Author: Xavier Walt

Coffee Conversation: 2026 Twins Winter Caravan stops through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Players and staff of the Minnesota Twins are making Duluth one of their stops along their 2026 Twins Winter Caravan. Bruce Ciskie of Midwest Communications, one of the presenters of the event, stopped by the morning show to preview what people can expect from the open-to-the-public event. The Twins Winter Caravan stops through the Elite Sports Complex…

Coffee Conversation: TEDxDuluth welcoming in Minnesotan speakers

DULUTH, Minn. — Speakers and presenters from across Minnesota are uniting in the Twin Ports for TEDxDuluth. The event’s organizer, Star Gump, sat down with Fox 21 to discuss why these types of events are important for continuing to expand the minds of audiences. TEDxDuluth will be taking over the Harborside Ballroom at the Duluth Entrainment Convention Center on Feb….

Coffee Conversation: Upper Midwest Ronald McDonald House hosts 5th annual “Brew Love North”

DULUTH, Minn. — An annual fundraising favorite is returning to the Northland, as the Upper Midwest Ronald McDonald House is bringing its “Brew Love North” event back for another year. Paula Broschofsky, a project manager with the house, stopped by the studio to talk about the fundraiser and what makes these types of events so important for families in need….

Loll Designs surpasses $100K in donations to Chester Bowl with check presentation

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl received a large donation, in the form of thousands of dollars from a local furniture company. Loll Designs donated the check of over $9,000 to Chester, as part of a six-year donation cycle from the furniture company, which surpassed $100,000 in 2025. The continued support from Loll has helped Chester get the point of renovating…

“Food for Thought” takes over Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

CLOQUET, Minn. — Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College once again hosted their annual “Food for Thought” fundraiser, bringing community members together to support local higher education. The tasting event welcomed in the community to taste various foods and drinks that were donated by Twin Ports businesses. For $30 a ticket, the guests were treated to “all-you-can-eat food”, plus…

City of Duluth holds open house to introduce 4th Street reconstruction project

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth welcomed community members to an open house as the city introduced its upcoming reconstruction of 4th St. The project will involve the complete reconstruction of 4th St. from 6th Ave E to Mesaba Ave. The main goal of the project is to replace an aging water main under the road, though the city…

NorthShore Inline Marathon named to World Inline Cup Schedule for 2026

DULUTH, Minn. — The 30th year of the NorthShore Inline Marathon will bring about the largest edition of the race yet, as the annual Twin Ports event has been added to the 2026 World Inline Cup (WIC) schedule. The promotion means more prize money, status as a “PremiumClass” event on the circuit, and recognition as the only scheduled stop for…

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrate “Youth of the Year” awards

DULUTH, Minn. — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrated young local leaders with their annual “Youth of the Year” awards. During the event, various judges interviewed the award nominees and heard every kid’s story, with the judges then selecting one “Youth of the Year” winner. The winner would go on to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of…

Minnesota Department of Human Services pausing provider enrollment for 13 Medicaid services

Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Human Services have announced in a press release that it is set begin a freeze on new provider enrollments in 13 categories of Medicaid services which it deems at a high risk for fraud. A start date for the freeze is not yet determined, with the pause…

$100K winning lottery ticket sold in Northern Wisconsin still yet to be claimed

WASHBURN, Wis. — A lottery ticket that won a massive payout in Northern WI is currently missing. The Wisconsin Lottery confirming that a $100,000 Powerball winning lottery ticket was sold at Hansen’s IGA in Washburn. The ticket, which included a x2 multiplier to make the prize $100,000, and won the money just before Christmas, has yet to be turned in…

Essentia Health launches “Spartan Clinic” at Superior School District

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior School District and Essentia Health announced a new partnership to allow students to receive healthcare while still at school. The “Spartan Clinic” is a virtual health clinic for students grades 6-12 to receive care through Essentia Health. The initiative is designed to help students miss less time at school for doctors’ appointments, in addition to…

Hermantown Community Schools celebrates new hockey arena with ribbon-cutting ceremony

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown community members packed into the new arena for its grand opening. What began as a dream became a reality through the support of local businesses, community funding, and lawmakers. The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the new NorthStar Ford Arena, which is expected to serve generations of hockey players. “This…

Portman Hockey celebrates 3rd annual “Great Skate”

DULUTH, Minn. — Portman Hockey celebrated the kickoff to their outdoor hockey season with their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. Skaters both big and small gathered from around the Northland to help Portman raise funds for the organization’s programs, in order to keep the sport affordable for all interested kids. After the event was previously postponed from its original Dec. 17….

“Home Stories Art Show” illustrates youth housing crisis

DULUTH, Minn. — An art show with a special purpose took place in Downtown Duluth as the all-ages, “Home Stories Art Show” took over Studio Cafe. The artwork displayed was done by Twin Ports youth, all of whom are a part of youth programming with Lutheran Social Services, as a way to draw attention to the on-going youth housing crisis….

