Minnesota

Going Bananas For Acai Bowls

COOKING CONNECTION: The Juice Pharm

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot goes “bananas” for the Peanut Butter Acai Bowl at The Juice Pharm. Blending acai berries, a Brazilian “superfruit” with a variety of fruit and other superfoods into an extra thick smoothie, poured into a bowl and topped off with a variety of fresh fruit, granola, coconut, more superfoods…

Former Duluth Dentist Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

Sentencing is Scheduled for February 20

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The former owner of a Duluth dental practice in Duluth has pleaded guilty to tax fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Gary Hedin failed to file required tax returns and pay employment taxes for the tax years 2012 through 2017 and owes nearly $160,000 in unpaid taxes to the IRS. The 41-year-old Hedin owned Downtown Dental…

Former UMD Coach Files Lawsuits Against University of Minnesota Board of Regents

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Cross Country Track and Field Head Coach, Joanna Warmington, filed two lawsuits against the University Of Minnesota Board Of Regents earlier this week claiming the University “violated Warmington’s due process” and defamed her character and reputation. Warmington announced her resignation in August 2018 alleging a “variety of NCAA violations at UMD.” According to court records,…

More Than 5,000 Cited for Using Cellphones While Driving

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State officials say more than 5,000 citations have been issued to drivers in Minnesota since a hands-free law took affect in August. The new law makes it illegal to use a cellphone while driving. Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike Hanson tells Minnesota Public Radio News law enforcement officers don’t have to determine what drivers…

Essentia Health Offers Community Booth Flu Shot Clinics

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health and Super One Foods partnered up to offer in-store flu shot clinics. People 19 years and older could get the shot, with the clinic also having high dose shots available for people 65 years and older. So far, reception for these easily accessible flu shots have been positive. “We’ve had a lot of people that…

Authorities Investigating Damage to South Ridge School, Believed to be Gunshot

NEW INDEPENDENCE TWP., Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they are investigating damage at South Ridge School when it was found that a window had been shot at. Deputies were dispatched to the school gymnasium just before 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for a complaint of criminal damage to property. Authorities found that damage to a window was the…

PolyMet Opponents Ask Appeals Court to Overturn Mine Permits

The Court of Appeals Usually Rules Within 90 Days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals is deciding whether to grant requests by opponents of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine to cancel two of its most important permits and order further proceedings. Ann Cohen, representing several environmental groups, told a three-judge panel Wednesday that PolyMet’s permit to mine and its dam safety permit lack enforceable terms…

76-Year-Old Minnesota Man Survives Home Explosion

(courtesy: Stearns County Sheriff’s Office) PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) – Officials are investigating a home explosion in Paynesville, Minnesota that – amazingly – left a man with only minor injuries. According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, at about 8:43 a.m. Tuesday, Paynesville police received a report of an explosion at a home in the 500 block of Morningside Ave. When officers arrived, they…

County Building Re-Opened in Virginia Following Reports of Potential Gas Leak

There Were no Reported Injuries

(courtesy: Mesabi Daily News) VIRGINIA, Minn. – The St. Louis County Government Services Center building in Virginia has re-opened following an evacuation Wednesday morning due to a possible gas leak. In a recent press release officials said a transformer was damaged during the demolition of the Northland Office Building which caused a power outage in the downtown area as well…

“The Haunt” at Poplar Golf Course

A Horrifying Haunted Experience Leads Northlanders Through Fear

POPLAR, Wisc. —  A small Wisconsin town is now hosting local screams, “The Haunt”! In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us inside at Poplar Golf Course, to experience a new fear. Formally known as The Haunt at Wentworth, it’s moved just a few miles down the road. “We had the opportunity to move it here and…

Duluth Pack Hosting 6th Annual Ladies Night

Duluth Pack is Hosting Ladies Night on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack will be hosting its 6th annual Ladies Night in-store retail event at their Canal Park retail location on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. The event is brought to the Northland region by Duluth Pack, local cidery, Wild State Cider and apparel partner, PrAna. “We are so proud for the sixth year in…

