Matt McConico, Author at Fox21Online

Drug Deal Results in Shooting in Duluth Township

The shooting suspect allegedly expressed disbelief in only causing minor damage

January 28, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Police say they’ve charged a 19-year-old after a drug deal gone bad resulted in 10 shots being fired and left a young woman with minor injuries. Authorities have charged 19-year-old Evan Edblom with 2nd-degree assault for last Tuesday’s shooting in Duluth Township. According to court filings, police became aware of the shooting when a 19-year-old female arrived…

Kozy Building Demolition Deal Seeks to Revive Area with Historic Look

January 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Years of lawsuits, multiple fires and several suggested solutions later, the former Kozy Bar and Apartments in Downtown Duluth is coming down. The Pastoret Terrace, commonly known as the Kozy, has been the subject of legal battles for a decade and a half. The city of Duluth has wanted to clear the dilapidated complex that sits at…

Talking Downtown Duluth Safety

January 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Public safety and outreach services look to find middle ground solutions to Downtown Duluth problems. City officials met to discuss the multi-faceted task of managing Duluth’s Downtown. From public safety leaders to representatives from various outreach services, much of the discussions centered around aiding the homeless population by finding a balance between enforcing laws and providing resources….

Minnesota Political Round-Up

Tonight, a Minnesota Supreme Court order canceling the Jan 28th special election

January 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the sun sets on week one of the 2025 Minnesota Legislature, a partisan conflict is leading the House further into uncharted waters. Friday afternoon, the Minnesota Supreme Court released an order canceling the January 28, 2025, special election for District 40B. The vacancy was created when the winning candidate, DFLer Curtis Johnson, was ruled ineligible for…

Superior Police Find Shooting Victim at Hospital

The victim suffered a non-life-threatening wound to his arm

January 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior Police say a man is in custody for shooting that left another man with non-life-threatening injuries. Police responded to the 3800 block of Tower Avenue around 10:00 pm Thursday evening for reports of a disturbance. Those at the scene told officers they heard a disturbance before a single gunshot. While investigating the scene, officers learned that…

State Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Special Election Lawsuit

January 16, 2025

Matt McConico,

STATE CAPITOL – The Minnesota Supreme Court will decide whether Governor Tim Walz acted in accordance with state statute when he called for a special election to fill the vacancy in District 40B. State Supreme Court Justices were full of questions for both the GOP attorneys for the Minnesota Voters Alliance and attorneys representing Governor Tim Walz and Secretary of…

Local Unions back Strikers from Deer River Essentia Facility

January 16, 2025

Matt McConico, Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn. — Union workers from Essentia’s facility in Deer River, picketed in Duluth on Wednesday. The workers are apart of the Service Employees International Union, but were joined today by local chapters of ASFME and the United Steel Workers. The various unions showed their support by braving the cold in front of Essentia’s 2nd Street facility. The Deer River…

Hillside Stabbing Suspect Charged

January 13, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A man faces 2nd Degree Assault charges, for a seemingly unprovoked stabbing in a Hillside neighborhood apartment last week, according to court documents. 24-year-old Lewis Barney Jr. is charged with 2nd Degree Assault with a deadly weapon after police say he stabbed a sleeping man. Police were called to 115 E 3rd St Apartments around 12:00 pm…

Man Charged for 778 grams of Cocaine, was out on Bond in Separate Drug Case

A LSVOTF search warrant seized 778 grams, and arrested a 24-year-old

January 13, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A man who was out on bond for allegedly possessing 730 grams of cocaine back in June, was arrested again last Tuesday for another substantial drug charge. The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (LSVOTF) seized 778 grams of cocaine when executing a search warrant at 2325 West 7th St in Duluth on Tuesday. The search and…

DFL Reps Sworn in Early, Threaten to Withhold Quorum

Another twist in the road to the 2025 Legislative Session

January 13, 2025

Matt McConico,

DFL State Representatives early swearing-in ceremony at the Minnesota History Center, on January 12, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (DFL House Caucus). DFL Representatives are sworn in early, as they plan not to show up to the Capitol until they secure a power sharing agreement with House Republicans. With control over the Minnesota House of Representatives still uncertain, and negotiations…

Duluth Hillside Stabbing Suspect In Custody, Charges Pending

January 9, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say a man is in custody with charges pending for 1st Degree Assault, after a stabbing today in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood. A 24-year-old was booked into the St. Louis County Jail today, pending charges for 1st Degree Assault, according to a statement by the Duluth Police Department. Officers responded to 100 block of East 3rd…

