Public Safety

Bong Bridge Construction In 2025; Public Meeting Wednesday

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A public meeting is set for Wed., Aug. 21, at the Superior Public Library to talk about construction plans for the Bong Bridge. The meeting takes place from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The project includes concrete surface repairs and replacing light poles, some of which came down during accidents and storms. Click there for an overview…

Perdue Recalls 167K Pounds Of Chicken Nuggets

(AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS: Check your freezer. Perdue Foods is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders after some customers reported finding metal wire embedded in the products. According to Perdue and the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the recall covers select lots of three products: Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken…

Motorcyclist Identified; Struck And Killed By Vehicle In Superior

UPDATE (August 16, 2:10 p.m.) — The Superior Police Department has identified the motorcyclist that was struck and killed by a vehicle on Monday morning. The 33-year-old Superior resident is Brandon Richard Larsen. Authorities say the driver of the vehicle was a 16-year-old. Speed appears to be a factor in the crash. ORIGINAL POST: SUPERIOR, Wis. – A 33-year-old motorcyclist…

Railway Bridge Collapses Near MN-CA Border; No Reports Of Injuries

Courtesy: Rainy Lake Property Owners Assoc. MN/CA BORDER. — CN-owned Rainy River Rail Lift Bridge collapsed Wednesday, which is on the Canadian side of the Minnesota-U.S. border, according to NWOnewswatch.com. “A pile of twisted metal lies at one end of a bridge that connects the CN network to the Port of Thunder Bay,” NWO reported Wednesday.  Photos from Rainy Lake…

Fatal 5-Vehicle Accident on Highway 2 Near Floodwood

ARROWHEAD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal five-vehicle accident in southwest St. Louis County. The accident was reported around 2:55 p.m. on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 14, 2024, on on Highway 2 near Nelson Road in Arrowhead Township, southwest of Floodwood. The only details made public as of Wednesday evening is that four vehicles…

Duluth Shooting Incidents Down Significantly So Far In 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — There is good news about Duluth’s violent crime so far in 2024. It’s the lowest it’s been since before the pandemic. FOX 21 recently requested a six-year breakdown of data from the Duluth Police Department involving shooting incidents through July.  The numbers show a steep decline in 2024 compared to the past five years. As of July…

City Of Duluth Releases Statement After 1,000+ Fish Die In Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth says it is cooperating with regulatory agencies after more than 1,000 fish were found dead last week in Tischer creek. The DNR confirmed that hundreds of brook trout, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic bugs were among the dead. Field crews from the DNR and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) collected fish and water samples…

Northland K-9s Show Off At 10th Annual Operation K-9

SUPERIOR, Wis.–K-9 units from five law enforcement agencies were on full display in Superior Thursday for the 10th annual Operation K-9. Officers and their partners in crime demonstrated tasks for a big audience on the field next to Wessman Arena. Dozens of families, first responders, and supporters of the police packed the stands for a free series of demonstrations. Fox…

Wis. Farming Family’s Dog Killed By Wolves; Congressmen Tiffany, Stauber Talk Wolf Hunt

MASON, Wis. – Living up north means living with some of America’s most beautiful creatures, like gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list. But for a farming family in Mason, Wis., they say the growing wolf population has become a serious problem for their livestock and even their beloved pets, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. Growing up…

Tuesday At 9 P.M.: Wis. Farming Family Speaks Out After Wolves Kill Family Dog

MASON, Wis. – Coming up Tuesday night on FOX 21 Local News at 9, a special report from Mason, Wisconsin, involving a recent wolf attack. You’ll hear from life-long residents of northern Wisconsin who say the wolf population is out of control, killing livestock and even and 11-year-old Labrador just feet from its house. “I know that wolves, they’re a…

One Dead, One Injured After ATV Rollover in Balkan Township

BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – An ATV accident killed one and injured another on a trail in Balkan Township in St. Louis County Saturday afternoon. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to the scene between Chisholm and Buhl around 3:40 p.m.  When they arrived the side-by-side ATV was upright, but appeared to have rolled over based on the…

What You Need to Know About Minnesota’s New Child Passenger Safety Laws

DULUTH, Minn. — Starting August 1, there’s new ways for children to be safe while riding in vehicles. The new “5 Step Test” aims for child safety. Children must (1) sit flat against the back of the seat (2) without falling asleep consistently, (3) keeping knees at a 90-degree angle (4) with the seat belt resting across the hips and…

Police: Victim Of Duluth Stabbing ‘Uncooperative’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a stabbing that they say involves an uncooperative victim. The stabbing happened Friday night in the area of the 100 block of East 4th Street. Officers made contact with the victim who received minor injuries. The victim refused medical attention and refused to cooperative with investigators, according to a news release. Police believe…