Wildwoods in Duluth Temporarily Closed Due to DNR Permitting Issue

At Least One Staff Member at Wildwoods Will Need to Receive Proper Certification from the DNR Before Reopening Rehab and Triage Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland’s only wildlife rehabilitation center is currently closed for rehab and triage services, meaning countless animals can no longer receive care at the facility located along West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. “It’s always been a dream of mine to do more with the environment and to work more with wildlife because I do believe that we…

Northland Tree Services Busy After Storms

Duluth Tree Service says saturated soil can cause trees to fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday’s storm brought high winds, which tore much of the Northland apart and ripped trees from their roots, which crashed onto houses, garages, and cars. The owner of Duluth Tree Service said he experienced call volumes like the peak of the season–at a time when they normally drop. He added that high winds aren’t the only thing that…

Authorities Investigating Duluth Window and Door Business

Customers paid about $100,000 but didn't get the services they paid for.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you feel you haven’t gotten the service you paid for from local business: Hicks Window and Door, you are asked to contact the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s office and Duluth Police are investigating the business, located on Martin Road in Duluth. According to authorities, several people reported paying thousands for window and other home…

Salvation Army Hosts 16th Annual Energy Expo

DULUTH, Minn.- The 16th annual energy saving awareness expo was held Tuesday afternoon at the Salvation Army. People in attendance were able to meet with local agencies to see how they could save on energy use throughout the year in their homes. Organizers say, its a great way to have a face to face conversation about energy savings. “To provide…

Local Non-Profits Receive Bike Fest Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s all thanks to Kraus–Anderson Construction. The organization has run the Duluth Bike Festival for the past six years in August. All the money raised from that event was presented Tuesday morning. Members of COGGS say, the $27,000 allows them to continue to support the mountain biking community in the area. “Maintaining the trails we already have. Continuing…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Diamond Tool Reunion

25 years ago this month, Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company in West Duluth closed its doors

DULUTH, Minn.- Twenty-five years ago this month, Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company in West Duluth closed its doors. And last week, co-workers gathered to celebrate, and catch up with one another. Diamond Tool’s former office and factory employees gathered at Kom-On-Inn in West Duluth for a special anniversary. The local business at 4702 Grand Avenue began as Diamond Calk Horse…

Storm Causes Power Outages Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – About 10,000 customer went without power at the height of Monday’s storm. Minnesota Power staff say they called in extra crews and they worked through the night to help restore the power. But Tuesday morning about 40 homes were still without power due to more than 10 power poles being broken. The communications specialist says during times…

Police: Duluth Window and Door Business Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth business is under investigation by local law enforcement after receiving reports from customers who allege they paid the business for work that was never completed. According to the Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, they have received multiple reports from customers who say Hicks Window and Door was paid thousands of dollars…

Morning Update 10-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Saint Scholastica Wraps Up Health Services Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. – The new additions are all part of Somers Hall. Renovations include: an improved layout, larger waiting area and wider hallways for emergency access. Saint Scholastica faculty say, the new accessibility will be an added bonus for students. “We know our students face many challenges today and if we can bring health to them and be of service…

Gov. Walz Visits Hibbing on Bonding Tour

Governor hears bonding request from DNR for $9.5 million.

