News

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Honored at Luncheon

It's National Police Week

  DULUTH, Minn.- The 28th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Prayer and Luncheon was held in Duluth. A room full or law enforcement officers, families and supporters honored police officers who had given the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty, with talks and prayers. Nationwide, 143 officers died while serving their communities. It was a 16…

Standoff as Officers Attempt to Execute Search Warrant

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Around 10:30 a.m Thursday, May 18, the Superior Police Department began executing a search warrant for evidence and a felony arrest warrant in the 1200 block of Harrison Street. The Superior Police Department’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) was used to serve the warrant. Attempts were made by the Crisis Response Team to negotiate with the man to…

Minnesota Budget Talks Hit Stalemate

Legislators and Gov. Dayton Have Until May 22 to Strike Deal

  ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders are in a standoff as they try to agree on a new budget. The two sides have been meeting all week, trading offers to resolve a $1 billion budget gap and disputes about how much to offer in tax breaks. They have a $1.65 billion surplus to use but just…

Rocker Chris Cornell Found Dead at Age 52

His death has been ruled a suicide

The Associated Press DETROIT (AP) – Chris Cornell, one of the most lauded and respected contemporary lead singers in rock music with his band Soundgarden and Audioslave, killed himself Wednesday by hanging in a Detroit hotel room, according to the city’s medical examiner. He was 52. The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office said Thursday it completed the preliminary autopsy on…

Wisconsin Unemployment Lowest Since February 2000

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in more than 17 years. The state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday that the unemployment rate in April was 3.2 percent. The seasonally adjusted figure is down from 3.4 percent in March and the lowest since February 2000. The national unemployment rate for April was 4.4 percent….

Forecasters Predicting Hotter than Normal Summer

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. forecasters are predicting another warmer-than-normal summer for most of the country along with wetter weather in a swath of states stretching from Texas to Montana. The National Weather Service’s summer outlook issued Thursday predicts greater chances for hot weather in Alaska and pretty much everywhere else. The exceptions are Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska,…

Dayton Vetoes Bill for Teacher Licensing Overhaul

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have overhauled the way Minnesota licenses teachers. The proposal, which passed both chambers with bipartisan support, would have created a new licensing board and a four-tiered licensing system, making it easier to license teachers who are trained out of state or have unconventional backgrounds. Supporters say…

Two Arrested in Heroin, Crack Cocaine Bust

DULUTH, Minn. – Two suspects were detained in the 100 block of West 4th Street in Duluth, and a search warrant executed in a motor vehicle they were traveling in, according to the Duluth Police Department and Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. These individuals were suspected of selling heroin and crack cocaine. During the execution of the…

Warm Spring Brings Ticks Out Early Across Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The early spring has brought the ticks out ahead of schedule across Minnesota and experts are warning people to protect themselves against the diseases they carry. The Minnesota Department of Health says anyone who goes outdoors should be alert for the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman tells Minnesota Public…

Fox News Founder, Roger Ailes, Dead at 77

(FOX NEWS) – Roger Ailes, who built Fox News into a cable powerhouse before leaving the company last year, died Thursday morning at age 77. The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Thursday afternoon that Ailes suffered bleeding of the brain caused by a fall at home. The Ohio-born television pioneer was a confidante of presidents and an acknowledged…

One-Act Plays Created in 24 Hours Bring Laughter to Duluth

Chicken Hat Plays: How You Can Submit a Prompt

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend The Chicken Hat Plays are coming back to Duluth. All the fun is happening Saturday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. Put on by Rubber Chicken Theater, there are eight one-act plays within the show. The individual acts are all created in 24 hours. On Friday night writers will select who, what and where prompts out of…

ATV Riders Can Explore Minnesota Trails for Free June 2-4

Free access to over 3,000 miles of state trails

ATVs on Spider Lake Trail MINNESOTA – Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee ($53.50 for three years) to ride the state’s public ATV trails June 2-4, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Out-of-state riders can explore the ATV trails, as well without the need for…

