Community

Best Friend Beagles in Search of Forever Home

Baby and Johnny are Currently at Animal Allies Humane Society, Searching for a Forever Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Beagles Baby and Johnny stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday morning with Animal Allies Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg. Sternberg spoke about the need to find more families looking to adopt bonded animals. The shelter often sees animals being surrendered together from previous homes, and always strive to find a new home for them where…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing Enjoyed on Bear Lake

Minnesotans Love the Excitement and Togetherness of the Winter Sport

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a cold day in the Northland, but that didn’t stop anglers from getting out on the frozen lakes to do some ice fishing. Ice shacks dot the frozen surface of Bear Lake in Barnum. “You get depressed if you’re at home. Here, even though you’re still sitting in the ice house, you’re out, you’re doing…

Duluth Curling Club Hosts Fundraiser for Junior National Teams

A spaghetti fundraiser was held to support the young athletes on their trips

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Curling Club hosted a spaghetti fundraiser to help a few of their young athletes with their trip to the Junior Nationals. Dozens of people made it out to support the team, as they get ready to compete in the U–18 and U–21 Junior Nationals Championships. “We just really appreciate it a lot, everybody coming out and…

Superior High School Renovations Making Progress

The $60 million project is being funded by a $92.5 million referendum that was passed last spring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Andy Wolfe has been teaching at Superior High School for 20 years. He’s always wanted bigger spaces for more student collaboration. With the ongoing expansion he’s getting that wish. “The sizes of the places, the hallways are big and open, which is so much better than what we currently have. the classrooms immediately felt bigger,” said Wolfe. When…

Experience the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Through Pictures

Each photographer brings between two to three of their pieces for the exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even if you don’t make it out to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon you can still enjoy some of the race scenery. Now through March 11 the Great Lakes Aquarium will showcase race images. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the dogs through pictures. The exhibit is in its…

Snowmobile Trail Conditions ‘Good’ in Douglas Co.

The Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club is Responsible for Grooming Nearly 130 Miles of Trails Every Winter

BRULE, Wisc. – Snowmobile riders from near and far often travel hundreds of miles to experience the best trail conditions. Right now, the Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club in Douglas County says their trails are some of the best in the area. The club is responsible for grooming nearly 130 miles of trails every winter, and also maintaining them in…

Two killed in shooting at high school

BENTON, Ky. (AP)  – Gov. Matt Bevin says two people have been killed and 19 injured in a shooting at a high school in southwest Kentucky. Of the 19 injured, Bevin says 14 of those were gunshot wounds. Bevin also said the suspect in the Tuesday morning shooting at Marshall County High School is a 15-year-old male student who will…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend athletes who have been training all year will finally have their time in the snow. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is Sunday, January 28. However, festivities are already underway. The Cutest Puppy Contest has already taken place and more fun is yet to come. On Friday, January 26, a new event, The Beergrease is…

Former Miners Create Book to Preserve Mining History

Northland Uncovered: Erie Mining Company

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A three-year-long project is highlighting the hard work and legacy of a taconite plant that helped build a town. Former employees from Erie Mining Company are working together on a new project. They’ve been researching a writing a book detailing the beginning and end of the taconite plant. “We’re dying off. If we don’t do it…

City of Duluth gets ready for Cold Front February

Cold Front February celebrates Duluth's dedication to the cold

DULUTH, Minn. –  The City of Duluth is getting ready for the first ever Cold Front February celebration. It’s a festival taking place in Canal Park that features all kinds of fun outdoor activities, including an ice trail along the Lakewalk, for people to skate. All to celebrate Duluth’s hearty resistance to the cold. “Duluth is this great winter destination…

Graphic Novel Author Speaks with Students About Diversity in Literature

Gene Luen Yang is an award winning graphic novelist

DULUTH, Minn. –  Award winning graphic novel author Gene Luen Yang is made a stop through Duluth on Monday to talk with students here about the need for more diversity in young people’s literature. He’s encouraging young people to read about characters outside of their own culture. “I think our world is becoming more diverse, and we’re becoming more connected….

