Author: Greg Chandler

Researchers Learn About Cross Laminated Timber

New Technique Allows Buildings to be Constructed Using Wood

DULUTH, Minn – Officials at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resource Research Institute got a look at new construction techniques using wood. The seminar, put on by WoodWorks, examined how using Cross Laminated Timber helps both forest management and reducing carbon footprints. With CLT, buildings as many as eight stories high can be built using only wood.  Even wood once…

Find of Military Devices at Fire Scene Causes Scare

Devices Were Determined to Be Traing Rounds

ASHLAND, Wis. (AP)  Authorities say a device found in the debris of a garage fire in Ashland that looked like a military mortar round turned out to be a harmless training round. Firefighters in the northwestern Wisconsin city discovered the device Friday and weren’t sure whether it was a live round or not. As a precaution, homes within a two-block…

Man Hospitalized After Stabbing

Incident Happened Downtown Friday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – Police responded to a downtown stabbing late Friday night. Police arrived in the area of Lake Avenue and Interstate 35 shortly before 11:00 p.m. and found 34 year old male with a stab wound. The man, who’s identity was not released, was taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries.  There’s no update if he’s still in the…

Man Arrested on Gun Charge

Levi Miller was Convicted in 2015 for Firing a Gun into a Crowd

DULUTH, Minn. – A man convicted of shooting into a crowd nearly two years ago is in trouble with the law again. On Friday, the St. Louis County Attorney charged 21 year-old Levi Miller with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. In September 2015, Miller was convicted of 2nd degree assault for firing several…

Kennedy Announces Council Bid

Planning Commissioner Lost Council Race in 2015

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s another candidate vying for one of the Duluth City Council’s two at-large seats. Duluth Planning Commissioner Janet Kennedy officially announced she’s running Friday. Kennedy ran for the district 5 seat in 2015, but lost the election to Councilor Jay Fosle. A kickoff event is planned for Sunday, April 23rd at 1:30 p.m. at Civic Center Park…

Volunteers Hope to Revitalize Downtown Chisholm

Projects Are Aimed at Making Chisholm More Vibrant

CHISHOLM, Minn. – One Iron Range town is looking for a image change from a declining to a thriving community. The Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Project is run by a group of volunteers who want to make their city more vibrant. These volunteers launched five specific projects ranging from creating an interactive walking tour, improving Kiwanis Park and restoring storefronts. The…

Hibbing Auditorium Renovation to Start

Project Will be Completed Over Two Summers

HIBBING, Minn. – Work is set to begin on restoring Hibbing High School’s auditorium. The project will cost about $2.5 Million, with construction scheduled for the next two summers. In the past, the room has hosted Presidential candidates and of course a young Bob Dylan. The school’s superintendent says Hibbing is lucky to have so much community interest in the…

Sands Shifts Focus to New Opponent

Boxer to Face Brian Howard in Hinckley for NABA Crown

DULUTH, Minn. – So much for Germany. ‘The Haitian Temptation’ Al Sands and his team couldn’t get a deal done for a rescheudled fight with Roman Glovashenko for the International Boxing Organization Inter-Continental Cruiserwieght title. Instead, Sands (19–2, 17 KO) fights Brian Howard (12–1, 9 KO) April 21st for the North American Boxing Association Cruiserweight title at Grand Casino Hinckley….

Two Injured in Head-On Crash

Accident Happened Early Saturday Morning

PIKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two people are in the hospital after a head–on crash early Saturday morning. The accident happened just after 5:30 a.m. on Highway 21 in Pike Township. According to police, one car was found in the middle of the road, the other rolled over on its side in a ditch.  The driver of the car in the…

Myers-Wilkins Student Council Gives Back

Students are Collecting Food, Clothes and Books for Local Charities

DULUTH, Minn. – Myers-Wilkins Elementary School is home to a group of some impressive 4th and 5th graders. The student council there is giving back through a food, clothing and book drive.  They’re collecting these items for Global Youth Services Day next month. Britt Johnson, who works with the student council, calls what the kids are doing nothing short of…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hot Shop Opening

