News

Court Hearing Held Today in West Duluth Murder Case

Next Court Date Set for March 15th

DULUTH, Minn.-A suspect in connection with an October murder at the 2000 block of West Superior Street was in court today. 54–year–old Orin Vann has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Today an omnibus hearing was held. His next court date is scheduled for March 29th. He’s currently out on bail. 43–year–old Aaron Humphreys plead…

Another Catch-and-Release Season Expected on Mille Lacs Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Walleye anglers face another year of catch-and-release fishing on Mille Lacs Lake. The Star Tribune reports that the Department of Natural Resources officials told the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee last week to expect a second consecutive catch-and-release season as it tries to rebuild the popular lake’s struggling walleye population. Central region fisheries manager Brad Parsons says…

Duluth Firefighters Urge Planning Ahead for a Disaster

Are you prepared?

DULUTH, Minn. – Disasters take many forms from fires to earthquakes, and they can strike anywhere, at anytime. “Before a disaster strikes, it’s important for families to have a plan. If you don’t already have one, start one today. Prepare now, so you don’t panic later,” says Local 101 firefighter Pete Johnson. Local 101 suggests using the following guidelines to…

Animal Answers: Microchipping Month

One in Three Animals Will Go Missing at Some Point, Animal Allies is Looking to Help

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott took a trip to Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth to find out more about a helpful event happening during the month of February. Statistics show one in three animals will go missing at some point in the life, leading to an array of problems. To celebrate Micro…

Birkie Organizers Hoping for Better Weather

Events Start Tomorrow

Hayward, Wis.-Birkebeiner ski race organizers still have many concerns over the weather. There are some puddles on the trails, as crews work on siphoning off water from them. Some trails are also being repaired after they were damaged from the recent weather. “With below freezing temps in our future, along with snow in the forecast, we’re going all in with…

Superior Mayoral Primary Results

Spring election is April 4, 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tuesday was the Wisconsin primary election, and for Superior, that meant narrowing down to two opponents for the race for mayor. In the running was Brent Fennessey, Kalee Hermanson, Jim Paine, and Mike Herrick. Polls closed at 8 p.m. and shortly after that the official results were in: Brent Fennessey  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  ….

Duluth Closes 85 Miles of Traverse Trails

Warm weather has left many of the trails in poor condition

DULUTH, Minn. – The warmer conditions in the area have caused Duluth to close nearly eighty-five miles of trails. Many of the traverse trails are in delicate condition. The trails are wet, muddy, and prone to damage. Cyclists of Gitchi Gumee Shores said that going out onto the trails in these conditions will lead to water gathering on them that…

Duluth Transit Authority Works on Five Year Plan

The DTA is looking for help form the public in developing their new five year development plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is asking for the public’s help in coming up with their five year transit development plan. They specifically asked riders what they’re doing well and in what ways can they improve. Early respondents at an open house said the DTA has many courteous drivers but could use more buses and routes. The DTA…

St. Luke’s Provides Support for Caregivers

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s worked to help all–important care givers make their jobs easier and more effective. Usually the care giver is a family member or close friend who chooses to take care of someone with a life altering illness with little or no pay. St. Luke’s Regional Cancer Center held a lecture tonight, providing care givers important tools…

Mother Has Message for Missing Son

Christopher Kerze has Been Missing Since 1990

DULUTH, Minn.-Today marks the 44th birthday for Christopher Kerze, who went missing from Eagan April 20, 1990 when he was 17-years-old. After he went missing, his parents received a note allegedly from Kerze postmarked from Duluth. In the note he mentioned a desire to commit suicide. A few days later his parents van, which he allegedly took, was found in…

Choice Unlimited Masquerade Ball Set for Thursday

"A Royal Affair" Celebrates People and the Art They Produce

DULUTH, Minn. – Dust off your best mask because there’s a masquerade ball Thursday night in Duluth. “A Royal Affair” is this year’s theme for Choice Unlimited’s 4th annual fundraising gala, celebrating the talents of people with disabilities and the art they produce. Organizers say the fundraiser helps bring people together. “People get to know people,” said Annie Roseen, Arts…

