News

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Blue Monday

A lack of sunshine can cause depression. Area psychologists see a spike of clients in mid-January.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Psychologists have named the third Monday in January as Blue Monday. It’s supposedly the gloomiest day of the year based on debt, weather, and the post holiday blues. Seasonal affective disorder is often times the culprit. It’s caused by the shift in the day and night cycles and can begin as early as October or November. A lack of…

Residents Look for Answers After Apartment Explosion in Rice Lake

A Rice Lake man was killed when he set off an explosion inside his apartment.

RICE LAKE, Wis.- A Rice Lake man is dead after police say he followed through on his threat to blow up an explosive device in his apartment. Authorities received a 911 call late Sunday night from 44-year-old Joseph Zunker. He told police that he had a bomb and would blow up his apartment building. Police acted within minutes and saved…

Families Enjoy Warmup Outside on MLK Day

Many students and parents both had the holiday off together Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Lots of families took advantage of the above average temperatures today. Bayfront Park’s outdoor rink was filled with families out on the ice. With many students out of school and parents off work for MLK day, it was the perfect opportunity to spend some time together outside. “It’s really sunny, it’s nice,” said Sonya Bombardieri. “It’s a…

Pledge to Volunteer Campaign

The food bank is looking for volunteers for the year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank has kicked off their Pledge to Volunteer campaign. The effort hopes to attract new volunteers and increase the food bank’s support system. Northern Lakes relies on many volunteers to sort and label food and assist with programs like their food shelf and senior programs. Northern Lakes provides donated food for nearly…

ATV Accident Leaves Teen in Critical Condition

FREDENBERG TOWNSHIP, Minn. – On January 16, 2017, around 3:00 p.m., the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office,  along with area volunteer fire departments, responded to an ATV crash involving a 13-year-old male driver near the 6500 block of Stevens Road in Fredenberg Township. The involved driver, Logan Rautio, was air-lifted to a Duluth hospital in critical condition. The operator was…

2016 Shipping Season Coming to a Close

Coal and Iron Ore Shipments Went Down, Grain Shipments Saw Record Numbers

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2016 shipping season is coming to a close, with the last Last Laker of the Season, the Lee A. Tregurtha arriving in the Twin Ports earlier today. Duluth Seaway Port Authority representatives say this year’s shipping season was a bit steady. Though grain shipping saw record numbers, The Iron Ore shipments didn’t pick up until the…

Hundreds March for Martin Luther King Jr.

It's a Celebration of the Civil Rights Leader's Life and Legacy

  DULUTH, Minn. – Kids made posters and signs with hand written messages, as they prepared for the Martin Luther King Jr. March in Duluth. It’s in honor of the iconic civil rights leader who peacefully fought for racial equality in the 50’s and 60’s. “He gave his life and dedicated himself to the community, so that we can walk…

Search Canceled for Father, Toddler Swept into Ocean

NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) – The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a father and his young son who were swept into the sea by a wave along an Oregon beach. The agency, along with Oregon State Police and other responders, searched unsuccessfully Sunday and Monday for 31-year-old Jayson Dean Thomas, of Elmira Oregon, and his 3-year-old son. Thomas…

State Leaders Push for More Progress at MLK Day Celebration

ST. PAUL (AP) – Hundreds of Minnesota residents have marched through downtown St. Paul, to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Afterward, city and state leaders spoke at the Ordway Center on Monday about the progress the country has made, as well as the inequalities that still exist. Speakers included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, St. Paul Mayor Chris…

DOJ Says KleinBank Used Discriminatory Lending Practices

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The United States Department of Justice has sued a Minnesota bank for allegedly engaging in mortgage lending practices that discriminate against minorities. In a lawsuit filed Friday, the DOJ says KleinBank engaged in “redlining.” The DOJ says that’s when banks will actively deny or avoid providing credit services to consumers because of racial demographics or because of…

Youth Poets Given Stage to Tell Stories

2017 Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Series

DULUTH, Minn. – Youth throughout Minnesota are sharing their stories through a slam poetry series. Be Heard MN is giving the young artists a platform. This is through TruArtSpeaks as the poets compete with other teens across the country. Through eight poetry slam events, six youth poets will be chosen to compete in San Francisco this summer. This weekend, on…

