News

Remembrance Dinner Held For Vets

The Grandson of a Fallen WW2 Veteran Spoke at the Event

DULUTH, Minn. – It was the 13th annual Veterans Remembrance Dinner at The Depot in Duluth on Wednesday. Veterans and their families came together over dinner, shared stories, and honored those who served, and are currently serving overseas. “It’s very important to the families and veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces to realize that there are people out here…

Local Students form Suicide Prevention Group

The Students Offering Support group is reaching out to neighboring schools to help more Northland students.

CLOQUET, Minn.-  Students from Cloquet High School are doing their part to prevent teen suicide. After the Northland students attended a text for life conference in Grand Rapids last year, they were inspired to bring the program back home. In students offering support also known as S.O.S. members know how to talk with someone struggling with depression and what adult…

Local business man holds toy drive for second year

Mike Letica is holding the "Make Every Child Smile" toy drive

DULUTH, Minn. –  With Christmas coming up just around the bend, some families have a hard time putting gifts under the trees. One local business man is trying to help out those families buy organizing a toy drive. Mike Leticia is organizing the “Make Every Child Smile” toy drive. He hopes to be able to deliver toys to families who…

Hucklebeary Pop-Up Offers Unique Goods, Services

Hucklebeary Founder Emily Ekstrom is Looking to Provide Northlanders with Unique Gifts and Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth is once again sponsoring three local business owners this holiday season, giving them a free space to set up a storefront from November through January. One of the shops known as Hucklebeary is located along Superior Street across from the Duluth Coffee Company. The store’s founder is a UMD alumnus and…

UWS Yellowjacket Student Athletes Caroling For Cans

UWS has participated in Caroling For Cans for more than four years

SUPERIOR, Wis. -About 300 student athletes from University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) were out in Superior going door-to-door singing your favorite Christmas carols. They’re caroling for cans, so they can donate non-perishable food to a local food shelf. This is one of the many activities the Yellowjackets do for their week of giving. Athletes say this helps build team spirit while…

Northland Commemorates Pearl Harbor On the 76th Anniversary

Many from the older generation say they want to pass down the history of Pearl Harbor onto the younger generation

  DULUTH, Minn. – Dec. 7, 1941, is a date that many will never forget. It’s the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Every year the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) has a ceremony to remember the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor and this year was no different. Laying the wreath in the harbor has a heartfelt…

Duluth Fifth Graders Learn About STEM

Careers in STEM include Medical Scientists, Computer Programmers, Civil Engineers and Cost Estimators

DULUTH, Minn. – Fifth graders at Duluth Public Schools are dabbling into science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM. This week students visited the 148th Fighter Wing to use technology that real scientists use like 3–d printers, rovers and robots. The purpose of the program we’re told is to help build confidence in students and give them a passion for STEM. Teachers tell us it’s critical to expose students to STEM around the…

Christmas Bazaar Held Today

Funds Raised go to St. Scholastica Monastarey

DULUTH, Minn.-With the holiday shopping season in full swing, that means the giving season is here too. Today, the annual St. Scholastica Monastery Christmas Bazaar was held to fulfill all your shopping needs, while also giving back to a good cause. All of the proceeds of the event go to help the monastery, all while providing a smile to shopper’s…

Congressional Candidate Pete Stauber Has New Campaign Headquarters

Headquarters are Located in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Congressional candidate Pete Stauber has some new digs in Hermantown. The republican, who’s trying to unseat Rep. Rick Nolan, had a grand opening for his campaign headquarters today at 4690 Miller Trunk Highway in Suite 700. The candidate told Fox 21 that he wants his campaign to focus on the issues, rather than what’s been going on in Washington…

WisDOT Warns of Difficult Travel for Friday Afternoon

WISCONSIN – The first major snowfall is expected to hit areas of northern Wisconsin Friday, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to be cautious and plan ahead when traveling. While snow has already impacted some northern areas of the state, flurries are expected to spread to the southern and eastern parts of the state, with high amounts…

Public Invited to Skate with Santa and Rudolph on Dec. 13

DULUTH, Minn. – The public is invited to join Santa, Rudolph and friends for a free ice skating party at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The event will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. Crafts, treats, science activities, and games will accompany Santa and his reindeer. Limited skates will be available for use. Attendees are asked to…

Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Texas Child Sex Sting

  HOUSTON (AP) – Prosecutors say a Wisconsin man must serve 11 years in federal prison for traveling to Texas with the intention of having sex with a 4-year-old girl. Benjamin David Sherwood of La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced Thursday in Houston as part of an online sting. The 42-year-old Sherwood, in August, pleaded guilty to travel with intent to…

Census Data Shows More Minnesota Residents are Multilingual

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Minnesota is seeing a growing number of residents who speak multiple languages. Minnesota Public Radio reports that data shows more than 11 percent of Minnesota residents don’t speak English at home. About 60 percent of those people reported that they speak English “very well.” The bureau found…

Wisconsin Senator Calls for Elections, Ethics Resignations

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Latest on Attorney General Brad Schimel’s report on Gov. Scott Walker investigation (all times local): 2:15 p.m. A Republican state senator is calling for the resignations of top officials at the Wisconsin ethics and elections commissions. The call from Republican Sen. Steve Nass comes in reaction to a report from Attorney General Brad Schimel. His…

Superior Police Department Awarded Domestic, Sexual Violence Grant

(Superior Police Dept.) SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department announced Thursday that it has been awarded a U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) grant totaling over $440,900 over the next three years. The “OVW Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking” grant is designed to encourage partnerships among our…

Eveleth-area Nonprofits Awarded Over $10,000 in Grants

EVELETH, Minn. – Eveleth area nonprofit groups have been awarded more than $10,000 for projects including tutoring, social services, youth activities, and education. The Eveleth Area Community Foundation Fund issued to awards as part of its 2017 grant round. The 2017 recipients are: Volunteers in Education – $2,235 for a volunteer training program in Eveleth and Gilbert The United Way…

Mixing Up Holiday Cocktails with Vikre Distillery

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by Vikre Distillery located in Duluth’s Canal Park to test out a few holiday cocktails. Visitor Experience and Events Manager Chelsy Whittington poured two cocktails from the distillery’s taproom. The Orange Whip includes Ovrevann Aquavit, Bent Paddle Bent Hop Syrup as well as grapefruit, lemon and orange…

Kangaroo Visits FOX 21 Ahead of Ice Fishing Show

Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show Runs Friday through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show is opening up Friday at the DECC. A big attraction will be an exhibit full of exotic animals. Kevin Vogel, the Owner of Safari North, stopped by FOX 21 to talk about the exhibit. Vogel says people will be able to feed some of the animals and see a wide…

Northland Doctors Discuss Ethical Patient Care

Northlanders can do their part addressing the opioid epidemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland medical professionals are discussing ethical issues when treating patients with pain or addiction. The goal of the Medical Ethics Conference is to make sure patients are being treated fairly. When treating chronic pain medical professionals have a lot to take into consideration; from when opioids should be prescribed, to what to do if your patient develops an…

Rise in Impaired Driving During Holiday Season

Local law enforcement are cracking down on driving under the influence this holiday season.

DULUTH, Minn.-Last year in Minnesota 74 people died due to alcohol involved crashes, on Wednesday 74 holiday gifts were handed out at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The event is part of the Towards Zero Death Campaign. Local law officials walked students through field sobriety tests. When participants attempted to complete the tasks wearing the drunk simulation goggles, it put things perspective….

Superior Carnegie Library has Purchase Offer

Old Superior Library Could Be Purchased by North Carolina Architect

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The Carnegie Library has received a purchase offer from a North Carolina architect. The building has sat vacant since 1991, 90 years after it was first built. The building could be sold for $125,000. Bob Swanson, of the Friends of the Superior Carnegie Library, told Fox 21 the potential buyer first wants to do a study on what potential…

Aerial Lift Bridge Malfunction Causes Brief Delay

The repairs were made within 45 minutes

DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is raised and lowered a lot. But just like any piece of equipment the bridge can malfunction. Last Friday a 1,000 foot ship couldn’t pass through with its cargo because the bridge wouldn’t come up properly leveled The captain ended up turning around and coming back and it was all caught on video….

Sen. Al Franken Announces His Resignation Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

  WASHINGTON – Senator Al Franken has announced his resignation from the United States Senate. During a scheduled speech on the senate floor, Senator Al Franken announced he will be leaving the United States Senate in the coming weeks amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Gov. Mark Dayton must now appoint someone to take Franken’s seat during the Nov. 2018 election….

Franken Faces New Allegations, Weighing Future

Franken Announcement Coming at 10:45 a.m.

