Community

Lake Superior Zoo Working on New Projects

Zoo Has Begun Its Revitalization Following the 2012 Flood

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is looking ahead to some exciting new developments in 2018. The zoo is starting their revitalization. Since the flood of 2012, changes were needed. Now the zoo is moving forward with some needed projects. Their goal for this year is to raise enough money to build a new bear country exhibit where the…

The Northland Prepares For Looming Winter Storm

The public is advised to be careful when snow plows are on the roads.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the most part, the St. Louis County Public Works Department is ready as early as fall for handling winter storms. Whenever a storm is in the forecast crews go through all of the equipment to make sure everything is cleaned and greased. They also check the plow edges for wear and tear. “This garage, we have…

Mayor Larson Hosts Let’s Do Lunch Event

Mayor Working on State of City Address Which Will be Held in March

DULUTH, Minn.-We are less than 10 days into the new year, but Duluth’s mayor already has some big plans for 2018. Today she spoke with a variety of business leaders at the Greysolon Ballroom during the Chamber’s “Let’s Do Lunch” event. Larson said she’s already been working on her State of the City Address which is set for an unknown…

Future of Edna G Uncertain

Edna G Tugboat in Two Harbors Could be Removed From Water

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-The Edna G tugboat in Two Harbors has been a tourist attraction for years, but it could soon be coming out of the water. Recently the Two Harbors City Council passed a resolution to look into whether to do a feasibility study, that would determine how much it would cost to remove it from Lake Superior and place…

Sound Restaurant Opens in Duluth Today

Concert Featuring Multiple Acts Tonight at 8 p.m. at Sound

DULUTH, Minn.-The new Sound restaurant is open in Duluth. It’s grand opening is today and the place is being described as a spot sorely needed in downtown Duluth. The locale will feature different types of cuisine normally not found in the region like raw oysters and bison strip steaks. It’s all part of the chef’s goal of revitalizing the downtown…

UMD Production Honored at Regional Festival

"Antigone" Encore Performances in Duluth this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota-Duluth Theatre production is being honored in a big way. The department has been invited to perform “Antigone” at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, IA. This is one of only seven productions selected to perform in the festival. The play was chosen from hundreds around the region. UMD Theatre…

Walz, Coleman Release Fundraising Totals in Governor’s Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The rush for cash is on in the crowded race for Minnesota governor. Democratic candidate and Rep. Tim Walz said Monday his campaign had raised more than $1.1 million in 2017. Fellow Democrat and former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said he’d raised more than $800,000. It highlights the expensive race for the open governor’s…

New Tours, Events, Launch Glensheen Mansion to Record-Breaking Numbers

Northland Uncovered: More than 140,000 Visited Glensheen in 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials are counting record numbers at Glensheen Mansion as they look into the attendance for 2017. This is a trend that’s been on the rise over the last few years. “Which is really something to say because in 1981 the murder was on the press all the time,” explained Director Dan Hartman. Hartman tells FOX 21 this…

Duluth Kicks Off Trafficking Prevention Month

The sixth annual gathering honored victims and survivors.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jan. is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Duluth is honoring both victims and survivors. Organizers of today’s gathering say when you have people willing to purchase other people and there are potential victims who are vulnerable then human trafficking can exist. A performance by women draped in red shawls helped kick off trafficking prevention month in Duluth….

Trains and Toddlers Held at the Depot

Kids Played and Learned All About Trains

DULUTH, Minn. – Preschoolers took over the Depot today for the Trains and Toddlers event. The kids listened to stories, played with train tables, and boarded the historic, real life trains all around the North Shore Scenic Railroad Museum. “It’s a nice way to come in and hang out with friends and to do something during the day that isn’t…

Historic Saint John’s Bible On Display In Duluth

Staff told us if there a mistake when writing the bible a piece of art was drawn over it instead of starting over.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first handwritten bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery has made its way to the Northland. The historic Saint John’s Bible is on display at the Benedictine Living community of Duluth. The chapel was full with guests who were there for a blessing event. The bible tour also celebrates the 125th anniversary of the sisters of St….

Warmer Weather Sends People Outdoors

The sunny day was a welcoming sight.

