News

Kindergartner Bags Buck Under New Hunting Age Law

  Six-year-old Lexi sat many hours yesterday without success but today her persistence paid off. Her father, Tyler Harris, had tears of joy when his little hunting partner got her first buck & poses for Warden Randy Dunkel. Congratulations, Lexi! pic.twitter.com/bcIc6GaJ7u — Wisconsin DNR (@WDNR) November 20, 2017 MEDFORD, Wis. (AP) – A kindergartner from north central Wisconsin is among…

FCC Chairman Sets Out to Repeal ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is following through on his pledge to repeal 2015 regulations designed to ensure that internet service providers treat all online content and apps equally. The concept, known as net neutrality, imposed utility-style regulation on ISPs such as Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to prevent them from favoring their own digital services over…

Past SNL Performers, Staff Sign Statement Supporting Franken

No One from SNL Claim Franken Acted Inappropriately

MINNEAPOLIS-A group of women who worked alongside Al Franken on NBC’s”Saturday Night Live” have signed a statement of support for the Minnesota senator. Last week, broadcaster Leeann Tweeden accused Franken, a Democrat, of forcibly kissing her during a USO tour in 2006. Another woman says he placed his hand on her buttocks while posing for a photo at the Minnesota…

Allegedly Chemicals Dumped by 3M Caused Higher Rates of Cancer

Court Filing: 3M Withheld Information About Contamination

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota’s attorney general, in newly filed court briefs, alleges chemicals dumped by 3M Co. in the Twin Cities metro caused higher rates of cancer, infertility and low birthweight babies. Attorney General Lori Swanson says the contamination caused $5 billion in health and environmental damage for which 3M should be liable. The state’s lawsuit against 3M was first filed in 2010….

Fire in Normanna Township Destroys Garage

Officials Believe the Fire is Accidental at This Time

NORMANNA TOWNSHIP, Minn. – St. Louis Deputies and fire crews responded to 6407 Mcquade Road in Normanna Township shortly after 12:00 a.m. Tuesday. When crews arrived they began extinguishing a fully engulfed garage fire. Officials say an unattended wood stove could have been the cause of the fire. The garage was a total loss with some damage to the residence…

FOX 21 Exclusive: Jim Carlson Breaks Silence From Prison

After more than four years in prison, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson speaks to FOX 21 in his first television interview.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a FOX 21 exclusive, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson breaks his silence to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger. It’s his first television interview since he went to prison four years ago and since he got his lengthy sentence a year after that. In part one, we talk about Carlson’s life behind bars, if he…

How Sweet It Is Back Open for Business

Two local businesses team up to keep staple eats in the Twin Ports available

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular sweets shop that was forced to close last month after 20 years of business has officially made an unexpected comeback. How Sweet It Is Cakes has re–opened a revised business model inside the Duluth Grill in Lincoln Park. The owner of How Sweet It Is closed in October because of declining sales, after moving into the Holiday…

Duluthians on Olympic Curling Team Welcomed Back Home

Three Local Curlers Made the 2018 Men's U.S. Olympic Curling Team

DULUTH, Minn. – This past Saturday, three Duluthians earned the right to represent the U.S.A. in the 2018 Winter Olympics. At the Duluth Curling Club, friends, fans, and family welcomed home their Olympians. John Shuster, Tyler George, and John Landstiner were all on hand, excited to share their victory with all of the Northland. “It always feels like you’re representing…

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Held in Duluth

Vigil and Rally Aim to Raise Awareness for Trans Rights

DULUTH, Minn. – Trans people and their allies across the world are standing together to honor transgender lives lost to hate and violence. For Transgender Remembrance Day, a vigil and rally were held in Downtown Duluth at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Organizers say their goal is to raise awareness for trans rights in the Northland. “If…

Packed Council Chambers Discusses Paid Sick And Safe Time

Task Force Gives Two Recommendations To City Council

DULUTH, Minn- The Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force recommended the Duluth City Council adopt an ordinance that would provide two alternatives for businesses to give paid time off to workers who don’t currently get any. In a survey conducted by the task force, data shows that 46% of workers within the Duluth currently aren’t getting any sick and…

CBS Suspends Charlie Rose, PBS Halts His Show Following Allegations

Charlie Rose (Twitter) NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Rose is the latest public figure to be felled by sexual misconduct allegations, with PBS halting distribution of his nightly interview show and CBS News suspending him Monday following a Washington Post report with the accusations of eight women. The women, who all worked for Rose or tried to work for him,…

Ideal Winter Conditions at Spirit Mountain

The largest event at Spirit Mountain is this coming weekend and the hill is prepared.

