Community

Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program Earns School of the Year Award

A principal of an alternative school in Hinckley nominated the Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program.

CLOQUET, Minn – The Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program just received a top honor. It was recognized as the 2018 Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs school of the year. There are more than 400 alternative schools across the state. Program Principal Connie Hyde says this award sheds a positive light on how people see students at alternative schools. For the…

Board & Brush Opens in Duluth

Owners say you don't need to be an artist to create the fun pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.- One new business in town is asking you to gather your friends and grab a paint brush. The Board and Brush Duluth was packed for the grand opening night on Thursday. The studio has over 200 designs from holiday decorations to family. The owner says you don’t even need to be artistic. “It;s really fun, it’s something you can…

Northland Hospitals in Minnesota Medical Errors Report

There were  341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota says medical errors reported by Minnesota hospitals and surgical centers have been rising slightly the past four years and the number of resulting deaths rose in 2017 to 12 compared to four in 2016. There were  341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries and Duluth’s St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospitals are…

Cloquet Public School District Names New Superintendent

Ken Scarbrough is the current superintendent of the Cloquet Public School District.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public School District has named it’s new superintendent. He may be a familiar face to some. Michael Cary, the current director of curriculum and instruction with Duluth Public Schools will begin his new role in July. The School Board worked with a consultant and narrowed it down to three candidates before selecting Cary. The selection…

Local Farmers and Producers Celebrate CSA Programs Friday

National CSA Day Connects Farmers and Community

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Community-supported agriculture is something many Northlanders take part in. Friday, February 23 is National CSA Day. This morning, Lake Superior CSA Manager Evan Flom and farmer Chris Duke visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of CSAs and this national day. This day gives farmers and food producers an opportunity to connect the local community with…

Searing Scallops with New Duluth Restaurant

Cooking Connection: Sound

DULUTH, Minn. – A new restaurant in Duluth is bringing a classy, seafood option to the table for its customers. Sound opened about a month ago in the old city hall building at 132 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Executive Chef Patrick Moore made scallops. For more information call (218) 464-1972 or head to soundduluth.com….

UMD Summit Takes Aim At Inclusion On Campus

The Commission on Race, Equity and Ethnicity sponsored the event.

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is doing what it can to create a more inclusive community. And that was this year’s theme for its 2018 summit on, Equity, Race and Ethnicity. This summit is about helping people be a part of an environment where everyone feels like they belong. That’s the Patrick Henry High School choir providing the…

The Great Cabbage Giveaway

The Food Farm has been serving the Duluth Community since 1975.

DULUTH, Minn.- One organization is helping Northlanders put locally sourced food on the table during the winter time. The Food Farm gaveaway free cabbage at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.  The Great Cabbage Giveaway gives people an opportunity to connect with the farmers who grow their food. “So often you connect with your farmer through the food you eat, which is great,” Food…

Police Officers Bond With Community Over Hockey

The Superior Police Department invited the community to team up and play some floor hockey.

DULUTH, Minn.- Officers with the Superior Police Department bonded with community members over some friendly competition. The Superior Police Officers invited people to gear up for some floor hockey.  Police officers took a night off from patrolling the streets and patrolled the hockey puck.  Kids and officers lined up next to the full court, waiting for a chance to hop back…

Duluth Police Department K-9s Receive Body Armor

Each vest is fitted for the individual dog.

DULUTH, Minn – Two Duluth Police Department K–9s have been wearing body armor for a while now. Two more of its K–9s received new body armor too. Riggs and Haas are now getting use to their bullet and stab protective vests. Riggs is a German Shepherd and will be working with the tactical response team. His handler Officer Dean Bauers…

Pet Program Helping UMD Students With Stress

Animal Allies, UMD Employee Health and Wellness Program, KUMD and other organizations sponsor the Pet Away Worry and Stress Program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miniature horses, dogs and cats all made a visit to University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) for a Pet Away Worry and Stress Program. The event happens once a month on campus. It’s said to help students relieve some stress from all of their studying. Students say wellness and health isn’t just a physical thing, it’s mental as well. “Mental health is…

Stuffed Animals Sleep Over at Duluth Public Library

A Slideshow of the Toys' Adventures Was Shown to Their Owners

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library had a sleepover on Tuesday night for stuffed animals. Kids brought in their favorite toys and the stuffed animals spent the whole night in the library reading stories, riding the book drop slide, and playing games. Kids picked up their stuffed animals today and watched a slide show of all the fun they…

Could Your Dog Get the Flu?

