DULUTH, Minn.– Hundreds of animals are in desperate need of a new home after their zoo in Roseville Minnesota shut down. Duluth’s Lake Superior Zoo is one of three Minnesota zoos stepping up to help. ‘SeaQuest’ is an aquarium and petting zoo that closed its doors in February. It’s a chain across the country that is shutting down after the…
ESKO, Minn.– A new Mexican restaurant in Esko is being forced to change the name of its business because the town board says it violates liquor license laws. “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar” opened last month across the street from Esko Schools. The owner told FOX 21 the name of the business was inspired by his hometown “Tequila, Mexico.”…
DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Power is striving to achieve 90% renewable energy by 2035. And to make this happen, they’re unveiling the next chapter of their “EnergyForward” plan. Minnesota Power is currently outlining its 2025 “Integrated Resource Plan” or “IRP” The plan looks 15 years into the future, and it focuses on providing reliable energy while reducing carbon emissions. If approved,…
DULUTH, Minn.– The importance of prioritizing childcare centers and providers is being highlighted across the country today including in Duluth. Childcare providers, teachers and parents gathered at ‘Young Minds Learning Center’ to highlight the importance of properly funded childcare. A press conference, march, a rally, and multiple center closures happened in Duluth to drive the point home. The advocates are…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the world continues evolving, so do the methods teachers use in the classrooms. For 12 years now The Lake Superior Summit on Teaching of Writing and English as Second Language has been gathering teachers from 6 different institutions for this collaborative event. The topics covered included teaching and learning with disabilities, communication, and workshops. Every year they…
DULUTH, Minn.– Regional psychologists spent the day networking and collaborating to broaden their resources. The event was held in response to what mental health professionals are calling a “pressing need for improved mental health services” Twin cities based Mental Health Systems partnered with H.P. Psychological Associates from Hermantown to gain insight to services like telehealth. The “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” training…
CLOQUET, Minn.– The 25,000 square foot building was once used to house workers who rebuilt the city of Cloquet after the tragic fire of 1918. But present day, after it was condemned in 2022, renovating the hotel is a challenge other groups passed on. With its age, Hotel Solem is bringing a list of hurdles developer C&C Holdings is beginning…
DULUTH, Minn.– Starting March 1st, the Duluth Salvation Army donations will be proportionally matched by the Minnesota Food Share Program. They’re looking to collect the usual shelf stable items. The Duluth Salvation Army is the only location in the state that has a medical food shelf for special diets. During the drive, they’re hoping to get foods that are gluten free,…
DULUTH, Minn.– A new condo development is in the works along Duluth’s Woodland neighborhood. The development will include two 30-unit buildings, and they will be located along Woodland Avenue adjacent to Hartley Nature Center. Developer Brian Forcier of Titanium Partners is behind the project, and he’s working alongside the City of Duluth to accomplish this. He told FOX 21 the…
VIRGINIA, Minn. — There is finally a place to get your sushi fix in Virginia. It’s called ‘Grace Sushi.’ On the menu, alongside sushi, they also offer dumpling rice bowls. Some of their specialty rolls are inspired by the Northland, with names like “Lake of the Woods” and “The Big Pine.” Since this is the first sushi restaurant in the…
VIRGINIA, Minn.– Excitement was on today in the city of Virginia for the unveiling of a 100-year-old time capsule. City leaders, the public, and even some school kids came out for the big reveal. The capsule was removed a few years back from the former century-old Northland Office Building. It was recovered when the building was demolished to make way for…
HAYWARD, Wis. — Coop’s Pizza, down the road from Main Street is known to be a Hayward staple. The restaurant unsurprisingly specializes in pizza, alongside many other things. “So, pizza is our main thing. But then we have pasta and burgers and subs. A great salad bar. Appetizers, if you name it, we probably got it,” said Lora Hills, the…
DULUTH, Minn.– The opinions of two Duluth city councilors are coming into light, and it involves whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be part of city council meetings. The topic began after a member of the public spoke at a recent council meeting. The gentleman who stayed seated during the Pledge of Allegiance said removing the pledge from the council…
DULUTH, Minn.– With the temps finally soaring well above zero, people wasted no time getting outside to take it all in. One family was actually visiting Duluth while taking a tour of UMD, and they were taking full advantage of the sunshine. They said the air today is a lot easier to face than wind chill 40 below. “It’s a…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Women’s Expo is returning to the DECC this weekend. And for the 18th year of this event, they’re bringing in some new exciting additions. The DECC will be filling up with over 150 vendors for the women’s expo happening this Saturday. The booths cover everything related to health, beauty, as well as shopping experiences. In addition, there…
DULUTH, Minn.– A local bike shop is holding a special fundraiser as a way to help clear out their hockey gear, but for a good cause. Stewart’s Bike Shop in West Duluth is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club to offer up to 80% off select hockey gear. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting programs…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is now getting a lot more accessible, since they’re the first facility in the state to partner up with the “Zane” Program. ‘ZANE’, or Zoos and Aquariums for Neurodiverse Ecosystem Program is a nonprofit that equips zoos with resources to better understand those needs. Earlier this week, it was announced the Lake Superior Zoo…
HAYWARD, Wis. — Hayward is home to one of the biggest ski races in the nation — the American Birkebeiner. The week-long event welcomes in thousands of participants from at least seven different countries. And with last year’s race missing out on the Main Street grand finale because of weather, organizers are thankful for this year’s quick turnaround. “It’s such…