Sen. Franken Tours Denfeld Techology Department

Senator Addressed Concerns About High-Tech Education

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Senator Al Franken toured the Duluth Denfeld High School’s technology department Tuesday, to see how students here are learning to fill tomorrow’s high tech jobs. The was part of the Senator’s “Advancing Career Pathways Tour” across Minnesota.  America is facing a shortage of high-tech workers, something Sen. Franken wants to see addressed. “We have skills gaps…

Minong Community Center Construction Continues

Could be Completed by August

MINONG, Wis.-Construction is humming along at the Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center in Minong. The facility, which includes a gym, pool, and even a museum, is expected to be completed by August. Currently the walls have gone up around the pool, while construction is just beginning on the walls of the entire facility. Construction workers did say that the…

State Lawmakers Channel Grief Into Fight Against Opioids

ST. PAUL (AP) – In statehouses across the country, lawmakers with loved ones who fell victim to drugs are leading the fight against the nation’s deadly opioid-abuse crisis, drawing on tragic personal experience to attack the problem. In Minnesota, for example, state Senator Chris Eaton’s daughter died of a heroin overdose in 2007. Eaton has since spearheaded a law granting…

Minnesota Churches Prepare to House Immigrants

ST. PAUL (AP) – About 15 congregations across Minnesota are preparing for people living in the U.S. illegally to live at their churches long-term. Minnesota Public Radio reports that religious institutions, known as “sanctuary churches,” have committed to helping such immigrants from being deported. They’re relying on federal policy not to make arrests in “sensitive” places unless absolutely necessary. Religious…

Event Changes Announced for the Birkie

HAYWARD, Wis. – With the unseasonably warm temperatures, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that Birkie Week events scheduled for Friday, February 24, have been moved to Saturday, February 25. These events include the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races. In addition, ABSF officials have determined there are three possible scenarios for Saturday events. SCENARIO 1: With some snow…

Judge Allows Environmentalists to Intervene in Twin Metals Lawsuit

ST. PAUL (AP) – A federal judge has approved an environmental group’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel min near Ely in northeastern Minnesota. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said in a ruling, Tuesday, that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness meets the legal requirements for becoming a defendant in the lawsuit. Twin…

Native American History on Display in Superior

New Exhibit Opens at Douglas County Historical Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new exhibit is opening up at the Douglas County Historical Society highlighting Native American culture in our area. The planning for this exhibit began when a Dugout Canoe was discovered in storage in 2015. The canoe was actually donated in 1939 and was found to be authentic Dakota. On Saturday, February 25th at 11 a.m. the…

SPECIAL REPORT: A Long Wait, Rape Kits Unprocessed

Join us for Part One, Wednesday after Star and Part Two, Thursday after My Kitchen Rules

There’s a major backlog when it comes to processing rape kits in St. Louis County. It’s a problem throughout the state, but the number of pending kits is the highest, right here, in St. Louis County. Approximately one of every five untested kits is waiting in St. Louis County; some of them dating back to the 1980s. We’ll discover the…

Bayfront Ice Rink Closed for Rest of Season

Warm Temperatures to Blame

DULUTH, Minn.-Due to unseasonably warm temperatures, Duluth Parks and Recreation is closing the outdoor rink at Bayfront Park for the rest of the winter season. Skaters will still have the chance to hit the rink at indoor events. From 6:30-8 p.m. every Wednesday, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center will offer an open skate. Additional hours will be offered this week…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Furniture Express

Three friends began selling furniture on social media. They grew the business enough to open a storefront in Hermantown.

