Community

Paramedics Talk with FOX 21 During Husky Explosion Incident

SUPERIOR, Wis. – First responders have established a command center in Superior. Duluth and Hermantown Police, along with the St. Louis County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices all on the scene to assist the Superior Fire and Police Departments. We spoke with one of the paramedics standing by today, “we do train for this sort of thing, so this is…

Minnesota GOP Leaders Look Ahead For State Convention

The 2018 Minnesota Republican State Convention is on June 1 and 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota republican leaders call the upcoming elections in Nov. among the most critical election in recent history. Nearly 4,000 republicans from across the state are expected to attend the 2018 Republican State Convention at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth on June 1 and 2. The 2016 Republican State Convention was also at the DECC. The…

Spirit of the Lake Community School Students Go Back In History

Students memorized their lines and worked on staging.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sixth graders from Spirit of the Lake Community School in Duluth went back in history with a performance of Julius Caesar. Students studied Roman history and this year’s lesson was based on Caesar. Students gravitated toward the Roman leader and worked on the play for about a month. “That really gives them a strong feeling for who that…

15th Annual LSC Robot Wars

Students worked on their robots for most of the semester.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students came ready to battle it out at the 15th annual Lake Superior College Integrated Manufacturing Robot Wars earlier today. Six teams from LSC and seven from Mesabi East and Cromwell High School competed. Students worked on their robots for most of the semester. Then it was time to take it to the cage where some robots…

UMD Muslim Student Association Shares Culture Through Islamic Awareness Week

The biggest goal of Islamic Awareness Week is to avoid any misjudgment

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students with the Muslim Student Association are sharing their culture with others for Islamic Awareness Week. The week is dedicated to having open conversations, so all students can understand what Muslims are about and what their beliefs consist of. The biggest goal is to avoid any misjudgment. On Thursday, April 26, it was Hijab Day. Students tried…

Duluth Public Library Focuses on Health and Wellness

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of your health is something important no matter your age, and this weekend the Duluth Public Library is dedicating a day to wellness. The Duluth Public Library is hosting its 2nd annual Wellness Day, dedicated to learning about and trying out healthy lifestyle practices throughout the afternoon. This event will take place at the  Duluth…

Local Musician Debuts First Novel

Limbo, An Odd Novel, by, Adam Herman

DULUTH, Minn. – A local musician is writing something new by venturing into the work of literature. Adam Herman has published Limbo, An Odd Novel. The book follows a man after death on his journey through the afterlife. The book is one sale at Electric Fetus, The Zenith Bookstore and at www.adammarkherman.com. Categories: Community, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News –…

Fitness Group Focuses Workouts on Moms-to-be

Active Adventures: Fit4Baby

DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland fitness group is focusing their health knowledge on local moms. Twin Ports Fit4Mom offers several different classes and for this week’s Active Adventures franchise owner Lisa Filzen showed us what to expect in a Fit4Baby class. This class focuses on prenatal women. All exercises are approved by doctors. All exercises are carefully selected to prepare…

UPDATE: Evacuation Lifted for Superior Residents

Superior Mayor Jim Paine has Lifted the Evacuation Notice for Residents as of 6:00 a.m. Friday

UPDATE (10:30 a.m.): Superior Fire Department officials gave the all clear at 8:15 a.m. at the site. Crews are on the scene doing mop up at this time – it is still quite hot down there, according to the Superior Fire Department. Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency also said the air quality in the area looks healthy. Check back for…

Superior Residents React after Explosion, Fires at Husky Energy

An Explosion and Two Fires Rocked Husky Energy Superior Refinery Thursday, Causing Residents to be Evacuated

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Reports of smoke being seen from Highway 61 along the North Shore to Cloquet came in throughout Thursday as residents in Superior evacuated their workplace and homes. “None of us expected this to happen,” said UWS student Jonathan Patras. A day unlike any other in the City of Superior. Students at UWS received important news alerts as…

Husky Energy Explosion Eyewitness Describes Scene

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is under mandatory evacuation after two explosions and fires at the Husky Energy Refinery Thursday. The Superior Fire Chief Scott Gordon has confirmed the fire is out, but the evacuation is still in place. The main evacuation center is the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). The evacuation zone is three miles around the…

New Website Offers Assistance for Those with Mental Health

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a concert featuring musician Charlie Parr is taking over the NorShor Theatre to take on mental health awareness with the message “all to listen and not to judge.” LetsTalkMN.com is a new website that provides information about mental health crisis services available in northeastern Minnesota. The website offers access to resources and phone numbers anyone…