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures around 50 degrees warmer than the recent deep freeze people were out soaking in the sunshine especially on the Lakewalk in Duluth. “Taking the walk along the lakeshore here was just a little indulgence that i decided to do because i was going to get back in my car and drive up to the range,” said M’lou Brubaker of Goodland, Minnesota. “But…

Duluth Wedding Show Celebrates 30 Years with Biggest Show Yet

Nearly 150 Exhibitors Expected for Annual Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Planning a wedding can be stressful and difficult, but luckily there’s a resource in town to help local brides and grooms prepare for their special day. The 30th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 13th at the DECC. Nearly 150 exhibitors will fill six rooms of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. These will feature the latest…

Northern Lights Foundation Calls for “More Cowbell”

Annual Fundraiser Takes Place Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – A night of music, dinner, and drinks is supporting a worthy cause this week. The 9th Annual More Cowbell fundraiser is taking place on Thursday, January 11. The event is once against supporting the Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation gives grants to families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. Several groups will perform on stage with The…

Storyteller Teaches Ojibwe Culture

Mike Sullivan from the LCO Reservation Tells Cultural Stories in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – An Ojibwe storyteller from the LCO reservation near Hayward told traditional stories of his people at the American Indian Community Housing Organization in Duluth. Mike Sullivan learned the tales from elders and tells them the same way they were told to him, in the Ojibwe language. Many of the traditional stories are about the half man, half…

Skating with the UMD Bulldogs

Little Northlanders skated at AMS Oil Arena with the UMD Women's Hockey team

DULUTH, Minn.-Sunday AMS Oil Arena was full of little hockey players. It’s a great day to be a UMD Bulldog, the UMD Women’s Hockey team hosted an open skate Sunday afternoon. The ladies said it was a perfect way to spend their Sunday. “A lot of them come to the games and I think just getting that one on one…

Norshor Theatre Wrapping Up Renovations

The historic Nor Shor Theatre will open up the first of February.

DULUTH, Minn.–  The countdown is on for the revival of downtown Duluth’s historic Norshor Theatre. In less than a month the stage will be lit and the arts and entertainment will begin.  The Duluth Play House will be turning on the Norshor Theatre marquee lights on February 1st. Many helping hands are ensuring the curtain will open. “It’s a historic…

Suds for Shelter Hosts Final Fundraiser

The oldest brewery in Duluth held the final fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter season breweries around the Northland are teaming up to raise money for Habitat for Humanity during Suds for Shelter. The last fundraiser is at Minnesota’s oldest brewery the Lake Superior Brewing Company. During the Suds for Shelter for every beer purchased $1 is donated to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. “It’s kind of a neat…

Banff Film Festive Shown in Duluth

The festival highlights adventures from around the world.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Banff Mountain Film Festival kicked-off night at the DECC in Duluth, but it’s not too late to catch the films. The film festival highlights short films of expeditions and outdoor adventures from around the globe.  The Banff Mountain Film Festival travels around the world. Thanks to the Duluth Cross Country Club the films are shown in the…

Saturday Morning at the Races Kicks-off

The races give kids an opportunity to exercise away from the cold weather.

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday was a day for the races over at the college of St. Scholastica. Kids of all ages took part in the first Saturday Morning at the Races of this winter. Around 400 kids had a chance to exercise and take part in a friendly competition at the St. Scholastica gym. The races vary from 1/8 of a mile…

Spirit Mountain Hosts USSA Race

Kids of all ages competed in the family fun event.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sun was shining at Spirit Mountain as the USSA held the Minnesota/Planet Cup on Saturday. Around 360 racers headed down the slopes participating in timed and un-timed races. The competition included six different USSA teams one team is from Duluth, participating on their home slope. “It’s a unique event that you can be out on the hill, involved…

“Anonymous” Collecting Clothing and Blankets for the Homeless

One Group Member Will Sleep Outside to Raise Homeless Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. – Freezing cold temperatures can be dangerous for thousands of homeless people across the country. In Duluth, the group “Anonymous” is collecting clothing and blanket donations for the homeless. They will make bundles with the donations and leave them around the city. One group member will be sleeping outside in Superior for a whole night next week to…

