News – Latest News

Retiring Teacher Surprised at Lester Park Elementary

Anne Krafthefer was surprised with a quilt that was handmade by her students.

DULUTH, Minn. – Anne Krafthefer has taught for 37 years, and Wednesday her students gave back to their beloved fifth grade teacher who’s retiring. Krafthefer was surprised with a quilt that was handmade by her students. The surprise came at the end of the fifth grade celebration. Each year, Krafthefer helps her students make quilts for themselves to take home,…

Deer Caught Inside Grand Rapids Business

The deer was inside what will be the Boulder Tap House, in the former Ground Round space

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – An unexpected visitor walked out of the wilderness to take a sneak peek at a business that isn’t even open yet. A deer stopped in at the Boulder Tap House, which is currently under construction in the former Ground Round space on Pokegama Avenue. Police responded and eventually helped the deer out of the building. “Carl…

Minnesota Wildfire Academy Trains About 700 Firefighters

Trainees from fourteen states learn how to battle fires in extreme conditions

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This week, hundreds of firefighters are getting hands-on training in Grand Rapids. Fire professionals have come from fourteen states to take part in the training. Seven-hundred firefighters are learning skills in fire suppression and fire training at the Wildfire Academy at Itasca Community College. “We can take it so far in the classroom through discussions but…

City Doubles Pothole Patching Crew

There will now be six patching crew groups containing around four to six people

DULUTH, Minn.- Potholes have become so much of an issue in Duluth that the city is now doubling pothole crew response. The city says this has been a record breaking year for bad potholes. Duluth will now have six total crews divided into groups. Three on the east side, and three on the west side having four to six workers…

U.S. Army and Superior Fuel Join Forces

An incentive to join the Army and have possible employment after their stay

DULUTH, Minn.- Those interested in joining the Army are receiving a big incentive to do so, from a Northland business. Superior Fuel has announced they are partnering up with the Army in the partnership for youth success programs. What this program does is guarantees soldiers will get a job interview and possible employment after their stay in the Army. Leadership…

Volunteers Lend a Hand to Help Beautify the Downtown Waterfront

This is the 17th year this event has taken place.

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth is about to get spruced up for the summer. The greater Downtown Council and the City of Duluth teamed up with several volunteers at Wheeler Field to fill planters with flowers for the downtown waterfront. Volunteers filled more than 100 street planters with flowers that will be placed along the sidewalks to help beautify the…

Services to be Held for Domestic Violence Victim

Services Will be Held at St. Philips Catohlic Church in Bemidji on June 10

DULUTH, Minn. – Services for Nicole Ann Jazdzewski, 41, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10 at St. Philips Catholic Church in Bemidji. According to her obituary, visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Friends and family remember Nikki as a caring and loving mother and friend. “She always tried to put people first and…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Brings Back Dinner Trains for Summer Season

Dinner Trains are Offered Fridays and Saturdays in the Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad is rolling down the tracks once again for a summer full of memories up the North Shore. The Railroad offers a variety of dinner trains throughout the summer, including the Pizza Train, Whiskey Tasting Dinner in the Diner, and the Summer BBQ Train. Ken Buehler, Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic…

No Deal on Roads, Some Senators Propose Portion of a Plan

Some Republicans Propose Tapping $133 Million in Budget Reserves

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – With no deal on how to fund Wisconsin’s transportation needs in sight, some Republican senators are proposing tapping $133 million in budget reserves to pay for repairs to county and town roads. But the senators who announced the plan Wednesday say they have no agreement with Assembly Republicans on the deal. That means it may not…

Midday Update 6-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Bail set for Duluth man Charged in Fatally Stabbing Wife

DULUTH, Minn. – Bail has been set at $750,000 for Ryan Jazdzewski, 40, who was charged on Tuesday with second-degree murder after admitting to fatally stabbing his wife in their home on Sunday. According to the criminal complaint, the stabbing happened Sunday evening in the Chester Park Neighborhood after Jazdzewski’s wife, Nicole, asked him for a divorce. Duluth Police were…

Minnesota Medical Marijuana Providers Hopeful Despite Losses

Only Patients With one of 13 Severe Conditions can use the Drugs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s two medical marijuana providers lost a combined $2.4 million in 2018, continuing the losses that have marked the state’s program since it began. But top executives of both companies tell the St. Paul Pioneer Press they see reason for optimism. They point to changes approved in the recent legislative session that will make it…

