Community

U.S. Coast Guard Wraps Up Ice Cutting in Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.– 48 Coast Guard members boarded the SPAR in Duluth Tuesday.Ā  The 235-foot buoy-tender vessel is able to slice through the 15 ft. deep ice like butter. This eventful adventure began right here in the Twin Ports, and it was managed by Lieutenant Commander Don Rudnickas. “We’re underway in Duluth Harbor. Our main job here is to make sure…

No Injuries After Fire At Dyno Nobel Plant In Biwabik

Photo courtesy of Northland Fire Wire. UPDATE: 4:25 p.m. 3/18/25 BIWABIK, Minn. — A spokesperson for Dyno Nobel released the following statement about Tuesday’s fire at the explosives plant: “At around 10 a.m. CT this morning, an employee noticed smoke and flames in a boiler room that is part of Dyno Nobel’s facility in Biwabik, Minnesota. The on-site team followed…

‘Heart Berry’ Partners with Cloquet Community to Paint a Mural

  CLOQUET, Minn.– The city of Cloquet is about to get a lot more colorful. Because the community is banding together to help paint a mural. The mural itself was designed by artist and owner of ‘Heart Berry’ Sarah Agaton Howes It will be a permanent piece in the Pinehurst Park, and it’ll feature Ojibwe motifs. They wasted no time…

‘Gunner’ Picked for New Hibbing K9

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing Police Department announced the name of their newest K9 officer. Meet Gunner, a 1.5 year-old male German Shepard. Gunner will soon be training with Officer Sydney Haugan in various law enforcement duties. The duo will be attending a three-month certification training next week through McDonough K9 before being deployed. The name, Gunner, was picked after…

28th Annual Cloquet Home and Sports Show

  CLOQUET, Minn.– The popular Cloquet Sports and Home Show kicked off this afternoon. For nearly three decades, Cloquet has hosted its annual sports show. 125 booths showcasing all things Cloquet are setting up shop at the Black Bear Casino. The show will highlight everything from saunas, jet skis, as well as small local crafters and vendors. In addition, they…

Hangout and Play at Level Up!

SUPERIOR, Wis — If you’re looking to make friends or find a new hobby try Level Up games in Superior. With a massive variety of games, there is something here for everyone. They have card games like Magic the gathering and PokĆ©mon; role-playing games such as D&D, Pathfinder and so much more. Upstairs you can find board games and tons…

Community Members Learn about Pruning Apple Trees

  DULUTH, Minn.– With the weather turning warmer, it was perfect timing for people to learn everything about pruning apple trees. Around 20 community members got their hands dirty while learning how to prune apple trees. The group got to help out one of the public orchards in Morgan Park that’s sponsored by ‘Edible Duluth’, The pruning class was put…

Inaugural Inclusivity Summit at College of Saint Scholastica

  DULUTH, Minn.– Enhancing inclusivity in both the workplace and the community was highlighted today in a gathering at Saint Scholastica. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Saint Scholastica and Lake Superior College for the Inaugural Inclusion Summit. The Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $190,000 grant to the Chamber of Commerce last summer. In a…

Hermantown School Board Approves of $750K in Budget Cuts for Next School Year

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown Community Schools is slashing next year’s budget by $750,000, and 6 position are being eliminated. On Monday night’s school board meeting, the school board unanimously approved of budget which looks to cut $730,000 for the 2025-26 school year. Cuts include: Two retirements ($60K) Eliminate summer days for media specialists ($3K) High School Social Studies attrition ($131K)…

Construct Tomorrow Teaches Students About Careers in Construction

  DULUTH, Minn — High Schoolers got a chance to try their hands at construction today! The DECC hosted “Construct Tomorrow”. An event aimed at getting people into construction apprenticeships. During the day local Highschoolers were there to learn and try things out. They got to meet employers, try out different tools and equipment, and talk to experts. “A lot…

‘Superior Ramen’ Coming Soon to Superior

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior is cooking up a new ramen restaurant on East 2nd street next to Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts. ‘Superior Ramen’ will highlight ramen, but will also feature favorites such as curry, boba tea, and even cocktails. It will be the first ramen centered restaurant in the city of Superior. Right now, they’re working on bringing it…

Blatnik Bridge Replacement Construction Set For 2027

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– Transportation officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin say the nearly $2 billion-dollar Blatnik Bridge replacement project remains on track, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin D.O.T held a public informational meeting on the project today in Superior. State and federal funding remains secured, with roughly $1 billion from the federal…

