News

Arson Incident in UMD Dorms

Arsonists set fire to posters hung near study lounge

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday, March 19, just after 7:30 p.m., UMDPD and personnel from the Duluth Fire Department responded to the sixth floor of Griggs Hall E on the report of an arson fire. Suspect(s) set fire to posters on a wall near the residential and study lounge areas. The fire activated the alarms, which prompted fire response and evacuation…

Online Campaign Supports St. Scholastica Students

Annual Give to CSS Day is Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – This week the College of St. Scholastica is hoping for your support during their Annual Day of Giving Campaign. The 24-hour online campaign is Thursday, March 23. The money raised is used to strengthen current programs and enable new opportunities for the student population. It also supports everything from classroom equipment to financial aid, to keeping the…

Group Seeks New Purpose for Old Jail

Northland Uncovered: Old St. Louis County Jail

DULUTH, Minn. – The historic Zenith city has several landmarks within its borders. Some of these historic staples are quickly losing their shine. That’s why the Duluth Preservation alliance has made a list of 10 endangered properties in town. The old St. Louis County Jail is one of them. It was built in 1924 to complement the Civic Center. The…

Body Found in Ironwood Home that was Set for Demolition

Believed to be the Homeowner

IRONWOOD, Mich.-The Ironwood Department of Public Safety have discovered human remains inside a home that was due for demolition Monday. The Ironwood home was being inspected prior to being destroyed when the remains were found. Authorities have said the person found inside the home had been deceased “for some time, and was perhaps the homeowner.” Authorities have identified the individual…

Catch-and-Release Walleye Season Announced at Mille Lacs Lake

Mille Lacs Lake Needs to Rebuild Walleye Population

Mille Lacs Lake, Minn.-Catch-and-release regulations will be in effect again this year, in order to rebuild the Walleye population. Anglers will be on the water May 13, with the walleye season running until Sept. 4. “Our goal is to have the longest fishing season possible while ensuring the conservation of the lake’s future walleye spawning stock,” said DNR Commissioner Tom…

Man Dies in ATV Accident in Town of Oakland

Accident Occurred Saturday

Town of Oakland, Wis.-A 28-year-old man has died as the result of injuries sustained in an ATV accident in the Town of Oakland Saturday. Andrew Mirkot, of South Range, has been identified as the victim. The crash happened at about 2:30 p.m. on Clara Barton Road. When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they decided to airlift the victim to a hospital…

Wisconsin Battles Chronic Wasting Disease

Seven Percent of Deer Infected with CWD

MADISON, Wis.- The state Department of Natural Resources says a little more than 7 percent of deer tested last year were infected with chronic wasting disease. Data on the DNR’s website shows 441 of 6,039 deer analyzed tested positive for the disease, a prevalence rate of 7.3 percent. The prevalence rate in 2015 was 9.4 percent, the highest rate since…

Minnesota GOP Takes on Road Funding Debate

Lack of Funding Found for Mass Transit Projects

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Senate Republicans say they have a plan to fund billions of dollars in road and bridge repairs without raising the gas tax. Legislation unveiled Monday would tap a mixture of existing taxes on car parts and other automobile expenses, federal grants and borrowing to drum up $3.6 billion over the next decade. But it hinges…

Lincoln Park House Fire Investigated as ‘Suspicious’

Someone Seen Running Away from Home at Time of Fire

DULUTH, Minn.-A Monday structure fire at 2006 W. Fourth St. has been deemed suspicious by the Duluth Fire Department. “This fire is suspicious in nature with a report of a person fleeing the scene before the fire was reported,” said the Duluth Fire Department in a prepared statement. When crews responded to the fire at the Lincoln Park home, they…

Ely Teacher Killed In Snowmobile Accident

ELY, Minn. – An Ely man has died from injuries suffered during a snowmobile accident that happened Sunday around 3 p.m. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office identified the man Monday as 48-year-old Christopher Yarger. The Ely Echo reported Yarger as a first-year teacher at Ely Memorial High School. Authorities say Yarger crashed his snowmobile on Shagawa Lake, and they…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Benoit Cheese Haus

