Wisconsin

Vigil Planned for Missing Wisconsin Teen, Unseen for a Week

Closs has not Been Seen Since October 15

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A small, rural community in western Wisconsin is planning a vigil for a missing 13-year-old girl whose parents were found shot to death in their home. A “Gathering of Hope” will take place Monday evening at Riverview Middle School in Barron for Jayme Closs, who hasn’t been seen since Oct. 15 . Deputies responding to a…

Man Dies When Duck-Hunting Boat Capsizes on Fox River

The Victim's Name has not yet Been Released

MARQUETTE, Wis. (AP) – A man has died after his duck-hunting boat capsized in high winds on the Fox River. The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office says authorities searched for the 52-year-old Princeton man near Puckaway Lake in the Town of Marquette and found his body in the water around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Authorities say the man was duck hunting…

Northland’s Trash is the Northland’s Treasure

Junk Sale at Superior Middle School

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Saturday Superior Middle School was filled with junk, but not the type to throw away. The “For the Love of Junk” sale took over the halls. It featured interesting baubles made in Superior and Duluth spread out for people’s enjoyment. “This is the second one where we haven’t done it as a fundraiser,” said Coordinator Shelly Wick….

Get Lost In A Corn Maze!

Oulu Wisconsin Features A Corn Maze, Flashlight & Haunted Maze, Games, Barn Animals, Snacks & Prizes!

OULU, Wis. — In this week’s Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot gets us lost in a corn maze!  Just a short 40 minute ride from Duluth/Superior or 45 minutes from Ashland or Hayward. The field is tucked away in beautiful Bayfield county on Ken Johnson’s farm. When you get there, go right into the barn and get your ticket…

Volunteers Look for Clues in Search for Wisconsin Girl

Jayme Closs has Been Ruled out as a Suspect

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – One hundred volunteers in a Wisconsin town where a teenage girl went missing are scouring the area for pieces of evidence that can provide clues to the girl’s disappearance and her parents’ death. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald requested the volunteers Thursday afternoon as the search for 13-year-old Jayme Closs continues. She has been missing since…

Cranberry Brie Pinwheel, Easy Fun Fall Appetizer

Easy To Cook & Serve Fall Pinwheels Tought From A Private Cooking Instructor You'll Want Lessons From!

DULUTH, Min. — Cooking Connection with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Private Instructor Arlene Coco! This week we are cooking up a Cranberry Brie Pinwheel that is perfect for appetizers, parties and the holidays! RECIPE: Cranberry Brie Pinwheels Makes 12 Servings Yield: 2 dozen This recipe is a starting point for countless variations. Think cheddar cheese, pesto, and other delicious…

Trip Around the World at UWS

Cultures Around the World Event Held in Library

SUPERIOR, Wis.-University of Wisconsin-Superior was a melting pot of different cultures tonight, as they held its 3rd annual Cultures Around the World event on Wednesday. The upper floor of the Jim Dan Hill Library became filled with cultural games, different languages, and brightly colored garb. Organizers say while the event was marketed towards kids, any age can benefit from it….

Sheriff: Missing Wisconsin Girl’s Parents Were Shot to Death

The Autopsies Were Completed Wednesday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say a missing Wisconsin girl’s parents were shot to death and they believe she was in the home at the time. Police have been searching for 13-year-old Jayme Closs since early Monday, when deputies responding to a 911 call from her home in Barron found her parents, James and Denise Closs, dead in the house….

Superior City Councilors Make A Push To Hire More Firefighters

The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey want to fund three new firefighter positions to the department. They say it’s all about safety and restoring positions cut in past budgets. The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year, according to Mayor Jim Paine. Councilor Fennessey tells us a majority of the funding, $173,000 would come from the Oil Pipeline Terminal Tax…

The Latest: Sheriff Dismisses Miami tip in Missing Girl Case

Jayme was Last Seen Sunday Afternoon

BARRON, Wis. (AP) -Authorities looking for a missing Wisconsin teenager whose parents were found dead in their home say a tip placing the girl’s whereabouts in Miami is not credible. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said during a Tuesday afternoon briefing that Miami police tweeted the information without consulting with Wisconsin investigators. Authorities have been searching for 13-year-old Jayme Closs…

Superior Elks to Host Halloween Bash Fundraiser

The Superior Elks' Fundraiser will Benefit the Challenege Center in Superior this Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in the Twin Ports area have the chance to mingle with “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” during the Superior Elks Lodge 403 Halloween Bash Saturday, October 20. This year’s event is serving as a fundraiser for the Challenge Center in Superior, a nonprofit organization offering supportive services to more than 20 people with special needs in the community….

