Public Safety

Mother Of Victim In East H.S. Assault Calls For Louder Voices Against Bullies

DULUTH, Minn. – The mother of a victim in a recent violent assault recorded on video outside Duluth East High School is speaking out and calling on people to stand up more against what she calls a growing problem of violence and bullies in schools. The assault happened Oct. 15, and now school officials and police are responding publicly after…

Duluth Declares Disaster Area

Federal Aid Being Sought for Lakewalk Damages

DULUTH, Minn.- The Saint Louis County Board has declared a “state of local disaster area” in Duluth after the October 10th storm. That declaration was made in order to help the city get needed funding for repairs along the lakewalk, along with numerous other spots along the shoreline. The total cost of damages sits at $18.4 million right now after an…

City Council Approves Riot Gear As Protesters Take Over Chambers

Disruptions Don't Stop Approval of Riot Gear Purchase

DULUTH, Minn.- After two tabled votes, and three community meetings involving the topic, the Duluth City Council voted 6 to 2 in favor of purchasing roughly $83,000 of riot gear for Police Officers. Counselors Gary Anderson and Joel Sipress voted against the purchase. Em Westerlund was out of town for work. Westerlund missed a city council meeting like no other….

CHUM Gala for Street Outreach Program, Struggles with Housing

Event held at Greysolon Ballroom

DULUTH, Minn.-  A gala was held by CHUM Thursday night, to raise money for their Street Outreach program. All proceeds benefit the Street Outreach program, which helps homeless people living outside or in their cars. “So we really work with people to try to get them inside,” said Development Director Mary Schmitz. “And once they’re inside, then we can work…

Homeless Camp Dismantled Over I-35; Fencing Installed After Safety, Health Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – A homeless camp above I-35 in Duluth has been moved out with new security measures being installed after growing health and safety concerns there. Crews with the Minnesota Department of Transportation were out Wednesday installing new fencing around the property along the 700 block of East Superior Street. MnDOT officials say conditions were increasingly unsanitary, with mounting…

Community Voices Heard One Last Time for Riot Gear

Issue with Comments from Meetings Now Goes to City Council

DULUTH, Minn.- “…we stop being oppositional and look for ways to make our community safe.” The tired plea from one concerned citizen at a third community meeting discussing whether the Duluth Police Department should purchase new riot gear. The Citizens Review Board held its final community meeting about the proposed purchase of riot gear. The feedback along the way will…

UMD Takes Back the Night

March and Rally held Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Campus was alive Thursday night, with rallying cries against sexual assault and domestic violence, and in support of survivors, as a group Took Back the Night. The Kirby Ballroom abuzz with men, women and children gathered to work to end sexual and domestic violence, and reclaim the nighttime from fear and vulnerability. “I think it’s just…

New Police Program Provides Hope to Addicts

Superior Police Department Launches 'Pathways to Hope'

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is launching a new pilot program, to give people battling drug addiction a choice over their fate. The “Pathways to Hope” program offers eligible offenders a choice of going to jail, or going through rehab for their addiction, with costs covered for the under-insured and the uninsured. Transportation will also be provided, to get…

Storm Damages Boats, Sends One Into Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.- The raging water of Lake Superior knows no bounds. It doesn’t recognize that the dock is where boats are to be kept, safe and secure. The bobbing stern of a boat reads “Wild Water.” That boat lived up to its name, rocking back and forth violently with its peers at the pier by Lakehead Boat Basin. The dock fights…

New ‘Kids Don’t Float’ Life Jacket Loaner Station Opens in Superior

City Says with Life Jackets You'll Float Too

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Loon’s Foot Landing just got a lot safer, as a “Kids Don’t Float” Life Jacket Loaner Station was unveiled there Thursday. The Loon’s Foot station is one of the two new ones in Superior. The long-term goal is to have one of these loaner stations at every water access point in the city. Developers say, this community service,…

Superior Police Get a New UTV

New Vehicle Great for Community Events Officers Say

SUPERIOR,Wis.- Christmas came early for the Superior Police Department, as they just received a new utility task vehicle, or UTV. This is the same UTV used by the Duluth Police Department for President Trump’s visit, and now it has been passed on over the bridge. The UTV is more versatile, more compact, and more agile than a squad car. It…

Damaged Superior Fire Gear Approved for Replacement

City Council Approves Purchase of New Gear After Husky Explosion Damage

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Firefighting gear damaged in the Husky Refinery Explosion is being replaced, thanks to a settlement agreement with the oil refinery company. The Fire Department was approved Tuesday night by the City Council to use the settlement money to purchase new turnout gear. Firefighters who came in contact with hazardous materials during that massive explosion at the Superior…

