Author: Emily Halling

Duluth School District Budget Reduction Leads to Potential Layoffs

DULUTH, Minn.– Staff layoffs are taking place in the Duluth School District due to budget cuts. Superintendent John Magas says, the budget reduction is caused by pandemic relief funding ending as well as financial challenges, inflation, and rising special education costs. 83-85% of that budget is responsible for salaries and benefits. Over 50 meetings took place to discuss the best course…

Spanish Immersion Program Expands to Meyers-Wilkins Elementary

DULUTH, Minn.– Following the popularity of the Spanish Immersion Program at Lowell Elementary School. Meyer’s Wilkins Elementary is next in line. The Spanish Immersion Program is part of the Duluth Public School’s efforts to help the demand for diverse learning. Right now, this program takes place at Lowell Elementary. Lowell has 325 students enrolled in the program. For Fall of…

2025 Outlook for Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

DULUTH, Minn.– Management at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center are ready for a stronger year ahead following operational challenges that lead to a million-dollar loan request from the city in 2024. “We had a lot of capital projects here that failed. So, when the DECC arena system broke, we then had to do an emergency fix for our entire AC…

‘Pho’licious’ Opens in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.– The local restaurant, Taste of Saigon in Canal Park, now has a new name and a new taste. Under new ownership, ‘Pho-licious’ is serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The co-owner, who is also the owner’s wife, received hands-on training in Washington, D.C., learning the art of crafting traditional dishes. They described making pho as a true labor of…

Important Tips for Braving Dangerous Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn.– The winter season is feeling a bit more seasonal this year, because some freezing cold temperatures are on the horizon. The Northland is bracing for a cold stretch, lasting through next Wednesday. With temperatures falling well into the negative teens and ’20s. Temps that low matched with windchill are especially dangerous, because frostbite can occur in as little…

DECC wrapping up plans on “Portside Park”

DULUTH, Minn. — The DECC in Duluth has begun wrapping up a project they’re calling “Portside Park.” The site will act as a venue that will hold 4-thousand guests. Stemming from the success following popular events such as the Winter Village, they’re excited to incorporate this while rebuilding the sea-wall. The DECC is looking forward to holding concerts and other…

Local Unions back Strikers from Deer River Essentia Facility

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…

UMD Unveils New Kirby Rafters

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD’s Kirby Rafters has received a makeover right on time for the start of their spring semester. The Kirby Rafters is an event center at University Minnesota Duluth that has lived many lives. Originally starting as a student lounge center, The Rafters has now transformed to a venue for small concerts karaoke and board meetings. According to UMD…

‘Another Door’ Shelter For Young People Opening In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– A new shelter for young adults in Duluth is receiving its final touches, and they’re eager to begin helping the community. The site is located at Peace Church and is operated by Lutheran Social Services. Another Door emergency shelter will provide short-term emergency housing for people ages 18-24. The facility is offering 12 units, equipped with beds and…

Winter Weather Safety Reminders

DULUTH, Minn.– With the Northland experiencing another cold snap there are a few things to keep in mind. The seasonal snowfall brought in a wave of customers checking out equipment to handle the weather. Staff at Marshall Hardware in Duluth informed FOX 21 about the importance of stocking up on the right winter gear. These items including plastic window covers,…

Outdoor Trails Ready for Winter Activities

DULUTH, Minn.– Outdoor staff and enthusiasts alike are breathing a sigh of relief because ski trails are finally usable. The trails are finally up and running, because they were finally groomed Monday morning. Following the weekend snow, the trails are ready for mountain biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Being able to offer these activities after having a disappointing winter season is…

Bent Paddle Brewing Participates in Dry January

DULUTH, Minn.– While many people are ringing in the new year with a toast to ‘Dry January,’ Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth is tapping into the trend, offering something for everyone. Bent Paddle Brewing has been embracing inclusivity since 2018 with their ‘Canna-products’ lineup. From THC sodas and seltzers to gummies, they’re offering a unique twist on your favorite beverages….

Smooth Sailing for Duluth Port Authority’s 2024 Season

DULUTH, Minn.– The 2024 shipping season was apparently smooth sailing for the Duluth Port Authority. Duluth Port Authority officials told FOX 21, Through the end of November, import and export tonnage was nearly 30 percent ahead of last season. It has also been a good year for grain, specifically wheat, being one of the port’s leading export cargos. The port…

Hibbing HRA Receives 26 Million Dollar Grant for Workforce Housing

HIBBING, Minn.– Millions of dollars is heading to Hibbing, to go towards a brand-new housing development. This project tackles the need for quality and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. The new development will replace the current 52 units at the Greenhaven Apartments, which were built in 1952. The goal of all of this, is to address problems related…

Mid Range Honor Guard Honors Former President Jimmy Carter

HIBBING, Minn.– City of Hibbing first responders and veterans gathered today in remembrance of Former President Jimmy Carter. The Mid-Range Honor Guard gave military honors for Jimmy Carter. The remembrance took place at the Hibbing City Hall. Hibbing Fire and Police, as well as citizens attended the ceremony. The guard gave the 21-gun salute, and taps was played as well….

