News

Mayor Emily Larson Defends 2018 Proposed Budget Cuts

Larson: Officers, Firefighters Won't Lose Jobs

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is defending her 2018 budget proposal that includes $2.1 million in cuts spread out throughout all city departments. Mayor Larson told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Monday that nobody wants cuts and cuts are stressful, but she says that doesn’t mean her office should avoid the problem, especially with aging streets and infrastructure –…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods

COHASSET, Minn. — Grant Prokop has a love for the outdoors, for hunting, fishing, and appreciating what northern Minnesota is all about. Prokop owns Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Cohasset “Any outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, doing anything outside, we want to be able to help you,” Prokop said. He grew up in the woods and on…

Essentia Health – Duluth hosts 19th annual Journey Awards

The awards recognize those who have made an impact on people living with disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health – Duluth hosted the 19th annual Journey Awards on Monday. The Journey Awards recognizes individuals who have made contributions to helping people living with disabilities. This year’s award went to Kelsey Peterson, for her work on the film project The Cure Map, as they look find a cure for paralysis. “We drove around the country…

Life House promotes peace before International Day of Peace

The youth organization is celebrating peace all week

DULUTH, Minn. – International Day of Peace day is coming up this Thursday, but one Duluth organization is celebrating all week long. Life House, an organization that helps homeless youth in the community, is trying to promote the idea of peace and nonviolence. On Monday they held a get together at the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial to kick off the…

New Lock Proposed at Soo Straights

Locks Connect Lake Superior to the Other Great Lakes and Beyond

DULUTH, Minn. – The Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan connect the Duluth and Superior shipping industry with the rest of the world, but the aging locks haven’t been updated in decades. The locks at Soo Straights connect Lake Superior to the rest of the Great Lakes and beyond. The locks raise and lower ships so they can navigate…

State, Federal Authorities Proposing New Rules on Equifax

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — State and federal authorities are proposing tougher regulations against Equifax and the entire credit monitoring industry after the company announced that personal information like Social Security numbers of about 143 million Americans was exposed. This is on top of the lawsuits already filed against Equifax by state attorneys general, and a multitude of lawsuits filed…

New Time Capsule Being Created in Virginia

50 Year Capsule Will Be Placed on New Highway 53 Bridge

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Last year, the City of Virginia opened a fifty-year time capsule, giving their residents a look inside the past. Now, a new time capsule is being created. The capsule will be built into the pedestrian plaza on the new Highway 53 bridge. It will be sealed on September 29th. Officials are now looking for materials to include…

Volunteers Needed for Bentleyville

Volunteer Work Begins this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville will be opening up in a few months, and that means volunteers are needed to help set it up. Preparations are expected to begin this weekend as volunteers flood into Bayfront Park. “We’ve had volunteers that have been returning for the ninth consecutive year down there,” said Nathan Bentley, event organizer. “People make friends down there. They become…

Touchstone Award Given to Three Local Non-Profits

A Total of Seven Organizations Were Recognized

DULUTH, Minn.-Those who give back were honored on Monday, for all they do. Three non-profits were given the Touchstone Award by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation. The local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum, and the Myers-Wilkins Community Collaborative were all honored. “We think non-profit organizations are doing really vital work in Duluth and Superior and…

Leif Erikson Monument Vandalized

No Suspects in Custody

DULUTH, Minn. – A monument to Leif Erikson was vandalized with spray paint in the park named after him. Underneath Erikson’s name, it says “Discoverer of America.” A suspect spray painted over that in black, but that has since been cleaned off. Police do not have any suspects in custody at this point. Categories: Crime, News, News – Latest News…

Gov. Walker Thinking of Running for Governor Again

Walker Will Make Announcement in November

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -Republican Gov. Scott Walker is hinting that he’ll officially announce his bid for a third term in November. Walker told WTMJ-AM radio on Monday that an announcement during the first week of November would make sense since that would mark a year until the election and his birthday is that week. He added that it’s no secret…

Over $600,000 Coming to Northland to Fight Opioid Addiction

One Area of Concern is Over-Prescription of Opiates

DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota is getting $6 million in funding to help battle opioid addiction. About 10 percent of that money will be going to St. Louis County. FOX 21 spoke with Senator Amy Klobuchar, Monday, about the addiction issues Minnesota faces. She said there has been a rapid rise in overdose deaths over the last few years, and she believes some…