Beating Cabin Fever with a Disco Party

Coffee Conversation: Renegade Theater Season Kick-off

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders can beat their cabin fever by dancing at Zeitgeist Arts. Renegade Theater is celebrating the season kick-off with a disco dance party. Proceeds from this event support the theater company. The fun gets underway at 8:00 p.m. with dancing starting up at 9:30 p.m. Before the dance, there will be a fire, cookies, board…

Trump Calls on Americans to Honor Dr. King

ATLANTA (AP) – Civil rights leaders and activists are gathering around the country to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. In a message sent on Twitter on Monday, Trump said: “Celebrate Martin Luther King Day and all of the many wonderful things he stood for. honor him for being the great man that he was!” As American’s celebrate…

U.S. Official Says Orlando Nightclub Shooter’s Widow has been Arrested

Facing charges in Florida

WASHINGTON (AP) – A U.S. law enforcement official says the FBI has arrested the wife of the Orlando nightclub shooter. The official says Noor Salman was taken into custody in the San Francisco area, Monday morning, and is due in court Tuesday in California. She’s facing charges in Florida including obstruction of justice. The official was not authorized to discuss…

Man Killed After Setting Off Apartment Explosion

Officers tried to make contact when he set off the explosion

RICE LAKE, Wis. (AP) – Authorities have confirmed that a man was killed after he followed through on his threat to explode a bomb in his apartment building, in a small northwestern Wisconsin community. Rice Lake police say 12 to 14 residents were evacuated before the explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed the one-story building Sunday night. Police Captain Tracy…

Position Cuts, Mission Shift Lead To Scaled-Back DNR

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker promised to reshape the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before he took office — and he has. Now more even changes could be in store as Walker and his fellow Republicans continue to push the agency further toward what the governor has called a customer service foundation. The last six years have seen…

New U of M Search Tool Makes Black History More Accessible

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota Libraries, in partnership with the Penumbra Theatre Company, has launched an online search tool to make black history more freely available. Umbra Search provides access to over 400,000 digitized archival materials documenting African-American history from more than 1,000 libraries, archives and cultural heritage institutions across the United States. Director Cecily Marcus says it’ll…

Grand Rapids Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Tree Tops

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Grand Rapids man has pleaded guilty to cutting thousands of tree tops from black spruce in the Chippewa National Forest. Seventy-year-old Joseph Edminster pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to one count of theft of government property. Prosecutors say he admitted to cutting more than 2,700 tree tops from the forest from October…

Growing Number of Minnesota Seniors Use Food Stamps

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Data from the state Department of Human Services shows the number of older Minnesotans who use food stamps is on the rise. Last year, a record 58 percent of eligible seniors in Minnesota were enrolled in the program. That’s more than 50,000 people. And those ages 65 or older are now the fastest-growing segment of food stamp…

Minnesota State Fair Admission Rising In 2017

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) – The cost for admission to the Minnesota State Fair is going up by $1. The State Fair announced Sunday that it will now cost $14 for those ages 13 to 64 to enter the fair, while seniors and children ages 5 through 12 will be admitted for $11. Kids under 5 can still get into…

Pow Wow at Black Bear Casino Draws Hundreds from In and Out of State

Attendees Learned About Anishinaabe Culture and Language

CARLTON, Minn. – Taking Care of the Land and Community was the theme of the pow wow, and First Nations people from many different tribes, State, and Federal agencies came together to do just that. Hundreds of people learned about the traditions of the Anishinaabe culture and language at the pow wow, where tribal members drummed, sang, and danced to…

Carlton County Historical Society Raises Funds for Museum

The Goal was to Raise $100

CLOQUET, Minn. – History Buffs had the chance to pick up collector’s items at the Carlton County Historical Society Museum in Cloquet. Collectible and More is a fundraising sale where people can purchase items from the historical society  collection that are duplicates, or items that don’t directly relate to the history of Carlton County. Some of the items included historical…

Duluth Wedding Show Sees Record Attendance

Around 2,000 People Attended This Year

DULUTH, Minn. – Brides and grooms to be had the chance to learn about trends in Dresses, Cakes, and all things wedding. The 29th Annual Wedding Show held at the DECC in Duluth drew record crowds this year. More than 2000 attendees turned out to get help with wedding planning from around 150 vendors.  The event closed with a fashion…

