Community

Hibbing Auditorium Renovation to Start

Project Will be Completed Over Two Summers

HIBBING, Minn. – Work is set to begin on restoring Hibbing High School’s auditorium. The project will cost about $2.5 Million, with construction scheduled for the next two summers. In the past, the room has hosted Presidential candidates and of course a young Bob Dylan. The school’s superintendent says Hibbing is lucky to have so much community interest in the…

Garage Fire on Tower Avenue in Superior

7600 block of Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department along with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, and Gold Cross responded to the report of a garage fire at 7601 Tower Avenue on Wednesday afternoon around 1:42. When crews arrived, they found a two stall detached garage with heavy smoke and fire visible coming from the structure. Due to the location and a…

Thinking Twice Before Buying Rabbits, Chickens

Zookeepers Remind Northlanders to Think Twice Before Buying Cute Bunnies and Chicks for Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth is home to many exotic animals, but we can’t forget about our barnyard friends! Zookeepers say rabbits and chickens are once again gaining in popularity as the season turns to spring. In this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott found out why it might be best to just visit them at…

Electrical Failure Suspected Cause of Fire in Upper Peninsula

IRONWOOD, Mich. – At approximately 2:15 a.m. Wednesday Ironwood Public Safety Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 235 Brogan St. in the City of Ironwood, MI. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke coming from the attic of the structure. The fire was located in the attic area of the home and was quickly extinguished. The…

Now-Closed Bagley’s Finds New Home For 1904 Jewelry Cases

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly a year since Bagley and Company Jewelers closed shop in downtown Duluth after an impressive 131 years of business. The former Bagley’s building has since been sold to a Texas investor with Northland ties. But recently, the Bagley family parted ways with all their treasured hand-made jewelry cases built in 1904 – which is…

Twin Ports Women Are Celebrated

Those Who Give Back To The Community Are Honored

Duluth, Minn. The Women Today Magazine was celebrating all women in the Twin Ports this afternoon. It was the first ever event called “Women as a driving force” at the Northland Country Club this afternoon. Tonight was a celebration of all the hard work the women do in our area to keep the community striving. “The women in the twin…

Denfeld To Change Things Up

School To Become A Community School

Duluth, Minn. Denfeld High School is looking to make some big changes for next school year. The school will no longer be considered just a public school but a fully functioning community school. A community school integrates focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement. Which will then leads to improved student learning, stronger…

400 Year Old Painting is Restored

"Portrait of an Elderly Lady" Can Be Seen at UMD's Tweed Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – a 400-year old painting at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Tweed Museum of Art has been restored. “Portrait of an Elderly Lady” was painted in the Netherlands in 1628 and has been on display in Duluth for a long time. Now, the painting has been restored to the way it was intended to be seen, and has…

Fans Celebrate Special Season with UMD Men’s Hockey Team

April 11, 2017 was declared as Bulldog Hockey Day in Duluth to honor the accomplishments of the team this season

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team finished the year on an incredible run, but came up just short with a tough loss to Denver in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game. Bulldog fans had one final chance to thank the team for a great season. Players and coaches were met with a standing ovation as they entered AMSOIL…

Community Helps Clean Up Homeless Campsites

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the season for spring cleaning, something that is also true for Duluth’s homeless population. A group of helpful Duluthians and some homeless folks themselves were seen picking up garbage near a campsite where many spend the night. This is a community group organized an alliance with CHUM, the Duluth Police Department, and officials with the City…

Empty Bowl Fundraiser Looks to Raise $60,000

Expected to Raise about $60,000

DULUTH, Minn. – The 24th annual Empty Bowl fundraiser was held today at the Depot in downtown Duluth. The event raises money for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Participants buy a handcrafted bowl for $20. Then they get to enjoy soup and refreshments from local restaurants after the purchase. “People really like the art side of it,” said…

Douglas County Employee Recognized as Telecommunicator of the Year

Emergency Call Centers Seeking More Money

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 9-1-1 operators were celebrated today in Superior. It’s all part of Douglas County’s Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week. Douglas County Communication Center employee Elizabeth Eibon was recognized today as Wisconsin’s Telecommunicator of Year. Since beginning her career, she has been instrumental in training many employees involved in 9-1-1 services in Douglas County. Irregardless of the recognition today, 9-1-1 operators…

Bridge Maintenance Scheduled in Duluth Area

Crews will be working from April 10-28 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be performing bridge preventative maintenance by cleaning all state bridge in the Duluth area beginning Monday April 10 through Friday, April 28. Crews will be working between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Temporary lane closures may take place during this time. MnDOT crews will be spraying down the bridge…

