News

Holiday Goodies Flying Out of the Case at The Wednesday Bakery

Christmas Baked Goods Sold at The Wednesday Bakery

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wednesday Bakery in Superior has been especially busy this holiday season. Today is, of course, the last Wednesday before Christmas so the line to get fresh baked goods was ongoing throughout the day. The bakery specializes in homemade bread, lefsa and holiday styled cakes. Every product is sure to be fresh. Tom Rich, the Owner of…

2 Bodies Found Outside Superior Home

Incident happened on December 21, 2016 in the Butler Park are of Superior

UPDATE: After an exam of the scene, preliminary investigation and preliminary autopsy results, Superior Police Department reports that it appears both Shirley Johnson and Richard Ellison, who were found outside of their home in the Butler Park are of Superior on December 21, died due to exposure to the cold. The Superior Police Department is currently awaiting final autopsy and…

Volunteers Gift Wrap for the Salvation Army

Salvation Army Volunteers Gift Wrap to Raise Money

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers have been working hard throughout the holiday season gift wrapping Christmas presents at the Miller Hill Mall. All of the proceeds raised go to the Salvation Army. They need the money because the Salvation Army is currently $35,000 behind where they were at this point last year. Shawn Stanich, a volunteer, said “I enjoy wrapping the…

New Nordic Trail at Spirit Mountain

New Nordic Center for Skiers in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Business leaders from all around the region have now donated about $70,000 to help make the Grand Avenue Nordic Center a reality. This money will now go into building the center at the bottom of Spirit Mountain. This will be a new cross country ski center and a place that will offer 3.3 kilometers of new trails…

Northland Family has Built Memories in Grocery Aisles for Decades

Northland Uncovered: Super One Foods

DULUTH, Minn. – Stopping at a grocery store is on the errands list of many. In Duluth, there are many options including Super One Foods. This popular grocery chain got its start right here in the Northland. “It starts back with my great–grandparents, Ida and Tony Miner,” Miner’s Inc. Store Director Patrick Miner explained. The family business started up in…

Deputy shooting found to be justified

Eveleth officer-involved shooting justified

A St. Louis County sheriff’s deputy was found justified in using deadly force to shoot a fleeing felon. Deputy Tim Officer  shot 27-year-old Aaron Boshey of Tower after a 17-minute car chase through Eveleth Nov. 22. Boshey was originally pulled over on a felony warrant. Boshey eventually drove off the road and ran into the woods where Officer shot him….

Animal Answers: Benefits of Feeding Birds in the Northland

Experts at Wild Birds Unlimited say Winter is the Most Important time to Feed our Feathered Friends

DULUTH, Minn. – Cold climates can become a constant battle for those who never have the chance to warm up or thaw out. Summer soaring can be sweet sailing for our friends with wings in the Northland. “The chickadees, the nuthatches, woodpeckers are all clinger birds, so they don’t necessarily need a perching area. Many people ask us what types…

Great Outdoors: Sunshine On The Slopes

People Head To Spirit Mountain To Enjoy Warm Winter Weather

DULUTH, Minn- Just a few short days ago was not a good time to be outside. Minnesota Duluth student and experienced skier Ben Merrill remembers, “It was freezing, I had 5 layers. We were taking 5 runs we’re like lets go sit in the chalet for a couple of hours and warm up.” Skier Siera LaFave comments, “Like with a…

St. Louis Co. Board Approves 8.5 Percent Property Tax Increase

(PRESS RELEASE) The St. Louis County Board has approved it’s 2017 budget, totaling $387,159,183. The budget includes an 8.5 percent property tax levy increase, with much of the increase necessary to fund skyrocketing out-of-home placement costs and other investments in children and family services. During a presentation at the Board meeting, County Administrator Kevin Gray highlighted three significant cost drivers…

New Timekeepers Exhibit Opens at Duluth’s Depot

"Timekeepers" or Pocket Watches Were Used by the American Railroad Industry in the 1880s

DULUTH, Minn. – Time is now ticking in history at Duluth’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The museum’s latest exhibit isn’t taking up much space in the collection, but had a huge purpose back in the 1880s. Many Seventeen Jeweled Timekeepers were given out by the American Railroad Industry after they created the four standard time zones, which we still use…

Carlton County Jail looking at enhancements

Focusing on rehabilitating re-offenders

The Carlton County Jail took a huge step today in making their jail stronger. Numerous law enforcement stakeholders met in there today to discuss how the needs and issues the jail is currently facing. Recently the Carlton County Board approved funding for an assessment study for the jail at a cost of $67,000. Officials told Fox 21 today they are…

Polar Express Day held in celebration of the holidays

Kids drove computerized train

The annual Polar Express Day was held at the Duluth Edison’s North Star Academy today. Model trains were set up which included a holiday theme. There were even holiday villages created for the trains. This isn’t the only classroom where holiday events took place today. “Throughout every classroom there’s all different kinds of holiday celebrations going on in the classrooms,…

Virginia Apartment Fire Displaces Families Just Before Christmas

Virginia Apartment Fire Displaces Families

  VIRGINIA, Minn. – Several families remain homeless tonight, after a fire yesterday at a Virginia apartment complex. The apartment building burned for many hours, leaving nine units destroyed. Firefighters from several nearby communities were called to the scene around 1:00 Monday afternoon and it took them nearly 9 hours to get the fire out. The three story, apartment building…

Toy Drive Targets Older Children in Need

Gifts for Teens Benefits the Boys and Girls Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Special delivery, and just in time for Christmas! Natalie Froistad and William Seay from Fox 21 Local News at Seven paid a visit to the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland earlier today, with gift boxes full of presents for area teenagers. “Gifts for Teens” is a toy drive that targets under-privileged teenagers, a group that…

Aurora man pleads guilty to murdering former girlfriend

November 8, 2015 shooting death of Julie Hildreth

John Joseph Plevell pleaded guilty on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 to intentional second-degree murder in the November 8, 2015 shooting death of Julie Ann Hildreth outside the Aurora American Legion club, St. Louis County Attorney, Mark Rubin, said. Plevell, 52, entered the plea before Judge Gary Pagliaccetti in State District Court in Virginia, Minnesota. The court scheduled sentencing for January…

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…