American Indian Learning Resource Center awarded grant to publish book

The book is a biography of medicine man Paul Buffalo, and the Ojibwa history

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Learning Resource Center at UMD has received an $85,600 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. Members of the resource center are hoping to use those funds to publish a three volume book on Ojibwa history, and the biography of traditional Ojibwa medicine man, Paul Buffalo. “We’re hoping that by publishing this book people will be…

Hotel Pikku to Open in Lincoln Park Craft District

Three Suite Hotel Expected to Open This Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – A new hotel is coming this spring to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The Hotel Pikku is being created to give visitors to Duluth a place to stay that highlights what the hotel’s owners love about the city. Located on the 1900 block of West Superior Street right above Hemlocks Leatherworks, the little hotel will soon be…

Duluth City Council To Have First Read For Possible Tobacco Flavored Products Ban

If this ordinance does pass businesses would be given a 120 day notice to comply.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will have the first reading of an ordinance that could ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in convenience stores. Staff at the Piedmont Milk House in Duluth say they don’t want to sell flavored tobacco products to minors, but don’t agree with the city picking and choosing who can and can not sell those products. The store…

Wisconsin Arts Board Seeking Input for Strategic Plan

Arts Board Officials Met With Artists and Community Members in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin Arts Board is creating its strategic plan for the next three years. The plan will outline where the board will invest in the state’s arts and creative sector. Monday, Arts Board officials met with artists and community members in Superior. The board is asking them for input about where to direct their resources in Northern…

City Seeking Developers For Land In Gary New Duluth

The lots are located at the 1100 block of U.S. Highway 23 at McGonagle Street.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is planning to redevelop some tax forfeited land to increase housing around the city. The 13 lots are located in Gary New Duluth and equal almost one acre of undeveloped land. The city is looking for developers to get creative and see what they can come up with for these lots. The goal is to get the…

Superior Celebrates Winter with Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. -The City of Superior is celebrating the winter season. The Lake Superior Ice Festival is being held Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28. There will be The Great Lakes Pond Hockey Classic, ice sculptures, a snow slide, an ice bar, bonfires, a kid’s zone, ice racing, and more. The entire festival is taking place on Barker’s Island…

Historical Center Highlights Northland Connection to World War I

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A history center in the Twin Ports is taking on the subject of The Great War and how the area is connected to that war. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting “World War I in the Twin Ports” on Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. Local historian and Glensheen Mansion Director, Dan Hartman, will…

Blush Offers a New Space for Artists in Duluth

Bar and Event Venue Is All About Making People Feel Welcome

DULUTH, Minn. – Since last summer, there’s been another artist run venue in Downtown Duluth. Blush was founded by members of the Duluth music scene to create an inclusive space for artists on First Avenue West in Downtown Duluth. Since last August, Blush has offered performances and gallery showings by artists for artists. “It’s not really like heavily invested in…

Vikings Fans React to NFC Championship Game

Though Their Team Lost, Vikings Fans Will Always Remain Loyal

DULUTH, Minn. – “This was supposed to be the season but if it’s not, it’s not, but I still support my Vikings. Absolutely. All the time. Every day.” Faces of disappointment Sunday night for Minnesota Vikings fans after the Philadelphia Eagles take a win to head to the Super Bowl. Like many bars and restaurants across Duluth, all eyes were glued…

Lil’ Icebreakers teaches young girls the hockey basics

Girls ages four to eight learned how to skate from local hockey experts

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of young girls got the chance to learn some hockey basics on Sunday. The Duluth Girls Hockey Association (DGHA) hosted the Lil’ Icebreakers Free Skate at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth. Girls ages four to eight got to the chance to learn some techniques from local women hockey experts. “This open skate is a perfect…

Bowlers compete in the Underthun Challenge

Bowlers from the Midwest and Canada come to Duluth to play in the tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – Country lanes north bowling alley hosted the Underthun Auto Body Bowling Challenge tournament. To make things interesting, bowlers were only allowed to use certain parts of the lanes, making scoring a bit more difficult. “It gives it a pretty level playing field for everybody,” tournament sponsor Ryan Underthun said. “Anybody can win, and anybody can lose, and that’s…

Local Volunteers Working Super Bowl Events

Several Northlanders Are Part of "Crew 52" Providing Event Hospitality in Minneapolis

DULUTH, Minn. – Local volunteers will be working around the Super Bowl in Minneapolis providing guest services for tourists coming to town. Friday, the local volunteers met near the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth. They are some of the 10,000 “Crew 52” members who will help with hospitality at the Super Bowl and the events leading up to the game….

Birkebeiner Organizers Say 2018 Conditions Are Near Perfect

Last Year's Cross Country Ski Race Was Cancelled Because of Lack of Snow

HAYWARD, Wis. – Cross country skiers are excited to hear about snow in the forecast. Organizers of the American Birkebeiner tell us the trails are in really good shape and that the conditions are nearly perfect for the February ski race. “Snow on the ground is really an economic driver in the north woods and it helps with restaurants, it…

Marshall Students Compete in Cyber Security Competition

High School and Middle Schoolers Learn the Basics of Keeping Digital Information Safe

DULUTH, Minn. – These days, it seems like almost everything is connected to the internet. And with that comes security concerns. Young people at Marshall High School and Marshall Middle School are learning about ways to prevent cyber vulnerabilities. The students are learning the basics of computer security and could potentially use those skills in their future careers. “They can…

