Community

Governor Walker Declares Jan. 13 Green and Gold Day

In anticipation of the Packers playoff game against the Cowboys

Courtesy: Green Bay PackersMADISON – Governor Walker has issued a proclamation declaring today, January 13, 2017, as “Green and Gold Day” throughout Wisconsin in anticipation of the Green Bay Packers playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, January 15. Walker’s statement: Travel to any state in this great nation, and chances are you’ll find some Green Bay Packers fans,…

Winter Fun on the Snowy Trails

Active Adventures: The Duluth Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 hit the snowy trails with The Duluth Experience. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Owner and CEO, took FOX 21’s William Seay snowshoeing for the first time. Grandmaison says they have tours for every season, including snowshoeing, fat tire biking, brewery tours, mountain biking tours and more. For more information on The Duluth Experience…

Lift Bridge Opened to Vehicle Traffic 87 Years Ago

The bridge turned from the Aerial Ferry Bridge to the Aerial Lift Bridge on January 12th, 1930.

87 years ago, the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge opened for automobile traffic for the very first time. Hundreds of cars used it on that very first day and now over two million vehicles use it every year. “The Aerial Lift Bridge is the most famous icon in all of Duluth.This is the best job for me. I have the best…

Health Premium Relief Bill Passed by Senate

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota’s Senate has passed a bill providing relief for massive health insurance premium hikes. Thursday’s action on a major priority in the 2017 legislative session, doesn’t mean the work is over. The House is expected to pass similar legislation next week, but they’ll need to iron out major difference with Governor Mark Dayton before checks start…

Maurices Lays Off 25 Employees in Duluth

165 Positions Were Eliminated Company-wide

  DULUTH, Minn.-Ascena Retail Group, which owns Maurices, announced today that they eliminated 165 positions across the country including 25 corporate positions in Duluth. Fox 21 has been told, that the company’s stock fell nearly 11 percent today after they announced some weak sales results for the holidays. Maurices, which is headquartered in Duluth, told us that the terminations today…

Hermantown Church Helps Red Cross with Annual Blood Drive

Today's event helped provide about 20 units of blood

  HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Peace in Christ Lutheran Church held a blood drive today to help support the American Red Cross. After the holiday season and recent cold weather, the Red Cross is facing a critical need for blood. Last year, they approached the Hermantown church asking if they would help them in their efforts. “We thought ‘yeah that would…

Snow Blower Sales Increasing with Steady Snowfall

Denny's Lawn and Garden has seen increased sales compared to the past few years

DULUTH, Minn. – Snow blowers have gotten quite a work out this season. Duluth has seen nearly 40 inches of snow since November. Denny’s Lawn and Garden has seen increased sales on snow blowers compared to the past few years. The business has done a lot of repairs on them as well. The owner tells us sales typically drop off…

Study: Trace Medications, Chemicals May Be Harming Fish

50 river locations tested for 146 chemicals

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency study finds trace levels of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals may be harming fish in Minnesota rivers and lakes. Recent studies found a variety of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals in Minnesota water, ranging from antidepressants to insect repellents, but the new study confirms how common these chemicals are in surface water,…

Essentia Helps Provide New Service at Chester Bowl

Snowboards Are Now Available for Rent at Chester Bowl, Thanks to a Generous Grant

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Ski Hill in Duluth is now home to a brand new service this season, thanks to a generous grant from the Essentia Health Community Contributions Fund. Fifty new snowboards and seventy-five sets of boots are now available to be rented out for those looking to hit the slopes. The snowboard rental program goes along…

Fairlawn Mansion Offers Flashlight Tours for Friday the 13th

Touring the Mansion in a Different Light

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Friday the 13th is just around the corner and Fairlawn Mansion is ready to celebrate. There will be flashlight tours offered on Friday to see the mansion in a different light. It’s not your typical Fairlawn tour. Guides will talk about ghost stories and superstitions throughout the tour. Additionally, the garden talks offered at Fairlawn mansion will…

Two Arrested Following Discovery of Meth Lab on Iron Range

Lab Poses No Danger to Public

CHISHOLM – Wednesday around 5:20 p.m. the Chisholm Police Department reported to a suspicious activity call on the 500 block of 4th St. NW. The investigation soon lead to the address of 511 4th St. NW where officers discovered what appeared to be a clandestine laboratory in a camper trailer on the property. A search warrant confirmed the existence of…

Snowshoers Hike Glensheen Under the Moonlight

The group is hosting the hiking tours every Wednesday night in January

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the below zero temperatures, a large group of snowshoers hiked the grounds at Glensheen Mansion tonight. Guides with Day Tripper of Duluth led the group on a tour of the area under the light of the moon. Organizers say this event is a great way to get people outdoors in the winter and learn something about…

