Graham Hakala, Author at Fox21Online

American Society of Civil Engineers Duluth Section celebrates 100th anniversary

The ASCE also named the Aerial Lift Bridge a civil engineering historical landmark

September 11, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Duluth Section celebrated its 100th anniversary on Monday. The ASCE celebrated by dedicating the Aerial Lift bridge as a national historic civil engineering landmark, and recognized all the important work civil engineers do behind the scenes. ASCE president-elect Kristina Swallow said, “From the moment we get up and stumble into…

Last Day of Races for Kia of Duluth Drag Race, Car Show

September 10, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The sounds of burning rubber roared on Sunday for the last day of drag racing in Duluth. Thousands of people came out over the weekend on Garfield Avenue for the Kia of Duluth Drag Races. Hundreds of souped-up race cars went head-to-head. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Video

New banners unveiled at Heritage Sports Center

30 foot banners feature values they wish to instill in young athletes

September 9, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – New artwork is hanging outside the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center. The facility recently unveiled eight 30-foot banners featuring illustrations from local artist Tim Cortes. Each banner also includes one of the Heritage Center’s values, which staff tries to instill in young athletes. “We’re trying to emphasize the values that were present as we built this place,”…

Harvest Festival celebrates 24 years

Music, food, and crafts

September 9, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Harvest Festival celebrated 24th years of connecting the community to local food growers as well as sustainable energy providers. Harvest Festival is hosted at Bayfront Festival Park by the Lake Superior chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association. The event featured locally grown food, live music and craft demonstrations. “We are a really vibrant community, and lots…

Hundreds come out for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The event raised more than $170,000 for Alzheimer's research and assistance

September 9, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly one-thousand people walked this morning to help end Alzheimer’s Disease. This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s was the first joint venture between organizations in Duluth and Superior. By combining forces, more than $170,000 were raised to support research to end Alzheimer’s and dementia. “Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death, and the only one in…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is sending fudge for troops

Chocolate Factory is matching each pound of fudge purchased by customers

September 8, 2017

Graham Hakala,

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is teaming up with the Blue Star Mothers of America to help send some fudge to our troops overseas. Throughout the month of September, when anyone buys a pound of fudge from any of the stores, the factory will match that pound to be sent overseas. “It’s just fun to have something like fudge,” owner…

Superior city budget nearing final stages

The budget features more funding for public safety and neighborhood improvements

September 8, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior’s city budget is in the final stages and getting ready to go to city council. The roughly $29 million budget features in increase in the Neighborhood Improvement Fund, and added funding for public safety, including more training for police. City leaders were able to close the deficit, leave a surplus, all without adding any new tax…

Duluth Pack Celebrates Grand Opening After Remodel

The event included free beer and pizza

September 7, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack celebrated its grand opening today after finishing up some remodeling of their store in Canal Park. The store hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. The event included free pizza, free beer, and Duluth Pack giveaways. It was all to celebrate the company’s place in Duluth’s outdoors culture. “We are aware…

Grand Slam at The Wade Provides Fun for Families

A beautiful August day full of music, games and baseball

September 1, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army held the first ever “Grand Slam at the Wade” on Thursday. Families enjoyed games, dunk tanks, music, and a baseball game. The Salvation Army put on the event to share with the community the things the Salvation Army does, beyond red kettles and thrift shops. “We want the community to be aware of our…

Northland Business Raises Money for Flood Victims

Sky High Graphix and Design is selling shirts and donating profits to relief efforts

August 31, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One Northland company is pitching in to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Sara Androsky’s company Sky High Graphix and Design is selling t–shirts, and donating 100 percent of the profits to the Salvation Army to help flood victims in Texas. “We’re just hoping that it will give them some semblance of a normal life as they try and…

Local Business Owner Looks to Help Hurricane Victims

Mike Letica is collecting supplies and cards for victims of Hurricane Harvey

August 28, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – After hearing about the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, one Northland business leader is looking to offer some help. Mike Letica made a post on Facebook earlier today, asking the public to help him collected supplies for the people of Texas displaced by the hurricane. But it’s not just supplies he’s looking to bring…

Classes Start For WITC Students

Monday marks the start of the new school year for WITC students

August 28, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -Wisconsin Indianhead Techical College students in Superior are back for the semester. Classes started on Monday for those students seeking an Associates Degree or technical diploma, to get that first step towards a new career. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 years old and coming here, or you’re 45 and coming here,” WITC VI of Academic Affairs Bonny…