HAYWARD, Wis.– Skiers are wasting no time hitting the grooves in Hayward Wisconsin, because the 51st Birkebeiner season is nearing the finish line. Over a thousand people of all ages participated in the open race. Wednesday’s main event was an open race. It’s a practice round for the skiers, to get a sneak peek before the real thing. Alongside the…
TWO HARBORS Minn.– Castle Danger Brewing is a larger facility in Two Harbors, producing nearly 25,000 cans of beer daily. And with that significance, the idea of a potential 25 percent tariff increase is on their radar. “So right now, immediate impact, we’re not experiencing immediate impact. It really depends on your supplier. Our aluminum supplier uses primarily U.S. steel,…
TWO HARBORS, Minn.– A lodging and event center will be making its way to Two Harbors. And from the sounds of it, it could be a game changer for the area. The proposed development project will introduce a boutique hotel and event center, adjacent to Castle Danger Brewing. Right now the project is in early stages of planning. But the…
DULUTH, Minn.– Hannah Johnson Fabric & Sewing Store nestled on East Superior Street in Lester Park has been catering to their crafty customers for 16 years. And after dedicating more than a decade to the shop, the previous owner decided it was time to retire. The new owner, Asher Estrin-Haire, is excited to alter the shop in his own way….
DULUTH, Minn.– When you see a production at the Norshor Theater stage, you can’t help but take it all in. The artistic decisions lie within the directors, and costume managers alike. And pretty soon, the Playhouse will be saying goodbye to two of those employees. “They flew me out December 2019 right after a giant blizzard. And I remember getting…
DULUTH, Minn.– How cool would it be to step into the shoes of a musher for a day? A group of students from North Shore Community School in Duluth got to do just that for the 18th annual “Ikidarod” race. The ‘Ikidarod’ is a cultivated event from lessons the kids gathered in class. Before the race began, 2nd graders studied…
DULUTH, Minn.– Today the Twin Ports participated in its 10th annual march for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The march takes place each year on Valentines Day to bring justice and awareness to those missing. This year, 20-30 people were involved with the event. Before the march took place families met to share personal stories of their loved…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bay Produce is a familiar name seen in grocery stores across the region like Super One. They’ve built a legacy for the veggies they grow every year. But now, the employees behind the scenes are growing with new opportunities. For this harvest, they are introducing hanger baskets and potted flowers. “When somebody comes to buy a couple…
DULUTH, Minn.– For 50 years, the DECC has been hosting its highly anticipated outdoor sports show, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the region to explore the latest in outdoor gear and activities More than 250 vendors are preparing to set up shop throughout the DECC. Guests can browse for anything ranging from fishing lures and rods to RVs and…
DULUTH, Minn.– What started off as a curiosity for the cold, has now grown to a group of 1,500 dedicated plungers taking on the icy Lake Superior in Duluth. The ‘Cold Water Dolphins’ started five years ago, after the group’s leader Loralee Pasley read up on benefits from plunging into cold water. She said it helps boost immunity, mental health,…
DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning St. Louis County board members reflected on the impact that the American Rescue Plan Act or ‘ARPA’ brought to the community. At the height of the COVID pandemic, the U.S. Federal Government allocated 5.5 million dollars to the St. Louis County. The large sum of money went towards responding to the public health emergency and addressing…
BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. — There are serious financial challenges facing Big Top Chautauqua at the ski hill it sits on in Bayfield County. Despite this, board members told FOX 21 they are determined to reinvent the operations for long-term success. In 2022, the Ashwabay Alliance, which operates Big Top Chautauqua and Mount Ashwabay ski and recreation area, racked up a…
DULUTH, Minn.– Next year one of the busiest roads in Duluth will be reimagined. And with this construction, 10-17,000 daily commuters will be impacted. In 2026, 26th Avenue East on London Road over to 60th Avenue East in Duluth will undergo major construction. The 20 million dollar project will include the addition of round-abouts replacing sidewalks, as well as…
VILLAGE OF SUPERIOR, Wis.– It’s hard for a business to survive its first year. But for Mama T’s Smokin’ Eats in the Village of Superior, they were doing everything right. Receiving 21 award nominations and winning “Best Place to Work”. “Oh, the community. I love the community, I love the people, I love meeting people. My first question is, ‘Where…
IRON RIVER, Wis.– After having to cancel last year, the dogs are let out for the Northern Pines Dog Sled Race. Officials said the fate of this year’s race was a nail biter because of the uncertainty with the weather. But tomorrow, the course is set for 4 seperate classes to compete. The Northern Pines Dog Sled Race caters to…
GOODLAND, Minn.– Engines roared to life this morning as one of the state’s largest snowmobile fundraising races began. After last year’s event was canceled, the recent snowfall brought in over 200 racers to compete in the three-day Blizzard Tour event. The money raised from this race will toward ALS research. The course spans about 180 miles. Starting at Black Bear…
DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth is a popular destination for conventions, events, and conferences, but lately, it’s been facing its own set of challenges. Since the pandemic, Duluth’s hotel industry has been working to recover to pre-pandemic levels. The general manager of the Sheraton Hotel says that over the past year, their average daily rates have remained flat, and they’ve seen a…
SOUTH RANGE, Wis.– Josh Dumke of South Range Wisconsin has worn many hats throughout his career. “So, for twelve years I was a research scientist at the national resources research institute. I did fisheries, and aquatic invasive species research. That was about the time that I kind of started my woodworking business. And my interests kind of changed. What I…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– Despite it being very chilly outside the City of Superior is already thinking ahead to some exciting summer plans. Alongside the playground and ice rink at the Wade Bowl Park, the city of Superior is welcoming in a splash pad. With the water play area, they’re looking forward to bringing in some summer fun to the Superior neighborhood….