Strength Factory to Host First Ever Fitoberfest in Superior

In this Week's Coffee Conversation, Strength Factory Owner Kelly Kellar Chats About the Upcoming Fitoberfest Happening Sunday, October 28

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What better way to celebrate the Halloween holiday than with a spooktacular workout and a little treat afterwards? The Strength Factory in Superior is set to host their first ever Fitoberfest event on Sunday, October 28 from 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registration is still open. It costs $22.00 dollars to register before Sunday, October 21. Registration will also…

Superior Spectacularly Spooked at North End Days

Spooktacular Parade Took the Streets

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The streets of Superior were full of ghastly ghouls, pretty princesses, and stupendous superheroes, as everyone came out in their trick or treat best, to ring in Halloween. For the first time ever, the Superior Spooktacular became a fixture of North End Days. And it seems all of Superior came out for this festival of fall fun. “I think…

Relief from Superior During Fire of 1918

City Across the Bridge Took in Refugees

DULUTH, Minn.- The Fire of 1918 sent up a bellowing smoke cloud of history, that is still being explored today. And that smoke cloud encompassed Superior as well. As the Douglas County Historical Society found out, for those caught in the flames on that fateful day, Superior ended up being a safe haven. “Over 5,000 people came on 98 train…

North End Days Celebration In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is getting ready for a good time. Friday kicks off North End Days. It’s two days full of fun, music and food. It starts with the Goin’ Postal Art and Music Festival and a drive-thru movie screening of Monster’s, Inc. It all leads up to the Spooktacular Parade on Saturday and other Halloween themed activities. Kids can…

Rake Leaves Into A Jumbo Spider Leaf Bag! Perfect Halloween Decoration Family Fun!

Brittney Merlot Turns Fall Chores Into A Workout & Art!

DULUTH, Min. – After strong winds topped 64mph on Wednesday’s storm, many leaves have fallen off of the trees. So we need to turn that chore of raking into something fun! In this week’s Active Adventures we are building a Halloween Spider leaf bag with Meteorologist Brittney Merlot. If you make one of your own this weekend, be sure to…

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…

All That Jazz! Tri-State Jazz Festival

Staff say they believe this festival may help encourage students to pursue their education in music at UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – High school students from across the Northland have an opportunity to learn and play with the best during the Tri-State Jazz Band Festival at University of Wisconson-Superior (UWS). Students spent the day rehearsing for a joint concert tonight with the UWS jazz band. The concert is at the Thorpe Langley Auditorium at UWS. Each year talented students…

Ratatouille: Flavorful & Low Calorie Fall Dish

Cooking Lessons With Merlot & Coco

COOKING CONNECTION: This week we have Arlene Coco, a professional cooking instructor, teaching Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot how to make Ratatouille! RECIPE: This technique can be used for winter vegetables and tubers as well. Equipment: 9×13 pan or 14 inch black iron skillet 2 red onions can be substituted for yellow onions to add more color. 3 medium zucchini 3…

Two Injured When Neighboring House Explodes

Two Neighboring Homes Were Damaged

HARRISON, Wis. (AP) – Two people have been injured when a neighboring house exploded in eastern Wisconsin. Calumet County sheriff’s officials say the two women who were hurt were in one of two other homes that were damaged when the house exploded in Harrison about 8 a.m. Wednesday. No one was home at the house that exploded. WLUK-TV reports the…

First Indigenous People’s Day at UWS

University Officially Declares the Day, Honors Natives with Medicine Wheel

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Columbus Day has been recognized as a national holiday for more than 80 years. But many places around the country are flipping the script and celebrating today as Indigenous People’s Day. Here in Minnesota there are 13 recognized Native American tribes, and in Wisconsin, 11. They, like their fellow indigenous people across the country, have occupied this land…

Wisconsin Hospitals see Unpaid Medical Bills Rise to $1B

The Report Does not Explain the Increase

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin Hospital Association report shows that the state’s hospitals have seen an increase in unpaid medical bills that’s topped a billion dollars. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that 150 Wisconsin hospitals had a total of $1.1 billion in uncompensated health care services in 2017, up 14 percent from 2016. The figure includes charity care and bad…

Get Felted Soap at Apple Fest

Some Unique Vendors Selling their Goods Alongside Apples

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Believe it or not there’s more than just apples at Apple Fest. There are all types of vendors taking advantage of the large crowds to sell their unique items, like felted soap. “It’s a bar of handmade soap that has wool roving wet-felted around the outside in alternating layers,” said Naomi McFadden, daughter of The Felted Soap Lady….