Study on ATV Tourism Revenue

January 9, 2025

Matt McConico,

NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA — ATV Riders are bringing in the big bucks to Northeastern Minnesota according to a University of Minnesota study. In collaboration with the Northeastern ATV Joint Powers Board, researchers from the University of Minnesota has been collecting data on trail traffic through surveys and tracking where riders spend their money. The study found that in 2023, Riders spent…

Manhunt for Triple Murder Suspect Grows in Wisconsin

The Juneau County Sheriff's Office "believe that Virgil may be out of the area."

January 8, 2025

Matt McConico,

NEW LISBON, Wisc. – The FBI and US Marshals have joined the manhunt for a triple murder suspect considered armed and dangerous in Wisconsin. The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office says it has conducted extensive ground searches and utilized drones in the search for 47-year-old Virgil Thew. Thew is wanted on three counts of First-Degree Intentional Homicide, after three bodies were…

Carlton Co. Inmate Charged with Attempted Murder of Guard

January 6, 2025

Matt McConico,

CARLTON, Minn. – A Carlton County inmate has been charged with attempted murder after he attacked a corrections officer, according to court documents. Matthew William Johnson, 27, is facing charges, including attempted murder, after authorities say he attacked a corrections officer at the Carlton County Jail on December 30. According to court documents, an officer let Johnson out of a…

Warrant Finds Fentanyl at West Duluth Apartment

December 31, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A man is in custody after a search warrant uncovered 150 grams of fentanyl, and thousands in cash at a West Duluth apartment. Duluth Police say a 54-year-old man was arrested this afternoon when they executed a search warrant alongside the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force. According to a statement by the department, officers executed…

Agencies Respond for Group Fighting at Miller Hill Mall Food Court

No arrests or persons of interest have been reported

December 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Multiple agencies responded to the Miller Hill Mall food court Monday afternoon, after calls that a group of juveniles and adults were fighting. In an email, the Duluth Police Department confirmed to FOX21 that around 6:30 pm this evening, they responded to the Miller Hill Mall for reports of “multiple people, both juveniles and adults, fighting in…

DECC Security Guard Charged After Recording Teen

The security guard is also charged with recording young women in his neighborhood

December 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A now former security guard has been charged with sexual harassment for recording a teen girl while she was using a private fitness facility at the DECC; and that wasn’t his first time. According to a criminal complaint filed Saturday, 62-year-old security guard Perry Michael Burke used his phone to record a 17-year-old girl while she was…

Arrest Made in Mankato West Hockey Stick Theft

December 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they have arrested a 23-year-old male suspected of stealing over 30 hockey sticks from the Mankato West High School boys’ hockey bus on Saturday, while parked near the Downtown Holiday Inn. The Duluth Police Department announced it arrested a suspect, in connection with the theft of the Mankato West high school hockey team’s sticks….

Driver Faces 24 Charges Stemming from Cherry Bus Crash

December 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – The driver, who authorities say, was distracted by her phone when she crashed into a school bus back in September, is now facing 24 charges. Svea Snickers, 19, faces 24 charges including five felonies, seventeen gross misdemeanors, and two misdemeanors, from the same crash. A criminal complaint, filed on Thursday, claims the September 12, 2024, crash between…

Death of Longtime Local Lawmaker Mary Murphy

December 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – After suffering complications from a stroke, Former State Representative Mary Murphy, died while in Hospice on Christmas. The local lawmaker began her career in 1977, and held the same seat until 2022, when she lost to current Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, by only 33 votes. During her 45 years in office, Murphy served on various committees, focusing on…

Federal Indictment for Two Men Accused of Fentanyl/Meth Distribution to Red Lake

A September traffic stop turned up a pound of meth and 100 grams of fentanyl

December 24, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A traffic stop by a Minnesota State Trooper in September uncovered 454 grams of meth and 100 grams of fentanyl, according to court documents; now the two occupants have been indicted. Federal authorities accuse 46-year-old Bobby Donnell, and 29-year-old Jordan Lussier, of conspiring to traffic drugs on the Red Lake Reservation. According to court documents, both men…

Ideal Temps Bring Ice Fishing Back to the Bay

December 23, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – During the summer, the “lake side” of Park Point attracts thousands to its beaches; but during the winter months, the “bay side” is the place to be. While the temperature is expected to climb in the coming days, ice fishermen have been back on the bay thanks to an early season freeze. Today’s ideal temps drew a number…

