News

Duluth Sends 100 Sexual Assault Kits to BCA For Testing

578 Untested Rape Kits Down to 187 Kits

A few years ago Duluth received a title that no police department would ever want. They had the highest number of untested sexual assault kits out of every department in the entire state. There were 578 kits, some from the early 90’s that were never sent into the state crime lab for testing. Currently there are 187 kits that are…

Northland Breweries Helping Habitat for Humanity

Northlanders can grab a cold one for a good cause.

DULUTH, Minn.- Breweries in the Northland are teaming up to help out a local non–profit. The Suds for Shelter Benefit is giving craft brew lovers a good reason to grab a cold one. Participating breweries are donating a portion of pint sales to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. This Tuesday, Nov. 21st.  the benefit will be held at Blacklist Brewery….

Shuster Skates to Fourth Winter Olympics

Shuster Joins Multiple Duluthians Headed to South Korea

OMAHA, Neb- Chisholm native John Shuster is heading back to the Winter Olympics for an incredible fourth time. Shuster bested Heath McCormick in the final of a best of 3 series to win the U.S. Olympic trials. Duluth natives, and teammates Tyler George and John Landsteiner, as well as Wisconsin native Matt Hamilton, will join him. The 2018 Winter Olympics will…

Christmas Trees Take Over Duluth Farmers’ Market

Northlanders can now decorate for the holiday season before Thanksgiving.

DULUTH, Minn.- Are you eager to spruce up your house for the holiday season? Christmas trees are now for sale at the Duluth Farmers’ Market.  This is the first year Hoffbauer Tree Farm is selling Christmas trees before Thanksgiving. At the market, Northlanders can pick out the perfect tree for their home with sizes ranging from eight feet high to a…

Marshall Hockey is a Family Affair with the Staubers

Levi and Willy Stauber are both seniors this year at Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Levi and Willy Stauber couldn’t be more different but a couple things they have in common are their name and their work ethic. “I remember like it was yesterday when they first started in ninth grade with us and we could tell right away these Staubers were hockey players. You know what you’re going to get when you…

Northlanders with Twins Gather for Support

Mothers with little Northland twins gather sharing experiences.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 32 people out of every 1,000 are a twin, according to the Center for Disease Control. One group in the Northland meets specifically to discuss raising twins.  The Twin Ports Mothers Multiples Club is a support group for moms in the Northland. It also gives twins a chance to meet other twins. According to one mother having someone who…

Mounted Patrol Disbanded by Duluth Police Department

Officials Say This Will Allow the Department to Put More Resources into Other Areas

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is no more. On Saturday, Police Department officials confirmed to Fox 21 that the unit has been disbanded. They say the decision was made so they could increase staff in other areas, like sexual assault, child abuse, and child pornography investigators. The Mounted Patrol had been around since 2014. Categories: Crime,…

Love–A–Pet Day Gives Animals a New Home

Local event highlights animals up for adoption.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Saturday was one for the dogs at Miller Hill Subaru. Dogs and cats from Animal Allies Humane Society and Lake County Humane Society found their new families at Love–A–Pet day. It’s Animal Allies largest off site adopt event. If you’re looking for a furry friend more pets will available on Sunday. “Adoption is so important because when you…

Festival of the Season Held in Duluth

Northlanders prepare for the holiday season at the last farmers market of the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmers Market is filled with Christmas spirit during the 11th annual Festival of the Season. vendors show off their holiday decorations at the market. Although some Northlanders may be holding off on decorating for the Christmas season, one vendor told FOX21 it’s never too early to decorate. “It’s never, especially a year like this year when winter…

Firearms Deer Season Opens in Wisconsin

Kids Under Ten With Adult Supervision Can Hunt for the First Time

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin’s firearms deer hunting season opened Saturday, and hunters from across the state hit the woods for the nine day season. This year, if accompanied by an adult, kids under the age of ten are allowed to hunt for the first time. Kids will still have to be at least fourteen and have passed a hunter’s safety…

Northlanders Help Create Gingerbread City

Families learn Nordic and Minnesota Christmas traditions while constructing the Gingerbread City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Little Northlanders gathered Saturday constructing a Gingerbread Village. The 6th annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City is on display at the Nordic Center. Families got in to the holiday spirit making traditional Nordic crafts. Art education students from the University of Minnesota Duluth volunteered, helping create the winter wonderland. “I find it very interesting because a lot of this information I…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Officially Open

Northlanders attended the first opening night of Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is now open to shine throughout the holiday season. Duluth is beaming with holiday spirit; families, couples, and friends stayed warm with hot chocolate while admiring the bright lights. With so many different attractions picking a favorite light display can be tough. What’s your favorite display at Bentleyville Tour of Lights? “The big…

