News

Woman Rescued Off Park Point

According to the Duluth Fire Department, the woman was the sole occupant of a sailboat which she was out of and on the shore at the time of rescue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A woman is alive after a water rescue off Park Point starting at around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Duluth Fire Department, the woman was the sole occupant of a sailboat which she was out of and on the shore at the time of rescue. The woman hurt her hand while trying to secure her sailboat…

Minneapolis Man Charged, Allegedly Set Girlfriend on Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis man is charged with attempted murder and assault after he allegedly strangled his girlfriend and set her on fire. The criminal complaint says the woman escaped and drove herself to the hospital while her hair and body were still smoldering. She’s now in a medically induced coma after Monday’s attack. Prosecutors charged 46-year-old Richard Bullock…

Recovery of a Native American Burial Site Halted

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing project to recover remains in the Fond du Lac neighborhood in Duluth at a Native American burial site has been halted. A spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Transportation says only the burial recovery portion of the $6 million project has been delayed. For two years crews have been working to restore the native burial…

Willow River Man Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

Prokasky is Due Back in Court September 24

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. – The 43-year-old man who drove his vehicle into Kettle River on Monday has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Authorities received reports on Monday around 3:48 p.m. of a vehicle in the river and people in the water. When officers arrived on scene they learned that the driver, Preston Prokasky, and the backseat…

Michigan Joins New York in Banning Flavored E-Cigarettes

Trump has Proposed a Federal Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products

(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File) LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan has joined New York in banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes as federal health officials investigate the cause of hundreds of serious breathing illnesses in people who have used vaping devices. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released details of the ban Wednesday and gave retailers, including online sellers,…

Minnesota Opioid Task Force to Hold First Meeting Next Week

The Money will go for Grants to Fund Prevention Strategies

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s new task force on the opioid crisis will hold its first meeting next week on how best to spend $20 million from new licensing fees on the pharmaceutical industry. The Department of Human Services on Wednesday announced the 19 members of the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council. They include legislative and tribal leaders; health…

Midday Update 9-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Thursday 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update

Man Dies After Falling From Roof in Eagles Nest Township

Foul Play is not Suspected

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A 55-year-old male has died after he fell from a roof trying to remove a downed tree. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to 1415 Walsh Road for a medical emergency around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities say 55-year-old Hans Christopher Smith had been on the roof of a residence…

Spooner-Based National Guard Unit Deploying to Middle East

The Unit Will Deploy This Fall

SPOONER, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin National Guard unit based in Spooner will deploy to the Middle East this fall. About 150 soldiers from the 829th Engineer Company, which has a detachment in Ashland, will mobilize as a construction unit in support of an engineer battalion from Indiana. The Journal Sentinel says the 829th deployed to Afghanistan in 2013-2014 and…

Art Exhibit Opening Saturday Inside Free Range Film Festival Barn

The Exhibit, Featuring Two Local Artists, is Opening Saturday, September 21 in Wrenshall

WRENSHALL, Minn. – As autumn approaches the Northland, a new art exhibit is set to open and be on display for the next two weekends in Wrenshall. The visual arts exhibition features the work of Catherine Meier and Kristina Estall. Field Trials II allows for artistic experimentation and exploration inside a century old barn. Both artists work in partnership with…

Minnesota Health Experts Urge Flu Shots as Soon as Possible

Experts Say People are Better off With the Vaccine Than Without it

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials are urging Minnesotans to get flu shots as soon as possible. Jennifer Heath of the Minnesota Department of Health tells Minnesota Public Radio the flu season could begin anytime. Only about half of the people eligible get the flu vaccine. If more people got immunized, she says, fewer people would get sick –…

Thousands of Bird Watchers Flock to Witness Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is Hosting Fall Festival Weekend September 20 - 22 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is celebrating its 48th season of documenting the great fall migration. This natural phenomenon is attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of bird watchers from local areas, and internationally as the seasons change. Mother Nature is guiding birds of prey such as raptors toward warmer weather as they…

Nazi Flag Found Raised on Pole at Michigan Elementary School

Police Say it Would Not be Considered a Hate Crime

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) – Police in southern Michigan are on the lookout for suspicious activity after a Nazi flag was raised on an elementary school flag pole. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports construction crews at Riverside Elementary School in Battle Creek discovered the flag Saturday. They alerted Lakeview School District employees, who called police. Superintendent Blake Prewitt says in…

