Gilbert

One Person Killed in Incident

GILBERT, Minn.-Two police officers in St. Louis County have been ruled justified in an officer-involved shooting Dec. 22 in Gilbert. According to a report from county attorney Mark Rubin, St. Louis County deputy Derrick Deutsch and Gilbert police officer Joseph Bradach were in a situation where they needed to use deadly force. The two officers exchanged gunfire in the incident…

Local Engineers Design New Fitger’s Pedestrian Bridge

Bridge Investment Is Focused On Access to Fitger's From Superior Street

  DULUTH, Minn. – The old corroding bridge from the Pick Wick parking lot to the Fitger’s ramp is being replaced. The new and stronger bridge will soon be painted bright red and installed for easier pedestrian access from Superior Street to the lower level of the historic Fitger’s complex. AMI Consulting Engineers in Superior is behind the design and…

Mistrial Declared in Lincoln Park Murder Case

Defense Claims Another Man Shot the Victim

The trial for a man charged with second degree murder in Duluth has been stalled with a mistrial, even before the first witness took the stand. Aaron Demetrius Humphreys, 43, is accused of intentional second degree murder in the shooting death of Orin Vann outside of a Lincoln Park bar in 2016. Tuesday, a mistrial was declared after Prosecutor Nathan…

Duluth City Golf Courses Face Debt, Uncertain Future

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council discussed a resolution Monday that would encourage the privatization of Lester Park and Enger Park golf courses. The golf courses are facing $2.2 million of debt and $12.7 million of deferred maintenance. The resolution was sent back to administration because the group Friends of Duluth Public Golf would like to be part of…

Duluth City Council Approves $1.8M In Upgrades For City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s City Hall has been approved by the city council for $1.8 million in upgrades. The money will go toward replacing inefficient, non-compliant building systems like lighting and electric, as well as information technology infrastructure. Carpets, ceiling tiles and paint will also be part of the deal, while improving space that’s currently not being used to the best…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing Enjoyed on Bear Lake

Minnesotans Love the Excitement and Togetherness of the Winter Sport

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a cold day in the Northland, but that didn’t stop anglers from getting out on the frozen lakes to do some ice fishing. Ice shacks dot the frozen surface of Bear Lake in Barnum. “You get depressed if you’re at home. Here, even though you’re still sitting in the ice house, you’re out, you’re doing…

Duluth Curling Club Hosts Fundraiser for Junior National Teams

A spaghetti fundraiser was held to support the young athletes on their trips

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Curling Club hosted a spaghetti fundraiser to help a few of their young athletes with their trip to the Junior Nationals. Dozens of people made it out to support the team, as they get ready to compete in the U–18 and U–21 Junior Nationals Championships. “We just really appreciate it a lot, everybody coming out and…

Superior High School Renovations Making Progress

The $60 million project is being funded by a $92.5 million referendum that was passed last spring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Andy Wolfe has been teaching at Superior High School for 20 years. He’s always wanted bigger spaces for more student collaboration. With the ongoing expansion he’s getting that wish. “The sizes of the places, the hallways are big and open, which is so much better than what we currently have. the classrooms immediately felt bigger,” said Wolfe. When…

MPR: Allegations Against Keillor Far Beyond Single Touch

MPR releases note regarding decision to end contracts with Garrison Keillor

Garrison KeillorMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Public Radio provided additional details of allegations of sexual harassment against humorist Garrison Keillor on Tuesday, saying his alleged conduct went well beyond his account in November of accidentally touching a woman’s bare back. MPR said in a statement that Keillor was accused by a woman who worked on his “A Prairie Home Companion” radio…

Snow Drifts Pile High In Ashland

Strong Winds Monday Created Snow Dunes Along The Chequamagon Bayfront.

ASHLAND, Wis. — U.S. Highway 2 between State Highway 13 north in the town of Eileen and State Highway 112 in Ashland is re-opened, cleared and traffic is moving along just fine today. It was declared impassable on Monday afternoon as winds rushed across the frozen bay at 30-40mph and created blizzard-like white out conditions, deteriorating visibility quickly. Roads also…

Lake Superior College Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships

Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The spring semester is in swing at Lake Superior College, and some students in the machine tool technology department are already being honored with a special scholarship. Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools. Many have been donated by future employers or by their own faculty members. Machine…

Experience the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Through Pictures

Each photographer brings between two to three of their pieces for the exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even if you don’t make it out to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon you can still enjoy some of the race scenery. Now through March 11 the Great Lakes Aquarium will showcase race images. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the dogs through pictures. The exhibit is in its…

Snowmobile Trail Conditions ‘Good’ in Douglas Co.

The Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club is Responsible for Grooming Nearly 130 Miles of Trails Every Winter

BRULE, Wisc. – Snowmobile riders from near and far often travel hundreds of miles to experience the best trail conditions. Right now, the Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club in Douglas County says their trails are some of the best in the area. The club is responsible for grooming nearly 130 miles of trails every winter, and also maintaining them in…

Magnitude 7.9 Undersea Quake Sends Alaskans Fleeing From Feared Tsunami

What experts feared could happen - did not.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A powerful undersea earthquake sent Alaskans fumbling for suitcases and racing to evacuation centers in the middle of the night after a cellphone alert warned a tsunami could hit communities along the state’s southern coast and parts of British Columbia. The monster waves never materialized, but people who fled endured hours of tense waiting at shelters…

Bob Dylan’s High School Poetry Added to MNHS Collections

These poetry pages date back to Dylan's days at Hibbing High School.

ST. PAUL, Minn – At first glance, your friend’s scribbled high school poetry might not seem worth saving. But when that friend was Robert Zimmerman — now known as iconic musician and Nobel Prize in Literature winner Bob Dylan — those pages take on a whole new meaning. The Minnesota Historical Society recently acquired two handwritten pages of Dylan’s poetry,…

Two killed in shooting at high school

BENTON, Ky. (AP)  – Gov. Matt Bevin says two people have been killed and 19 injured in a shooting at a high school in southwest Kentucky. Of the 19 injured, Bevin says 14 of those were gunshot wounds. Bevin also said the suspect in the Tuesday morning shooting at Marshall County High School is a 15-year-old male student who will…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend athletes who have been training all year will finally have their time in the snow. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is Sunday, January 28. However, festivities are already underway. The Cutest Puppy Contest has already taken place and more fun is yet to come. On Friday, January 26, a new event, The Beergrease is…

Former Miners Create Book to Preserve Mining History

Northland Uncovered: Erie Mining Company

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A three-year-long project is highlighting the hard work and legacy of a taconite plant that helped build a town. Former employees from Erie Mining Company are working together on a new project. They’ve been researching a writing a book detailing the beginning and end of the taconite plant. “We’re dying off. If we don’t do it…

Hotel For Millennials Planned Along Central Entrance in Duluth

Planning Commission To Vote On Project Feb. 13

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans are in the works to bring a new hotel to Duluth that’s nothing like any hotel in the area. The hotel chain is called Tru by Hilton. Parent company Hilton Worldwide describes Tru as the company’s newest brand designed with millennials in mind and affordable prices at around $100 a night. The rooms are smaller to…

City of Duluth gets ready for Cold Front February

Cold Front February celebrates Duluth's dedication to the cold

DULUTH, Minn. –  The City of Duluth is getting ready for the first ever Cold Front February celebration. It’s a festival taking place in Canal Park that features all kinds of fun outdoor activities, including an ice trail along the Lakewalk, for people to skate. All to celebrate Duluth’s hearty resistance to the cold. “Duluth is this great winter destination…

Graphic Novel Author Speaks with Students About Diversity in Literature

Gene Luen Yang is an award winning graphic novelist

DULUTH, Minn. –  Award winning graphic novel author Gene Luen Yang is made a stop through Duluth on Monday to talk with students here about the need for more diversity in young people’s literature. He’s encouraging young people to read about characters outside of their own culture. “I think our world is becoming more diverse, and we’re becoming more connected….

American Indian Learning Resource Center awarded grant to publish book

The book is a biography of medicine man Paul Buffalo, and the Ojibwa history

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Learning Resource Center at UMD has received an $85,600 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. Members of the resource center are hoping to use those funds to publish a three volume book on Ojibwa history, and the biography of traditional Ojibwa medicine man, Paul Buffalo. “We’re hoping that by publishing this book people will be…

Northlanders Mark 45th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade

For some this is a day to celebrate, and for others the day is about seeking change.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision was a landmark case that made abortions legal. Ever since then people from both sides have made it clear where they stand on this issue. For some the 45th anniversary of this historic case is a day to celebrate and for others the day is about seeking change. With signs in…

Hotel Pikku to Open in Lincoln Park Craft District

Three Suite Hotel Expected to Open This Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – A new hotel is coming this spring to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The Hotel Pikku is being created to give visitors to Duluth a place to stay that highlights what the hotel’s owners love about the city. Located on the 1900 block of West Superior Street right above Hemlocks Leatherworks, the little hotel will soon be…