Candidates for Minnesota Governor Discuss Issues at UMD

Seven Gubernatorial Candidates Answered Questions from Students and the Community in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven candidates for Minnesota Governor stopped by the University of Minnesota-Duluth today to meet with students and other voters in the northern part of the state. Several organizations at UMD brought in the candidates to get students more involved in the election process and give them more knowledge about the campaigns and important statewide issues. The panel…

Emergency Responder Training in the Cold

Duluth Hosts the State's Largest EMS Expo

DULUTH, Minn.-  EMS workers in Minnesota face many tough situations and harsh weather conditions on the job. To provide the best care workers are taking part in the state’s largest EMS Expo in Duluth.  Around 1,000 EMS workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota come take part in Arrowhead’s EMS Expo. The training courses offered help workers learn more about advancing…

Sea Wall Repairs Moving Forward

If a Sea Wall Isn't Fixed They will Corrode Over Time

DULUTH, Minn. –  Constant waves coming in across the harbor and rolling underneath the bottom of the seawall have led to its corrosion. Now the city is trying to repair the damages. The repairs on the sea wall is made up of two sections the Minnesota Slip and another area near the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center). The Minnesota slip is where…

Duluth City Hall May Undergo Million Dollar Renovation

Years ago the Police Department had offices on the ground level at City Hall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s City Hall may be getting a nearly $2 million makeover. The Duluth City Council will take up a resolution for City Hall interior renovations on Monday, Jan. 22. Most of the renovations are focused on keeping the building functional. It consists of working on the electrical system, infrastructure of the building and reworking some of the office spaces. “Part of the…

Former Miners Create Project to Preserve History of Erie Mining Company

Traveling Exhibit to Open at St. Louis County Historical Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Former miners on the Iron Range are working together to ensure the legacy and history of the Erie Mining Company is never forgotten. A group of Erie Mining alum is writing a book with oral history recounts and information about the company throughout the years. The book will be distributed to libraries and stores around the Northland,…

Discount Duluth Offers More at Larger Location

Discount Duluth aims to supply affordable big brand products.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two brothers are creating jobs and bringing affordable shopping to their hometown. Discount Duluth opened one year ago, now the retail shop is moving to a new location. The store is now five times larger than before. Discount Duluth sells overstock big brand products at a discounted price. “It means a lot to us because we always use…

Spirit Mountain to Feature Fat Tire Biking at Annual Race

Active Adventures: Third Annual Frosted Fatty

DULUTH, Minn. – As many Northlanders know, it’s possible to ride bikes all year, even when there is snow on the ground. Spirit Mountain is celebrating that fact with the Third Annual Frosted Fatty Weekend this weekend. Festivities start up on Saturday, January 20 and run through Sunday, January 21. There will be two days of fat bike races, bike…

Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Sets Record

That three percent matches the lowest unemployment rate on record.

SUPERIOR, WIS. -The latest numbers are in and the unemployment rates are at an all time low. Wisconsin set a record last month for the lowest unemployment rate ever. Wisconsin’s Dec. unemployment rate dropped to three percent. In a report released today by the Department of Workforce Development shows the unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percent from Nov.’s rate of 3.2…

Duluth Public Schools Taking Precautions Against the Flu

Immunizations are important throughout a child's time at school from kindergarten, middle school and in high school.

DULUTH, Minn. – The recent flu outbreak has many Northland schools taking extra precautions. Several schools are seeing an increase in flu–like illnesses. But health officials at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth tell us there hasn’t been anything too much out of the ordinary for them when it comes to the flu. The school reports to the State of Minnesota if more than five…

How to Fight the Winter Blues

You don't need a gym membership to stay active.

DULUTH, Minn.- This time of year it’s common to get the winter blues. The medical term is seasonal affective disorder. The Duluth Community Action Center has some tips to fight S.A.D. naturally. “We can actually do something, without having to pay something, it’s very cheap,” integrative nutrition health coach Inge Maskun said. “For me it’s dancing, turn it up the music…

Addressing Sexual Harassment in Small Businesses

The Northland Human Resources Association is hoping to help small businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lately sexual harassment allegations against high profile individuals are making headlines. One local group is training individuals how to handle incidents in the work place. The Northland Human Resources Association is hosting sexual harassment training explaining how to create a safe work environment and help employers recognize inappropriate behavior. “Sometimes it’s just not knowing where to go to and…

Hospitals Dealing with National IV Solution Shortage

Officials with Essentia Health say the shortage isn't affecting patient care.

