Community

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…

Duluth Police Looking for Paintball Shooter

Courtesy: Duluth Police Department DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating individuals involved in paintball shooting incidents in Duluth. Authorities report two incidents have occurred, one on Wednesday, Aug. 16 around 9:10 p.m. in the 200 block of East 3rd Street and another on Thursday, Aug. 17 just after 9 p.m. Victims of…

‘Light and Low’ at Gary New Duluth Recreation Center

FOX 21's William Seay Caught Up With the Organizer's of Duluth YMCA's Light and Low Fitness Program

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay caught up with the coordinators of ‘Light and Low,’ a program put together by the Duluth YMCA. The program takes place at the Gary New Duluth Recreation Center. Participants have the chance to work on increasing mobility, balance, range of movement, strength and conditioning by using light free weights,…

Hundreds Expected for Annual Jefferson Street Block Party

The Event Runs From 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 19

DULUTH, Minn. – The 26th Annual Jefferson Street Block Party in Duluth will bring hundreds of neighbors together once again this Saturday, August 19 from 2:00 to 5:00p.m on the 1600 block of Jefferson Street. The party will showcase live music from Lyz Jaakola’s project #theindianheadband, which provides a danceable mix of rock and roll, ska, funk and traditional Anishinaabe…

Mobile Pantry Comes to Cloquet

Second Harvest Will Run the Pantry Monthly

CLOQUET, Minn. – Carlton County residents lined up at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on a rainy Thursday morning, waiting for the county’s first mobile food pantry to open. “This is a great opportunity for people who need a little bit of food to come grab some,” said Rachel Johnston, who visited the pantry Thursday. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank…

Cosplay Costumes On Display

Duluth Library Hosts Cosplayers

DULUTH, Minn. – All sorts of characters made their way to the Duluth Public Library Thursday afternoon. Cosplayers had their chance to dress up to the nines as princesses, pirates, ninjas and many other characters. One princess we talked to says that events like today’s gives her a chance to see people she hasn’t seen in a while. “Me and…

Time Capsule Celebration In Virginia, MN

Artifacts Seen For First Time In 50 Years

Virginia, Minn. At this time 50 years ago the City of Virginia, MN was having a 5 day party, the Diamond Day Celebration. They were also celebrating 75 years as a city by putting cool stuff in the ground. Wednesday, Virginia residents went back in time to open something they haven’t seen in years. Residents that celebrated on that day…

Firefighters Battle Flames at Abandoned Duluth Church

The exact cause of the fire is under investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday evening the Duluth Fire Department was dispatched to the 900 block of East Third Street on reports of a structure fire at an abandoned church. Upon arrival, crews witnessed heavy fire on the main floor of the former Crown Christian Family Church on the city’s East Hillside. At one point flames could…

Castle Danger Celebrates 6 Years

Cheers To The Years - This Weekend At The Brewery In Two Harbors!

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Kegs are tapped in celebration of Castle Dangers 6 Year Anniversary this weekend. They are celebrating their success with live music, food trucks, lawn games, raffles and of course, drinking their dangerously good beer with friends. “It’s been the longest six years and the shortest six years that the brewery and I can imagine. When we…

Carlton County Fair Opens

This Year's Fair is the 127th

BARNUM, Minn. – The 127th Carlton County fair is open. Between Thursday and Sunday, fair–goers can check out the best livestock the county has to offer, while also enjoying rides, and of course fair food. Organizers say this is the best time of year. “The only sad thing is it’s the end of summer,” said Allysha Sample, Fair Manager. “It’s…

Lake County Fair Kicks Off Despite Rainy Weather

Dozens Put Their Talent to Work in the 4-H Exhibits Thursday

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Despite the cold, rainy weather we’re experiencing in the Northland, it isn’t stopping one community from coming together to celebrate their annual county fair. The Lake County Fair is celebrating their 109th season. Thursday, rain kept most of the rides from operating but didn’t stop the barnyard animals for getting ready to be judged in various…

Lead Glensheen Investigator, Gary Waller, Dies at Age 72

JAN. 4, 1945 - AUG. 15, 2017

Gary WallerPhoto: St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Gary Waller, who led the investigation of the Glensheen murders in 1977, and later served as St. Louis County Sheriff has died, according to an obituary. Waller, 72, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at his home, according to the obituary. Waller dedicated his life to law enforcement. He…

Annual Bubble Festival Returns Sunday

Duluth Children's Museum Hosts 9th Annual Bubble Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend bubbles will be filling the air as the 9th Annual Bubble Festival Kicks off. It’s taking place on Sunday, August 20 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Clyde Park. Clyde Park is located at 29th Ave. W. and Michigan St. At the festival, there will be a bubble so large kids can stand inside it,…

Lucky’s 13 Pub Cooks up “Minnesota Extreme Burger”

Cooking Connection: Lucky's 13 Pub

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we’re heading into the kitchen with Lucky’s 13 Pub. The Minnesota Extreme Burger was cooked up by kitchen staff. The burger is made of beef and pork with blueberries, wild rice and maple syrup mixed in. The burger is topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a raspberry aoli. Lucky’s 13 Pub is located…

Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance Holds Fundraiser

Group Hopes to Raise Money to Expand Area Horse Trails

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance held a fundraiser Wednesday. The group hoped to raise at least $5,000 with a steak dinner, raffle, and silent auction that will go towards their goal of expanding horse trails in the area. “Most of us have to travel in order to get to any rideable horse trial,” says Jodi Johannessen,…

