Public Safety

Vandalism Strikes in New Place

Ballfield facility in Duluth/Proctor sprayed with racial slurs and religious symbols

Several police departments in the Northland have been dealing with vandalism cases in the past several weeks. One of the most recent was along the Duluth/Proctor border this past weekend. Duluth Police say officers responded to a report of graffiti at Klang Park along Boundary Avenue late Saturday afternoon. The graffiti included offensive racial slurs and religious symbols. There were…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine: Double Emergencies At Cenovus Refinery ‘Unacceptable’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cenovus Energy is now dealing with two critical incidents at its newly built refinery within the past two days (Wednesday and Thursday) – a propane leak and a “heavy fuel oil release,” according to the Superior Fire Department.  Both incidents caused evacuations. Nobody was injured. Superior Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 on Thursday that he’s proud…

‘Heavy Fuel Oil Release’ At Superior’s Cenovus Refinery One Day After Propane Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just one day after an emergency evacuation at Cenovus Energy because of a propane leak, another emergency situation unfolded Thursday involving a “heavy fuel oil release,” according to the Superior Fire Department. The call for help came in around 1 p.m. Superior fire crews responded to a report of a “release of heavy fuel oil in a…

Body of Man Flying Ultralight Found in Lake Superior

A piece of his clothing found on shore helped searchers focus their efforts

Denny Pechacek (Photo courtesy Abbey Johnson) Hovland, Minnesota- Authorities say they have found and recovered the body of a man missing since last Friday. The Cook County Sheriff’s office says the body of Denny Pechacek was recovered from Lake Superior off the shore of Hovland, MN. Many people and groups had been searching for him since he and the ultralight…

Father Of The Veteran Who Was Shot And Killed By Duluth Police Says Death Was Avoidable; Police Video Released

DULUTH, Minn. – Body camera footage has been released involving a February officer-involved shooting that killed a Duluth veteran. Last week, that officer was cleared of any charges after an outside investigation. And now, the man’s father tells FOX 21 deadly force could have easily been avoided. Zachary Shogren We begin with the Feb. 24 encounter that lead up to…

Duluth Council Tables Change to Smoking Ordinance Fine

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will wait a few more weeks to finalized how much to fine people who are caught violating the city’s smoking ordinance, which now includes cannabis. Councilors could have reduce the first violation to $25, the second violation to $50, and the third and additional violations to $75 Monday evening. Currently, the fine is…

Coast Guard Trains On Lake Superior While Drifting Tubers Get Help To Shore

DULUTH, Minn. –  There was some confusion Wednesday for people looking out on Lake Superior from Duluth’s shoreline when they saw a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hovering over the water with a Coast Guard vessel. Coast Guard training Wednesday A spokesperson for the Coast Guard told FOX 21 it was not a water emergency but rather a scheduled training exercise…

DOJ Investigating Fatal Shooting Involving Ashland County Sheriff’s Deputy

TOWN OF MORSE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in the Town of Morse in Ashland County. The incident happened around 6 p.m. Tuesday in the 33000 block of N. Foley Road. Upon arrival, deputies with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office witnessed a male assaulting two adult females with a “bladed weapon,” according…

Duluth Public Info. Meeting Wed. About ‘Armored Rescue Vehicle’ Purchase

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa and his team will hold a community informational meeting Wednesday about the possible purchase of an Armored Rescue Vehicle. The meeting is happening from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Evergreen Senior Center. Chief Ceynowa told FOX 21 it’s time to invest in the life-saving tool and stop borrowing Superior’s Armored…

Duluth Council Bans Smoking Pot In Parks, Fines Undecided

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance Monday night banning the smoking of marijuana and other controlled substances involving smoke from city parks, like cigarettes and vaping. This comes after the state of Minnesota passed a law legalizing adult recreational use of marijuana beginning Aug. 1. The smoking violation fines became a discussion Monday night between some…

Body Of Canoeist Discovered In BWCA

Justin Sperl/Facebook COOK COUNTY, Minn. —  The body of a canoeist was found Monday in the Brule Lake area of the BWCA. The body was discovered by other canoeists who notified authorities, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The remains have been identified as Justin Sperl, 32, of Marshall, Minnesota. “Sperl had been the subject of a missing person…

Duluth Investigator Cleared Of Charges In Feb. Fatal Shooting

Scene of February shooting DULUTH, Minn. — Charges will not be filed against a Duluth police officer who shot and killed a suspect earlier this year. The shooting happened Feb. 24, 2023 in an alley on the 1500 block of East Third Street during a felony arrest for threats of violence. Investigators said shots were fired after Zachary Shogren, 34,…

