Community

Water Drive to Support those Affected by Tropical Storm Harvey

Local Businessman to Travel to Texas

DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth man is heading to Texas this weekend to help those affected by Tropical Storm Harvey and he’s asking for help. Mike Letica is hosting a Water Drive on Thursday, August 31 from noon to 7 p.m. at Denfeld High School. Letica is asking for donations of water, cots, air mattresses, medical supplies, cash donations…

American Red Cross: How Northlanders Can Support Harvey Victims

Monetary Donations Encouraged by Red Cross Officials

DULUTH, Minn. – Tropical Storm Harvey is causing devastation in Texas with thousands evacuated and mutiple deaths reported. As people around the country try to help those affected, the American Red Cross is doing whatever they can to help as well. Dan Williams, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, stopped by FOX 21…

Duluthians Travel to Texas for Animal Rescue

A Group Leaves for Texas Saturday to Rescue Dogs in Overpopulated Shelters in Wake of Hurricane Harvey

DULUTH, Minn. – Hurricane Harvey is taking a devastating toll on millions in Texas. Many are facing life or death situations. It’s a reality also hitting hard for many furry friends. Harvey is leaving thousands howling for help. Animals are stuck in Texas shelters looking for a life saver. “It’s awful, they need help. There are so many dogs that…

Northlanders Help with Hurricane Harvey Relief

Organizations Across the Region are Providing Assistance to Those Affected by the Storm

HOUSTON – As Hurricane Harvey relief continues, volunteers from across the country head to Texas to lend a helping hand to people affected by the storm. Some of those volunteers are from right here in the Northland. From providing assistance to people in shelters to caring for animals left homeless by the storm, Northlanders are finding ways to help those…

Harvey Donation Drive Set For Thursday at Denfeld High School

Cash donations, bottled water, air mattresses, toiletries and pet food are all needed

  DULUTH, Minn. – A donation drive for those affected by Hurricane Harvey will be held at Denfeld High School on Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. Mike Letica and other local business leaders are asking the public to drop off cash donations, as well as items like bottled water, air mattresses, toiletries and pet food. This weekend, Letica will…

Duluth Trails Closed From Excessive Rain

COGGS Trails Close To Avoid Damage By Ruts In The Clay Mud

DULUTH, Minn. — With the recent rainy weekend dumping 1-5″ inches of rain across the Northland, its puddled up and left soggy and muddy trails, forcing them to close. According to the cyclists of the Gitchee Gumee Shores, when you put your footprint or bike tire through the goopy mud, the imprint leaves a lasting mark. The rut catches water…

Minnesota State Fair Tunnel of Love is Oldest in United States

Northland Uncovered: Ye Old Mill

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Minnesota Get-Together started up last week and already thousands of visitors have taken a ride on one of the fair’s oldest traditions. Wooden boats floating through Ye Old Mill at the Minnesota State Fair carry generations of love stories with them. As the nation’s oldest tunnel of love, the ride has been taking lovebirds through…

31st Annual Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Kicks Off Thursday

Free Family-Friendly Entertainment in Bayfront Festival Park Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – The 31st Annual Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will be taking over the Twin Ports this week and weekend. The festival is taking place Thursday, August 31 – Sunday, September 3. Schedule of Events: Thursday, August 31: Mayor’s Reception, 5-8 p.m., Duluth Depot Duluth Playhouse Play: I am my Own Wife, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 1: White Party…

Authorities Believe Human Remains Are That Of Missing Twin Ports Man

UPDATE 8/28:  The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office sent out a news release late Monday saying they believe human remains located in Twig are that of Edward Lepage.  Family members and friends who held a ground search Sunday made the discovery. The remains are being transported to the Midwest Medical Examiners Office in Ramsey, Minnesota for analysis and positive identification….

Friends Set Up Memorial For 15-Year-Old Drowning Victim

Flowers, Cross Put At Last Place Will Schlotec Was Seen Alive

DULUTH, Minn. – Heavy hearts continue for friends and family of 15-year-old Will Schlotec who drowned over the weekend in the popular swimming hole known as The Deeps. People close to Schlotec have begun to build a memorial at the site of the accident. On Monday, friends showed up with flowers and comforting words for one another as the new school…

Local Business Owner Looks to Help Hurricane Victims

Mike Letica is collecting supplies and cards for victims of Hurricane Harvey

DULUTH, Minn. – After hearing about the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, one Northland business leader is looking to offer some help. Mike Letica made a post on Facebook earlier today, asking the public to help him collected supplies for the people of Texas displaced by the hurricane. But it’s not just supplies he’s looking to bring…

Classes Start For WITC Students

Monday marks the start of the new school year for WITC students

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -Wisconsin Indianhead Techical College students in Superior are back for the semester. Classes started on Monday for those students seeking an Associates Degree or technical diploma, to get that first step towards a new career. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 years old and coming here, or you’re 45 and coming here,” WITC VI of Academic Affairs Bonny…

Minnesota School Trust Land Exchange Discussed at First Public Meeting

The Forest Service would acquire 31,000 acres of Minnesota School Trust land in the Boundary Waters while the state would receive an equal value of federal land on the Superior National Forest

DULUTH, Minn. – The Forest Service held an open house in Duluth Monday to help inform the public about a proposed land exchange in Northeast Minnesota. As part of the deal, the Forest Service would acquire 31,000 acres of Minnesota School Trust land in the Boundary Waters. In return, the state would receive an equal value of federal land on…

Community Members Stuff Backpacks for Students

The New School Year is Around the Corner

DULUTH, Minn.- With the first day of school approaching, community members got together to stuff backpacks for school kids. In the last two months, people have donated things like crayons, pencils, markers and backpackers to the cause. And Monday, volunteers gathered together to put those supplies into the backpacks so they can give them away to students this Thursday. “We…

Lowell Elementary Prepares for New School Year

Teachers Prepare Classrooms and Halls for Students

DULUTH, Minn.- The new school year or grades schools is just around the corner, and schools in the Northland are getting ready for students to come pouring through their doors. Lowell Elementary school in Duluth has 2 language immersion programs, where students learn subjects like math, science and history all in Ojibwe or Spanish. So this year, school staff put…

Duluth School District Prepares for New School Year

They're Working to Get Attendance Up

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School district has been preparing for the new school year for the entire Summer, and now, the new school year is just around the corner. Research shows that students who are chronically absent are less likely to succeed in school, and this year, the Duluth School District is working on getting their student’s attendance numbers up….