Douglas County Data Breach

December 20, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Unauthorized access of HIPAA-protected information by county employee, largely flies under the radar. Six-months after the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services determined an employee had accessed protected personal and health information without authorization, a notice appeared on the county’s website. The one-page statement states the employee was terminated, and that the Superior Police Department…

Drastic Tax Increases for Some Superior Residents

Property owners are receiving the unwelcome surprise, despite prior assurances by local leaders

December 19, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Surprise and frustration as some in Superior see steep rise on property taxes. As Superior residents received their property taxes this week, some were shocked to see the increase. The hike comes after local leaders had reassured residents that this year’s bill would see little to no increase. Earlier this fall, on social media, Mayor Jim Paine…

Gilbert Woman Arrested for 2023 Fentanyl Overdose Death

December 18, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say they have made an arrest in the overdose death of a Range man in 2023. A nine-month investigation into the death of 25-year-old Isaiah Deegan has resulted in 3rd Degree Murder charges for a Gilbert woman. 20-year-old Ashley Cook is who authorities allege sold Deegan the Fentanyl-laced pill that took his…

Vigil Honors 66 Homeless and Advocates Who’ve Passed in 2024

December 17, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeless advocates and community members gathered to remember those who have passed away this year. The annual “Homeless Memorial Vigil” is held to celebrate the memories of people who have struggled with housing; and advocates who have fought to increase housing accessibility. Overdose deaths among the homeless population fell this year, according to advocates, but the struggle…

Mayor’s First Budget Goes to Council for Vote

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

December 16, 2024

Matt McConico,

CITY HALL – Mayor Roger Reinert’s first budget is up for a vote at the last city council meeting of the year. Mayor Reinert making an appearance at the final city council meeting of 2024, as the council considers his budget proposal. The 2025 budget is the first budget the mayor’s created since assuming office. Before Monday’s meeting, Mayor Reinert…

Essentia Health Strike at Standstill

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

December 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

DEER RIVER, Minn. – As workers strike for better pay, Essentia Health says some patient services may be suspended at their Deer River location. Workers with the Service Employees International Union held a picket line Friday, as their open-ended strike for wage increases drags on. Those who braved the cold claimed the wages at the Deer River facilities, are lower…

Truckers for Tots

December 12, 2024

Matt McConico,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A toy drive aims to bring a truckload of toys for the local Salvation Army. Truckers for Tots has been partnering with the Toys for Tots Organization for years, working to fill truck trailers with toys for those in need. This year has seen drives hosted at four Wisconsin locations, and tonight, at the Hermantown Fleet Farm….

Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Products

December 11, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Young entrepreneurs bring their products public, at a showcase in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood. The Family Freedom Center hosted an event Monday, to allow local kids a chance to showcase their self-made products. Their families, friends, and the public could purchase hand-made jewelry, cosmetics, smoothies, sweet treats and more. Located at the Washington Center in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood,…

Former Central HS Site to become $500 Million Housing Development

The groundbreaking of 'Incline Village' comes 13 years after the school's controversial closure, and a period of vacancy

December 10, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – After sitting largely dormant for years, the wheels have begun turning on a development plan for the former Central High School site. Incline Village’s groundbreaking, today, at the former site of Central High School marks the beginning of the second-largest private development in the city’s history. Developers and city officials gathered at the site today to mark…

Staff Oppose Duluth Federal Prison Camp Closure

Prison camp staff object to closure of Duluth facility, site lack of warning

December 10, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Workers from Duluth’s Federal Prison Camp meet to discuss next steps, after the FBOP announced they will close or ‘deactivate’ multiple facilities across the country. A flurry of emotions at tonight’s workers’ union meeting over what comes next, after being informed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that Duluth’s camp will be among the facilities to either…

City Council Approves $3.6 Million Tourism Marketing Contract to Arizona Firm

Expressing uniform frustration with the selection process and lack of information, councilors still vote 8-1 to approve the multi-million-dollar contract

December 9, 2024

Matt McConico,

CITY HALL – Duluth City Councilors approve a $3.6 million tourism marketing contract to Arizona-based Madden Media, in an 8 to 1 vote at Monday’s meeting. Councilors made it known that they felt their “hands are tied” before voting on Duluth’s 2-year tourism marketing contract. Arizona-based Madden Media was the winner of the city’s request for proposal process earlier this…

Duluth Angel Of Hope Vigil Helps Parents Of Deceased Children Grieve

December 8, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Parents who have lost children gathered together by candle light in Duluth Friday evening. Duluth’s Angel of Hope statue in Leif Erickson Park is one of more than 100 identical statues that echo back to a book called “The Christmas Box.” In the book, an elderly woman visits her young daughter’s grave, adorned with an Angel Statue….