Dr. Justin Dahl with Happy Tails Animal Hospital Explains How You Can Prevent Your Pet from Canine Influenza

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Every year it’s estimated nearly 80 percent of dogs are exposed to canine influenza will develop the disease. However, local veterinarians say it can be less deadly than the human flu, with a mortality rate of less than ten percent. After all, it seems like every day we hear of more people being diagnosed with the flu….

10-Year-Old Duluth Boy Celebrates Life, Stars in Movie

The working title of the film: "The Dexter Project"

DULUTH, Minn. – Attention horror movie fans:  Soon you’ll have a chance to see a local film project starring a young boy whose dying wish is to be in a scary movie. Ten-year-old Dexter Ojeda has a rare form of cancer for which there is no cure.  He’s not been given much time to live, but he’s celebrating his life…

Marshall Students Volunteer After Snow Leaves Many Stuck at Home

Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are Marshall students lending a helping hand after snow storm

DULUTH, Minn. – Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are 8th-grade students at Duluth’s Marshall School, and they have a passion for helping others. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping people out and giving them more chances to get out of their houses,” Orn said. The girls are working on a school project – one that puts them right in…

Historic Homes In Duluth May Be Like New Again With New Housing Program

The Council will wait and see how this program turns out before moving forward.

DULUTH, Minn. – Renovating old homes in Duluth is getting easier thanks to a new pilot program. The Duluth City Council has approved launching the program by waiving building permit fees for qualifying properties. Most of the eligible properties for the program are in Duluth’s Hillside, Endion and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. If homeowners meet certain criteria they can earn 50…

Electric Vehicles Hit the Floor at Energy Design Conference & Expo

Some electric vehicles can be fully charged in about 30 minutes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Day two of the Energy Design Conference & Expo in Duluth went into high gear with electric vehicles on display at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Inside of the electrification of transportation room were four fully electric and three plug in hybrid vehicles. From a Tesla to a Chevy Volt, these electric powered vehicles may be just what you need if…

Lake Superior Zoo Offering Discount for Sledders

This Week the Zoo Will Give $1 Off Coupons for Bringing a Sled to Use on Their Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids off from school this week for winter break can spend their time sledding at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth. This week only the zoo is offering one dollar off admission to anyone bringing a sled. Officials there want to offer families a reason to visit the animals in winter. “In the winter it’s really special…

Minnesota Power Customers See Increase On Electricity Bill

Renewable Energy Projects in Works for Minnesota Power

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a customer of Minnesota Power your electricity bill might be going up a bit. The Citizens Utility Board held a public hearing in Duluth to share the reasons behind the increase. Right now customers are seeing a five percent interim rate increase. Minnesota Power told us that increase will sit at about three and a half percent by the…

Organists Perform Free Recitals in Duluth Through March

Annual Lenten Midday Organ Recital Series

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a series of organ recitals is beginning in Duluth. The performances will last through Lent. The Lenten Midday Organ Recital Series, sponsored by the Arrowhead Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, offers free half hours recitals Wednesdays, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. at various locations in Duluth. A free-will offering will be received at each…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Officials Seek New Conductors

Conductor Classes are Open at All

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the history and legacy of the North Shore Scenic Railroad now is your chance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is always looking for more volunteers, and now they’re looking for new conductors. Railroad officials are holding a series of classes for those interested in the task. They are starting up…

28th Annual Energy Design Conference & Expo Is Back at the DECC

There will also be mini-sessions at the conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a place to learn about the latest and greatest in energy efficient building. The Energy Design Conference & Expo started today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth. The three day conference put on by Minnesota Power also covers sustainable designs, renewable energy and best practices. “Building smart is the right way to go….