Proctor Hoghead Festival Begins

42nd Annual Festival Pays Tribute to the Community's Railroad Heritage

PROCTOR, Minn. – The 42nd Annual Hoghead Festival kicked off today in Proctor. It’s called “Hoghead” after the engineers who worked on trains, a way for the community to pay tribute to their railroad heritage. Today was the annual car show where a free meal was given to anyone showing off their cars. “You see people you haven’t seen in…

Duluth Workforce Development Center Hosts Fall Job Fair

More than 30 employers were on hand to talk with anybody looking for a new job or wanting a career change

DULUTH, Minn. – Job seekers had a chance to meet with potential employers in Duluth Wednesday. The city’s Workforce Development Center teamed up with the Minnesota Workforce Center to host its annual Gear Up for Fall Job Fair. More than 30 employers were on hand to talk with anybody looking for a new job or wanting a career change. The…

Men As Peacemakers Thanks Volunteers With Picnic

Organization Officials Say Their Programs Would Not Be Possible Without Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – Men As Peacemakers held a picnic today to celebrate all the work done by their volunteers. The organization serves over 1,000 community members every year through programs that promote equality and try to end violence against women and children. Men As Peacemakers officials say that work would not be possible without their volunteers. “Volunteers are really like…

Larson Holds Community Listening Session, Residents Express Concern Over Proposed Budget Cuts

The plan includes $700,000 in combined cuts to the Duluth’s fire and police departments

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson continued her community listening sessions this evening in West Duluth. Residents and city leaders came together at the Harrison Community Center to learn more about the Larson’s plan for improving Duluth’s streets. Earlier this week, the mayor also announced her proposed city budget for 2018. The plan includes $700,000 in combined cuts to…

Kids Cafe Employs Local Youth

Program Helps Disadvantaged Get Fresh Meals

DULUTH, Minn.  – Kids Café has been around for 15 years at the Damiano Center in Duluth but this year’s program has a little twist. This summer nine teenagers were employed through the program with the hopes they would build up job employment skills. During their stay with the program, the teens learned all about nutrition, gardening, cooking, and distributing…

A Moment of Solidarity in Downtown Duluth

Standing Up Amid The Violence In Virginia

DULUTH, Minn. – It was an overflow of solidarity at the Jackson, Clayton, McGee Memorial Tuesday night, as Duluth stood up against white supremacy and racism amid the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. People of all ages and backgrounds came out holding candles to honor the lives lost in the fight against racism and white supremacy. Categories: Community, Education, News, News…

5 Year Old Uses Lemonade Stand To Give Back

Money Raised Will Go Towards Douglas County Humane Society

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – A young entrepreneur in Superior is learning the meaning of giving back. Braden, 5, decided to set up a lemonade stand, where he would give all of his proceeds to the Humane Society of Douglas County. “I think it’s great to give back to the community for the things that we do, and make sure that we…

Businesses Sound Off About Walleye Woes On Lake Mille Lacs

Some Businesses Have Been Struggling With the Tough Regulations on Walleye Fishing

MILLE LACS, Minn.- Lake Mille Lacs was a popular Walleye fishing destination, but after a plummet in the population of the fish, strict regulations have restricted fishing in the area. “The people in the upper midwest, you know take Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and Northern Iowa, walleye is their favorite fish and that’s not going to change,” says Terry Thurmer,…

Woman Pays Forward with Acts of Kindness

Debra Johnson Robnik Often Gives Gifts to Strangers on Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Debra Johnson Robnik can’t remember a time with so much negativity in the world. “I don’t remember, ever in my age, having so much and seeing so much hatred,” she says. “And that’s frightening.” As a way to fight that hatred Johnson Robnik tries to do nice things for strangers she meets on Duluth’s Lakewalk. “I just…

Minnesota Power Discusses Community Solar Gardens With Public

The next information session will be held Tuesday, August 22.

DULUTH, Minn. -Northlanders got the chance to learn a little bit about Minnesota Power’s community solar garden program. Customers are able to purchase a subscription to the solar power in exchange for a fixed utility rate. They are holding several information sessions in the area for people who may be interested. “It gives them a chance to ask me very…

Minnesota Officials Draft New School Achievement Plan

Duluth Public Schools plans to focus more on student attendance under the updated plan

DULUTH, Minn. – At the state and federal level schools current rely solely on test scores to measure student achievement. Minnesota officials have drafted a new plan that would look at more ways to assess performance in the classroom. The plan calls for evaluating schools based on state test scores, the number of students who move up a level on…

MnDOT Answers Questions Regarding Upcoming Mesaba Avenue Project

Next spring, construction will begin on an $8 million project along the Mesaba Avenue corridor near Interstate 35

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT officials met with the public Tuesday to discuss an upcoming project that will impact a busy stretch of Duluth roads. Next spring, construction will begin on an $8 million project along the Mesaba Avenue corridor near Interstate 35. One of the main issues that will be addressed is the dangerous weave situation between westbound Superior Street…

Most Renowned Bass Fishing Tournament Will be in Mille Lacs for Second Year

The 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tournament Will Take Place September 14-17

MILLE LACS, Minn.- The 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tournament is taking place at the lake on September 14th through the 17th. Last year the event brought more than 14,000 people to the area, where spectators had the chance to watch the nation’s top 50 anglers battle it out with the fish. “It’s gained the notoriety of it,…

New Mountain Biking Trail Coming to Spirit Mountain

It's Expected to be Completed by October

DULUTH, Minn.-A new mountain biking trail is coming to Spirit Mountain. The Duluth City Council has approved $72,000  to help fund the project, with Spirit Mountain matching that amount. The trail will be unique in a few ways, including being able to handle all sorts of weather. “This trail will allow us to bike if there’s been a rain shower…