New Location Offers Different Kinds of Glass Blowing

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Art Glass is set to expand into a second location. The new “Hot Shop” on London Road opens April 1st. At the new location, people can come in and learn how to make glass in different ways than in the Downtown Duluth shop. “A lot of times when people come to our classes, they expect…

Local Districts Allocated State Pre-K Funds

Gov. Dayton Set Aside $175 Million to Fund Pre-K Statewide

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Studies say Pre–K is essential to children’s development which is why Gov. Mark Dayton wants to make sure as many as 17,000 4-year-olds can attend Pre–K. “We can do more good to benefit the kids than we can when the kids are older,” said Virginia School Superintendent Dr. Noel Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt isn’t the only one over…

Route 53 Bridge Ahead of Schedule

New Bridge Will be State's Tallest

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The new bridge on U.S. Route 53 is ahead of schedule. The new bridge, which will be the tallest in the state, should open sometime in August, not November as originally planned. Virginia’s Mayor, Larry Cuffe, Jr. says the new bridge benefits the Iron Range as a whole. “It’s a large bridge that really connects the economic…

Slip Bridge Repairs Come with Hefty Price Tag

Work on the 25-Year Old Bridge Expected to Cost $3.5M

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluthians are concerned after a recent published article put the price tag of repairs to the Minnesota Slip Bridge at more than $2 million.  Turns out, the price is actually higher. “This was supposed to be kind of a nice icon for the City of Duluth and it’s turned into more of an albatross over the…

Uber, Lyft Excited to Start Duluth Operations

Ride Sharing Services were Recently Approved by City Council

DULUTH, Minn. – While local cab companies aren’t happy, the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance Monday, allowing ride share companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the city. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft are excited to enter the Duluth market. In a statement to FOX 21, an Uber spokesperson said “We’re pleased that the Duluth city council passed regulations…

Esko Advances to Robotics Championships

Esko Defeated Duluth East in Final

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – A quintet of Northland FIRST Robotics teams wrapped up three days of competition Saturday. Esko High School’s Subzero Robotics emerged victorious defeating the Duluth East Daredevils in the final. Esko moves on to the World Championships in St. Louis, Mo. Other northland schools in Iowa were from Duluth Denfeld, the Marshall School and Silver Bay.

Updegrove Kicks Off Council Campaign

Candidate was Delagate for Bernie Sanders

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s another candidate hoping to fill one of the Duluth City Council’s two at–large seats. Rich Updegrove offically kicked off his campaign Saturday. Updegrove wants to focus on housing, homeless rights as well as keeping Lake Superior clean. “I really want to place our lake at the forefront of what I’m doing,” said Updegrove.  “I think it’s…

Fire Destroys Semi at Hibbing Community College

Damage was Limited by Automatic Sprinkler System

HIBBING, Minn. – A truck was destroyed during a fire early Saturday morning at Hibbing Community College. Fire crews from Hibbing, Chisholm and Keewatin responded to the scene shortly before 5:00 a.m. Saturday.  When crews arrived, the fire had been contained by the building’s automatic sprinkler system. The truck, a 2014 Freightliner, was a total loss.  The building sustained only…

A Musical Fundraiser for Mentor Duluth

Organization Connects Mentors to Children Who Need Them

DULUTH, Minn. – Mentor Duluth celebrated one of the group’s biggest nights of the year Friday evening. It was Mentor Duluth’s March into Mentoring fundraiser.  Everyone on hand was treated to live music. March is the program’s biggest fundraising month and Mentor Duluth is close to the goal of 31 new mentors recruited in March. Organizers say mentoring youth is…

Kenwood Village Open for Business

Developers Held Ribbon-Cutting Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Another in a series of mixed use developments in Duluth is open for business. United properties celebrated the opening of Kenwood Village with a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon. The new building features luxury apartments as well as retail space.  Developers say Friday’s opening marked the end of a three year process. “Our vison from three years ago…