  DULUTH, Minn. – Three friends, all under the age of thirty, have put their business savvy to the test. They started selling furniture on social media sites, which led them to open a storefront. They have some of the comfiest furniture around, but you won’t catch these entrepreneurs sitting down for too long. They’re busy growing and changing an…

More Changes Coming to Birkie

Still Battling Weather

HAYWARD, Wis.-After yesterday’s rain, the American Birkebeiner ski race has changed much of its route. The Birkie Trail south of Highway OO is not available for any events. Officials today said Duffy’s Field will no longer be the finish line either. Originally, the finish was supposed to be in downtown Hayward, but that was scrapped due to recent warm temperatures…

Enrollment Continues to Rise in Aviation Programs at Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College to Host Aviation Career Night

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is a large aviation hub. With an international airport and several independent aviation companies, there are several jobs available for Northlanders who would like to work in aviation. Dan Traska, Director of the Center for Advanced Aviation, stopped by FOX 21 to talk about the career opportunities within the aviation industry. Lake Superior…

Judge Allows Environmentalists to Intervene in Mine Lawsuit

Hope in Trump to Help Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-A federal judge has approved an environmental group’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said in a ruling Tuesday that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness meets the legal requirements for becoming a defendant in the lawsuit. Twin Metals Minnesota filed the…

Sticky Bun Fun With Lake Superior Bakehouse

On Tuesday, February 21, We Celebrate National Sticky Buns Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot to celebrate in the bakery world on Tuesday, February 21, 2017! The staff at Lake Superior Bakehouse stopped by the FOX 21 Tuesday morning with a few special treats to help celebrate. They say their fresh, homemade sticky buns are a top seller at the bakehouse, located at 102 West Superior Street in Duluth. National…

Rain, Warm Temperatures Lead to Change In Plans for Birkie Events

Officials say they will have a plan of action for race events by Wednesday

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The mix of rain and warm temperatures across the Northland are leading to some big changes for the American Birkebiner events this week. Race officials are keeping a close eye on the sky and monitoring conditions on the course. Most years, fans of the American Birkibiner are used to seeing thousands of cross country skiers flying down…

Minnesota House Approves Sunday Liquor Sales

The bill approves the sale of liquor on Sundays. It still needs to be passed by the Senate.

The Minnesota house voted to allow stores to sell liquor on Sundays. Lawmakers passed the bill 85 to 45. It’s the first step in reversing the prohibition-era law. The bill still needs to go to the Senate. The owner of Keyport Liquors in Superior said he doesn’t think that the extra day of sales will affect his business too much,…

Interstate 35 Lake Avenue Ramp Temporarily Closed

Flooding to Blame

The ramp going on to Interstate 35 onto Lake Avenue was blocked off today at about 3 p.m. due to flooding. A car was seen stalled out on the ramp. The Minnesota State Patrol and city crews responded to the scene to clean up the area. Rain is expected to continue on through the evening. Categories: News, News – Latest…

Abraham Lincoln at the Depot for President’s Day

One Man Show About Lincoln Plus Other Re-Enactments Presented in Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – President Abraham Lincoln, or an actor playing our sixteenth president, presented his one-man show today as part of the President’s Day celebration at the Depot. The play depicts what may have been going through Lincoln’s mind in the moments before he was shot in Ford’s Theatre until his death. The actor playing Lincoln thinks the former president’s story…

Minnesota Grocery Bagging Champion Competes at Nationals

Sandstone Native Finishes Just Outside of Top Five at National Competition

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Two weeks ago, we told you about Minnesota grocery bagging champion Seth Allen as he was preparing to compete in the national competition in Las Vegas. The competition is now over, and the Sandstone native fared well, finishing just outside the top five baggers, and narrowly missing out on winning a cash prize and competing in…

Energy Design Conference and Expo to Open at DECC

Event Gives Professionals and Homeowners Chance to Learn Green Methods and Technology

DULUTH, Minn. – A conference opens tomorrow at the DECC to showcase energy saving designs for homes and other buildings. The event offers a chance for contractors, architects, students and homeowners to learn the latest in green building methods and new energy efficient technology. “We live in a region that really takes energy efficiency and energy conservation very seriously. I think when…

