Dan Hanger, Author at Fox21Online

Armed gunman on the run After Taco John’s robbery in West Duluth

November 9, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. –- An armed gunman remained on the loose Sunday evening after targeting Taco John’s in West Duluth. The crime happened around 7:50 p.m. Friday on the 4600 block of Grand Avenue. The suspect is described as a white male, around 6 feet tall and wearing dark clothing. Police said the suspect entered the business, displayed a handgun and…

DUI arrest following multi-vehicle crash, rollover in Duluth

November 6, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and Criminal Vehicular Operation Thursday evening after a multi-vehicle crash and rollover in Duluth. According to police, the crash was reported around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Jean Duluth Road and Martin Road. One person was trapped in the vehicle that rolled and caught on fire, according to…

Viewer Photos of The Northern Lights

November 6, 2025

Dan Hanger,

Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Unsafe Lead Levels Detected In Drinking Water At Northwood School Dist.; Parent Shares Videos of Cloudy Water

November 5, 2025

KQDS Staff, Dan Hanger,

MINONG, Wis. — Unsafe levels of lead have been discovered in the Northwood School District’s drinking water distribution system. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted water testing of the district, which revealed samples that exceeded the safe limit. Of the five tap locations that were tested, two showed elevated lead levels (15.2 ppb and 31.5 ppb), which exceeded…

Waves Crash On Sightseers Before One Gets Pulled In

Father, Son Capture Waves Before Woman Was Swept Into Lake Superior

The woman was rescued with the help of a nearby angler.

November 5, 2025

Dan Hanger,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — We are getting a look at just how strong Lake Superior’s waves were on Sunday when one of four people walking out to the lighthouse in Grand Marais was swept into the water before being rescued. Jake Carr and his 10-year-old son, Collin, recorded video on their phone showing the large waves crashing over the people…

Charges: Killer Returned to Party After Shooting Hibbing Man 3 Times

November 5, 2025

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn. — A murder charge has been handed down against a Hoyt Lakes man who is accused of shooting a man to death in Hibbing during an after-bar party. Daniel Dale, 30, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Parker Johnson, 24, just hours before being killed in the parking lot of Meadowview Apartments around 2:15 a.m….

Duluth Fire Marshal Investigates Structure Fire In Morgan Park

Duluth Fire Marshal Investigates Morgan Park Structure Fire

November 3, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth firefighters responded to a large fire Monday evening in Morgan Park. A FOX 21 viewer shared video of the flames on the 9500 block of Grand Avenue. A city spokesperson said a shed-like external structure was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on scene. A nearby vehicle was also damaged by fire. No injuries were reported. A…

Woman Rescued After Being Swept Into Lake Superior

November 3, 2025

Dan Hanger,

GRAND MARIAS, Minn. — Tragedy was avoided over the weekend After a sightseer Was swept into the cold and choppy waters of Lake Superior in Grand Marais. The water emergency happened around 4:50 p.m. Sunday. Four people were out walking to the lighthouse when one of them was pulled into the lake by waves, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s…

New Apartments Being Built In Old "phocali" Location

Studio Apartments Coming to Downtown Superior

November 3, 2025

Xavier Walt, Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — New studio apartments are being built in the heart of downtown Superior. The project is located at the corner of Hammond Avenue and Belknap Street, across from the Superior City Courthouse and City Hall. The building used to house the PhoCali Vietnamese restaurant until it closed in 2022. Now, the structure is being turned into nine studio…

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Victim ID’d, Suspect Arrested in Hibbing Homicide

November 2, 2025

Dan Hanger,

UPDATE 5:30 p.m. – Hibbing police have identified the man who was shot and killed early Sunday in the parking lot of Meadowview Apartments. He is Parker Charles Johnson, 24, of Hibbing. Johnson’s 24th birthday was Nov. 1, meaning he celebrated his birthday just hours before he was killed. Police also announced the arrest of a man in the homicide…

