Minnesota

Fallen VNP Park Ranger Honored at Memorial Service

International Falls, Minn. — A memorial service was held Sunday for a park ranger who tragically lost his life during a rescue mission on October 6th. Photo Courtesy of the Rainy Lake Gazette. Law enforcement, local officials, and community members gathered outside of Falls High School to honor Kevin Grossheim. According to officials, Grossheim died while attempting to rescue a…

148th Bulldogs Returned Home After 3-Month Deployment

DULUTH, Minn. – Approximately 225 Bulldogs from the Minnesota National Guard 148th Fighter Wing returned safely home early Monday morning. Family of active service members waiting patiently for their active service family members 2:15 a.m. arrival. The over 200 Bulldogs were deployed for three-months to the Kadena Air Base in Japan to oversee the Indo-Pacific region. About half-way through their…

BCA Statement on Misconduct Accusations in Hells Angels Case

Following FOX21’s reporting on the case against members of the Iron Range Hells Angels, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension sent us a statement. The statement referenced accusations made by the defense, that a BCA Special Agent had been involved in monitoring privileged jail communications between at least one defendant and their attorney. The statement from Public Information Officer Jill…

Twin Ports Power Crews Arrive In Hurricane-Damaged Florida

TAMPA BAY, FL – Power crews from the Twin Ports have arrived in Tampa Bay, Florida to help restore hundreds of thousands of people still without power. Twenty workers from Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light & Power arrived in Florida Friday. 300,000 customers with Tampa Bay Electric are still without power, according to a spokesperson with Minnesota Power. The…

VIP Experience Returns to the Haunted Ship

DULUTH, Minn. — Spooky season is ramping up and what other way to celebrate Halloween than exploring Duluth’s own Haunted Ship. Last year a VIP experience was added to the ship, and with its success it returns this year. Fox 21’s Dan Hanger was guest actor Friday night and hopped in the makeup chair to take on the role of…

Update: 63-Year-Old Man Dies from Injuries Suffered in Eveleth House Fire

UPDATE (October 12, 3:15 p.m.) EVELTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports that the victim, who has been identified as 63-year-old Dale Wallander of rural Eveleth, has died from his injuries suffered in the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the MN State Fire Marshalls Office. ORIGINAL POST: EVELETH,…

500 Tutors Needed in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. — 500 tutors are needed across Minnesota with more than half needed in just rural areas. AmeriCorps tutoring programs are looking to help fill these roles. Potential tutors do not need prior teaching experience, as they will be fully trained for the program. They can work with students individually or in small groups. Fewer than a third of…

Suspects Charged In Double Shooting In Itasca County

CALUMET, Minn. – Three suspects have been charged in a double shooting in Itasca County. Daniel Brusacoram, 31, of Talmoon, Minnesota, is facing three felony charges, including second-degree attempted murder. Court documents said he shot a female and her brother multiple times. The other two suspects are identified as Jessica Schinzing, 46, of Grand Rapids, and Isabelle Smith, 23, of…

Case Against Iron Range Hells Angels at Risk

Government Misconduct, and Law Enforcement Connections to Hells Angels President leave questions

Part 1: EVELETH, Minn. – Government misconduct could jeopardize a 2023 kidnapping and sexual assault case, against members of the Iron Range Hells Angels.  A member of the Hells Angels, Paul Debelak, is still facing charges including 1st-degree sexual assault, and kidnapping, after a judge denied a motion by his attorney to dismiss the case, on Tuesday.  Court records show…

Powdery Substance At Moose Lake Correctional Facility Hospitalizes 4 Staff Members

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. — An area of the Moose Lake Correctional Facility was put on lockdown Thursday after staff members came in contact with a powdery substance, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections. The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Officials said staff members were conducting a room search when they were exposed to the substance that…

Minnesota Air National Guard Members Inducted Into ‘Flight Of Honor’

DULUTH, Minn.– A ceremony was held Thursday to recognize the efforts and sacrifice of eight members of the Minnesota Air National Guard. Family and friends gathered at the 148th Fighter Winter in Duluth to celebrate the Flight of Honor Induction ceremony. The airmen are being inducted for acts of notable service, heroism and dedication.  Their names are also part of…

Duluth Depot Begins Annual Haunted History Tours

DULUTH, Minn.– For over four years now, this sell out tour has been telling stories that are both unique, and scary. And from the sounds of it, people just can’t seem to get enough. “In October we run our haunted history tours. Which, it’s part paranormal investigation. And part history tour. Also, we talk about the legends and the folklore…

Hurricane Milton leaves millions without power and at least 5 dead

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, where it knocked out power to more than 3 million customers and whipped up 150 tornadoes. The storm caused at least five deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit. The system tracked to the south in the final hours…

Coffee Conversation: Author Bill Burleson Releases New Novel “Ahnwee Days”

Minn. — On Thursday, October 10, Minneapolis-based author Bill Burleson joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast to discuss his latest fictional work, “Ahnwee Days,” which was officially released on October 1, 2024. In addition to his literary pursuits, Bill founded Flexible Press to support both authors and non-profits. He resides in Minneapolis with his wife and two dogs….