DULUTH, Minn.- This coming weekend is a busy one for Spirit Mountain as they will host the 26th annual AMSOIL Duluth Snocross. The event will run across the length of the top chalet with other parts of the mountain remaining open. Although the Northland has yet to become a winter wonderland, officials at the mountain told FOX 21 the hill…

LOCATED: Todd Sarkela, of Duluth

Todd Sarkela (Facebook) UPDATE: Todd Sarkela has been found safe. DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 55-year-old Todd Sarkela, of Duluth. Todd is described as a white male, 5’9″, 120 pounds, with hazel eyes and sandy hair; and typically walks with a cane. He was reported missing to police on Sunday, Nov….

Pedestrian Hit and Run in Duluth, Police Searching for Suspect

Incident happened Friday, Nov. 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at 13th Avenue East and London Road on Friday, Nov. 11 just before 8:30 p.m. According to police, officers arrived on scene and located a 49-year-old female who had been struck while crossing the street. She was transported to the hospital with non-life…

Justice Dept. Sues to Stop AT&T’s $85B Time Warner Deal

NEW YORK (AP) – The Justice Department is suing AT&T to stop its $85 billion purchase of Time Warner, setting the stage for an epic legal battle with the telecom giant. The government claims that consume cable bills will rise if the merger goes through, saying the deal would “substantially lessen competition, resulting in higher prices and less innovation for…

UMD Announces Romano Gym Renovation Plans

Three Phase $10 Million Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics department has announced plans to renovate Romano Gymnasium. The athletics department is working to raise an additional $2 million, as part of the $10 million renovation project. Romano Gym has been the hub for UMD women’s volleyball; men’s and women’s basketball; recreation space; as well as community programming for over six…

98 Percent of Employees Have Received Flu Shot for Essentia Health

If Employee Doesn't Get Flu Shot by the End of the Day, They Will be Terminated

DULUTH, Minn-Today is the last day that Essentia employees can get the flu shot, otherwise they will be terminated. A spokesperson for Essentia told Fox 21 that at least 98 percent of employees have got one so far. The requirement includes vendors, volunteers, and students who work at their various sites. Those exempted are employees who have a certain medical…

Minnesota Fish Houses and Wheelhouses Require License Purchase This Season

MINNESOTA – Beginning this ice fishing season, anglers using a wheelhouse type of ice or dark house shelter are required to purchase a license to place the shelter on the ice, even when occupying it, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A new definition for portable shelters has been provided in law, which states that a portable shelter…

Five Taken to Hospital From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Buhl

Incident Occurred at Apartment Connected to Billy's Bar in Buhl

BUHL, Minn.-Iron Range fire officials are reporting that five people have been taken to area hospitals due to carbon monoxide poisoning in an apartment connected to Billy’s Bar in Buhl, Minnesota. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. Crews from Buhl, Chisholm, Hibbing and Virginia responded to the scene after the building owner, Gary Gamer received a disturbing…

Group Submits Signatures to Legalize Marijuana in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – A ballot committee proposing to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes in Michigan has submitted more than 360,000 voter signatures in a bid for a statewide vote in 2018. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol turned in the signatures to state election officials in Lansing on Monday. Michigan already allows for the use…

Cult Leader Victor Barnard Wins Appeal, Sentence Will Be Reduced

Victor Barnard (FOX 9 – KMSP) – Minnesota cult leader Victor Barnard’s has won an appeal of his criminal conviction, throwing out the upward departure of his 30-year prison. Barnard’s sentence will be reduced to 24 years. The court ruled “the case law on this issue is clear: when a district court fails to provide reasons for a sentencing departure on the record…

Wisconsin Biologists Catch Old Trout During Assessment

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’s Brad Ray holds the lake trout that they’ve been referring to as “Old Fish.”Photo courtesy of Brad Ray/Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources via WPR MADISON, Wis. (AP) – State biologists say a lake trout caught this month was the oldest they’ve found in northern Wisconsin in recent history. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the fish…

Second Woman Accuses Sen. Franken of Touching Her Inappropriately in 2010

Allegations First Surfaced Last Week of Sen. Franken Harassing Radio Host in 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is renewing his call for the chamber’s ethics committee to investigate Sen. Al Franken after a second woman came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment. Lindsay Menz told CNN that the Minnesota Democrat grabbed her bottom as the pair posed for a photo at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010. Menz’s allegation comes…

Technology Tips to Help with Holiday Travels

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders will be taking to the skies and the roads to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give tips for keeping the home and vehicle safe during these trips. Some technology that can be picked up at Verizon Wireless includes: Arlo Cam: Protect your home…

Charles Manson Dies in Prison at 83

Cult Leader Killed Seven in 1969

LOS ANGELES- Prison officials say it’s “undetermined” what will happen with the remains of cult leader Charles Manson. Manson died Sunday night after nearly a half-century behind bars. He was 83. Vicky Waters, a spokeswoman with the California Department of Corrections, says he died of natural causes. Prison officials previously said he had no known next of kin. State law…

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…