Kids Run Their Hearts Out at the Saturday Morning at the Races at CSS

Kids 14 and Under Participated in the Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Around 300 Children raced their hearts out at the 2nd Saturday Morning at the Races of 2017, held at the College of St. Scholastica. Kids 14 and under participated in the races, and the distance of the race varied by age group.  The children also had a chance to meet Mascots like Viktor from the Minnesota Vikings,…

Superior Mayoral Candidates Race on Sleds

Candidates Have Fun Before April Election

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The four Superior Mayoral candidates took time off the campaign trail for a stop on a sledding trails. The candidates kept the competitve spirit going by racing down a hill on sleds. The winner was Kalee Hermanson who hopes to see the same result in April’s election. “Any one of us that makes it into office is…

Guns n Hoses Hockey Game

Superior Police and Fire Department Lace Up Their Skates

Superior, Wis The Superior Police Department has small feud with the Superior Fire Department after the fire department edged them in the Guns and Hoses softball game this past summer. Now they’re meeting on the ice. During the superior ice festival both departments will lace up their skates and leave everything out on the ice. The actual game its self…

Friday the 13th is a weird day

Many have a phobia of the number 13

You might have noticed the full moon the last couple of days. Add that and the fact that’s its Friday the 13th and you get just a weird day Many people being superstitious on day like today have a different outlook. “Friggatriskadekaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. It’s a superstition much like a black cat crosses your path…

29th Annual Wedding Expo

Hundreds of vendors set up at the DECC

Duluth, Minn If your near the DECC and hear wedding bells that’s because it’s the 28th annual Wedding Expo tomorrow. If you’re in the process of getting married this is the place you need to be. You’ll be able to find anything you could think of for your wedding like dresses, makeup, DJ’s, food, venues and the list goes on…

Unsuccessful Hack on City of Ashland Website

The manager of the city's website believes that it was the target of an unsuccessful hack.

The manager of the city of Ashland’s website believes that hackers tried unsuccessfully to get into the city’s computer system. “This type of activity is only going to continue,” said Eric Nelson the owner of SlickRockWeb which manages the city’s website. Nelson noticed a spike in the amount of traffic from Russia and eastern European countries to the city’s website…

Finding Natural Remedies for Body Pain During Cold Winter Months

Holistic Healing Methods Could Be What the Doctor Ordered

DULUTH, Minn. — For people suffering from joint pain or other chronic pain, the extreme cold in winter can make certain symptoms even worse. At Duluth Natural Medicine and Chiropractic, several natural remedies are recommended to help relieve body pain during these frigid months. Massages or regular chiropractic visits come to mind, as well as light and laser therapy. Dr….

Girls Youth Hockey Tournament Begins in Duluth

One of the Largest Youth Hockey Tourneys in the Nation

DULUTH, Minn. — Girls hockey is alive in Duluth this weekend – sixty teams from all around the region are here for the “Icebreakers Invitational.” Games began at 11:00am Friday morning; the tournament pits teams from Minnesota, and as far away as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Canada, in a round-robin style tournament. Girls ages 8 to 16 have the opportunity of…

Tips for Your Phone in the Cold

Keep in Warm Places

DULUTH, Minn.-With the bitter cold temperatures hitting the Northland over the last few months many Northlanders are tired of dealing with day to day outdoor activities. That cell phone that you are holding in your hand right now, along with its battery, feels the same way too. One local expert told Fox 21 that the cold can be brutal on…

Indoor Plants Liven Up Homes

Experts Give Us a Tip on How to Keep Them Alive

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people use indoor plants to liven up the inside of their homes. And though taking care of indoor plants can seem effortless, it’s important to learn about the type of plant to have to avoid giving it too much or not enough water or light. In the winter time, keep plants away from the window to…

Shipping Season Heading into Winter Layup

The last few freighters are heading into port as the season wraps up

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2016 Great Lakes commercial shipping season wraps up this weekend with the Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie) set to close at midnight Sunday, January 15. The last four freighters heading into the Port of Duluth-Superior for winter layup will be the Philip R. Clarke, Arthur M. Anderson, Lee A. Tregurtha, and the Roger Blough. Two outbound vessels left the…

