Weekend Spotlight: June 9-11
Categories: News, News – Latest News, Weekend Spotlight
News
4th Annual Operation K-9
Area Agencies Show Off Dogs Capabilities
Superior, Wis. More than a dozen Northland K-9 teams demonstrated their skills in front of a massive crowd today at AMSOIL Center in Superior. “Its really cool to be here to show off the dogs skills. What they can actually do and allow the public to have this close interaction with these dogs,” Sgt. Brandon Silgjord of St. Louis County…
Wizard of Oz Festival Gets Underway in Grand Rapids
Festivities began with a tea party and live music inside Judy Garland's historic childhood home
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The 42nd annual Wizard of Oz Festival got underway in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Festivities began with a tea party and live music inside Judy Garland’s historic childhood home. Friday night, The Wizard of Oz will play outside on a jumbo screen on the Evergreen Terrace lawn next to the museum. Organizers say this event brings…
Students Get Hands-On Experience at Minnesota Wildfire Academy
Students from nine states throughout the region are going through extensive training to learn about safely combating wildfires
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Hundreds of people are in Grand Rapids this week for the Minnesota Wildfire Academy. Students from nine states throughout the region are going through extensive training to learn about safely combating wildfires. On Thursday, some of the new recruits got to watch a simulated air operation and get hands–on experience of some firefighting basics. Instructors say…
New Solar-Powered Car Charging Stations Hit Duluth
DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth got a little greener today as they officially opened the region’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in the area. It is located next to the Endion Station Public House restaurant in the Canal. The station is capable of charging nine vehicles at a time. “This is one of our first steps in renewables for the city,” said Mayor…
Video: Remains Found At Construction Site In Fon du Lac
DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release)-The Minnesota Department of Transportation has stopped working on the Highway 23 project in the Fond du Lac neighborhood in Duluth after human remains were found on the site. The remains were found at an historic settlement and cemetery for the reservation. “The remains were discovered after the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa raised…
Huge Asian Carp Caught in Redwood Falls
FROM FOX 9FROM ALLIE JOHNSON AT FOX 9 IN MINNEAPOLIS REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. (KMSP)- The biggest invasive carp recorded in the state of Minnesota, which measured in at 47.5 inches and weighed 61.7 pounds, was caught Sunday in a gravel pit near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The site is part of the Minnesota River floodplain….
Part of Fifth Avenue East to Close for Crane Installation from June 12-16
DULUTH, Minn.-Next week, a stretch of Fifth Avenue East between Fourth and Third Street will be closed as a crane will be set up to do some maintenance on an Essentia Health building. The closure will occur between June 12-16. Signs will be posted to alert drivers and pedestrians. The sidewalk on the east side of the avenue will also…
President Trump Say He’s “Under Siege” in Light of Comey Testimony
WASHINGTON, D.C.-President Donald Trump says he and his supporters “are under siege” but “will come out bigger and better and stronger than ever.” Trump spoke Friday at the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual conference at the same time as former FBI Director James Comey’s was testifying before Congress. The president did not make specific reference to Comey, who says Trump…
Finnish Choir to Perform in Duluth
Concert Celebrates Finland's 100 Years of Independence
DULUTH, Minn. – This year Finland is celebrating 100 years of independence. To celebrate, local Finnish-Americans are hosting several events throughout the year. Friday, June 9 a Finnish choir is performing in Duluth. The Naantali Chamber Choir will provide the audience a variety of Finnish choral music, from beloved classics to brand new pieces. The theme of the concert is…
Bike MS 150 Looking for Volunteers
Bike Ride is June 9-11
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend thousands will be getting out their bikes for a ride from Proctor to White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It’s all to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. However, the MS Society needs help with the race. Organizers are still looking for several volunteers in Proctor, Hinckley, White Bear Lake, and everywhere in between. Local volunteer opportunities…
Grilling a Steak with Texas Roadhouse
Cooking Connection: Preparing for Grilling Season
DULUTH, Minn. – Summertime is nearly here and that means it’s time for grilling. Texas Roadhouse in Duluth features grilled hand-cut steaks the meat cutters carve fresh every day. For this week’s Cooking Connection kitchen manager Justin Beacom described the differences between several cuts of meat. The three main cuts of meat are sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. Grilling a…
New Trial Wanted in ‘Making a Murderer’ case
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) – A lawyer is asking for a new trial for a Wisconsin man convicted in a case profiled in the “Making a Murderer” Netflix series. Attorney Kathleen Zellner filed a 1,272-page document Wednesday claiming Steven Avery’s conviction was based on planted evidence and false testimony. USA Today Network-Wisconsin reports Zellner contends Avery deserves a new trial “in…