Duluth Police Dept. Plans To Purchase Armored Vehicle, Stop Borrowing Superior’s

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa is looking to make his biggest investment yet since becoming chief nearly one year ago – the purchase of an Armored Rescue Vehicle.  Ceynowa says it’s a safety tool his department should no longer be borrowing from the Superior Police Department, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. From schools, to supermarkets, to…

Visitor From Canada Helps Save Two Swimmers

Tr-Color Flags Signify If Dangers Exist in the Water

DULUTH, MINN.– Friday evening, the Duluth Fire Department responded to the report of two swimmers in distress in the 800 block of South Lake Avenue. Duluth Fire sent a water rescue response of three fire companies to access the swimmers.  However, when they arrived they learned a visitor from Toronto has already assisted the two girls and they were all…

Two Men Charged With Second-Degree Murder

  DULUTH, Minn. — Second-degree murder charges along with two other felony charges have been filed against the men who allegedly fired the shots that killed 19-year-old Paris Allen and injured another in Duluth on Wednesday. The two men are identified as 21-year-old Sanussi Bangoura and 25-year-old Brandon Williams-Gillard. They each face the same three charges: Aid & Abet Murder…

Hermantown P.D. Releases First Details In July 25 Road-Rage Attack It Calls ‘Altercation’

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Seven days after a violent road-rage attack of a 73-year-old man in Hermantown, the police department released its first news release Tuesday on the incident because the department says the investigation is now complete. Aug. 1 press release The release did not mention the suspect’s name, sex or age.  It also did not say anything about the…

Initial Suspect Cleared In Attack Near Superior Baseball Game

DULUTH, Minn. — Charges have been dropped against a man accused of cutting up a member of the Superior Youth Organization during a game last week, according to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. July 20 in a wooded area near the Hayes Court Complex baseball fields. The victim said he heard what sounded…

‘Marine 19’ Rescues Person Suffering Medical Issue Along Lakeshore

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department’s Marine 19 emergency vessel was dispatched Monday afternoon to help a person experiencing a medical emergency along Lake Superior. Marine 19 arriving into ship canal with patient The location was not easily accessible — about 1,000 yards east of Leif Erikson Park, according to a news release. Firefighters first arrived by the Rose…

Minnesota State Agencies Look Ahead To Marijuana Legalization

MINNESOTA — Driving high is a DWI. That is what state agencies discussed Tuesday at a news conference regarding traffic safety ahead of the marijuana legalization on August 1st. Lawmakers approved new resources for impaired driving and cannabis traffic safety efforts. These include: If officers suspect someone is under the influence of drugs while driving, they have the option to…

First Indigenous-Lead Coast Guard to Set Sail Next Year

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn.– The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced their latest partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for a new search and rescue program. This will be the first indigenous-lead coast guard. On average, the Grand Portage Band said that they help out with around 10 search and rescue missions each year. After the Auxiliary U.S….

Larson Secures DFL, Labor Endorsements; Reinert Lands Police, Fire Unions

DULUTH, Minn. — The Aug. 8 primary election is less than three weeks away. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and former state Sen. Roger Reinert are the likely two candidates headed to the general election Nov. 7. “I doorknock five days a week. I’ve been out since January door-knocking. The campaign itself is really resonating with people. It is clear people…

U.S. Navy Parachute Member ‘Stable’ After Hard Landing At Duluth Airshow

DULUTH, Minn. – A member of the U.S. Navy Leap Frog parachute team was listed in stable condition Sunday after landing hard during the Duluth Airshow Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the event. “The individual was immediately tended to by emergency personnel and Airlifted to Essentia Health/St. Mary’s where he is in stable condition and being treated for his…

Canoers Discover Human Remains In Nemadji River

CARLTON, Co. — Human remains were recovered from the Nemadji River in Carlton County Saturday. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said a family canoeing on the river discovered the body around 1:30 p.m. The remains were found southeast of the SOO Line ATV trail and Highway 23 intersection. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating, including a positive identification of…

Duluth Police Search For Man With ‘Potential Risk To The Public’

Trevor Billings DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is searching for a suspect they considered a “potential risk to the public.” Trevor Billings has active warrants out for his arrest, according to police. “We are concerned for his safety and well-being,” said Mattie Hjelseth, public information office for the police department.  “Trevor poses a potential risk to the public…

Virginia Murder Suspect: “I Woke Up From A Dream And Was Told To Shoot My Brother”

VIRGINIA, Minn. — An attempted murder charge has been filed against a Virginia man accused of shooting his brother in the head. According to the criminal complaint, Robert Cope, 30, told authorities he “…woke up from a dream and was told to shoot my brother.” The shooting happened around 10:20 a.m. July 8 at a residence on 9th Street South…

Blood Donations Needed Even In Busy Summer Months

A blood drive at the Duluth Red Cross chapter office Wednesday was part of the effort to keep donors involved.