Hibbing Airport Officials Concerned Over Budget

Delta Airlines Could Leave Airport if $2.8 Million Subsidy is Lost

HIBBING, Minn. – The proposed federal budget concerns another local community. This time the focus is on Hibbing’s Range Regional Airport. As one of 12 weekly flights from Range Regional Airport prepared for take–off Thursday, airport officials’ thoughts were in Washington, D.C. as the Federal Aviation Administration Re-Authorization Bill hits Congress. “The FAA Re-Authorization Bill is reintroduced every couple of…

Virginia Co-Op Set to Relocate

New Building More than Doubles the Store's Size

VIRGINIA, Minn. – It’s an exciting time for members of Virginia’s Natural Harvest Co–Op. Next month, the co–op moves into a brand new 9,000 square foot store at 732 4th St N., which is double the size of the current building. The new co–op will feature a classroom, as well as a larger deli, including salad and hot bars. Natural…

Students Get Hands-On Golf Lesson

Cook County is the First Northland School to host Golf in the Schools Program

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – With Spring slowly taking hold local golf courses prepare to open.  Meanwhile, one local pro spent his Tuesday introducing kids to the sport. Students at Cook County School in Grand Marais spent their Physical Education period getting into the swing.  Of golf that is.  They took part in the Golf in the Schools program, sponsored by…

Local Leaders United Against Trump Budget

Duluth Mayor Says Budget has Serious Implications for City

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth and St. Louis County officials voiced concerns over the proposed federal budget at a unique press conference Tuesday morning at City Hall. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was joined by nearly 40 representatives from various state, county and city organizations. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget calls for massive cuts to nearly every federal department.  Mayor Larson is…

Tri-Towers Residents Voice Concerns

Tenants Held a Meeting with Police Representative to Discuss Issues

DULUTH, Minn. – Some residents At Downtown Duluth’s Tri–Towers Apartments are scared Because of recent trouble in and around the complex.  However, Duluth police say some incidents are exaggerated. Those were the messages at a meeting between some concerned Tri–Towers tenants and Housing and Redevelopment Authority Community Officer Steve Ring Tuesday. The meeting was inspired by a weekend incident Where…

Tusken Defends Longtime Friend Stracek

Cloquet Police Chief was Placed on Administrative Leave Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken took to social media Saturday to defend his friend and former partner, Cloquet’s embattled Police Chief Steve Stracek. The Cloquet City Council placed Stracek on paid administrative leave Thursday while the council investigates misconduct allegations made by the police union. Tusken posted a message of support for Stracek on his official Facebook…

Cloquet Police Chief Placed on Leave

City Council Voted to Put Steve Stracek on Leave at Thursday's Meeting

CLOQUET, Minn. – There was controversy Thursday, as Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek was placed on paid administrative leave at the city council meeting. That was confirmed to FOX 21 by one city councilor who asked not to be identified.  However, the councilor couldn’t confirm Why Stracek was placed on leave, as the matter is being investigated. At Thursday’s meeting,…

March Madness Could Lead to Trouble

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Maybe it’s a coincidence with the NCAA Basketball tournament going on, but March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Every year, millions of dollars are wagered on the tournament, both in sportsbooks, and on those bracket sheets you likely filled out for your office pool According to a counselor at Duluth’s Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment, brackets…

Students Learn How to Protect St. Louis River

15th Annual River Watch Congress Drew About 200 Kids

CLOQUET, Minn. – Kids from area schools got hands–on lessons on how to protect the St. Louis River Thursday. St. Louis River–River Watch is a program that gets kids involved with studying the environment up close and personal, by actually getting in the river. While students didn’t get in the water as part of Thursday’s 15th annual River Watch Congress…

