Public Safety

Duluth Police Recruits Train For High-Speed Chase

Class Of 15 Recruits Is The Largest Ever For the Department

DULUTH, Minn. –  We’re taking you on the tarmac and behind the wheel as Duluth police recruits get tested during a mock high-speed chase. It’s all about learning to have full control of a police cruiser while facing so many distractions, especially on a 911 call. John Villa, 34, one of the 15 recruits – the largest class on record…

Superior Police Department Awarded Domestic, Sexual Violence Grant

(Superior Police Dept.) SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department announced Thursday that it has been awarded a U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) grant totaling over $440,900 over the next three years. The “OVW Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking” grant is designed to encourage partnerships among our…

Two Arrested after Cloquet Drug Bust

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department with the assistance of other agencies, has been working to crack down on a large-scale marijuana distribution operation. The operation began in November, as investigators looked into large quantities of marijuana and hash oils being sold in the area. According to authorities, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Cloquet on…

Meeting Held on Preventing Future Fires

Multiple Federal Agencies Involved in Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.-Training to respond to unique fires all boils down to communication. Today, multiple federal organizations gathered at the Duluth Holiday Inn to determine how to better handle responding to situations like wildfires, chemical spills, and even tornadoes. Leaders at the meeting said much of the discussions are about predicting how the next fire season will go and how they…

Text-to-911 Now Available Statewide in Minnesota

Calling still the preferred method for 911 services

Text to 911 Banner ST. PAUL, Minn. – In an emergency, safely dialing 911 might not be an option, as one may need to remain quiet in a dangerous situation, or if an individual has hearing loss, it can make calling 911 near impossible. The Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has been working with Minnesota to develop…

Coldest Air Of Season Creates Concern For Homeless

CHUM and Life House In Need Of Donations

DULUTH, Minn-  The coldest air of the season is settling in on the Northland, which has advocates concerned for homeless in the area. Typically, the CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth hosts about 50 people a warm night, according to CHUM support staff member Shawn Carr.  But he says that number can double when the deep freeze sets in. “During cold…

MnDOT Reminds Northlanders to Prepare for Winter Conditions

They Warn to Keep Up to Date with Weather Conditions and Check Tire Tread

DULUTH, Minn. – According to MnDOT officials, many of their ninety-one plows in Northeastern Minnesota are out and ready to begin clearing roadways. This year, they’re doing something different: using a more expensive but faster acting compound called potassium acidate bridges and tunnels. Plowing started during the afternoon hours in the International Falls area and is expected to continue throughout…

Dog Brings Home Human Skull, Remains Found in Barron, Wis.

BARRON, Wis. (KMSP) – Authorities in western Wisconsin are investigating a death after they discovered skeletal remains of a body in the woods near a house in the area. On Dec 3, the Barron County sheriff’s department received a call from a resident who said his dog brought home what looked like the partial remains of a human skull. Authorities later…

Difficult Driving Conditions Expected Late this Afternoon, Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – A large weather system is moving into northern Minnesota that is expected to create difficult driving conditions in the region. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising motorists to watch the weather carefully as road conditions often deteriorate quickly. Rain has been falling across the region, leaving roads wet, which can rapidly freeze when temperatures drop. Freezing…

Body Armor Donated to Duluth PD’s K9

(Duluth Police Dept.) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has announced their K9, Haas, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a non-profit out of East Taunton, Massachusetts. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, is a charity whose mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the…

DNR: Early Ice is Not Safe, Wear Life Jackets on Cold Water

MINNESOTA – With daytime temperatures still reaching above freezing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public to stay clear of early ice and use extreme caution when venturing on dangerously cold waters. Some locations in northern and western regions of the state have been reporting ice formation, recent fluctuations in temperatures have led to degrading ice conditions…

