Community

Minnesota Power Teams with COGGS to Maintain Duluth Trails

Nearly 40 employees worked to freshen up some wet areas, remove fallen branches and install some erosion control on the trails

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power employees spent the day giving back to the community. The company teamed up with the Cyclists of the Gitchi Gumee Shores (COGGS) to do some regular maintenance on the Fond du Lac’s Mission Creek trails. Nearly 40 employees worked to freshen up some wet areas, remove fallen branches and install some erosion control on the…

New Task Force Designed to Cut Red Tape

Seven Person Group Charged with Making Duluth More Small Business Friendly

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council wants to make starting a small business in Duluth easier. Recently, the council approved a resolution creating a new Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The seven person task force will be charged with giving the council information and recommendations designed to streamline the permit process. The group will consist of an architect, developer and…

Bidding Open for Auction to Benefit Veterans

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is Auctioning a 1977 Ford F-150

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An auction benefiting a local veterans group was so successful last year, they’re doing it again. Benna Ford and the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart teamed up to auction off a 1977 Ford F–150 pickup. Between now and September 8th, you can stop by Benna Ford’s dealership in Superior, check out the…

SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Receives National Significance

Wisconsin’s State Preservation Review Board upgraded the Meteor's status because of its importance to the history of shipping in the United States

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One of Superior’s most well–known attractions took a step closer to becoming a National Historic Landmark this week. The SS Meteor Whaleback Ship on Barker’s Island will now be recognized with a national honor. Previously, the ship was only listed as significant to the state of Wisconsin. On Monday, Wisconsin’s State Preservation Review Board upgraded the Meteor’s…

Red Cross Takes Donations in Duluth

One Pint of Blood can Save up to Three Lives

DULUTH, Minn. – Ordinary people became heroes Thursday with one simple act. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Zeitgiest Atrium in Downtown Duluth. The Red Cross has a critical need for donations and organizers were happy to see donors come in. “It feels really good to see people are so selfless and able to come in,…

Driven to Discover at the Minnesota State Fair

Exhibit Offers Fairgoers the Chance to Learn More About Research and Studies by the U of M

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Driven to Discover Research Facility was launched in 2014 to bring University research and researchers into closer contact with the Minnesota community. Nearly two million people visit the fair each year from across the state. The exhibit allows fairgoers to participate in research in a fun, innovative, and convenient way. Most studies take under 20 minutes. Driven…

Verizon Specialist Gives State Fair Tech Tips

Find Out What Technology Could Come in Handy at the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair is officially underway and thousands of people have already flocked to St. Paul. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist, Rachel Agurkis, stopped by FOX 21 to show us what gadgets could come in handy at the fair. Capturing and sharing your favorite State Fair memories shouldn’t be a hassle. Using the new Samsung Galaxy S8 with…

Cooking up Fried Favorites at the Minnesota State Fair

Cooking Connection: Corn Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – Fried food is a staple at the Minnesota State Fair, and a stand near the front gates is regularly busy. The Original Corn Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes stand has been at the fair for 23 years. Owner John Harrington showed the FOX 21 crew how they make the fried green tomatoes and corn fritters and…

Guns and Hoses Game Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – The 10th annual Guns and Hoses softball game begins tonight, Aug. 24 at 6:20 p.m. at Wade Stadium. The event will feature the Duluth Police and Fire Departments battling it out all for a good cause. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and pre-game events will include K-9 demonstrations, Mounted Patrol, vehicle tours, and various vendor activities. Tickets…

Duluth City Council Candidates Talk Transportation

Zeitgeist Host Event For The Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council candidates hit the stage Wednesday to answer questions about improving transportation equity in the city. The forum held at Zeitgeist was organized by local nonprofits and research groups who say, transportation is a vital necessity to be able to access employment and income, education and grocery services among other daily needs. But those necessities…

DEDA Approves Skywalk Expansion

Expansion Will Connect HART District, Fond du Luth Casino to Skywalk

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved a proposal Wednesday to expand the city’s Skywalk system. Wednesday’s approval by DEDA Commissioners was the first step needed in expanding Skywalk. The plan will expand the Skywalk along the 100 block of E. Superior Street and down to the Historic Arts and Theatre District.  DEDA will now contract local…

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Receives Donation

Annual Breezy Point 5K Raised $20,000 for the Organization This Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth campus of the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge got a big donation today from an annual run held in Duluth. All the proceeds from the annual Breezy Point 5K, $20,000 this year, were donated to the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. That will help the organization with their long term care programs. Breezy Point 5K…

Tribute Fest Helping Support Homeless Minnesota Veterans

Music began Wednesday night at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – For the next four days live music will take over Bayfront Festival Park for the 9th Annual Tribute Fest. The music  festival, which runs through Saturday, helps raise money and bring awareness to homeless veterans in Minnesota. A variety of artists will cover different genres of music each day of the festival including country, rock and EDM….