Meteor Lights Up The Night Sky

October 30, 2025

Dan Hanger,

While snow isn’t falling from the sky just yet, a meteor sure did Wednesday night. The light show was captured on a Duluth harbor camera and a police dash camera in Neenah, Wisconsin. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

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Vandals Strike Northland Country Club — Again

October 30, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Vandals have struck again, for the third time, at Northland Country Club in Duluth. This time, a pick-up truck tore up the 14th green. A Ford truck was caught on surveillance video before or after heading onto the green Wednesday night and tearing it up with the truck’s tires. Northland Country Club is now offering a $1,000…

Superior Mayor Proposes Emergency Fund Plan During SNAP Pause

October 30, 2025

Xavier Walt, Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The loss of SNAP funding because of the federal government shutdown has Superior Mayor Jim Paine proposing a plan to help residents who rely on the food-assistance program. With the city council’s approval, Mayor Paine wants to create a new $200,000 emergency fund. That money would come from the city’s Economic Development Fund and be used to…

Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash

October 23, 2025

Matt McConico, Dan Hanger,

Todd Eckart on FOX21 Morning News DULUTH, Min. & AMNICON, Wis. – The uncle of Todd Eckart has confirmed to FOX 21 that the popular local musician was killed in a head-on crash in Wisconsin. The crash happened at 2:12 p.m. on October 22, 2025 in Amnicon Township. Todd was a standout when it came to entertaining the Duluth area…

Data Center Debate: Hermantown’s Comm. Dir. Talks Public Process

October 22, 2025

Dan Hanger,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The city of Hermantown’s communications director, Joe Wicklund, talked to FOX 21 Wednesday about concerns surrounding a proposed data center and the way the city is or is not including the public in the process. “We protect the environment so well in Minnesota with robust environmental standards. That has not changed. What has changed is these types…

Northland Country Club Asks For Public’s Help After Vandals Strike Twice

October 21, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Vandals have struck the Northland Country Club two times in one week. The people, who appear on surveillance video to be in their younger years, trespassed the property during the early morning hours of Oct. 16 and 18. Management says carts and green were damaged, doors were kicked in, locks were cut, and storage areas were broken…

‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Hosts Free Mattress Drop-Off Event Oct. 22

A winter clothing drive is also part of the event

October 21, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports Trailer Trash is hosting a free mattress drop-off event Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Duluth while also hosting a winter clothing drive. The drop-off location for both causes is 215 S. 37th Avenue West from 8 .m. until 4 p.m. There is a limit of two mattresses or box springs. “I’m constantly trying to just figure…

Sheriff: Arson Investigation at Hog Wild BBQ in Solon Springs Leads to Arrest of Owners

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — An arson investigation is underway after a June fire at Hog Wild BBQ & Smokehouse in Solon Springs. And the suspects are the owners. On Friday, Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard told FOX 21 that Steven and Kimberly Kastern, the owners of How Wild, were arrested for the fire at their establishment. Also on Friday, Dist….

Pumpkin Train Forced to Strike Vehicle at Duluth Crossing

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad’s (NSSR) last Pumpkin Train of the season got an unexpected delay Sunday after a driver ignored safety signals and ultimately got clipped by the train in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood, according to train officials. “Always assume that there is a train coming. Stop fully. Don’t go to a soft stop, stop fully. Look…

Puppy Bowl at Superior Saloon Raises $6K for PJ’s Rescue

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Football and puppies collided at Jimmy’s Saloon in Superior Sunday for a good cause. The Puppy Bowl was held in the backyard of the venue with a miniature field all marked up like a real football field. PJ’s Rescue brought the adoptable dogs to the field. There were food and raffle items – all to raise money…

Police: Man Called in Bomb Threat at SCCU in Ashland

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger,

ASHLAND, Wis. — A man is accused of calling in a bomb threat to Superior Choice Credit Union in Ashland Saturday. Police said the suspect said the bomb was in his safety deposit box at the bank. The building was evacuated as a precaution. The bomb squad was called in from Marathon County. No device was ever located. The suspect…