Emergency Personnel Honored in St. Louis County

Life Saver Awards Handed Out

At today’s County Board meeting, St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman presented Life Saver Awards for seven separate incidents that occurred during 2016. DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman recognized citizens, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel today for all their hard work over the last year. Life Saver Awards were presented today at the County Board meeting,…

Leadership Group Spreads School Spirit at Myers-Wilkins Elementary

T-Shirt Fundraiser for Myers-Wilkins Wolves

DULUTH, Minn. – A local elementary school is hoping to drum up school spirit and an effort is underway to do just that at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School. A Leadership Duluth group is taking on the challenge. This morning, two members of the group, Ron Alston and Tyler Kimber, visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of this project. They…

Take Action Minnesota Is Taking Action

A Rally Was Held In Support Of Paid Sick Time For All

DULUTH, Minn. – People rallied in Duluth today to support earned sick and safe time. The rally was part of Take Action Minnesota. There was also a listening session where perspectives were given on the issue. The task force is in the 2nd faze of the resolution that would allow low income families gain much needed sick leave from work….

Education Fills 1890s Duluth Building

Northland Uncovered: Lakeview Christian Academy

DULUTH, Minn. – Memories made at school stay with many of us forever, and one school in Duluth is working to build that type of close-knit community inside a building already full of Duluth history. Learning fills the classrooms of Lakeview Christian Academy, but the walls preserve more than 120 years of history. “The neat thing is they don’t make…

Annual License Fee Set for Rideshare Companies

Uber and Lyft drivers are set to hit the streets on April 27 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council took another step forward in allowing rideshare services to operate within the city. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution to asses a yearly fee of $3,5000 to companies operating rideshare services in Duluth. With a target launch date of April 27, councilor Noah Hobbs says everything is coming together, as Uber and Lyft drivers will…

Future of Taller Downtown Buildings Discussed at Duluth City Council

City councilor Zack Filipovich wants to see more high density development brought to the downtown area

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors discussed what the future landscape of downtown Duluth should look like when it comes to buildings. City councilor Zack Filipovich wants to see more high density development brought to the downtown area. Tonight, he proposed a resolution asking council to look at the idea of adding more multi–story buildings to help address the housing…

Piedmont Panthers Prepare for State Testing

As State Testing Begins, Staff and Teachers Organized a Pep Rally for Students

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement along with motivation helped welcome hundreds of Panthers back to Piedmont Elementary school on Monday after a week-long spring break. Students across the state are preparing to start taking the Minnesota Comprehension Assessment (MCA) tests this week. Before testing starts, staff at Piedmont Elementary wanted to pump the students and teachers up with music, drumming, and…

Empty Bowl Preparations Take Place at the Depot

Its One of the Scond Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank's Biggest Fundraisers

DULUTH, Minn.- Tables topped with Artistic and unique bowls made by local artists and community members lined the depot, Monday. It was part of Second Harvest’s preparation for Sea of Bowls and Empty bowl, Their biggest fundraiser of the year.  The fundraiser raises money by selling ceramic bowls of all shapes and sizes to people. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Northern…

Rep. Erin Murphy Tours Duluth Schools

She Was in Duluth to Learn About Education Issues in the Northland

  DULUTH, Minn.- Representative Erin Murphy visited Duluth schools to learn about school programs, and meet students and teachers. Representative Murphy, lead by student guides, toured Lincoln Park Middle school, and talked with students and teachers about what each day is like to attend the school. She toured an art class, and talked to 6th graders there about their work,…

Nolan to Hold Listening Sessions in the Northland

WASHINGTON – Representative Rick Nolan will be holding listening sessions across Minnesota’s 8th District to discuss healthcare issues, President Trump’s proposed budget, and hear questions and concerns from constituents. Wednesday, April 12 Nolan Listening Session in Grand Rapids 11:00am-12:00pm Grand Rapids City Hall, Council Chambers 420 N Pokegema Ave Grand Rapids, MN Nolan Listening Session in Virginia 2:30pm-3:30pm Virginia Council…

Giving Life through Organ Donation

National Donate Life Month Highlights Organ Donation in April

DULUTH, Minn. – April is National Donate Life Month and Tuesday there’s a chance to learn more about organ donation at St. Luke’s Hospital. The Head of the Lakes Transplant Group is collaborating on a Donation and Transplantation Q & A, for community members and hospital staff. It’s an opportunity to meet transplant recipients, their families and donor families and…

City of Duluth Prepares for Tourist Season

Coffee Conversation: Spring Brings Visitors to Town

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth experienced a record number of tourists in 2016 due to major events like The Tall Ships Festival, the 40th Anniversary of Grandma’s Marathon and the Duluth Airshow. Although the summer of 2017 won’t be quite as busy, the Media Communications Manager for Visit Duluth, Bob Gustafson, says to expect many fun events. Things…

Level III Predatory Offender Relocating to Grand Rapids, Minn.