Tweet Along to Ride Along with Minnesota Police

State's First Virtual Ride Along Takes Place

WEST DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota took ride alongs to a different level Friday, as anyone who wished to accompany officers could do so, via Twitter. The idea started at the West Duluth Police Department, but agencies participated from Ely to New Ulm, and many in between, using the #MNCopsVRA. Officers say it’s the perfect way to shed light on police activity, which…

Winter Flurries Make Hardware Stores Hurry to Stock Winter Supplies

Menard's and Marshall Hardware Gear Up

DULUTH, Minn.-As Lord Stark from Game of Thrones warned, “winter is coming” to the Northland. So snowplows, salt, and shovels are now headed to store shelves, waiting for their big debut. Regardless of how much snow actually falls this month, it’s still a sign that winter is on the horizon, a sign Northlanders know all too well. So they turn to…

Councilors Retable Vote to Purchase Riot Gear For Police Dept.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a 5-3 vote Monday night, the Duluth City Council decided to table a resolution authorizing the purchase of protective gear, also known as riot gear, for police officers after much opposition to the idea from community activists, concerned citizens and the Duluth chapter of the NAACP. Councilors Zack Filipovich, Joel Sipress, Arik Forsman, Em Westerlund and Gary…

Powerful Winds Rile Lake Superior Up

Waves Crashed Inland, People Took Pictures

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior showed off for the second day in a row. Strong winds whipped up waves that crashed along the lakewalk. The windy day with gusts as high as 30 mph had people, of course, headed down along the lakefront in Canal Park. And no one was afraid to get in the splash-zone, experiencing the raw natural power…

Residents, City at a Crossroads over Glenwood Street

Community Meeting at Lester Park Elementary Abuzz with Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.-Lester Park Elementary School was alive after school hours Wednesday. A meeting was held between the city and community members to address traffic concerns with Glenwood street intersecting with Jean Duluth and Snively roads. It appears after numerous speeding tickets, accidents, and even a fatality at that intersection, community members and the city both say enough is enough, but…

Mission Creek Updates from MnDOT

Community Members Voice Concerns at Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.- 387. That was the magic number from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the community. They say it will take 387 days to finish burial recovery at the grave site unearthed by Mission Creek Bridge Construction. It is the first time they have had a measurable timeline for the project. After burial recovery, crews move to cemetery restoration,…

UMD Students Help One Another Get Home Safely

Students can call a free hotline to be assisted walking anywhere within a two mile radius of campus.

DULUTH, Minn.- At the University of Minnesota Duluth, one campus program is helping students feel safe and ensuring no one has to walk alone. With the exception of alcohol and drug arrests sexual assault and stalking cases are the most commonly reported crimes on the UMD campus. Now some students are helping one–another feel safe on campus so they don’t…

Red Cross Needs More Volunteers for Hurricane Florence

Like Before, Red Cross Looks to Northland to Answer the Call

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland chapter of the Red Cross is on standby ready to respond as Hurricane Florence gets closer to the Carolinas. While the immediate concern is Hurricane Florence, there are two other disasters for the Red Cross to address. Hurricane Olivia is expected to rip through Hawaii, and Typhoon Mangkhut is already ravaging Guam. So far the Northland only…

Barker’s Island Restoration Project Moving Along

The project is a collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR, City of Superior, and Area of Concern partners. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Barker’s Island Beach is closed as restoration work is underway to reduce levels of E. coli. City leaders believe the restoration project will help more people enjoy Barker’s Island. The goal of the project is to remove sources that potentially contribute to the E. coli levels including storm runoff, waterfowl, and trash. Over 17 hundred feet of trail will be…

Inline Marathon Moves Finish Line

Finish Line and Expo Move to DECC

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest inline marathon in North America is going through some big changes this year. The finish line at the 23rd Annual Northshore Inline Marathon will be moved 900 feet back along the course to the bay-side of the DECC, due to the Minnesota slip and sea wall construction project going on there. It was previously in front of…

Newly Pinned Duluth Sheriff’s Deputy Follows Father’s Footsteps

Eight sheriff's deputies and 14 correctional officers took an oath to serve during the ceremony.

DULUTH, Minn.- While growing up many kids have their dream job picked out, but it can change over time. On Thursday, a childhood dream of working in dad’s profession came true. For 24 years and counting, Trevor Banks has been serving St. Louis County and with the clip of a badge, his son Tanner, is now a sheriff’s deputy just…

Electric Buses Soon to be Tested in Duluth’s Climate

The study will see how the buses run in Duluth's cold climate.

