News

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…

Genocide Awareness Workshop at UMD

Northlanders Were Educated About Past and Current Genocides and How They Can Be Prevented

DULUTH, Minn. – At UMD, a workshop was held to educate Northlanders about genocide that has happened throughout the world and genocide still going on today. The workshop featured four guest speakers who discussed the Holocaust and genocide affecting Native Americans and people in Africa and Armenia. “It’s happening in Syria right now, it’s happening in all parts of the…

Northland Horse Fair Fills the Mariner Mall

12th Annual Event Brings Hundreds of Horse Lovers to Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Saturday was the 12th annual Northland Horse Fair at the Mariner Mall. Horse lovers from across the area could meet mini-horses, shop from dozens of horse-related vendors, and attend presentations about horse riding, grooming, and health. “A lot of the horse people expressed a need for wanting an event in the area that was just a way…

Motorhead Madness Returns to the DECC

Thousands of Gearheads Attended Regional Car Show

DULUTH, Minn. – Gearheads gathered at the DECC Saturday for the 49th annual Motorhead Madness event. More than 150 one-of-a-kind cars and other vehicles are on display, plus all kinds of interactive fun including remote-controlled car races, model making, and a used parts swap meet. Many of the hot-rod creators think of themselves as artist who use a different kind…

Updegrove Kicks Off Council Campaign

Candidate was Delagate for Bernie Sanders

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s another candidate hoping to fill one of the Duluth City Council’s two at–large seats. Rich Updegrove offically kicked off his campaign Saturday. Updegrove wants to focus on housing, homeless rights as well as keeping Lake Superior clean. “I really want to place our lake at the forefront of what I’m doing,” said Updegrove.  “I think it’s…

Fire Destroys Semi at Hibbing Community College

Damage was Limited by Automatic Sprinkler System

HIBBING, Minn. – A truck was destroyed during a fire early Saturday morning at Hibbing Community College. Fire crews from Hibbing, Chisholm and Keewatin responded to the scene shortly before 5:00 a.m. Saturday.  When crews arrived, the fire had been contained by the building’s automatic sprinkler system. The truck, a 2014 Freightliner, was a total loss.  The building sustained only…

A Musical Fundraiser for Mentor Duluth

Organization Connects Mentors to Children Who Need Them

DULUTH, Minn. – Mentor Duluth celebrated one of the group’s biggest nights of the year Friday evening. It was Mentor Duluth’s March into Mentoring fundraiser.  Everyone on hand was treated to live music. March is the program’s biggest fundraising month and Mentor Duluth is close to the goal of 31 new mentors recruited in March. Organizers say mentoring youth is…

Kenwood Village Open for Business

Developers Held Ribbon-Cutting Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Another in a series of mixed use developments in Duluth is open for business. United properties celebrated the opening of Kenwood Village with a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon. The new building features luxury apartments as well as retail space.  Developers say Friday’s opening marked the end of a three year process. “Our vison from three years ago…

4th District City Council Candidate Plans Listening Sessions

DULUTH, Minn. – Fourth District Duluth City Council candidate, Renee Van Nett, has announced she will be starting a series of listening sessions with the community. Residents of the 4th District are encouraged to come out and share their comments and concerns. Van Nett is working toward building positive relationships within the community and ensuring that the 4th District is…

Iron Range Murder Remains Unsolved 40 Years Later

$50,000 Award Offered for Information

AURORA, Minn.-Forty years ago today, 19-year-old Cindy Elias was murdered eight miles north of Aurora. Her body was buried under a pile of brush near a logging road after suffering multiple injuries to her head. The victim was last seen leaving a bar in Virginia, at about 12:30 a.m. Patrons said she was thinking about hitchhiking that night. Three years ago,…

Denfeld Grad Named One of World’s Top Leaders

Currently Serves as Minneapolis Police Chief

DULUTH, Minn.- Minneapolis police chief and Denfeld graduate Janeé Harteau has been named one of the world’s greatest leaders. Yesterday Fortune Magazine revealed a list of the top 50 most influential leaders. The former Duluthian ranked number 22, right behind U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. She ranked right ahead of former Vice President Joe Biden. To read the full article…

Board of Regents Talks Budget

Also Approved Internal Review to Look Into Gophers Sexual Assault Case

DULUTH, Minn.-The University of Minnesota Board of Regents met at UMD once again today, to discuss budget issues. The University System has a $4 billion budget which still needs to be approved by legislators. It’s expected the budget will not be approved until May or June. Whatever is decided, could have a big impact on tuition rates. “This is preliminary…

Local Groups Come Together to Support Obamacare

Fear Many Will Lose Insurance if ACA Replaced

DULUTH, Minn.-Some local doctors and politicians came together today to express their dismay over the possibility of repealing the Affordable Care Act. The Northland HealthCare Alliance, headed up the event, with the goal of making the community aware of what a repeal of the ACA would mean. One Duluth City Council also expressed concern, believing many Northlanders would lose health…

New Executive Director Plans to Make Bong Veterans Historical Center More Social

Hayes Scriven plans to bring more community events to the museum

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There’s a new face in charge of Superior’s Bong Veterans Historical Center. Hayes Scriven was hired as the executive director, to oversee the museum’s day-to-day operations and help with fundraising. Scriven interned with the center while in school at UMD and plans to make the museum more social, by opening it up for more community events. He…

STARBASE STEM Program Gets Trial Run with Duluth Elementary Students

State Sen. Erik Simonson says he's working on legislation to expand the program to Duluth by next school year

DULUTH, Minn. – The 148th Fighter Wing hosted a group of Duluth elementary school kids for a unique look at a future in science, technology, engineering, and math . All week, instructors from the STARBASE program in the Twin Cities worked with 5th graders from Lowell Elementary, applying lessons learned in the classroom to stem challenges and experiments. “We get…

House of Hearts Brings Curlers Together to Support “Project Joy” Program

Organizers hope to raise about $40,000 to help feed hungry kids on weekends

DULUTH, Minn. – Some of America’s best curlers are in Duluth raising money by doing what they do best. More than 100 curlers are here for the 16th Annual House of Hearts charity bonspiel, raising money for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank’s “Project Joy” program. “That organization was started by the Plys family. They started that in Patrick’s name…