HIBBING, Minn.- On Monday Governor Tim Walz made a stop at the Hibbing Airtanker Base as part of his bonding tour, as the State of Minnesota has over $3 billion in available bonding capacity for 2020-2021. The Governor heard a bonding request form the Minnesota DNR’s Wildire Aviation Divison for $9.5 million to make repairs at the Hibbing Airtanker Base,…

Park Point Homes Experience Worst Flooding Homeowners Have Seen

"I've dealt with hurricanes, never seen anything like this," said one resident.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday’s storm brought waves that were a spectacle at times, and a hazard at others in Canal Park. But over on Park Point many were seeing water from the bay as a nuisance flooding their homes. “It’s just been a disaster for everybody who lives along the lake,” said Keith McLoughlin, who has lived on Park Point for…

Department of Justice Awards Money To Local Non-Profits

DULUTH, Minn. – Four non-profit organizations in the area received over two million dollars to help prevent domestic violence against women. Here in Duluth, Men as Peacemakers received $348,944 and Mending the Sacred Hoop received $302,174. Members Mending the Sacred Hoop say, this funding will help them continue to spread domestic violence awareness. “We wanna reduce the numbers. We wanna…

Park Point Closed to Non-Residents

Duluth Police Are Checking Identification

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has called for more street closures due to continued storms. According to the city, access has been closed to Park Point for non-residents. Duluth Police are checking identification before the Aerial Lift Bridge, but say residents are able to get home and leave Park Point if they choose. Additional street closures: 131st Avenue…

Portion of Canal Park Closed Due to Flooding

DULUTH, Minn.-The city of Duluth has closed a portion of Canal Park Drive due to standing water. The city has also closed Buchanan and Morse Street for precautionary purposes. Brighton Beach has been closed to traffic and pedestrians and will remain closed until further notice. The city of Duluth is asking residents to stay away from the area around the…

Judge OKs $40M Settlement With Duluth Diocese

Attorney Jeff Anderson Represented 120 Claimants

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – A federal judge has approved a $40 million settlement between the Diocese of Duluth and dozens of people who say they were abused as children by priests. Judge Robert Kressel signed off on the settlement Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and reached the settlement in May. The agreement also…

Power Pole, Tree Crash Onto Truck

The Man Was Uninjured in the Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – A man escaped injury Monday afternoon after a tree and a power line crashed onto his truck. Strong winds across the Northland caused the power line and tree to fall near the Myers Wilkins Elementary school in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Officials on the scene said the man was in the truck when the pole fell but…

Twin Ports Coastal Advisory in Effect

The Coastal Flood Advisory is in Effect Until 10:00 p.m.

(photo: duluthharborcam.com) DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth says they are taking precautions as heavy rains and high winds are predicted to continue through the evening. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts are expected between 20 to 30 miles per hour, with the potential to reach as high as 50 miles per hour. A coastal flood advisory…

Bentleyville USA in Need of Volunteers, Donations

Coffee Conversation: 2019 Bentleyville USA; Need for Volunteers, Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville USA will flip on the lights for another year of holiday cheer Saturday, November 23. The need for volunteers is in high demand. Nathan Bentley, founder of Bentleyville USA, tells FOX 21 there are six weeks of work to be finished in a matter of four weeks. Volunteers are needed Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m….

Fond du Lac Shooting Suspect Formally Charged

CLOQUET, Minn. – The 28-year-old Minneapolis man arrested for shooting another man in the head during a funeral on the Fond du Lac reservation last week has been formally charged. According to court records, Shelby Gene Boswell, has been charged with second degree assault with a dangerous weapon, fifth degree marijuana possession, felon convicted crime of violence firearm violation, first…

Eastridge Community Church Hosting 10th Annual ‘Trunk-or-Treat’

Trunk-or-Treat is Happening Saturday, October 26 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the 10th year, Eastridge Community Church in Duluth is proud to host their annual Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event. The fun is happening Saturday, October 26 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Church is located at 3727 West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. The event features trick-or-treating, games, food, and much more! Trunk-or-Treat is free and open to the…

Staff Shortage Increases Overtime at Minnesota Prisons

The DOC had 113 Officer Vacancies as of Sept. 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Corrections almost doubled the overtime it paid prison staff in the past year because of a chronic staff shortage. The state’s DOC data shows it paid $12.3 million for more than 262,000 hours of overtime during fiscal year 2019. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that’s up from the year before…

Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Opens in Duluth

Research Institute has over 100 field staff, most of which are native.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is now home to the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health. The Center opened its first office in the Midwest last Monday right in Duluth on South Street near London Road. They partner with 11 different tribal communities across the Northland and Canada, to raise community health form the individual level. The research…

Get a Great Glass Pumpkin at Lake Superior Art Glass

Second Annual Pumpkin Patch Party held.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a time of year where people are normally carving their own pumpkins, people in Canal Park got to watch their pumpkins be created–out of glass. Lake Superior Art Glass hosted its second annual Pumpkin Patch Party. People could reserve a spot in line to design their own custom glass pumpkin at various prices and sizes, to be…

Community Holds Healing Walk for Man Shot in Fond Du Lac

Walk held for 45-year-old Broderick Robinson, who was shot in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Community members of the Fond Du Lac Reservation participated in a healing walk after Friday’s shooting in Cloquet. The walk started at the Fond Du Lac Ojibwe High School and continued for half a mile down the road. It was held after 45-year-old Broderick Robinson was shot at a Head Start Facility gym where a funeral was taking…

Duluth’s First Comic-Con Draws Hundreds

DuluCon sells over 300 tickets, far more than initially expected.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time ever in the Northland, fans from all the far reaches of nerd-dom gathered together to share their passions at DuluCon. “People that like Star Trek, Star Wars, very specific video games. Anime, battle re–enactments,” said Joshua Effinger, DuluCon Council Member. “Engineers, artisans, people that like to make necklaces, people that like to dress up…

Union Gospel Mission Honors Lifelong Volunteer

91-year-old Bob Anderson continues to volunteer for Mission while battling lung cancer.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday, members of Union Gospel Mission Duluth volunteered to help send out letters about the Mission, while also paying tribute to a longtime volunteer. Dozens stuffed letters in honor of Bob Anderson, who has volunteered most of his life. Family members said Anderson hasn’t faltered in helping the Mission, even while passing 90-years-old last year. “My dad…

Fundraising For Gary New Duluth Skate Park Underway

The rummage sale will continue on Saturday at the Gary New Duluth Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gary New Duluth Recreation Center is hosting a rummage sale on Friday and Saturday. There’s no price that comes with the items on display, but donations are encouraged. The proceeds will go towards the Gary New Duluth Alliance Project, which includes the skate park. During their last rummage sale, the recreation center raised over $2,000. “We…

One Man Shot, Suspect in Custody After Fond du Lac Shooting

The School has Been on Lockdown Since 10:00 a.m. Friday

UPDATE: CLOQUET, Minn. (AP) – One man was shot and a suspect was arrested after a shooting on a northern Minnesota Indian reservation. Police and tribal officials say the shooting happened around 10 a.m. at a community center gymnasium on the Fond du Lac Band reservation, where a funeral was taking place. Interim Cloquet Police Chief Derek Randall said the…

Man Shot While Attending Funeral in Fond du Lac Reservation, Suspect in Custody

CLOQUET, Minn.- A shooting on the Fond–Du–Lac Reservation leaves a man hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the head. The 45–year old victim was allegedly shot at a funeral in a head–start facility gym. Authorities responded to the facility off Big Lake Road just before 10 a.m. to find a chaotic scene where funeral goers subdued a 28-year-old male suspect…

Wildwoods Animal Rehabilitation Temporarily Closes

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth based non-profit animal rehab organization “Wildwoods” is temporarily closed. As of Thursday the building will no longer accept any orphaned, sick or injured animals. The closing is due to their support services. There is no timeline for when the building will re-open, but the animal rehabilitation center will be training new staff members. Wildwoods will also…

Superior Adds New Recreational Trail

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The first leg of the Bear Creek Trail is located right at the head of the Bear Creek Park. It is the only pedestrian wilderness trail in Superior, and the first mile of it opened this morning. The non-motorized trail has paved gravel and bridges built solely by the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Department. Once completed, it…