Family Blames Red Lake Resort for Death of 2 Anglers

CHRISTINA PALLADINO - FOX 9

(FOX 9) – Two families are mourning the loss of their children after divers pulled the bodies of a young man and woman who were ice fishing on Red Lake. Now, family members say the resort should be held partly responsible for their son’s death. The Stacy, Minnesota family just celebrated their son Zeth’s 28th birthday on Thanksgiving when he…

MnDOT Invites Public to ‘Can of Worms’ Project Online Survey

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the public to participate in an online survey regarding the Twin Ports Interchange “Can of Worms” reconstruction project, which will rebuild and modernize the highway infrastructure that serves the Port of Duluth/Superior and travelers. The project would replace three interchanges that operate together to provide access to the port and…

In Wake Of Two Ice Related ATV Deaths: Experts Give Early Season Ice Safety Tips

Deaths Stem From Two Falling Through The Ice

DULUTH, Minn- It’s a start to the winter season that experts are warning is very dangerous right now with up–and–down temperatures. Ice condition reports range from none at all to pretty solid. Experts warn to prepare, have a plan, and don’t chance it, ever. According to the Minnesota DNR, from 2012 to March of this year, Minnesota has seen 16…

Police: Two Bodies Recovered on Upper Red Lake

UPPER RED LAKE – Shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office recovered two bodies from upper Red Lake, one male, one female, as well as an ATV. Authorities confirmed, Tuesday that the individuals were those reported missing by a local resort. Rogers’ on RED reported on their Facebook page that the sheriff’s department was searching for…

Deer Carcasses Litter Highways as Removal Duty Changes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Some vehicle-struck deer aren’t getting removed from Wisconsin highways as quickly as they’re being run down, as officials adjust to a new carcass pickup system. A provision in the state budget transferred responsibility for picking up dead deer from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Transportation. The change took effect in September. Transportation…

23 Year Old Dead After Snowmobile Accident

SWATARA, Minn. – A 23-year-old Swatara, Minnesota man is dead after a snowmobile accident that happened on Thursday, Nov. 23, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Officers responded to the call of a medical situation resulting from a snowmobile crash at a residence in rural Swatara, which is approximately 30 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. When Cass County Deputies…

Superior Police Spread Acts of Kindness For The Holidays

Superior police are issuing gift cards instead of tickets

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Police Department is getting in on the giving spirit. Between now and Christmas, police officers will be handing out gift cards instead of tickets. Superior’s police chief Nicholas Alexander tells Fox 21 it’s a great way to build positive relationships with the community. “It lightens the mood. When someone gets a gift card, it opens…

Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk on 9th Ave E

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and Fire Department, along with Gold Cross, responded to 9th Avenue East and 1st Street on the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle just before 1 p.m. Thursday, according to the Duluth PD. Authorities report that a 29-year-old female was crossing 9th Avenue East on foot when she was struck by…

Body Found in East Hillside on East 5th St

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has reported that a body was located in the 800 block of East 5th Street late, Thursday morning around 10:30. Authorities report that a 37-year-old male was confirmed deceased when first responders arrived on scene. Preliminary reports indicate the man may have slipped and fell and been outside all night. The investigation is…

State Patrol Gives Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Millions are Expected to Travel for the Holiday Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you traveling for the holiday weekend? AAA predicts 55 million people will be driving 50 miles away from home on roads across America this weekend. The Minnesota State Patrol is expecting a very busy holiday travel season. Sgt. Neil Dickenson visited FOX 21 to give a few winter travel safety tips: Slow down on slick roads…

15-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted and Threatened with Knife in Ely

ELY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Ely Police Department responded to the report of a sexual assault in the evening hours of Monday, Nov. 20, according to police. Authorities report that a 15-year-old female had been threatened with a knife and sexually assaulted by an adult acquaintance, who was identified as as a 35-year-old male of…

LOCATED: Todd Sarkela, of Duluth

Todd Sarkela (Facebook) UPDATE: Todd Sarkela has been found safe. DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 55-year-old Todd Sarkela, of Duluth. Todd is described as a white male, 5’9″, 120 pounds, with hazel eyes and sandy hair; and typically walks with a cane. He was reported missing to police on Sunday, Nov….

