Community Archives - Page 269 of 298

Jay Cooke State Park Offers Programs to Connect People With Nature

Kids Had the Chance to Learn About Monarch Butterflies on Saturday

May 27, 2017

Lena Takada,

CARLTON, Minn.- Kids and families learned about Monarch Butterflies at Jay Cooke State Park, Saturday. Minnesota State Parks host events to help connect visitors to the natural wonders the parks have to offer. Many events were held at Jay Cooke State Park today, including an educational class about Monarch butterflies. Attendees learned about the state butterfly, its habitat, and life…

The Great Lakes of Fine Arts Exhibit Showcases Students Work

The Exhibit Shows the Students Progress Over the School Year

May 27, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Lakes Academy of Fine Arts is hosting an art Exhibit showcasing the One year progression of the students that study there. Six students have been studying at the academy under professional artists Jeffrey and Brock Larson since September of last year. The art exhibit which kicked off Friday, shows life like drawings the students have been working…

Fuel Oil Leak in Hermantown

Officials Concerned for Runoff into Keane Creek

May 27, 2017

Greg Chandler,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown police and fire departments responded to reports of a fuel oil spill Saturday. According to investigators, a residential fuel oil tank leaked in the 48–hundred block of Maple Grove Rd. Saturday afternoon. The fuel oil may have run off into the Keane Creek water system. Hermantown officials have notified the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Categories: Community,…

Charter Utility Truck Catches Fire

Driver Made It Out Ok

May 26, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. A Charter Communications utility truck caught on fire with the driver still inside. The fire briefly bringing Miller Trunk Highway to a standstill this afternoon. The driver told Fox 21 he started seeing smoke as he was driving up the hill. He pulled over and before he knew it the truck was on fire. The DFD along with…

Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner, Lauren Gray

May 26, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

Meet Lauren Gray one of 12 winners of the FOX 21 Strength in the Community scholarship. The Strength in the Community Scholarship was created to help students reach their goals to pursue higher education in a time of rising tuition costs. Twelve finalists will receive $1,000, but one will trade in their $1,000 for a $10,000 check. Lauren is a…

Duluth Lawmakers’ Hard Work Helps Local Projects Make State Bonding Bill

The bonding bill includes more than $80 million in funding for many big Duluth projects

May 26, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – State lawmakers wrapped up a special legislative session by passing a state budget and a nearly billion dollar bonding bill. With the bill awaiting Governor Dayton’s signature, local lawmakers are calling this session a success for projects in Duluth and northeast Minnesota. “There was a lot of uncertainty, so we worked really hard the last few days…

Adventure Park Now Open at Spirit Mountain

Summer Adventures Begin Memorial Day Weekend at Spirit Mountain

May 26, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth is now back open for business as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. The Mountain’s Adventure Park opened gates Friday for the Alpine Coaster, zip line, jumping pillow, mini golf and disk golf. Five mountain bike trails are now open as well. Executive Director Brandy Ream tells FOX 21 she’s optimistic going…

Memorial Day Traffic Advisories

May 26, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has issued traffic advisories affecting the West Duluth and Gary New Duluth areas. Memorial Day Parade – start time 12:30 p.m. in West Duluth Parade units will line up on 59th Avenue West between Raleigh Street and Grand Avenue beginning at 10:30 a.m. Parade Route: Starting at 59th Ave W & Grand Ave,…

Summer Lift Schedule Begins for Aerial Lift Bridge

May 26, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Aerial Lift Bridge will commence its summer lift schedule beginning today, May 26. The bridge will lift on the hour and half hour from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week until the Tuesday after Labor Day. Exceptions for this include lakers, government, and commercial vessels. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Workout Group Provides Fitness & Support for Northland Mothers

Active Adventures: Stroller Strides

May 26, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms around the country are encouraging each other to be healthy through a group fitness program. Fit4Mom is a nationwide program with a branch here in the Twin Ports. The goal is to support moms through every step of motherhood. The company offers several classes: Stroller Strides Stroller Barre Body Back Fit4Baby Running Club For this week’s…

Minnesota Legislature passes $46B budget in special session

May 26, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s Legislature has finished passing a $46 billion budget in a special session. It took three extra days and some horse-trading to win crucial Democratic votes. But the Republican-controlled Legislature passed its final budget bills early Friday morning. The overtime began Tuesday morning after lawmakers passed the constitutionally mandated deadline to finish a budget by…

New Book Highlights World War II Shipbuilding in the Twin Ports

May 25, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new book is out that highlights the importance of the Great Lakes shipyards during World War II. The book was written by Gerald Sandvick, a retired history professor, who spent the past year putting it together. Thursday night, Sandvick spoke about the book at the Bong Veterans Center in Superior. He says, Duluth and Superior had…