Powerball Fever Strikes Duluth

Estimated $700 Million Jackpot is Second Largest in History

DULUTH, Minn. – Life could change in a big way for someone, somewhere. Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot was up to an estimated $700 million, the second largest jackpot in history. Across Duluth, Powerball players stocked up on tickets, in hopes Wednesday was their lucky day. Many had big dreams of what they’d buy if they were lucky enough to hit the…

Dragon Boat Races to Take Over Barkers Island This Weekend

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival is coming up this weekend. The funds raised through the event go to Twin Ports Rotary Clubs and the Essentia Health Foundation. However, the races are all free for community members to attend. The event is taking place on August 25 – 26. Races can be watched at Barker’s Island. Other…

Upcoming Events in Gary New Duluth Promote Safety and Community

Annual Raffle and Bike Rodeo to be Held This Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is full of activities at the Gary New Duluth Recreation Center. Thursday, August 24 the center is hosting its annual raffle event. Todd Eckart will be performing and funds raised will support the Gary New Duluth Development Alliance. The event on Thursday starts at 6 p.m., but event organizers recommend arriving at 5:30 p.m. On…

Northland 4-H Groups Prepare for Minnesota State Fair

10th Grader Landen Dahl will Travel to the 'Great Minnesota Get Togehter' to Showcase Mason Bee Research

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Monday, September 4, dozens of Northland 4-H youth will make way to the Minnesota State Fair, eager to share their projects, research, and livestock with other 4-H members. In this week’s Animal Answers, Duluthian Landen Dahl visited FOX 21 Local News alongside Tim Caines, Program Coordinator for South St. Louis County 4-H. Dahl will…

Digging Deeper with Northern Harvest CSA Farm

With CSA Farms Growing in Popularity in Recent Years, Local Crops are Selling Out for the Season

WRENSHALL, Minn. – The Northland is receiving ample amounts of rain this season, causing some local farmers to wish for higher ground. CSA farming is much more than freshly picked produce on your table. “You’re never going to master nature; you’re never going to master Mother Nature,” said Farmer Rick Dalen, Northern Harvest Farm. It’s almost time for books and…

Franken Impressed with Reservation’s Renewable Energy

Fond du Lac Reservation Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence by 46%

CARLTON, Minn. – To wrap up his two-day visit to the Northland, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) stopped on the Fond du Lac Reservation Tuesday. Senator Franken serves on both the Senate Energy and Indian Affairs committees, so his visit to the reservation served multiple interests. Minnesota’s junior senator met with Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe officials to talk about…

Twin Ports’ First Openly Gay Bar, The Main Club, Closing After 34 Years

Owner Bob Jansen Says The Times Have Changed

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A true trailblazer within the LGBT community in the Twin Ports is preparing to shut the doors on one historic safe place — The Main Club. Bob Jansen said he opened The Main — the first openly gay bar in the Northland — in 1983 after winning a lawsuit that said the College of St. Scholastica fired…

Students Are Back in Duluth for Fall Semester

Welcome Week Has Activities Going Both On and Off Campus

DULUTH, Minn.- Kylie Cartwright unloaded some of her final items out of her parent’s car. It’s move in day at UMD, and Cartwight who is a freshman, is moving away from her parents for the first time in her life. “It’s sad. Really going to miss my family and stuff. Had to give my Turtle away yesterday so that was…

Active Shooter Response Exercise Held in Superior

Douglas County Sheriff's Department Partnered with Local Fire Departments to Complete Training

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County first responders held a training exercise Tuesday in Superior. The training is designed to help prepare agencies if there was ever an active shooter at a school. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department teamed up with the Town of Superior and the Town of Oakland fire departments for an active shooter training exercise at Four Corners…

A New Year Starts at FDLTCC

College Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Year

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College celebrated the start of a new school year Tuesday. The campus was buzzing with students making their way to and from classes.  One student we spoke to says he loves FDLTCC’s sense of community. “Teachers are willing to help, along with classmates, even people you don’t know are willing to…

Antique Shop is Home to Generations of History

Northland Uncovered: Antique Boutique

DULUTH, Minn. – Shops with similar products around the country hold treasures and stories of generations. That is certainly the case at Antique Boutique in Duluth. “It’s kind of fun to find something different and unique,” said Co-owner Patricia Fish. With pieces from almost any era, Fish says the products give variety not found in department stores. Fish also says…