Store Has More Than 150 Kinds of Cheese

BENOIT, Wis. — Jill Jones is a true Wisconsinite. As the newest owner of Benoit Cheese Haus in Benoit, Wisconsin, she knows her home state loves its cheese. “I couldn’t imagine a world without cheese,” she says with a wry smile. From Havarti, to Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Gouda, and Cheddar, Benoit Cheese Haus in Bayfield County boasts that…

Lakewalk Bustling for First Day of Spring

With temperatures near 50 degrees in Duluth, people flocked to Lake Superior to enjoy the start of a new season

DULUTH, Minn. – It may still look and feel a bit like winter around the Northland with some snow scattered about, but Monday marked the first official day of spring. Many people were out enjoying the warm weather, including Barb and Jim Lundborg, who were visiting from the St. Paul area. “There’s energy in spring,” said Barb. “It’s kind of…

Local Arts 2017 Schedules Unveiled

DULUTH, Minn. – The art scene in the Twin Ports has grown quickly, creating its own brand. Due to the major support system from the community, it allows for new never-before-seen productions to make their way to northeastern Minnesota. Monday evening, three major productions including the Duluth-Superior Symphony, Minnesota Ballet, and Lyrics of the North, came together at the Zeitgeist…

Local Leader Wins Well Deserved Award

Phil Norrgard Wins Award for Work During His Time With the Fond du Lac Band

DULUTH, Minn.- A local leader wins a prestigious award at UMD. An award ceremony was held for Phil Norrgard who received the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award for the work he has done as the Human Services Director for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Outstanding Achievement Award is given to people who have demonstrated outstanding…

Belknap Construction Project is Beginning in Superior

Some Roads Will Be Closed

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Construction to improve Belknap Street in Superior is beginning as soon as the weather is warm enough. People involved with the project say the current street is reaching the end of its useful life, and costing too much to maintain. The two year project on Belknap Street will replace around 1.4 miles of concrete roadway, upgrade the storm…

It’s Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen

It's Dairy Queen's Way of Celebrating Spring

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the first day of spring, and Dairy Queens across the Northland and Nation, is celebrating with free Ice Cream Cones Ice Cream Cones are free today at participating Dairy Queens. The Cones are limited to one per person, and each person getting a free cone needs to be there in person, but no purchase is required. “The…

Construction Begins on Slip Bridge

Will Also Get New Paint in Fall

DULUTH, Minn.-Construction began on the Duluth Slip Bridge today. The bridge has had major issues over the years, causing it to constantly close. The new system they are installing, will be much more reliable than it is now, according to city officials. The project is expected to be completed by the first week of June. It will also get new…

New Michigan Ad Campaign to Raise Awareness for Child Vaccinations

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan health officials are launching a vaccination campaign aimed at preventing serious diseases in children. The “I Vaccinate” campaign by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Franny Strong Foundation and other health officials will use television, radio, digital, social, and outdoor advertising to stress the importance of vaccinations. A website also was launched…

Border Protection Officer Found Dead at Border

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office reports that around 6 p.m. Sunday, March 19, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from the Grand Portage Port of Entry where a male US Customs & Border Protection Officer was found fatally wounded. It is believed to be self-inflicted. The name of the Officer is being withheld…

Hibbing, Virginia RadioShack Set to Close

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)RadioShack has announced it will be closing hundreds of stores across the country, including seven in Minnesota. The retailer will be shutting down 552 stores, according to the Business Insider. Those that have been selected are reported to have high rent and low sales. The following stores are selected to close in Minnesota: Hibbing Marketplace – 141…

Man Drowns While Rescuing Dog in Chequamegon Bay

ASHLAND, Wis. – Around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male, Ashland resident, Ronald Werchowski, 55, who was overdue from walking his dog near Krehr Park in Ashland. The caller reported finding personal belongings of Werchowski at the park, as well as several holes in the ice on Lake Superior….