Preparations Begins at Lake Superior Ice Festival

A large half pipe slide will be built for kids to sled on throughout the weekend

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is starting to take shape at Barkers Island. Crews have already started clearing the ice for the Great Lakes Pond Hockey Tournament. This year, the festival will feature some new events. Stock car, dirt bike, motorcycle, and ATV races will all happen right on the Lake Superior ice. Enbridge is also building…

Lucky’s 13 Pub to Open in Duluth

Twin Cities Based Restaurant Chain to Open Store at Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. – The new Lucky’s 13 Restaurant is close to opening at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. This will be the seventh Lucky’s 13 location, and the second one outside of the Twin Cities area. The menu is described as feel–good cooking, is all made from scratch, and will feature some local food and beer choices. “We’re glad…

Nettleton Elementary School to Be Sold

Duluth School District Has Entered Into an Agreement to Sell School to Developer

DULUTH, Minn. – There are new developments tonight involving the sale of the vacant Nettleton Elementary School. The Duluth School District has entered into an agreement with a property developer. Meanwhile, Many Rivers Montessori School sits on the sideline with an offer on Nettleton as well. The Duluth School District now says it intends to move forward with the sale…

Snowmobile Season in Wisconsin

Riders Finally Head Out and Hit The Trails

IRON RIVER, Wis. – The rain and ice of 2016 is finally behind us and it’s been a snowy start to 2017. With a solid layer of snow finally sticking around snowmobilers in Wisconsin are firing up their sleds. Now that the trails are groomed and ready its not just the riders who are happy snowmobile season is finally here….

Northlanders Busy Shoveling After Snowfall

Shoveling Gives a Chance to Get Outside and Exercise in Winter

DULUTH, Minn. -Snowfall across the Northland over the last couple days means a lot of people are busy shoveling today. In Duluth, sidewalks have to be shoveled in front of homes and businesses within 24 hours of snowfall. But not all Duluthians dread going into the cold to shovel as it gives them a chance to be outside and get…

No Tipping At The Delta Diner

Customers and Employees Liking The Delta Diner's New Policy

DELTA, Wis. – How much do you tip at a restaurant? 15? Even 20 percent? Well one Wisconsin restaurant says zero tipping necessary. The Delta Diner, recently implemented a new no tipping policy. Although no tipping is far from an industry standard, the decision at the Delta has been popular with both staff and customers. Todd Bucher, owner of the…

MnDOT Asks Motorists’ Help for Safer Driving Around Snowplows

More than 30 crashes involving vehicles and snowplows have been reported

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that there have been more than 30 crashes this season involving vehicle sand snow plows, and they are urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snowing operations. “Crashes typically happen because of inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to the plow, or motorists driivng too fast for conditions,”…

Broadband Projects Announced Across Greater Minnesota

New state grant funding will leverage an additional $40 million in private and local funding

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lt. Governor Tina Smith and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced, today, grants totaling $34 million for 42 broadband infrastructure projects that will provide 16,627 households, 2,240 businesses, and 71 community institutions across Minnesota access to reliable, affordable high-speeds internet. Smith and Gov. Dayton first proposed a $100 million investment during the 2016…

Vote Now: Reader’s Best In The Northland Poll

Polls Close at Midnight

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Duluth Reader” is looking for your vote for the 2016 Best of the Northland poll. There are more than 80 categories to vote on. They range from best car dealership, TV station, and dance club to the best kept secret restaurant. “There’s a great new place nobody has ever heard of and they win best kept…

Animal Answers: Concern With Cold Weather

Dangerous Cold Temperatures Can Cause Extreme Harm to Animal's Bodies

DULUTH, Minn. – Many of you have pups at home just waiting for the dog days of summer to return to the Northland. During extreme cold snaps, it can be hard to remember how brutal below temperatures are on our pets. “Obviously your dogs are going to need to go,” said Adeline Green with Animal Allies in Duluth. Winter weather…

Fire Blazes Through Duluth Duplex, Causing $25,000 in Damages

No Injuries Were Reported, the Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening early Wednesday morning, $25,000 worth of damage blazed through a Duluth duplex. Duluth Fire Officials responded to a fire located at 219 East Third Street, where smoke could be seen billowing out from the back end of the structures first floor. The flames were quickly knocked down and contained. One resident was home at the time…

Great Outdoors: Junior Curling Program

Every Tuesday night from November to March, the club instructs about 70 young curlers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Curling Club has a rich tradition for its global accomplishments. And for the last twenty years, they’ve been helping kids learn the sport through its junior program. Every Tuesday night from November to March, the club instructs more than 70 young curlers. This year they took in twenty new members who had never played the…