Pop Up Band Performs In Leif Erickson

34th Infantry Gives Back With More Than Just Military Service

DULUTH, Minn. Monday evening, some special military performers showed off their musical talents in Leif Erickson Park in Duluth. Residents heard the sound of the 34th Infantry Band, a group made up of members of Minnesota’s Army National Guard. While they’re fully trained for duty, these special men and women perform at funerals, parties, and free pop–up concerts like this…

New Brighter Lights For Lakewalk

LED Lights To Replace Older Lights

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders who use the Lakewalk in Canal Park will soon see a brighter change. The city will replace the entire Lakewalk trail lighting with new and brighter L.E.D. light bulbs. Areas from the Endion Station to Leif Erickson Park will have narrowed lanes during the project. The work is expected take up to two weeks to complete, weather…

National Senior Citizens Day Celebrated at North Shore Estates

Residents checked out the eclipse and got in some games of bingo

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday was National Senior Citizens Day, and some folks in the Northland decided to celebrate. North Shore Estates in West Duluth threw a little party for their residents. First they checked out that solar eclipse, or what they could see of it, and then got together for some treats and a couple games of bingo. “Here in…

Thousands Turn Toward the Sky for Solar Eclipse

It Was Cloudy in Duluth But That Didn't Stop People From Trying

DULUTH, Minn.- A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and earth, temporarily blocking the light of the sun from reaching earth.  And during Monday’s eclipse people in the Northland were able to see an eclipse of around 80 percent. Thousands of people swarmed places like Grandma’s Sports Garden and the Duluth Public Library around noon to…

Virginia Daycare Center Damaged By Flooding

Apple Tree Learning Center Had Three to Four Inches of Standing Water in Some Classrooms

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Some businesses in Virginia were flooded last week after that are was hit with more than four inches of rain. The Apple Tree Learning Center had three to four inches standing water in some of their classrooms on Friday. They have since pumped the water out, but their cleanup has only just begun. “It was very heartbreaking…

Sen. Al Franken Tours Virginia Fire Hall

City Officials Hope to Build New Public Safety Building Soon

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Al Franken was on the Iron Range today and took a tour of the aging Virginia Fire Hall, a place city leaders hope can be replaced with a new building. The Virginia Fire Hall is 109 years old. “It was originally designed to house horses and horse drawn steam pumpers and in that time, not…

Bikers Come Together at Cedar Lounge for Rider Night

The bar will also be the home of Earth Rider Brewery's tap room, which is expected to start pouring beer this fall.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Before the rain came down Monday, it was perfect weather for a motorcycle ride through the Twin Ports. A group of bikers made its way from Duluth to the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Every Monday, the bar hosts “Rider Night” with hopes of bringing like–minded groups of people together to socialize over food and drinks. “Breweries and…

Classes Begin at Lake Superior College

This year the college is starting its first Private Pilot Ground School to train future pilots.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday was the first day of classes for students at Lake Superior College. The school’s fall semester officially started with many students visiting the campus book store to pick up required textbooks and laptops. This year the college is starting its first Private Pilot Ground School at LSC’s aviation center. Students back on campus tell us they’re…

Extra DWI Patrols on Minnesota Roadways

Labor Day Weekend is One of the Deadliest Holidays on Minnesota Roads

DULUTH, Minn. – Now through Labor Day, law enforcement agencies across the state of Minnesota are cracking down on drunk driving. In 2016, over 23,000 drivers received tickets for driving while intoxicated according to the Department of Public Safety. It’s a number the Toward Zero Deaths Campaign would like to see go down. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety,…

Gordy Turns 90 Years Old

He's Been Working at His Restaurant for Over 50 Years

CLOQUET, Minn.- Gordy’s Hi-Hat’s very own Gordy Lundquist turned 90 years old, Monday 3 Generations of Lundquist family members work side by side at the popular and seasonal restaurant that specializes in burgers, milkshakes, and fried fish sandwiches. “Secret to 90 years is probably the burgers. It’s the fountain of youth here. That’s what we’re serving up every day,” said…

Duluth Police Officers and Firefighters to Battle on the Field

10th Annual Guns and Hoses Softball Game

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Duluth Police Officers and Firefighters will be battling on the field all for a good cause. The 10th Annual Guns and Hoses is taking place on Thursday, August 24. Other than the softball game, there will be a K-9 demonstration, fire trucks and police cars on display, and the mounted patrol on hand. Wade Stadium…

Family Event Supports Superior Police and Fire Museum

Coffee Conversation: Superior Public Museums

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This evening the annual mini-golf fundraiser for the Old Firehouse and Police Museum is taking place. The family event runs from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, August 21. There will be mini-golf, hot dogs, drinks and chips for $7.00. Local firefighters and police officers will be onhand to talk with kids and show vehicles. This is all taking place…