New Cloquet Middle School Nears Completion

Crews wrap up finishing touches before students return

August 25, 2017

Graham Hakala,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Crews are wrapping up the final days of construction on the new Cloquet Middle School before students return for the school year. After two years of planning and about 15 months of construction, the 180,000 sq. ft. building is nearly complete. “The construction has been just amazing in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish in…

National Senior Citizens Day Celebrated at North Shore Estates

Residents checked out the eclipse and got in some games of bingo

August 22, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday was National Senior Citizens Day, and some folks in the Northland decided to celebrate. North Shore Estates in West Duluth threw a little party for their residents. First they checked out that solar eclipse, or what they could see of it, and then got together for some treats and a couple games of bingo. “Here in…

Red Herring Lounge gets ready for Super Big Block Party

Live music and entertainment on First Street

August 18, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. -First Street is the place to be on Saturday for the third annual Super Big Block Party. The red Herring Lounge hosts the celebration which brings in skateboarding demos live music, food and plenty of beer. Organizers say the block party celebrates Minnesota’s music culture. “It’s sort of an encapsulation of what the Red Herring does throughout the…

Minnesota Power Discusses Community Solar Gardens With Public

The next information session will be held Tuesday, August 22.

August 15, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. -Northlanders got the chance to learn a little bit about Minnesota Power’s community solar garden program. Customers are able to purchase a subscription to the solar power in exchange for a fixed utility rate. They are holding several information sessions in the area for people who may be interested. “It gives them a chance to ask me very…

Two Harbors Campground Addition Named after Late Representative David Dill

Dill represented Disctrict 3A in Northeastern Minnestota

August 14, 2017

Graham Hakala,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A Two Harbors campground expansion officially got a new name on Monday in honor of a man who helped make it possible. The $1,000,000 expansion at the Burlington Bay Campground was named in honor of the late Minnesota representative, David Dill. The expansion was one of Dill’s projects. State and local representatives, along with Dill’s wife,…

Crews Gear Up for the Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival

Races kick off on Saturday

August 11, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. Crews are getting ready for the annual Kraus–Anderson Bike Duluth Festival at Spirit Mountain. Hundreds of bike enthusiasts will be out on the trails at Spirit Mountain on Saturday and Sunday. The festival includes races, vendors, and tech demos. All to celebrate Duluth’s thriving bike community. “Duluth already has a gold status, in terms of the mountain biking…

Food Truck Fridays Brings Communities Together

Food trucks are at the Duluth Public Library every Friday until the end of August.

August 11, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks enjoyed food and music down at the Duluth Public Library on Friday. Every Friday during the summer months, the library hosts Food Truck Friday, which brings local food trucks, local musicians, and local people all together in one place. “The whole reason behind a public library is to be open to everyone in the community,” library…

Pipe Organists Make a Stop Through Duluth

It's part of the Organ Historical Society Convention

August 11, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Organ recitals were happening all across Duluth on Friday. It’s the 62 annual Organ Historical Society in the Twin Cities, but a few organists also made a stop through Duluth. Pipe organ enthusiast from around the world have come to celebrate the massive instruments, and hear what these talented musicians are capable of. “You feel so powerful,…

Firefighters help fight muscular dystrophy with Fill The Boot events

Firefighters are spread across the town, collecting money for youth with muscular dystrophy

August 8, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Firefighters in Duluth are spread out at busy intersections across town for the Fill the Boot event, which raises money for children with muscular dystrophy. “We take it seriously,” Duluth firefighter Aaron Bujold said. “Its for a really good cause… Most of the people we deal with are pretty charitable. We get a good outcome out here.”…

Paddlers Alliance Holds Free Paddle Day

Community Paddle Days lets youth groups and the community experience paddling for free

August 8, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Paddlers Alliance is continuing to help the community get out on the water. Last week, they helped folks get out on some stand up paddle boards, and this Tuesday, they set people up with canoes out at Boy Scout Landing. It’s all provided free of charge, for anyone of any skill level. “It’s all very…

First Duluth Boat Completes Yacht Race

The Eight-Person Crew Finished In Just Over Three Days

August 8, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sailors on the Trans–Superior International Yacht Race are still making their way into the Twin Ports. Tuesday saw the first Duluth vessel cross the finish line. Papa Paucho II cruised into port a little after 2 p.m. The Duluth boat had a crew of eight. They finished the race in just over three days. “Lots of heavy…

