Sophie Varner, Author at Fox21Online

Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior Hoping to Avoid Closure

With donations rolling in by the truckload, and only three employees, the store needs more volunteers to help put things on the shelf.

October 28, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–A thrift store in Superior, Wisconsin may have to close it’s doors for good, simply due to a need for more customers and volunteers. The Salvation Army Thrift Store is located on Belknap St. in the heart of Superior. Staff tell us they have a consistent clientele of older adults that come in, but they’re really aiming to target…

21st Avenue East Construction Nearing End Of Project

October 27, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — The end is near for a road construction project that has blocked the main way from getting to I-35 to UMD and the College of St. Scholastica. Duluth’s Public Information Officer tells Fox 21 repair work on 21st Avenue East is expected to wrap up on October 31. However, she tells us that the date is subject…

Chester Bowl Working on Adding a Permanent Bridge Across Chester Creek

October 26, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Some may notice some construction going on at Chester Bowl on Skyline Parkways right now. Crews are busy working to put in a permanent bridge that crosses over the creek near the ski chalet. In previous years, hikers could go over the creek on a temporary foot bridge that would be set up every fall and then taken down…

Midtown Park Being Temporarily Removed to Make Room for Interchange Project

October 26, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is dismantling Midtown Park to be able to take down a bridge as part of the Twin Port Interchange Project. They want the public to know that the ramps and rails for the skatepark that was housed there, will be stored for the next three years. With hopes to bring back the park…

Duluth Coffee Company Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

October 25, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — You know those cool designs baristas add to their drinks? Well Tuesday coffee lovers were able to learn how to turn your cup of joe into art during the Duluth Coffee Company anniversary celebration. Owner, Eric Faust, started the cafe and roastery in 2012 hoping to highlight the entire process of coffee making. Before opening up the…

Minnesota All-Hazards Incident Management Team Returns Home from Hurricane Ian Mission

October 24, 2022

Sophie Varner,

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.–After Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida, some Minnesotans traveled all the way down south to help. The Hazards Management Team spent 12 days in Desoto County, which is on the west side of Florida, southeast of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Flooding resulted in the Peace River cutting off entire sections of the county and leaving the area only…

Plans in the Works for Former Bagley Building Downtown

October 21, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–The new owner of the former Bagley Jewelry building in downtown Duluth gave us a tour today of the historic property and an update on what’s moving inside. Maria McKechnie is the new owner of the building. She’ll be moving her current business, Northland Special Events, inside of the Bagley Building after housing her business across the street for…

Get Involved in Pollution Prevention Through “Adopt a Drain” Program

October 21, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Have you ever seen a storm drain that’s barely recognizable due to the litter that has piled up? Now you can take matters into your own hands and claim a drain to clear. The city of Duluth’s initiative encourages residents to choose a specific storm water drain to adopt and be responsible for. Once the drain is claimed,…

Family Owned Farm Transitions from Flowers to Holiday Wreaths

October 21, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–Although summer gardening is over Duluth Flower Farm staff are busy transitioning to their fall and winter seasons. The owners of Duluth Flower Farm spend this time of the year getting ready for a busy holiday wreath rush. In the fall they go by Balsam Wreath and take tree branches and turn them into spectacular arrangements. They’re busy putting…

NSSR’s Annual Pumpkin Train is in Town

You can hop on the train anytime through October 20-23

October 21, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Like pumpkins? Like trains even more? Well you’re in luck, because the Pumpkin Train is finally in town. The North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR) offers the Pumpkin Train every fall. It brings passengers to a pumpkin patch to pick the perfect gourd to take home with them. After about 90 minutes, passengers will return to the train depot and…

Lights On Afterschool Day Celebration At Lester Park Elementary

October 20, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday is National Lights On Afterschool Day. Schools throughout the region are taking advantage of MEA weekend to connect outside of the classroom. Since schools weren’t in session Thursday, K.E.Y. Zone staff held a fall fest for its students at Lester Park Elementary celebrating fall and a reason to get together even when school is out of…

Taste At Fitger’s Event Postponed Until Spring Of 2023

October 20, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Fitger’s biggest fundraising events this fall has been postponed. It’s the Taste at Fitger’s event where Duluthians are invited to sample all types of local food at booths throughout the Fitger’s complex. Funds gathered through the ticket sales goes to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The annual event was supposed to happen October 28….