Isle Police Department Requesting Help to Find Missing Teen

ISLE, Minn. — The Isle Police Department is asking for public assistance in locating a missing teenager. The missing teen is known as Brody Schwarzbauer, age 16. He was last seen on March 3, 2025, around 7:30 p.m. leaving his parent’s residence. Schwarzbauer was last seen wearing a Grey sweatshirt with “Mille Lacs Lake” printed on it, blue jeans, and…

Sandstone Essentia Contracts Ratified for 3-Years

SANDSTONE, Minn. — Essentia Health and Sandstone Nurses have finished ratifying their new three-year contract. The new contract covers all 28 nurses and includes a cross-facility care model. This model ensures Sandstone nurses have the opportunity to pick-up shifts at other Essentia facilities to help meet patients needs. Nurses from other facilities are also able to fill-in shift needs at…

Crow & Co. and Bent Paddle Team Up For “Queer and Weird” Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth is home to many small businesses, and when they team up, it’s always something special. ‘Crow and Company To Go’ is teaming up with Bent Paddle to host a bi-weekly “queer and weird” bookstore. They hope that their selection of books will be able to share and uplift the stories of marginalized groups while supporting local…

‘Tequila Town’ Owner Changes Sign After Controversy In Esko

ESKO, Minn. — A Mexican restaurant in Esko has made some changes to its sign after the town board raised issue with alcoholic words in the sign being too close to Esko Schools. The original sign recently installed read: “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar.ā€ But over the weekend, Owner Rafael Mata posted a photo of the sign edited…

Green Mill Offers Walleye Menu for Lent

DULUTH, Minn. — Last week was the first Friday of lent, and while many adjust their diets for the next six Fridays, local restaurants are hopingĀ toĀ reelĀ in customers with meat alternatives. Green Mill in Canal Park will be featuring fresh walleye dishes for a limited time through Easter. Kitchen staff have been preparing for the last few weeks to make sure…

LP Building Solutions Celebrates 40 Years in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — One of LP Building Solutions’ longest-running mills just celebrated their 40-year anniversary. The LP Mill in Two Harbors has been the company’s birthplace for their SmartSide Trim & Siding product line. Since the product line’s start, seven other siding and trim mills have been established across the U.S. The mill also allows the public to tour…

St. Louis River Summit Celebrates Major Cleanup Milestone

SUPERIOR, Wis. —Ā A three-day summit looks to celebrate and educate the progress and history of the St. Louis River. The St. Louis River has been a major area of concern after parts of the tributary were contaminated by a former US Steel Superfund site. At this year’s summit, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency was proud to announce some success. Last…

Super One Round Up Donations Raises $46,000 for Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn.–Customers who shopped at 38 Super One Foods locations helped raise $46,387 for the Northern Lights Foundation. From January 31st through February 17th, Super One customers had the option to round up their total for the Northern Lights Foundation The “NLF” is a nonprofit based in Duluth, and their mission is to help out families with children facing life…

Lake Superior Zoo, Wildcat Sanctuary Aid in Roseville SeaQuest Rescue

DULUTH, Minn.– Hundreds of animals are in desperate need of a new home after their zoo in Roseville Minnesota shut down. Duluth’s Lake Superior Zoo is one of three Minnesota zoos stepping up to help. ‘SeaQuest’ is an aquarium and petting zoo that closed its doors in February. It’s a chain across the country that is shutting down after the…

“Tequila Town” Restaurant Name Sparks Controversy within Esko Community

ESKO, Minn.– AĀ new Mexican restaurant in Esko is being forced to change the name of its business because the town board says it violates liquor license laws. “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar” opened last month across the street from Esko Schools. The owner told FOX 21 the name of the business was inspired by his hometown “Tequila, Mexico.”…

CHUM kicks off March Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum is kicking off their annual March Drive. They are hoping to get as much food, money, and other donations as possible this month to support their food shelf. The goal is to raise $80,000 and 40,000 pounds of food. Every donation will go towards meeting the growing need for food assistance in the community. “I think…

Minnesota Power Outlines Future Plans for Renewable Energy

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Power is striving to achieve 90% renewable energy by 2035. And to make this happen, they’re unveiling the next chapter of their “EnergyForward” plan. Minnesota Power is currently outlining its 2025 “Integrated Resource Plan” or “IRP” The plan looks 15 years into the future, and it focuses on providing reliable energy while reducing carbon emissions. If approved,…