Wisconsin Legislature to Send Abortion Bills to Governor

Evers has Promised a Veto

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature is poised to send four anti-abortion bills to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has vowed to veto the measures. One so-called born alive bill touted by President Donald Trump would require doctors to care for babies that survive an abortion or face felony charges and up to life in prison. The Assembly passed…

Morning Update 6-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Animal Answers: Dirty Feeders are Killing Hummingbirds

Wildlife Officials Recommend Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders Once Every Three Days

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official! Hummingbirds are back in the Northland making their seasonal homes and searching for the best feeding spots possible. This often ends up being a feeder near your home, which is why local wildlife experts are urging caution before you take on the responsibility of feeding the tiny creatures this summer. The staff and volunteers at…

Girl Finds Handgun in her Backpack at St. Paul School

Police Secured the gun

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Police in St. Paul are investigating how a loaded handgun ended up in the backpack of an elementary school student. Sgt. Mike Ernster says the 8-year-old girl put her backpack on the floor at John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School Monday and heard a thud. Ernster says she opened the backpack and found the…

Landline Twin Cities Bus Service Takes Flight

Non-stop low cost service from DLH to MSP.

DULUTH, Minn.- Driving to the Twin Cities from Duluth can be tiring, especially if you’re trying to catch an early flight. That’s why the two entrepreneurs who started the bus service Landline said they chose Minnesota–to launch a low-cost transportation option to save people money, and bring more people in and out of Duluth International Airport. An open house was…

National Weather Service Prepares for Storm Season

Extra staff on hand to help NWS keep Northland ahead of severe weather.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The National Weather Service has extra staff on duty to monitor severe weather like the storms we had earlier Tuesday. Forecasters say it’s imperative to warn those on land and water of incoming bad weather to potentially save lives. “Our critical mission here at the National Weather Service is the protection of life and property,” said Science and…

Ropes Course & Ziplining Along North Shore

GREAT OUTDOORS: Adventure Park on the North Shore

SILVER BAY, Minn. — A brand new adventure has popped up in Minnesota! In this week’s great outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us up into the tree tops, climbing and zipping with a new experience! Face a fear of heights and challenge yourself…Step by step… This is a place for all ages, family and friends; offering a unique challenge…

New Mine View Open on the Iron Range

Known as the Grand Canyon of the north, the Hull Rust Mahoning mine view is now open to the public.

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hull Rust Mahoning mine is known as the Grand Canyon of the North and each year thousands of visitors travel to Hibbing to see one of the world’s largest open pit mines. The Hibbing and Iron Range area has a rich history of supplying the world with the makings of steel and the new mine view…

Superior City Council Still Without President

City Attorney Frog Prell continues to work on a memo telling the council if a game of chance is allowed to choose president

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior City Council is still without a President. This, as City Attorney Frog Prell continues to work on a memo telling the council if it’s allowed to cut a deck of cards or use another game of chance as a tie-breaker to elect the next President. At the June 4th meeting, the council voted to table…

Organizations Work to End Domestic Abuse in the Twin Ports

Advocates say domestic violence is happening the Northland much more than people realize

SUPERIOR, Wis. – When women leave domestic violence situations their chance of dying increases by 75%. That’s according to the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse in Superior, also known as CASDA. CASDA staff tell us domestic violence is happening in the Twin Ports much more than people realize. They say it happens to people of all economic, racial, and…

Drone Helps Superior Police and Fire Departments Tackle Emergency Situations

The Superior police department has four FAA certified drone operators and Superior Fire has three.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been about a year since Superior Police and fire departments received another drone for emergencies, thanks to a $20,000 grant from Husky refineries. They say thus far it has been very beneficial. The fire and police departments say the new drone has zoom and thermo- technology cameras to look closely at incidents they respond to. Right…

Duluth Man Charged In Fatal Stabbing Of Wife

DULUTH, Minn. – Disturbing new details are emerging about a violent stabbing in Duluth. Ryan Richard Jazdzewski, 40, is now charged with second-degree murder after admitting to stabbing his wife 10-12 times on Sunday at home on Chester Park Drive, according to the criminal complaint. He told police he stabbed his wife Nicole, 41, after they had been in a…

Pinnacle Pointe Music Studios Opens in Duluth

Have you ever wanted to record your own album or single?