Nightclub Owner Opening Hostel in Duluth

The Hostel Will Give Also Guests Convenient Access to the Skywalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Bob Monahan who also owns the Red Herring Lounge is going into the hostel business. It’ll be located in downtown Duluth at the old Garon Brothers jewelry store. I think that if people know that there’s a sort of a cost effective and affordable option, that they may stay in Duluth and spend some time and money…

Duluth Hits the Trail For National Take a Hike Day

Duluth Has More Than 10 Trails Including: Park Point Trail and the Western Waterfront Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – Hiking in Duluth is a big deal, rain or shine, so when it’s National Take A Hike Day it calls for a celebration. The Duluth Experience was at Chester Park helping promote the city’s parks and trails. They encourage people to go outside and become familiar with exploring their city. “There is this day where we should…

Flower Shop Hands Out Free Roses For Animal Mission

DULUTH, Minn. – Roses are red and violets are blue, by supporting an animal shelter you get roses too. Both Engwall Florist & Gifts locations are handing out half a dozen of roses to anyone who contributed. “I think the community is real excited about helping, so we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Engwall Florist & Gifts…

45 Foot Tree Lit For The Season

Christmas Tree Is Located In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn- Let there be light in downtown Duluth! The official lighting of the Christmas tree took place Friday evening. The ceremony is a 33 year old tradition for the city of Duluth. This year the white spruce tree is about 45 feet tall. 26 nominations from the community were received before this beauty made the final cut. After the…

Police Pursuit in Cloquet Ends in Drug Arrest

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet Police have arrested a 47-year-old male after attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle related to a drug investigation. (Cloquet Police Dept.) Cloquet PD reports that a Carlton County Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle of an adult male who had been transporting large quantities of meth and heroin into the city. The driver…

Morgan Park Middle School Demolition Starts Monday

The Housing Development That'll Replace the School Will Have Eight 12-plex Buildings For a Total of 96 Units

DULUTH, Minn. – In just a few days the historic Morgan Park Middle School will no longer stand. On Nov. 20 demolition will begin to make room for Morgan Park Estates, which will be townhomes. Crews have already been inside starting with the abatement process. It will cost almost $18 million and the developer says he wants to bring back…

Northlanders Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 5,000 meals are given out on Thanksgiving at the 28th annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet. Preparations to feed Northlanders at the Thanksgiving feast, begin back in August. Friday volunteers brought in 2,200 pounds of turkey and nearly 1,900 pounds of mashed potatoes. The group of volunteers lending a hand, come from many different backgrounds. “We really all…

Bentleyville Brings in New Attractions

This year Northlanders are encouraged to use their cameras and capture moments at Bentleyville.

DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers are working on the final preparations for Bentleyville, before the holiday season kicks off Saturday. Final touches are being perfected, before Santa parachutes in Saturday night. This year families and friends can cherish Bentleyville memories for years to come. The light festival has a variety of new photo spots set up as you walk through the Winter Wonderland….

Fighting Domestic Violence in the Northland

One local organization gives locals an opportunity to make a direct impact on abuse within the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The organization Men as Peacemakers, aims to make a  direct impact on the domestic violence within our community. The organization is hosting domestic violence restorative circles, which rely on community support. The classes needed to be a volunteer are currently underway this weekend. Around four to six community members are needed during each circle meeting. This weekend the training…

Rape Survivor Wants Franken’s Name Off Bill

Bill Would Fund Training for Law Enforcement Officers Working With Trauma Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C.-A Minnesota woman and rape survivor who worked with Sen. Al Franken to craft legislation for fellow survivors says the senator should take his name off the bill. Abby Honold, 22, was brutally raped by a fellow University of Minnesota student in 2014. Her rapist was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty in 2016. She worked…

Governor’s Christmas Tree Harvested near Willow River

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Christmas tree that will adorn the Minnesota governor’s residence this year has officially been harvested. The state Department of Natural Resources says the 30 foot tall white spruce was cut down Friday in the General C.C. Andrews State Forest, near Willow River. DNR staff and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota cut down the governor’s…

Arrest Warrant Issued for Suspect in Billings Park Shooting

29-Year-Old Man Left With Non-Life Threatening Injuries

Edward Isaiah Austin (Superior Police Dept.) UPDATE: Authorities are searching for a 24-year-old man suspected to be involved in a shooting that took place in the Billings Park neighborhood of Superior, Wednesday night. A warrant has been issued by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for Edward Isaiah Austin, 24, for attempted homicide, according to Superior Police. Austin should be…