Thousands Attend ‘No Kings’ Protests in Duluth, Cities Across Northland

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger, The Associated Press,

NORTHLAND — Thousands of protesters gathered at rallies in the Northland Saturday for the “No Kings” demonstrations against what they see as the government turning into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. In Duluth, thousands filled the courtyard outside City Hall, the St. Louis County Courthouse and the Federal Building. Click the video above to see an drone’s view. Click the…

1989 Chisholm Cold Case Killer Sentenced Again After Appeal

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger,

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A 1989 cold case involving the murder of Nancy Daugherty in her Chisholm home was officially closed Friday after her killer was sentenced for a second time. Michael Carbo Jr., 57, of Chisholm, will serve a mandatory life sentence for the rape and murder of Daugherty when he was 18 and she was 38. Nancy Daugherty In…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Talks NDAs, Public Comments, Commissioner’s Words on Minneapolis’ FOX 9

October 16, 2025

Dan Hanger,

St. Louis County Commissioner Chair Annie Harala responded to concerns Thursday over elected officials signing non-disclosure agreements regarding a proposed data center project in Hermantown. She also addressed a video that shows a confrontation between Commissioner Keith Nelson and the Duluth Monitor’s Publisher, John Ramos, who pressed the commissioner on the topic during Tuesday’s board meeting. Click the video above…

Fire Chief, Neighbors React To Hibbing House Explosion

October 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn. – A house explosion in Hibbing Sunday night sent flames into the air and injured one person. One day later, heavy equipment moved in, as the investigation into a cause of the blast continued. “All the neighbors were out, pajamas, bathrobes, whatever. People just came out. Everybody was chasing dogs every which way trying to, I suppose, when…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Annie Harala Talks Process Of Non-Disclosure Agreements

October 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala was one of three commissioners to sign a non-disclosure agreement involving a proposed data center in Hermantown. Some members of the public have voiced frustration over what they call a lack of transparency involving the proposed project. Commissioner Ashley Grimm responded to those concerns by calling for a ban on…

Fire Departments Respond To House Explosion In Hibbing

October 12, 2025

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn. — A house exploded in Hibbing around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, injuring at least one person. At least six departments from the Iron Range immediately responded to the scene in the 2200 block of 9th Avenue East, according to the Hibbing Fire Department. The two-story house was engulfed in flames with officials arrived, which is located across the street…

Threat To Proctor Middle And High Schools; Increased Patrols This Week

October 12, 2025

Dan Hanger,

PROCTOR, Minn. — The Proctor School District and the Proctor Police Department are investigating a threat to the middle and high schools, which officials do not believe is credible. Supt. Tim Rohweder sent a lengthy email to families and staff Sunday about the threat, which referenced Oct. 13. Rohweder acknowledged how these situations can be “unsettling,” but he said it…

Duluth Police Detain Knife-Lunging Suspect

October 12, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A man is accused of lunging at shoppers with a knife in Duluth on Sunday. The call for help came in around 12:20 p.m. at the Petsmart along Mall Drive. When officers arrived, the 31-year-old suspect had already taken off, according the police. Several more reports lead duluth police to the area of Stebner Park in Hermantown…

‘True McGregor Miracle’: Dog Lost In Plane Crash Found Safe Days Later

October 9, 2025

Dan Hanger,

MCGREGOR, Minn. – Nearly a week after three people survived a small plane crash in McGregor on Sunday, another miracle was formed. Pilot Kaden Brazinsky reunites with his lost dog, Mako A yorkie named Mako, who was also on the plane, was finally found safe after running away from the crash scene. Kaden Brazinsky, 23, was the pilot of the…