Essentia Health Gives Patient Update On Husky Refinery Explosion

Essentia Health officials say they have planned and prepared for an event like with training and drills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five patients were taken to Essentia Health in Superior and five more to Essentia Health in Duluth. Of those five in Duluth, one person suffered a serious blast injury and the others had minor injuries. There were no fatalities. Hospital staff tell us they are happy to know that there weren’t as many injuries as initially thought, but it…

Making Spicy Barbacoa with Bucktales Cantina & Grill

Cooking Connection: Barbacoa

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As Spring weather enters the Northland several people will be out enjoying the temperatures and heading to Pattison State Park. Just a half a mile from the park is Bucktales Cantina & Grill. Owner Dee Morales showed FOX 21 how to make Barbacoa. His Shredded Beef Barbacoa is simmered in salsa roja, then topped with pico de…

Enger Park Golf Course Partially Opens After Late Season Start

The Enger Park Driving Range is open daily from 8 a.m - 8 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Enger Park Golf Course has officially begun its season after getting delayed by snow for the first time in four years. On this National Golf Day people were out at Enger hitting balls on the range. The full course isn’t open just yet though. And it’s usually up and running by the first week of April in time for the Masters, but the crew at Enger tells us they’re thankful volunteers…

Safety is Key at Dog Parks

Dogs Have a Lot of Energy in the Spring, Which Can Sometimes Lead to Dangerous Situations

DULUTH, Minn. – With the warm weather finally here, dogs and their people are heading to dog parks across the country and here in the Northland. But while dog parks can be important and fun places for pets, there are some risks. According to Consumer Affairs, dog park injuries affected 24,000 Nationwide insured dogs last year. Dogs are just like…

When It’s Green, Volunteers Clean City Parks

The Parks and Recreation Clean and Green initiative has several projects for cleaning the parks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department says there’s still a lot of work to do at the city parks even after some of the snow has melted. As the snow melts more debris and litter is uncovered. The Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for volunteers to step up and help clean up the community. “We…

Cooper Elementary Begins To Rebuild After Fire

The insurance company is working with the school to determine what exactly is salvageable.

SUPERIOR, Wis.  – A fire earlier this month has threatened the opening date for the newly constructed Cooper Elementary School in Superior. Now the district is trying to get back on track, starting with the cleaning process which started today. The District has contracted Paul Davis Restoration and they were already on school grounds today doing some of the initial…

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Calls for More Volunteers

Historic Railroad Rides Expected to Start in June

DULUTH, Minn. – History will be chugging down the tracks once again this summer as the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad enters its 38th season. The original LS&M built the first railroad into Duluth in the 1870s. Train rides are expected to begin June 23 and now they’re looking for volunteers. There will be a meeting discussing opportunities for new…

Animal Answers: Jimmy’s Road to Recovery

Three-Year-Old Dachshund Jimmy Recently Suffered from IVDD, Intervertebral Disc Disease

DULUTH, Minn. – It can happen in the blink of an eye, one small accident or medical condition leading to a potentially life changing diagnosis. Right now, there’s a dachshund in Duluth learning this all too quickly, and now his mom is looking to spread awareness by telling Jimmy’s story. “Hi pretty boy, Jimmy Page! He’s my little buddy,” said…

Housing Forum Addresses Needs in Minnesota

Governor's Housing Task Force Met with Northeastern Minnesota Housing Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say there is not enough housing for the growing workforce in Minnesota. Members of the Governor’s Housing Task Force met with Northeastern Minnesota housing leaders at the DECC in Duluth. They discussed ways to solve the problem like lowering rent costs, offering more down payment assistance, and providing help building single family homes. “The construction industry…

New Coffee Taphouse Opening In Superior

Empire Coffee's grand opening is scheduled for Monday, April 30.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Two business partners are combining their love for business and coffee by opening a new coffee shop in Superior. Empire Coffee is located in the growing district of North Tower at 1204 Tower Ave. There’s food and baked goods from Wednesday Bakery on the menu. The owners say the concept of Empire Coffee is a taphouse like…

Twin Ports Takes On the City Nature Challenge

You can document most species of birds, bugs, animals, plants or any wild living things.

DULUTH, Minn. – For a second year, the Twin Ports is participating in a friendly competition among cities about nature. The City Nature Challenge is for anyone interested in what lives and grows around them. You can get involved by simply taking a photo and submitting it to the iNaturalist app using your smartphone. Data collected helps scientists identify the…

Golfers Hit the Driving Range

After a long winter plenty of people were excited to finally hit some golf balls outdoors.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Spring’s late arrival in the Northland this year has a lot of golfers anxious to start playing. Now one area course has opened its driving range and there’s already a waiting list for tee times. Lots of golfers showed up at Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. It’s the first driving range around the area to open for…