Zero Hour Escape Rooms Unveils “Lake Superior” Themed Challenge

Players take the role of an engineering team trapped aboard a sinking cargo vessel

DULUTH, Minn. – Zero Hour Escape Rooms unveiled a new challenge today called “The Wheelhouse”. Players take the role of an engineering team trapped aboard the sinking “Bill E. Irvin” Lake Superior cargo vessel. The room took about a couple months to build and test out before it was ready for the public to take on. “We thought it would…

Photographer’s Work Lives on at Denfeld High School

Susan Menz was killed in a car crash in October 2015. Some of her photographs will be displayed at Denfeld as a memorial.

Duluth, Minn.-In October of 2015, Susan Menz died as the result of a hit and run car crash near the area known as the Twin Ponds. She was an avid photographer and died doing what she loved the most. Menz enjoyed taking photographs around Duluth and now some of her work will be donated to her alma mater, Denfeld High…

Duluth Gas Station Will Now Pump Your Gas

The ICO on London Road is offering the free service Monday through Friday from 12 to 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – If the cold, snowy conditions outside have kept you from filling up your gas tank this winter, a Duluth business is offering a new service to help its customers. The ICO gas station at the corner of London Road and 21st Ave. East will now pump your gas for you. They’re offering the free service Monday through…

UMD Researches Find New Type of Galaxy

The New Galaxy has 2 Rings in it

University of Minnesota Duluth Researchers have discovered a new type of galaxy The  galaxy , around 359 million light years away from Earth, is one in a million. Or one out of more than 2 trillion to be exact. The galaxy initially looked like what is a called Hoag’s object but upon further research, PHD Candidate Burcin Mutlu-Pakdil found that…

Lake Assault Boats Signs Multi-Million Dollar Contract

The Company is Building Barges for the City of San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is shelling out 6.2 million dollars to Lake Assault Boats to build 43 new barges for the city’s iconic River Walk. The All Aluminum barges will replace the current fleet of tourist and commuter barges used on the San Antonio River. The barges will be 27.5 feet long and 9.5 feet wide, and hold 40 passengers and a…

School Bus Crash in Hibbing

The incident occurred at 3:54 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Fire Department responded to the report of a vehicle crash involving a school bus and a passenger car around 3:54 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, according to Hibbing Fire Marshal, Bryan Fagerstrom. The incident occurred at the intersection of 6th Avenue East and 27th Street. The bus was transporting 18 kids of varying ages. A…

How Sweet It Is Ruining New Years Resolutions One Cake at a Time

They Also Have Healthy Options if You Can Avoid the Tempting Sweets

It’s been 10 days since the new year kicked off, but many people are already breaking their new years resolutions. President of How Sweet it is Cakes, Eileen Brown, says numbers of visitors drop a little around the new year, when people make their resolutions, and try to get back on track with their health goals after holiday eating. But…

The Boat Club Restaurant Opening At Fitgers

New Restaurant Coming To The Fitgers Mall

There’s a new place to eat is coming to the Fitger’s building. The Boat Club restaurant will soon be featured in the basement of the Fitger’s building,  replacing the old Midi restaurant. The new spot will specialize in fresh seafood and steaks, as well as other options. Fitger’s Mall Manager Tami Tanski Sherman says, “The Boat Club is actually not…

A Slippery Start To 2017

Tips To Stay Safe On Slick Sidewalks

Icy sidewalks are apart of life here in the northland, but, there are things you can do to stay a bit safer when trekking around this time of year. Now that winter is in full swing, and mother nature has laid down a solid layer of ice, a fall out here could not only ruin your day, but it could…

Governor Walker Delivers 2017 State of the State Address

Joined by First Lady Tonette Walker, in addressing joint session, people of Wisconsin

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker delivered his 2017 State of the State Address at the Wisconsin State Capital, today, January 10, 2017. One of his many topics included jobs creation and a drop in the unemployment rate. He noted “during the four years before we took office, Wisconsin had lost more than 133,000 jobs and the unemployment rate peaked at…

Greenway H.S. Student Killed In Crash With Patrol Vehicle

Sierra Matthews Was 16 Years Old

GREENWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – At the request of the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that involved an Itasca County deputy on Highway 169 at County Road 69 around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. An Itasca County Sheriff’s Deputy was responding to a medical call with emergency lights activated when he was involved in a…

Rusty Patched Bumblebee Declared Endangered

The first time any bee species has made the endangered list

This 2012 photo provided by The Xerces Society shows a rusty patched bumblebee in Minnesota. Federal officials said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, that the rusty patched bumblebee has become the first bee species in the continental U.S. to be declared endangered after suffering a dramatic population decline over the past 20 years. (Sarina Jepsen/The Xerces Society via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich….

