News

Beer company touts higher alcohol content in Milwaukee ads

Milwaukee's Best Ice increases ABV

MILWAUKEE, Wis (AP) – Miller Coors says advertisements touting the alcohol content of one of its cheapest beers are aimed at transparency so consumers can make informed choices. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports billboards along the city’s freeway’s say the alcohol content of the Milwaukee’s Best Ice is now 6.9-percent, up from 5.9-percent. Some experts connected to the beer industry…

Birkie Trail Run Festival registration opens January 1, 2017

A great opportunity to start those New Year's resolutions

HAYWARD, Wis. – Every year resolutions are made to lose weight, get fit, and make healthier choices, and experts say if a person sets attainable and specific goals when making those resolutions, they’ll be far more apt to keep them. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has been hard at work helping individuals keep their New Year’s resolutions by offering…

Sentencing for two men involved in August Grand Rapids home invasion

The incident occurred on August 3, 2016

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn – Edward Wade Fauth, 19, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Zachary Walker Cary, 28, of Cloquet, Minnesota, appeared in Itasca County District Court for a sentencing hearing, Monday, December 19, 2016, according to Itasca County Attorney, John J. Muhar. The two men previously pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Robbery in the First Degree. The crime…

Gov. Walker writes letter to Trump to help citizens of Wisconsin

Asking to provide flexibility in implementing a number of programs

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker, today, sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, outlining actions he believes the incoming administration should take immediately upon entering office to restore state control over the governance of a number of programs and services. Walker’s letter also details his concerns over “incessant federal overreach.” “Too often, states have become mere administrative provinces of…

Former Mayor Ness takes new position

Ness will be new executive director of the Ordean Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness has been named the new executive director of the Ordean Foundation. Ness is taking over for retiring Executive Director Steve Mangan in late January. The Ordean Foundation focuses on poverty issues and has given about $68 million in grants to various Northland organizations since 1933. Ness had previously worked at Lake Superior…

Isle Royale wolf numbers decline

Talks of replenishing wolf population

The National Park Service is leaning toward relocating as many as 30 gray wolves to Isle Royale National Park. The wolves would come from the mainland to restore the predator species which is on the verge of disappearing from the Lake Superior Island. Other options include taking up to 15 wolves to the wilderness park in the short term and…

Knowing Your Neighbors: History Happening at Amity Coffee

After Two Years of Business, Amity Coffee is the First Lakeside Business to Sell Liquor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth contains decade’s worth of history, some which is still impacting the community, today. However, this summer, one law was lifted. For many, a cup of coffee creates hours of conversation. “My husband and I would travel a lot and when we would go we would always stop at little, local coffee shops. We just jumped into…

Families Displaced In Apartment Fire

More Than 50 Firefighters Worked To Put Out The Flames

  VIRGINIA, Minn. – A large apartment fire in Virginia has left several people without homes Monday night. The Virginia Fire Department says more than 50 fire firefighters from eight fire departments were still working to extinguish the fire late Monday afternoon. Seven families lived in the complex; the American Red Cross is working to help those families find a…

Red Herring Holds Event For Standing Rock

Duluth Stands With Standing Rock

Duluth, Minn In early December the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers struck down plans for the controversial Dakota access pipeline. Most people would take that as a win for the so–called water protectors. But that’s not the case according to some in Duluth. Tonight there was a benefit at the red herring called Duluth stands with standing rock. And to…

Monday Was Postal Service’s Busiest Day of the Year

Lines at the West Michigan Street post office in Duluth were long the whole day

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas less than a week away, people are trying to get their last minute packages in the mail. The postal service says Monday was their busiest shipping day of the year. Lines at the post office on West Michigan Street were nearly out the door all day. Almost every person in line had multiple boxes and…

Winter Brings Extra Parking Tickets

The City of Duluth tends to see a spike in parking tickets during the winter season

The City of Duluth tends to see a spike in parking tickets during the winter months, as snowplows work to clear emergency routes and side streets. The city says snowplows are unable to effectively clear city streets if cars stay parked for longer than the 24-hour ordinance states. The 24-hour ordinance are put in place for specific reasons, “Really to…

Skiers Hit Trails in Duluth

Many of the Trails are Open for Skiing

When the temperatures are warm enough to comfortably be outside, but cold enough to keep the ground frozen, even a busy work day won’t keep skiers like Annette Hofslund from hitting the trails. The skiing season didn’t start any earlier than previous years, but now, most of the trails across Duluth are open for people to enjoy. “There’s always Hartley…

