Community

Beloved Ashland Teacher Gets Huge Surprise

Hulmer Plans To Retire After 37 years

Ashland, Wis. For nearly four decades Christine Hulmer has taught band at Ashland High School. Hulmer has raised 4 outstanding boys; all who went through her class and according to her has an amazing husband that took care of the homestead while she worked long hours. “My husband gets mother’s day cards from my sons. He takes care of things…

Road Trip Season Means Time to Check Brakes

Many Shops Offer Free Inspections

DULUTH, Minn. – The brakes might just be the most important part of a car. After all, without brakes cars don’t stop, something which happens in all too often in Duluth. Under normal driving conditions, a set of brakes can last about a few years.  But in city like Duluth, with so many hills, brakes get worn much faster. “They…

Lakewalk Mini-Master Plan Will Focus on Safety, Infrastructure

The group Friends of the Lakewalk met Thursday to discuss ways to improve the trail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk is one of the most used trails in Duluth, which is why the city is looking at ways to preserve and improve it. The lakewalk  mini–master plan is in its initial inventory stage. Crews were out today looking at the existing infrastructure of the trail, noting possible areas of improvement. Later this fall, the city’s…

Volunteers Raise Money Through Jewelry Sale

'Bling and Bargains' Could be Found

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of volunteers hoped to raise a lot of money for the Benedictine Living Community through an annual jewelry sale. This was the 22nd annual jewelry sale.  It started in 1996 as a way to raise money for the Benedictine Community. Over the years, the sale has grown from raising hundreds of dollars to thousands, thanks…

Dry Weather Means High Risk for Fires

Experts Call This Time of Year Spring Dip

CLOQUET, Minn.- With the dry weather and grass that hasn’t greened up all the way, many parts of the Northland is at a high risk for wild fires. Experts call this time of year, the Spring dip. It’s when the trees suck up moisture from the ground and dries up the fine fuels like grass, making it easier for wild…

Raising Awareness for Homeless Youth

"A Couch is Not a Home" Presentation Given at Thursday's Awareness Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday afternoon hundreds of Northlanders came together at the Greysolon Ballroom in Downtown Duluth, raising awareness for youth homelessness in the Twin Ports. The benefit luncheon centered on the topic, “A Couch is Not a Home.” Organizers with Lutheran Social Services are looking to create conversation and financial support for youth who can’t go home. Those attending…

8th Graders Organize Food Drive

Students Were Inspired by Lessons on Genocide

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A group of 8th graders at Superior Middle School did their part to feed the hungry. These students organized a food drive and convinced classmates to donate. Lessons on The Holocaust and other genocides prompted the student who organized the drive to take action. “You always see people of starving people, and that still exists today, there…

Search on for Missing Man in Cook County

Did not return from an early morning walk Thursday

Aaron Banks COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an individual who was reported missing Thursday morning. Aaron Banks, 34, was reported missing by his wife after he did not return from an early morning walk near County Road 14 West around 4 a.m, around seven miles east of Grand Marais….

Lake Superior Railroad Museum to Celebrate National Train Day

Steam Locomotive #28 to be Dedicated and Christened

DULUTH, Minn. – With the warm weather taking over, this weekend is perfect for getting outside to explore Duluth and its history. National Train Day was marked this week and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is hosting some fun events to celebrate. This is all taking place Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Duluth Depot. Steam Locomotive…

One Dead in Crash Near Aurora

  WHITE TWP., Minn. – A 26-year-old male died Wednesday afternoon as the result of a head-on collision on Highway 135 in White Township, just North of Aurora. The crash victim, Elias Cersine of Eveleth, was driving a 2005 Chevy Impala on Northbound Highway 135. Ryan Hughes, 37 and of Aurora, was traveling Southbound on Highway 135. Hughes crossed the center line and…

Aurora Woman Dies in Three-Vehicle Crash

BIWABIK TWP., Minn. – An Aurora woman has died as a result of a crash Wednesday night. Marilyn Kriner, 66, has been identified as the victim of the crash. Kriner was driving a 2005 Chevy Classic and heading eastbound on Highway 135. A semi, driven by 40-year-old Todd Statsman of Eveleth, and a Toyota 4 runner, driven by Mary Walker of Hibbing, were…

Wish Babies Bringing Happiness to Homes

Carol Pederson Has Dealt With the Loss of Her Daughter, a Cancer Diagnosis, and Life's Unforgettable Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth woman, living through a roller coaster of unfortunate events, is now looking to brighten her mood by bringing smiles to others’ faces. Wish Babies were born, after one life was lost. New Jersey Native turned Florida girl, Carol Pederson has dealt with a strong dose of reality over her lifetime. “My husband, Greg, was diagnosed…