Give to the Max Day Raises $20.6 Million for Minnesota Organizations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota set a new record during the state’s annual giving holiday. Roughly 5,400 nonprofits and schools across the state raised $20.6 million during the ninth annual Give to the Max Day. The day’s total was approximately $500,000 higher than the previous record set in 2016. Donations were made from 87 Minnesota counties, all 50 states, and…

West Superior Street to Temporarily Close on Nov. 20

DULUTH, Minn. – The eastbound lane of Superior Street heading into downtown Duluth will be temporarily closed on Monday, Nov. 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The project is part of a large water valve replacement project, which is a necessary preparation for the Superior Street reconstruction next year. Access to downtown will be via West Michigan Street, Mesaba Ave, and…

Local Farmers Prepare for Holiday Decor Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving just next week, many Northlanders are close to purchasing their fresh Christmas tree. Derek Hoffbauer, Owner of the Duluth Flower Farm, says they have been busy preparing for the holiday season. Already they’ve received several orders online for wreaths, garland and more. Their products can be picked up in person at Dan’s Feed Bin in…

Working Out with Kettlebells

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA in downtown offers several options for exercise. They have offerings from group classes, rock climbing, racquetball, to swimming lessons, pickleball, basketball, and much more. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to work with kettlebells. Alisha Bradley, Director of Healthy Living for the YMCA, says it’s a strength training device…

Lost Hunter Found Near Cook

Man Found His Way Back Using Compass

COOK, Minn.-A missing hunter in northern Minnesota prompted a search involving officials with multiple agencies, before the hunter made his way back on his own using a compass. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the man got lost while hunting with others on Thursday. The hunting party searched for about four hours before contacting authorities. Authorities searched for a…

Duluth Organizations Take Advantage of Give To the Max Day

Most of the Organizations Set A Goal and Donors Can Match It

DULUTH, Minn. – When you add thousands of people and they give millions of dollars in donations that equals to Give To the Max Day in Minnesota. It’s the ninth year for the campaign where anyone can donate to causes they support. More than $14 million have been raised so far and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime…

Northlanders raise money for hurricane victims in the Virgin Islands

The benifit was held to raise funds and awareness of the rebuilding efforts in the Virgin Islands

DULUTH, Minn. – A couple of Northlanders with ties to the virgin islands are hosting a fundraiser for hurricane victims there. It featured many live musical acts, as well as a silent auction. Organizers hope that this event can bring awareness to the recovering efforts that are still going on in those heavily affected areas. “The U.S. Virgin Islands is…

City of Duluth hosts open house to discuss Superior Street reconstruction

The Superior Street reconstruction project is set to begin in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. -Plans for the major Superior Street reconstruction project in the Duluth is one step closer to being finalized. The city held an open house on Thursday for the public to see the plans for the downtown project. Residents, Superior Street business owners were on hand to share their input about the upcoming transformation. “This is the transition from…

Lincoln Park Business Business Group hosts annual Turkey Bingo

It was the 69th annual Turkey Bingo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park community came together a the VFW for the annual Turkey Bingo. It was the 69th year for the Turkey Bingo. The event is put on by the Lincoln Park Business Group as a way to bring people together, share some laughs, and hear about all the ways Lincoln Park is growing. “We got some…

Workforce Housing Project Coming To Duluth

The Property Is An Energy Star Rated Apartment Building

DULUTH, Minn – Imagine coming home after a long day of work to your 50 inch Smart TV or cooking on stainless steel appliances. Those are some of the several amenities you can expect at the District Flats at Miller Hill. “Think about all the retail and all the businesses that have been built that need housing as well,” said…

Duluth International Airport Will Reopen Its Main Runway

While the 9/27 Runway Was Closed the Crosswind Runway Was Used

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve traveled in or out of the Duluth International Airport lately, you may have dealt with frustrating delays or cancellations during the runway reconstruction project. Airport officials tell us early winter weather and fog are to blame. As planes need the best weather possible to land on the shorter runway during construction of the main runway. Airport Executive Director Tom Werner…

The Great American Smokeout Reaches Out to Northlanders

The American Lung Association shows Northlanders options to use while quitting smoking.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The American Lung Association has been helping smokers put down cigarettes for over 35 years. The Great American Smokeout offers Northlanders looking to quit smoking cigarettes, many suggestions. The Minnesota Medicaid program covers; NRT Gum, NRT Patches, counseling, and other options to make the process a little easier. “I did the lozenges, I did the patch, and made…