Apple Festival: Apple of Bayfield’s Eye

57th Annual Festival Ends with Parade

BAYFIELD, Wis.- The chilly October wind, normally piercing through the air, was overcome by the warmth of community, and food, at the 57th annual Bayfield Apple Festival. “Turnout was very good, I mean it was a little cold,” said Gordon Ringberg, Bayfield Mayor. “The weather never stops us.” Indeed, the weather didn’t stop the thousands gathered by the lake. For many,…

Northlanders Rally to Clean Up Local Beaches

A Coastal Cleanup Event Took Place in Three Locations Across the Twin Ports Saturday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – If common Northland beaches look a little cleaner, it’s all thanks to helpful Northland volunteers. The City of Duluth was just one of the sponsors for the coastal cleanup project taking place Saturday morning. Canal Park Brewing was one of the many locations involved in the beach cleanup. Folks also turned out at Barker’s Island and Wisconsin…

19-Year-old Theft Suspect Shot by Officers in Superior

The Investigation is Ongoing

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Police Department along with other local law enforcement agencies is investigating a shooting that took place in Superior on Friday. According to released reports of the incident, officers were dispatched to investigate a theft at a business on Belknap Street when officers located the suspect near the Central Park neighborhood. When officers approached the suspect…

DSSO Set to Take Northlanders on Grand Adventures this Season

The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra will Kick Off their 2018/2019 Season on Saturday, October 6

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra has ten extraordinary adventures up their sleeve this season, and they’re more than thrilled to share the sights and sounds with the public. On Friday morning, DSSO Music Director Dirk Meyer spoke with FOX 21’s Brett Scott about the upcoming list of performances. The first production of the season will be on…

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…

State Won’t Cite Mine for Wastewater Release

An Estimated 10 Million Gallons of Water was Released

(Photo: Courtesy of Hi-Crush Partners)MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A frack sand mine won’t be cited for releasing an estimated 10 million gallons of wastewater in order to rescue a worker trapped in a holding pond in western Wisconsin. State Department of Natural Resources spokesman Jim Dick says the agency is not pursuing enforcement against the Hi-Crush industrial sand mine in…

Apples and Adventure Await in Bayfield this Weekend

The 57th Bayfield Apple Festival will Run From Friday, October 5 through Sunday, October 7

BAYFIELD, Wis. – The famed Bayfield Apple Festival has already won the rank of “10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation” in past years, and they’re looking to secure that position once again this year. The festival is set to kick off Friday, October 5 and run through Sunday, October 7. The event serves as a celebration of the autumn…

At Least 15 Arrests at Minimum Wage Demonstration

The Demonstration is Part of "Fight for $15"

MILWAUKEE (AP) – About 100 demonstrators pushing for a $15 an hour minimum wage prompted a McDonald’s restaurant in Milwaukee to close as they congregated outside the fast food restaurant. Police made about 15 arrests as the protest moved onto a busy street and blocked traffic on the city’s north side. The demonstration is part of the “Fight for $15,”…

Pick Your Pumpkin, It’s National Pumpkin Seed Day!

The FOX 21 Morning Crew Celebrated National Pumpkin Seed Day on Wednesday, October 3

DULUTH, Minn. – With the month of October in full swing, it’s only fitting we celebrate National Pumpkin Seed Day on Wednesday, October 3. Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe: Remove pulp from seeds, rinse and pat dry Preheat oven to 300 degrees Melt three tbsp. butter, mix with salt and two tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (add any spices of choice) Line baking…

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…

Superior Approves: No More Jail Time For Little Pot

City Council Approves New Ordinance for Small Amounts of Pot

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A very quick but very productive City Council meeting took place Tuesday night. An ordinance was unanimously passed decriminalizing marijuana possession in small amounts, to avoid a life–long mark on one’s record. Previously, anyone found with any amount of marijuana would be arrested, and charged with a misdemeanor, or even a felony. But now in the City of Superior,…

Superior Kicks Off Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In 2017, the Douglas County Sheriff's Department and Superior Police received almost 500 domestic violence related calls and CASDA answered almost 2,000 help line calls.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) is sharing its message of nonviolence. In 2017, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department and Superior Police received nearly 500 domestic violence related calls and CASDA answered almost 2,000 help line calls. The latest Domestic Violence Homicide Report says 62 people died in Wisconsin alone,…

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Fall Train Fundraiser Sunday

The St. Louis River Alliance is Teaming up with the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad for an Afternoon Along the River

DULUTH, Minn. – You may wonder what fall colors and beautiful views of the St. Louis River have in common. As Kris Eilers, Executive Director of the St. Louis River Alliance would tell you, you’ll have the chance to enjoy both in the same day this Sunday, October 7. The annual Fall Colors Train Ride on the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad…

Superior Officials, Leaders Raise Awareness for Domestic Violence

October Serves as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tuesday morning, the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (CASDA) came together with city officials and residents of the community to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event kicked off in the atrium of the Government Center in Superior. Superior Mayor Jim Paine presented a mayoral proclamation at 10:00 a.m. followed by guest speakers addressing how the Twin…