Castile Case Coming to Close
ST. PAUL, Minn.-Prosecutors may wrap up their case Thursday against a Minnesota police officer charged with manslaughter in the death of a black motorist. Officer Jeronimo Yanez is accused in the July death of 32-year-old Philando Castile, an elementary school cafeteria worker, during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb. Castile was licensed to carry a handgun and told…
New Owner Revealed For East Superior St. Property
DULUTH, Minn. – The new owner of a building on the 100 block of East Superior Street has been revealed. The buyer is under and entities of Hall Equities group out of California. While the company spokesperson would not confirm what is planned – if any — for the building and the three tenants inside, including Old Town Antiques, it…
Original Coney Island Sold, New Restaurant Moving In
DULUTH, Minn. — The historic Original Coney Island on East Superior Street has been sold after more than 90 years of serving hungry customers. On Wednesday, signs and décor inside the restaurant were off the walls as a transformation is underway for a new restaurant. The name of the new tenant, Martha’s Daughter, was created in 2014, according to its…
Evolving Newspaper Industry Forces DNT To Search For New Headquarters
DULUTH, Minn. – The changing newspaper industry has forced the Duluth News Tribune to put its building up for sale. But the DNT reports the future is bright as the paper nears its150th birthday. According to the DNT, the current building on the 400 block of West First Street has too much empty space after the historic printing press was…
Vista Building Temporary Platform Over Decaying Seawall
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has begun installing a temporary loading platform for the Vista Fleet while the city deals with fixing the crumbling dock walls and areas around it behind the DECC. The wooden platform will allow visitors to safely get on the Vista cruises, according to the city. The problem comes from the aging timbers below…
Cloquet Police Chief Exonerated, Retires; What’s Next?
CLOQUET, Minn. – After a three-month investigation, Cloquet’s police chief, Steve Stracek, is cleared of that “vote of no confidence” complaint by officers of his own department. It’s part of a separation agreement between Stracek and the city, which includes Stracek retiring Thursday. And now, for the first time since the investigation began in March, a longtime police commander is…
Cancer survivors celebrate life with loved ones
The 3rd Annual Cancer Survivorship Celebration was held in Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – Cancer survivors and their families had a chance to come together and show support for one another Wednesday. Miller–Dwan Foundation partnered with Caring Ways Cancer Resource Center to put on the 3rd Annual Cancer Survivorship Celebration at Clyde Iron Works. Cancer survivors enjoyed food, live music, and art. “This event can bring people together, get them to know…
North Shore Scenic Railroad hosts “Purple Train” party in honor of Prince’s birthday
Prince fans hit the rails to pay tribute to the Minnesota legend.
DULUTH, Minn. – All aboard the “Purple Train,” The North Shore Scenic Railroad honored the Minnesota legend on the rails tonight. Prince fans hopped aboard the “Purple Train” to celebrate the late musician’s birthday Wednesday evening. Fans enjoyed food, drinks, and of course, the music. “To the best of our knowledge, this is the only Prince party on a railroad,” party organizer…
Discounts, Rebates Making Some Electric Cars More Affordable
Minnesota Power customers can get a Nissan Leaf for around $13,000 through the month of June
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is hoping to get Duluthians to start thinking green when it comes to driving. Representatives with the company were out at Whole Foods Co–op on Wednesday to promote electric vehicle technology. Through the month of June, Minnesota Power is offering a $10,000 discount to customers who buy a Nissan Leaf electric car. Along with a…
Imagine Duluth 2035 Looking For Different Ways Of Commuting Around Town
Focus Group Looks Into Possible Lake Ave Overpass Change
DULUTH, Minn. – Congestion on Lake Avenue from those trying to access Canal Park from Superior Street has become a growing concern for the city of Duluth. A focus group met tonight to talk about 6 different proposed policies that would better forms of transportation in different parts of the city. The focus group, which is part of the Imagine…
Minnesota Power Announces Plans for Natural Gas Plant in Superior
The $700 million plant would be built along the Nemadji River in Superior's industrial corridor
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Minnesota Power announced some big plans that would bring a $700 million natural gas power plant to Superior. If approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center would start construction as early as 2020 and come online in 2025. The project would bring hundreds of construction and industry jobs, 26 full0time plant…
Former Drug Addict Turns Life Around
Davey Speaks To Kids Across The U.S. As A Form Of Motivation On Recovery
Duluth, Minn. A former drug addict turned musician met with youth tonight in west Duluth to talk about the role drugs played in her life. Mindy Davey has traveled the country talking to young teens about her trials and tribulations while she was addicted to crack–cocaine and prescription pain pills. After numerous run-ins with the law and a number of…