Major Cuts At Northland College

Millions To Be Scaled Back Affecting Sports And All Employees

May 25, 2017

Joey Norton,

Ashland, Wis. In a letter sent out to Northland College students and staff by the board of trustees will hit the pocket books of many. The school is making some big budget cuts totaling around 3.5 million dollars. Many areas of the school will see some type of cuts, affecting some athletes and 100% of the schools employees. As of…

ReUSE Minnesota Explores Duluth Network

Group has been Operating in the Twin Cities Since 2012

May 25, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – A successful Twin cities re-use program Is coming to the Twin Ports. Representatives from ReUSE Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency met with local re-use businesses to create a network to share resources. Officials say they’re targeting businesses like thrift stores, habitat restores, and consignment shops. “These are the stores that allow the rest of us…

IRRRB Announces Ilmenite Breakthrough

New Processing Method Produces Nearly Pure Samples

May 25, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials from the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute announced a breakthrough in ilmentite processing Thursday. NRRI partnered with Canadian firm Process Research Ortech to find a way to separate titanum dioxide and iron oxide from ilmenite deposits. The results, nearly pure samples of both titanium oxide and iron oxide. But, officials say they’re a long…

New Publication Highlights Community Connections

Magazine Insert Links Duluth and Iron Range

May 25, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Iron Range and Duluth are connected by more than geography, and officials are proud to showcase those connections. A new magazine insert published by the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board and other partners showcases the entire region, from the Range to Duluth. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips says the connection between the communities affects everyone even…

EMS Workers Treated to Cookout

St. Luke's Emergency Department Thanked its EMS Partners

May 25, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Emergency Department said thanks to EMS workers with lunch Thursday. Burgers and hot dogs were on the menu, as the first respsonders were treated to a cookout in the hospital’s emergency garage. The director of St. Luke’s Emergency Department says he and his staff appreciate everything EMS does. “We are fortunate in this region to…

DMV Offering Temporary Services Near Chetek

May 25, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

CAMERON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles will open a temporary DMV service center for those in Barron County affected by last week’s storms. “Having proof of identity, like a driver’s license or ID car is often the first step to rebuiliding lives after such a tragedy,” said Administrator Kristina Boardman. “With the generous assistance…

Heading into the Kitchen with the A.G. Thomson House

Cooking Connection: Cranberry Wild Rice Strata

May 25, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we cooked with the A.G. Thomson House. The A.G. Thomson House was built in 1909 in Duluth and now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. Tim and Angie Allen own the establishment and do all the cooking for guests. Angie makes a several breakfast dishes and showed FOX 21 how to make a Cranberry…

Veterans Historical Center Honors Fallen Heroes

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Offering Free Admission to Veterans

May 25, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of Memorial Day, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center will be part of many Memorial Day activities, including free admission for Veterans and active military all weekend. Tonight, the historical center is hosting a program about the release of a new book written about shipbuilding in Duluth. The author, Gerald Sandvick, will be there to sign copies…

South Pier Inn Celebrates 15 Years

Staff Attributes Their Success To The Relationships Built Over The Years

May 24, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. The South Pier Inn celebrated 15 years in business today. The hotel that’s located just feet away from the aerial lift bridge is known for its pristine views of the canal. The staff attributes their success to the relationships built over the years. “We’ve really gained so wonderful friendships and relationships with our guest. During that time we’ve…

Korean Veterans Memorial Vandalized, Just Months Apart From Vietnam Memorial Vandalism

Red Lines Can Be Seen Drawn On Military Badges

May 24, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. Vandals have struck again. This time defacing the Korean Veterans Memorial marking red lines through the badges of 4 branches of military carved into the granite stone. It’s unknown at this time what was actually used to deface the memorial. This isn’t the first time this year a war memorial along Duluth’s Lake Walk has been struck by vandals….

Community Foundation Working to Close Opportunity Gap for Twin Ports Children

The foundation has already provided 10 grants, totaling $1.5 million to local non–profit organizations helping tackle this issue

May 24, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation held its annual celebration Wednesday. This year’s theme was” Opportunity Rising.” A panel discussion centered around how groups locally are working to close the opportunity gap between rich and poor children. The foundation has been working since 2015 to make the community more aware of this issue and helping create more…

“I’m a Tourist Too” Training Session Readies Businesses for Summer

Customer Service Workers Had a Chance to Brush Up on Their Skills Before Tourist Season

May 24, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth businesses got a chance to brush up on their customer service skills before kicking off the tourist season. Duluth has six to seven million visitors every year which makes the hospitality business vital to the local economy. Customer service workers got a special free training session today to help them get ready for summer. The Duluth…