Wine Tasting: Behind the Scenes at Chalk Hill Estate

SONOMA, Cal. – A wine producing company in California is selling their wines across the United States and that includes right here in the Northland. Several times Regional Sales Manager Marc Carrigan has visited FOX 21 on the morning show for wine tasting and this morning he took us to California. Carrigan and Master Sommelier, Robert Smith, gave the background of…

REAL ID Finally a Done Deal in Minnesota

Tim Blotz - Fox 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota lawmakers have reached a deal to get the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law. The compromise bill passed the House on a 120-11 vote late Wednesday afternoon, then passed the Senate on a 57-8 vote. Thursday morning, Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill, making Minnesota the last state in the nation…

CVS Robbery Suspect Found Dead

No Foul Play Suspected

DULUTH, Minn.-The suspect in the Superior Street CVS pharmacy robbery Monday was found dead at a residence on the 600 block of North First Avenue East Tuesday. When investigators arrived at the scene of the reported body, they noticed numerous items that looked like they were from the CVS robbery. Police are reporting that they don’t believe the death is…

State Of Emergency Declared After An EF-2 Tornado Tears Through Northwest Wisconsin

Tornado Carves A Path For 30 Miles From Chetek to Conrath Wisconsin

CHETEK, Wis. – A State of Emergency was declared in Barron and Rusk counties in Northwest Wisconsin after a tornado tore through homes and properties on Tuesday night. Rice Lake and Chetek sirens blared at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday as the sky turned dark and green. A tornado touched down near Chetek Wisconsin and traveled 30 miles to Conrath. Windows…

Chetek Greenhouse Lucky to Avoid Tornado

Destroyed Trailer Park, Turkey Farm was About a Mile Away

CHETEK, Wis. – While Tuesday’s tornado near Chetek left destruction and devastation in its path, less than a mile away a nearby business remained virtually untouched and the owner is counting his blessings. Jim Berger owns Treefrogs Greenhouse just outside Chetek.  He had just closed and was on his way home, when Tuesday’s storm hit.  He waited it out in…

First On FOX: Former Superior Councilor’s Ex-Fiance Vying For His Seat

'It's In No Way Revenge Or Anything Like That'

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The ex-fiancé of former Superior city councilor Graham Garfield broke her silence first to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday. Kara Schmidt talked about the incident that lead to four domestic abuse charges against Garfield, as well as her jump into the race to replace Garfield’s former council seat. “It’s heart shattering. I didn’t expect my whole life…

Northern Lights Foundation Hosts Annual Gala

Organization Raises Money for Families with Children Who Have Life Threatening Illnesses

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northlanders came out to the annual Northern Lights Foundation Gala tonight to support children and families in need. Guests enjoyed a meal, bid on silent and live auction items, and spent time with kids who were helped by the Northern Lights Foundation. The charity has now given grants to over 160 Northland families who have…

“Stories with Seniors” Brings Kids to Superior Rehabilitation Center

Nursing Home Residents Read "Corduroy" to Children

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nursing home resident and kids had a special chance to learn from each other at the Superior Rehabilitation Center. The first ever “Stories with Seniors” event allowed kids and parents to come to the center, make their own cotton candy, and listen to one of the residents read the classic children’s book, Corduroy. “I think we can…

Duluth School District Awards Gold Star Teacher

Troy Erie, 4th Grade Teacher at Lowell Elementary, Received the Award

DULUTH, Minn. – The Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Award is given every year to a deserving Duluth teacher. This year’s recipient is Troy Erie. Mr. Erie teaches 4th Grade at Lowell Elementary. He was one of nine teachers nominated, one from each Duluth elementary school. At the ceremony tonight, the Lowell principal shared some of the reasons Mr. Erie is…

1980s Dance Party This Friday to Serve as Benefit for CHOICE-Unlimited

Helps Raise Funds for People with Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn.-Have you ever wanted to relive the 1980s? Now’s your chance, as CHOICE-Unlimited and Ignite Studio are partnering up for a 1980s night featuring an aerobics class and a dance party on Friday. The event costs $10 and raises funds for CHOICE, a local non-profit that helps people with disabilities become more involved with the community. “This is something…