Hibbing Fire Department Purchases New Aerial Apparatus Truck

HIBBING, Minn.– Since 1994, the Hibbing Fire Department has relied on their big yellow apparatus truck to help them out with emergencies. But now, in the coming years, they will welcome a new aerial apparatus to join their fleet of trucks. The 1.9-million-dollar truck will take around two years to get manufactured. The truck will be built over in Wyoming…

Hockey Day Cloquet Rink Received Finishing Touches

CLOQUET, Minn. — Veteran’s Park in Cloquet is getting its final glaze of ice for “Hockey Day Cloquet” this weekend. It’s an eight day tournament highlighting hockey players from Cloquet all the way up north to the Iron Range, and as far south as Sartell. More than 50 volunteers and community business owners helped make this rink possible. Construction began…

Wonder Wednesdays at Great Lakes Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn.– Aquatic enthusiasts are fighting that midweek slump feeling by participating in this weekly winter event. Wonder Wednesdays is a winter long event put on by the Great Lakes Aquarium. They’re offering admission reduced to six dollars all day every Wednesday It’s giving both kids and adults the opportunity to warm up and enjoy the exhibits. There are also…

Hermantown Awarded $950,000 For Trails System

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– The City of Hermantown is going to be seeing some big changes to their trails system in the coming years. Earlier this week, it was announced that the city has been awarded a $950,000 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to continue development of the Hermantown Connector Trail System. These trails are a part…

Women’s Care Center Giving Away Baby Formula

Courtesy of Women’s Care Center  DULUTH, Minn.–The Women’s Care Center in Duluth is giving away baby formula powder that is expiring in April 2025. The nonprofit organization posted on their Facebook page, acknowledging their overabundance of formula. They are encouraging the community to take what they need during business hours. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Tensions Between AFSCME, City Of Duluth Still Strong After Tentative Contract Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. — The potential for a historic strike by hundreds of key Duluth city workers, including the all-important plow driver, has been averted.  A tentative deal between AFSMCE Local 66 and the Mayor Roger Reinert’s administration was reached late Monday night.  And now, a vote by union members will happen next week. But on Tuesday, one day after reaching the…

Limited Time: ‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Free Christmas Tree Dump

DULUTH, Minn.– One person’s Christmas tree is a Duluth company’s trash. And once again, they’re helping clean up after the holidays — for free. For seven years, Twin Ports Trailer Trash has given back to the community by collecting Christmas trees at no cost. Of all people, the Grinch is involved in this operation and is responsible for much of…

Unseasonal Winter Weather Impacts Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn.– The winter programs are looking a little different this year for Hartley Nature Center, but they have several ways to overcome this. Following last year’s lack of winter, this year’s season is trailing behind with a different problem. Over the course of several weeks, many of the trails at Hartley Nature Center have developed a thick coat of…

Gunflint Mail Run Dogsled Race Needs Volunteers After Postponing

COOK COUNTY, Minn.– For this year’s postponed Gunflint Mail Run Dogsled race, one hundred volunteers are needed to help make this happen. The lack of snow and too much rain this season are the reasons for the delayed start. The dogsled race is now scheduled for February 8th. This comes after last year’s ended up being canceled because of the…

Local Stores Packed with Shoppers After Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite the holidays wrapping up, stores are still keeping busy with shopping crowds. Local stores in Duluth such as TrailFitters in the Fitgers Inn hasn’t seen the end of the holiday crowds. Shoppers are packing the store many of them using up gift cards. For this season, many people had a common theme with their gift giving. “The…

Chester Bowl Begins Annual Ski & Snowboarding Lessons

DULUTH, Minn.– Chester Bowl is beginning their season of lessons and teaching kids all about shredding the slopes. 120 kids participated in the first day of ski and snowboard lessons. Many of them learned the ropes on the bunny hill. Today’s lessons included skills such as using the chair lift and conquering the hills with the infamous ‘pizza and French…

Annual “Treecycling” Program Begins

  DULUTH, Minn.– When the holidays are over, there are several options to take down the Christmas tree. The gates are open at numerous locations to begin “tree-cycling”. The annual program allows people to get their trees recycled and eventually turned into compost. The locations are scattered around Duluth parks and community centers. There are also some spots in Cloquet…

Spirit Mountain Celebrates 50th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– This weekend, Spirit Mountain has plenty to celebrate after now being in business for 50 years. Spirit Mountain has been an outlet for ski lovers since 1974. And they’re focusing on celebrating the vision and idea community leaders had, that ultimately became the outdoor sports center Duluthians know and love. The weekend will be filled with a medallion…

Credit Union Partners With Harbor House Crisis Shelters For Christmas Joy

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the efforts of the Duluth community is paying off. Because every child at the Harbor House Crisis Shelters will experience a Christmas this year. For over a month, toy donations have been accumulating at all of the Harbor Pointe Credit Union banks in the Duluth area. The toys are heading to Harbor House Crisis Shelters. This is…

Recent Mesaba Avenue Fatality Results in Call to Action

DULUTH, Minn.– According to the Minnesota Road Safety Information Center, since 2016, Mesaba Avenue here has seen 348 crashes, that has resulted in 90 injuries. And now 2 fatalities. “What happened to Steven was heartbreaking. As we heard, he was so deeply loved. When someone’s life ends too soon like this, we have to work to make sure it doesn’t…

Lake Superior College Awarded $200,000 Grant for Accessibility

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College has been awarded a $200,000 grant, to help provide continued accessibility for all students. The funds from the 2024 Inclusive Higher Education Grant will be going towards implementing an inclusive higher education program. The program itself is called ‘PACE’. Right now, the money is being used to help map this program out to see how it…

KYN: “Chicken and Whaat?!” Opens Up Shop

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite this restaurant’s name being a big question there’s no doubt about it, “Chicken and Whaaat?!” is attracting chicken lovers in West Duluth. “My wife has been eagerly anticipating the opening here for a long time so yeah, we had it on the calendar,” said customer Jack Beahler. What used to be Charley’s Cheesesteaks on North Central Ave,…

Superior High School Students Create and Sell Christmas Wreaths

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior High School Northland Academy students are getting into the holiday spirit by crafting and selling wreaths. For the past 8 years, the Northland Program has been teaching kids all of the steps to creating wreaths. From mapping out a harvesting plan in spring, to putting the wreaths and swag together in the winter. The goal is to…