AAFES Store Closing in Duluth

Minnesota Politicians are Fighting to Reverse the Decision

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is planning on closing the Duluth location in 2017. Local Veterans believe it’s a Military benefit that is being taken away, and the store closing will impact area veterans negatively. Minnesota Politicians like U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and U.S. Representative Rick Nolan are urging AAFES to reverse the decision. If…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to Start at the Pit in Two Harbors

Race to Start at the Same Location as Last Year

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will be starting at the Pit in Two Harbors again this year. Organizers were working towards getting the race started at the Fair Grounds in Two Harbors, but didn’t have enough time to work out the details and make it happen. Organizers are still hoping to start at the Fair Grounds for the race…

Local Businesses Introduce Duluthopoly Game

Duluthopoly Game Hits the Shelves of Local Stores

DULUTH, Minn. -Duluthopoly arrived in the Northland today. The game follows similar rules as monopoly, but with one big exception. Instead of buying properties like park place and boardwalk, gamers try and acquire various Northland spots. Josh Miller, the Station Manager for the North Shore Scenic Railroad, said “Duluth already has a great sense of place as is, and have…

Local McDonald’s Donates to Essentia

McDonald's Hosts Giving Tree Event for Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. – McDonald’s Giving Tree donations arrived at Essentia today. For more than a month, 19 Northland McDonald’s collected needed items for families who have been served by the hospital’s neo–natal intensive care unit. Among the items collected included body wash, shampoo, and plates. Christina Falgier, an Essentia Physician, said “It’s such a stressful time of year, the holiday…

Cirrus Aircraft Introduces New Vision Jet

Vision Jet Expected to Bring Billions of Dollars to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – After years of planning , Cirrus Aircraft, unveiled their very first Vision Jet to the Duluth community. The Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet is the worlds first single engine personal jet and is known for being spacious. It can accommodate up to five adults and two children. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Rick Nolan and Mayor Emily Larsen were…

Linskie Sentenced in Twin Ponds Hit and Run

88-month sentence handed down

The 31-year-old Twin Ports man who drove his car off of Skyline Parkway near Twin Ponds in Duluth, striking and killing Susan LeGarde Menz receiving a guideline prison sentence of seven years and four months, today, according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. A St. Louis County jury deliberated less than an hour during a trial in November, before…

Coffee Conversation: Salvation Army Crosses Half-way Mark in Red Kettle Campaign

Salvation Army Hopes to Raise $295,000 by Christmas Eve

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army is reporting they are half way to their Red Kettle Goal. The Christmas Red Kettle Campaign started on November 19 and will run until Christmas Eve on December 24 at 3:00p.m. The goal of the Salvation Army this year is to raise $295,000 dollars. Major Bill Cox, Corps Officer, is reporting they are at…

Emerald ash borer quarantine eyed for new area

Taking public comments until Jan. 15

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced Friday they want to expand an emerald ash borer quarantine in Northeastern Minnesota. The new zones would include portions of St. Louis and Carlton counties. Previously the MDA ordered an emergency quarantine for much of the St. Louis County area. The current expansion could include where Carlton and St. Louis County meet near Minnesota Highway…

Lake Superior Zoo Offers Fun ‘Week Between’ Activities

Interactive, Education Events Scheduled for Children and Families During Holiday Break

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will be offering fun activities during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day for families, children and all guests.  On Monday, December 26 and Thursday, December 29, the Zoo will offer a School’s Out Special, with five dollars off an adult admission for each paid child ticket purchased (up to two children,…

Santa Stops By Fitgers In Duluth

He Visited Kids With His Reindeer Waldo

DULUTH, Minn. – Santa Claus is still out there, asking kids what they would like for Christmas. It was Santa’s last trip to the Fitger’s Complex, and he brought along his reindeer friend, Waldo. Being from the North Pole, Santa and Waldo were not afraid of the cold temps. “Thank you to all the meteorologists and all the people that…

Fire Destroys Home In Iron River

The Fire Started In An Outdoor Wood Boiler

IRON RIVER, Wisc. – With just one week before Christmas, an Iron River family is without a home. The Iron River Fire Department says a fire destroyed their home Saturday morning. Officials say the fire started in an outdoor wood boiler and quickly moved to the home nearby due to windy conditions. No one was hurt, the home is a…