Notification meeting being held on April 13 at 6 p.m.

Jordan Ryan Sellars Way, 23 GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public of a Level III Predatory Offender moving into the Grand Rapids area. Twenty-three-year-old Jordan Ryan Sellars Way will be released on April 24, 2017 and will relocated to the vicinity of South Crystal Springs Road and Unger Drive in rural Grand Rapids….

Duluth City Council President Joel Sipress Announces Re-Election Bid

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council President Joel Sipress has announced his intent to run for re-election in the upcoming City elections this fall. In 2013, Sipress was appointed to the City Council to finish out Patrick Boyle’s term following his election to the St. Louis County Board, and in 2015, Sipress successfully ran for Second District seat. “I enjoy…

Olcott Park Fountain to Be Renovated

Historic Fountain May Also Be Designated As National Historic Site

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The historic Olcott Park Fountain in Virginia doesn’t make quite the splash it used to, and some residents are trying to change that. By June 1st, the fountain could be recognized as a national historic site, and Virginians who remember its glory days have raised over $200,000, more than half their goal, to begin renovations this summer….

Glensheen Gardens to Undergo Renovations

Historic Plants along with a Revised Geometrical Vision Will be Brought Back to the Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time in nearly 20 years, Glensheen Mansion is now home to a Head Gardener. Emily Ford has been working since November in the gardener’s cottage with old documents from Chester’s botanical vision. Ford is creating new designs, using the English, French and Italian themes originally used by Chester when constructed in the early 1900s….

“College for All Act” Supporters Thank Rick Nolan With Banner Drop

The Proposed Bill Would Make Colleges Tuition Free for the Majority of Americans

DULUTH, Minn.- It was an act to show gratitude. Students and supporters dropped a banner to thank U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan for taking steps to make college more affordable for all students. Monday, Congressman Nolan stood with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in support of the proposed “College for all Act”. The bill would make four year public colleges and Universities…

UMD Bulldog Hockey Fans Cheer Team on at Viewing Parties Across Duluth

Viewing Parties Were Held at Many Locations Across the City

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Bulldog Hockey game was starting Saturday evening, lines poured out the door of grandma’s sports garden, where another viewing party is being held. Bull dog fans eager to watch the game cheered loudly and shared why it’s such an exciting time, not just for UMD students, but people across the Northland. “Drink, watch a hockey game,…

Bulldog Fan Makes Tough Decision To Go See Game

Surgery Wouldn't Stop One Young Fan From Seeing The Bulldogs Play For The National Title

Plenty of fans made the trip to Chicago for this can’t miss game. One fan had to rely on his gut feeling. You could say the Anderson’s love the Bulldogs. “He tells young ladies. Even before we started courting, before he asked me to be his steady girlfriend. He said I need to let you know if you don’t like…

UWS Hosts Annual Science Night

Children of All Ages Learned About Science at the Event

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Kids of all ages spent the day learning about science at UWS. Science night offers children and their parents a chance to explore science together through demonstrations and hands on activities. “This is an opportunity to show kids that science is really fun,” said Jessica Buelow, the Co-President of Students of Science, a UWS group putting on the event….

Around 1200 People Enjoy Beers at the Gitchee Gumee Brewfest

Proceeds from the Brewfest were Donated to the Superior Jaycees

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Around 1200 people packed the Wessman Arena for the 20th Annual Gitchee Gumee Brewfest. Beer lovers had the chance to taste brews from more than 35 different craft breweries, each one bringing their own special beers to the party. “Kinda overnight, all of the sudden craft beer was the thing to be, so we’re lucky that in this…

More Than 1000 Turn Out to Rummage Sale

Clothing, Antiques, Beanie Babies, and Jewelry were Available for Purchase

DULUTH, Minn.- The 2nd annual Arena Rummage Sale was full of vendors selling things like clothing, furniture, jewelry and antiques. More than 1000 people turned out to find good deals and unique gifts, at the first rummage sale of the season. “The reason people come and buy, you just never know if there’s going to be a treasure,” said Lou…