Developer Has Big Plans For Former Bagley’s Building

Developer Kevin Kuklis Grew Up In Hermantown, Lives In Texas

DULUTH, Minn. – A new developer in town has big plans for the former Bagley’s building on the 300 block of West Superior Street. Kevin Kuklis, 40, is a Hermantown native who lives in Texas these days, but has a strong passion for downtown Duluth. Kuklis told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger he’s working on the top floor of the building…

Dick Beardsley Speaks with Middle Schoolers

Grandma's Marathon Champion Hopes to Inspire Kids to Live Healthy Lifestyles

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grandma’s Marathon champion Dick Beardsley spoke with students at Superior Middle School. Beardsley talked about his past, including his athletic achievements and his addiction to narcotic pain killers. He and fellow speaker, Minnesota runner Emma Lee, hope to inspire kids to live healthy lifestyles free of drugs and with positive eating habits. “Maybe they’ll think back to…

Homegrown Photos on Display at Red Herring Lounge

Disposable Cameras Took Candid Pictures of Music Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – A photo display celebrating the Homegrown Music Festival is now being show in Duluth. During Homegrown this year, the Duluth Art Institute gave thirty disposable cameras to festival-goers. Now, the photos taken with those cameras are hanging from the ceiling at the Red Herring Lounge, so the photographers, and everyone else, can look back on the festival…

Duluth Car is a Finalist in National TV Contest

Michael Janousek's Modified 1988 Mazda is in Discovery Channel's Motor Mayhem

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man had his car selected to be a finalist in a Discovery Channel Contest. Duluth’s own Michael Janousek bought a 1988 Mazda from his dad about 17 years ago. Now, the car he has worked hard to modify and make his own could win a national competition. Michael’s car is one of sixteen finalists in…

A & Dubs Drive-In Open for the Season

Cars lined up Wednesday at the West End staple to place orders for burgers, fries, and ice cold root beer

DULUTH, Minn. – A & Dubs is back open for the season! The popular West Duluth drive-in was packed all day with cars lining up outside for an order of burgers and fries. “They’re happy we’re open,” one employee said. “They’re ready for our root beer.” The seasonal restaurant has been a staple in the west end for more than…

Race Season Kicks Off Friday at AMSOIL Speedway

Late models, modifieds and super stock races will all be featured at the season opener

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Races at AMSOIL Speedway in Superior kick off this Friday in Superior. Late models, modifieds and super stock races will all be featured at the season opener. Tonight, some of the drivers got in some practice runs for the first time this year. AMSOIL Speedway’s race director Bobby Wherritt says a lot of time has been put…

Shimmy Mobs Planned for Duluth

Belly Dance Events Raise Awarness for Sexual Assault Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday is the 6th annual World Belly Dance Day.  Duluth will celebrate with a series of Shimmy Mobs for the 2nd year in a row. A Shimmy Mob is similar to a Flash Mob with belly dancers.  They’re dancing to raise awareness for sexual assault prevention. Organizers say Shimmy Mobs are a fun way to handle a…

Duluth’s Top Cop, Fireman Honored

Prestigious Awards are Picked by Fellow Officers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Kiwanis Club helped honor the city’s Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year Wednesday. Joseph DeJesus was Police Officer of the Year, while Damon Laurion was Firefighter of the year. Both told FOX 21 they were humbled by the honors, because the awards were picked by their peers. “It means a lot,” said DeJesus.  “Words can’t…

City Council Approves More Waterfront Re-Zoning

Agreement Also Includes Possibility of Expanding Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Soon, a walk along the Lakewalk may entirely be along the lake. On Monday, Duluth’s city council unanimously approved re–zoning for the 2200 block of Water Street. As part of the re–zoning, the city hopes for an easement with the property owner, Duluth-based Titanium Partners, to extend the Lakewalk through Beacon Point and the Ledges townhomes. Duluth…

Hundreds of Northland Students Bike to School

National Bike to School Day Celebrated With More Than 300 Students Participating at Congdon Park Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 300 students from Duluth’s Congdon Park Elementary School woke up Wednesday morning, grabbed their backpacks and strapped on their bike helmets, all to celebrate National Bike to School Day. Each year, parents at local schools along with teachers and staff plan events to recognize the true meaning of getting to school on a bicycle. Organizers at…

Local Brewery Marks Anniversary with Annual Celebration

Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Celebrates 4th Annual Festiversary

DULUTH, Minn. – Celebrations will be underway this weekend as a local brewery marks its anniversary. Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is hosting the 4th Annual Festiversary on Saturday, May 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This outdoor brewery festival celebrates the brewery’s 4th anniversary with live music, family activities, food trucks and plenty of Bent Paddle beer. The event…