Firefighters Give Back this Holiday Season

Firefighters Give Back By Ringing a Bell this Holiday Season

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The cold temperatures didn’t stop the Hermantown Fire Department from giving back. Today, they were out at Sam’s Club ringing the bell to help with the Red Kettle Campaign. Instead of the normal red kettle, the fire department put a different spin on it with a make shift boot to collect all the donations. Joe Tarnowski, Assistant…

Miller Hill Mall Busy

One Week Left To Get Those Gifts

Duluth, Minn What do people do when it’s this cold, they go shopping. Miller Hill Mall was littered with shoppers on the last weekend before Christmas which is known to be a very busy time to shop. If they weren’t getting their pictures taken with Santa, they were getting those last minute gifts before it’s too late. “Is there any…

Dangerously Cold Air On The Way Tonight

Wind Chill could reach -40 in some areas

Duluth, Minn Mother Nature continues to tighten her grip on the Northland. But it looks like conditions will change for the better sooner than later. As another snow storm comes and goes it’s what’s left behind that is a cause for concern. As winter storm Decima continues to dump snow in the north east she has left a clear path…

Fire Fighters Ring Bell For Salvation Army

3O Consecutive Years And Going

Duluth, Minn The cold temps didn’t stop the Hermantown fire department from giving back. Today they were out at Sam’s Club ringing the bell to help with the Red Kettle campaign. Instead of the normal red kettle the fire department put a different spin on it with a make shift boot to collect all the donations. “It’s such a good…

Minnesota Lottery Proceeds Help Support Lake Superior Zoo

The zoo relies on the consistent funding from the lottery, about $140,000 each year, to help maintain daily operations and find different ways to bring more people through the doors

DULUTH, Minn. – A trust fund established by the Minnesota Lottery has helped provide millions of dollars to support environmental projects across the Northland. “It’s the zoo’s mission to inspire conservation in this region and the lottery is proud to play a small role in helping you deliver on your mission,” Michael Vekich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Lottery, said…

‘Ugly’ Christmas Sweaters Popular With Holiday Shoppers

Today is "National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day"

DULUTH, Minn. — Known for their bright colors and super-creative designs, vintage Christmas sweaters have become hugely popular. And today is “National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.” Whether it’s for the nostalgia, or just because you think the over-the-top fashions are just fun to wear, the popularity of Christmas sweaters has exploded in the past few years. At Ragstock in Duluth,…

Duluth City Council develops plan for Emerald Ash Borer

The council approved a plan to fight the invasive species.

DULUTH, Minn. – Emerald Ash Borer has been on the city of Duluth’s mind for months and they now will move forward with a plan to fight against the invasive species. Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species that can be considered one of the most destructive forest pests ever seen in North America. Emerald Ash Borer targets ash trees…

Hockey team wears ugly sweaters for charity

Money collected for local food shelf

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Girls High School Hockey team put on some unique jerseys for a good cause. While playing Monday’s game they wore ugly sweater jerseys to in efforts to draw a bigger crowd and collect food for the local food shelf. The coaches wore the ugly sweater jerseys as well. “My wife found these online and asked…

‘Rogue One’ Lands in Theaters Nationwide

Marcus Cinema in Duluth Prepared for Busy Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — “Rogue One,” the latest film in the super-popular Star Wars movie franchise has officially landed in theaters. It’s all hands on deck at the Marcus Cinema in Duluth; managers have hired six additional employees to help with the busy holiday season. The theater has dedicated four screens for showing “Rogue One.” General Manager Shawn Fennessey says he…

Washburn, Wisconsin declares Snow Emergency

Effective December 16 at 8:00 p.m.

A Snow Emergency has been declared for the city of Washburn, Wisconsin beginning at 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2016. This Snow Emergency will remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17. During a Snow Emergency, all vehicles must be removed from all city, streets, alleys, and parking lots. Categories: News – Latest News

Changes coming to one-way streets in Downtown Duluth

City council approved a three phase project to convert from one way to two way streets

Drivers in downtown Duluth won’t have to deal with as many one way roads. Last week, city council approved a three phase project to convert portions of First, Second and Third Avenues West from one to two way traffic. The project is set to begin May of 2017. When all’s done, stop lights at seven intersections will change to stop…

