News

Uber, Lyft Excited to Start Duluth Operations

Ride Sharing Services were Recently Approved by City Council

DULUTH, Minn. – While local cab companies aren’t happy, the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance Monday, allowing ride share companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the city. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft are excited to enter the Duluth market. In a statement to FOX 21, an Uber spokesperson said “We’re pleased that the Duluth city council passed regulations…

Chase Ends in Fatal Motorcycle Crash on I-35

The incident happened on I-35 southbound near Forest Lake

(Warning: This video contains content that may be disturbing to some viewers) FOREST LAKE, Minn. (KMSP) – A police chase ended in a fatal motorcycle crash on Interstate 35 southbound near Forest Lake, Minnesota around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol clocked a motorcyclist going between 130-140 mph on I-35W south of Forest Lake, according…

Jury Finds Chicago Man Guilty of Selling Heroin

DULUTH, Minn. – A St. Louis County jury needed only an hour of deliberation on Tuesday before finding a Chicago man guilty of possessing heroin with intent to sell on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation, according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. Antionio Darrell Holmes, 29, was convicted of first-degree possession of heroin and a first-degree sale of…

Four Lawsuits Now Seek to Block PolyMet Mine Land Exchange

Mine is Near Babbitt

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-Environmental groups have now filed four lawsuits seeking to prevent the U.S. Forest Service from swapping land for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The exchange deal calls for trading 6,650 acres of federal land that PolyMet needs for its mine near Babbitt for a similar amount of private land nearby in the Superior National Forest. Lawsuits…

Superintendent Gronseth Explains Reason for Job Hunt

Gronseth has been a finalist for three jobs in 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth schools superintendent Bill Gronseth was not chosen Monday night as the new superintendent of Winona Area Public Schools in southern Minnesota. Gronseth was one of three candidates up for the position. He has been seeking new employment for the last few years. Just this year he was also a finalist for two other districts in Minnesota, including…

Tribal Leaders to Address Wisconsin Lawmakers, Officials

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Native American leaders in Wisconsin will give their annual State of the Tribes address to the Legislature and constitutional officers on April 4. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said, in a news release Tuesday, that Stockbridge-Munsee tribe President Shannon Holsey will give the speech this year. Vos said in the release the State of the Tribes address,…

Minnesota Wine Lawsuit Challenges Out-of-State Grape Ban

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) – A federal lawsuit has been filed by two Minnesota farm wineries, challenging the state’s ban on using out-of-state grapes to make wine. The wineries point to Minnesota’s booming beer industry, with some of the most successful breweries like Summit and Surly using out-of-state hops to craft signature beers. Represented by attorneys with the Institute of Justice,…

Dayton Proposes Pre-K Funding

Many Local Districts Could be Getting Funds

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is proposing investing $175 million  into voluntary pre-kindergarten programs throughout the state, including some local districts. Under the proposal, Duluth schools would get a funding bump from $400,000 to $2.5 million. Chisholm went from nothing to $700,000, while Grand Rapids and International Falls both got boosts of about the same amount. “Investing $175 million…

Runway Closure Possible at Duluth International Airport in 2018

Reconstruction could temporarily close runway for 60 days next summer

Duluth, Minn. The reconstruction of the main runway at the Duluth International Airport is running into some delays. The 60–year–old concrete on the main runway is currently in the process of being replaced. While the project is being completed in phases to minimize air traffic disruption, these current delays may potentially close the runway for two months in the summer…

Biking Industry’s Impact Tagged at $780 Million in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – A new report pegs the economic impact of cycling in Minnesota at $780 million annually. The study finds more than 13-percent of Minnesotans commute by bike, at least once in a while. The state Department of Transportation commissioned the study, which also found about 5,500 jobs tied to the biking industry. The Star Tribune reports Minneapolis…

Level III Predatory Offender Moving to Hibbing

Jehri Johnson HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department is notifying the public of a Level Three Predatory Offender moving into the area. A Notification Meeting is being held Wednesday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m. in the Little Theater in the lower level of the Hibbing Memorial Building. The individual is Jheri Ray Johnson, 56 who is expected to be…

Man Arrested in Minneapolis Stabbing, Abduction

Hershel Hulbert MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities say a toddler has been found safe and his noncustodial father is in custody after stabbing the boy’s mother and taking the child. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued an Amber Alert Tuesday morning, asking for help in locating the father and 2-year-old child. Police say the 26-year-old man stabbed his ex-girlfriend in…

First Intermodal Container Terminal Established in the Twin Ports

Has the opportunity to increase local economy

DULUTH, Minn. – Canadian National (CN) Railway and Duluth Cargo Connect announced Monday, a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Lake Superior Warehousing will team up to operate the new facility at the port’s Clure Public Marine Terminal. This new terminal will transfer…