Wisconsin Submits Revised Education Accountability Plan

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin submitted a federally required school improvement plan to President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday over objections from Gov. Scott Walker and conservative groups that it didn’t do enough to embrace innovative ideas, such as expanding taxpayer-funded private school choice programs. All 50 state must submit accountability plans under the law, which replaced No Child Left…

Minneapolis Chief: Body Camera Use Up After Policy Change

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Minneapolis’ police chief says he’s seeing an increase in the use of body cameras since he required that officers turn them on when responding to any call. Numbers released Monday show that from July 29 to Aug. 27, officers recorded 55,729 videos with their body-worn cameras. That’s up 133 percent from the 23,876 videos recorded from…

Walker Signs $3 Billion Foxconn Bill into Law

MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Scott Walker has signed a $3 billion incentive package designed to lure a Foxconn Technology Group flat-screen plant to southeastern Wisconsin. Walker signed the bill Monday afternoon during a packed ceremony at a technical college in Sturtevant in Racine County, the most likely location for the plant. The bill provides nearly $3 billion in cash to Foxconn if…

Hurricane Maria Grows, Threatening Storm-Battered Caribbean

GOES East Satellite Image provided by NASA taken at 7:45 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 17. (NASA via AP) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Hurricane Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on Monday as it barreled toward a potentially devastating collision with islands in the eastern Caribbean. Forecasters warned it was likely to grow even stronger. The storm…

Minnesota Teen Found Dead in NDSU Dorm

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A 17-year-old boy, identified as Devin Delaney, of Burnsville, Minn., was found dead Sunday, inside a North Dakota State University residence hall. It seemed like another typical Saturday night. “We just heard a lot of noise outside our dorm room,” said Feyisayo Ayobamidele, a NDSU freshman. But just after noon on Sunday, a coroner’s vehicle was…

Temporary Road Closures Scheduled in Chippewa National Forest

CASS LAKE, Minn. – Five temporary road closures in Sept. and Oct. have been announced by the Chippewa National Forest. Bridge deck replacements are part of the forest’s routine maintenance and will result in road closures taking place from Sept. 25 through Oct. 11. Forest Road 2203 at Decker Lake will be closed Sept. 25-26 Forest Road 2240 at Mitt…

Police: Wisconsin Man Caused Home Blast to Mask Wife Killing

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Police have arrested a Wisconsin man suspected of killing his wife and blowing up their home to try to cover up the crime. Authorities arrested 59-year-old Steven Pirus of Madison Saturday night. He is jailed on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide, arson, and recklessly endangering safety. Pirus is accused of fatally shooting 50-year-old Lee Anne Pirus….

Level III Offender Relocating to Superior

Will be released Sept. 18

Dean Swenson (Oct. 2015 – Wisconsin DOC) SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is notifying the public of a Level III Predatory Offender that will be released and residing in Superior. Dean Allen Swenson, 36, will be living in the 1600 block of N 16th Street after he is released on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Swenson is described as 5’9″…

2 Students Arrested for Threats Against Ashland School District

BOTH ARE FACING TERRORISTIC THREAT CHARGES

ASHLAND, Wis. – Ashland School District has received two separate threats, according to the Ashland Police Department. According to the release, on Sunday, Sept. 17, a concerned citizen said they observed a threat to Ashland High School on a Snapchat account. The Snapchat featured a picture of two boxes of shotgun shells and said, “Don’t come to school Monday.” Police…

Upcoming Fundraiser Supports Free Dental Care for Students

8th Annual Sips & Slices

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just Kids Dental is continuing its campaign of providing free dental care to children and an upcoming fundraiser will support that mission. The 8th Annual Sips & Slices is Thursday, September 21 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Superior Curling Club. This is a pizza and beer tasting fundraiser. There will also be raffles featuring items…

Voyageurs National Park Announces Fall Hours

Hours begin on Oct. 1

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Voyageurs National Park visitor centers will begin fall operations beginning Sunday, Oct. 1, the park announced Monday. The Kabetogama Lake and Ash River Visitor Centers will be closed for the season starting Oct. 1 and will reopen in mid-May. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center will be open Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 Wednesdays through Sundays from…

Engwall’s Corn Maze Open for the Season

Hermantown Maze is Open Saturdays and Sundays Through October 29th

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Engwall’s Corn Maze is now open for the season. Starting Saturday, maze goers can try to find their way our of three acres of corm while exploring about a mile of pathways. They can also fire off the corn cannon or try their hand at pumpkin bowling. “I think it gets families excited because it’s another thing…