Northlanders Renovate Old Buildings

Old abandoned buildings in Two Harbors are being restored and filled.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Two Northland sisters are fixing up abandoned buildings, with hopes a small business will move in. Sharon Erickson Ropes and her sister are doing their part to clean up Two Harbors. The sisters purchased a small building and are in the process of flipping it. Ropes told FOX21 it’s exciting being on the first floor of restoration. “I think…

Keystone Pipeline Leaks 210,000 Gallons of Oil in South Dakota

AMHERST, S.D. (AP) – TransCanada Corp. says its Keystone pipeline has leaked an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil in South Dakota. The company said that crews shut down the pipeline Thursday morning after a drop in pressure was detected resulting from an oil leak that’s under investigation. The section of pipe in Marshall County, South Dakota, has been isolated and the…

More Deer, Younger Hunters Expected for Wisconsin Gun Season

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season could look a lot different this year. The season begins Saturday and runs through Nov. 26. The biggest potential wrinkle could be a bill Gov. Scott Walker signed eliminating the minimum hunting age. The measure allows anyone of any age to hunt with a mentor. It’s unclear how many young hunters…

House Passes Tax Bill

Bill Would Decrease Corporate Tax Rate to 20 Percent

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The House has passed a sweeping Republican tax bill cutting taxes for corporations and many people. It puts GOP leaders closer to delivering to President Donald Trump a crucial legislative achievement after nearly a year of failures. The House has passed a sweeping Republican tax bill cutting taxes for corporations and many people.  It puts GOP leaders closer to delivering…

Supreme Court Upholds Dayton Veto of Legislature’s Budget

Ruling Leaves Legislature on Uncertain Future When it Comes to Finances

ST. PAUL, Minn. -The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld Gov. Mark Dayton’s line-item veto of the Legislature’s operating budget. Thursday’s decision hands Dayton a major legal victory as he seeks to rework costly tax breaks and other measures he signed into law this spring as part of a new state budget. And it leaves the Legislature on uncertain financial footing….

Bad River Band Wants Civil Rights Investigation After 14-Year-Old Killed

14-Year-Old Boy Was Killed by Sheriff's Deputy Earlier This Month

(Facebook) BAD RIVER RESERVATION, Wis.-The Bad River Band is requesting the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to open a civil rights and civil police misconduct investigation after a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed on the reservation earlier this month by an Ashland County sheriff’s deputy. According to initial reports, Jason Pero lunged at the officer with…

Creating Chicken Saltimbocca

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth restaurant is cooking up a new menu. JJ Astor has hired a new Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, who is working on spicing up the menu. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Chicken Saltimbocca. CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA: Place chicken breast skin side down on plastic wrap Place…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates Hosts Black Friday Sale

Discount on Make Up and Skin Care Products

DULUTH, Minn. – Thanksgiving is a week away meaning Black Friday sales are also right around the corner. St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates is hosting another Black Friday sale. All make up, skin care and injectables gift certificates will be 25 percent off on Friday, November 24. Also, if a customer spends $30, they’ll receive a $15 coupon for future…

Multiple People Arrested After Search Warrant Issued in Superior

Police Used Pepper Spray in Arrests

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Last night the Superior Police Department activated an arrest warrant at Nottingham Apartments, which led to multiple arrests at the site. When they arrived, they arrested a man on a Douglas County warrant. When doing that arrest, they also heard that 29-year-old Corey Koivunen of Hermantown, was in the building. He was wanted on a St. Louis County warrant…

Sen. Franken Accused of Forcibly Kissing Woman

Incident Allegedly Occurred on 2006 USO Tour

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A Los Angeles radio news anchor says Democratic Sen. Al Franken forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour. The anchor says Franken posed for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept. Leeann Tweeden accuses Minnesota’s Franken in an essay on the website of California radio station KABC, where she anchors a morning talk…

Special Report: Finding Pet Friendly Housing in the Northland

Landlords and Pet Owners Open Up Regarding Pet Friendly Rules and Regulations When it Comes to Renting in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 85 million families in the United States own a pet. As more and more people are purchasing animals, many are also deeming it difficult to find their family a forever home. Every year, thousands are descending on Duluth; human beings constantly on the move in today’s ever changing world….

Victim Speaks About Sexual Assault By Mexico Lindo Manager

Esteban Mata Plead Guilty to Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

The one-time manager of a popular Downtown Duluth Mexican restaurant is now behind bars, convicted of sexually assaulting a customer while working at the business last summer. Esteban Magana Mata, 35, was convicted of a felony charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct after he plead guilty to the charge in September.  He was sentenced this week to a guideline two-year…