WASHINGTON-Minnesota Democrat Al Franken, facing fresh allegations of sexual misconduct and vanishing support from fellow Democrats, appears to be on the brink of resigning from the Senate. Franken scheduled an announcement for Thursday at 10:45 a.m. which will be aired on Fox 21 and live streamed on our Facebook page. His office did tweet Wednesday evening that he had not…

Man Finds 22-Year-Old Message in Bottle in Lake Superior

Bottle Surfaced After Massive Waves in October Storm

It’s a story of friendship made in a way that you just don’t hear about often, and a message that took more than two decades to be delivered It all started for Charles Nelson back in October when a storm sent massive waves crashing onto the shore on Madeline Island, taking out docks and beaches in the process. The next…

7th annual Evening of the ARTS for CHOICE, unlimited

The program helps adults with disabilities with employment and community inclusion

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday was the 7th annual Evening of the ARTS for Choice, unlimited. Choice, unlimited is a day program that helps adults with disabilities find employment and inclusion in their local communities. on Wednesday, the organization shared some of the arts projects they worked on, such as writing and dance. “It’s a sense of accomplishment,” visual arts instructor Maria…

Northland Finnish community celebrates 100 years of independence

Finland declared their independence from Russia in 1917

DULUTH, Minn. – December 6 Finland’s Independence Day, and Northlanders were celebrating. Wednesday is the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence from Russia in 1917. Northlanders filled the Great Hall at The Depot to celebrate Finnish heritage, listen to music and eat some traditional food “There certainly are a lot of people here,” organizer Arlene Putikka Tucker said. “You go through the phone…

Denfeld Hockey Team Adopts Families For Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Denfeld High School hockey team is making Christmas a little brighter for Northland families again this year. The guys hit the isles at Target to spend $1,000 on families they have adopted from the Salvation Army. The teammates raised the money by bagging groceries at Cub Foods. “It means a lot, actually. I like giving back…

Norshor Theatre Renovations Coming Along

The Theatre will have 650 seats and 195 new lights

DULUTH, Minn. -It’s been 18 months since the major renovations began at the historic Norshor Theatre in downtown Duluth. About 50 people got an update and went on a tour to see how the project is coming along. The restored venue underwent a top to bottom makeover. Our cameras weren’t allowed inside, but there will be new dressing rooms, rehearsal studios and administrative offices. Norshore…

Volunteers Spend Their Day of Caring At Safe Haven Shelter & Resource Center

Several non-profits benefited from the local projects for this Day of Caring Holiday Edition

DULUTH, Minn. – United Way’s Day of Caring lets volunteers pitch in at local non-profits by doing what they do best, volunteer. Safe Haven in Duluth works with women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. Volunteers were in the kitchen helping out and had it smelling like fresh baked cookies. The kids will bring the cookies home and decorate them with their family….

One Northlander is Helping Wildfire Responders

One Northlander with the Red Cross is assisting with the natural disaster in Southern California

DULUTH, Minn.- One Northlander with the American Red Cross packed up to lend a hand in with the growing wildfires in Southern California. Tony Guerra said helping this time of year means a little more. Guerra is managing a five man team heading out Tuesday afternoon to assist responders. Guerra has helped with other wild fire disasters in the past. “That’s what we…

New Business to Open at Gander Mountain Spot in Hermantown

Not Known When New Store Will Open

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Hiring signs are up at the old Gander Mountain site in Hermantown indicating they are about to open again. The store closed over the summer, but now it looks like its new owner in Camping World is trying to revive the store. Fox 21 reached out to the corporate headquarters of the new owner, but haven’t heard back yet…

Trump Says Government Shutdown Possible, Blames Democrats

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that a government shutdown was possible this weekend because Democrats were demanding to have “illegal immigrants pouring into our country,” tossing incendiary rhetoric onto a partisan showdown that had been showing signs of easing. Trump’s comments risked roiling a White House meeting with congressional leaders of both parties planned…

Wildfires Continue to Ravage Southern California

101 Freeway Fire Dec. 5, 2017 (AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wildfire erupted in Los Angeles’ exclusive Bel-Air section Wednesday as yet another part of Southern California found itself under siege from an outbreak of wind-whipped blazes that have consumed multimillion-dollar houses and tract homes alike. Hundreds of homes across the L.A. metropolitan area and beyond were feared destroyed…