Soil From Duluth Memorial Collected for Museum

Soil From the Site of the 1920 Duluth Lynching Will Be on Display in Montgomery, Alabama

DULUTH, Minn. – Soil from the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial in Duluth will soon be displayed at a museum in Alabama. Representatives from the Equal Justice Initiative were in Duluth today to collect soil from the site of the 1920 lynching of three black men. Their organization is gathering soil from across the country to display in the “From Enslavement…

Yernatich Continues Duluth’s Big Dog Tradition

Former Greyhound Representing On UMD O-Line

DULUTH, Minn- Former Greyhound and Duluth native Joe Yernatich has always dreamed of playing UMD football. “Growing up a couple of blocks from campus I’ve always wanted to be a Bulldog, I told myself when I was little that’s who I want to be, that who I want to play for, so its been a dream come true.” Playing his…

UMD Farm Fest Offers Look Inside Organic Farm

Guests Took Tours and Sampled Food Grown on the Farm

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Land Lab, an active organic farm, opened their gates to the public today. Hundreds of guests could take tours and sample food grown right there at the farm. There was also an original performance by the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe. The Fifth Annual Farm Fest taught people about food and living sustainable lives. “Hopefully it sparks…

Birdwatchers Flock to Hawk Ridge For Annual Migration

More than 11,000 birds have been counted this season so far

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people are flocking to Hawk Ridge in Duluth to see the birds during their annual migration. Birdwatchers at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory have already counted 11,000 hawks so far this season. “We’re in a unique location here, right at that western tip of Lake Superior,” Hawk Ridge executive director Janelle Long said. “The birds are traveling…

Hermantown Mayor Encouraged By New Housing Development

Single-Family Homes Planned Near Future Home of YMCA

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There is growing excitement in Hermantown as ground is now broken on a new housing development in a part of the city that’s seeing big changes. The nine single-family homes are adjacent to the future home of the new multi-million dollar YMCA wellness center. And as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports, Hermantown’s mayor believes the development tonight is…

Bulldozer Rolls Over, Kills Man

SAGINAW, Minn. – A 79-year-old man is dead after the bulldozer he was riding on rolled over and trapped him underneath. The accident happened Saturday morning at 4955 Aune Road in Saginaw, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The victim is identified as Donald Raether who was found dead at the scene when medical and law enforcement personal arrived….

East End Family Fun Day celebrated in Superior

Food vendors, music and games.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The East End Family Fun Day held its annual event on Saturday. Food, music, raffles, and a car show were just some of the fun being had on the streets of superior. “We’re just trying to show off the community and have a fun day for everybody,” organizer Jon Nelson said. “We purposely make this a family…

Syd’s Angels Raise Awareness About Bullying

Biker Organization Helps School Districts Find Bullying Solutions

PROCTOR, Minn. – Syd’s Angels Bikers Against Bullying was formed in June 2016 after founder Greg Carson saw a disturbing internet video of a fifteen year old girl being beaten. “It really struck a chord and it’s almost like something snapped,” said Greg Carson, President and Co-Founder of Syd’s Angels. “It’s like enough is enough. It’s time to stand up…

Racers compete in the Northshore Inline Marathon

More than 2000 racers competed in the event

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the rainy conditions, thousands of racers came out on Saturday for the Northshore Inline Marathon in Duluth. Around 2,000 racers showed up from all over the world to take part in the race, which takes them from Two Harbors all the way down to Canal Park. The race featured amateur skaters looking to test their might,…

Fall Fest Celebrated at Chester Park

33rd Annual Festival Held to Reign in Changing Seasons

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration of community and the changing seasons was held in Duluth. The thirty-third annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest attracted thousands of Northlanders. The event featured one hundred thirty local vendors, food trucks, and three live music performances. “It is such a community builder,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. “You’re out seeing friends and…

Woman’s Body, Car Found Submerged In Island Lake

Persumed Missing In Intial Report

FREDENBURG TOWNSHIP, Minn. According to authorities, Friday evening the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 report from family members that 79 year old Darlene Lukovsky was missing. Family members said she was last known to be at a Super One grocery store in Duluth at about 1:30 in the afternoon Friday. Soon after family and sheriff’s deputies along…

New Highway 53 Bridge Dedicated

Bridge Near Virginia Will Soon Be Open to Traffic

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The new Highway 53 bridge is almost complete. It’s the tallest bridge in Minnesota. Soon it will be open to traffic. Iron rangers and state officials dedicated the new bridge to the public on Friday. “Are you ready to celebrate?” asked U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL-Minn.) at the dedication ceremony. At over two hundred feet tall, the…