Organized Labor Groups Call on Leaders to Oppose “Right to Work” Legislation

October 20, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Wednesday, a number of organized labor groups called on candidates and lawmakers to oppose what is known as “Right to Work” legislation. In many states it allows workers at a company the choice about whether or not they want to join the union. Labor leaders said they have opposed such legislation in the past and will do so…

UMD Hockey Rink and Fitness Center Received New Name

The "Richard Haney Multipurpose Rink" and the "Mick McComber Gym"

October 19, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–UMD’s hockey rink and gym gets renamed to remember past outdoor recreation leaders. The workout area and indoor hockey rink are both part of UMD’s Recreational Outdoor Sports Program (RSOP). The fitness part of the campus has been named “The Mick McComber Gym”. McComber has dedicated over 30 years working for RSOP and directed the program from 2003-2020. His…

Duluth’s Best Bread Bakes 17 Lb. Soft Pretzel

October 13, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — Something big has been baked at Duluth’s Best Bread thanks to a newly imported French bread oven. The special oven is significantly bigger than what Duluth’s Best Bread has had in the past. With a larger cooking space, owners got creative and experimented with making a giant soft pretzel. It weighs in at 17 pounds and is…

The Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt Going On All October

October 13, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen is hosting a Halloween themed scavenger hunt on their grounds again this fall. It’s the Great Pumpkin Hunt with different jack-o-lanterns scattered around the 12-acre estate. This gives guests a unique interactive experience when learning about Glensheen’s history. During tours, guests have the option to participate in the challenge to spot as many pumpkins they can…

“Lights on Afterschool” Federal COVID Relief Program Visits Boys and Girls Club

The program has been funded with the federal COVI-19 relief money

October 13, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Today was the “Lights on Afterschool” event for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Duluth. The program has been funded with the federal COVI-19 relief money. The goal is to help keep young people active and engaged instead alone and idle before and after school. The club says that the programs connect kids with caring adults, gives them a…

Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market Wrapping Up As Season Ends This Month

October 13, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Although summer has passed you can still hit up the Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market well into the fall season. Coming off of a dry couple months, vendors tell Fox 21 that there is still an abundance of produce available as long as growers know how much water the crops need right now. Due to the weather still…

Duluth Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil Taking Place October 16

The annual vigil will happen at 5 p.m. at Leif Erikson Park

October 13, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–A vigil will be held this weekend for bereaved parents who have lost their children. The annual Angel of Hope vigil honors the lives of children who have died, and the event gives their loved ones the opportunity to grieve together as a community. The vigil is normally help in December for worldwide candle lighting day, which remembers children…

UMD’s Women’s Resource And Action Center Hosts Annual Consent Week

October 11, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — This week, students at UMD are raising awareness about the importance of consent. Every year Bulldogs come together to emphasize the importance of verbal consent when involved in sexual situations. This week’s purpose is to educate people on campus about the meaning of consent and when to ask for it. Students at the Women’s Resource and Action…

UMD’s Women’s Resource and Action Center Hosts Annual Consent Week

October 11, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–This week students at the University of Minnesota Duluth are raising awareness about the importance of consent. Every year bulldogs come together to emphasize the importance of verbal consent when involved in sexual situations. This week’s purpose is to educate people on campus about the meaning of consent and when to ask for it. Students at the Women’s Resource…

Lincoln Park Resource Center Offering Voter Registration Assistance

October 7, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Election day is just over one month away and some people have already voted, but others still need to register. Help in that registration process was available today at the Lincoln Park Resource Center. It is part of their “Vote Loud, Vote Proud” effort. The goal is to help provide access to people who find it difficult to register….

Essentia Health Holds Community Open House in Superior Today

October 7, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–The Essentia Health-Superior Belknap Pharmacy hosted an open house in Superior today. From open to close today over-the-counter products were 20% off. Goodies were onsite along with multiple pharmacists and front-end staff. Pharmacists were there ready to answer any questions and help patients navigate the many pharmacy care options out there. Including MyChart, a mobile way to access health…

Love Your Block Funds Harbor Highland’s Community Mural Event

Happening Saturday, October 7, 2022

October 7, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–You have a chance to take part in a community mural painting tomorrow. Within Harbor Highlands you can help add some color to the neighborhood. The City of Duluth Love Your Block Program will be funding this free interactive event. The Love Your Block Campaign awards mini grants to those with a plan to beautify their neighborhoods through clean…

High School Students Get Hands-On Healthcare Experience at St. Scholastica

October 5, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Local high schoolers got a hands-on glimpse of the healthcare field today at the College of St. Scholastica. It wasn’t your normal job fair either. The sophomores experienced real-world scenarios that healthcare professionals face every day. Such as a visual impairment simulator, blood type test, and a CPR station. Organizers tell us it’s all about exposing young people to…

Glensheen Celebrates Reopening of Formal Garden and Thanks Those Involved

October 5, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Glensheen’s historic formal garden is officially back open after being under construction for more than a year. Four million dollars in capital investment from the State legislature helped repair the floral vegetable gardens along with the purchase of a new boiler in the mansion. The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Interim Chancellor hosted today’s renovation celebration. Glensheen’s Director, Dustin…

Summer Fishing Season Comes to A Close As Shops Get Ready for Ice Fishing

Marine General gets ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.