Normanna Volunteer Fire Dept. Fundraising Event Returns Oct. 11

October 8, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Normanna Volunteer Fire Department is getting ready for its third-annual Normanna Fire Squatch 5K fundraising event this Saturday, Oct. 11. 2024 Squatch 5K The fun starts at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by the 5K race and a baby Squatch 1K for the kids. Vendors will be on hand, a silent auction and activities…

Pen camera discovered in Viewcrest Senior Living Duluth staff bathroom

Hidden Camera Found In Bathroom At Duluth Senior Living Facility

October 7, 2025

Matt McConico, Dan Hanger,

Bathroom where the camera was found DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned a small camera was recently discovered in a bathroom at Viewcrest Health Center. A Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) found the small pen-style camera on Friday, Oct. 3, and called the Duluth Police Department. Sources tell FOX 21 the device was taped under the lip of a wooden…

Duluth Preps For West Superior Street Reconstruction

October 6, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Another massive reconstruction project is on the horizon for Duluth as West Superior Street in Lincoln Park is in line for a rebuild. The nearly 2-mile stretch that will see the reconstruction begins at West Michigan Street and heads through Lincoln Park, past 27th Avenue W, and ends at the Carlton Street intersection. The construction will be much…

ISD 709: Duluth East Football Players Accused of Racial Slurs Toward Duluth Denfeld Players

October 5, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Reports of racial slurs toward Denfeld High School football players by Duluth East players are being investigated by the Duluth School District (ISD 709). Below is a statement from the district to FOX 21 on Sunday: “Duluth Public Schools has been made aware of reports that racial slurs were directed at Denfeld High School football players by…

Small Plane Crashes Near McGregor Airport, 3 Injured

October 5, 2025

Dan Hanger,

MCGREGOR, Minn. — A small plane crashed Sunday after taking off from the McGregor Airport, injuring the three people inside. The crash was reported around 4:30 p.m. Missing dog The Piper PA-28-140 was located about a half-mile short of the runway. The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office told FOX 21 the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff and was attempted to…

FOX 21 Local News, Townsquare Media Form New Partnership

Townsquare owns MIX 108, B105, KOOL 101.7, Sasquatch 92.1 and The Northland FAN

October 1, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – October 1st was a first for FOX 21 Local News, as the television station officially became partners with Townsquare Media Duluth. Townsquare operates multiple popular radio stations in the Northland, including MIX 108, B105, KOOL 101.7, Sasquatch 92.1 and The Northland FAN. Dan Hanger and Maria Vollom will provide morning news updates on all radio stations during…

Man Arrested After West Skyline Hit-And-Run

September 30, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A man is now under arrest after a hit-and-run incident on West Skyline Parkway last week. The 68-year-old suspect is being held on multiple pending charges, including criminal vehicular operation and bodily harm. The incident happened during the daylight hours of Sept. 23 on the 3800 block of West Skyline. Two pedestrians were struck by the vehicle….

Boys Who Fell Into 100-Foot Mine Pit Were ‘Extremely Lucky’

September 29, 2025

Dan Hanger,

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Two 15-year-old boys had a lot of luck on their side after falling into a 100-foot mine pit over the weekend near the Mesabi Trail. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found one boy clinging to the cliff with his hand wedged behind a boulder. The other boy had fallen all the way to the…

MnDOT Issues First-Ever ‘Stand Down’ After 2 Recent Construction Deaths

September 29, 2025

Dan Hanger,

Two recent construction zone deaths on Minnesota roads caused the Department of Transporation to issue its first-ever stand down in recognition of the two lives lost on the job. This meant all MnDOT workers paused work in construction zones across the state, including Duluth. MnDOT said the pause was not only to honor the contractors who died last week on…

Fire Destroys Duluth Family’s Home, Kills 2 Pets

One cat survived but suffered severe burns.

