Public Safety

Parts of Jenkins Creek Fire could remain hot until summer

Fire behavior has been dominated by 'creeping and smoldering ground fire'

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSOM, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) overseeing the Jenkins Creek Fire projected some parts of the fire could stay hot until summer. Their June 6, 2025 report said fire behavior has been dominated by “creeping and smoldering ground fire.” NIMO said the fire behavior has been described as ‘burning downward.’ They reported, “crews must…

Official: Missing Cliff Diver’s Body Recovered Near Gilbert

6/6/25 UPDATE: The identity of the cliff diver near a Gilbert mine pit has been identified. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Axel John Jurva of Virginia, MN. Yesterday, Authorities recovered the body of a missing cliff diver. The victim’s friend on-scene reported seeing Axel resurface, but then disappearing back into the water. ORGINIAL STORY: Authorities recovered the body…

Wildfire Arson Charges for Suspect in Eveleth Overlook Blaze

EVELETH, Minn. – A wildfire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth was intentionally set, charges allege. ‘Wildfire arson’ charges were filed Wednesday against 59-year-old Daniel Dean Kruse, accused of starting a Jun. 3rd fire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth. According to the criminal complaint, Eveleth police received a call around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday for reports of a “large…

Wildfire Smoke Prompts Statewide Air Quality Alert

DULUTH, Minn. — An air quality alert has been released across Minn. as wildfire smoke makes its way throughout the state. Due to wildfire smoke drifting from Canada, the entire state of Minn. has been issued an air quality alert by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This alert will remain in effect until noon on Wednesday, June 4, as the…

Iron Range Hells Angels Members’ Kidnapping Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor

The St. Louis County Attorney said "victims are either unwilling or unable to testify"

EVELETH, Minn. -The St. Louis County prosecutor dismisses charges against four Hells Angels members accused of kidnapping and assault in 2023. Four members of the Iron Range Hells Angels had their charges dismissed on Wednesday. Jerand Paul French, Eric Anthony Newman, Paul Anthony Debelak, and Jake Douglas Novaczyk were cleared of charges for a kidnapping and sexual assault that allegedly…

St Louis County Deputy Gave Alleged Attacker Ride Before Assault – Charges Claim

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A St. Louis County deputy was choked by a man after giving him a ride, charges say. Gideon Joseph Martin, 37 of Duluth, was charged with Monday’s assault on a St. Louis County deputy. Martin allegedly wrapped his arms around the deputy’s neck from behind during an assault that lasted around 20 seconds, according to the charges….

City and County Officials Address Downtown Duluth Safety Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. — City and County officials met today to discuss the future of downtown Duluth, and what can be done to improve safety in the area. With summer right around the corner, a Downtown Public Safety Meeting was held Wednesday. Public safety leaders addressed concerns and questions on the safety of downtown. Some of the priorities for this summer…

Former Cloquet police officer found guilty of taking advantage of elderly person

  SAINT PAUL & CLOQUET, Minn. – Former Cloquet Police Officer Laci Marie Silgjord was found guilty of one count of felony attempted theft by swindle. Silgjord exploited a now-deceased 78-year-old vulnerable adult. She gained access to victim’s bank accounts and attempted to inherit the estate worth more than $150.000, despite Ms. Armey having surviving family. Silgjord was financially exploiting Joan…

St. Louis County Wildfires Partially Contained, Still Trigger ‘State of Local Emergency’

BRIMSON, Minn. – St. Louis County authorities say a state of local emergency declaration was a “procedural step” to access state disaster relief funding. More than 150 buildings have been destroyed, and 30,000 acres burned in north eastern Minnesota by the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw wildfires. While crews have gained partial containment of all three fires, on…

Munger Shaw Fire: Crews Work to Keep Flames Extinguished

CANYON, Minn. – Crews watch over burnt lowlands to ensure hotspots from the Munger Shaw wildfire stay extinguished. According to St. Louis County data, the Munger Shaw wildfire is around 50% contained as of Saturday morning. The fire, first reported on Wednesday, has burned around 1,600 acres near the Town of Canyon.  Residents living on Munger Shaw Road and Three…

Camp House and Jenkins Creek Wildfires Burn Slow, But Just Miles Apart

The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team said at Thursday's press conference that the fires are not contained, but their growth is slow