Morning Update 9-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Weekly Farmers Market Continues in Superior

The Market Happens Every Wednesday From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While the temperatures this week are deceiving it’s beginning to look a lot like autumn in the Northland. Today, you’re invited to check out the Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market. It’s taking place every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The market is located on the 1200 Block of Banks Avenue. Local producers say as the fall…

One Dead in Pine County House Fire

The Fire Remains Under Investigation

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities say a 62-year-old woman was found deceased in her home Tuesday night after a house fire broke out around 7:53 p.m. on Highway 23 near Brook Park. Pine County dispatch received a call from the male homeowner who reported his house on fire. When fire crews arrived on scene they found the home fully engulfed…

UMD Students Simulate How to Immigrate for Constitution Day

"Immigration Simulation" takes kids through the struggles of our country's immigration process.

DULUTH, Minn.- September 17th is federally recognized as Constitution and Citzenship Day. Tuesday at UMD, some students had an experience that shows what it’s like when you’re trying to get into the United States as an immigrant. “A Mile in their Shoes, an Immigration Simulation” allowed students to mimic going through the immigration process both legally and illegally. Stations included…

OMC Owner Opening New Cocktail Lounge

What initially was an OMC expansion is now a separate business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The owner of Lincoln Park businesses OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill, Corktown Deli and Taco Arcada is opening up a new business right next door to OMC. “Noble Pour”, as it will be called, will be a craft cocktail lounge on West Superior Street featuring local craft beverages and beverages made in house. Owner Tom Hanson says the idea…

First Ever Constitution Day Parade Held at DECS North Star Academy

Hundreds of students lined the halls and participated by making floats, flags, and many types of projects displaying what they studied in class about the U.S. Constitution.

DULUTH, Minn. – 232 years ago the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia and on Tuesday kindergarten through fifth graders at Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy participated in the first constitution parade at their school. Hundreds of students lined the halls and participated by making floats, flags, and many types of projects displaying what they studied in class about…

Duluth Airport Seeks Public Input on Vision 2040 Master Plan

Investments into Airport improvements through 2030 estimated at $70 million.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has kicked off the first phase of its Vision 2040 Master Plan, and officials want the public’s feedback on what the plan should address. They held an open house meeting at the airport on Tuesday, inviting members of the public, business leaders, government officials, and aviation workers to hear and share about the plan….

Great Outdoors: A Community Coming Together To Plant Trees

Those in the community rallied together to plant trees in the Lakeside neighborhood Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s often said that it takes a village to make a city and that was the case Tuesday as Duluth City workers and volunteers planted trees for a good cause. People of all ages grabbed their shovels and gloves, to replace trees taken down by Emerald Ash Borer. Arbor Day is typically celebrated in April, but weather here…

New Smoke Shop Opens in Superior

The new store is called Super Smoke Shop and it has one of the largest selections of goods in the Twin Ports.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new Smoke Shop opened up on Tower Avenue in Superior at the beginning of September. The new store is called Super Smoke Shop and it has one of the largest selections of goods in the Twin Ports. The owners have expanded to Superior as they own three stores in Duluth already, but the Superior Super Smoke…

First Annual ‘Biz Bash’ Encourages Networking and Fun

More than 20 businesses participated in the new event.

DULUTH, Minn. – A first-of-its-kind “Biz Bash,” encouraging business owners to network and build a stronger business community, was held on Tuesday at the Clyde Iron Malting Building. More than 20 businesses from around Duluth turned out for activities such as speed networking, card games, and seminars — all provided to help connect the businesses under one roof. “Biz Bash…

City is Helping Business Owners and Developers Learn More About City Building Codes

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is inviting developers and business owners to join their new Coffee and Conversation series to learn more about building code requirements. The upcoming series is geared towards those interested in rehabbing or expanding an existing facility. It will go over what it would take to get a building up to code including fire…

Northeast Regional Corrections Center Seeks State Funding for Facility Improvements

$7 million has already been invested for the improvement project by the five counties the facility serves.