Bent Paddle Relocating Taproom, as Brewery Continues to Expand

Expected to open in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company (BPBC) announced plans for a new taproom earlier this year, but details were not finalized. The brewery has officially announced relocation plans that will move their taproom into a historic space just across the street in early 2018. The taproom will shift to the next block to 1832 Michigan Street, a location formerly…

19 Arrested in Major Wisconsin Drug Bust

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Nineteen people have been arrested following an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) partnered with local and federal law enforcement to arrest 19 individuals for money laundering, bankruptcy fraud, and drug offenses, including the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, Wisconsin Attorney General…

New Northern Pike Fishing Regulations Coming in Spring 2018

Regulations go into effect March 1, 2018 for Minnesotans fishing on inland waters

(MnDNR) MINNESOTA – Anglers and spearers going after northern pike this winter can prepare for new regulations that will be in effect for the spring fishing opener on Minnesota’s inland waters. The new regulations on inland waters will be in effect starting March 1, however northern pike fishing is not allowed until fishing opener on May 12. “Pike regulations remain…

Superior Shelter to Receive Multiple Puppies from Texas

Anywhere from Seven to Seventeen Puppies will soon be arriving at the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Minn. – In the coming days the Douglas County Humane Society in Superior will be receiving a litter of perfect presents just in time for the holidays. The shelter announced earlier this week they will be receiving anywhere from seven to seventeen dogs. The animals are being transferred to the Twin Ports from Texas. Right now the shelter only…

Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel Capital, Smashing US Policy

Palestinians burn a poser of President Donald Trump during a protest in Bethlehem, West Bank, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2017. President Trump forged ahead Tuesday with plans to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim, and European opposition to ma move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests. (AP)     WASHINGTON (AP) —…

Sankta Lucia Event Celebrates Swedish Culture in Duluth

Swedish Singers, Traditional Procession and Brunch to Highlight Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend an annual celebration put on by the Swedish Cultural Society will be back in Duluth. The Sankta Lucia Celebration is being held Saturday, December 9. This event will feature a procession of the tomtes, star lights, maids of light and Lucia. Jenna Tolan is playing the role of Lucia this year. Following the procession, there…

Democratic Women in Senate Call on Franken to Resign

FOX 9 KMSP

UPDATE: Amid calls for resignation from fellow Democrats, Franken will be making an announcement tomorrow, according to his office. (KMSP) – At least seven Democratic women in the U.S. Senate are calling on Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign after the latest allegation of sexual misconduct was published Wednesday morning. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Sen. Mazie Hirono‏ of…

‘Silence Breakers’ Named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year

(Time Magazine) NEW YORK (AP) – The “Silence Breakers” – those who have shared their stories about sexual assault and harassment – have been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. Numerous women have spoken out publicly since October about sexual misconduct by dozens of high-profile men in entertainment, media, business, and sports. Time praised those who have given “voice…

Superior City Council Adding UWS Cuts To Agenda

Cuts Of 25 Programs Have Students And Staff Unhappy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students at UWS angry over cuts to 25 academic programs at the university are now turning to the Superior City Council for support. About a dozen students, staff, and even residents showed up at Tuesday night’s council meeting dressed in red in solidarity with students being affected. The group says the cuts will affect the local economy…

Texas Puppies to Find New Homes in the Northland

More than a Dozen Puppies are Headed to the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the coming days, the Douglas County Humane Society will be receiving a litter of perfect presents just in time for the holidays. The shelter announcing earlier this week they will be receiving anywhere from seven to 17 dogs. The animals are being transferred to the Twin Ports from Texas. Right now, the shelter only has two…

Wisconsin Rep. Zepnick Refuses to Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Representative Accused of Kissing Two Women Against Their Will

MADISON, Wis.-A Democratic state representative accused of kissing two women against their will is refusing to resign but says he will decide later whether to seek re-election in 2018. Milwaukee Rep. Josh Zepnick says he is “disappointed and disturbed” that he was stripped of his legislative committee assignments, a move that further marginalizes him in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Zepnick issued…

Sen. Franken Denies Allegation He Forcibly Tried to Kiss Woman

Sen. Franken Has Been Accused of Harassing Multiple Women

UPDATE: Several female Democratic senators unite in calling for Sen. Al Franken to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations. In Facebook posts and Tweets, the women said the two-term senator should step aside after a fresh allegation that he forcibly tried to kiss a woman in 2006. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote on Facebook that while Franken is entitled to have the Ethics…