Secret Forest Playschool Fundraising for New Classroom

The Hands-On Learning School is Looking to Expand with a Cabin Classroom

The cold isn’t putting a damper on fundraising efforts for one Playschool in the Northland. Secret Forest Playschool is now located in the Eastridge Community Church in Duluth. Founder Meghan Morrow would like to expand her efforts with a new Cabin Classroom. She opened the hands-on learning opportunity back in the fall of 2012, and has since helped dozens of…

Experts Encourage Safety While Using Space Heaters

Never plug a space heater into an extension cord, rather they should always be plugged into an outlet.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say to always plug space heaters into an outlet and never into an extension cord. Consumers should also be sure to check the cord for any cuts. Also when buying a new space heater, look for one that has an automatic shutoff. “A lot of them have a tip over feature if the heater falls over….

The Vinyl Cave announces it’s closing its doors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Vinyl Cave first opened its doors back in 2008 and has since then been symbol of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin’s long running contributions to the world of music.   Owners Tom Uterberger and Tom Johnson have been around music their entire lives and have always had a passion for vinyl records and vintage stereo equipment. Now…

Beating the Frigid Air at Superior Sands

Active Adventures: Sand Volleyball

SUPERIOR – This week the Northland has experienced extremely low temperatures and folks are trying to stay entertained while inside. So, for this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tried out sand volleyball. Superior Sands owner Kevin Holm says the sand volleyball courts are smaller than the hard courts because it’s harder to move around in the sand. Registration…

Feds Deny Mineral Leases to Twin Metals

Ely Community Torn Over Feds Decision

ELY, Minn- Mixed feelings in Ely as the Federal government released its decision not to renew mineral leases for the Twin Metals mining project. Ely Mayor Chuck Novack says, “Totally contrary to what’s in law right now. There’s a zone around the boundary waters to protect it.” The decision came in the wake of wide spread concerns from environmental advocates…

Whole Foods Co-op Sees Increase in Ownership

DULUTH, Minn. – Whole Foods Co–op has seen a large increase in ownership since opening a new location in the Denfeld neighborhood of Duluth in mid–March. The co–op says they are close to 10,000 owners since the addition of the west Duluth store. The cooperative relies on the community to invest a one-time fee of $100 to become an owner….

Ice Rinks Being Flooded

Rinks at Lafayette, Merritt, and Norton parks being flooded

DULUTH, Minn. Ice rinks are being flooded across the city of Duluth. Crews are now working to flood outdoor rinks At Lafayette, Merritt, And Norton Parks. Rinks will continue to be flooded throughout the week and the city hopes to have skating ice at some parks by the weekend. Work will begin next week to flood the rink at Bayfront…

FOX21 Presents a New Scholarship Opportunity for Northland Students

Brand New Scholarship Opportunity for Northland Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Business Club met today to talk about scholarships for area students. Nearly 60 scholarships were discussed including one by FOX21. Ours is brand new this year and it will offer 11 $1,000 scholarships and one $10,000 scholarship. It’s called the Strength in the Community Scholarship. To apply, you must have between a 2.5 and…

Pawn America Donates Christmas Gifts to Troops

Volunteers Stuff Boxes Full of Video Games and Movies for Troops

DULUTH, Minn. – Pawn America is donating over 500 movies and video games to some of the men and women serving far away who cannot make it home for the holidays. Today, family members and local troops volunteered their time stuffing boxes full of Christmas goodies that will be going to the 312th Army Reserve Engineer Company. This unit is…

Vigil Honors Sandy Hook Victims

Northlanders gather to remember and honor victims of 2012 massacre

DULUTH, Minn. Four years ago, 20 children and six staff members lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Here in Duluth, people gathered to honor the victims of the shooting. it’s been 4 years since the sandy hook massacre. The victims are being remembered all over the country, including at the First Lutheran Church in Duluth….

Deadline approaching to mail Christmas packages

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas less than two weeks away, it’s time to get packages in the mail if you haven’t already. The Mail Room in Duluth has had people coming in non–stop to get gifts sent off. This is the busiest time of year for the USPS, so they recommend having packages in the mail by this Friday in…

Bayfield Prepares for Winter Tourism

Businesses are Hoping for More Snow

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Peaceful quality time with loved ones was how Conn Mullally wanted to spend his birthday this year, and that’s exactly what he got, strolling through the almost empty streets of Bayfield on a quiet Monday. “We come up very often, all four seasons of the year,” says Cathy Mullalay, Con’s wife. Despite a thunderstorm this summer that…