Thousands Turn Out for Bubble Festival

Attendees Enjoyed Music, Fun, and of Course, Bubbles

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids and their families members had a bubbly good time at a festival hosted by the Duluth Children’s Museum. Around 25 community partners get together to put on the bubble festival, that includes fun like food, live music, climbing walls, ice skating, and of course, bubbles. Organizers say the bubble festival started as a way to teach kids…

Artists Showcase Their Work at Bayfront Festival Park

150 Artists Traveled from Across the Country for the Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Canvas bags with the pattern of Duluth’s iconic lift bridge printed on them hung in a booth at Bayfront Park.  The artist of the bags, Natalija Walbridge says it’s her second year showcasing her art at the Art in Bayfront Park festival. “Can’t resist doing a Duluth show because all my friends come down, and it’s close to…

Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center to Open Soon

New Minong Community Recreation Center Will Feature a Workout Facility and Indoor Swimming Pool

MINONG, Wis. – The Village of Minong, home of Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, is undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade. That new update is a new multi-use community recreation center. The Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center is set to open this fall. Fox 21 got an exclusive tour of the new facility. “The level of excitement in the community right…

Super Big Block Party Hits the Streets of Duluth

The Event is Back for a 3rd Year in a Row

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of people danced and sang to celebrate the Super Big Block Party. It’s the 3rd year of the event, where people can enjoy food, live music and drinks outside on the street in front of the Red Herring Lounge. “Everybody that I never get to hang out with is going to come, so it’s like, let’s all…

Thousands Turn Out for Hoghead Festival

It's The Biggest Fundraiser for the Proctor Lions Club

PROCTOR, Minn.- Thousands turned out for the Annual Hoghead Festival in Proctor. The community celebration is Proctor Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and includes food, games, live music and drinks for attendees to enjoy. Funds raised through vendor fees, button sales, and donations all go to benefit local non-profit organizations in the area. “Some of our key folks…

Golfers Play a Round for a Good Cause

Proceeds of the Event Went to Benefit the Honor Flight

CARLTON, Minn.- The Local 420 of the Superior Refinery took part in a Golf scramble, all for a good cause It was a fundraiser benefitting the honor flight, a program that takes veterans in the Northland to Washington DC to see Veteran memorials. It costs 600 dollars a veteran for the honor flight, and the Local 420 was able to…

Red Herring Lounge gets ready for Super Big Block Party

Live music and entertainment on First Street

DULUTH, Minn. -First Street is the place to be on Saturday for the third annual Super Big Block Party. The red Herring Lounge hosts the celebration which brings in skateboarding demos live music, food and plenty of beer. Organizers say the block party celebrates Minnesota’s music culture. “It’s sort of an encapsulation of what the Red Herring does throughout the…

Sawyer County Fair Opens in Hayward

110th Annual Fair Offers Animal Barn, Fun Shows, and Lots of Food

HAYWARD, Wis. – The Sawyer County fair opened Thursday in Hayward. Fair-goers can check out the animal barn with the best livestock in the area, watch fun performances like a magic show and singing cowboy, and of course eat all the fair food they can get their hands on. “If you’re in the neighborhood, you’re sure welcome to come out…

Remembering the Late Gary Waller

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — Former St. Louis County Sheriff Gary Waller passed away earlier this week, and he is being remembered by a close colleague during his tenure in county government. Waller is perhaps best known as the lead investigator in the Congdon murders at Duluth’s Glensheen estate. He served for twenty one years with the Duluth Police Department…

Art in Bayfront Park Starts Tomorrow

Event Will Go Through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn.-Art in Bayfront Park kicks off tomorrow as it celebrates its seventh year. The event celebrates more than 100 local and regional artists. A variety of different art will be on display including of course paintings, along with jewelry, photography, and metal work. “I think the camaraderie between the community and the artist is really fun to see,” said Sara…

LSC Preparing to Welcome Students Back to School

The School is Hosting an Early Bird Event Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Colleges and Universities in the Northland are preparing for school to start again. Lake Superior College is having an early bird event tomorrow, where students can step into the school a day early to find their classrooms, get acquainted with the school, and meet some of the faculty. The event helps take some of the stress off of…

Gloria Dei Moving Forward With Plans to Rebuild

The Goal is to be Back by End of 2018

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church have voted to move forward with an architectural plan for the Church building and the budget that goes with that. Church representatives are hoping they can start demolishing the interior like the floors and walls in September, so the rebuilding process can begin. The goal of the church is to be…