Councilors’ Hands Tied in Tourism Agency Decision

December 5, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite an angry public, councilors will need to certify the city’s decision of tourism marketing firm or possibly face legal repercussions. At tonight’s committee of the whole meeting, council members heard from representatives of Madden Media, the Tuscon-based firm that is likely to secure the city’s tourism marketing contract. Madden Media came out on top of about…

Kmart Lot Still at Top of Spirit Valley Concerns

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

December 3, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A meeting meant to generate ideas from the public, becomes joint calls to address vacant Kmart lot. The Spirt Valley Core Investment Plan held its first community meeting at City Center West Tuesday evening. City planners hoped that small group activities amongst residents would generate ideas and feedback, as to what those living in the area would…

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

December 2, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Local law enforcement and fire departments battle it out for a good cause. Badges on both sides of the bridge are engaged in a popularity contest, as part of the Red Cross’s latest blood drive. As people came to donate blood today at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, in Superior, they were able to cast their vote for either…

Bong Center Gives Thanks for Veterans

With crowds growing over the years, the meal continues to bring servicemembers together

November 28, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -The Bong Historical Center gives thanks to veterans with a 7th year of Thanksgiving meals. From 30 to a few hundred; the Richard I Bong Center in Superior has grown their annual Thanksgiving meal with each year. With more attendees, the center gained support in feeding the larger crowds from local businesses like the Manitou Inn, and local…

Street into Morgan Park Still Closed After CN Rail Bridge Concerns

The road has been closed for nearly two months, after the CN bridge running over it was found to have "advanced deterioration"

November 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the only roads into the Morgan Park Neighborhood remains closed after a Canadian National-owned rail bridge was shut down due to “advanced deterioration” nearly two months ago. On October 4, city officials announced that an annual inspection of a CN-owned rail bridge of Idaho Street in West Duluth found “advanced deterioration” that made travel over…

Arson Suspected in String of 6 Sawyer County Fires

Sawyer County Sheriffs release surveillance video while appealing to public for information

November 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sawyer County Sheriffs released a short surveillance video on Wednesday, showing an individual seen near one of the fire locations. Sawyer County Sheriffs are appealing to the public for information regarding a string of suspected arsons. Six structure fires were reported in the last week, all clustered near Exeland, Radisson, and Birchwood Townships. The first fires date…

Cannabis Ordinance Passes in St. Louis County

County Commissioners Prepare for Commercial Cannabis

November 26, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County is preparing for commercial cannabis, passing an ordinance establishing regulations at Tuesday’s meeting. County commissioners heard public comment Tuesday on Ordinance #68, which aims to regulate in-public use and create an infrastructure for zoning and licensing requirements of cannabis businesses. In a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Ashley Grimm voting opposed, the “Cannabis Ordinance” will…

Judge Halts Lottery in Office of Cannabis Management Lawsuits

Lawsuits filed this weekend, against OCM, put another pause on the state's commercial cannabis industry

November 25, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Another roadblock, as Minnesota attempts to build a regulated commercial cannabis industry. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the bill legalizing recreational marijuana in May of 2023, and by that fall, individual use for adults 21 and older, went into effect. Attempts to get the commercial industry off the ground, however, by the state’s regulatory body, the Office…

Latest Hells Angels Hearing

Trial dates are still set for at least one defendant, after an evidentiary hearing that saw defense attorneys call 6 witnesses

November 24, 2024

Matt McConico,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Prosecuting attorneys were largely silent, during an evidentiary hearing on Friday, while the defense continued their pursuit of a dismissal. All four charged members of the Iron Range Hells Angels and their supporters were present in the Virginia courtroom, for the joint hearing of members Anthony Debelak and Eric Newman, who is the only member still in…

Grain Elevator Blast Cause Still Unknown

November 19, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Video from a Park Point home’s security camera Monday evening, captures the moment an explosion rocks a grain elevator across the bay. A press release from the Superior Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht, confirmed the location of the blast as the Viterra Grain Elevator on Connor’s Point. All three of the city’s fire engines responded to the blast…

