Wisconsin

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2018-2019

Wondering What This Northland Winter Has In Store? Check Out The Fox 21 Weather Teams Forecast

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is right around the corner.  Along with the parties, kids are getting ready for trick-or-treating.  But, Northlanders know that the weather can very well be more of a trick rather than a treat. Last year, just in time for Halloween weekend, more than ten inches of snow fell in Duluth.  While an inconvenience, that pales in…

Fall Fitness Fun at Fitoberfest

Strength Factory Gym Holds Event for the First Time

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A gym in Superior is starting a new fall tradition: Fitoberfest. The Strength Factory hosted the event for the first time on Sunday. Members of the gym competed in different strength events such as keg bowling, keg toss, kettlebell toss, and more. They ended the day at the Thirsty Pagan, where they shared some drinks and competed in…

Creepy Creatures at Superior Animal Hospital

Hospital Hosts Halloween-Themed Open House

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Who said Halloween was just for humans? Some Superior dogs certainly don’t think so. The Halloween Hounds showed up at Superior Animal Hospital for some tricks and treats, at their Open House. Humans could decorate their own cookies, get face paint, play games, and more. For a more detailed look at how the Animal Hospital works, families could…

A Library of Pure Imagination

Superior Public Library Hosts 9th Annual Library Trick or Treat

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Oompa Loompas transformed the Superior Public Library into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for their 9th annual Library Trick or Treat. One of the conference rooms was turned into the factory’s candy garden, and no Golden Ticket was needed for costumed kids to hitch a ride on Wonka’s chocolate river boat. “We got the Chocolate Factory, there you can…

New World War II Exhibit at Bong Center

New Exhibit Opens in Collaboration with CAF

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Northlanders can now get a new look at World War II at the Bong Veterans Historical Center. In collaboration with the Commemorative Air Force Lake Superior Squadron, the Bong opened a new exhibit tonight, featuring half of the collection that was previously at the Bong Airport. The museum says, it allows them to tell new stories from World War…

Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat Keeps Evolving for Veterans and Their Families

As it grows the hope is to make it a popular destination for veterans and their families.

DANBURY, Wisc.- The Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat (DOVR) was created to give veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The retreat officially opened a few years ago and with the help of the Dairyland community it continues to make progress. The DOVR is about two years old and as it grows the hope is to make it…

Search for Missing Barron Teen Continues

Authorities in Barron Have Announced a $25,000 Reward

BARRON COUNTY, Wisc. – Authorities in Barron have now announced a $25,000 reward for those with information that could help find 13-year-old Jayme Closs. The teenager disappeared more than a week ago after her parents were found murdered in their home. No new evidence has been discovered during a search on Tuesday, but that has not stopped Jayme’s family from…

Council President: Health Department Under Investigation

Milwaukee Health Department Being Criminally Investigated

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The president of the Milwaukee Common Council says the city’s health department is being criminally investigated. Ashanti Hamilton’s revelation comes in response to another alderman who criticized Hamilton for failing to issue a subpoena compelling former health Commissioner Bevan Baker to testify at City Hall about the city’s troubled lead program. The Journal Sentinel reports Hamilton says…

Superior Animal Hospital to Host Open House Saturday

Calling all Costumed Canines and Cats! Superior Animal Hospital is Hosting a Halloween Open House Saturday, October 27

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Calling all canines and cats who enjoy dressing up! Superior Animal Hospital is set to host their Halloween Open House on Saturday, October 27 to celebrate the fall season with games, live surgeries, teddy bear surgeries, face painting, cooking decorating and much more. Photos will be encouraged as costumed animals enjoy the day of fun family-friendly activities….

Solon Springs Community Set to Raise Funds for Diabetes

The Fundraising Weekend will Kick Off Friday, October 27 and Conclude on Saturday, October 28 in Solon Springs, Wisconsin

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – According to the Lake Superior Community Health Center, 27.5 percent per 100,000 people die from diabetes each year. To help raise awareness and funds for education of this topic, the Health Center is teaming up with the Solon Spring Lions Club to host the 2nd Annual ATV/Poker Run Fundraiser. The event is set to kick off…

Investigators Seek two Cars in Wisconsin Abduction

Sheriff Fitzgerald Says They are Looking for two Vehicles of Interest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Investigators searching for a Wisconsin girl whose parents were gunned down in their home are asking for help tracking down two vehicles. Authorities believe 13-year-old Jayme Closs was taken from her home near Barron on Oct. 15. Deputies found the home’s door kicked in and her parents shot to death. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said…

Barron Co. Sheriff’s Department Requesting 2,000 Volunteers for Tuesday Search

The Tip Line is 1-855-744-3879

(T’xer Zhon Kha/Herald-Times Reporter via AP)BARRON COUNTY, Wisc. – The Barron County Sheriff’s Department is once again requesting volunteers to assist in an expanded routine ground search for articles that may be related to the case of missing teenager Jayme Closs. According to the Sheriff’s Department Facebook page they are looking for 2,000 volunteers for a search on October 23….

Commemorative Air Force Exhibit to Open Thursday in Superior

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center will Host a Grand Opening Thursday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center has teamed up over the past year with the Commemorative Air Force – Lake Superior Squadron (CAF), bringing a new exhibit to life in Superior. The Center is hosting a grand opening Thursday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. with free beer and wine tasting for the public to enjoy. Hayes Scriven,…

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…