October 3, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Summer fishing season is officially behind us. Boats are coming off the water and into storage. And now, excitement is building for the ice fishing season. Staff at Marine General in Duluth are working to clear out kayaks and paddle boards to make room for augers and ice houses. The owner tells us winter business these days is comparable…

Residents of Superior Show Their Spartan Spirit During 2022 Homecoming Parade

September 30, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–Superior students filled the streets today to celebrate Homecoming 2022. The Homecoming parade marched down North 28th Street in Superior, Wisconsin. Students and community members came out to celebrate the kick off of another school year. With a decked out float for their parade, the Superior Spartans also got pumped up for the football game taking place tonight. We…

Minnesota Woman with Heart Transplant Later Becomes Biomedical Engineer for Cardiovascular Care

September 27, 2022

Sophie Varner,

Minn.–Imagine getting a second chance at life while also making big decisions about your career path. Well that was the case for one Minnesota woman and her heart journey. Mackenzie Tannhauser received a heart transplant when she was only seventeen-years-old. While undergoing procedures and appointments, Mackenzie says she was inspired by the doctors and staff working to help keep her…

Minnesota Webfest Highlights Short Form Content Creators During Duluth Superior Film Festival

September 26, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–The Minnesota Webfest kicked off today as part of the Duluth Superior Film Festival. The Webfest focuses on the shortest type of film content on the internet. For example, it highlights podcasts, Tik Tok videos, and Instagram reels. Really any type of film content that’s on a smaller scale than typical movies. And its convenient to access that ultra-short…

Marshall School Celebrates Opening Their Forest School Geared for Younger Students

September 23, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Having been in session for a few weeks already, officials at Marshall School got outside to celebrate their new Forest School for their youngest students yet. Marshall School historically has taught middle school and high school aged kids, but were lacking a spot for elementary students. They decided to get creative and emphasize the need for nature based learning….

Two Groups Come Together To Raise Awareness For Child Abuse

September 23, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — Children, and those who try to protect them, got some good news and help Friday at the Duluth Public Library. September is “I Stand With Kids” month, and what better way to mark the occasion than with books written to help talk through the issue of child abuse. $1,000 from the Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth bought…

Bell Bank Hosts Trail Bike Ride and Fundraiser for Duluth DEVO

September 21, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Forty mountain bikers took to the trails with hopes to raise funds that will support younger riders. Bell Bank hosted a group of biking enthusiasts to support Duluth DEVO, a local non-profit with a mission to help kids build strong minds and bodies through the sport of biking. Throughout the year they engage in the community through bike trail…

UWS Hosts Activities And Job Fair During Their “Jacketfest”

September 20, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Tuesday the Link Center at UWS put on a job and activities fair called “Jacketfest” for its students. The Link Center connects students with different career services and opportunities ahead of graduation. They also encourage students to learn about all the resources on campus and get involved in fun activities outside of the classroom. Associate Director of…

Wild State Cider Accepting Apples For Its ‘People’s Cider’

September 19, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–If you have an apple tree and want to help make some delicious cider, you can bring your apples over to Wild State Cider. Staff are ready to accept your apples for their third annual People’s Cider. Every year they collect apples from all over the community to make a unique cider that tastes different every year. Co-Owner Adam…

Wildcat Sanctuary In Sandstone Welcomes Home New Tiger Cub

September 19, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone rescued a brand new furry friend last week. Her name is Nova and she is a spunky tiger cub. She came to the Sanctuary through their “Tiger Amnesty Program.” A program allowing owners or authorities to surrender a wildcat without making their background public. This encourages owners who have made a mistake…

Superior Public Library Hosts Annual Book Sale

September 16, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to attend the Superior Public Library’s annual book sale. Every year a big book sale is put together and organized by the “Friends of the Library.” The “Friends of the Library” consists of individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations who show interest in the library and advocate for…

University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

September 15, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday marks year 50 for the medical school within UMD’s campus. For the past 5 decades, the medical school has given Bulldogs the opportunity to gain medical training to become future physicians. Thursday, campus and city leaders came together to celebrate the milestone. Duluth’s campus provides a unique focus on rural family medicine, as well as Native…