Trans-Superior International Yacht Races Finishes in Duluth

The multi-day race starts in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

August 8, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sailors racing in the Trans–Superior International Yacht Race are starting to sail into the Twin Ports. About 35 boats set sail from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and took part in the multi–day race that takes them through the center of Lake Superior, and finishes right here in Duluth. “The best part of sailing, especially distance racing, is…

New art exhibit at Zeitgeist honors artist’s late sister

Gabriel Christopher Dee's exhibit runs through Labor Day

August 7, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new art exhibit is on display at the Zeitgeist Arts Building in Downtown Duluth. Gabriel Christopher Dee’s exhibit is called Muse: Images of Women. The artwork heavily feature’s the artist’s sister, who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. He says that working with his sister was a good way to remain connected to her. “While…

Billings Park Days celebrates community

The events feature fireworks, car shows and much more

August 4, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -Billings Park Days is underway in Superior. The weekend celebration features fireworks as well as a showing of the movie The Sandlot on Friday. Saturday will have a car show, dog show, and some rummage sales, all to celebrate neighbors meeting neighbors. “It’s a great community event,” organizer Keith Kern said. “It’s great to get the community together….

First ever Bowfest kicks off at Mont Du Lac

Hundreds of archers are hitting the targets for the weekend of fun

August 4, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Archers, ready your bows. It’s the first ever Bowfest out at Mont Du Lac this weekend. Hundreds of archers are making their way to the Mont Du Lac Resort for a weekend of target shooting, live music and fun. Organizers say it’s a good way to celebrate the sport. “This right here is a good physical activity,”…

Lighthouse Days shows off historical importance of the unique structures

The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center has many activities to celebrate lighthouses.

August 4, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, The Lake Superior Maritime Museum celebrates lighthouses. Several days of activities are planned for the weekend, designed to teach visitors the role lighthouses played in keeping mariners safe on the water. “As technology has progressed, more and more lighthouses are being decommissioned and we don’t want to loose that important history,” museum director Denise Wolvin…

Billings Park Days kicks off this weekend

Car shows, movie night, fireworks and more.

August 3, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Minn. – Billings Park is getting ready for a fun celebration this weekend. Billings Park Days in Superior is this on Friday and Saturday. The celebration features fireworks on Friday, as well as a showing of the movie “The Sandlot” on the baseball diamond. Saturday features a car show, dog show, and more than 30 rummage sales. “It’s a…

‘Night Of Mayhem’ Coming To Proctor Speedway Saturday

Reverse races, trailer races, and bus races and more

August 3, 2017

Graham Hakala,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Chaos is coming to the Proctor Speedway this weekend. It’s the Mid–Summer Night of Mayhem this Saturday. The event features all kinds of destructive fun, from reverse races, trailer races, and the crowd favorite – the bus races. “There’s going to be buses rolling over, there’s going to be cars smashing into everything, there’s going to be…

Thomas the Tank Engine brings a friend to the Northland

Percy makes an appearance this year for Thomas's day out.

August 3, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – A friendly face has made his way back to the Northland. Thomas the Tank Engine has made his way to The Depot in Duluth for the “Day out with Thomas” event this weekend. It features all kinds of family friendly activities, and this year, Thomas even brought a friend with him. ” said that Duluth was his…

Victory Cruise Line Eyes Stop In Duluth For 2018

The cruise line is working with several Duluth agencies to figure out details

July 31, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – People in the Northland might be seeing a different kind of ship come through the Twin Ports next year. Victory Cruise Lines is in talks with several Duluth agencies about bringing one of their passenger ships into the Twin Ports. The ships are smaller than your typical cruise liner, but can still bring in a considerable amount…

National Night Out connects law enforcement with community

Around 75 events are planned for Tuesday

July 31, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The first Tuesday in August is the National Night Out event, and people in the Twin Ports are getting ready to celebrate. Around 75 events are happening all across the area, where community members hold get–togethers and block parties, and invite members of law enforcement to come out and meet the people in their communities, in a…

Medical School in Duluth Raises Money For Cancer Research

July 30, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus is raising money to fund cancer research. The group held a fundraising event at Bent Paddle on Sunday. They are trying to raise around $17,000 for the Chainbreaker event, a three-day bike ride which raises money for the cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center. “Research is the only…