School Board Rejects Bids on Rubber Mulch

School Board Could Vote on Mulch in Special Session in June

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth School Board has voted to not go forward with a $1.2 million bid to replace it’s rubber mulch with a wood fiber. In recent months, parents expressed concern about the mulch the district currently uses. Some have suspected it is connected to various diseases such as cancer, which makes it necessary to remove it as quickly as…

Shark Jawbone Caught While Fishing on Mississippi River in Grand Rapids

It has Been Identified as a Sand Tiger Shark

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-A Minnesota angler landed an unusual trophy when he reeled in a shark jawbone while fishing on the Mississippi River. Joe Piskel, of Grand Rapids, caught the jawbone near the town over the weekend. He and his son, Joey, brought it to a Department of Natural Resources office, where a fisheries biologist identified it as being from a…

Lake Superior Zoo CEO Announces Resignation

Corey Leet DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Zoo CEO Corey Leet announced today that he will be resigning from his position and will advise the Lake Superior Zoological Society Board of Directors as a consultant while the search for a new leader is underway. “It is with regret that I must make this decision and step down from what really…

Wisconsin Democrats Push for Statewide Use-of-Force Policies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic lawmakers from Madison and Milwaukee want to set statewide standards for when and how law enforcement officers should use deadly force. Representatives Chris Taylor, Evan Goyke, and David Bowen and Senator LaTonya Johnson held a news conference Tuesday to introduce a package of bills. The proposals would require law enforcement agencies across the state to…

Minnesota Lawmakers Set to Vote on Federal ID Standards

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota legislators finally appear to have a deal on Real ID, the enhanced identification that’ll eventually be required to pass airport security. Minnesota Public Radio reports the deal to bring the state’s driver’s licenses and identification cards up to federal security standards was delayed by a dispute over giving driver’s licenses for immigrants without proper…

Construction Begins May 22 for Highway 5 Bridge Replacement over the Bear River

Hwy 5 will be closed between N Airport Rd and Hwy 22 as a result

Photo: St. Louis Public Works COOK, Minn. – The St. Louis County Public Works Department has announced construction to build a new bridge on County State Aid Highway 5 over the Bear River, just west of Linden Grove Township, is set to begin on May 22. During this project, Highway 5 will be closed between North Airport Road and Highway…

Chipotle Teams Up With Animal Allies Humane Society

50 Percent of all Fundraiser Sales to be Given to Animal Allies Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Wednesday only, Chipotle lovers across the Northland have the chance to make their purchase go a long way in the community. Chipotle recently contacted Animal Allies Humane Society with a fundraising offer. Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Duluth Chipotle Mexican Grill will donate 50 percent of all fundraiser sales to the Animal Allies Humane…

Superior Common Council to Hold Special Election for 6th District Seat

SUPERIOR, Wis – The City of Superior Common Council has announced it will be holding a Special Election on April 3, 2018 to fill the vacant 6th District Aldermanic position, formerly held by Graham Garfield who stepped down earlier this month. Until the Special Election, the Council is seeking applicants to fill the position for a one-year term. Qualified applicants…

Annual Workout Event Supports Local Veterans

23rd Veteran to Receive Funds

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend military supporters will be getting a good workout all for a good cause. The 4th Annual Memorial Day Murph is Saturday, May 20 at Crossfit Duluth starting at 9 a.m. Crossfit Duluth puts this on this event to show support for the military and this year is donating proceeds to 23rd Veteran. 23rd Veteran is a local non-profit…

Duluth Junk Hunt to Celebrate Five Years

Finding Vintage Goods at Duluth Junk Hunt

DULUTH, Minn. – Some say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and that’s certainly true at the Duluth Junk Hunt. The event is hosting nearly 100 vendors displaying their vintage goods. These vendors come from all over the state. Part of the proceeds are donated to the Encounter Youth Center. The Duluth Junk Hunt is Friday, May 19 and…