Inside Duluth’s only “Bean to Bar” chocolate maker

DULUTH, Minn. — Just above the company’s new storefront, Duluth Coffee Company is crafting more than just coffee. The company says they’re the only “bean to bar” chocolate producer in the Northland, taking cocoa beans from Central America and then roasting them, processing them, and finally, molding the finished product into bars. The roasting of the beans is similar to…

2 dead in multi-car accident in Thomson Township

THOMSON, Minn. — A 2-car accident in Thomson Township, southwest of Duluth, has tragically claimed the lives of two people on the morning of Dec. 26. According to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff’s office, emergency response arrived at the scene of the 2-car crash near Esko just after 9:00 a.m. The occupants of a Chevy Impala, Anthony…

Actor with Twin Ports roots starring in bilingual children’s musical

DULUTH, Minn. — A former Twin Ports actor is taking his talent to the stage in the Twin Cities, for a show based on a classic children’s book. “Go, Dog Go!”, also known as “Ve Perro ¡Ve!”, is the latest production from the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, and is a musical adapted from the book of the same name…

Bentleyville celebrating arrival of Christmas as season nears end

DULUTH, Minn. — Many Twin Ports residents marking a Christmas tradition by visiting the Northland’s famous “tour of lights” on Christmas Eve, as folks made their journey to Bentleyville for what may be their final time this season. This year marked 22 years of the iconic Twin Ports light show, with the last 17 of those years being spent in…

Castle Danger rolls out “Trailblazer” THC drink amid national ban speculation

Two Harbors, Minn. — As speculation continues at the national level surrounding a potential ban of THC and CBD-based products in the future, Castle Danger, true to their name, have decided that now is the perfect time to show the world their version of the popular beverage. “We’re launching our new brand of THC and CBD infused drinks called ‘Trailblazer’,…

Minnesota Power presents grant to Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power showed their support for the Hartley Nature Center with the presentation of a new grant for the center. The gift is for $6,000, and will be used to help build classroom enhancements, which will help support the center’s outdoor education for thousands of area students and their families, many of which have their own roots…

Strikepoint handbell ensemble rings in the holiday spirit

DULUTH, Minn. –Strikepoint is recognized as one of the world’s top handbell ensembles. The group continues to share their music globally and locally, using concerts like their annual Christmas one at First United Methodist Church to help fund their concerts across the globe. The funding, much of which comes from generous donations, means the world to the ensemble. “Through our…

Lake Superior “Zoo Lights” in final weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The last weekend before Christmas marks the final time this holiday season that the Lake Superior Zoo’s “Zoo Lights” will be up for visitors to the zoo. The annual holiday tradition lets zoo-goers walk around the complex to see the “larger than life” critters along the paths, then head inside the zoo’s “Primate Conservation Center” to warm…

Hartel’s Disposal wraps up $75,000 gift for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army and Hartel’s Disposal have wrapped up their “Hartel’s Holiday Impact Challenge”. The challenge invited local businesses to “dump their donations” into a trash bin at Hartel’s, with the disposal company matching up to $75,000 in donations. At the end of the 2-week campaign, the contributions totaled approximately $8,000. Despite not reaching the goal,…

Portman Hockey’s 4th annual “Great Skate” postponed

DULUTH, Minn. — Messy weather has forced Portman Hockey to postpone their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. The event typically signals the “official start” of Portman’s outdoor hockey season. The “Great Skate” fundraiser has consistently been a family-friendly, community-favorite event with food, games, and activities for all ages. Money raised goes toward the organization’s equipment, programs and rink improvements. More information,…

St. Lukes Foundation “Boot Drive” gives warm clothes to patients

DULUTH, Minn. — The re-freezing temperatures may be catching some people off guard, and for patients at Aspirus St. Lukes who may not have the best clothing for the cold, the St. Lukes Foundation is doing what they can to help. The foundation’s Boot Drive is focused on gathering new and lightly used winter clothing for patients at the clinic…

Duluth East Choralaires treat Essentia patients to Christmas carols

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth East Choralaires brought some of their music to Essentia Health, as the performers spent time going from floor to floor singing to patients at the facility. For many of the students, getting to share their music with those around is one of the best parts of the holiday season. “My favorite part is just singing…

Family Freedom Center hosting first “Hillside Holiday Market”

DULUTH, Minn. — Family Freedom Center is welcoming in the Twin Ports community for its first Hillside Holiday Market. The market will be featuring over 30 different area vendors, as well as items designed and made by some of the children who are a part of the Freedom Center and their S.T.A.R.T program. The event is designed as a by-the-community, for-the-community…

Minnesota DVS opens final vehicle inspection location

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services division has opened its eighth vehicle inspection site. The new facility, located along Carlton St. in Duluth, signals the end of the DVS’s expansion, which began in 2021. The Duluth location, along with the 7 others scattered around Minnesota, are put in place to help protect the…