DULUTH, Minn.- A brand new bus is in town, electric buses will soon be apart of the Duluth Transit Authority. Seven electric buses are hitting the roads next month after a $6.3 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The climate in Duluth it an ideal candidate to test how the electric buses run in the winter months. They’re being used in…

East Duluth Construction Concerns

Public Works Holds Meeting About Superior Street Lester Bridge Reconstruction Project

EAST DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County Public Works met with members of the East Duluth community, answering, or at least trying to answer, many questions raised regarding the Superior St./Lester Bridge reconstruction. The small room of the Portman Park Community Center populated with residents young and old as a vital issue had to be discussed: the reconstruction of Superior Street by…

New Roundabout Close to Opening in Hermantown

It's that time of year when most drivers are ready to see those orange construction cones disappear.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- After several weeks of construction, a long-awaited roundabout is set to open. It’s that time of year when most drivers are ready to see those orange construction cones disappear and at Maple Grove Road and Midway Road your wish is close to being granted.  The brand new roundabout construction is close to the finish line. This Saturday, drivers will finally…

One Stop Shop for Veteran Services in the Twin Ports

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans has been hosting the Veteran Stand Down for over a decade

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans are looking to end homelessness for Veterans and the organization is hosting a one-stop spot for services. The annual Veteran Stand Down filled Bayfront Park with over 50 free services including medical help, higher education information, legal advice and free clothing. “Sometimes we don’t ask for help, sometimes we don’t know where to…

Cloquet Becoming More Pedestrian Friendly this Fall

Over half of the community will be more active if the sidewalks are widened according to a survey.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Do you walk or bike to work? Construction is underway for the city of Cloquet to become more pedestrian friendly. Right now work is being done to create sidewalk bump-outs making a wider path for pedestrians, other changes include bike lanes on a one-mile stretch downtown. “Just allowing people to get from point A to point B, we can’t plan…

Douglas County Officials and FEMA Meet and Discuss

Federal Assistance Application Has New Elements

Superior, WI- Massive flooding devastated parts of Northwestern Wisconsin back in June. As recovery from that damage continues, FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management experts met at the Douglas County Government Center to discuss applications for federal assistance. The storms caused an estimated $3.8 million in damage in Douglas County alone. While many repairs have been completed by area townships, many…

Burial Ground Restoration Concerns Unaddressed

MnDot Meets with Frustrated Fond Du Lac Residents and Native Americans at Chambers Grove Park

Duluth, Minn.- There is growing anger from the Native American Community and people who live in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. They say they’ve got more questions than answers involving the ongoing restoration of a sacred Native American Burial Site, that was accidentally unearthed more than a year ago by MnDOT workers. On Thursday dozens of disgruntled Fond Du Lac…

Duluth’s Fire Chief, Deputy Chief Officially Censured By Union

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire Chief Dennis Edwards and his deputy chief, Shawn Krizaj, have been formally censured by the Duluth Firefighters Local 101. The vote was made by 1,800 delegates Wednesday at the International Association of Firefighters Convention. The union believes Edwards and Krizaj have violated the collective bargaining agreement and created a divisive work environment by their actions,…

I-35 Flooding, Rock-Filled Storm Sewer Under Review For Long-Term Fix

The I-35 Off-Ramp Of Lake Avenue Is The Center Of Flooding Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior’s force and lack of access inside some storm sewers are causing a nightmare for engineers with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city of Duluth. A normal roadway may be all that you see driving along Interstate-35 to the off ramp of Lake Avenue on a sunny day, but even the slightest amount of rain…

Park Point Hosts Water Safety Expo

DULUTH, Minn.- With these waves in Lake Superior, the risk level is moderately high, a yellow flag. “When you’re playing in the water be cognizant of what’s going on around you,” Duluth Coast Guard Dale Hollingsworth said. By staying aware the waves don’t have to put a damper on your beach day. “If you know what they are and what’s…

Sand Castles, Water Safety Lessons Take Over Park Point Beach

The Annual Water Safety Expo is Happening Thursday, July 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Park Point Beach

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders have the chance to take part in the Annual Park Point Sand Modeling Contest and Summer Beach Bash on Thursday, July 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will also include a Water Safety Expo. All the fun will take place at the Park Point Beach House. The event is free and open to…

Flotation Station Inauguration

Four New Life Jacket Loaner Stations Open at Lakes

Duluth, Minn.- Young swimmers and boaters at several Duluth lakes now have free access to life jackets, thanks to new children’s’ life-jacket loaner stations. Minnesota Power, Duluth Superior Eco Rotary, Essentia Health and and Local 361 Carpenters’ Union teamed up with the Nonprofit Safe Kids to build these stations. Essentia Health provided the Life-Jackets, while volunteers from the Carpenter’s Union…

Fire Burns Garage in West Duluth

No residents were in the garage or house at the time

DULUTH, Minn. – A garage fire Monday afternoon in West Duluth sent smoke billowing into the sky and injured a firefighter. Firefighters responded to the call around 3 p.m. to a residence at 435 N. 79th Ave. West. When they arrived at the scene, they found the garage fully engulfed in flames with the roof collapsed. Parts of the house…

Heavy Rains and Flooding Causes the North Shore Scenic Railroad to Washout, Trains Are Not Affected