UMD Plays Hard But Fails To Come Out With A Win

Game Ends With Denver On Top 3-2

Adrienne Robins and Dilan Michael’s were down in Chicago giving updates on the Bulldogs progress heading into the National Championship Game. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson made the trip in support of the Bulldogs. She was impressed by the number of Bulldog fans that made the trip. She gave her prediction of the outcome with the Bulldogs on top 3-2 in…

USPS Stepping Up Awareness of Dog Bite Prevention

According to the USPS, dogs bit four carriers in Duluth last year

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. postal service wants to keep letter carriers safe, so the USPS is raising awareness to prevent carriers from being bitten by dogs. Thursday kicked off Dog Bite Prevention Week nationwide. According to the USPS, dogs bit four carriers in Duluth last year. Postal officials remind owners to keep their pets where they won’t come into…

Eveleth-Gilbert Band Raises Money With Truck on Ice

Annual Fundraiser Brought in $2,000 for Band This Year

EVELETH, Minn. – The Eveleth–Gilbert High School band put a truck on a frozen lake and are waiting for it to crash through the ice. The band asks people to bet on when the truck will sink and gives the closest guesser about $250. This winter, the annual fundraiser brought in over $2,000 for the band, who use the money to…

Rock Village Forming Along Duluth’s Lakewalk

Dozens of Rock Towers are Being Built by Artistic Northlanders

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders choosing to enjoy the nice weather with a stroll on Duluth’s Lakewalk might notice a new village taking shape near the Fitger’s Complex. Nearly 100 handmade rock creations have been constructed along the shoreline. The rock village includes tall formations and some that are shorter. No word on who the creative natural artist is, or how…

WLSSD Collects Unwanted Medication for Free

The Event Happens 3 Times a Year

DULUTH, Minn.- The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District held an event to collect unwanted medication for free. Medicine Cabinet Clean Out day is a one day event where Northlanders can get rid of unwanted medication by dropping it off at the WLSSD Household Hazardous Waste Facility. It’s a perfect time for community members to dispose of their medication in a…

UMD Students Take a Stand Against Sexual Assault

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Students, faculty and staff lined the halls from the Kirby student center to the library, holding signs calling an end to sexual violence and assault, Sexual violence is a problem in colleges and Universities across the nation. Statistics show that around 1 in every 4 college aged women are sexually assaulted or raped, and around 90% of…

UWS Celebrates TRIO Day and Honors Students

It's a Program to Help 1st Generation College Students Get Through School

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin Superior celebrated Trio Day, a day to honor the achievements of Students from the TRIO and Upward Bound programs. High School students had the chance to ask questions to a panel of College students about what college life would be like for students in the upward bound program.  Organizers and program directors gave remarks…

UPDATE: Driver Charged in London Road Incident

Responding officers on the the scene suspected the driver of the SUV was impaired

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police and other responding agencies diverted traffic from the intersection of London Road and 40th Avenue East in front of Ecumen Lakeshore on the afternoon of Tuesday April 4. According to authorities, around 12:40 p.m. a SUV driven by 49-year-old Theresa Katzmark of Superior, Wisconsin, struck pedestrian, 62-year-old Donna Estrem of Duluth. The SUV was traveling…

UMD Theater Presents Disney Classic

The Litte Mermaid

DULUTH, Minn. – A classic Disney tale will soon be coming to life at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. UMD Theater is presenting The Little Mermaid. The actors playing the main roles, Amelia Barr as Ariel and Ryan Haff as Prince Eric, visited FOX 21 this morning. Both Barr and Haff say the musical is very similar to the…

Unique Machines Work Core Muscles

Active Adventures: Xcel Xercise

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures, core muscles were the focus of the workout. Xcel Xercise offers the opportunity to use machines not found at any other gym in Duluth. Karen Anderson showed FOX 21’s William Seay the ropes. Xcel Xercise is located at 5324 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804. They can be reached at (218) 525-4808. For more information,…

Empty Bowl Event Supports Artists and Feeds Hungry

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week Northlanders will have a chance to feed the hungry and support local artists at the same time. The annual Sea of Bowls and Empty Bowl events are taking. Proceeds go to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The Sea of Bowls is an Empty Bowl preview happening Monday, April 10 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the…

Supporting Bulldog Hockey Players Throughout the Years

Meeting the Moms of the UMD Bulldogs

CHICAGO – Playing in the Frozen Four is something college hockey players dream of but to get there takes a lot of work and no one knows that better than the moms of the Frozen Four teams. “When they lose you pick them up, when they win you cheer them on, give them high-fives,” said Jean Toninato, UMD Captain Dom…