Local Volunteers Help With Hurricane Harvey Relief

Nine Duluth Red Cross Volunteers are on Their Way to Texas or Already There

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers from across the country are heading to Texas to help communities recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey, and that includes volunteers from right here in the Northland. The American Red Cross in Duluth has nine volunteers either on their way to Texas or already there to help with Hurricane Harvey relief. Local officials are…

Emergency Pig-Out Raises Funds for Volunteer First Responders

Iron River Community to Host "Emergency Pig-Out"

IRON RIVER, Wis. – This weekend a Wisconsin community is banding together to support several projects in Iron River. White Winter Winery is once again hosting the Annual Emergency Pig Out. The event raises funds for Iron River’s Emergency Services to purchase and maintain EMS equipment. Also, this year some money will be going to the Iron River Lions Club…

How to Help the Texas Flooding Victims Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

Evacuees wade down a flooded section of I-610 as floodwarters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Houston. (AP) HOUSTON – The Texas coast has been devastated by the effects of Hurricane Harvey, which has created unprecedented flooding and forced thousands to flee for their lives. If you’re looking to make a difference, here’s how you can help…

Japanese Students Compete in Dragon Boat Race

Sister Cities Commission from Ami Machi Japan Teamed Up With Local Students for Race

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the biggest events in Superior each year. Students from Superior’s sister city in Japan got to experience dragon boat racing first hand. Competing in a dragon boat race takes hard work., but more importantly it takes well executed teamwork. “Despite the fact that the course doesn’t look that long, it’s…

HillFest Takes Over Hillside Neighborhood

The Festival Has Been Going on for 8 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Family friends and neighbors could be seen enjoying the day outside on what usually are busy roads, but Sunday, the intersection of 4th Street and 6th Avenue East in Duluth was closed to traffic. It’s all part of the 8th annual Hillfest, a neighborhood street festival for Duluth’s Hillside Neighborhood. “It’s a great way to bring the community together I…

Meeting Held to Discuss Clean Water in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- The Clean Water Council met for a monthly meeting to discuss projects going on in the area. Presenters talked about the St. Louis River area of concern and issues surrounding it, like aquatic habitat restoration, wild rice restoration, and community engagement.  The meeting also addressed progress made in removing the environmental pollution on the St. Louis River. “We…

MN DNR Is Auctioning Some of Their Items

More Than 200 Items will be For Sale

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is holding a public auction of some of their equipment. The sale is being held Saturday at 9 am. More than 200 items like cars, trucks ATVs and snowmobiles will be up for bid. There will be an on-site inspection held before the sale. “The public auctions are work very well…

New Cloquet Middle School Nears Completion

Crews wrap up finishing touches before students return

CLOQUET, Minn. – Crews are wrapping up the final days of construction on the new Cloquet Middle School before students return for the school year. After two years of planning and about 15 months of construction, the 180,000 sq. ft. building is nearly complete. “The construction has been just amazing in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish in…

Duluth YMCA Fall Open House Offers New Member Deal

New Programs to Begin at YMCA this Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA is hosting its Fall Open House September 6-9, 2017. This week is open to the public and free for all. Several activities are being held daily during this week. The sign-up fee will be waived during the open house. There will also be activities held at the Gary New Duluth and Woodland locations. For…

Nation’s Largest Traveling Ferris Wheel Visits Minnesota State Fair

Riders Take in Views of St. Paul and Minneapolis

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – A brand new ride is taking fair-goers to new heights. The $4 million investment is the nation’s largest traveling ferris wheel. It travels America on 12 trailers and takes a 50 ton crane to assmble. The 36 gondolas take riders 15 stories high. “People are impressed that they can see the capitol dome, the cathedral downtown,…

Tribute Fest Continues at Bayfront Park

Thursday was Country Night at the Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – Tribute fest rages on for the second night at Bayfront Park. Tonight is country night and it featured performances by Rage-N-Country, Savannah Cole, and a tribute performance by Toby Keith and Jason Aldean impersonators. Festival organizers say they try to grow a bigger audience each year. “We did the EDM first thinking we’d get to the millennials,…

Guns and Hoses Softball Game Raises Money for Charity

Police and Fire Departments Battle on the Field for the Softball Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth police and fire departments competed against each other in the annual Guns and Hoses event at Wade Stadium. The charity slow pitch softball game raises money for the Northern Lights foundation, who provides assistance to families with children facing life threatening illnesses. In addition to the game, spectators could enjoy police and fire displays, live…

Minnesota State Fair Welcomes Thousands of Eager Fairgoers on Opening Day

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Will Run Through Monday, September 4

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn – The time has finally come, the Great Minnesota Get-Together kicked off Thursday morning in Falcon Heights. Thousands of people lined up at the gates before six o’clock rolled around. Hundreds made final arrangements, setting up exhibits, heating up deep friers and lacing up those dancing shoes. “We just really have a good time dancing,” said Cindy…

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…