Community

Duluth Public Library Partnership in Remodel Plans

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public Library will soon upgrade their community service center. Mayor Emily Larson revealed a partnership with the Library Foundation at a press conference on Wednesday. Redesign on the facility is expected to start late 2024, with construction hoping to start soon after. The extent of the remodel has not be determined yet, but will be centered…

St. Louis County Unveils New 911 Dispatch Center

Duluth, Minn. — The new 911 Emergency Communications Center in St. Louis County has 14 working stations that support 180 user agencies – police, fire and EMS. On an average year, dispatchers answer 205,000 calls throughout the county. The new state-of-the-art took a year of planning, and the actual switchover took about five months.  During that time, the dispatch center…

Local Library Hosts Mini Golf For Families

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids were putting their putt-putt skills to the test Tuesday at the Duluth Public Library. The library is taking advantage of many kids having the week off of school for winter break. And to get families to come out they set up 9-holes of mini golf that is absolutely free. Kids will even get to pick a…

UMD Medical School Graduates the Second Highest Number of Indigenous Doctors

Duluth, Minn. –The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Medical School has the distinction of having graduated the second largest number of native or indigenous medical professionals in the nation.  Only Oklahoma State University has more. The Center of American Indian and Minority Health Department has been a part of UMD’s Medical School for more than 40 years. Dr. Mary Owen, an…

UMD Student-Athlete DEI Council Holds Watch Party and Discussion Panel

The panel included current UMD basketball players Joshua Brown and Isaiah Watts, alongside former Bulldogs Dr. Harry Oden and Yusuf Abdullah.

DULUTH, Minn.- In honor of Black History Month, student-athletes from UMD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council hosted an event, Sunday evening, discussing how one college basketball team, during the height of the Civil Right Movement, shattered racial barriers, changing collegiate athletics forever. The event was a watch party of the film “The Loyola Project”, a documentary that follows the Loyola…

Maple School Dist. Plans To Eliminate Teacher Positions Amid $575K Deficit

MAPLE, Wis. – More than a half-dozen teacher positions are planning to be eliminated within the Maple School District next school year because of an anticipated $575,000 deficit, according to Supt. Sara Croney. As of Friday’s announcement, a full-time math teacher, social studies teacher and part-time library aide are being eliminated at the high school. At the middle school a…

Duluth’s Amazing Grace To Host ‘Last Hurrah’ After 27 Years In Business

Amazing Grace Cafe & Grocery, a staple in Canal Park for 27 years, will close the doors for good at the end of February. The decision to close, according to the owner Connor riley, was very difficult to make but the right one after trying to fight through the pandemic and its aftermath. Amazing Grace has been providing locally sourced,…

Ojibwe Winter Games Much More Than Games

Children learn skills tied to history and ancestors

Winter is what you make of it. And for Native Americans, it is an important time for their culture. That was on full display Friday in the cold and sunshine of February. It was the Ojibwe Winter Games at UMD’s Bagley Nature Area. In the form of very specific and unique games, school children were learning skills that native ancestors…

Bent Paddle Turns Original Tap Room Into THC, CBD ‘Cann-A-Lounge’

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz declared Feb. 16 Beer Day in Minnesota.  That means breweries in Duluth were celebrating with specials. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Associations said it’s a day to celebrate not just the past of beer in the state, but also how far it has come, and what the future holds. In the past 20-plus years, more…

Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.–The Boys and Girls Clubs held their annual Youth of the Year event at Clyde Iron Works. Two boys gave speeches on their experiences and lessons learned while at the clubs. The speeches were performed for judges who could also interview the boys. The winner of tonight’s competition gets to compete for a chance at a fifty thousand dollar…

UMD, UWS Offer Support After Fatal Michigan State University Shooting

UMD and UWS sent emails to students, faculty and staff to offer support and guidance following the fatal Michigan State University shooting. The following message was sent by UMD Interim Chancellor Dave McMillan: “The events of last evening at Michigan State University are horrifying. UMD shares in the sadness and sorrow of the Michigan State University community. We honor the…

Jungle Gym Announces March Pro Boxing Match In Duluth

FOX 21's Dan Hanger will be the event's ring announcer

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Jungle Boy Boxing has announced a pro boxing match at The Garden in Canal Park next month. Zach Walters, head coach of Jungle Gym in downtown Duluth told FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s more than pumped to get this fight night in front of hundreds of people March 10th. And if you’ve never been to a…

Indigenous Families Seek Support/Understanding in Loss of Loved Ones

Feel there is more urgency when other groups need help

The effort to remember Native American women who have been murdered or are missing was the focus of a community event in Duluth Tuesday.  But the issue of violence affects not only women, but also men and entire families. Sage Matthews of Duluth still mourns the loss of her niece and nephew who died separately four years ago.  She and…

Two Harbors Residents Vote For 2 Mayoral Candidates On April Ballot

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Residents voted Tuesday in a special primary election for mayor of Two Harbors. Former mayor and current council vice president, Robin Glaser, got the most votes at 289. Lew Conner came in second with 194 votes. Jay Cole got 15 votes and Jillouise Simonson got 10. Glasser and Conner will not head to a special election…

Indigenous Women Missing and Murdered Are Remembered

Family and supporters ask that women not be forgotten and encourage action.