Community gym gives children and families a place to play

The Duluth Heights Community Center offers a wide open space for kids of all ages to play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heights Community Center is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, for children and their families to come have a free and safe place to play, with toys and a big open space. Its open to children of all ages, which volunteers say is a good way to develop social skills. “It’s fun…

North Branch Mayor Joins Race For 8th Congressional District

Kennedy is a single mother of five and has a masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The list of candidates vying for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 8th Congressional District seat is getting longer. North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy is among those seeking the DFL nomination. After speaking to her family, Kennedy says this is the right time to run. When asked how can she represent people that live so far away from her North…

Lawmakers Gear Up For the Upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session

The legislative session lasts for three months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 20. is the first day of the Minnesota’s 2018 Legislative Session in St. Paul and area lawmakers are ready to address everything from housing, healthcare to gun control. A lot is at stake for Minnesota’s 90th Legislative Session. Gov. Mark Dayton’s $1.5 billion proposal is among topics to be discussed. Proposed bonding projects in the Northland include…

Families Enjoy Big Snowfall Outside

Schools Were Out, So Kids Hit the Slopes at Mont Du Lac Resort

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of snow has fallen in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and some decided to get out and enjoy it. All this fresh snow makes for some great times out at ski and tubing hills across the Northland. “Oh yeah, every day. I love to shred this every day, man,” said snowboarder Ethan Snyder With schools out…

Dog Sled Classic “Iron Will” Returns to the Northland

Two main train characters in the movie, Car Northland and Steam Engine were on display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Depot in Duluth hosted a special movie viewing event on this President’s Day. It was the 1994 winter dog sled classic movie “Iron Will” being shown. “Iron Will” is based on a true story and was filmed right here in the Northland. Junior musher Julia Cross recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The…

Yeti Tour Promoting Awareness for Healthy Babies

The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland woman is making it her personal mission to promote healthy babies. Kelly Alvar began the Yeti Tour to honor her sons that passed away. The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality. The top prize for this year’s raffle was an Arctic…

Minnesota Man Dies in Snowmobile Crash

Crash Occurred in Washburn, WI

WASHBURN, Wis. – A man is dead following a snowmobile crash over the weekend. The crash happened Saturday, February 17 just before 2:00 a.m. The Bayfield County 911 Communication Center got the call regarding the crash at 1:58 a.m. The crash happened on Pajala Road near Forest Road 690 in the Town of Washburn. It was reported that one snowmobile…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

Finnish Culture to be Highlighted at Annual Event this Weekend

2018 Kalevala Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Finnish culture is being celebrated through an annual event. The 2018 Kalevala Day Celebration is taking place on Sunday, February 25. The fun starts up at 1:00 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church located at 2720 Myers Ave. in Duluth. There will be a bake sale, live music and a program by Jim Pellman. Categories:…

The 2018 Polar Plunge Makes A Big Splash For Special Olympics Minnesota

The FOX 21 News Team also took the Polar Plunge and raised more than $4,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day that many people have been waiting for finally happened, the 2018 Polar Plunge in Duluth. The 2018 polar plunge made a big splash in Duluth. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Minnesota. Tt brought out veteran plungers and rookies too. “I think it’s great, because I’m from Wisconsin and we don’t make a…

Recalling the Cheers from Old Central High

Duluthian Barbara Burud was Once a Cheerleader at Old Central High School in Duluth; to this Day, She Continues to Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting events happen every day with players and fans gathering to see who will win the game, but we often forget about the choreographed athletes on the sidelines. One local woman has never stopped recalling the cheers from her time at old Central High School in Duluth. “That’s the old chimes from Central,” said former cheerleader Barbara…

Michelle Lee Kicks Officially Announces Campaign for 8th Congressional District

Congressman Rick Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news anchor Michelle Lee officially made her campaign announcement for the 8th Congressional District. Lee and some of her supporters were at Fon du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet. She says her 30 years of covering the news will help her focus on the issues like gun control, mining and education. “I will go to…

Local Veteran Hopes For A New Way to Experience the Outdoors

The Action Trackchair gives people with limited mobility the freedom to do things on their own.

DULUTH, Minn. – The man you’re about to meet is a veteran that served his country and suffered a serious injury. But he hasn’t given up and is trying to get a piece of his old life back. Jim Vandenheuvel is at the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic with one thing on his mind. The Army National Guard veteran suffered…

Final Ski and Snowboard Races of the Season Held at Chester Bowl

Races Also Marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of a Sponsorship from the Duluth Kiwanis Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday was the final ski and snowboard race of the year at Chester Bowl in Duluth. Kids of all ages flew down the hill, testing their skills, and pushing themselves to the limit. Today also marked the fiftieth anniversary of the races being sponsored by Duluth’s Kiwanis Club. “I grew up skiing here, my kids grew up…

Duluth’s ‘Spin Collective’ Heating Up for Summer Shows

Group Puts on Awe-Inspiring Performances with Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a chilly winter, but there’s a group in Duluth that’s warming some events up with awe-inspiring feats performing with fire. You can see them at many different events around town. Now the Spin Collective is ramping up the heat, getting ready for a Homegrown Music Festival performance. The Spin Collective has been entertaining Duluth for the…