Summer is a very busy time for many people, but the need for a steady supply of blood continues year-round. Wednesday the Red Cross held a blood drive at their chapter office by the Miller Hill Mall. The entire morning was booked with appointments and there were just a few openings left heading into the afternoon. Volunteers from St. Cloud…

‘Men As Peacemakers’ Program Helps Men Change Course Against Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Men As Peacemakers is working to help stop domestic violence. Just last year alone, 70,000 Minnesota women received help from domestic violence agencies, according to the Safe Haven Shelter. To help reduce that violence, there are groups like Men As Peacemakers in Duluth working to help prevent violence against women and children. Training was held Monday…

Motorcyclist, SUV Collide Near Island Lake Killing 1, Injuring Another

DULUTH, Minn. – A motorcyclist was killed and his passenger was critically injured Thursday evening near Island Lake when their motorcycle collided with a vehicle. The accident happened around 6 p.m. near the 7400 block of Rice Lake Road in Duluth. Michael Allen Scott, 62, of Duluth, died at the scene. His female passenger who was not identified by the…

Motorcyclist’s Tire Locks Up, Loses Control

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police were called to a motorcycle accident in the Kenwood neighborhood Thursday. The incident happened around 11:45 a.m. at the intersection of Kenwood Avenue and West Arrowhead Road. The motorcyclist said he fell off his bike when the rear tire locked up while downshifting and changing lanes, according to police. The motorcyclist sustained minor injuries and…

Colleague Remembered by Deputies and Rescue Squad

Debra Slatten had many "firsts" in her career, and an ability to connect with people.

A local woman was remembered Thursday for a lifetime dedicated to service. The presence of emergency vehicles, squad cars and flags honored the memory of Debra, “Deb,” Slatten. She passed away unexpectedly on June 29 due to a cardiac event. Local residents, and fire and law enforcement members gathered to pay their respects. “It is obvious by the turnout today…

Alleged Killer of 5 In Philadelphia Shooting Had No Connection With Victims

2-year-old and 13-year-old boys also wounded.

Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A 40-year-old man with a rifle, a pistol, extra magazines, a police scanner and a bulletproof vest fatally shot four men in a Philadelphia neighborhood and chased and killed a fifth man inside a house, police said. A 2-year-old boy and a 13-year-old were also wounded in the Monday night violence that made the working-class…

Minnesota Search for 3 Missing Fishermen

One man fell in, two others tried to rescue him.

RED WING, Minn. (AP) — Officials in Minnesota are searching Tuesday for three men who are missing from a fishing boat in the Mississippi River. The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office said that around 7:30 p.m. Monday, a 911 call reported that a man fell into the river while fishing near the town of Red Wing, at a point where the…

Woman Killed In Two-Vehicle Accident In Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A woman was killed Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle accident in Hermantown, according to a news release. Hermantown police identified the victim as 46-year-old Penny Jean Polaski. Investigators believe the Kia Rio Polaski was riding in as a passenger was driving south on Lavaque Bypass near Ugstad Road around 2:20 p.m. when it crossed the center line…

Smarts and Caution Urged When Lighting Fireworks

There are ways to make it safer for everyone around you.

With many area burning restrictions lifted or eased in recent days, it is expected that more people will be wanting to light fireworks on their own. Those who deal with fireworks and those who deal with the aftermath of injuries are reminding people to be careful. Despite the lack of rain early this summer, sales have been pretty steady at…

Sheriff Issues Warning After Double Drowning In Lake Superior

SILVER BAY, Minn. — Two teens who died Sunday cliff diving into Lake Superior were identified Monday. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said they are Austin Henning, 18, from South St. Paul and Maximillion Williams, 18, of Inver Grove Heights. The U.S. Coast Guard said the men resurfaced after their jump at Black Beach in Silver Bay Sunday afternoon but…

Police: Man, 25, Attacked In Piedmont Heights Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating after a man was attacked in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood. The crime was reported around 12:30 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Hutchinson Road and Hagberg Street. Police told FOX 21 Monday the victim is a 25-year-old man. The man was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Officers were not…