Tuesday was a day of remembering and honoring for the Native American community. Specifically, it was a day focused on indigenous women who have been murdered or are missing. The day began at the Robert Powless Cultural Center. A cross-section of groups and people gathered to talk about the issue, remember those who are gone, and to unite in going…

Local Pizzeria Offers Heart Shaped Pizza For Valentine’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for something Valentine’s Day themed to eat Tuesday, a local pizza place in Duluth is offering some romance. Vitta Pizza, a Neapolitan Pizzeria is offering heart shaped pizza upon request. Vitta is offering these love themed meals at both of their locations in Canal Park and on West Central Entrance. Check out their menu…

Man in Greysolon Standoff Charged With Attempted Murder

He allegedly stabbed a police officer, who was protected by a protective vest.

The man who was in a standoff with police last week at Duluth’s Greysolon apartments has been charged. Alexander Jan Dougherty has been charged with six counts, including attempted murder against a police officer. The complaint says Dougherty was inside an apartment and would not come out. Officers said they could hear him yelling and screaming. The complaint says that…

Superior School Dist. Considers Consolidating Schools

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior School District is beginning discussions to potentially consolidate its elementary schools from six to five. Superintendent Amy Starzecki said a 2022 district study showed the elementary schools are being underutilized — sitting at only 71 percent capacity. So, because of that and a significant budget shortfall coming in 2024, the district believes downsizing into five…

Cohasset Mayor: Loss Of Huber Timber Plant Development ‘Devastating’

DULUTH, Minn. – “Frustrated, disappointed and angry.” Those were the words from Cohasset Mayor Andy MacDonell Thursday after learning plans for a $440 million timber plant have fallen through. Huber Engineered Wood said in a statement the company can’t handle any more delays in getting approved for the new Oriented Strand Board facility. “Due to delays that jeopardize our ability…

Public Health Innovation Project Showcase

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County hosted its first ever Public Health Innovation Project Showcase, highlighting the success of five local projects over the past couple years. In 2020 the county distributed more than $360 thousand dollars to five community organizations devoted to addressing health wellness and support, substance use, and food insecurity. Organizations taking part included Range Mental Health,…

Musical Bingo Fundraiser In Superior Supporting Local Artists

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Tuesday night people who love music and games came together in Superior for one big musical bingo fundraiser. The Mackie Brothers performed live, and each ball drawn represented a number like usual, but that number was attached to a well-known song. The Mackie Brothers then played that tune, and everybody checked their bingo card for the name…

Don Ness, Dan Hanger Among ‘Singing With The Stars’ Contestants At NorShor Theatre

The competition is March 3!

DULUTH, Minn. — You’ve probably heard of “Dancing With The St’ars,” but what about “Singing With The Stars?” And what if some of the singing contestants included former mayor Don Ness and FOX 21’s Dan Hanger? Well, it’s happening March 3 at the NorShor Theatre! Tickets are on sale now. It’s a 100-percent fundraiser for the Duluth Playhouse. Tickets to…

‘Big Movies’ at the DECC Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. – ‘Big Movies’ at the DECC kicked off Thursday with a showing of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. DECC staff chose this as February’s free monthly event because they felt it was a good month for indoor activities. Those who attended could spread out on blankets or bean bags. Theater concessions were also open for purchase. Each showing will be…

DTA Offers Free Rides On Transit Equity Day

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Transit Authority is taking on a new initiative, offering free rides to the community Friday and Saturday. Transit Equity Day is a national day to commemorate Civil Rights icons such as Rosa Parks during Black History month. The DTA is taking part in this by offering free fares on the Stride Paratransit and DTA Fixed-Route…

School Closings and Delays February 3, 2023

School Closings & Delays Barnum Public Schools – Two-hour delay. Chisholm Public Schools – E-learning day February 3. Duluth Edison Charter Schools – Closed. Duluth Public Schools – Closed. Esko Schools – Two-hour delay. Hibbing Public and Private Schools – Closed, E-learning day February 3 for public schools. Hill City – Two-hour delay. Montessori School of Duluth – Closed. Stella Maris Academy…