Group of Grade Schoolers Gather to Cleanup Park Point Boat Launch

September 14, 2022

Sophie Varner,

TWIN PORTS–Before snow starts to cover the ground, a group of grade school students got together to collect trash on Park Point. Today kicked off the annual Twin Ports coastal cleanup effort. A way for Northlanders to collect data and participate in the International Coastal Cleanup initiative. The City of Duluth’s Communications Relations Officer Alicia Kozlowski joined Superior Mayor Jim…

NorShor Theatre Prepares For New Season

September 9, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse staff have been spending the last several months preparing the NorShor Theatre for their season opener. It is all hands on deck for the celebration of the Playhouse’s 2022-2023 season beginning September 16. The first show to see the stage is called “Once”, a story highlighting a bond between two people who share the…

Largest Model Train Display in the Midwest Comes to the Depot This Weekend

September 9, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Many kids got interested in playing with model trains when they were young. And for many of those kids, that love grew as they went into adulthood. Well, this weekend it will be wall-to-wall track, trestles and bridges at the St. Louis County Depot. Photojournalist Adam Jagunich caught a glimpse of the setup happening Friday afternoon. You can check…

Wisconsin Chief Medical Officer Talks Monkeypox Vaccine

September 8, 2022

Sophie Varner,

WISCONSIN — Earlier this week Wisconsin health officials announced they are going to make the Monkeypox vaccine available to more people. The Monkeypox outbreak was declared a national public health emergency last month. The announcement frees up federal funding to prioritize fighting the virus through vaccines. Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer says the criteria for eligibility will be expanded, but they…

Superior’s First Community Solar Garden Expected to Produce Energy By Summer of 2023

September 8, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A groundbreaking event took place along Hammond Avenue for Superior’s very first community solar garden. Superior Water, Light and Power will be referring to the space as Superior Solar to celebrate this renewable energy milestone. At 470 kilowatts, Superior Solar will be big enough to power more than 100 homes. Project managers will rely on local labor…

St. Luke’s Proctor Fitness Center Expands Hours

September 7, 2022

Sophie Varner,

PROCTOR, Minn.– A fitness center in Proctor is expanding it’s hours. St. Luke’s Proctor Fitness Center will have it’s doors open longer so you can get your workout in before your school or work day starts. They hosted an open house today at the location inside of Proctor High School to celebrate. The fitness center finally transitioned out of their…

New U.S. Made Great Lakes Freighter Vessel Comes into the Duluth Harbor: Mark W. Barker

September 7, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Ships come and go in the Port City, and new ones are rare. But today was different. For the first time in over 30 years, a brand new Great Lakes freighter cruised into town. Built in Sturgeon Bay, it went into service for the first time this summer. Photojournalist Nathaniel Le Capitaine introduces us to the Mark W. Barker….

Duluth Parks and Recreation Releases 2022 Fall Programming Guide

September 6, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Parks and Recreation team is ready to start their fall programming. Every season Parks and Rec. puts together a programming guide for all their different recreational opportunities. For the fall, they have options for all ages from toddlers to senior citizens. Some programs include festive events like a Halloween hike and pumpkin carving day. They’re offering a…

Families Enjoy Last Bit of Summer Before School Year is in Full Swing

September 5, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn.–Tomorrow is an exciting day for any Duluth school student as they begin classes for the fall. Get your backpacks zipped and filled with supplies to ensure a successful first day back. The last day of summer vacation landed on a holiday this year. Canal Park was filled with families soaking up the sunshine while they can, and maybe…

Mckenzies Bar and Grill Puts State Fair-Like Food on Menu

September 5, 2022

Sophie Varner,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.–Been craving State Fair food but haven’t been able to get to the fairgrounds? A local bar and grill can help satisfy your cravings! Mckenzie’s Bar and Grill have decided to embrace the love for fried food. Since the end of August they’ve been serving different types of dishes that are typically served as fair food. According to a…

“The Cedar House” Available for Rent Above The Cedar Lounge

September 5, 2022

Sophie Varner,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– As part of Earth Rider’s Cedar Lounge, owners are now offering a place for people to stay the night. The upper portion is now a three bedroom, furnished space available to rent on VRBO. This offers locals, and tourists, a unique way to experience downtown Superior up close. The space has been a part of the brewery scene…

Duluth’s Warrior Brewing Releases New Bourbon Ale

September 2, 2022

Sophie Varner,

DULUTH, Minn. — The veteran owned Warrior Brewing Company is putting out a new brew that highlights one specific community partnership. Them and Strong Compass have come together to create a Bourbon Barrel Ale. Their mission is to brew beer with different veterans, law enforcement, and emergency services. Being veteran owned and operated, partnering with Strong Compass was a no…