Organ Recital Performed Ahead of Major Renovation

Historic Organ to be Refurbished in February

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend historic music will fill Sacred Heart Music Center as an organ recital takes place. On Saturday, January 14, resident organist Rev. Dr. David Tryggestad, Dr. Jason Branham, Director of Music Ministries at First Lutheran Church, and Parker Hinnencamp, one of the organists at First Covenant Church and First United Methodist Church, and a recipient of…

Glensheen Looks to Keep High Tour Numbers in 2017

Moonlight Showshoe Events Held Wednesdays

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth landmark is seeing a record number of visitors. In 2015, Glensheen Mansion had the highest tour numbers the estate had experienced since the 1980s. According to Marketing Manager Jane Pederson, in 2016 the numbers were more than 20,000 higher than in 2015. Glensheen has started hosting events on Wednesday nights, with a different theme each…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Cooking With Culbert’s Café

Culbert's Offers a Wide Variety of Homemade Items, Always Fresh and Never Frozen

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many of you are trying hard to keep resolutions as we head further into the New Year. For some, fresh, never frozen foods might be on the list. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we’re trying out a few tasty options. If you’re motoring down Cloquet Avenue, the smell of quality cooking creates big smiles. “It’s all…

Tips on How to Fix Your Frozen Pipes

Frozen Pipes Stop Working, and Can Even Crack if Left Frozen

When temperatures drop low, frozen pipes can cause big problems, because pipes especially water lines, stop working altogether when they’re frozen. Experts say it’s crucial to keep pipes warm so they don’t freeze. You can do this by circulating air around the pipes with a fan, or keeping cabinet doors under the sink open so the pipes can get warm…

Warm Areas Popular Travel Destinations for Duluthians

January and February are Some of the Busiest Times for Travel Agents

DULUTH, Minn. – With people looking to get out of the cold for a few days, January and February are some of the busiest times of the year for travel agents. Popular destinations for Duluthians include cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Jamaica, and Punta Cana. These destinations are favored by Northlanders because of their (to no one’s surprise) warm temperatures,…

Becoming City Council President Unusually Competitive

Political Expert Says City Council Presidents are Usually Almost Predetermined

As a tradition, the Duluth City council votes on a new president each year. Political expert Cindy Rugeley says in Duluth, the city council president is usually almost pre-determined, with the person with the most experience taking on the leadership role. “In this instance, a new council member is saying, I want to change this.  I want to be the…

Playing With a Purpose

Superior Senior Inspiring Skaters

When Emma Peterson takes the ice she’s all business. Superior Senior Defender Emma Peterson comments, “I listen to music and stuff, just focus. I kind of go through my head what I have to do during the game, picture different situations on the ice.” Her Head Coach Kayla Chilstrom adds, “She’s one of those players where, wherever she’s needed she’ll…

Community Discusses Sex Trafficking Problem

Gathering focused on raising awareness and finding solutions to trafficking in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – January is human trafficking awareness month, when organizations across the country shine a light on causes and effects of the sex trafficking epidemic. It is estimated that more than 20 million adults and about 2 million children are trafficked worldwide. Sex trafficking is happening in the Twin Ports region, not just in far away places. Because of…

Duluth Offering Free Winter Recreation Fun at Bayfront Park

Free fires, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, and outdoor music

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation division invites the public to experience the best of nature and winter recreation. The Bayfront skating rink is open and reportedly in excellent shape for user 7 days a week, weather permitting. The Bayfront Family Center also provides a place to warm up after skating or to try out any of the…

UW Faculty Challenge DNR Climate Change Revisions

Scientists saying it's a violation of trust with the public

MADISON (AP) – A group of University of Wisconsin-Madison professors are ripping the state Department of Natural Resources for scrubbing language from its website that declared human activity is causing climate change. The Republican-controlled agency quietly changed the language last month to say the cause of climate change is debatable. Seven UW-Madison climate, zoology and ecology professors released a column…

UMD Theatre Gives Encore Performance in Fundraising Effort

"One River" Heads to Regionals

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota-Duluth theater students are being recognized for their work. The production “One River,” written and directed by UMD Professor Tom Isbell, has been selected as one of six in the region to be performed at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The regional competition runs…

29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show to Feature Nearly 150 Exhibitors

Coffee Conversation: Planning Your Special Day

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be filled with brides and grooms as they plan their special day. The 29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be nearly 150 exhibitors to give advice and assist on the wedding day of many couples. A fashion show…