Mount Royal Market Attack Suspect Ruled Incompetent

Duluth, Minn. — The man accused of attacking an elderly man with a hammer at a Duluth grocery store has been ruled incompetent to stand trial at this time.  43-year-old Lance Tolbert is facing a first-degree murder attempt charge. But Dr. Emma Welch, a psychologist, met with Tolbert and concluded, “He lacked insight into the nature of his incarceration or…

Minnesota Power Planning Modernization Project to HVDC Line

HERMANTOWN, Minn. —  On Wednesday, federal and state partners gathered to recognize Minnesota Power’s plans to upgrade its transmission system. Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE, is planning a modernization project to its high-voltage-direct-current transmission system. The HVDC line runs from North Dakota to Duluth and transfers energy to customers in Northeastern Minnesota. The project looks to upgrade and…

42nd Annual Health and Human Service Conference Held at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The 42nd annual St. Louis County Health and Human Service Conference is taking place at the DECC. Around 3,000 people gather each year to gain a better understanding of how to improve public health. The theme of this year’s conference is “Choosing Hope.” The two-day-long event includes various workshops, and also provides an opportunity for health workers…

Coffee Conversation: New Superhero Play Celebrates Indigenous Culture at Norshore Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — New Native Theatre, in collaboration with Duluth Playhouse, is set to present “Fallenstar: The Watchoverers,” a captivating new superhero play by Ramón Esquivel, running from October 11 to 13, 2024, at the NorShor Theatre. NNT Artistic Director Rhiana Yazzie and Fallenstar Actor Shinaana Secody joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the significance…

Charges: Superior Man Shot, Killed Ex-Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-million-dollars bail has been set for a Superior man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend over the weekend. Aaron Johnson, 30, is facing three felony charges, including first-degree intentional homicide. According to court documents, the ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend were in her garage Sunday around 9:20 p.m. on the 2400 block of Ogden Avenue when Johnson…

Man Dies In House Fire In Chisholm

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire CHISHOLM, Minn. — Authorities are investigating after a man died in a house fire in Chisholm Monday night. The call for help came in around 9:25 p.m. for a house fire on the 100 block of 1st Street NW. A man was rescued from the upstairs by firefighters. Chisholm EMS preformed life-saving measures and transported the…

Coffee Conversation: 18th Annual Minnesota Ballet Celebrity Dance Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, October 11th, the Depot Theater will host the 18th Annual Minnesota Ballet Celebrity Dance Challenge, pairing local celebrities with professional dancers for a an evening of performances. Supervisor at Northwood Children’s Services Ian LaFont and Minnesota Ballet dancer Cecilia Hernandez previewed the show on the morning newscast Tuesday. The event kicks off with a social…

UMD Hosts “VoterPalooza” to Encourage Student Voter Registration

DULUTH, Minn.– With every presidential election, there is always a push to get as many registered as possible. And this is especially true with college students. Students packed the halls today at UMD for the VoterPalooza. The goal is to help get students informed and ready for the upcoming election. As well as get them registered to vote right on…

2nd Annual Ralph Zauhar’s Vocational Fair

ALBORN, Minn.– Middle schoolers had the opportunity to learn over 16 different vocational job skills From welding, equestrian skills, to even learning how to drive an excavator. Students from Queen of Peace and homeschooled kids got to experience some hands-on learning for potential career paths and opportunities. They’re able to pick up on skills they otherwise wouldn’t be able to…

Duluth Community Members Host Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Depot hosted veterans with an important cause over the weekend. The topic was veteran suicide prevention and awareness. This cause hits close to home as Minnesota lost 101 veterans to suicide last year alone. Organizers say that the venue for this event changes annually to reflect the community with the highest number of veteran suicides,…

Ranger Dies Trying To Rescue Stranded Boaters In Voyageurs National Park

A National Park Service law enforcement ranger died Sunday while trying to rescue a stranded family in Voyageurs National Park, according to St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay told FOX 21 a father and his two kids were stranded on an island Sunday on Namakan Lake after their boat got stuck. The ranger responded late Sunday morning to the…

8 Kayakers Rescued From Bayfield’s Meyers Beach

Courtesy: USCG BAYFIELD, Minn. –  The United States Coast Guard responded to a water rescue Sunday at Meyers Beach in Bayfield. Crews responded to a report of two capsized kayakers who were clinging to another person’s kayak. The two kayakers were part of a group of eight kayakers. The remaining six kayakers who did not capsize were uncertain they could…

Lincoln Park Convenience Store Victim Of ‘Smash And Grab’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a “smash and grab” burglary at the KornerStore on the 1800 block of West Superior Street. Officers responded to the store around 1 a.m. Friday. They found a broken front-door window, but no one inside. The only items stolen were cigarettes, according to police. The investigation is ongoing. Categories: Crime, Minnesota, News, News…