Duluth’s Sustainability Officer Receives Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Award

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Sustainability Officer has received some special recognition for her leadership efforts. Mindy Granley was honored at the 2023 Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Awards with the Individual Adaptation Award. She was recognized due to her work as she’s provided leadership, education, and implemented strategies at the City of Duluth. Granley’s work includes securing $32 million in grant…

Hobbs, Anderson Won’t Seek Reelection To Duluth City Council

DULUTH, Minn. — Two Duluth city councilors are not running for reelection in 2023. First District Councilor Gary Anderson announced Tuesday he is proud of the work he’s been able to accomplish over the past eight years. At one point, Anderson served as council president. He started in politics in 2012 as an organizer for the Minnesotans United For All…

Feb. 1, 2018: Historic NorShor Theatre Reopens With ‘Mamma Mia!’

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday marked the historic NorShor Theatre’s five-year anniversary since its $30 million re-opening in downtown Duluth. Opening night was Feb. 1, 2018 with the popular musical “Mamma Mia!” It was a special moment after 19 months of construction and renovations. The NorShor first opened as the Orpheum Theatre in 1910. The building ran into trouble in the…

Genealogy Seminar at Richard I. Bong Center

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–A genealogy seminar was held at the Richard I Bong Veterans Center in Superior on Tuesday. The event was free and open for up to 25 people to learn about and start the research for their family trees. The workshop had three sections, basic genealogy, how to navigate ancestry, and how to research service members. Computer skills were not…

Spirit Mountain Now Open 6 Days A Week

Spirit Mountain had been open 5 days a week since November 25.

DULUTH, Minn. — After only being open 5 days a week since November, Spirit Mountain has added another day of operations. According to a press release, Spirit Mountain had been struggling with staffing shortages and after an aggressive recruitment and retention effort, now have enough staff to keep the hill open longer. The slopes will now be open Tuesdays starting…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Haulin’ Hotdish Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. — “Hotdish has everything that you need as far as hitting all the food groups and also like I feel like hotdish is so Minnesota. And it’s cold and it’s comforting,” said Rachael Morris, customer of Haulin’ Hotdish. The Haulin’ Hotdish Food Truck is officially in business after deciding winter would be the perfect time to open. Haulin’…

Duluth Highway 53 Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to try and keep drivers and the community up-to-date on what’s going on. Another camera has been added to the project site, and is available on the DOT website. During an online briefing today, the department said the project has also been fairly safe so far, with injuries to workers kept to…

Police Chief Thankful For Community’s Support After Deaths Of Superior Officer’s Daughter, Retired K-9

K-9 Marik died one day after Hailey Eastman's unexpected death from an undiagnosed cardiac condition

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It has been a painful and challenging time over the past couple of weeks for the Superior Police Department with the unexpected losses of Sgt. Nick Eastman’s teenage daughter and his retired K-9 Marik. Late Friday, Police Chief Nicholas Alexander expressed his thanks to everyone who has helped his department through this difficult time. Hailey Eastman In…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Kicks Off

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– The Lake Superior Ice Festival kicked off this evening in preparations for the main events tomorrow. It’s the 7th annual year for this event at Barkers Island. Tonight, there were yard games set up. Superior police officers and firefighters continued playing their traditional Kubb match. Visitors also got a chance to play some disc golf on the ice…

Lincoln Park Winter Farmers Market

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park Farmers market usually runs during the summer, but on Thursday vendors had a chance to take part in a Winter Market. It was held at the Harrison Community Center and featured ten vendors and three community organizations. Produce, candles, stickers, and jewelry were just some of the products for sale at the market. SNAP…

Fun Outside As Preparations Are Underway For Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival begins Friday afternoon in Superior. The event takes place all over Barkers Island. Preparations for the two-day festival were underway Thursday afternoon. Crews were clearing snow away from parking areas, fire pits were being spread out and work was well underway for the Ice Carousel, always one of the highlights of…

Damiano Center Hosts Community Event For Those In Need

DULUTH, Minn. — Every October and January a community event is held as a one-stop-shop service for Northland members in need. Thursday, the Damiano Center hosted the Donna Howard Community Connect that involved local organizations such as Safe Haven, Life House, and the Salvation Army. They provided various free resources such as haircuts, hot meals, and help with getting warrants…

St. Luke’s Volunteer Receives State Award

DULUTH, Minn. — One community member now holds a commendable state award for more than 25 years spent volunteering at St. Luke’s. Wednesday, Linda Tezak was granted the “Presidents Award” from Minnesota Association of Healthcare Volunteers. Tezak is currently the MAHV Membership Chair and Interim District B Chair. She’s been volunteering with St. Luke’s for more than 25 years completing…