Gander Outdoors in Hermantown to Open Early This Year

CEO Announced List of Stores Opening Before Late May

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Many Gander Outdoors stores are re-opening, including the former Gander Mountain in Hermantown. The Gander Outdoors CEO gave a list of stores expected to open by the end of May. The Hermantown store was number nine of the list, meaning it should be the ninth location to open its doors. This is a list that we feel…

Ordinance May Restrict Flavored Tobacco Products In Duluth Convenience Stores

The Ordinance Would Amend Chapter 11 of the Duluth City Code

Management from both smaller local convenience stores and big names like Kwik Trip are speaking out against the proposed ban. Gary Milk House Owner Derek Medved carries a variety of flavored tobacco products. But the store owner does not want young people buying them. “We’re here to work with the city on that to prevent of course selling to minors,”…

Flu Season Affecting Many in the Northland

Doctors say if you have flu like symptoms, stay home to avoid affecting others.

DULUTH, Minn.- Have you been feeling under the weather lately? Doctors say this flu season could be shaping out to be worse than last years. Medical professionals say you don’t need to visit the doctor if you have the flu stay home and rest. But the flu can affect some worse than others. “You may have influenza, you may not…

Ely Winter Festival Looks for Talented Sculptors

The Ely Winter Festival is Celebrating a 25th Anniversary This Year

ELY, Minn. – Those of you looking to brave the cold and create a stunning piece of art have a few more hours to apply if you’d like to do so in this year’s Ely Winter Festival. The search for sculptors ends Friday evening at 11:45 p.m. The festival is a chance for artists to make snow sculptures from large…

Mayor Larson Announces Community Listening Sessions for 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be continuing her annual outreach to Duluth residents through City Hall in the City Community Listening sessions held throughout Duluth. City staff will also be in attendance representing Public Works, Parks, Public Safety, Human Rights, and Imagine Duluth Comprehensive Plan. “I’m excited to start 2018 with a new series of listening sessions…

Fat Tire Biking Trails Expand in Cook County Ahead of Annual Race

Active Adventures: 2nd Annual Norpine Fat Tire Bike Classic

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Cold temperatures and snow covering the ground in the Northland means fat tire bike enthusiasts are hitting the trails. The second annual Norpine Fat Bike Classic is being held Saturday, January 6. Approximately 200 cyclists are expected from across the United States and Canada. Racers can compete in a 24-mile race or 16-mile race. Racing begins…

Cold Temperatures Causing Shipping Delays

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Port normally sees cold temperatures like these in January, but officials say it’s the most ice on the lake at this time of year since about 2001. The freeze is happening so early it’s starting to hamper some of the ship movement, particularly in Lake Erie, which is much shallower than Lake Superior. Ships that would…

Competitive Dancers Prepare for Competition Season

The workshop helps performers learn costume tips.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Dance students at Sterling Silver studio are getting ready for the competition season. The studio held a make-up workshop, teaching competitive dance students how to get in full costume for their competitions. The girls are shown how to do their make-up and hair for the show. “All the hair styles and makeup are themed to fit into what…

Working in Winter Conditions

Many Northlanders face the cold everyday, are you doing what you can to avoid frostbite?

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter has been extremely cold so far in the Northland. While some are bundling up avoiding the outdoors others braving chilly temperatures at work. “It’s a battle but we’ve been through it before,” Krause Anderson Construction Mark Burdick said. Many workers around the Northland clock in, spending their workday outside in freezing temperatures.  One construction worker told…

Duluth Designated Baby Friendly City

Duluth earned the recognition on Dec. 14. from the Healthy Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has been named the fittest city and the least stressful city in the past and now one more title can be added to that list. Mayor Emily Larson was presented with an award recognizing Duluth as a baby friendly city at City Hall. Duluth was chosen because of its commitment to make breastfeeding easier and more accessible…

Great Lakes Aquarium Breaks Attendance Record

The newest exhibit, Unsalted Seas, features the largest sturgeon tank in North America.