Donation to Lake Superior Zoo Benefits Animal Health

X-ray Machine Donated by St. Luke's Hospital

DULUTH, Minn. – As many of us know, dealing with a broken bone can be difficult. When it comes to animals, chances are the diagnosis is even harder to pinpoint. Now, thanks to generous donors in the Northland, the Lake Superior Zoo is now equipped with the latest and greatest X-ray technology. “Monty is the kind of snake that doesn’t strike,…

Van Crashes into Police Cruiser, Fire Rig as Brakes Fail

Duluth Police Were Investigating Another Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating after a crash took place on the 900 block of Central Entrance Dr. Tuesday night. Authorities got the call at 9:19 p.m. A 24-year-old male lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. No other vehicles were involved. Authorities say the man was taken to a Duluth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Shortly after…

National Tourism Rally in Duluth

Tourism is a Leading Contributor that Helped Shape Duluth's Economy.

It’s National Tourism Week and of course the tourism industry stands out in Duluth. Some say, it’s thanks in part to one man, whose efforts were celebrated at the Visit Duluth Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Tuesday. Tourism in Duluth all started with Grandmas Marathon and ever since, events like Blues Fest, the air show and much more has helped…

Heroes Honored for Saving Friend

Beau Foix and John Marcella Acted Quickly to Save Cody Herrmann

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Cody Herrmann is lucky to be alive and lucky he has quick thinking friends like Beau Foix and John Marcella. “It still hasn’t hit me, what could have happened,” he said. In the early morning hours of October 1st, the boys were getting set to leave from this boat dock for a little duck hunting.  That’s when…

Graffiti-Filled Lighthouse Gets Painted Over

DULUTH, Minn. – There was new information Tuesday involving the disturbing graffiti spray-painted all over one of the historic lighthouses in Canal Park. The Army Corps of Engineers put a fresh coat of white paint on top of the graffiti. A top official with the Duluth Army Corps of Engineers says the U.S. discussions are now underway to form a…

SOAR Career Solutions Recognizes Hired Clients at Celebration

The non-profit has helped employ 11,000 people since it started in 1980

  DULUTH, Minn. – SOAR Career Solutions recognized the hard work of its newly hired clients. The Duluth-based career planning center held its 2nd Annual Reach Hire! Celebration & Fundraiser Tuesday night at Zeitgeist. SOAR has been in the community since 1980 and has helped more than 11,000 individuals gain employment. The non–profit organization works with people of all backgrounds…

Curtis Oil Sells SuperAmerica Franchise In Duluth Area

All But One Location To Stay, Including All Employees

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s oldest gas station groups has been sold.  But the dozens of employees – some of more than 30 years – are staying put. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reported Tuesday that Curtis Oil has made a deal to sell eight of the nine franchise SuperAmerica gas station in the Northland to SuperAmerica Corporate. Curtis Oil…

Superior Firefighters Undergo Stress Tests for Heart Health

St. Luke's is Partnering with Superior Fire Department, After a Federal Grant Allows for Free Stress Tests

DULUTH, Minn. – A federal grant recently received by the Superior Fire Department is going toward improving the quality of health for firefighters. Tuesday morning, firefighter Cameron Vollbrecht responded to his stress test appointment at the St. Luke’s Regional Vascular Center. Experts are using the tests to take a closer look at lung capacity and heart rate under intense situations….

New Housing Opportunities Coming to Cloquet

Low-Income and Mid-Income Housing Coming to Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.-Cloquet is expecting to add some additional housing to their community over the next year. City officials told us today there are plans in the works to add 12 single-level homes along the Cloquet golf course, which would be for middle-income families. “It’s a great opportunity… we’re adding these units which we think are going to create move-up, move-down, types…

Montessori Could be Moving to a New Location

MRM hopes to make the old Cobb School building their home for the 2018-19 school year

DULUTH, Minn. – Cobb Elementary in Woodland could soon be the new home for Many Rivers Montessori. Many Rivers has signed a purchase agreement with Woodland Hills, which currently owns the building. The move, which the Montessori hopes to make by the fall of 2018, would triple the campus size for the school. Their current campus, which is for for grades…

Verizon Shows off Technology for Mother’s Day Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re on the hunt for a Mother’s Day gift, Verizon Wireless is hoping to help. This morning, Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to talk about some options for mom. Google Home: Answers questions, googles anything hands-free, plays music, plays games. To purchase, head to verizonwireless.com. Wireless Soundsport Bose Headphones: Sweat resistant, versatile uses. To purchase,…

Carpet Removed to Reveal Original Wood Floors at Glensheen

Red Carpet Had Been in Place for 40 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is revealing some old floors that look brand new. The red carpet has been removed from the basement to unveil the original woods floors throughout the level. The work was done throughout the month of April. The wood was refinished with a natural stain. This is the first time since the 1970s that this basement…

40 Years of Paint Removed from Glensheen Room

Stenciling Unveiled in Alfred's Room

DULUTH, Minn. – History is being revealed at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. Hard work is bringing life back to the walls of Alfred’s room. After 40 years in hiding the original stenciling in Alfred’s room is on full display at the mansion. “We really strive to make it feel like it was in 1910,” said Jane Pederson, Marketing Manager for Glensheen….

