News

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…

Officers in the Twin Ports Honored for National Police Week

Blue Mass Held Today in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Nationwide, 143 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty last year – 45 have already died this year. Today local police, choirs, and chaplains honored those who paid the ultimate price at what’s called a Blue Mass at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Another event will be held tomorrow to honor police at noon…

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….

Church Invites Superior Police to Lunch

Members Wanted to Show Appreciation During National Police Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Members of a Superior church. did something nice Tuesday for the men and women who protect and serve them as part of National Police Week. A group from the Central Assembly of God showed their appreciation to police, by inviting the entire department to lunch at the church. Close to 25 volunteers worked since January, raising money…

Emergency Responders Gather for Conference

6th Annual Under One Roof Continues Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Disaster relief agencies from the Twin Ports and beyond gathered Tuesday for the start of a two day conference at the DECC. At the Under One Roof conference, emergency response professionals and volunteers swap notes so they’re better prepared if disaster strikes. Organizers say by learning from and sharing with one another, everyone is more effective when…

Canadian Forces Snowbirds Cancel on Duluth Airshow

Other Demonstrations Still Planned

DULUTH, Minn. – The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have cancelled their appearance at the Duluth Airshow happening June 3 and 4. A spokesperson for the Snowbirds said the team needs more practice before having more public performances. The airshow will still have three military demonstrations this year including the Navy’s Blue Angels. “A reduced training period hampered by poor weather which continued…

Ramp Inspections, Closures Scheduled for May 22, 25 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled routine ramp inspections in Duluth, which will require the ramps to close temporarily. These ramps include: The on-ramp from 40th Avenue West to southbound I-35 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, May 22 The on-ramp from 21st Avenue West to northbound Highway 53 from 9a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday,…

Convicted Soldier Chelsea Manning Will Stay on Active Duty

WASHINGTON (AP) – Pvt. Chelsea Manning, the soldier convicted in 2013 of illegally disclosing classified government information, will remain on active duty in a special status after her scheduled release from prison Wednesday, the Army said Tuesday. Any Army spokeswoman, Lt. Col. Jennifer Johnson, said Manning will be on “excess leave” while her court-martial conviction is under appellate review. In…

Wisconsin Attorney General Doesn’t Know Rape Kit Test Numbers

Rape Kit Tests Keep Getting Delayed

MADISON, Wis. -Attorney General Brad Schimel apparently doesn’t know how many sexual assault kits have been tested for evidence as part of a state Justice Department push to test kits dating back to 1990. A DOJ inventory of police agencies completed in March revealed about 6,370 untested kits. The agency has submitted 800 kits to a private lab for testing….

Study: Minnesota Medical Marijuana Patients Report Benefits

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials say most Minnesota patients who used medical marijuana during the first year of the state’s tightly regulated program reported benefits. Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger says early data show the drug is providing many people with “substantial benefits, minimal side effects and no serious adverse events.” The study released Tuesday is based on…

Armed Robbery Incident at CVS Pharmacy in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department reports that on Monday, May 15, officers responded to a call to the CVS Pharmacy at the intersection of 12th Avenue East and Superior Street to the report of an armed robbery. Authorities indicate a knife was displayed during the incident. Duluth Police Violent Crimes Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in…

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Held for Ransom by Hackers, Report Says

(FOX NEWS) – Real-life pirates are holding Disney’s most valuable pirate for ransom. Digital hackers have reportedly gotten their mitts on a copy of Disney’s new “Pirates of the Caribbean” film. Deadline reports the hackers are demanding a lot of Bitcoin loot, or they will release the film online before its May 26 premiere date. According to the Hollywood Reporter,…

State Receives Revised PolyMet Permits

ST. PAUL, Minn. – PolyMet Mining Inc., has submitted two revised Dam Safety Permit applications, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The applications address the Flotation Tailings Basin and the Hydrometallurgical Residue Facility for the proposed NorthMet Project near Hoyt Lakes. Changes made to the applications were based on feedback provided by DNR technical experts and external consultants. These…

Officer Overdoses from Powder on Shirt after Drug Arrest

A total of four doses of Narcan were needed to revive him

Ohio police released this image from inside the suspect’s vehicle (East Liverpool Police Dept.) EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (AP) – Police say an Ohio officer suffered an accidental overdose after a drug arrest when he touched power on his shirt without realizing it was the powerful opioid, fentanyl. He was treated with four doses of Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, after…

House Explosion in Rural Itasca County

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office received a report Tuesday morning around 9 of a house explosion. Authorities responded to the incident which happened on Arbo Road in rural Itasca County. The house was occupied by one female at the time, authorities report that she escaped with minor injuries. The cause of the explosion is unknown at…