News

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…

Kids Skate at the Turkey Bowl on Ice

Skaters Bowled Frozen Turkeys Into Pins

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids were getting their skate on Wednesday night at the Turkey Bowl on Ice at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. Skaters bowled frozen turkeys into pins, trying to knock them all down. Families wrote holiday cards for military members overseas, and kids had a ball practicing their skating skills. “We want to skate!” said Jaidy and Jake,…

Blood Pressure Guidelines Changed By American Heart Association

Almost Half of Americans Are Now in the High Blood Pressure Category

DULUTH, Minn. – Almost half of all Americans are now considered to have high blood pressure according to the new parameters released by the American Heart Association. They say blood pressure should now be treated at 130/80 instead of 140/90. About a third of Americans were in the high blood pressure category before, but after moving the guidelines it now…

Thanksgiving Burrito Returns to Burrito Union

Seasonal Meal Takes a Thanksgiving Dinner and Wraps It in a Tortilla

DULUTH, Minn. – November is here and that means the Thanksgiving Burrito is back at Burrito Union. It’s packed full of all your favorite Thanksgiving dinner favorites: Turkey, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, and a cranberry salsa. The ten dollar burrito is served with chips and a side of gravy. Burrito Union staff say it’s their most popular…

11th Annual ‘Christmas By the Lake’ CD Released

Local Music Album's Sales Benefit Bluebird Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – The eleventh annual ‘Christmas By The Lake’ CD was released. The holiday-themed album includes music by a lot of local artists. It also has an original song mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. “Everybody in Duluth and the surrounding area have all this music from area musicians for years,” said Kim Olson, a singer/songwriter featured on…

Holiday Tree Lights Up Superior

Santa Claus Attended the Event, Handing Out Candy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Holiday Tree was lit tonight at City Center Park just outside the Superior Public Library. Mayor Jim Paine was joined by Santa Claus and a bunch of kids to count down the tree lighting. Families at the event could sing Christmas carols and enjoy holiday themed refreshments. “Just watching everybody come join in,” said Kathy…

Marine General Helping Provide Bikes For Kids With Fried Turkeys

The turkey flavors were: creole garlic, creole butter, lemon butter pepper and barbecue mesquite.

DULUTH, Minn. – The folks over at Marine General in Duluth were up at 5:30 a.m. dropping 60 turkeys in the fryer for their annual Turkey Fry. In it’s 18th year, Marine General partnered up with Bob’s Bike Drive to raise money and donate Huffy bikes to kids in the Northland. “It’s just one of those things getting kids outside,…

New Housing Project Coming to Morgan Park

Project Will Replace Morgan Park Middle School, Which Will be Torn Down

DULUTH, Minn.- A groundbreaking will be held at Morgan Park Middle School at 12 p.m. Monday for a new housing project there. The old building will be torn down to make way for the project that will have 96 two-bedroom units coming in at a total cost of nearly $18 million. The Duluth Planning Commission approved the final site plan last…

Duluth Fire Department To Receive Emergency Response Boat

The boat can hold up to eight firefighters in a remote area and four if it's for a common response and not a firefighting need.

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Coast Guard recently identified several gaps in resources in the port of Duluth and Superior. But now both fire departments will have an extra boost. “We will train with Superior Fire Department at some point, so they get an understanding of what the vessel’s capability is and where it’d be most useful in their area,…

House Dems Introduce Impeachment Articles Against Trump

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – A half-dozen Democrats on Wednesday introduced articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, accusing him of obstruction of justice and other offenses, in a long-shot effort that stands little chance in the Republican-led House. Indeed, the large majority of Democrats seem intent on having nothing to do with the effort either as lawmakers await…

FDA Clears Nerve Stimulator to Aid Recovery from Opioids

(Courtesy of Innovative Health Solutions, Inc. ) WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. health authorities have cleared a brain-stimulating device for patients suffering from debilitating withdrawal symptoms caused by addiction to heroin and other opioids. The nerve stimulator is the first device to treat such symptoms including joint pain, anxiety, stomach aches, and insomnia. The announcement Wednesday by the Food and Drug…

MNSURE Sees Twice as Many Enrollees

Process for MNSURE is Also Going Smoother This Year

ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNSURE has registered about 92,000 people this year through its health insurance exchange, which is twice as many as last year. Reports are also suggesting the open enrollment period has gone much smoother compared to year’s past. “Our first two weeks have gone very smoothly,” said CEO Allison O’Toole. “MNsure’s enrollment is looking strong out of the gate. ……

Essentia Employees Still Required to Get Flu Shot After Judge’s Ruling

97 Percent of Employees Have Received Flu Shot

DULUTH, Minn.-A United Steelworkers motion to try and block Essentia Health’s requirement of getting flu shots, has been denied by a federal judge. Essentia is now saying that employees, who don’t make an effort to get a flu shot by Monday, will be terminated. The requirement is for all employees, along with vendors, volunteers, and students who work on their…

Wisconsin DNR Names 240 New Waters as Impaired

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has named 240 new waterways as impaired, which means they need plans for reducing pollution. The DNR said Wednesday that of those, 183 of them are lakes or river stretches that exceed more restrictive phosphorous standards that took effect in Dec. 2010. Sharon Gayan is director of the DNR bureau…

Duluth Man Charged After 3rd Investigation at Residence

Nate Easterling (Duluth Police Dept. ) DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force arrested a 24-year-old Duluth man on Monday, Nov. 13, after suspected drug activity at the residence. According to authorities, a search warrant was executed in the 10 block of North 25th Ave W in Duluth. During the search, investigators recovered a handgun,…

Duluth Beach Clean Up Scheduled for Nov. 19 Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Rec division tentatively rescheduled a beach clean up at four locations for Nov. 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. but has canceled due to predicted weather conditions. The first clean up event had been scheduled for Nov. 12, but was canceled due to snowfall. Despite the cancellation, over 50 volunteers showed up and collected over…