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Celebrates 20 Years

Local Musician and Brewer Share Homegrown Memories

DULUTH, Minn. – Springtime brings a music festival to Duluth that no one wants to miss. Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is starting up on Sunday, April 29 celebrating 20 years. Many Duluthians have been part of every festival. Dave Hoops, the owner of Hoops Brewing, has been brewing for Homegrown since the second year. While he was working as the…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Practicals, Collectables & Antiques

Practicals, Collectables & Antiques is located at 5437 Scenic North Shore Drive in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Halfway between Duluth and Two Harbors is a hidden gem located on the iconic North Shore. The shop owner says he initially wanted to open a a junk shop or thrift store. He didn’t think it would grow and become what it is today. You never know what you’ll find at Practicals, Collectables & Antiques. “Books are…

Trains Begin Chugging Along North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn. – As more birds are chirping outside, there’s also another sound that’s a sure sign of Spring, the whistle of a train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The trains are starting two weeks earlier than usual this year, running at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. As the full season gets underway starting Memorial Day weekend,…

Residents Prepare For Potential Flooding From Melted Snow

The flooding possibilities for this spring depend a lot on where you live and whether we get a lot of rain over the coming weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth is no stranger to flooding. The massive flood in 2012 is a prime example. And with a lot of snow now melting around the area some residents are worried about potential flooding problems this spring. These recent warm spring temperatures are helping melt the snow, but this big melt could cause water to enter some area homes….

Last Week’s Lakewalk Damage Expected to Cost $600-700K to Repair

That's in Addition to the Millions of Dollars in Damage Sustained in October

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Lakewalk was heavily damaged by the massive waves during last week’s storm. The Lakewalk had yet to be repaired after an October storm caused millions of dollars in damage. Some sections of the Duluth Lakewalk, like one near the Fitger’s complex and the Portland Malt Shop, have been closed off for public safety, but city…

Seniors Take A Strike Against Strokes at UMD

The two most common types of strokes are Ischemic and (clots) Hemorrhagic (bleeds).

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health show strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the state. A group of seniors came to UMD to strike back against strokes. Health experts led a discussion focused on ways to prevent a stroke and just how common they are. Guests were even able to see a real…

Native American Health, Resiliency, Highlighted in New Exhibition

"Zoongide'ewin" Opens Thursday at Karpeles Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – This week an exhibition is debuting at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum focused on Native American resiliency, health and perspectives in the Great Lakes region. A reception featuring the work is being held on Thursday, April 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. “Zoongide’ewin: An exhibition on Native American Health & Resilience in the Great Lakes Region,” is…

Fireplace Corner Heats up Grills for Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Now that the warm weather is here, it’s safe to say it is officially Springtime. As many Northlanders agree, there’s no better way to welcome the warm weather than with a good old-fashioned barbeque. The Fireplace Corner in Duluth spent Friday afternoon outside grilling and showcasing their new products, reminding us all of the importance of grilling…

Junior League of Duluth Introduces Inaugural Spring Fundraiser

Coffee Conversation: Festival of Spring

DULUTH, Minn. -A new tradition is starting this Spring with the Junior League of Duluth. The inaugural “Festival of Spring” event will celebrate the season. More than 40 local artisans, gift and outdoor-themed vendors will be selling goods, along with six topics for learning sessions on gardening. Additionally, there will be a Q&A table to ask questions of Duluth Master…

Volunteers Cleanup the City On Earth Day

Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – On this Earth Day dozens of earth friendly Duluthians took in the spring day to pick up trash along some of the city’s most treasured pieces of land. Earth Day is of course recognized every year to raise awareness about protecting the environment. Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020. Here in Duluth volunteers of all ages were out showing their commitment to…

UMD Students Go Green at Glensheen For Earth Day

Students also heard from speakers, did a sweep of the grounds at Glensheen and had a bonfire.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from UMD hosted the first ever Go Green at Glensheen in honor of Earth Day. Students worked on this as part of an event marketing class. Go Green at Glensheen focuses on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. 22 million pounds of plastic are found in the Great Lakes each year. “We’re hoping that people can…

AICHO Preps New Rooftop Garden

A solar rooftop garden unveiling is scheduled for June 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – The rooftop of the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) will soon be filled with a new garden. AICHO staff and Leadership Duluth team members were working earlier today to construct about 25 garden beds. Once complete there will be programs on gardening and seed saving so AICHO tenants can learn where their foods come from. This…

Duluth Delegation to Attend Unveiling of Museum of Peace and Justice

Duluthians Are Raising Money for Their Trip to the Alabama Museum Dedicated to the Legacy of Enslaved African Americans

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, a delegation from Duluth will attend the unveiling of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alamama. It will become the first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved African Americans. Recently, a walking tour of the Duluth lynchings was given to raise money for the Duluth delegation’s trip. Many people have seen…