Lake County Historical Society Faces $100,000 in Repairs After Winter Damages

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The Lake County Historical Society was gearing for an 100th year anniversary, but recent events has shifted their focus to emergency repairs. Busted frozen pipes, flooding, and two failed boilers has costed over $100,000 in damages. This happened between two different sites, the 3M Museum and the historic Two Harbor’s Lighthouse. At the end of December…

Childcare Advocates Participating in “A Day Without Childcare” Rally

DULUTH, Minn.– The importance of prioritizing childcare centers and providers is being highlighted across the country today including in Duluth. Childcare providers, teachers and parents gathered at ‘Young Minds Learning Center’ to highlight the importance of properly funded childcare. A press conference, march, a rally, and multiple center closures happened in Duluth to drive the point home. The advocates are…

Hibbing Police Department Asks Public to Help Name New K9

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing Police Department is training a new K9. K9 handler Officer Sydney Haugan will be attending a three-month certification training with a one-year-old German Sheppard. Together the new K9 team will be training in criminal apprehension and firearms/ammunition detection. The police department will be having a naming contest for their new K9. They’re asking for any…

Regional Psychology Clinic Networks to Enhance Mental Health Access in Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.– Regional psychologists spent the day networking and collaborating to broaden their resources. The event was held in response to what mental health professionals are calling a “pressing need for improved mental health services” Twin cities based Mental Health Systems partnered with H.P. Psychological Associates from Hermantown to gain insight to services like telehealth. The “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” training…

Spring Career Fair at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin – Superior held its annual Spring Career Fair today. Attendees had the opportunity to explore careers, network with potential employers, and get professional headshots. They also welcome students from all of the local colleges as well as alumni and community members. Seventy-five employers were there including many regional health care providers and law…

Duluth Salvation Army Food Drive Beginning Soon

DULUTH, Minn.–Ā Starting March 1st, the Duluth Salvation Army donations will be proportionally matched by the Minnesota Food Share Program. They’re looking to collect the usual shelf stable items. The Duluth Salvation Army is the only location in the state that has a medical food shelf for special diets. During the drive, they’re hoping to get foods that are gluten free,…

‘One in Four’ Beer Supports Local Domestic Violence Shelters

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Coming up in March, Earth Rider Brewery will be unveiling a new brew that looks to support local domestic violence shelters in the Twin Ports. It’s being called the ‘One in Four’ beer. The new brew is a collaboration between Earther Rider Brewery, Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center, and CASDA. According to the National Domestic Violence…

New Condo Development Planned for Woodland Avenue

DULUTH, Minn.– A new condo development is in the works along Duluth’s Woodland neighborhood. The development will include two 30-unit buildings, and they will be located along Woodland Avenue adjacent to Hartley Nature Center. Developer Brian Forcier of Titanium Partners is behind the project, and he’s working alongside the City of Duluth to accomplish this. He told FOX 21 the…

Government Services Center Unveils Century Old Time Capsule

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Excitement was on today in the city of Virginia for the unveiling of a 100-year-old time capsule. City leaders, the public, andĀ even some school kids came out for the big reveal. The capsule was removed a few years back from the former century-old Northland Office Building. It was recovered when the building was demolished to make way for…

Duluth City Councilors Share Mixed Opinions Regarding Pledge of Allegiance

DULUTH, Minn.– The opinions of two Duluth city councilors are coming into light, and it involves whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be part of city council meetings. The topic began after a member of the public spoke at a recent council meeting. The gentleman who stayed seated during the Pledge of Allegiance said removing the pledge from the council…

Public Radio Icon Paul Damberg Passes

NORTHLAND — A Northland icon of public radio and supporter of local news Paul Damberg has passed away last on Friday, February 21. Damberg spent 34 years of his career working in public radio and nonprofit fundraising. He graduated from Macalester College back in the late 80’s with a degree in sociology, but it was his college job of public…

18th Annual Women’s Expo This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.– The Women’s Expo is returning to the DECC this weekend. And for the 18th year of this event, they’re bringing in some new exciting additions. The DECC will be filling up with over 150 vendors for the women’s expo happening this Saturday. The booths cover everything related to health, beauty, as well as shopping experiences. In addition, there…

Lake Superior Zoo Becomes a “ZANE” Partner

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is now getting a lot more accessible, since they’re the first facility in the state to partner up with the “Zane” Program. ‘ZANE’, or Zoos and Aquariums for Neurodiverse Ecosystem Program is a nonprofit that equips zoos with resources to better understand those needs. Earlier this week, it was announced the Lake Superior Zoo…