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Celebrated at His Childhood Home

Fans Ate Birthday Cake and Listened to Dylan's Music

May 24, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is Bob Dylan’s 76th birthday and fans took the time to celebrate as part of Duluth Dylan Fest. A local artist performed some of Dylan’s music right on the porch of the legendary musician’s childhood home, while fans in attendance celebrated by eating birthday cake. “Lots of fabulous artists live in this region and we get…

Lincoln Park Students Walk to Promote Overall Health

Walk to School Wednesday Helps Students, Staff and Community Leaders Build a Stronger Community

May 24, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a beautiful Wednesday morning for a group of Duluth Lincoln Park Middle School students to hit the sidewalk and make their way to class as a group. It’s all part of a local campaign known as Walk to School Wednesdays. Organizers started the weekly routine at the beginning of May and say they’re seeing growth…

Volunteers Paint Game Room at Duluth Boys and Girls Club

May 24, 2017

William Seay,

DULUTH, Minn. — The game room at the Lincoln Park Boys and Girls Club is getting a spiffy makeover thanks to some hard-working volunteers. A team of volunteers came to the Duluth Boys and Girls Club branch to update the color scheme and breathe new life to this old gymnasium. The new colors will match the organization’s logo. It’s part…

Officials Unsure of Biwabik City Hall Future

City Council Recently Voted to Board the Nearly 110 Year Old Building

May 24, 2017

Greg Chandler,

BIWABIK, Minn. – Biwabik’s old City Hall was built in 1908 and on the outside the building looks to be in great shape. Since 2009 the building has housed a substation for the Gilbert Police Department. However, recent inspections turned up some dangerous conditions and the city council voted to board up the nearly 110 year old structure. “I understand…

Duluth Police Investigating Phone Scam Posing as Police Chief

May 24, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Chief’s secretary received a call from a Duluth resident who was being scammed over the phone, according to the Duluth Police Department. The report indicates that the caller was posing as Police Chief Mike Tusken and informed the person they had won $1,000,000 from Publisher’s Clearing House, but that someone had claimed their prize….

Gardeners Hoping for Warmer Planting Conditions

Bending Birches Greenhouses has seen some eager gardeners, but the cold, rainy weather has impacted sales

May 24, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average conditions around the Northland have led to a slow start to planting season. Bending Birches Greenhouses opened up May 1st and have seen some eager gardeners, but overall the weather has impacted sales. Jahn Hibbs, the greenhouse manager and grower at Bending Birches says it’s best to wait until the first week of June, when…

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

May 24, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…

Pet Insurance Increasing in Popularity

Local Farmers Insurance Agent Shares Importance of Pet Policies

May 24, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Health insurance has been a hot topic for months now as lawmakers look to improve our healthcare system. But, what about our furry friends? We often forget about the possibilities of dreaded medical bills when taking our pets to the veterinarian. “I don’t think people know about it yet,” said Patrick Shelton, Farmers Insurance Agent in Duluth, Minnesota….

Duluth Memorial Day Parade Struggles for Entrants

Parade Has Been Around Since the 1800's

May 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Memorial Day parade is a tradition dating back to 1871. But lately organizers struggle to fill the parade. “With the busy lifestyle of a lot of these younger couples, maybe they don’t have the time,” said Brenda Haase of the Northland Veterans Service Committee. “And it’s the Memorial Day weekend, and they don’t want…

Great Outdoors: Bike Rodeo

Kids Learned Bike Safety While Having a Lot of Fun

May 23, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…

Prince Fans Honor Music Legend By Roller Skating

World of Wheels in Superior Hosts Second Annual Prince Tribute

May 23, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Prince fans had a chance to honor the music legend by skating to some of his songs. World of Wheels in Superior held their annual Prince Tribute, featuring Prince-themed trivia, games, and prizes, while fans of all ages skated to his iconic music. “We plan on getting a whole bunch of people in here,” says Tyler Severin,…

Paddling Club Takes to the Water in Superior

Every Week Club Members Get Together to Practice Dragon Boat Paddling

May 23, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Dragon Boat Festival isn’t showing signs of disinterest. The group Blue Water Paddling meets every week on Barker’s Island to get their paddling on and practice for the Dragon Boat Festival in August. The group is always looking for new members and is open to people of all ages and skill levels. “This is my third season…

Carlton Voters to Decide School Future

Referendum Up for Vote August 8th

May 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

CARLTON, Minn. – The future of Carlton High school is up for a vote August 8th. That’s when voters in the school district cast ballots on a two question referendum. The first, to approve more than $23.5 million to renovate South Terrace Elementary and build a new high school on the site. The second would approve another $3.3 million for…