Wellness Advocate Promotes Essential Oils

Coffee Conversation: Doterra Essential Oils

DULUTH, Minn. – For thousands of years, people have healed with nature’s touch. Essential oils are used around the world and found in the seeds, bark, stems roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They have been used historically for food preparation, beauty treatment, and healthcare practices. This morning, doTERRA Wellness Advocate, Linda Carrillo, explained how essential oils have changed…

Group Hopes to Spread Meaning of Wellness

Northland Community Wellness Day

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders are promoting wellness in the region and at home for the whole family for the Northland Community Wellness Day. This is a free community event highlighting local wellness resources and services through interactive exhibits, workshops, and family-friendly activities. There will be more than 80 wellness-related exhibits in Romano Gym at the University of Minnesota –…

DOJ: Minneapolis Lacked Coordination, but Kept Peace in 4th Precinct Protests

(Ted Haller / Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – The Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) on Monday released its after-action report of the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department’s response to the protests and demonstrations at the MPD’s 4th Precinct following the November 2015 shooting death of Jamar Clark. The DOJ review was requested by…

House GOP Envisions Big Tax Cuts, Some Government Cuts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Republicans are cuing up cuts to some health care programs and state government agencies while drumming up nearly $1.4 billion in tax relief. House legislative leaders offered up few details on their budgetary plans Monday, while outlining a broad framework of a proposed two-year budget. They’re envisioning a roughly $45 billion budget. That…

$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Duluth

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold at the Holiday Stationstore at 5430 Grand Avenue in Duluth for the March 18, 2017 drawing. The winning numbers were 13-25-44-54-67, Powerball 5. The holder has yet to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters in Roseville. The winner is highly encouraged to sign the back of the ticket and…

Zack Filipovich Vying for Duluth City Council Re-Election

Filipovich Was the Youngest Council President in Duluth History

DULUTH, Minn.- City Councilor Zack Filipovich announced he is running for reelection to the Duluth City Council at Large. At the age of 25, Filipovich was the youngest council president in Duluth History. If re-elected, Filipovich plans to continue to focus on public safety, infrastructure, environmental issues, and economic equity in Duluth. “After being on the council now for over…

Northland College Working to Serve 80% Local Food

The First Phase to be Completed This Spring

ASHLAND, Wis.- Around 50 percent of Northland College in Ashland’s food supply is sourced locally. But Northland College is working to have even more local food available, and plans to have its cafeteria serve 80 percent local food by 2020. The college launched what they call the Food Systems Center to help reach that goal. “We have a lot of very…

Nikki’s Notebook: Northland College Pledges Sanctuary

The School Pledges to be a Sanctuary School for Immigrant Students.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland pledged to be a Sanctuary school for Immigrant students. College President Michael Miller says Northland college has a history of commitment to social justice and diversity.  The college promises students that the school will not voluntarily share student information with immigration enforcement officials, unless it is legally required. “The policies primarily focus on us…

Boxers Fight to Knock Out Bullying

Program Helps Educate Youth About Bullying

HIBBING, Minn.- A program in Hibbing is working to knock out bullying It’s a campaign by Iron Range Boxing to help fight bullying. Youth groups attend a 30-minute class to learn about bullying, and how to stop it. The classes feature different guest speakers. Some of the speakers were bullied in their life, and some were the former bullies. Topics…

Ely Man Seriously Injured In Snowmobile Accident

ELY, Minn. – An Ely man is fighting for his life after crashing his snowmobile. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 48 years old. The accident happened. Around 3 p.m. Sunday on Shagawa Lake north of Ely. The man was listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries Sunday at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth….

Children Get a Taste of Being an Engineer for 1 Day

The Event was Put on by UMD Students.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 40 3rd, 4th and 5th graders had a small taste of what it’s like to be an engineer. The Society of Women Engineers at UMD hosted the Spring into Engineering event, where children tried out hands on activities, that put their problem solving skills to the test.  The goal behind the event is to “If we can…

Registrations Opened for Family Freedom School

It's a Program That Started in the Civil Rights Movement Era

DULUTH, Minn.- The Family Freedom center opened up registrations for the Family Freedom school, a 12 week program designed to engage and empower black families and community members. The program addresses internalized racism, economic isolation, and structural racism that can affect black families. The program also helps educate people on the civil rights movement, cultural values, and youth development.   A…

Saint Fennessy 4K Run A Success

600 Runners Including Children Participated

DULUTH, Minn. – No walk up registrations welcome at this year’s St. Fennessy 4k fun run as it sold out for the first time ever. 600 racers laced them up early this morning for the first leg of the 3 race KP challenge. The challenge is for runners to commit to 3 races including the Fennessy, the Fitgers 5k and…