SAGINAW, Minn – The Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw is seeking more funding from the state to help make improvements to their campus. Today they gave a special tour to several state representatives visiting the area with hopes of getting them on board to grant the funding for the repairs. NERCC has a total of 42 buildings on their…

UWS Celebrates Constitution Day with Trivia Game

Constitution Day recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

SUPERIOR, Wis. – September 17th is Constitution Day, and annual holiday recognizing the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. At the University of Wisconsin-Superior, students and staff celebrated with a Constitution trivia game. They were asked questions about where the document was adopted, who was there, and what articles and amendments are included. “It really is part of our everyday experience…

People Work to ‘Unmask’ Traumatic Brain Injuries in Minnesota

Survivors and family members paint masks depicting their journeys with traumatic brain injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year in the United States. On Tuesday, people made masks at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, depicting how they’ve been impacted by brain injuries. Over the last four years, 1,400 Minnesotans have made their own, unique masks. They communicate in a way words can’t about how traumatic…

Elk Illegally Killed in Sawyer County

If You Have any Information You Are Asked to Contact Police

(courtesy: Fox 9) SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities are on the lookout in Sawyer County after someone shot and killed an elk illegally there. Police say the elk was killed sometime between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Saturday along the State Highway 77 near Forest Road 174. If you have any information on the case you are asked to contact…

Minnesota Supreme Court Rejects Line 3 Pipeline Challenges

The Court Rejected the Requests in a One-Page Order Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to take up challenges by tribal and conservation groups to the environmental review of Enbridge Energy’s proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The court rejected the requests in a one-page order Tuesday. The project could have faced a long delay if the…

State Health Officials Investigate State Fair E. coli Outbreak, 11 People Sick

Six of the Ill People Were Hospitalized

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials say at least 11 people got sick with E. coli infections after visiting the Minnesota State Fair this summer. The Minnesota Department of Health says six of the ill people were hospitalized, and one developed a potentially fatal complication. One person is still hospitalized. Cases range in age from 2 to 43 years…

Duluth, Cloquet Wendy’s Closes Its Doors

The Miller Hill Mall Wendy's Will Remain Open

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wendy’s fast food restaurants located on London Road in Duluth and in Cloquet have permanently closed their doors. According to the Wendy’s manager at the London Road restaurant, a local Burger King franchisee has purchased both of the locations. Employees at both locations will have the opportunity to work at the new Burger King fast food…

Midday Update 9-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

University Developing Faster Test for Fatal Deer Disease

The U of M Hopes to Develop the Test in Two Years

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – With Minnesota’s archery deer season underway, hunters in the state’s hot zones for chronic wasting disease are figuring out where to drop off the heads of their deer for testing. The science for detecting the fatal brain disease is making progress. But tissue samples must be sent out of state, and results take a few…

Violent Robbery Videos Go Viral Amid Police Shortage in Minneapolis

Police say There Were 23 Robberies Over the Course of One Week in August Alone

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CNN) – Cameras caught a violent robbery committed in broad daylight in downtown Minneapolis. Authorities say it’s part of a pattern of increased crime in the city that many say should be a wake-up call. According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office one victim was jumped on and run over with a bike in the aftermath of a…

UPDATE: Threat Evacuates Some University of St. Thomas Buildings

Classes are Cancelled Until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday

UPDATE: ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The University of St. Thomas has given the all clear after several buildings were evacuated on its St. Paul campus following a bomb threat. The university tweeted the four buildings evacuated have been search and cleared, including the John Roach Center, the Anderson Student Center, the O’Shaughnessy Science Center and the Facilities Design Center….

Spicy or Mild? Head of the Lakes United Way Hosting Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Head of the Lakes United Way Chili Cook-Off is Happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Head of the Lakes United Way is happy to be spilling the beans on the 28th annual Chili Cook-Off happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the DECC Arena. This year four newcomers will be entered into the competition, vying to win one of eleven trophies up for grabs. Local organizations will be providing…

Morning Update 9-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Lawyer: Ex-Wisconsin Nurse to Plead Guilty to Hurting Babies

Kaphaem Allegedly Injured Nine NICU Infants

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A defense attorney says a former Wisconsin nurse is prepared to plead guilty to hurting infants in a Madison hospital’s intensive care unit. Forty-three-year-old Christopher Kaphaem faces 19 felony child abuse counts involving nine infants. WKOW-TV reports Kaphaem’s attorney, Jonas Bednarek, notified the court of the plea in a letter Monday. Bednarek wrote that his client…