Mountain Iron Fire Leaves One Dead

Two Others Taken to Hospital

UPDATE 1-16-17: Authorities have confirmed that the female who died in this fire has been identified as Ginnie L. Hanka, 57, from Mt. Iron, Minnesota. Her husband, 61-year-old David M. Hanka, from Mt. Iron, is currently in critical, but stable condition at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital Burn Unit. Their son, David M. Hanka Jr., 25, is also at Essentia…

Prosecutors Charge Man in Saudi College Student’s Death

Facing one count of felony murder and one count of aggravated battery

Cullen OsburnMADISON (AP) – Prosecutors have charged a Minnesota man with killing a Saudi Arabian college student in a northwestern Wisconsin city. Cullen Osburn faces one count of felony murder and one count of aggravated battery in connection with UW-Stout student Hussain Alnahdi’s death in October. The Eau Clair Leader-Telegram reports that a criminal complaint says police responding to a…

Officer-Involved Shooting in Hibbing

Two Taken to Hospital

HIBBING, Minn. – An officer involved shooting occurred in Hibbing late this afternoon, leaving two injured at the 2900 block of Third Avenue East. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken over the investigation. On Friday, January 13, around 12:45 p.m., two Hibbing police officers responded to a 911 call of a person with a…

Governor Dayton Signs Tax Cuts for Over 200,000 Minnesotans

Original bill would have provided tax cuts to more than 450,000 Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton today signed a bipartisan legislation cutting taxes by $21 million for more than 200,000 Minnesota taxpayers. The cuts signed by Dayton today, were included int he Dayton-Smith Administration’s original tax bill proposal, which in total would provide $300 million in tax cuts for more than 450,000 Minnesotans. The bill would provide relief to…

Governor Walker Declares Jan. 13 Green and Gold Day

In anticipation of the Packers playoff game against the Cowboys

Courtesy: Green Bay PackersMADISON – Governor Walker has issued a proclamation declaring today, January 13, 2017, as “Green and Gold Day” throughout Wisconsin in anticipation of the Green Bay Packers playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, January 15. Walker’s statement: Travel to any state in this great nation, and chances are you’ll find some Green Bay Packers fans,…

Newborn Kidnapped 18 Years Ago Found Alive

She was just 8 hours old when she was taken

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A newborn girl stolen form a Florida hospital 18 years ago has been found alive, and overwhelmed, in South Caroline, where police accused the woman who raised her of kidnapping. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said, Friday, DNA analysis identified the young woman, who never knew her birth name was Kamiyah Mobley. He said she’s in good…

Grand Rapids Burglary Suspect Caught

Facing Multiple Felony Counts

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-The Itasca County District Attorney has filed a criminal complaint against a 59–year–old Swatara man on six counts of felony burglary. Michael Hanson has been accused of robbing multiple businesses in the Grand Rapids area during a five–month period. Many of the counts carry with it a $10,000 find and up to five years in prison. Hanson is…

Winter Fun on the Snowy Trails

Active Adventures: The Duluth Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 hit the snowy trails with The Duluth Experience. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Owner and CEO, took FOX 21’s William Seay snowshoeing for the first time. Grandmaison says they have tours for every season, including snowshoeing, fat tire biking, brewery tours, mountain biking tours and more. For more information on The Duluth Experience…

Update in Duluth Murder Case

Not Guilty Plea Entered

DULUTH, Minn.-The suspect in a October murder case in Duluth has plead not guilty to second-degree murder. Aaron Humphreys, 42, entered the plea yesterday in connection with his involvement in a shooting on the 2000 Block of West Superior Street. Eric Burns, 47, was killed in the incident. Humphreys is currently in jail on a $1 million bond. His next…

Public Scoping for Proposed Withdrawal of Federal Minerals in Rainy River Watershed

U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management will conduct

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, January 13, 2017, the U.S. Forest Service published a notice of intent (NOI) in the Federal Register to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to study the proposed 20-year withdrawal of federal minerals on the Superior National Forest within the Rainy River Watershed. An EIS is a document that is required by the National Environmental Policy…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s 2017 Outlook

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has officially made it one year on the job as the city’s top leader. Larson says she’s proud of a year full of creating, mending and building relationships. But now for 2017, it’s time, she says, to really get work done. “It’s like, phew, we got that done. Now we can actually start accelerating and getting…