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team officials say the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires have not grown as of Thursday, but remain just miles from one another. At a press conference held Thursday at the Two Harbors Fire Department, authorities provided the latest update on the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires. Collectively referred to…

Munger Shaw Wildfire Shuts Down Roads, Prompts Evacuations into Thursday

CANYON, Minn. – Thursday’s weather forecast prompts evacuation requests for some residents near the Munger Shaw wildfire, sheriffs say. The Munger Shaw wildfire, burning roughly 45 minutes north of Duluth, showed only “minimal growth” on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Traffic continued to be limited or blocked throughout the day on Munger Shaw, Three Lakes, and…

Sheriff Offers Likely Causes Of 3 St. Louis County Wildfires

DULUTH, Minn. — There were no official causes of the three wildfires burning in St. Louis County Wednesday, but Sheriff Gordon Ramsay is offering his likely causes for the wildfires that have burned more than 35,000 acres. The Camp House wildfire appears to have been started by an unattended campfire, according to Ramsay. The DNR is said to have identified…

FOX 21 9 P.M. Wildfire Coverage: May 13, 2025

DULUTH, Minn. —  Click the video above to watch the first 15 minutes of FOX 21’s 9 p.m. wildfire coverage from Tuesday, May 13.   Topics covered included the latest acres burned, an update on firefighting efforts from Incident Command in Two Harbors, and what St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay believes caused the three separate wildfires that continued to burn…

Activities Dir.: ‘Sexual Toy’ Is Center Of Hazing Investigation Involving Superior H.S. Boys Lacrosse Team

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A hazing investigation is underway by the Superior Police Department involving the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. In an email to the families of the team, Activities Director Ella Olson said she and the dean of students interviewed “many boys regarding the ‘sexual toy’ that was brought into the BLAX hotel and made its way into…

Sheriff: 40-Plus Structures Destroyed In ‘Camp House’ Fire Near Brimson

As Tuesday morning, there were no reports of injuries of fatalities in the three active wildfires in St. Louis County.

CAMP HOUSE FIRE: Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) One day after a massive wildfire erupted near Brimson, officials reported Monday night that at least 40 structures had been destroyed by the Camp House wildfire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office made that announcement about the losses in a news release around 10:30 p.m. The Camp House fire grew to…

Minnesota National Guard Called to Help Fight Wildfires

ST. PAUL, Minn, – Governor Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance to help fight the Camp House wildfire in northern Minnesota. He signed an executive order for the National Guard to assist the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center with fire suppression efforts and assets. Governor Walz said in a news release, “Wildfires in northern Minnesota…

‘Rapidly Spreading’ Wildfire Reported Near Brimson; Dozens Of Residents Evacuate

AULT TOWNSHIP, Minnesota — Multiple fire agencies are battling a “rapidly spreading” wildfire around the 2200 block of Highway 44 in Ault Township near Brimson. Courtesy: April Schultz The call for help came in around 1:15 p.m. Sunday. The flames were traveling in a northeasterly direction through the woods. As of 10 p.m. Sunday, the fire was estimated to be…

Sheriff: Canoeist Found Dead While On Trip In BWCAW

The body of a canoeist was recovered Saturday afternoon from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. United State Forest Service employees located a capsized canoe around 2:20 p.m. Saturday on Iron Lake, which is just north of Ely. “Upon investigating further, the USFS employees located a deceased individual and their gear floating near the canoe,” according to the St. Louis…

Front Of Building Collapses in Eveleth

EVELETH, Minn. – The front of an apartment building in Eveleth collapsed the morning of May 8, 2025. The front of Essling Apartments in Eveleth collapsed The Friends of the Northland FireWire says the incident occurred around 11:00am at the Essling Apartments at the corner of Jones Street and Adams Avenue near downtown Eveleth. No injuries have been reported. The…

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured After Collision With School Bus

COLERAINE, Minn. — A motorcyclist was fighting for his life Wednesday after crashing with a school bus in Coleraine. The motorcyclist was identified as Damian Heinkel, 44, of Bovey. The accident was reported around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. The Minnesota State Patrol said the school bus was turning from Southbound U.S. Highway 169 for Morris Avenue when it collided with the…

Charges: Superior Teen Threatened Grandmother, Shot At Deputies Over Denial Of Video Game Purchase

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A teenager from Superior who is accused of shooting at Douglas County deputies Tuesday was charged as an adult Wednesday for five felonies, including first-degree attempted intentional homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Carsen Peterson, 13, was so out of control and angry that his grandmother was forced to call 911. The incident began around 4:30 p.m….