Porter’s Restaurant to Undergo Rebranding and Remodel

Renovations are estimated at $1 million

DULUTH, Minn. – Porter’s Restaurant announced Wednesday that it will undergo a major transformation including a new name, fresh look, and updated menu. Starting on May 30, the restaurant will temporarily close to begin the $1 million renovations. Porter’s has been serving visitors and locals in downtown Duluth inside the Holiday Center, for over 30 years. “We are excited to…

Great Outdoors: Minnesota Fishing Opener

Northland Youth Learns The Lure of The Lake

ISLAND LAKE, Minn- It’s the pursuit of the catch, that has so many of Minnesota’s anxious anglers up well before dawn and hitting the water at first light. Youth Angler, Keegan Charnley says, “We had to wake up pretty early to get here, but, well we’ve had a few bites.” For Keegan Charnley and is father Richie, they look forward…

Special Report: The Toxic Chemicals In Modern-Day Fires

Firefighters Need Funding For Equipment to Limit Exposure

They risk their lives to save ours every day, but as time passes we’re losing a lot of firefighters to the invisible danger of cancer. According to a study from the CDC, about 68 percent of firefighters end up getting cancer compared to around 22 percent of the general public. At this point there isn’t a lot of information yet…

WI Emergency Operations Update On Tornado Damage

Report #1 5-16-2017 One person was killed and more than 25 people were injured tonight following tornadoes that hit northwestern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says a supercell tracked across Polk, Barron, and Rusk counties late Tuesday afternoon spanning one or more tornadoes. Barron County: One fatality, 25 injuries at the Prairie Lake Estate Mobile Park in Cameron. Approximately 40…

Tornado Rips Through Western Wisconsin; 1 Dead, 25 Injured

CAMERON, Wis. (KMSP) – One person is dead and 25 others are injured after tornado touchdowns near Cameron, Wis., according to the Barron County Sheriff. There is widespread damage in the area.   Click here for aerial footage. The search for survivors is ongoing. Responders could hear the voices of people trapped inside their homes when they first arrived, packing six…

Harrison Park To Be Revamped

Work To Be Done Over This Summer

Duluth, Wis. The Harrison Park neighborhood will see some big changes to the community park this summer. The park is one of 13 parks that qualify for 90 thousand dollars’ worth of half and half funding. Some of the bigger changes will include making the facility ADA accessible a formal gathering space and a new revamp community garden. “We know…

Superior Councilors Approves Application Process For Vacant Council Seat

City Council Will Chose New Councilor During June 6th Meeting

Superior, Wis. – Superior city councilors convened Tuesday to move forward with the resignation of councilor Graham Garfield who is facing four charges of domestic abuse. Councilors officially accepted Garfield’s resignation Tuesday night. They also made a decision on what to do with the vacant council seat. In a vote across the board councilors chose to appoint someone to Garfield’s…

Superior Police Honored By UWS Black Student Union

Chief Alexander Presented with a Traditional African Sash

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander has gotten a first-of-its-kind award from the Black Student Union at UWS. Over the last few years under Chief Alexander’s leadership, the Superior Police Department has worked to build relationships between the department and diverse groups in the community. Today, students in the UW-Superior Black Student Union honored the chief by presenting…

WWI Trenches Exhibit on Display at Bong Museum

Display Honors 58 Douglas County Men Who Lost Their Lives During the War

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new World War I exhibit is now open at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Historical Center in Superior. To honor the hundredth anniversary of the U.S. entering World War I, a mock trench is now on display for museum-goers to see what trench life may have been like. The exhibit also tells the story of the…

47-Year-Old Male Charged in Ironwood Standoff

IRONWOOD, Mich. – Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs authorized a five count felony warrant for 47-year-old Leonard Hellier of Ironwood Township. The warrant contains two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent. These charges stem…

Crooked Pint Open in Kenwood Village

New Restaurant Features More than 30 Tap Beers

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s new Kenwood Village now offers more food than bagels. The Crooked Pint Ale House opened for business Tuesday Morning. Owned by the same company as Green Mill restaurants, the new location is Crooked Pint’s sixth in Minnesota, and first north of the Twin Cities. General Manger Russ Smith Was happy see his work pay off Tuesday….