September 29, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth family of four is in need of financial help after a late-night fire tore through their childhood home and took the life of their cat and dog and left one cat alive with severe burns. The Rosendahl family was lucky to get out of the burning house without being injured, but starting over from scratch,…

Duluth Police: Fight Ends With Man Shot By ‘Fearful’ Woman

September 28, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a shooting in the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The call for help came in around 4 a.m. Sunday in the 2300 block of West 7th Street. Police attend to man shot in the leg Sunday morning “Initial information is a physical alteration occurred between a 39-year-old female and a 38-year-old male inside a…

Duluth Shines Teal For MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance

September 28, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance hosted its annual Light Duluth Teal Gala over the weekend at the DECC. While it was all about raising money for continued ovarian cancer research and support of MOCA’s programs, the gala was also about celebrating and inspiring with cancer survivors and loved ones. Part of the DECC, Radison Hotel and Pier…

Drag Racing Returns to the Streets of Duluth

September 28, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The nation’s only legal 1/8-mile drag race on a public street was back in Duluth this weekend burning rubber. The weather was perfect for those engines to rev up and take on Garfield Avenue. Drivers come down all over the place, like Canada, Iowa, the Dakotas and Wisconsin. The drag race was put on hold for five…

Wanted Superior Man Arrested In Ironwood, Michigan

September 21, 2025

Dan Hanger,

IRONWOOD, Mich. – A superior man on the run from Northland authorities since August is back in police custody and facing more charges. Robert Ganz-Brown Jr., 30, was arrested Friday in Ironwood, Michigan after police said he took them on a chase in a stolen vehicle from Superior and even tried to escape on foot. He was taken down with…

‘Force on Fifth’ Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Duluth

September 19, 2025

Jadie Jones, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Force on Fifth Avenue held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the grand opening of its extended stay corporate housing project in downtown Duluth. Courtesy: Force on Fifth Originally, the multi-story building at the corner of 5th Avenue West and Superior Street was going to continue as a non-profit office center, which it was known for years…

Charges: Duluth Man Filmed Under Skirts At Mariucci Arena Graduations, 144 victims

September 18, 2025

Dan Hanger,

Benjamin Goldsmith of Duluth MINNEAPOLIS. Minn. (FOX 9) — A Duluth man is accused of taking inappropriate images of more than 100 female students at high school graduation ceremonies at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis. Benjamin Thomas Goldsmith, 32, of Duluth is accused of getting closely behind girls while taking pictures and videos under their skirts, according to charges. 144 victims…

Garage Fire Erupts After ‘Explosions’ In Cherry Township

September 17, 2025

Dan Hanger,

CHERRY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A garage fire is under investigation in St. Louis County after homeowners reported hearing “two explosions” before the fire broke out, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The call came in around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4000 block of River Road in Cherry Township. After the homeowners heard the explosions, they “observed smoke…

Charges: Homeless Man Shot Out Door Of Downtown Duluth Business During Burglary

September 17, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Serious felony charges have been filed against a man after a burglary and shooting of a downtown Duluth business. James Eugene Ferry, 36 According to the criminal complaint, James Eugene Ferry, 36, whose address is listed in Duluth as “homeless” on the court records, shot out the front door of Namaste Gifts and Healing at 4th Avenue…

Duluth’s Japanese Garden Lantern Vandalized, Yet Hope Shines On

September 17, 2025

Emily Halling, Adam Jagunich, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn.– There is disappointment after vandals targeted one of Duluth’s pristine gardens that represents Duluth’s sister city in Japan. Over the weekend, the Japanese Peace Bell Garden’s Kotoji lantern — a symbolism of unity between people, cultures and views — was destroyed. Destroyed Kotoji lantern “So, all pieces were put apart. It’s a cemented granite piece put apart and…

4:20 P.M.: Duluth’s ‘Legacy Cannabis’ Becomes State’s First Licensed Dispensary

September 16, 2025

Xavier Walt, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — History was made in Duluth Tuesday when Legacy Cannabis expanded its operations to become the state’s first licensed dispensary of marijuana. Legacy Cannabis is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park Craft District, and the line was out the door Tuesday afternoon for people wanting to buy cannabis. The store was granted a license to sell…