Founding partner of Duluth Folk School passes away

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the founders of the Duluth Folk School, Tim Bates, has passed away. Since the inception of the school Bates, along with those around him, worked hard to establish a comforting environment where people could learn new skills. Bates was also a long-time figure within the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s outdoor education program, where he taught students…

Duluth Fire Department holds 25th employee toy drive

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department has once again gotten into the holiday spirit, as firefighters both, current and retired, purchased toys for kids as part of its 25th annual employee toy drive. The department raised over $7,000 from employee donations in the lead-up to the shopping spree, the most ever raised in the drive’s history. For the firefighters…

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show takes over DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoors people of the Twin Ports united at the DECC once again for the annual Arrowhead Ice fishing and Winter Show. With the venue packed to the gills with goods and activities, the yearly event, which is now a decade old, has been a favorite of fishing and outdoors community in the Northland, as attendees get a…

Wisconsin DHS to continue recommending Hepatitis B vaccine amid CDC reversal

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services have released a stated that they will continue to recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for children within the first 24 hours of being born. The statement coming in direct response to the CDC’s reversal of their own recommendation of the vaccine. The Wisconsin DHS says there is “no new evidence” to…

Wisconsin congressional candidate tours Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin congressional candidate Paul Wassgren visited Superior as the Republican continues on a tour through Wisconsin’s 7th district. The tour first hit Merrill, WI, on Dec. 10, before stopping in Chippewa Falls and Ace’s on 29th in Superior, with the final stop happening Dec. 12 in Balsam Lake, where he’ll once again speak on how he plans…

St. Louis River Alliance hold ‘River Appreciation’ party

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis River Alliance set up shop at Clyde Iron Works for a “River Appreciation” party. The party was free and open to the public, with cake served to the attendees before a presentation, recapping the organization’s 2025. A focus of the event and others like it for the alliance is the organization’s ongoing “Membership Drive,”…

’12 Hours of Giving’ Blood Drive nearing Twin Ports debut

DULUTH, Minn. — In continuing with Fox 21’s partnership with the Red Cross’ 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive, Fox 21 is taking the weeks leading up to the event to tell the stories of those whose lives have been affected for the better through blood donation. The event itself will be Dec. 18. and 19, at The Garden Event…

UW-Superior music celebrates annual “Season of Song” holiday concert

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A musical Twin Ports holiday tradition happened once again in Superior as UW-Superior’s “Season of Song” concert held its final performance of season. The performances all taking place at The Cathedral of Christ the King Church, with saw hundreds of people braving notable poor weather to make it to the annual event. The concert caps the Fall…

Lake Superior College hosts student art show for Fall ’25 semester

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College is treating Twin Ports residents to the artistic visions of their students with a campus-wide art show. The free-to-the-public art show runs through the college’s main campus building, showing off art produced by the school’s students during the Fall 2025 semester. With the art forms ranging from photography, to painting, to jewelry, the show…

Carlton County Animal Rescue hosts open house for interested families

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Carlton County Animal Rescue held an open house to showcase some cats and kittens who are looking for their future homes. Those in attendance were treated to some quality time with their potential forever friends, as well as a presentation in which they could learn more about the organization and the people behind it. Through donations…

Bentleyville welcomes “Zoo Crew” to tour of lights

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at Bentleyville for a visit from some fluffy friends known as the “Zoo Crew”. The annual tour of lights brought in animals from “Cook’s Country Connection” to help spark some holiday cheer, with goats, mini horses, and alpacas braving the chilly weather. If you missed the critters during their Bentleyville stay, they’ll be back out…

Duluth Armory receives largest ever donation amid restoration

DULUTH, Minn. — For over 20 years, the Duluth Armory has been looking for funds and donations wherever they could them. However, thanks to a very generous anonymous local, the finish line is in sight. “We are so appreciative,” said Michelle Miller, co-executive director of the Armory Arts and Music Center. “This is a local supporter of the project who…

American Red Cross celebrates holiday season with blood drives

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The American Red Cross is hosting a special double-edition blood drive with their “Battle of the Badges” events. The two-part blood drive, the second part of which taking place at First United Methodist Church in Duluth on Dec. 4, allows each person donating to vote for their favorite department of Twin Ports first responders, in a friendly…

UMD hosts Big Band Jazz Concert

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth UMD treated both students and community members to a night of jazz with their Big Band Jazz Concert The big band was joined by the school’s vocal jazz ensemble “Lake Effect”. Tickets were free for all Bulldog students at the event, as all types of musicians got into the holiday spirit. Categories: Community,…

UMD students hold ‘ICE Whistle Training Session’

DULUTH, Minn. — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement increases raids in cities across the country, the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America are taking action of their own. The student organization’s most recent event is what they dub an “ICE whistle training session.” The event welcomed community members to campus as well, with the organizers…