BY PHOTOJOURNALIST BRANDON GORDON DULUTH, Minn.-Have you ever wanted to record your own album or single? There’s a new opportunity for you to do just that in Duluth. Pinnacle Pointe Studios in West Duluth is now open for artists in any music genre. The new space’s goal, which is run by a local music producer, is not only going to…

Duluth Fire Department Train for Real Life Events

Fire Department looking for more vacant homes to train in.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters trained for real life emergency situations at a vacant house to learn how to become more efficient in their response. During the training firefighters practiced how to search for people trapped inside a house that’s on fire. Firefighters were split into groups to perform searches and learned best practices on how to execute those searches….

Wisconsin Republicans to Decide on Health Care Funding

The Budget Committee was Meeting Tuesday to Vote

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature were set to decide how much they intend to spend on health care programs over the next two years. The Legislature’s GOP-controlled budget committee was meeting Tuesday to vote on funding for the state’s BadgerCare Medicaid program and a host of other health care programs in the state. Republicans have…

Charges Filed Against Suspect in East Hillside Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police have officially charged the suspect arrested in connection to the shooting incident on Sunday in the East Hillside Neighborhood. Christopher Eugene Jamar Davis, 20, was charged on Tuesday with second degree assault, felon in possession of a firearm and first degree aggravated witness tampering. According to the criminal complaint, Davis and a female acquaintance went…

Cirrus Aircraft Announces New CEO

DULUTH, Minn. – Cirrus Aircraft announced Tuesday that Zean Nielsen will be the company’s next Chief Executive Officer. Nielsen has held leadership roles at organizations such as Tesla Motors and James Hardie. “Cirrus Aircraft has a remarkably bright future ahead,” noted Dale Klapmeier, Co-founder and National Aviation Hall of Fame member. “We are fortunate to have someone of Zean’s caliber…

Lakes Erie, Superior set Records as Water Levels Surge

Corps Began Measuring Levels in 1918

DETROIT (AP) – Wet spring weather has pushed Lake Erie’s water level to its highest point ever recorded. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday the shallowest of the Great Lakes hit the milestone in May, surpassing the previous peak set in 1986. Lake Superior also reached its highest known level for the month of May, although it has…

WisDOT/MnDOT set Vehicle Weight Restrictions on Blatnik Bridge

The Restrictions Will be Effective June 4

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wisconsin and Minnesota Departments of Transportation made a joint announcement Tuesday that overweight vehicles will be restricted from using the Blatnik Bridge effective June 4. According to a recent press release, the maximum weight will be set at 40 tons. “The bridge is safe,” MnDOT District Engineer Duane Hill said. “We are taking this step to…

Midday Update 6-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Second Annual Garden Art Fair in Duluth Friday, Saturday

Spring at Last Greenhouse is Hosting a Second Annual Garden Art Fair June 7, 8

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling local garden art vendors and green thumbs. Spring at Last Greenhouse in Duluth is hosting their second annual Garden Art Fair Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Spring at Last is located at 4112 West Arrowhead Road. If you’re interested in selling your own art at the fair, you’re encouraged…

22-Year Sentence in Fatal Reservation Shooting

Whitefeather Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Murder

RED LAKE, Minn. (AP) – A teenager has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing a man he mistook for a rival gang member on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Eighteen-year-old Michael Whitefeather pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in December for the fatal shooting of Anthony Wells in April 2018. A federal criminal complaint says Whitefeather and other…

Update: Duluth man Charged With Second Degree Murder in Stabbing Death of Wife

Jazdzewski Charged in Domestic Violence Homicide

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has been charged with second degree murder in the stabbing death of his wife on Sunday evening in the Chester Park neighborhood. According to the criminal complaint, 40-year-old Ryan Jazdzewski told authorities he and his wife got into a “horrible fight” and he “lost it” stabbing her approximately 10-12 times in the torso in…

The Man Behind the Courtney Medal of Honor

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Major Henry A. Courtney and the Medal of Honor

DULUTH, Minn. – The Courtney Medal of Honor is a symbol of leadership to many. “My regret is he was taken in a war, and I never got to grow up and get to know him,” Major Henry Courtney’s nephew Courtney Storey said. Major Courtney was killed in 1945, two years after his nephew Courtney Storey was born. What Storey knows…

Morning Update 6-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Community Gathers at Brighton Beach to View Proposed Improvements

The new trail alignment would promote safety of those using the pathway.