Update: Coast Guard Clears ‘Vista Star’ For Operation After Striking Breakwater

Five-foot waves were reported during the incident, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

6:15 p.m. update:  After the Vista Star struck a breakwater wall in the Wisconsin Entry to the Duluth-Superior harbor late Saturday evening, the Coast Guard inspected the hull of the boat Sunday evening and gave the all clear for operations to resume, according to Vista Fleet Owner Justin Steinbach.  He added the Vista Star cruises will start back up as…

Hermantown Fire Department Launches New Program

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Fire Department has launched its new community connect program. This program is about supply first responders with vital information to better meet the needs of the community when they are called upon. Hermantown residents and businesses can voluntarily input any information that they think will aid responders. Users can outline their health or mobility issues,…

Ex-Superior Police Officer Sentenced For Double-Fatal Drunken Crash

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was an emotional day in court Wednesday as a Douglas County judge handed down his sentence against a former Superior police officer who killed a father and newborn son in a drunken hit-and-run in 2022. Judge George Glonik sentenced Gregory Swanson, 44, to 5 years in prison and 5 years supervision for each of the two…

Strong Opinions On Proposed Public Safety Plan; Duluth Mayor, Chiefs Encourage More

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after a standing-room only council meeting, the city of Duluth’s top public safety leaders are reacting to 3.5 hours of public comments and dialogue about Mayor Roger Reinert’s proposed ordinance changes to get tougher on non-violent crime. Property damage, graffiti, illegal dumping and camping on public property are among the non-violent crimes that would become…

Council Discusses Public Safety Plan Amid Packed Chamber Room

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s City Council got their first chance Monday evening to discuss 10 proposed ordinance amendments to curb non-violent crimes in the city. It would make actions such as camping on city property, graffiti, and unlawful possession or firing of an airgun misdemeanors. An overflow crowd gathered in and near the council chamber’s room for a chance to…

Citizen Stops Near Drowning on Caribou Lake

CARIBOU LAKE, Minn. — According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a 64-year-old Esko man was rescued by a “good Samaritan” on Caribou Lake Saturday evening. While riding a jetski, the watercraft flipped and the man began to struggle to stay above water. Another jet ski rider saw him and pulled him to shore. The man then lost conciousness….

Cloquet High School Hosts Active Shooter Training for Law Enforcement

Today was the first of four trainings that will take place over the next week

CLOQUET, Minn. — On Thursday, the Cloquet Police Department held Active Shooter Response Training at Cloquet High School. Over the four sessions, around 120 trainees will run through simulated active shooter scenarios. Members of the Cloquet and Fond du Lac Police Departments are going through the training. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, MN DNR, MN State Patrol, and Cloquet Fire…

Duluth Mayor Proposes ‘Public Safety Ordinances’ For Non-Violent Crimes

DULUTH Minn.– Improving public safety is one of Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert’s top priorities. On Monday afternoon, he and his chiefs of police and fire announced a proposal to help cut down on non-violent crimes. The plan includes 10 city ordinances that will amend sections of the city code. This includes introducing misdemeanor-level offenses for problems such as burning, graffiti,…

Duluth Street Maintenance Team Making Progress on Potholes

A milder winter and dry spring have given the City a head start on street repairs

DULUTH, Minn. — Summer in Minnesota means potholes, but this year is a little different. Thanks to a mild winter and low-moisture spring, the Duluth street maintenance team is ahead of their typical schedule. This year, they were able to get a jump start on repairs, beginning in May. According to Street Maintenance Operations Manager Geoff Vukelich, they’re already almost…

Hibbing Police Make Big Break In 2017 Unsolved Murder Of Businessman

HIBBING, Minn. — The 2017 murder of Hibbing business owner Brian Nelson remains unsolved, as the 7th anniversary of his death approaches next week. But Monday night, FOX 21 confirmed Hibbing police investigators are closing in on the case. After seven years of investigating every lead possible, new forensic technology has created the most credible lead yet into finding out…

Diver Drowns In Crane Lake While Trying To Recover Sunken Machinery

CRANE LAKE, Minn. – A scuba diver from Embarrass drowned Sunday while trying to recover a piece of sunken machinery on Crane Lake, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The 50-year-old, William Rebarich was in 70 feet of water when he failed to resurface during the attempt to recover the sunken equipment. Crane Lake is just outside Voyageurs…

Ashland County Sheriff Received $228 Thousand to Aid the Fight Against Opioids

ASHLAND, Wis. — It kills more Wisconsinites a year than car crashes. Opioids, a powerful prescribed painkiller, has overwhelmed communities across the country. In 2023, Wisconsin saw just over 1,300 opioid-related deaths. To combat rising opioid death rates, the state of Wisconsin has announced grants being awarded to law enforcement agencies state-wide.  “As Attorney General, my top priority is public…

Cook Community Leans On Each Other As Swollen River Takes Over Downtown

Gov. Walz will visit Cook and Biwabik on Thursday to survey the flood damage.