Gooseberry Falls State Park Busy This Warm Weekend

Waterfall Was Roaring and Tourists Were Taking Pictures and Hiking

CASTLE DANGER, Minn. – With all the warm weather this weekend, people were getting out to state parks enjoying the first weekend that actually felt like spring. The water is really flowing over the waterfall as the spring thaw has finally ramped up at Gooseberry Falls State Park up the north shore. With all that comes a lot of tourists…

Wheels Up For 12th Annual Bike Swap

In 2017 $12,000 was raised from the bike swap

DULUTH, Minn.- Every year people line up around the block looking to score a deal on a new bike and this year was no different at the 12th Annual Continental Ski & Bike Shop Bike Swap in Duluth. Some people were also there to donate or  sell their bikes. There was something for everyone like tricycles, BMX bikes and things you…

Volunteers Do Spring Cleaning At Bayfront Festival Park

Different volunteer groups showed up for the cleanup

DULUTH, Minn. – These warmer temperatures were just right to do some spring cleaning at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Volunteers stepped up and spent their time picking up trash and others items left behind. One volunteer says he was surprised with how clean the park was and how people take pride in keeping it that way. “When we have…

Going For A Run At the Fitger’s 5K!

The race started in downtown Duluth, went through Canal Park and ended near Fitger's

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people woke up bright and early and were ready to go for a run. The 29th Annual Fitger’s 5K took place this morning and had more than 2,100 participants. The race started in downtown Duluth, went through Canal Park and ended near Fitger’s. Proceeds from the 5K benefit the Young Athletes Foundation, a program that promotes…

UWS Recognizes Students In TRIO Programs

Students from Upward Bound, Student Support Services and McNair Scholars Program were celebrated for TRIO day.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – For students who are the first in their family to attend college or have disabilities TRIO programs assist them with their education. UWS celebrated those students who participate in TRIO programs. UWS future graduates and superior high school students were at the celebration. “I have students that come back to me and tell me I wouldn’t be…

U of M President Visits UMD Campus

President Kaler tries to get to all campuses at least once a year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler checked in on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. Kaler who is also an engineer visited an engineering lab to test the strength of some of the concrete. Kaler says he was excited for the opportunity to have some fun and break some concrete. “We’re deeply embedded in this community and we think UMD is an…

UMD’s Food Court Transforms Into Nearly Waste Free Dining

In 2016, UMD's sustainability efforts included students producing 40,000 pounds of food locally.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earth Day is on April 22 and already the food court at University of Minnesota Duluth’s Kirby Student Center has transformed into becoming nearly waste free. There are now compostable lids, straws and cups available while dining. Students are now helping educate others so they can compost. It’s called “trash talk.” “Students are really receptive to learning more about what goes…

Zoo Hosts “Party for the Planet” Ahead of Earth Day

Event Supports Snow Leopard Trust

DULUTH, Minn. – Tonight it’s going to be a big party at the Lake Superior Zoo and everyone is invited! The Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day and gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after hours. It’s taking place Friday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest can check out the animals and meet endangered species…

Working Out with XMT-3 Training Studio

Active Adventures: Why Weight and Resistance Training is Vital for Runners

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm, more and more people are heading outside to enjoy the nice days. Many are doing their first runs outside, while some are training for Grandma’s Marathon. One local personal trainer believes private training can be a game-changer for those looking to get in shape. Eric Franklin, the owner of XMT-3 Training…

Northlanders Work Toward Increasing Minnesota’s Recycling Rate

In recent years the Minnesota recycling average has hovered around 50 percent.

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States has an average recycling rate of almost 35 percent. In recent years, the Minnesota average has hovered around 50 percent. With Earth Day happening April 22, experts are reminding folks it’s not too late to do a little more recycling for the benefit of the environment. This is what a typical day looks like at…

CSS Students Working To Pass Resolution On Plastic Bags and Straws

The organization, Bag it Duluth is hoping schools like University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Wisconsin–Superior and Lake Superior College will follow suit with this initiative.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from the College of St. Scholastica (CSS) are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to the use of plastic on its campus. Students are working with school administration to pass a resolution called “Building a Sustainable CSS.” It includes a fee of $0.10 for plastic bags that students would be responsible for paying…

Chef Creates Award-Winning Stuffed French Toast

Cooking Connection: Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local restaurant is touting a new title after a successful run at an international competition. Farley’s Family Restaurant got Second Place at the World Food Championships with their Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuff French Toast with Bananas Foster and Candied Bacon recipe. Kelly Trumpold, the Owner and Executive Chef of Farley’s Family Restaurant, showed FOX 21’s…

UW-Superior Students to Perform Comedy Musical

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re looking for a laugh in the coming weeks, you may want to check out UW-Superior’s performance of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical will be performed April 27-28 and May 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Manion Theatre on the UWS  campus. Written…