Duluth’s March Madness Connection

Former LCA Standouts Anders and Bjorn Broman in Tournament with Winthrop

DULUTH, Minn. – The NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament really gets going Thursday as the round of 64 starts.  One of Thursday’s early games should get plenty of local attention. Duluth natives Anders and Bjorn Broman not only starred for Lakeview Christian Academy, they’re two of Minnesota’s three highest scorers all–time. These days, the Broman brothers play for Winthrop University.  Parents…

Duluth’s Most Endangered Properties

Local Preservation Group Published List

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Preservation Alliance recently published its list of the city’s ten most endangered properties. Among the buildings on the list are Pastoret Terrace; otherwise known as the Kozy Apartments, the Temple Opera Block on Superior Street, Old Duluth Central High School, the Duluth Armory, and sections of the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad line in West Duluth….

Volunteers Spruce Up Maritime Museum

Museum Cleaned Up Ahead of Tourist Season

DULUTH, Minn. – As Duluth slowly emerges from winter, local attractions prepare for tourist season. A crew of about 15 volunteers spent Wednesday cleaning the Duluth Maritime Museum. The workers cleaned the museum, made sure the electronic displays were ready, and polished all the brass in the museum’s engine room. According to park rangers, the museum gets too busy for…

Damiano Center Celebrates Anniversary

Local Charity Opened 35 Years Ago

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Damiano Center celebrated its 35th anniversary Wednesday. The center started as a temporary soup kitchen during the 1982 recession. Today, the Damiano Center is the largest emergency meal provider in Northeastern Minnesota, serving thousands of people every year. “This is a super–exciting day for us,” said Katherine Mueller, Development Director for the Damiano Center.  “On the…

Hibbing Food Shelf Closing

Non-Profit to Shut its Doors at the End of March

HIBBING, Minn. – March is a big month for food shelves across Minnesota.  But one Iron Range community faces uncertainty as their food shelf is set to close. The Hibbing Food Shelf hands out its last bags on March 29th after decades of serving the community. The food shelf became its own non–profit organization in 2003.  But times got tough…

Hibbing Looks to Purchase Squad Cars

Police Department has Been Operating with Three of Five Vehicles Running

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department hopes to have at least one new police cruiser on the roads in the near future. The city council recently unanimously authorized the department to purchase a new squad car.  Hibbing police normally have five marked cars, two of which have been out of service because of damage. Officials say the city will…

Homegrown Guides Now Available

Annual Local Music Festival Starts April 30th

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed field guides for this year’s Homegrown Music Festival have made their way to stands across the Twin Ports. This year’s festival starts April 30th and runs through May 7th.  Organizers have around 200 local bands booked for stages in Duluth and Superior. If you want to start planning your Homegrown, the guide is…

Cab Companies Oppose Ride Sharing Services

Taxi Drivers are Concerned With Lack of Oversight

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Duluth’s cab companies spoke out Thursday against ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft operating in the city. Demand in Duluth for ride sharing services is growing.  But Duluth cab companies are worried about their future if a proposed resolution passes the city council. Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs is in favor of bringing businesses…

Police and Fire Departments Renew Rivalry

Department Teams will Meet On-Ice March 14th

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police and firefighters are set to renew a friendly rivalry on the ice. This year’s hockey game is March 14th at AMSOIL Arena, before the Kernz and Kompany High School Hockey All-Star Game. The on–ice rivalry between Duluth’s police and fire department goes back to the 1930s, but once the final whistle blows, everyone is on…

DEDA Selects Developer for Lot D

City Entered into Agreement with Same Firm that Developed Pier B Resort

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is ready to move forward in its waterfront development. “Lot D” is the last piece of mixed use real estate available for redevelopment on the waterfront, a process now closer to fruition. “This waterfront has been waiting 150 years for a vision like this,” said Mayor Emily Larson.  “It will combine housing with…