S.S. Meteor Paranormal Investigation

The Last Whaleback Freighter In The World Is Said To Be Haunted, Fox 21 Investigates This Superior Wisconsin Ship

SUPERIOR, Wis. — For this week’s Northland Uncovered the Fox 21 morning crew is starting a special series throughout the month of October! It’s centered on exploring old historic locations across the Northland and the existence of any paranormal activity within. This week’s paranormal investigation takes us to the S.S. Meteor in Superior, Wisconsin. The S.S. Meteor is the last…

Wisconsin Student Test Scores Steady for Third Year

Results Include Both Public and Private School Students

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Student test results in Wisconsin held steady last year, with some gains in mathematics but little progress in narrowing the achievement gap. The state Department of Public Instruction released the results Tuesday. The results show that the average ACT score for 11th graders was 19.7. That is down from 20 the previous year. Students in grades…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Diamond Royal Tack

The one stop shop for all your Weatern wear needs in the Northland!

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Northern Midwest isn’t normally knowing for its Western staples, but Fox 21 found one of the only places in the Twin Ports that can help you gear up for a ride. On the brim of Lake Superior, Diamond Royal Tack has a little something for everyone, but the family owned business focuses on giving those in the…

Wisconsin Historical Society Asks Community How to Assemble New Museum

Community Gathers at Bong Veterans Historical Center to Give Feedback

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s not everyday that a whole community is asked what they want to go into a museum. But that’s the opportunity people in Superior got on Monday, as the Wisconsin Historical Society sought feedback about what should be exhibited at their upcoming museum, being built on Capitol Square in Madison. 33 other cities around Wisconsin will also have the…

UWS All-Class Reunion & Anniversary Weekend

UWS's first class graduated in 1897.

SUPERIOR, Wis. The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS)  is celebrating its 125th anniversary  and all class reunion this weekend. The celebration kicked off with its Outstanding Alumni Luncheon, which recognizes the achievements of 125 alumni. UWS administration say they are proud of what fellow alumni have accomplished and how they give back their community. The honorary alumni bonded with old friends and…

Canoe & Kayak Through Fall Colors on the Brule River!

Active Adventures: Brule River Canoe Rentals

BRULE, Wis. — Join Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot for a colorful ride down the Brule River! It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the changing leaves of Wisconsin. Take a calm beginner trip (where you won’t get splashed or wet). Or get your adrenaline pumping on novice or advanced rapids!  Wet suits are available for the chilly fall days…

Wasabi Coming to Duluth

Second Location of Superior Japanese Eatery to Open in Duluth Soon

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A popular Japanese restaurant in Superior is expanding into Downtown Duluth’s old City Hall. Wasabi Restaurant will be the fourth restaurant to move into the building on the 100 block of East Superior Street. Tycoons, Blind Pig, and most recently, Sound Restaurant once operated in the space. But owners of Wasabi believe their business model will be a…

Komatsu Mining to Build new Headquarters in Milwaukee

The Project Expected to Complete in 2022

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Komatsu Mining Corp. says it plans to build a new headquarters and manufacturing campus in Milwaukee, a project that will bring about 440 jobs to Wisconsin’s largest city. The state’s economic development agency has pledged to make $59.5 million in state income tax credits available to the company over the next 12 years if Komatsu meets job-creation…

Happy National Voter Registration Day

National Voter Registration Day is the fourth Tuesday of September.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Election Day is exactly six weeks away and for you to make your vote count, the first step is registering to vote. Why wait? You can get the ball rolling now. In Wisconsin voter registration is typically handled through the municipal clerk and can be done by mail up to 20 days prior to the election. After…

‘McDougall’s Dream’ Fundraiser for McDougall’s Dream Boat

SS Meteor Fundraiser Held at Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wis.-While Duluth said goodbye to one ship, Superior celebrated another. Superior Public Museums hosted their annual fundraiser for the maintenance of the SS Meteor at the Bong Veterans Historical Center. Around 40–50 people showed up from Superior and across the country. Organizers say, the last remaining whale-back ship and Superior go way back. “Superior in the time, and still…

Police Arrest 15-Year-old boy in Accidental bus Shooting

The boy was Showing the gun to Others When it Went off

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Madison police have arrested a 15-year-old boy suspected of accidentally shooting two teenagers on a city bus near a high school. Police arrested the teen at his home Thursday. Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain tells the Wisconsin State Journal the boy’s family had been in contact with police and that he surrendered when police showed up….

Judge Orders State to Cover Transition Surgery

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A federal judge has ordered the state of Wisconsin and its insurers to pay for transgender transition surgery for its employees. U.S. District Judge William Conley says there’s no legal reason to exclude medically necessary care for the employees. University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student Alina Boyden and UW School of Medicine researcher Shannon Andrews filed a…