Pedestrian Hit and Run in Duluth, Police Searching for Suspect

Incident happened Friday, Nov. 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at 13th Avenue East and London Road on Friday, Nov. 11 just before 8:30 p.m. According to police, officers arrived on scene and located a 49-year-old female who had been struck while crossing the street. She was transported to the hospital with non-life…

Five Taken to Hospital From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Buhl

Incident Occurred at Apartment Connected to Billy's Bar in Buhl

BUHL, Minn.-Iron Range fire officials are reporting that five people have been taken to area hospitals due to carbon monoxide poisoning in an apartment connected to Billy’s Bar in Buhl, Minnesota. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. Crews from Buhl, Chisholm, Hibbing and Virginia responded to the scene after the building owner, Gary Gamer received a disturbing…

Mounted Patrol Disbanded by Duluth Police Department

Officials Say This Will Allow the Department to Put More Resources into Other Areas

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is no more. On Saturday, Police Department officials confirmed to Fox 21 that the unit has been disbanded. They say the decision was made so they could increase staff in other areas, like sexual assault, child abuse, and child pornography investigators. The Mounted Patrol had been around since 2014. Categories: Crime,…

Police: Firearm Recovered In Morgan Park Believed To Be Connected To Weekend Shootings

Woman Shows Up In Hospital Reported Being Shot

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth Police investigators told Fox 21 that two separate shooting incidents over the weekend are connected to a gun incident in Morgan Park on Tuesday night. Police responded this evening to the area of 89th Ave W and Edward St. on reports of people in the neighborhood with guns. Lt. Robert Shene said his officers did recover a…

Head On Collision Leaves One With Life-Threatening Injuries

GREENWAY TWP, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol has reported that a Deer River woman has suffered life-threatening injuries after a head-on collision on Highway 169 in Greenway Township. According to State Patrol, just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, a Chevy Impala was traveling westbound on Highway 169 when it crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, striking a Dodge Caravan…

New Details in Saturday’s Midwest Energy Fire

Damages Estimated at Between $500,000 and $1 million

SUPERIOR, Wis.-New details are emerging in the fire that ripped through Midwest Energy in Superior Saturday. The Superior Fire Department is now telling us it was caused either by a bearing or motor breaking at the site. It was originally thought to be caused by dust at the site. No one was injured in the blaze which caused between $500,000…

Level III Offender Relocating to Duluth

PREVIOUSLY RESIDED IN RICE LAKE, MINN.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public of a Level III Predatory Offender relocating to the 4700 block of Rice Lake Road in Duluth. Timothy Scott Alan Davich, 50 has a history of sexual contact with minor male victims ages 6-16. Some contact occurred on numerous occasions over a number of years; he was…

Superior’s Midwest Energy Fire Could Cost Company Nearly A Million Dollars

Fire On Belt System Has Shut Down Ability To Obtain Coal

SUPERIOR, Wis. Press Release Below: Members of the media: this is to inform you of a fire this morning in Superior. At 0530 all three engine companies, Battalion Chief and Gold Cross Ambulance were called for a fire at 2400 Winter street which is Midwest Energy. Once on scene crews found fire in the belt system used to move coal…

DOJ: Teen ‘Lunged’ At Deputy With Butcher Knife Before Deputy Fatally Shot Him

Report Says Teen Was Despondent Over A Period Of A Few Days Prior To Incident

Update: Ashland County Officer Involved Death Investigation Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), at the request of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, has been investigating an officer involved death (OID) that took place on November 8, 2017 in Odanah, Wis., which is located on the Bad River Reservation. The Ashland County Emergency…

Roof Catches Fire in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A fire broke out on Friday on the roof of a home at 34th Avenue East and East First Street in Duluth. According to the fire department, the fire was contained to an area close to the chimney. It was put out quickly and no one was injured. “All because of whoever was passing by saw some…