New Hardwood Floors Discovered at Glensheen
DULUTH, Minn.-Some new discoveries have been unveiled at Glensheen Mansion just in time for the tourism season. Today Glensheen showed off some of the original hardwood floors in the basement after some of the carpet was ripped up. Earlier this spring, some stenciling was unveiled, which the staff didn’t know about until restorations went forward at the historic site. “We’re…
Ely Municipal Airport Receives Over $80,000 for Improvements
ELY, Minn. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Rep. Rick Nolan announced a major grant for the Ely Municipal Airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the airport a grant of $82,581 for infrastructure improvements. “Municipal airports, such as the Ely Municipal Airport, support good-paying jobs and safe, efficient travel in our part of Minnesota,”…
Traffic Accident Caused Delays Earlier on I-35 Southbound
DULUTH, Minn. – Questions remain this afternoon after an SUV with a trailer, flipped on its side on Interstate 35 southbound near Midway Road at about 11:30 a.m. The three passengers in the vehicle were uninjured, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Traffic was delayed for a period of time after the accident. The State Patrol is still working on…
3 Teens Caught Stealing Cardboard Display Cake in Minnesota
EDINA, Minn. (AP) – Police in a Minneapolis suburb says three teenagers trying to sneak out of a grocery store with a stolen cake got a not-so-sweet surprise. Instead of a real cake, Edina police say the teens inadvertently grabbed a cardboard display cake. Authorities say the three left a Cub Foods store early Tuesday with a fake cake, but…
Fisheries Scientists to Review Minnesota Lake’s Fish Count
ONAMIA, Minn. (AP) – A nationwide group of fisheries scientists will review the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s walleye assessment on a popular fishing lake after nearby resort owners questioned the lake’s low population of the fish. The Star Tribune reports that this is the second year anglers have been banned from harvesting walleye at Mille Lacs Lake because the…
Castile Trial Continues Today
ST. PAUL, Minn.-The jury hearing the manslaughter trial of a Minnesota police officer is seeing graphic autopsy photos of a black man who was fatally shot last July. Hennepin County Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker testified Wednesday that Philando Castile was hit by five of seven bullets fired by St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez. Two of the bullets did…
Trump to Nominate Christopher Wray to be FBI Director
Trump announced that he intents to nominate Wray over Twitter
WASHINGTON (FOX NEWS) – President Trump on Wednesday said he intends to nominate former assistant attorney general Christopher Wray to be the next FBI director. Wray, currently a litigation partner at King & Spalding, would replace Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, who took over when James Comey was fired by Trump in May. “I will be nominating Christopher A. Wray,…
Comey to Congress: President Trump Told Him ‘I Need Loyalty’
AP Photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Former FBI Director James Comey will say in his opening statement at a congressional hearing that President Donald Trump told him, “I need loyalty. I expect loyalty” during an “awkward” conversation at a January dinner at the White House, according to documents released a day ahead of his highly anticipated testimony. Comey is set to…
Myers-Wilkins Unveils New Logo
Students will receive a t-shirt with the new logo for their last day of school
DULUTH, Minn. – Myers-Wilkins Elementary School has unveiled their new logo and students will be donning it on t-shirts for their last day of school. Students will receive a free t-shirt with the new wolf mascot thanks to a Leadership Duluth service project and some generous donors. Leadership Duluth met with Myers-Wilkins principal Elisa Maldonado, and identified a need for…
Chainbreaker Bicycle Ride to Raise Cancer Research Funds
Ride Takes Place in August
DULUTH, Minn. – Taking a bike ride this summer could help with cancer research. The University of Minnesota is partnering with a group called Chainbreaker to launch a fundraising experience for the Masonic Cancer Center at the University. Many treatments are now available to patients around the world were pioneered at the Masonic Cancer Center. For example, the University has been…
Professional Wrestlers to Take Over Clyde Iron Works this Weekend
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart to Appear
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend several professional wrestlers will be in the ring at Clyde Iron Works. Heavy on Wrestling is presenting the matches on Sunday, June 11. Dave Sabick, Founder of Heavy on Wrestling, tells FOX 21, “what’s great about professional wrestling is it’s the ultimate adrenaline rush, the closest thing to real-life superheroes in front of you performing…
WisDOT Warns Drivers of Increased Potential Deer/Vehicle Crashes in June
20,413 deer/vehicle crashes were reported by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies in 2016
MADISON, Wis. – Safety officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are cautioning motorists about the increased potential of deer darting across roadways over the next several weeks. Deer activity spikes in June as does search for places to give birth and fawns separate from their mothers. June ranks higher than fall months for motorists getting injured in deer vs….