Take Action Duluth Wants Paid Sick Leave

Could Sick Leave Become A Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – How would you like to earn paid sick leave from work no matter your yearly earning’s? Take action Minnesota met in 6 locations state wide today to join resistance efforts and take action on pressing issues including paid sick leave. According to recent surveys, employees not earning paid sick leave makes those on low income based salaries…

Figure Skaters Show Off Talents

Big Crowd At Lake View Ice Arena

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of skaters of all skill levels put on a performance for friends and family today at Lake View Arena. Celebrating 90 years the show was also a reunion from performers dating back 30 years. Skaters were of all ages male and female and some of the performances included parents skating with their children. One skater says…

Son of Alleged Nazi Wants Evidence Released

Andriy Karkoc Insists His Father is Innocent

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The son of a Minnesota man sought by Polish authorities in a Nazi massacre is asking that evidence against his father be released. A court in Poland recently issued an arrest warrant for Michael Karkoc, opening the way for his possible extradition on war crimes charges. Karkoc’s son, Andriy Karkoc, said Saturday that his 98-year-old father is innocent….

Secret Service Stops White House Intruder

Incident Was Second Security Breach in a Week

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) A Trump administration spokesman says an individual was apprehended near the White House, a week after an intruder was caught on White House grounds. Press secretary Sean Spicer wrote on Twitter on Saturday that the individual “jumped bike rack on Pennsylvania Ave” but did not make it onto White House property. Spicer added, “Great response by…

St. Urho’s Day Celebration Returning to Finland, MN

Town Will Honor the Fictional Saint for the 42nd Straight Year

FINLAND, Minn. – Finns across the Northland and beyond observed St. Urho’s Day yesterday. St. Urho’s celebrates the man who chased the grasshoppers out of Finland. Finland, Minnesota holds an annual festival celebrating the fictional saint. The event returns this weekend for its 42nd straight year. This year’s celebration features a musical theme called Urho–Palooza, including a parade, talent show,…

Veteran Celebrates 102nd Birthday

Rogenald Keller Showed Family and Friends Why He's Going Strong at 102

SILVER BAY, Minn. – One hundred years is a milestone most of us will never reach. Rogenald Keller celebrated his centennial two years ago and today showed why he’s still going strong at 102. There was quite the celebration at the Silver Bay veteran’s home Friday, and the party wasn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. “Dad’s 102nd birthday and the…

Cloquet Police Chief Placed on Leave

City Council Voted to Put Steve Stracek on Leave at Thursday's Meeting

CLOQUET, Minn. – There was controversy Thursday, as Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek was placed on paid administrative leave at the city council meeting. That was confirmed to FOX 21 by one city councilor who asked not to be identified.  However, the councilor couldn’t confirm Why Stracek was placed on leave, as the matter is being investigated. At Thursday’s meeting,…

4th Saint Fennessy 4K Kicks Off Saturday

The Race Starts at Hermantown High School

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Runners are preparing for The 4th Saint Fennessy 4k that kicks off Friday. The race is named after a former employee of Grandma’s marathon that passed away, and has been increasing in popularity each year. This year, the race registration has reached its maximum capacity of 600 people. The Race starts at Hermantown High School and Ends at…

Mentor Duluth Celebrates Match of the Year

Awards Were Given at a Luncheon Held in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Mentor Duluth celebrated the Mentor Mentee match of the year at the Making a Difference Luncheon at Holiday Inn in Duluth today. Past and present mentors, local leaders, and others involved with Mentor Duluth honored Mentor Duluth’s 20th birthday at the Luncheon, where they also recognized the Match of the year. Every year, Mentor Duluth honors a mentor…

Shipping Season Around the Corner

Shipping Season Starts Again March 25th

DULUTH, Minn.- Shipping season is starting back up next week, and Duluth could be seeing ships coming in, as soon as Next Sunday. The St. Lawrence Seaway and the Welland canal which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are opening on Monday, and the locks at Sault Ste Marie are opening on Saturday.  This means the twin ports maybe seeing…

Local Leaders Hold Round Table to Discuss Healthcare

DULUTH, Minn.- Local leaders discussed healthcare at the MNsure round table event at Generations Health Care Initiatives in Duluth, Friday. Leaders like MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole, and area representative Jennifer Schultz attended an in-depth discussion on the current state of MNsure and the affordable care act, and what the future of Minnesota healthcare may look like, with legislative changes. One…