COOK, Minn. – The small, close-knit city of Cook is dealing with a big problem.  The swollen Littlefork River has sent feet of water into the low-lying downtown. Homes and businesses are surrounded by water.  Some basements have feet of water, according to locals. There was a slight sign of relief Thursday because forecasters believe the river has hit its…

UPDATE: Two Juveniles Arrested in Robbery and Assault of 75-year-old Man

DULUTH, Minn. — Two male juveniles, a 14-year-old and 16-year-old, were arrested Wednesday, June 19 in the assault and robbery of a 75-year-old man in the DECC parking ramp. UPDATE (6/20): The juveniles are facing pending charges of Aid and Abet 1st Aggravated Robbery and 3rd Degree Riot charges. They were detained at about 10:30 pm on Wednesday, June 19…

FOX 21 Local News At 9: Tuesday’s Severe Weather Coverage

NORTHLAND — Video from viewers from around the Northland shows manholes unable to hold all the rain water in Bovey. The streets were comparable to small riverways. A similar story comes out of McKinley, as the heavy rainfall sends water down the streets and around homes. Video from viewers in Hibbing shows parking lots flooded. With vehicle owners moving cars…

Fire Breaks Out At Uptown Mall In Virginia

Credit: Northland Fire Wire VIRGINIA, Minn. – Fire broke out at the Uptown Mall in Virginia Thursday afternoon. Credit: Northland Fire Wire Pictures from the Northland Fire Wire showed dark, black smoke coming from the building. The Fire Wire reported that the flames were contained to a storage area thanks to the mall’s sprinkler system. Multiple area fire departments responded….

Crow Wing County Reports Significant Storm Damage

We are getting new images of significant damage in Crow Wing County from Wednesday’s severe storms. The Sheriff’s Office posted photos late Wednesday showing a camper flipped over, trees down, and pieces of debris, like a 2X4 through a home’s roof. The pictures were taken off Highway 6 just north of Crosby. This is the same area where storm chasers…

Female Exits Residence Peacefully After Crisis Team Response In Lincoln Park

UPDATE: 10:30 p.m.: After making contact with the female, she exited the residence peacefully and was transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. There were no injuries during this incident and the area is now clear. BREAKING: Officers are on scene of a welfare check in the 3000 block of Restormel Street in Duluth’s Lincoln Park that…

Esko Contamination Cleanup

ESKO, Minn.– An ongoing contamination issue in Esko is currently being fixed. Near the post office, a clean-up project is in progress. Soil contaminated with harmful chemicals will be removed and replaced around the parking lot. With this being fixed, they are preventing the spread of contamination that could ruin surrounding water sources. They are also installing a groundwater treatment…

Two South Range Residents Die in Motorcycle Crash

Sheriff says it happened Sunday evening in Douglas County.

A man and woman from South Range both died Sunday evening when their motorcycle and a car crashed. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the names of the victims are not yet being released. A press release said the man and woman were both 23 years old. It was about 7:05 p.m. when deputies responded to the report of the…

Michipicoten Emergency: U.S. Coast Guard Was Ready For ‘Worst Case Scenario’

The Coast Guard said the ship struck something underwater in Lake Superior.

The 689-foot Michipicoten safely arrived in the harbor of Thunder Bay Saturday afternoon after the ship starting taking on water 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale Saturday morning. The U.S. Coast Guard said the ship struck something underwater just before 7 a.m. Saturday near Isle Royale Pumps were used to displace “some water entering spaces,” according to the USCG. The…

Duluth Teen Found Guilty of Murder in Shooting of Another Teen

Verdict came this week in 2022 death.

Corey Devon Young Found Guilty Two years ago, a 17-year-old Duluth resident was shot and killed. Tuesday the shooter was found guilty. Corey Devon Young was found guilty of second-degree intentional murder. He is now 19 years old, but was 17 at the time of the shooting. In July of 2022, Duluth police were called to 1st Street and 16th…

K9 Gus Joins The Duluth Police Department

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department welcomed a furry new member to their team. K9 Gus has joined the K9 Division and Officer Nate Abbott is his handler. Both of them began school in February and graduated in May. The 2-year-old Dutch Shepard is from Poland. He specializes in narcotic detection, tracking, article searching, and apprehension. As for…

Minneapolis Mass Shooting Suspect Identified

Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota law enforcement on Saturday identified the man who they believe fatally shot a Minneapolis officer in what police are calling an ambush. Minnesota Public Safety Department spokesperson Bonney Bowman named 35-year-old Mustafa Mohamed as the suspected shooter. He was later shot and killed by another responding officer. Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell was responding…