Blue Angels Make Stop in Duluth Ahead of 25th Air Show

The Duluth Air Show celebrates its 25th year this summer, with the Blue Angels scheduled to headline

November 19, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — This summer marks the 25th year of the Duluth Air Show, and the return of their star performers, the Navy’s Blue Angels. One of the team’s iconic F-18 Super Hornets flew into Duluth Monday afternoon, carrying two team members who are touring and conducting flyovers of future performance sites. A group including Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and…

Murder-Suicide Suspect Told Police to “Put a bullet” In his family’s heads if Trump took power

During a previous mental health call to the home, Nephew said he feared for him and his family if Donald Trump became President

November 15, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — New information has come to light, regarding the murder-suicide that claimed five lives last week in West Duluth. The suspect, Anthony Nephew, was open about his mental health, even penning a 2021 Community Op-Ed in the Duluth News Tribune about his journey and the need for more public support for those who suffer from mental illness. In…

Memorial Ceremony for LSC Art Prof & Son

Student said they were 10-weeks into art course led by Ramsland when tragedy struck

November 14, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – This afternoon community members gathered at Lake Superior College to celebrate the life of an art professor and her son. Kathryn Ramsland, also known as “Kat” and her son Oliver Nephew were two of the victims in a murder-suicide that shook the West Duluth neighborhood last week. The long-time art professor was a cornerstone of the college’s…

Conference at the DECC Brings Invasive Species Researchers Together

November 14, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — Scientists, students, and professionals from several states gathered at the DECC on Wednesday to discuss invasive species this week. The biannual upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference offers an opportunity for those researching invasive species to share their findings with a wide range of colleagues. And learn from one another, on how to best manage the threats certain…

Vigil for West Duluth Deaths

A vigil brings people together, following murder-suicide that shattered quiet community

November 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A community is in mourning, following a murder-suicide that took the lives of two mothers and their two sons, last week. Tonight, family members, neighbors, and loved ones gathered at the West Duluth home of victims 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew, her son 7-year-old Oliver Nephew, and the suspect, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew. Kathryn worked to better her community through…

A Thanksgiving Staple Is Back At Shamrock Pizza

November 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — We are just a couple weeks from Thanksgiving, and for one Northland Pizza Parlor it’s their busiest time of the year. Shamrock Pizza in Superior has been offering their Thanksgiving Pizza since 2016. The customer favorite is requested year-round, but November is the only month that hungry fans can try this creative combination for themselves. “We would…

Author: Matt McConico

The shooting suspect allegedly expressed disbelief in only causing minor damage

Tonight, a Minnesota Supreme Court order canceling the Jan 28th special election

The victim suffered a non-life-threatening wound to his arm

A LSVOTF search warrant seized 778 grams, and arrested a 24-year-old

Another twist in the road to the 2025 Legislative Session

The Juneau County Sheriff's Office "believe that Virgil may be out of the area."

No arrests or persons of interest have been reported

The security guard is also charged with recording young women in his neighborhood

A September traffic stop turned up a pound of meth and 100 grams of fentanyl

Property owners are receiving the unwelcome surprise, despite prior assurances by local leaders

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

The groundbreaking of 'Incline Village' comes 13 years after the school's controversial closure, and a period of vacancy

Prison camp staff object to closure of Duluth facility, site lack of warning

Expressing uniform frustration with the selection process and lack of information, councilors still vote 8-1 to approve the multi-million-dollar contract

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

With crowds growing over the years, the meal continues to bring servicemembers together

The road has been closed for nearly two months, after the CN bridge running over it was found to have "advanced deterioration"

Sawyer County Sheriffs release surveillance video while appealing to public for information

County Commissioners Prepare for Commercial Cannabis

Lawsuits filed this weekend, against OCM, put another pause on the state's commercial cannabis industry

Trial dates are still set for at least one defendant, after an evidentiary hearing that saw defense attorneys call 6 witnesses

The Duluth Air Show celebrates its 25th year this summer, with the Blue Angels scheduled to headline

During a previous mental health call to the home, Nephew said he feared for him and his family if Donald Trump became President

Student said they were 10-weeks into art course led by Ramsland when tragedy struck

A vigil brings people together, following murder-suicide that shattered quiet community

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