Syd’s Angels to Take Motorcycle Ride Against Bullying

Organization Works With Kids, Parents, and Schools to End Nationwide Bullying Epidemic

PROCTOR, Minn. – A group of bikers are taking a stand against bullying. Syd’s Angels are a Minnesota-based organization that now has members from around the world. They help raise awareness about bullying and work with kids, parents, and school officials to take action and end this widespread problem that they call an epidemic. “We’re looking to light a fire…

Chester Bowl Fall Festival to Attract Thousands

If Rain Postpones the Event, Fall Fest Would Move to Sunday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend over 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park and celebrate the changing of seasons. The 33rd Annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday morning at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if the event is postponed due to rain. They say…

Vigil Held for Missing Duluth Woman

Contact Police if You Have Any Details on the Case

DULUTH, Minn.-Sheila St. Clair of Duluth went missing in August of 2015. Friday, a vigil was held for her at the Central Hillside Park to remind the public that authorities are still looking for her. The last confirmed sighting of the Native American woman was at the Cascade Apartments on West Third Street. “It makes me feel good that people…

Mesabi Range College Receives Big Grant

Grant Worth $1.3 Million Over Five Years

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Mesabi Range College was recently awarded a grant worth $1.3 million over a five–year period, to help provide college prep services to under privileged high school students. Some of the top areas that are served through the grant are in the sciences and math. “We do find that our program the past years has been successful and has succeeded…

More Money Coming to Minnesota to Fight Opioid Addiction

$6 Million Coming to Minnesota

  DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota got some good news today in its fight against opioid addiction. The state is now due to receive major federal funding to the tune of $6 million to help fight the disease. That money will be dedicated to medication-assisted treatment. In 2016 more than 600 people in that state died from an opioid overdose.   Categories: Crime,…

UMD Working on Being More Environmental Friendly

Educational Summit on Sustainability Held Today

DULUTH, Minn.-Environmental sustainability has been sweeping across the nation. Today, UMD and four other University of Minnesota campuses, began exploring how they can be more environmentally friendly at its Sustainability Education Summit. The event focused on how to better connect students and staff with creating a cleaner campus and community. “I’m hoping the general public will take away that sustainability…

LOCATED: Dakotah Braun, of Duluth

UPDATE: The Duluth Police Department has reported that Dekotah was located safe at an address in the 2100 block of East 2nd Street. Authorities arrested him on-scene for a warrant out of Pope County, Minn. DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 20-year-old Duluth man. Dekotah Donald John Braun was last seen on Sept….

Attorney: Slender Man Attacker Descended into ‘Madness’

TODD RICHMOND - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Anissa Weier passes a note to defense attorney Joseph Smith Jr.. during closing argument sin her case before Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Bohren on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP) WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin girl accused of helping her friend stab their classmate nearly to death to please online horror character Slender Man…

DNR Opens 30-Day Public Comment for Several PolyMet Draft Permits

(KQDS) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened a 30-day public comment period on the draft PolyMet dam safety and public works permits. From Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, the public can submit comments on two draft dam safety permits and a draft public waters work permit for the PolyMet Mining, Inc. NorthMet mining project. The DNR dam…

Five St. Louis County Roads Closed Due to Flooding

County Road 338 (Aurora Road) south of the Townline Road (Photo: St. Louis County Public Works) ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Heavy rain overnight has caused several County Roads in the area near Palo, Markham, and Makinen to flood. St. Louis County Public Works has announced the temporary closure of these roads until high waters recede: County Road 338 (Aurora…

Minnesota State Fair Already has a 2018 Concert Booked

FOX 9 - KMSP

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (KMSP) – It hasn’t even been two weeks since the 2017 Minnesota State Fair wrapped up, but there’s already a Grandstand headliner for the 2018 State Fair concert series. One Direction alum Niall Horan will play the Grandstand on the Fair’s opening night. Thursday, Aug. 23. Tickets go on sale later this month, at 10 a.m. on Sept. 22 ($59…

Wayzata Policeman Remembered as Officer with Big Heart

Officer Mathews and his wife and son. (Courtesy Wayzata PD) PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) – A Wayzata policeman who was fatally struck by an unlicensed driver was eulogized as a friendly and conscientious officer. Hundreds of law officers from across Minnesota turned out Thursday for the funeral of 47-year-old William Mathews in Plymouth. Mathews received full honors, as he had requested…