The Slip opens for business in Canal Park

The Slip is located "next door" to Hoops Brewing

July 28, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hoops Brewing in Canal Park welcomed a new neighbor with a unique concept. The Slip is a full bar, technically located next door to Hoops. It actually shares the same space with a small wall which separates the brewery from the bar, creating two separate businesses, with two separate owners. “We were really lucky to have this…

New restaurant coming to former Porter’s location

Crews are currently remodeling the space

July 28, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. Porter’s restaurant in Downtown Duluth’s Holiday Center is no more. Porter’s actually closed ealrier this summer. The space is currently being renovated and will re–open as a new restaurant. The new name hasn’t been released yet but the concept looks to incorporate parts of the Northland’s history. “We have guests that continue to come back to our hotel…

Duluth Coffee Company celebrates opening of new space

The new space also features a bar, serving a few local favorites

July 28, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new and expanded space was reason to celebrate for Duluth Coffee Company on Friday. Duluth Coffee Company opened the doors to the new expansion two doors down from the original shop. The new location was built to house a bigger roaster, Which owner Eric Faust says will help the company expand its market. “We’ve always viewed…

Duluth Transit Authority and University of Minnesota-Duluth renew partnership

The UPass agreement has been renewed for the next five years

July 25, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota–Duluth and the Duluth Transit Authority have renewed their partnership for the next five years. The UPass agreement allows full–time UMD students to use the DTA to bus to campus and anywhere around the Twin Ports, all for a $12.50 transportation fee each semester. The partnership provides rides for around 7,000 people, which totals about…

Construction On Track For New Superior Schools

Crews are working to get school ready for students in the fall

July 24, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Construction at the new Superior High School is well underway as crews work to get parts of school ready for students to return this fall. The $60-million high school project is being funded by a $92.5-million referendum that was passed last spring. Crews are right now busy buttoning up the noisier work to the existing structure, so…

Award-Winning Authors Share Their Work In Duluth

July 24, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Award-winning authors of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards shared some of their work with the public on Monday at the Mount Royal branch of the Duluth Public Library. All of the authors’ work features some aspect of life in the Northland. “I’ve just been drawn to it, to the majesty of the lake, to the beauty of…

Lumberjack World Championships Gets Underway in Hayward

Lumberjack athletes hack through the competition

July 21, 2017

Graham Hakala,

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The Lumberjack World Championships kicked off in Hayward on Thursday. Around 130 lumberjack athletes competed in several different logging–based challenges, complete with chopping, sawing, climbing and logrolling. “You do get a little bit of adrenaline going,” competitor Stirling Hart said. “That adrenaline only gets enhanced the more people that are out there cheering us on, so we…

Lumberjack World Championships gets chopping in Hayward

Competitors from all over the world take over Hayward

July 21, 2017

Graham Hakala,

HAYWARD, Wis. – This weekend Hayward is the lumberjack capital of the world, as the Wisconsin town hosts the annual Lumberjack World Championships. Fox 21 photojournalist Graham Hakala gives us a look. Categories: News, News – Latest News

A Look Back at the 2016 Windstorm

Minnesota Power has Implemented New Policies After the Storm

July 21, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn.-One year ago today, crews from across the area were cleaning up the Northland after a devastating windstorm swept through the area. Today we spoke with one Minnesota Power about what changes they’ve made since the storm. Much of the Northland had power restored after three days – some had power out for as long as seven days. “Investing…

Downtown Duluth Avenues Make Switch to Two-Way

1st avenue, 2nd avenue and 3rd avenue have been changed to two-way roads

July 17, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. Some of the avenues in Downtown Duluth look a little different as of Monday. First, second and third avenue west have been switched over from one-way to two-way roads. Some businesses in the area are already noticing a difference. “Already, we’ve only been a two–way street for four hours now, and there’s already more traffic, more foot traffic,”…

Jingle Dress Dancers Dance for Clean Water

The jinlge dress dancers made their way to the offices of Enbridge, and Congressmen Rick Nolan to advocate for clean water

July 17, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Members and supporters of Honor the Earth held a jingle dress dance in Downtown Duluth on Monday. Dancers met at the Minnesota Power Plaza on the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street to advocate for clean water. They danced to traditional native drumming as a sacred ceremony. “These are jingle dresses. These are used for healing,”…