CLOQUET, Minn.– The chief of the Cloquet Area Fire District said, it’s beyond time for a new headquarters because the current one is falling apart, packed beyond capacity and a safety concern. The current fire station downtown was built decades ago and no longer meets the standards required for modern emergency responses. The Cloquet Area Fire District serves well beyond…
DULUTH, Minn.– The future climate of Duluth is the center of a two-day public conference at UMD this week. Environmental experts throughout the state of Minnesota are part of the “Climate Future” conference, including the D-N-R, NOAA and ‘the institute of environment’ a U-M-D. Workshops, panel discussions and presentations are all part of the process to engage everyday citizens who…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– The topic of immigration and refugees is getting a lot of attention at the national level these days. That’s why a professor at UW Superior is hosting a free educational week for anybody wanting to learn more. Dr. Haji as he is best known, immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1980s. He’s created a space all…
DULUTH, Minn.– Cider North is returning to the DECC for its third year, and they’ve got a lot brewing for this event. 10 vendors across Minnesota and Wisconsin are gathering at this event eager to share what makes them unique. Some of the cideries came up with exclusive flavors for Cider North. Guests will be able to play yard games,…
DULUTH, Minn.– A first of its kind project using hydrogen-based energy is in limbo after a federal pause on grants loans took place but was quickly revoked. That first of a kind project is called ‘Green Iron Project’, and it centers around the conversion of iron into steel using a hydrogen energy plant. The Minnesota Natural Resource Institute has a…
DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Cider is one of two cideries in the Northland. And their entire cider making process happens all under one building. “It’s really nice, in the middle of Duluth Minnesota, we’re taking on cider, we’re doing it all in our cellar, and bringing it up, out the door, all over, it’s actually pretty cool,” said Kyle McKean. Duluth…
ELY, Minn. — Former President Jimmy Carter teamed up with the Friends of the Boundary Waters during his administration, to help back up his efforts around the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. “There’s been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of victory too, and not all of those sacrifices accumulated into what we have today,” said Riley Smith. Riley Smith…
ELY, Minn.– The city of Ely is gearing up for one of their biggest seasonal events, and they’re wasting no time getting the prep work done. The Ely Winter Fest is a 10 day event celebrating the season with numerous activities. Volunteers from the Rock Country Masonry is hard at work preparing 4,000-pound snow cubes. Snow sculptors from around the…
DULUTH, Minn.– After the recent closure of the Lake Superior Elementary School in Superior, an agreement was made to revitalize the property into apartment units. The elementary school closed it’s doors at the end of the school year back in June. The closure happened cause of a decrease in enrollment as well as budget constraints. But that opened up the…
ELY, Minn.– Following the death of former president Jimmy Carter, he left behind quite the legacy for the Boundary Waters. After his recent death back in December, Friends of the Boundary Waters are looking back at his impact fondly. During Carter’s presidency, he teamed up with the Friends of the Boundary Waters. Together they passed numerous bills and acts promising…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– The year 2024 had a huge focus on incorporating nature back into the City of Superior. They revitalized Woodstock Bay and planted trees in the neighborhoods. “2024 was a very successful year in the city of Superior. We made a number of significant investments in our infrastructure; we developed many new housing units. And we’ve been increasing quality…
CLOQUET, Minn.– ‘Heart Berry’ is a woman and native owned store, and they back in 2023. The store was by inspired a strong desire to teach and share art with the Cloquet community. “I started out as a moccasin maker and beadwork artist. And really quickly saw that my community really wanted cultural art. I really wanted to teach cultural…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– This past year, the city of Superior has been sprucing up the area by reworking and reimagining the landscape to be more in touch with nature. Superior reintroduced the new and improved Woodstock Bay Landing in August. It used to be a gravel and dirt boat landing, but transformed into an area filled with trails, a pavilion, and…