Storms Triggered Flash Flood Warnings Sunday Night In Knife River

KNIFE RIVER, Minn.– Strong storms dampened the Northland Sunday evening as heavy rain poured down on the North Shore. Flash flood warnings were issued as 3.6″ of rain accumulated quickly as storms trained over the same area, over and over again. Rivers rose and culverts filled, with some giving way. Meteorologist Brittney Merlot found the North Shore Scenic Railway was…

Swimmer Rescued Saturday Morning in Duluth Harbor

26-year-old man was overtaken by currents and rescued by U.S. Coast Guard

DULUTH, Minn. – A swimmer was rescued in the Duluth harbor Saturday morning. At about 7:00 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard was notified about a person yelling for help in the harbor near Pier B Resort. They launched a response boat and within ten minutes were able to find the 26-year-old man and pull him into the boat. No injuries…

Active Adventures: Safely Lighting Fireworks

KG Fireworks Warehouse on the South Range Offers Safety Classes

SOUTH RANGE, Wisc. — KG Fireworks Warehouse teaches us how to safely light fireworks in this weeks active adventures. From a slow burn safety fuse to home made quick and easy stands, to help make your fireworks experience a safe and memorable one. Join Meteorologist Brittney Merlot and Owner Jason Detherage of KG Fireworks for tips. Safety classes are also…

Bad Weather Could Postpone Duluth’s Fourth Fest, Fireworks Until July 5

Decision Will Be Made Before Noon on July 4

DULUTH, Minn. – All eyes are on the stormy forecast as crews get ready for Fourth Fest at Bayfront Park. Festivities kick off Tuesday evening with 80s rock and roll tribute band Hairball.  Weather is not expected to damper this concert, as the performers say they will play rain or shine. But showers and thunderstorms forecast for July 4th have DECC…

Safety First this Fourth of July

The Duluth Fire Department Reminds of Important Safety Tips as People Ignite Fireworks this Independence Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department wants everyone to take in the “oohs and awes without the ouch” this Independence Day. The 4th of July can bring out the best outdoor entertainment with warm weather, grilling, parades, and fireworks, however, Duluth Fire Marshal Marnie Grondahl wants to remind folks that fireworks come with extreme danger if not enjoyed with caution….

Construction Continues Along Highway 61

Construction projects and tourists are making a jam-packed Northshore drive.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The construction on Highway 61 is causing some delays for summer travelers but they say it’s worth wait. “We love the Northshore, we’ve been coming up here since the 60’s I think, at least once a year,” tourist Rose Gordon said. During the week, single-lane traffic is open but stopped cars are a common site along the…

Former Superior City Councilor Guilty Of Domestic Abuse

Graham Garfield Pleaded 'No Contest' To All Charges

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Former Superior city councilor Graham Garfield has been found guilty of three counts of domestic abuse involving his former fiance. The sentencing comes a little over a year after the 27-year-old got intoxicated in his home and threatened his then-finance by pointing a loaded handgun at her. As part of a plea agreement, Garfield is sentenced to…

Drummond is Wading in the Water

Projects planned for this summer have already been placed on the back burner.

DRUMMOND, Wis.,- It’s sunshine and clear sky now but Drummond is still wading in the water. Drummond town chairman Roy Bloom remains busy keeping track of road conditions. “Two, three, there was four washouts in this that were five foot deep,” Bloom said. The red markings are all the roads currently closed. “There are still places here we’re just guessing,…

Douglas County Recovering From Flooding

Tending to these repairs may postpone some county projects due to limited funds and resources.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis.- Some roads remain closed in Douglas County due to flooding. Officials with Douglas County tell us it may take some time before they reopen. Highways across the county remain largely affected by the heavy rainfall this past weekend. Although high water levels are dying down the Douglas County Board Chairman Mark Liebaert tells FOX 21 some clear roadways…

Flooding Impacting Homeowners and Tourists

While some are waiting for the flooding to die down, others have no choice but to pack–up.

WISCONSIN,- After heavy rain over the weekend, major flooding continues to cause problems across the Northland for both travelers and homeowners. It was a big weekend for tourism in the Northland, many campers came prepared with rain gear and made the most out of a wet weekend. “I’m sure it doesn’t happen very often where it overflows that much,” camper…

PAVSA Exec. Dir. Retires After 20 Years Of Advocating For Victims

PAVSA is the Program For Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault

DULUTH, Minn. – A leading voice for victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse in the Twin Ports has stepped aside into retirement. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talks with Candy Harshner Winkler on her 20 years at PAVSA. “You know, I’ve done a lot of different work in my life, but I really consider this my life’s work,” Candy explained. At…

Warning Issued for Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

Warning in effect until Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – A warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches has been issued by the Duluth Fire Department. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are currently no lifeguards at Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…