DULUTH, Minn. – The community gathered at Brighton Beach on Monday to learn about potential improvements to the park and give their own input on those plans. Duluth Parks and Recreation was on hand with maps to discuss the proposed Lakewalk extension. The new trail alignment would promote safety of those using the pathway. The department has already secured funding…

Strength In The Community $10K Scholarship Winner: Avantika D’Cruz-Wigren

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 and National Bank of Commerce announced the $10,000 Strength in the Community $10,000 scholarship winner Monday night as Ashland High School student Avantika D’Cruz-Wigren. This comes after 12 finalists were chosen from area high schools – all of whom will get $1,000 scholarships. Click the video to hear from the winner! Categories: News, News – Latest…

Zoo and DTA Announce Partnership

A partnership benefiting both parties was started Monday morning

DULUTH, Minn.- With tourist season vastly approaching, Duluth Transit Authority and the Lake Superior Zoo announced a partnership benefiting both parties of getting people to use both amenities. A new co-branded bus wrap was unveiled with the Lake Superior Zoo’s new logo and promoting the DTA’s convenient service to the area. A collaboration that helps both going into the summer….

City of Duluth Educates Community on Invasive Knotweed Plant

Plant impacting in over 300 areas in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The invasive Knotweed plant is becoming a growing concern for the city of Duluth. Officials held a workshop to educate contractors and land managers on ways to keep the plant from spreading. The plant has been found in more than 300 locations around Duluth. It’s commonly referred to as “bamboo” because of its thick stem. It can…

Phase Three Of The Seawall Rehabilitation Began Monday

Phase Three hopes to be completed by Grandma's weekend June 21st.

DULUTH, Minn.- A project that was supposed to be completed last year began today in Duluth. Phase three of the Seawall rehabilitation project is now underway. As the Seawall rehabilitation project moves forward, the Minnesota Slip Bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic. That isn’t the only work being done. A storm water outfall, concrete patios, sidewalks, curbs, a bike…

Fire Department Prepares for Water Safety this Summer

Department works to reinstall rescue stations.

DULUTH, Minn.- As beach season gets closer the Duluth Fire Department is working to reinstall the rescue stations along Park Point beaches. The stations offered information and helpful tips, as well as a rescue ring to throw out to someone caught in a rip current. They were destroyed by last October’s storms. “What didn’t take our rescue stations last fall…

Safety Tips When You Encounter A Rip Current

Beach season is vastly approaching but remaining safe is the main goal

DULUTH, Minn.- Know before you go. Beach season is coming and the more you know about rip currents the better your trip to the beach will be. With the way the waves were whipping around Monday, it wouldn’t have been a good day out on the water. That’s why making sure you know the proper tips to avoid being swept…

Duluth Authorities Make ‘Historic’ Drug Bust

Police and Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force make largest seizure in city's history.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department and the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force are hot off a massive drug bust, that’s being called the largest in the city’s history. After a two-month long investigation, two suspects–39-year-old Otis Weaver of St. Paul and 36-year-old Eric Black–are behind bars. Eric Black recently moved to Duluth from Chicago, where he…

Gov. Tim Walz Celebrates Medical Expansion in Duluth

Duluth receives $97.7 million in state funding for medical expansion projects this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz visited Duluth to speak on how the state is helping fund the upcoming St. Lukes and Essentia Health medical expansion projects. Essentia Health and St. Lukes has announced roughly a billion dollars in expansion projects over the next couple of years. Governor Tim Walz congratulated city leaders for making the push to get close to 100…

Twin Ports Work Together To Tackle Growing Elder Abuse Issues

Nearly 2000 cases were reported in St. Louis County.

SUPERIOR, Wis-. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The cities of Duluth and Superior are working together to make residents more aware of elder abuse problems in the area. Elder abuse is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the sixty five and over population is expected to double by 2050. This creates the possibility for more elder abuse…

Damiano Center’s Summer Food Corp Keeps Kids Busy for Summer

Whole Foods Co-op raised more than $10,000 for the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – School is almost out for kids in the Northland. The Damiano Center  in Duluth is getting ready to start their Summer Food Corp program to keep kids busy this summer and tackle issue of food disparities. The program employs teens from the Damiano Center to help mentor younger kids. They all learn to grow their own food…

Police: Husband Arrested After Wife Is Stabbed To Death in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating the city’s second homicide of 2019 after a woman was stabbed to death by her husband in the Chester Park neighborhood Sunday evening, according to police. Officers responded to the 800 block of Chester Park Drive around 8:23 p.m. Sunday following a call from a child that their parents were fighting, according to…