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a national shortage of IV solution; aftermath of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, which happens to be home to 80 drug manufactures, who supplied it the solution to the U.S. Officials with Essentia Health in Duluth say there’s no need to worry the shortage isn’t affecting patient care. IV bags are given to patients that are dehydrated. The…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Preparations Underway

An estimated 3,000-5,000 people will attend the Festival.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 2018 Lake Superior Ice Festival is still about a week away, but workers are busy in Superior getting ready now. Crews are  getting the rinks prepared for the pond hockey tournament and clearing snow for the figure skating tournament. The fun begins next Friday, Jan. 26 when thousands will make their way to the ice. New games…

Downtown Duluth May Have Another Million Dollar Housing Project

CityView Flats would be a three to four story building.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing development is in the works in Central Hillside. This Monday council members will decide whether to approve an $800,000 grant to support the development. The proposed $20 million project would be located at 1st Avenue West and 4th Street. Right now most of the property is a parking lot, but it could be the future site of a…

Tigers at Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone Enjoy the Snow

Big cats take adavantage of cold weather and destroy snowmen

Sandstone, Minn – Rescued tigers play like kittens at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone.  Check out this video sent to us by Executive Director and Founder, Tammy Thies. This style of rough-housing may give some “paws,” but the tigers seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The goal of the non-profit is providing a natural sanctuary to wildcats that cannot live in…

Catering By Bellisio’s Cooks up Savory Pasta Dish

Cooking Connection: Pasta from Heaven

DULUTH, Minn. – During the winter months, a savory dish is always a great dinner choice. Bellisio’s in Canal Park offers many meals that fit that bill. For this week’s Cooking Connection, the Executive Chef of Catering By Bellisio’s, Eric Denney, showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make Penne from Heaven. PENNE FROM HEAVEN Heat olive oil in pan…

Arc Minnesota Supports Northlanders with Disabilities Searching for New Careers

“Taking Control of Your Employment Future”

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday afternoon Arc Minnesota is offering Northlanders with disabilities a chance to get insight on succeeding in a new career. A national speaker, Bob Niemic, will be presenting. Niemic has traveled around the country to discuss ways people with disabilities can find employment that matches their interests. The session will be from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in…

Government Shutdown Could Happen This Week If Agreement Isn’t Reached

The Republicans control both the House and Senate.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congress has a lot of work to do with the possibility of a government shutdown hanging in the balance. The last time there was a government shutdown like that the year was 2013. History may repeat itself if an agreement isn’t reached by Friday. A government shutdown can delay services or anything that people receive from the federal…

Fly Tying Classes at Great Lakes Fly Shop

Learn how to tie your own flies for spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Being that it’s winter, the only kind of fishing there is to do is through a hole in the ice.  But that’s not stopping some fishing enthusiasts from thinking about spring time. Great Lakes Fly Shop in Duluth offers fly tying classes furring the winter months, helping fly fishing fans learn the craft of tying their own…

Inclusive Care Units Now Available in Superior

In the future Katie hopes to have an Inclusive Care Unit in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s United Presbyterian Church has the first of its kind, an inclusive care unit. The box is filled with cold weather goods like mittens and socks. Anyone can grab what they need and the public isn’t responsible for restocking the box. There will be five inclusive care units located throughout Superior. “The idea was to place it outside where people could come and…

Growing Season Sprouts at Engwall’s

Spring Officially Begins on March 20, but the Staff at Engwall's are Already Ordering, Planting and Watering

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still a little over two months away from the official start of spring, but when temperatures plummet as low as they have been, it’s hard not to think of warmer weather. Spring in the northern hemisphere begins on Tuesday, March 20, and one business in the Northland is already growing more and more excited….

Proud Parents Root For Their Son To Play In the Super Bowl

C.J. Ham graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 2011.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last Sunday the Minnesota Vikings miracle win over the New Orleans Saints kept them alive in the playoffs. It also means Duluth’s very own C.J. Ham has more football to play this season. His parents Tina and Cortez work in Duluth and they are still excited about that big win. The Ham’s believe C.J. was destined to play in the NFL and watching…

Fairlawn Mansion Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Pattison State Park is named after Martin Pattison.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A birthday celebration was held for the man who built the Fairlawn Mansion. Martin Pattison would have been 177 years on Jan. 17. He was instrumental in developing the Northland, so what better way to mark the occasion than with cake and cookies? Fairlawn guests received guided tours of the more than 42 room mansion that was built way back in 1891….

Harley the Cat Looks for a Forever Home

Harley was Featured as Pet of the Week; He's 12-Years-Old and is Located at Animal Allies Humane Society in Dultuh

DULUTH, Minn. – Meet Harley! Harley is 12-years-old and was featured as Pet of the Week on FOX 21 Local News at 7 Wednesday morning. When arriving at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, Harley was diabetic. After losing a few pounds, obtaining proper medications and eating right, he is no longer diabetic. Now, Harley is looking for his new…