House Fire Spreads Next Door in Lincoln Park

Duluth Fire Causes Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – A house in Duluth went up in flames Monday night and the fire spread next door. The Duluth Fire Department got a call at 10 p.m. for a structure fire at 2008 W. 3rd St. While en route, firefighters were notified of possibly trapped occupants. Upon arrival we found heavy fire coming from the rear of the house…

Knowing Your Neighbor, Buffalo Valley Campground

Campground Has Many Amenities

It’s almost time to get the kids, load up the camper and head to your favorite camp ground. The family could be sitting around a campfire, eating s’mores and not having a care in the world. Sound nice? In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbor, we take you to Buffalo Valley Campground that sits just miles from Duluth. Buffalo Valley campground has…

Council Decides To Table ‘Local Authority’ Resolution

Resolution Would Allow City More Local Control

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council was undecided on a resolution Monday night that would perhaps give the local government more localized power to make decisions. But multiple city council members felt the resolution could potentially cost the city of Duluth millions of dollars in bonding money for future projects if the council moved forward with the resolution. The…

Duluth School Board Questions Proposed Cost of Playground Mulch Removal

The $1.2 million bid was twice the amount estimated by the consultant working with the district

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board met Monday as part of a business committee meeting to discuss a controversial topic that’s been going on for the last couple years. The issue stems from safety concerns brought up by parents, regarding the rubber mulch used at the district’s nine school playgrounds. Concern was shared among board members about the proposed…

Meeting Held for Updates on Belknap Street

Business Owners Were Able to Ask Questions and Learn About the Project

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Business owners and partners gathered for a Public meeting that discussed updates on the Belknap street construction in Superior. In Monday’s meeting, business owners who could be affected by the construction had the chance to ask questions on road closures, and what streets would be available for customers to use to get to the businesses. When finished, the Belknap…

Farmer’s Market Open for the Season

It's Open Wednesday and Saturday

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmer’s market has finally opened their doors for the season. The market opened last Saturday, and will be open every Wednesday and Saturday until September. Farmers bring products like locally grown flowers, produce, honey, and maple syrup to the market, where customers can meet the farmers face to face, and learn exactly where their food…

Food Trucks Hit the Streets

The Rambler is Out and About 7 Days a Week

DULUTH, Minn.-  A Food Truck, the Rambler, was out serving lunch for the first time this season. The Rambler will be out seven days a week to offer their dishes like Mahi Mahi tacos or Reuben fritters to people looking for a quick lunch. The food truck will be visiting different businesses and organizations throughout the week. The owners of the…

Sipress Speaks Out Against Bills Threatening Duluth’s Sick and Safe Time Leave Efforts

Councilors Will Discuss the Resolution During the City Council Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota state House and Senate have passed bills that could take away cities like Duluth’s ability to set new public policies that differ from the state’s. Duluth’s City Council is expected to discuss a resolution asking Governor Mark Dayton to not sign the bill into law, during the city council meeting on Monday. City councilor Joel Sipress says the bill…

New X-Ray Lab Helps Enhance Animal Health

The Lake Superior Zoo Recently Received Updated X-Ray Equipment, an Upgrade from the 1970s

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo spent their Monday morning working with new equipment donated to them. The Zoo’s Burmese Python, Monty, was lucky number one to receive routine X-rays thanks to St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. St. Luke’s recently donated a $50,000 dollar machine to the Zoo after replacing it with newer diagnostic equipment in their…

Duluth Airshow In Need of Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow is on the hunt for 100 more volunteers to assist with this year’s event. With the show just three weeks away, volunteers are needed to assist with concessions and parking. Public Relations Co-Director Jodi Grayson stated, “The volunteers we need do not need to have any sort of special skills. They really just need…

Book Options for Spring Reading

Coffee Conversation: Books Sparking Discussions

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation we’re highlighting some books perfect for Spring reading. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes and Noble, gave a couple recommendations. Illig says both books would make great book club books because they spark conversations. The first recommendation is titled, “The Stranger in the Woods” by, Michael Finkel. This…