Interest in Open Carry Up After Recent Events

But Minnesota and Wisconsin Have Slightly Different Requirements

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Gun advocates believe having your own weapon is the best way to protect yourself from violent crimes. But in the state of Minnesota, a permit is required to carry a gun, whether open or concealed. Obtaining a concealed carry permit requires attending 5 to 7 hours of class learning about gun laws, training at a shooting range,…

Children Enjoy Winter Camp at Hartley Nature Center

It's a Chance for Them to Learn While Having Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Children learned about nature and the outdoors while still having fun at Hartley Nature Center’s Winter Camp in Duluth. Children, age ranging from 4 to 9 learned about how plants and animals survive the winter, through games and exploring the park. Hartley Nature Center representatives believe Winter Camp is the perfect way to get children outside and exercising,…

Warm Temperatures Means Grilling in February

Local Meat Shops Saw Increase in Sales After Warm Week

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Northland saw temperatures 10 to 20 degrees higher than average last week. And Meat lovers took advantage. Deanna Reder, a meat handler at Superior Meats says sales spiked, as Northlanders fired up their grills to enjoy delicious food and time outside. Some of the best sellers included beef patties, and smoked sausages.   “You get to be outside,…

Wisconsin Superintendents Race Tomorrow

Narrowing it Down to Two Candidates

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin schools Superintendent Tony Evers faces two challengers, Lowell Holtz and John Humphries, in Tuesday’s primary. The two highest vote-getters will advance to the April 4 general election. Turnout Tuesday is expected to be low. The race is officially nonpartisan, but Evers is backed by Democrats and their allies while Holtz and Humphries are casting themselves as more conservative…

Minnesota House Approves Sunday Liquor Sales Bill

The bill now moves onto the State Senate

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House passed legislation, Monday, that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sunday, the first time in state history that standalone legislation on the issue has been voted on or approved. The bill passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote, and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Sunday liquor sales has been…

Walker Asks Public for Help Selling His Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Gov. Scott Walker wants Wisconsinites who like his budget to help him rally support. Walker’s campaign launched digital ads Monday encouraging citizens to write to their legislators in support of key elements of his budget proposal. Republican legislative leaders have been cautious about Walker’s proposed spending increases since he unveiled his budget earlier this month. Democrats…

Trump Announces New National Security Adviser

PALM BEACH, Fla (AP) – President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser. Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago. He says McMaster is “a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience.” Trump says retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who had been his acting adviser, will now serve…

Change of Course for the Birkebeiner

Due to warm weather conditions, Lake Hayward is no longer safe for skiers

HAYWARD, Wisc. – With warm weather conditions throughout the state, along with a forecast of rain Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that an adjustment to the overall race course for Birkie Week events is required. After warm weather over the weekend, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for racers. As part of a normal…

Proposal: Regulate Powdered Alcohol Like Liquid Alcohol

MADISON (AP) – Two Democratic state lawmakers have proposed subjecting powdered alcohol to the same regulations as liquid alcohol. Senator Tim Carpenter and Representative Debra Kloste said Monday they’ve introduced a bill to expand the state’s definition of alcohol to include powdered forms. The federal government in 2015 approved a powdered alcohol product all Palcohol. Since then, state s have…

Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Dies in NYC at 64

NEW YORK (AP) – Russian officials say its ambassador to the United Nations has died suddenly in New York City. Vitaly Churkin was 64. Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladamire Safronkov, told The Associated Press that Churkin became ill in his office at Russia’s U.N. mission and was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he died Monday. His cause of death…

Abraham Lincoln, Civil War Reenactors Perform for President’s Day

Coffee Conversation: President's Day at Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of President’s Day, the Duluth Depot is welcoming a famous guest. Abraham Lincoln, played by Fritz Klein, is making an appearance today. Klein will be performing the “Last Full Measure” which chronicles the time between when he was shot and when he died. Additionally, Klein will give “Lincoln Talks” throughout the day. The Lincoln Funeral…