Lincoln Park neighborhood celebrates community

The event featured activities meant to promote an active lifestyle

July 16, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park neighborhood was bustling on Sunday for the 4th annual Meet on the Street event. The block party brought together folks from all kinds of organizations that look to promote health and wellness in young people, as well as foster a sense of togetherness among neighbors. “When neighbors know each other, then you have a…

Competition crushed at Demolition Derby

Lots of desctruction at Amsoil Speedway on Sunday

July 16, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Head of the Lakes Fair featured a demolition derby at Amsoil Speedway on Sunday. Beat up old cars rammed and smashed into each other as they tried to knock the others out and be the last one still moving. “Mostly the big hits,” demolition fan Austin Snedeker said of his favorite part of the action. “I…

Lake Superior Zoo celebrates World Snake Day

Monty the python enjoyed some sunshine

July 16, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. -Sunday was World Snake Day, and the Lake Superior Zoo knew just how to celebrate. The zoo had a few of their slippery friends out on the lawn today so people could get an up close look and maybe learn a thing or two about the creatures. “People often have misconceptions of snakes and think that they are…

Lake Superior Days celebrates our fresh water friend

Informational booths were set up in Canal Park

July 15, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Days continued in the Twin Ports on Saturday. Over at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Canal Park, organizers held a variety of programs designed to teach visitors the importance of the lake on the entire region, including the Superior National Forest. Sunday is the actual Lake Superior Day. There’s a celebration planned Barkers…

Old tractors test their might in Superior

The tractor pull was held at the Amsoil Speedway in Superior

July 15, 2017

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A classic tractor show and pull headlined Saturday’s schedule at the Head of the Lakes Fair in Superior. Competitors fitted their vintage rigs with a sled which they pulled in hopes of bringing home the first place trophy. This year’s Head of the Lakes fair wraps up on Sunday with cowboy church and a demolition derby. …

Author: Graham Hakala

The ASCE also named the Aerial Lift Bridge a civil engineering historical landmark

30 foot banners feature values they wish to instill in young athletes

Music, food, and crafts

The event raised more than $170,000 for Alzheimer's research and assistance

Chocolate Factory is matching each pound of fudge purchased by customers

The budget features more funding for public safety and neighborhood improvements

The event included free beer and pizza

A beautiful August day full of music, games and baseball

Sky High Graphix and Design is selling shirts and donating profits to relief efforts

Mike Letica is collecting supplies and cards for victims of Hurricane Harvey

Monday marks the start of the new school year for WITC students

Crews wrap up finishing touches before students return

Residents checked out the eclipse and got in some games of bingo

Live music and entertainment on First Street

The next information session will be held Tuesday, August 22.

Dill represented Disctrict 3A in Northeastern Minnestota

Races kick off on Saturday

Food trucks are at the Duluth Public Library every Friday until the end of August.

It's part of the Organ Historical Society Convention

Firefighters are spread across the town, collecting money for youth with muscular dystrophy

Community Paddle Days lets youth groups and the community experience paddling for free

The Eight-Person Crew Finished In Just Over Three Days

The multi-day race starts in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Gabriel Christopher Dee's exhibit runs through Labor Day

The events feature fireworks, car shows and much more

Hundreds of archers are hitting the targets for the weekend of fun

The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center has many activities to celebrate lighthouses.

Car shows, movie night, fireworks and more.

Reverse races, trailer races, and bus races and more

Percy makes an appearance this year for Thomas's day out.

The cruise line is working with several Duluth agencies to figure out details

Around 75 events are planned for Tuesday

The Slip is located "next door" to Hoops Brewing

Crews are currently remodeling the space

The new space also features a bar, serving a few local favorites

The UPass agreement has been renewed for the next five years

Crews are working to get school ready for students in the fall

Lumberjack athletes hack through the competition

Competitors from all over the world take over Hayward

Minnesota Power has Implemented New Policies After the Storm

1st avenue, 2nd avenue and 3rd avenue have been changed to two-way roads

The jinlge dress dancers made their way to the offices of Enbridge, and Congressmen Rick Nolan to advocate for clean water

The event featured activities meant to promote an active lifestyle

Lots of desctruction at Amsoil Speedway on Sunday

Monty the python enjoyed some sunshine

Informational booths were set up in Canal Park

The tractor pull was held at the Amsoil Speedway in Superior

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