Community

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…

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…