Duluth Police Department Accepting Applications for Citizen Police Academy

25 People Will Be Accepted to 2018 Class, Participants Learn What Police Do on a Daily Basis

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is accepting applications for their 2018 Citizen Police Academy. The free academy is open to anyone but precedence in the twenty-five person class will be given to people who live or work in Duluth. Attendees will learn what the Police Department does on a daily basis with classes in use of force, narcotics…

Volunteers Give Damiano Center A Facelift

Home Depot donated painting supplies and Zenith Bookstore will donate books.

DULUTH, Minn. – A fresh coat of paint can go a long way and the kids kitchen at the Damiano Center in Duluth is getting a new look because of it. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began phase one of a three part project. The renovations are part of the Leadership Duluth Program giving back to the community. The…

Study Reveals Disparities For Minority and Women Owned Businesses in the State

The study did find some disparities for women and minority owned businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota and eight local government agencies are examining how they can level the playing field for minority and women owned businesses. The purpose of the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study is to take a closer look at whether minority and women owned firms face discrimination and ways to address it. Results of the study were…

Preparing for the Polar Plunge

Volunteers are busy setting up in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.-Friday volunteers were busy working in Canal Park setting up for the long awaited Polar Plunge. Although we’ve been talking a lot about the weather and chilly temperatures, the most important topic are the kids benefiting from the fundraiser. “You’re giving people opportunities that they might not otherwise have,” Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm said. “It’s a great time.” Even…

UMD Hosts Pruning Workshop to Save the Trees

Pruning removes dead or dying branches and is considered preventative maintenance for trees.

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of trees is not easy even for professionals. That’s why the Third Annual North East Minnesota pruning workshop was held at University of Minnesota Duluth. The workshop brings training experience and knowledge to the Northland about working with different sized trees. Pruning removes dead or dying branches and is considered preventative maintenance for trees. “The sooner we can start…

Essentia Health Needs Hospice Volunteers

Essentia Health will have hospice training in March.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Caregivers Day and for some being a caregiver is a calling. If you are one of those people Essentia Health in Duluth is asking for your help. The medical center needs more hospice volunteers. Essentia Health is looking for compassionate people willing to dedicate some of their time helping someone else with different needs like…

Joseph Nease Gallery features “Sweep” Exhibition

Display Shows Work of Contemporary Artists

DULUTH, Minn. – A new exhibition of artwork at a local gallery is showing a range of contemporary painters. Joseph Nease Gallery is currently featuring “Sweep”. “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters, presenting new or recent artwork by all of the painters currently represented by the Gallery, as well as an equal number…

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visits Duluth Boat Show

Foundation Focuses on Conservation

DULUTH, Minn. – An exhibit new to the Duluth area is now on display at the 52nd Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s traveling conservation exhibit showcases some of the largest bull elk from across North America. The RMEF’S Great Elk Tour celebrates elk, conservation, and hunting heritage. The event is taking place…

Superior Wants Kestrel Aircraft to Pay Up

These loans date back to 2012.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kestrel Aircraft was supposed to bring a big economic boom to the city of Superior promising hundreds of new jobs. So far Kestrel has not built its planned manufacturing plant in the community. Now the Superior City Council is asking the company to pay up. City Council President Dan Olson says Kestrel defaulted on a $2.4 million…

Experts Share How to Speak to Children In the Wake of Tragedy

Seventeen people were killed in the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

DULUTH, Minn. – The safety and well being of all students is something area school districts take seriously. Even though the mass shooting in Florida happened far away, students in the Northland can still have a hard time coping. With their sense of security when events like this occur. As difficult as this topic may be experts say it’s an important conversation to…

CHUM Community Hosts Legislative Send-off

The next legislative session starts Feb. 19.

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth opened its doors for a legislative sendoff. The meeting was with elected state representatives to inform them of issues CHUM says matter the most to them. “Often the needs of people who are homeless are not heard. So we can really work for affordable housing and make sure that there’s bonding…

UMD Closes Ice Rink After Mold Is Found

About 90 percent of UMD students take part in recreation and outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink in the Sports and Health Center on the University Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus is closed after mold was found in the ceiling tiles last week. The closed area covers about 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. “The type of mold that we found is the most common organism in the outdoor environment during the spring…