Wisconsin Submits Request to Drug Test Medicaid Applicants
MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin has submitted a request to become the first state in the country to drug test applicants for Medicaid. Republican Gov. Scott Walker said Wednesday that the state submitted the waiver request to President Donald Trump’s administration. The plan would require able-bodied, childless adults to undergo drug screening when applying for Medicaid health benefits. The waiver request also includes…
Cloquet Police Chief Found with No Wrongdoiong, but Will Retire
This All Comes After A Long Council Meeting Last Night
CLOQUET, Minn.-The Cloquet City Council ended up having a long session going into the early morning hours Wednesday to determine the fate of Police Chief Steve Stracek. At about 2:30 a.m., the council announced that Stracek has been cleared of any wrongdoing, but will retire on Thursday. Councilors told Fox 21 his attorney, along with the city’s, met for hours…
Friends of Animals Now Open, Seeking Donations in New Location
Donations Highly Encouraged at Friends of Animals as Humane Society Starts Fresh in New Location
CLOQUET, Minn. – After being closed for nearly one month, staff and volunteers at Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet are opening up the doors to a new location. While the excitement is high, funding is still needed to reach the final goal. Right now, there’s a kingdom of condos being built; condos housing herds of cute kittens. “We…
Retired Teachers, Faculty From Cloquet Schools Share Memories
CLOQUET, Minn. — Earlier this morning, the library at Cloquet Middle School was filled with memories and stories. Retired teachers and staff members from the Cloquet School District share coffee and pastries, provided by Gordy’s Warming House, as they reminisce about the past. “Even though we are a small town, you don’t always see everybody. This is a great way…
Great Outdoors: Roger Peterson Little League Tournament
26 teams from across the region came together in Duluth to take part in the annual West Duluth tournament
DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of youth baseball players from across the Northland were in Duluth this past weekend for Western Duluth Little League’s annual Roger Peterson Baseball Tournament. In tonight’s Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Matt Van Winkle shows us to the sights and sounds from the diamonds. Categories: Community, Great Outdoors, News, News – Latest News
FOX 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner Announced
Categories: News, News – Latest News, This Week in Education
Vacant Superior Council Seat Goes To Elm
City Council Members Vote Tylor Elm To Seat With A 7-2 Vote.
Superior, Wis. After more than a month of emotions, anger and frustrations the Superior City Council has turned a new chapter involving the open council seat Graham Garfield resigned from. Garfield who is facing those serious charges of domestic abuse. The council chambers were packed mostly with support for Tylor Elm who the council ultimately appointed tonight seven to two….
Meeting Held to Address Proposed Minnesota Power Rate Increase
Citizens Utility Board Held Session to Discuss Rate Details
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power has proposed rate increases that would affect customers across the Northland. The Citizens Utility Board held an information session to let people know what the impact of the rate hike could be, and how customers can voice their concerns. “The rate increases are quite significant, especially, more so on low-income people and it impacts their…
Duluth Making Sidewalks More ADA Compliant
Meeting Held for Community Members to Offer Input on Sidewalk Plan
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making their sidewalks more ADA compliant. The first of four public meetings was held for the city to gather input from community members on how to best improve sidewalks for people with disabilities. “The sidewalks are public and everyone uses them an it’s important to have safe, convenient access to the businesses,…
UWS Upward Bound Program Receives Funding for Next Five Years
Program Got $1.28 Million Grant to Continue Helping Superior Kids Get Education
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior Upward Bound program has been re-funded for the next five years. The program recently got a federal grant of more than $1 million. They’ll use that to continue to help high-schoolers from the Superior School District. who are low income or first generation college students, continue their education. “It’s important for these students to have…
Harbor City Students Help Plant Gardens
Library Sale Also Set for Next Tuesday
DULUTH, Minn.-Harbor City students today broke out their green thumb and helped plant garden behind the library on Michigan Street. The students worked with Duluth’s Parks and Maintenance crews to plant beans and a variety of other vegetables, along with flowers Once the veggies are ripe, the public can pick them off the vine. “When people see this kind of…
Public Beach in Cloquet Opens for the Season
CLOQUET, Minn. — Just in time for summer vacation, the Pinehurst Beach in Cloquet is now open to the public. The chlorine pool with the sandy bottom is a unique place for those seeking to cool down in the summer heat. They are open each day of the week, weather permitting. When Fox 21 arrived at the park, the beach…
Duluth and Thunder Bay Form Relationship Through Tai Chi
Duluth and Thunder Bay are Sister Cities
DULUTH, Minn.- Around 30 Canadians from Thunder Bay are in Duluth to experience one of their sister cities. UMD’s University of Seniors invited people from Thunder Bay to Duluth for a couple days of shopping, sight-seeing, and Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a slow exercise sometimes called a moving meditation, that is said to help reduce stress, and increase flexibility,…