City Council Approves Outside Investigation Into Internal Issues With Superior Police Dept.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Urgent internal struggles within the Superior Police Department will officially be handled by an outside consultant for no more than $50,000 after the city council unanimously approved the measure at tonight’s city council meeting. Last month, Mayor Jim Paine told the Public Safety Committee there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and potential personnel concerns…

Sheriff: ‘Tragic Outcome’ Avoided After Boy Shoots At Douglas Co. Deputies

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – A shooting investigation is underway in the Town of Superior after authorities said a teen shot at deputies multiple times during a standoff. The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 5000 block of STH 35. Douglas County deputies responded there for a report of an out-of-control boy. When authorities arrived,…

Grand Rapids Man Arrested At Work After Stabbing Incident

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Grand Rapids man was arrested at his work Sunday after investigators said he stabbed his friend in the hand. Seth Marshall Hanna, 23, was taken into custody at the Pickled Loon Sunday morning on second-degree assault charges. Authorities with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said the arrest came after responding to an address on Mishawaka…

Duluth Fire Department Victorious In 2025 Battle of the Badges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department claimed victory in the 2025 Battle of the Badges. 9Memorial Blood Centers) It’s a friendly competition between local first responders to save lives through blood donation. Led by Katie Sandstrom, whose passion and drive were key to their success, the Fire Department edged out their fellow heroes with 35 donors. They were followed by…

Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Previously Convicted of Stabbing Outside Iron Range Bar

MINNEAPOLIS – The man accused of shooting five people inside a car last week in Minneapolis, was previously convicted of stabbing a man outside of a bar on the Iron Range, court documents show. James Ortley, the man charged with five counts of murder for a shooting in Minneapolis last week, was previously convicted of stabbing a man in the…

Brush Fires Force Temporary Closure of Highway 2 in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. —  Multiple brush fires shut down a section of Highway 2 in Ashland Monday evening. Road Closure As for 5:30 p.m. the Wisconsin Department of Transportation closed a section of Highway 2 in both directions from Old Odanah Road to 26th Avenue. Video from resident Christie Branagan showed sections of fire and thick smoke near the Three Eagles…

Gov. Evers Says He’s Not Afraid After Trump Official Suggests Possible Arrest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Friday that every American should be concerned about “chilling” suggestions from President Donald Trump’s top border adviser that he could be arrested over guidance the Democrat issued to state employees about what to do if confronted by federal immigration agents. “I’m not afraid,” Evers said in the extraordinary video posted on…

Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Charged In 4 Homicides; Native American Community Shaken

AP MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Six people who all knew each other were inside a vehicle when one, a man with an alleged gang connection, shot each of them in the head before fleeing, according to newly unsealed criminal charges in this week’s mass shooting in Minneapolis. Three victims died at the scene early Tuesday. Another succumbed to his wounds Thursday….

5 Killed, 6 Injured In Minneapolis Shootings; Indigenous Communities On Edge

(FOX21/FOX9) Minneapolis police are investigating six shootings that left at least five people dead and another six injured within 24-hours. The six shootings happened between late Tuesday night and Wednesday evening. Police said some of the shootings may be tied to gang violence. While law enforcement search for the suspects in the shootings, officers are putting more resources in the…

Man Threatened to ‘Kill Police’ During Armed Standoff in Sawyer – Charges

  SAWYER, Minn. – A man is charged with using deadly force on a peace officer in connection to the armed standoff at a property in Sawyer Township on Sunday, court documents show. According to a criminal complaint filed on Tuesday, 45-year-old William Joseph Wise Jr. is charged with 1st-degree use of deadly force on a peace officer and unlawful…

Weeks Before Armed Carlton County Standoff, Property was Site of Separate Reported Shooting

SAWYER, Minn. – Weeks before Sunday’s armed standoff, law enforcement responded to the same Carlton County address for reports that a man had been shot, court documents show. A man is in custody, after Sunday’s armed standoff at a residence in Carlton County involving multiple state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, a…

Standoff In Carlton County After ‘Shots Fired’ Call

Courtesy: Dustin Soukkala 7:30 p.m. Update:   The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect was safely taken into custody Sunday evening after shots were fired from a residence, which then created a standoff. The call for help came in around 4 p.m. Sunday about a man who said he shot himself while cleaning a gun, according to the sheriff’s office….