DULUTH, Minn. – “If you’ve gone on a visit to the Great Lakes Aquarium in 2017, you”ve helped set a 15 year attendance record. A total of 162, 676 people made the Aquarium 2017’s number one paid attraction in Duluth. Attendance grew almost 14 percent, which is the greatest one year growth in the Aquarium’s history. Aquarium staff say memberships for…

UPDATE: Northbound Lanes on Blatnik Bridge Now Open

The Accident Occured Shortly After 6:20 a.m. Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A crash happened at 6:22 a.m. on the John A. Blatnik Bridge connecting Superior and Duluth. At this time, all northbound lanes are open once again on I-535. The Superior Police Department says they were already handling two separate crashes involving a total of four vehicles. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is responded to the accident. Stay…

Northland School District Shortened School Week Is Cost Effective

With a four day school week Lake Superior School District has managed to save programs like Calculus, Advanced Biology and Physics.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – It’s now been eight years since one Northland school district made a major change to its schedule. The Lake Superior School District, which includes the schools in Two Harbors and Silver Bay, started using a four day school week back in 2009. The district remains one of only a few in the state sticking with a shortened week….

Life House has a new addition

The homeless youth advocacy organization has purchased a neighboring building

DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless youth advocates at Life House in Duluth are celebrating their newest property. Life House has officially acquired a building right behind its location. The building will be used to expand the education efforts for homeless youth there. “We have an in–house, paid, job training program for the homeless and street youth that we work with….

Glensheen kicks off Moonlight Snowshoe hike

The snowshoe hikes take place every Wednesday this January

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of winter–goers braved the freezing air for the first Moonlight Snowshoe event of the year at the Glensheen mansion. Snowshoers toured the grounds, and finished off at a bonfire to warm up. “It’s just a different way to enjoy the winter landscape that we have in front of us,” Glensheen marketing director Jane Pederson said. “You…

Resorts See An Increase In Guests For Winter Season

Minnesota has more than 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, with over 21,000 miles maintained by local snowmobile club volunteers.

BEAVER BAY, Minn. -Trail conditions are getting better for cross country skiing and snowmobiling around the Northland. The recent stretch of cold and snow has been a big help after a dry start to Dec. The Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay is one place seeing more guests lately who have winter sports in mind. The Lodge is located near several…

Kicking the Butts This New Year

Experts Offer Advice for Those Looking to Quit Smoking in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The beginning of a new year could be the perfect time to stop one of your bad habits from happening any longer. Staff at the American Lung Association say deciding to kick the butts can be a common New Year’s resolution, in fact, there are certain techniques proving to be more beneficial than others when trying to…

Fitger’s Frozen Fundraiser Aims to Impact Hundreds of Animals

The Fitger's Frozen Fundraiser is Happening Friday, January 26, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Tickets are on sale now for the annual Fitger’s Frozen Fundraiser event happening Friday, January 26, 2018! Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to chat about the fun event. Sternberg says all attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages. Beverages will be provided by Bent Paddle Beer and the…

Police Chief Tusken Talks to East Hillside Residents

Potluck Was the Cheif's First Community Engagement Event of 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Police Chief Mike Tusken is starting off the new year talking to East Hillside residents. This was the third annual “Chillin’ With the Chief” potluck at the East Hillside Community Club. It was Chief Tusken’s first community engagement event of 2018. At the potluck, residents could talk with the chief and other Duluth police officers in a…

Bayfront Ice Rink Open for the Season

Rink is Open as Long as Winter Is Here

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink and community playground in Duluth’s Bayfront Park is now open for the season. Skaters can bring their own gear or rent skates, sleds, and snow shoes from the park pavilion. “It’s great exercise, it is fun, it’s challenging and adventurous but it is also what Minnesota is all about,” said Pamela Page, recreation specialist…

What You Should Have In Your Car’s Winter Survival Kit

It's recommended that you keep your gas tank at least one-half full.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts are reminding people to take this extreme cold weather seriously. When traveling, having a winter survival kit in your vehicle could save your life. At Ace Hardware in Duluth customers have been rushing in to stock up on winter survival kit basics. Fleece hats and gloves are among the big sellers over the past couple weeks….