Ex-Cop Who Killed Daunte Wright Shares Story With Officers, Sparking Debate Over Redemption

(AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of killing a Black motorist when she used her handgun instead of her taser during a traffic stop is out of prison and delivering presentations at law enforcement conferences, stirring up a heated debate over how officers punished for misconduct should atone for their misdeeds. After Kim Potter…

Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening To ‘Shoot Up’ Minneapolis Synagogue

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota man was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a Minneapolis synagogue, officials announced on Saturday. Staff at Temple Israel reported to the Minneapolis Police Department on Sept. 11 that they had received several phone calls from a person threatening to “shoot up” the synagogue. Then on Thursday, a special police detail assigned provide extra…

Content Creators Pitch Story Ideas at Catalyst Content Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — Lights, camera and action! The Annual Catalyst Content Festival is bringing together writers, directors and film enthusiasts from around the world. The festival is back and bigger than ever, as local and international content creators share their story ideas. “PitchWorld” returned to the festival, where writers and creators pitched stories that were judged by Hollywood executives. The…

AFSCME Rallies For What They Call Employee Fairness At Duluth City Hall

DULUTH, Minn.– Advocates for employee fairness and wellness met at Duluth City Hall Friday to hold a rally in support of front-line workers. Dozens of workers and supporters with AFSCME were rallying for fair wages, benefits and working conditions. They say these workers are the backbone of the city and deserve a fair contract that reflects their contributions. Officials participating…

Aitkin Woman Arrested After Fentanyl Seizure

Hazelton Township, Aitkin County. — A 28-year-old woman from Aitkin faces charges after authorities seized over 200 fentanyl pills and several grams of fentanyl powder on October 2, 2024. The Aitkin-Itasca-Mille Lacs Violent Crime Enforcement Team and Aitkin County Sheriff’s deputies conducted search warrants in Hazelton Township, according to a press release, leading to the arrest for 1st Degree Possession…

Hoops Brewing Partners with Erickson Orchards

DULUTH, Minn.– All sorts of places in the Northland are homing in on the fall favorites. Just about everywhere you can find their version of pumpkin spice, and apple products. Hoops Brewing in Duluth is unveiling their annual apple beer to join their lineup of fall flavors. They’re collaborating with Erickson Orchards to present their Apple Ale for another season….

148th Fighter Wing Dedicates Memorial Wall to Bulldog Families

DULUTH, Minn. — “This has been a long-time coming, so we’re really happy to honor the families – not only the members who’ve lost their lives, but it’s really important that we acknowledge their sacrifice,” said Chief Master Sergeant Douglas William Ion, with the 148th Fighter Wing. “I’m proud to be part of that.” After decades of planning, a granite…

Coffee Conversation: Lundeen Productions Presents Senior Go Show/Pub Crawl & Music Festival

Twin Ports — Mark your calendars for two upcoming events; the 20th annual Duluth Senior GO Show, happening on Tuesday, October 22, at the DECC. Then, on October 26, get ready for the Goin Postal Poltergeist Pub Crawl and Music Festival in Superior, Wi. Tracy Lundeen and Andy Perfetti discussed these events on the morning newscast Thursday, Oct. 3. The…

Burned Down Papa Charlie’s At Lutsen Mountains Begins Rebuild

LUSTEN, Minn.– More than a year after fire gutted a beloved restaurant and bar at Lutsen Mountains, construction to rebuild is about to begin. It was the morning of June 24, 2023, when those massive flames took over Papa Charlie’s. Rendering of new Papa Charlie’s Nobody was injured, but the building was deemed a complete loss.  While the lot where…

NTSB Releases Final Report On Fatal 2023 Cirrus Crash In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The National Transportation Safety Board has released its final report involving a Cirrus plane crash in Duluth that killed one of the aircraft company’s longtime employees. David Rathbun David Rathbun, 52, of Hermantown was the only person on board the 2016 SR-22 when it nose-dived into the frozen St. Louis River near the Bong Bridge around 4…

Catalyst Content Festival Returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Catalyst Content Festival is back and bigger than ever. The festival is hosted by the Catalyst Story Institute, which works with local film organizations to showcase the work of writers, producers and directors. The festival will feature many events, from pitch competitions to table reads, and screenings of over 75 productions. And you don’t have to…

Students Lace Up Shoes for “Walk to School Day”

DULUTH, Minn. — For many years, Congdon Park Elementary has participated in National Walk to School Day, which takes place the first Wednesday of October. Students and families were encouraged to walk to school using the safest route, and learn safety tips while walking and crossing streets. The event also promoted health and exercise. “I think kids these days spend…

Island Lake Resident Discovers Freshwater Jellyfish

ISLAND LAKE, Minn. — Being at the cabin in Northern Minnesota, you can expect all sorts of wildlife. You can find, deer, fish, racoons and eagles. But what about freshwater jellyfish? This rare sighting is one that Island Lake cabin owner Stephanie Nixon did not expect. What started as a calm day at the cabin, turned into something more exciting….