Caregivers Find Resources at Conference

Event at WITC Brought Back an Old Conference for Caregivers

May 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Indianhead Techinical College hosted a one–stop shop for caregivers Tuesday. At the Caregiver Conference, sponsored by the Caregivers Coalition, both professional and at–home caregivers could learn from speakers, vendors and other community resources. WITC used to hold an annual Caregiver Conference and organizers wanted to bring it back. “We had service providers come together, we haven’t…

Frozen Photographer Exhibit Opens in Grand Marais

Photos by Frozen Photographer Facebook Page Members Are Being Shown in the Exhibit

May 23, 2017

Lena Takada,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- A photo exhibit in Grand Marais showcases the work of 22 photographers from the Frozen Photographers Facebook page. The exhibit, “Be There or Be Square” opened Friday at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery. The exhibit features nature photography taken by people who brave the cold to find the perfect shot. “People come to this area because they…

Tourism Season Kicking Off in Grand Marais

Most Businesses Are Open by Memorial Weekend

May 23, 2017

Lena Takada,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- Grand Marais was recently named the Best Midwestern Small town by USA TODAY, and locals believe this award is drawing well deserved attention to the city. The Small Northern town is known for its proximity to the wilderness, bike and hike trails, and access to a wide range of outdoor activities, but that’s not all. “There’s a…

ADVISORY: Increased Military Aircraft Activity in Duluth Area

May 23, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Noticed more activity in the sky? The 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth is hosting and participating in a military training exercise May 22-24. During these few days, there will be an increased number of jets flying over Duluth and Northern Minnesota regions from approximately 9:30-11:30 a.m., as well as from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Increased noise and overhead aircraft…

Memorial Day Celebrations at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

May 23, 2017

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of Memorial Day, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center has planned several activities, as well as free admission for Veterans all weekend. 9:00 a.m.: The American Legion Post #435 will perform a memorial service at Calvary Cemetery 10:30 a.m.: Another memorial service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery 1:00 p.m. : The Superior Signers…

Free Summer Camps and Academies Offered at Lake Superior College

Educational Camps Feature Aviation, Nursing, Robotics and More

May 23, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer Lake Superior College is continuing their tradition of educating youth for free through summer academies. Registration is now open for the academies that are offered in several subjects. All exploration academies and camps are held in June and July. Summer Academy/Camp Subjects: Aviation Camp -A summer camp for young people ages 15-19 who are interested…

Class Offers Glimpse into Carlton County Past

Northland Uncovered: Carlton County Historical Society

May 23, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many people like to know how the area they live in came to be. Some folks in Cloquet are helping make that happen. The Carlton County Historical Society is hosting a five-week course on the history of the county. Museum Director Rachael Martin will conduct the classes based on archival materials from the historical society’s collection. This…

The Affordable Housing Coalition Releases Priorities for 2017

Some of the Priorities Include Programs to Help Get Former Felons Housing

May 22, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Affordable Housing Coalition released its priorities for this year. The coalition hopes to create a 3 million dollar affordable housing fund to mitigate cuts in federal housing dollars, and to get funding for tenant and landlord services, including money for an incentive program for landlords to rent to people convicted with felonies. “A majority of Duluthians particularly renters…

Art Show Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan

The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café

May 22, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café. Local artists paid tribute to the music icon with photos, paintings and other creative pieces of art centered around Dylan. Ed Newman helped curate the art show. He says it’s a great tribute to Duluth’s native son, who was has…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

May 22, 2017

Brett Scott,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Celebration for National Maritime Day Held in Duluth

It's a Day to Celebrate One of the Most Important Industries in Our Area

May 22, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members honored National Maritime Day in Duluth, Monday. Maritime Day honors one of the most important industries in our area, and the people who work in it. Matt Doss, Policy director for the Great Lakes Commission says the great lakes are a great economic asset to communities around them. Maritime commerce on the great lakes generates more…

Proposed Rule Would Require Landlords to Pave Backyard Parking Spaces

The Ordinance Won't Be Ready For a Vote Until June

May 22, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposal for changes in Duluth’s parking requirements for home owners and landlords will be considered by the city council. The proposed rules would require property owners with gravel parking lots in their backyards to pave the parking space instead. The proposal was made after city staff noticed and received complaints that some of the gravel is running…

One Dead After Crash on Highway 13 North of Bayfield

May 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

Bayfield Co Sheriff’s Dept. BAYFIELD, Wis. – A woman has died after a crash on State Highway 13, just north of Bayfield, Wisconsin. The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call of the accident around 11 a.m. Monday. A pickup truck heading south on State Highway 13 collided head-on with a car headed north. Evidence at the crash scene,…