FBI Arrests Wisconsin Judge For Allegedly Obstructing Immigration Officials

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A Wisconsin judge was arrested Friday morning on federal charges that allege she attempted to prevent immigration officials from executing an arrest.  FBI agents arrested Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday morning, for charges of obstructing immigration authorities and concealing an individual to prevent their arrest. That individual, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, is a Mexican national and is…

Mayor: Superior Police Dept. Internal Struggles Near Possible ‘Crisis’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Police Department is dealing with “urgent” internal struggles that Mayor Jim Paine said needs an outside review as soon as possible to keep the situation from becoming a “crisis.” Mayor Paine made his concerns known at the April 17 Public Safety Committee meeting. He said there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and…

Shoppers Auto Park Ramp Demolition To Start

DULUTH, MN – The demolition of the closed Shoppers Auto Park Ramp will start on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. A news conference will be held at the site with representatives from The City of Duluth, Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) plus other community partners kicking off the demolition. The group will outline the project and provide details of the intricacies…

Search Continues for Missing Duluth Woman

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities continue searching the waters near Rice’s Point for a missing Duluth woman. St. Louis County Sheriffs were back on the waters near Rice’s Point Monday afternoon, in the search for 61-year-old Sherri Monroe. Rice’s Point is a public boat launch and fishing area on Port Terminal Dr, that sits under the Blatnik Bridge. Authorities say Monroe’s…

Juvenile Dies After Vehicle Pursuit, Crash In Itasca County

COHASSET TOWNSHIP, Minn. — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a juvenile female died in a crash early Sunday morning during a police pursuit. According to Sheriff Dasovich, a deputy saw a vehicle without its headlights on traveling westbound on County Road 63 in the area of County Road 271 around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The deputy attempted to…

Duluth Police Department releases its annual report

  DULUTH, Minn — The Duluth Police Department released its Annual Report for 2024. This report includes some of the facts and figures of 2024. It also gives and overview of their accomplishments and outlines the goals for 2025. One notable change is a significant decrease in both Opioid Related Overdoses and fatalities related to those overdoses. Chief Cenowa attributed…

Duluth Fire Marshal Asking For Help On Suspicious Lincoln Park Fire

DULUTH, MN – Duluth Fire Marshal Lisa Consie is hoping thepublic can help with solving a suspicious February fire in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Consie is asking the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the identification of any persons tied to the fire that burned 2226 W. First Street on February 16, 2025. RELATED: Fire…

Online Predator Sting by Illinois Group Leads to Charges Against Superior Man

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Charges allege an unnamed citizen group from Illinois reported the man to Superior Police, after catching him in an online predator sting. On Tuesday, 62-year-old Joey Edward Scott was charged in a Douglas County courtroom with four counts of possession of child pornography. Superior Police originally responded to Scott’s apartment on Apr. 2, following a report from…

Stolen Vehicle Located, Minutes After Police Appeal to Public for Info

DULUTH, Minn. – Minutes after appealing to the public for information, police say they recovered a stolen vehicle that originally fled from them Saturday night. In a press release Monday afternoon, Duluth Police asked the public for information to help locate a stolen vehicle. Police said the “vehicle that fled from officers on Saturday, April 12 around 3 a.m. in…

Chisholm Man Dies In Motorcycle Accident

CHERRY TOWNSHIP, Min. – A Chisholm man was killed Saturday afternoon after authorities said he lost control of his motorcycle in Cherry Township. The accident was reported around 4:30 p.m. on Highway 5 near the intersection of Herman Road, which is about five miles east of Hibbing. Witnesses told the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office that the 46-year-old man failed…

Investigation into Drive-By Shooting Report on FDL Reservation

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – Authorities are investigating after reports of a drive-by shooting Thursday night on the Fond Du Lac Reservation. Cloquet and Fond Du Lac Police were called to the 300 block of Brookston Rd around 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, for reports of shots being fired from a passing vehicle.  No injuries were reported. As of publishing,…