3 Arrested After Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking Investigation in Sawyer County

TOWNSHIP OF COUDERAY, Wis. (AP) – On Monday, Nov. 6 several agencies in Sawyer County executed a search warrant at 12329W County Highway N in the Township of Couderay, according to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office. Sawyer County Deputies and Swat Team, along with Lac Court Oreilles Police Department and WI DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation Agents recovered a 9mm…

Jacob Wetterling Foundation Teaching Elementary Students About Personal Safety

There Were Two Sessions For Students In Grades K-5

DULUTH, Minn. – The Legacy of Jacob Wetterling continues to live on with the Jacob Wetterling Foundation’s efforts to promote kids’ personal safety. Students at Bay View Elementary in Proctor learned first-hand how to keep their bodies safe, follow personal safety rules and locating adults they can trust. “Even in a 50 minute presentation five-year-olds are moving their hands identifying adults…

Missing Bemidji Girl Located, Illinois Man Arrested

BEMIDJI, Minn. – A 21-year-old male from Oswego, Illinois is currently being held on criminal charges of Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Deprivation of Custodial or Parental Rights, according to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation, according to police, began with a parent contacting the department around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to report their 13-year-old daughter…

MISSING: Candace Lundstrom, of Nashwauk

LAST SEEN MONDAY, NOV. 6

Photo Courtesy BCA NASHWAUK, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 28-year-old Candace Lundstrom, of Nashwauk. Candace was last seen at a residence north of Nashwauk on Monday, Nov. 6 and has not been heard from or seen since. It is believed she left on foot and was not properly dressed for weather…

P.T.S.D. discussion held at Duluth Public Library

Health officials say it's important to talk about mental health

DULUTH, Minn. – With Veteran’s Day coming up this week, some groups are having discussions surrounding mental health. A presentation was held a the Duluth Public Library discussing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in veteran’s. Organizers say it is important for people to talk about mental health, and understand that help is out there. “Mental illness is still a stigma, unfortunately, so…

Fire Destroys Mobile Home

No One Injured in Fire

DULUTH, Minn – A mobile home was destroyed earlier today after it caught on fire at 6538 McQuade Road. No one was injured in the 11:30 a.m. blaze, according to local fire officials. They believe the fire started when someone was trying to remove something from the trailer with a torch cutter, which caught the mobile home on fire. Clifton,…

City of Duluth Moves Forward with Seawall Replacement Project

The project could begin as soon as spring of 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making moves to replace the failing sea walls surrounding the Minnesota Slip. Funding is in place for the $6 million project. According to city officials, right now the sea walls are deteriorating, and would cause problems with the surrounding structures. Construction of the project could begin as soon as spring 2018. “We’ve been worrying…

Fire Officials Remind to Check Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend

According to fire officials, a majority of house fire related deaths are in houses with faulty smoke detectors

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  Sunday is the day to set the clocks back for daylight saving time, which means it’s also an important time to check something else around the house. Fire officials say it’s time to change the batteries on those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts say having a functioning smoke detector is a matter of life or…

Cloquet Area Fire District Giving out Reflective Bracelets for Trick-or-Treaters

More Than 600 Free Slap Bracelets Will Be Handed Out

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Area Fire District is giving out reflective wristbands to keep kids safe while trick or treating. More than six-hundred of the free slap bracelets will be given out by firefighters tonight. According to fire district officials, kids are twice as likely to get hit by a car on Halloween as they are on any other…

Bemidji Teen Missing for One Year

Last Seen Oct. 31, 2016 in the area of 5th Street SE and Wood Avenue SE

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji Police Department is continuing to look for Jeremy Jourdain who was last seen one year ago. Police say they have followed up on over 120 leads, each of them being thoroughly investigated. Numerous interviews and searches have been conducted to look for Jeremy. Bemidji Detective Michelle Leffelman said in a Facebook post on the department’s…