St. Louis County Searching for Missing 77-Year-Old Male

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 77-year-old Gerald “Zeke” Harvey Fields. On Monday, March 27, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was contacted about a possible missing person. Fields had been staying with the reporting party, and had been gone since Saturday, March 25. He left behind his belongings, including…

Taking Advantage of Spring with New Technology

Verizon Technology Expert Visits FOX 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is here and many may be heading outdoors to enjoy the weather or heading on a family vacation. This morning Mathew Verbout, Solutions Specialist with Verizon, visited FOX 21 to show some technology that families could enjoy. The Waterkeeper Swim Guide app helps find the nearest beach. Folks can also use the Surf Report or Surfline app helps…

Giants Ridge to Begin Operations Under Single Management May 1

IRRRB will continue to own Giants Ridge physical assets and property

BIWABIK, Minn. – Contract agreements have finally been made with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) and a private management firm for the management of Giants Ridge operations. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips announced today, that the contract was finalized with Guest Services, Inc. in partnership with Billy Casper Golf, to manage all Giants Ridge operations, effective May 1,…

Volunteers Preparing Trains for Tourist Season

Northland Uncovered: North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s finally starting to feel like Spring outside and that means some vehicles seen chugging along the North Shore are getting tuned up for the season. Over at the Duluth Depot, volunteers are hard at work in the shop for the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The trains are winterized and stored for the winter. Now that Spring…

Duluth Police Seek Missing Person

Missing Person Needs Medications

UPDATE: William Saker was located deceased in October 2017. DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing person. William Robert Saker, 50, was last seen Friday, March 10, as he was leaving his residence at the 800 block of Upham Road. He is six-feet, two-inches tall, and weighs 200 pounds. He has brownish-blonde hair,…

Saginaw Fire Destroys Building

Multiple Agencies Responded to the Scene

SAGINAW, Minn.-Local fire departments in Saginaw responded to a structure fire in an outbuilding at the 4900 block of Highway 33. The building was fully engulfed when crews arrived. The fire was contained, but the $60,000 structure was a total loss. “The homeowner reportedly went inside the detached home after doing furniture work with a metal grinder,” said the St….

AMBER ALERT: Toddler Located Safe

UPDATE: The Amber Alert has been cancelled, Hulbert has been located safe, and according to authorities the suspect has been arrested. MINNESOTA – Minneapolis police have issued an Amber Alert for a missing toddler. Police are looking for 2 1/2 year old Harlen Hulbert, after he was taken by two men. One of the men stabbed his mother and has…

Keeping Card and Comic Collecting Alive

Collector's Connection offers a Wide Variety of Nostalgic Comics, Cards, and More

DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are the sight of baseball or Pokémon cards bring back a few childhood memories for many. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we’re taking a look at how the industry has grown as millennials move forward. “Back when I was growing up, sports cards were the big deal,” said Glen Booth, Manager at Collectors Connection in…

It’s A Yes For Uber & Lyft

City Council Votes 7-1 In Favor Of Share Transportation Ordinance

Duluth, Minn With a vote of 7–1, the Duluth City Council approves the ride sharing ordinance to allow transportation such as Uber and Lyft to operate within the city. In about 30 days everyone that lives in Duluth or visits will have the choice of what transportation they prefer. Nearly all city council members spoke in favor of the ordinance….

Dredging Project to Help Boaters at Arrowhead Fishing Pier

Flooding has caused extra sediment to pile up near the dock along the Saint Louis River

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A project in Superior is aiming to make fishing a little easier on the Saint Louis River. The city is working with the DNR to dredge the area around the Arrowhead Fishing Pier. Flooding over the last few years has caused extra sediment to pile up near the dock. Fishermen have expressed frustrations about their motors bottoming…

Superior Mayor Battling Terminal Illness

Disease is in the Lungs

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen has announced he has a terminal illness. Hagen was diagnosed with a lung disease recently, which causes the tissue in the lungs to become thicker or even scar. It eventually leads to making it harder to move oxygen throughout the body. The diagnosis could lead to Hagen living another three to five years. Hagen announced…

Bachand Group Responds To Apt. Building’s Delinquency

Full Utilities Payment Was Made Monday Morning To SWL&P

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bachand Group released a statement Monday after FOX 21’s report on Sunday about tenants up in arms over potential disconnection of water, heat and electric at Lund Hill Apartments on Tower Avenue.  A Superior Water Light & Power spokesperson said the utilities for the building were at least 90 days past due with no contact or arrangements…

Senate GOP Proposes Large Cuts to Social Services

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Senate Republicans want big cuts for many of Minnesota’s social services program, and state officials and Democrats say that could harm some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. The $15.4 billion bill released Monday shows a $671 million gap between Governor Mark Dayton’s and the Senate GOP’s budget proposals for all health and human services…

Munger Trail Construction to Begin Soon

Will Last Until August

DULUTH, Minn.-A five-mile section of the Willard Munger State Trail between Grand Avenue and Becks roads in West Duluth will be closed from mid-April through August, during a construction project. The project is set to the tread-way damaged during the 2012 flood. It would bring the trail up to current standards as well, making it wider. “While the construction will…