Duluth Mayor Observes International Women’s Day

Emily Larson Recognizes the Importance of Being Duluth's First Ever Female Mayor

DULUTH, Minn. – March 8th is International Women’s Day. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Women’s Day means more to her since she was elected. Larson is the first woman Mayor in the city’s history.  That’s just one of the reasons she makes a point of meeting with as many young girls as possible.  Girls, Who may one day, follow in…

Duluth Coffee Company Expanding

Owners Adding Second Storefront to Serve as Roastery

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s exciting news for the Duluth Coffee Company. The company is adding a new 1,000 square foot roastery and event space two doors down from the current shop on East Superior Street. Duluth coffee currently roasts its beans right there in the store.  Those beans are then served in the shop or are shipped to stores as…

Duluth Recognizes State-Wide Day of Action

Domestic Violence Action Day was Designed to Raise Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. – Local leaders and community organizations answered the call on a day of action to raise awareness for domestic violence Tuesday. The event on the steps of City Hall was one of more than 80 planned state-wide. The Safe Haven Resource Center, along with other community groups organized the event designed to honor victims of domestic violence and…

Be on the Lookout for Tax Scams

Scams are on the Rise as Tax Deadline Approaches

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s tax season and local tax professionals want you to be aware of the latest tax scams. Many across the country and here in the Northland report fake calls, emails and text messages from scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Tax accountant Joshua Standley says the only way you’ll hear from the IRS is…

Damiano Center Soup Kitchen Gets New Look

Volunteers Painted the Soup Kitchen Thanks to Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – The soup kitchen at Duluth’s Damiano Center has a brand new look. Students from the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Duluth program recently toured the soup kitchen and decided to give the room a new look for their service project. Thanks to a donation from Diamond Vogel Paints, volunteers from Duluth Painters and Allied Trades as well as…

Family, Pets Safe After House Fire

Home in Grand Lake Townwhip was Severly Damaged

DULUTH, Minn. – A Grand Lake Township family is safe and sound,even though fire severely damaged their home. The fire happened around 8:00 a.m. Saturday on Sunny Lane. St. Louis County Sheriffs and three fire departments battled the blaze. There were no injuries, as everyone, including the family pets, were evacuated safely. Officials say the house suffered major fire, smoke,…

North Shore Businessman Hopes for Daughter’s Return

Resort GM's Daughter has been Missing Since Jan. 15th

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Brian Anderson is back at work managing a popular North Shore resort even though his daughter, Toni hasn’t been seen since January 15th. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Anderson.  “You hear about these things, but you don’t… you don’t understand the mental strain it puts you through and the emotions you go through.” For Anderson…

New Youth Center Coming to Two Harbors

Old Oddfellows Hall is Being Renovated for Kids' Use

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Kids on the North Shore will soon have a new place to hang out. The Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Store, run by the Two Harbors Christian Ministerial Association, is adding a youth center on the top floor of its building. The room is actually the old Oddfellows hall, but soon will be home to an all–purpose…

Duluth School Board Faces Budget Deficit

Shortfall in Budget is Actually Lower than in Previous Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District faces a budget deficit of at least a $1 million over the next two fiscal years. That was the report from district administrators at Tuesday’s School Board meeting. The numbers are still preliminary, and depend on factors like number of students enrolled in the district and the state budget. Governor Mark Dayton’s proposal…

Heart Association Fundraiser Raises Awareness

Go Red Luncheon is an Annual Event by the American Heart Association

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC’s Harborside Ballroom was decked in red Wednesday as the Duluth chapter of the American Heart Association held its annual Go Red Luncheon. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign started in 2004 and the Duluth chapter celebrates every year with their Go Red luncheon. Heart disease is the number one killer Of women…

Indoor Golf Range Open Again

The Sweet Spot Re-Opened in January Under New Management

DULUTH, Minn. – With Spring on the way, many local golfers have the itch to hit the links. The Sweet Spot, West Duluth’s indoor golf range re–opened in mid–January in a new location and with new owners who say business is booming like a Bubba Watson drive. The Sweet Spot hosted three times the golfers in February as the month…