Republican Fitzgerald Announces Run for Congress

Democrat Tom Palzewicz is Also Running

(courtesy: twitter) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is running for Congress to succeed retiring longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner. Fitzgerald announced his bid Tuesday on WISN-AM. He is the first Republican to enter the race. His newly launched campaign website prominently features a picture of Fitzgerald next to President Donald Trump, who is giving…

One Dead, One Arrested After Car Went Into Kettle River

The Driver Was Arrested and Booked

WILLOW RIVER, Minn – A 47-year-old male from the Pine County area died after the car he was a passenger in went into Kettle River near Willow River on Monday. Authorities say they received reports of a vehicle in the Kettle River around 3:48 p.m. The caller told dispatch people were in the water and that they believed someone was…

Service Center Provides One Stop Shop For Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. – “For the Vietnam veterans and those that lived through the draft, they answered the call,” Virginia Veteran Service Officer, Tyler Behnke says. There are just under 18,000 veterans in St. Louis County alone. Some of them may have variety of questions, and the service center has answers. “We’re just kind of like a clearing house or google…

New Superior Fire Chief Taking Over in October

Current Battalion Chief Scott Gordon is taking the reigns from current Chief Steve Panger who is retiring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Battalion Chief Scott Gordon is a couple weeks away from taking over as fire chief of the Superior Fire Department. He is taking the reigns from current Chief Steve Panger who is retiring. This changing of the guard comes with many new things helping at the department. They have a new rig, new turnout gear, and new…

Getting Eclectic about Electric Vehicles at Duluth’s First Show and Tell Event

Event showcased different electric vehicles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s first ever Electric Vehicle Show and Tell was held at the electric car charging lot near Endion Station. The event showcased a range of electric vehicles, including Teslas, Chevy Volts, electric motorcycles and more. Experts were on hand to help answer questions about electric vehicles. They say some people still have their doubts about this newer driving…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Strike, Hospital Says Could Cause Reduced Services

Strike set for October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth have voted to strike after months of failed negotiations with hospital administration. The strike is set for October 3rd, and in the meantime a contract can still be reached between the two sides, as they are still set to return to the negotiating table this Friday. The nurses have been calling…

Homeless Man Charged in Adas Israel Synagogue Fire

Charges do not include arson, still no evidence of it being a hate crime.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 36–year–old Duluth homeless man, is now charged with starting the fire that destroyed the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in downtown Duluth one week ago. The charges don’t involve arson as Duluth Police recommended. Matthew Amiot had his first court appearance on Monday, charged with one count of negligent fires, and one count of negligent fires resulting in…

State Patrol: Driver Passes Out From Drug Use, Crosses Into Opposite Lane

ITASCA CO., Minn — A 19 year-old man passed out while driving after using drugs on Monday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. He was driving north on Highway 38 in the Deer Lake Unorganized Territory. After the man passed out while driving, his car went over the centerline and into a ditch. It then hit a retaining wall…

New Trail Work Begins at Ely’s Peak

It is all part of a volunteering project with employees at National Bank of Commerce.

DULUTH, Minn. – New trail work has begun at Ely’s Peak near Gary New Duluth. It is all part of a volunteering project with employees at National Bank of Commerce. The bike trail is in an area that already has miles of trails. The bank employees cleared the way by taking out small trees, roots, and rocks so mountain bikes…

Grant Secured for New Breathing Apparatus at Superior Fire Department

The station is getting 38 new sets breathing apparatuses including the tanks, masks, and equipment.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As current Superior Fire Department Chief Steve Panger is set to retire at the end of September, he was able to secure a FEMA grant for new breathing equipment. The station is getting 38 new sets breathing apparatuses including the tanks, masks, and equipment. The new gear allows firefighters to go into more confined spaces as well,…

UMD Students Get Opportunity To Meet With Future Employers

Freshmen to seniors, students filled the Kirby Ballroom to meet local employers

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a big day fro UMD students looking to make some professional connections. They got the chance to meet with employers about possible internships and job opportunities. Everyone from freshmen to soon to be graduating seniors were invited to this special job fair. The students filled the Kirby Ballroom meeting with employers from both Minnesota and Wisconsin….