Teens Wearing Leggings Barred from United Flight

DENVER (AP) – Two teenage girls were barred by a gate agent from boarding a United Airlines flight from Denver to Minneapolis because they were wearing leggings. United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said the girls were not allowed onto the Sunday morning flight because they were traveling under an employee travel pass that includes a dress code. That dress code bars…

Man Accused in Death of Stout Student Pleads Not Guilty

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) – The Minnesota man accused of killing a University of Wisconsin Stout Cullen Osburn student from Saudi Arabia, has pleaded not guilty to charges. Cullen Osburn is charged with felony murder and aggravated battery in the death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi. The 24-year-old student died from a brain injury last October following an altercation in downtown Menomonie….

Suit Filed in Federal Court to Overturn Forest Service Decision on Land Exchange with PolyMet

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), the Center for Biological Diversity, and the W.J. McCabe Chapter of the Izaak Walton League filed suit in federal court on Monday, March 27, to overturn the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to approve a land exchange with PolyMet Mining. According to the suit filed, the Forest Service instructed its…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Target Adults Who Host Underage Drinkers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Adults who allow teenagers to drink in their homes would be breaking the law under a new bill two Republican lawmakers are circulating. Current law prohibits adults from allowing underage drinkers to consume alcohol in premises owned by the adults or under their control. But a state appeals court ruling last year narrowly interpreted “premises” to…

Enbridge Tax Appeal Could Cost Counties Millions

BAGLEY, Minn. (AP) – Some northern Minnesota counties could end up paying millions of dollars to Enbridge Energy if the company is successful in its tax appeal. Enbridge claims the Minnesota Department of Revenue unfairly valued its oil pipeline network and overcharged it in five years of tax collections. Clearwater and Red Lake counties could end up refunding more money…

Wetterling Abduction File Could Soon Be Made Public

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The public may soon have its first look at the investigative file into the 1989 abduction of Jacob Wetterling. Stearns County officials are entering the final stages of redacting and copying thousands of pages of statements, tips, and interview transcripts regarding the 11-year-old boy who was abducted near his St. Joseph home. Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Bruce…

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Walz to Retire, Run for Governor

Top Democrat of Veterans Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON–Rep. Tim Walz, a five–term Democrat, says he is running for governor of his home state of Minnesota. Walz is seeking to replace Gov. Mark Dayton, a fellow Democrat. A spokesman for Walz’ gubernatorial campaign confirmed his decision. Walz is the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He first won election to his rural district along Minnesota’s southern border…

New Outdoor Venue May Come to Grand Rapids

Venue Would Host Concerts and Other Events Along City's Riverfront

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.  – City officials are looking at building a new outdoor venue along the Mississippi riverfront. The new venue would offer theatre performances, concerts, boat shows, and much more. When the venue feasibility study ends in May, more details will be known. Right now, two potential locations next to the river are being considered. “The town was built…

Finding the Perfect Home with One Roof Housing

Coffee Conversation: One Roof Housing

DULUTH, Minn. – With Spring officially here, many Northlanders will have house-searching on the brain. Representatives from One Roof Housing visited FOX 21 to chat about important things to know when looking to move. Jackie Kemp, Education and Counseling Director for One Roof Housing, says there are education seminars to help future homebuyers. Noah Hobbs, Lending Director, says anyone looking…

Grand Rapids Elementary Schools in Need of Upgrades

Task Force Looks to Find Best Plan to Improve City's Four Elementary Schools

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – All four elementary schools in Grand Rapids are feeling cramped and outdated for many in the community. In 2015, an $80 million referendum to build two new elementary schools was voted down, and school district officials say, over the last two years, conditions have only gotten worse. A taskforce is now looking into how to best…

Nikki’s Notebook: Duluth Yoga Girl

Class Aims to Foster Body and Mind Connection

Kids spend a lot of time in the classroom during the school year, much of that time is sitting in place. One class outside of the school buildings is hoping to help keep young minds connected and confident A unique program at Duluth Yoga is only for young girls, aged 9-13. “What they learn here on the mat in this…

Tenants To Building Owner: Pay SWL&P Before Disconnection

Building Is Owned By Bachand Group

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There was growing worry Sunday for tenants of an apartment building in Superior after a notice was placed on the building that it could be disconnected from services provided by Superior Water Light & Power. The reason for the disconnection isn’t because of tenants, according to SWL&P.  The company says it’s because the building owner hasn’t paid…

Northland Community Wellness Day

Event at UMD Promotes Healthy Families and Communities in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday was Northland Community Wellness Day at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. With over eighty interactive exhibits, the event promoted healthy families and communities across the Twin Ports region. It was a fun way for Northlanders young and old to learn about health and wellness, public safety, sustainability, and financial literacy. “It’s a perfect way for people to…