Community

LP Building Solutions Celebrates 40 Years in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — One of LP Building Solutions’ longest-running mills just celebrated their 40-year anniversary. The LP Mill in Two Harbors has been the company’s birthplace for their SmartSide Trim & Siding product line. Since the product line’s start, seven other siding and trim mills have been established across the U.S. The mill also allows the public to tour…

St. Louis River Summit Celebrates Major Cleanup Milestone

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A three-day summit looks to celebrate and educate the progress and history of the St. Louis River. The St. Louis River has been a major area of concern after parts of the tributary were contaminated by a former US Steel Superfund site. At this year’s summit, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency was proud to announce some success. Last…

Super One Round Up Donations Raises $46,000 for Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn.–Customers who shopped at 38 Super One Foods locations helped raise $46,387 for the Northern Lights Foundation. From January 31st through February 17th, Super One customers had the option to round up their total for the Northern Lights Foundation The “NLF” is a nonprofit based in Duluth, and their mission is to help out families with children facing life…

Lake Superior Zoo, Wildcat Sanctuary Aid in Roseville SeaQuest Rescue

DULUTH, Minn.– Hundreds of animals are in desperate need of a new home after their zoo in Roseville Minnesota shut down. Duluth’s Lake Superior Zoo is one of three Minnesota zoos stepping up to help. ‘SeaQuest’ is an aquarium and petting zoo that closed its doors in February. It’s a chain across the country that is shutting down after the…

“Tequila Town” Restaurant Name Sparks Controversy within Esko Community

ESKO, Minn.– A new Mexican restaurant in Esko is being forced to change the name of its business because the town board says it violates liquor license laws. “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar” opened last month across the street from Esko Schools. The owner told FOX 21 the name of the business was inspired by his hometown “Tequila, Mexico.”…

CHUM kicks off March Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum is kicking off their annual March Drive. They are hoping to get as much food, money, and other donations as possible this month to support their food shelf. The goal is to raise $80,000 and 40,000 pounds of food. Every donation will go towards meeting the growing need for food assistance in the community. “I think…

Minnesota Power Outlines Future Plans for Renewable Energy

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Power is striving to achieve 90% renewable energy by 2035. And to make this happen, they’re unveiling the next chapter of their “EnergyForward” plan. Minnesota Power is currently outlining its 2025 “Integrated Resource Plan” or “IRP” The plan looks 15 years into the future, and it focuses on providing reliable energy while reducing carbon emissions. If approved,…

Lake County Historical Society Faces $100,000 in Repairs After Winter Damages

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The Lake County Historical Society was gearing for an 100th year anniversary, but recent events has shifted their focus to emergency repairs. Busted frozen pipes, flooding, and two failed boilers has costed over $100,000 in damages. This happened between two different sites, the 3M Museum and the historic Two Harbor’s Lighthouse. At the end of December…

Childcare Advocates Participating in “A Day Without Childcare” Rally

DULUTH, Minn.– The importance of prioritizing childcare centers and providers is being highlighted across the country today including in Duluth. Childcare providers, teachers and parents gathered at ‘Young Minds Learning Center’ to highlight the importance of properly funded childcare. A press conference, march, a rally, and multiple center closures happened in Duluth to drive the point home. The advocates are…

Hibbing Police Department Asks Public to Help Name New K9

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing Police Department is training a new K9. K9 handler Officer Sydney Haugan will be attending a three-month certification training with a one-year-old German Sheppard. Together the new K9 team will be training in criminal apprehension and firearms/ammunition detection. The police department will be having a naming contest for their new K9. They’re asking for any…

Regional Psychology Clinic Networks to Enhance Mental Health Access in Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.– Regional psychologists spent the day networking and collaborating to broaden their resources. The event was held in response to what mental health professionals are calling a “pressing need for improved mental health services” Twin cities based Mental Health Systems partnered with H.P. Psychological Associates from Hermantown to gain insight to services like telehealth. The “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” training…

Spring Career Fair at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin – Superior held its annual Spring Career Fair today. Attendees had the opportunity to explore careers, network with potential employers, and get professional headshots. They also welcome students from all of the local colleges as well as alumni and community members. Seventy-five employers were there including many regional health care providers and law…

Duluth Salvation Army Food Drive Beginning Soon

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting March 1st, the Duluth Salvation Army donations will be proportionally matched by the Minnesota Food Share Program. They’re looking to collect the usual shelf stable items. The Duluth Salvation Army is the only location in the state that has a medical food shelf for special diets. During the drive, they’re hoping to get foods that are gluten free,…

‘One in Four’ Beer Supports Local Domestic Violence Shelters

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Coming up in March, Earth Rider Brewery will be unveiling a new brew that looks to support local domestic violence shelters in the Twin Ports. It’s being called the ‘One in Four’ beer. The new brew is a collaboration between Earther Rider Brewery, Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center, and CASDA. According to the National Domestic Violence…

New Condo Development Planned for Woodland Avenue

DULUTH, Minn.– A new condo development is in the works along Duluth’s Woodland neighborhood. The development will include two 30-unit buildings, and they will be located along Woodland Avenue adjacent to Hartley Nature Center. Developer Brian Forcier of Titanium Partners is behind the project, and he’s working alongside the City of Duluth to accomplish this. He told FOX 21 the…

Government Services Center Unveils Century Old Time Capsule

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Excitement was on today in the city of Virginia for the unveiling of a 100-year-old time capsule. City leaders, the public, and even some school kids came out for the big reveal. The capsule was removed a few years back from the former century-old Northland Office Building. It was recovered when the building was demolished to make way for…

Duluth City Councilors Share Mixed Opinions Regarding Pledge of Allegiance

DULUTH, Minn.– The opinions of two Duluth city councilors are coming into light, and it involves whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be part of city council meetings. The topic began after a member of the public spoke at a recent council meeting. The gentleman who stayed seated during the Pledge of Allegiance said removing the pledge from the council…

Public Radio Icon Paul Damberg Passes

NORTHLAND — A Northland icon of public radio and supporter of local news Paul Damberg has passed away last on Friday, February 21. Damberg spent 34 years of his career working in public radio and nonprofit fundraising. He graduated from Macalester College back in the late 80’s with a degree in sociology, but it was his college job of public…

18th Annual Women’s Expo This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.– The Women’s Expo is returning to the DECC this weekend. And for the 18th year of this event, they’re bringing in some new exciting additions. The DECC will be filling up with over 150 vendors for the women’s expo happening this Saturday. The booths cover everything related to health, beauty, as well as shopping experiences. In addition, there…

Lake Superior Zoo Becomes a “ZANE” Partner

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is now getting a lot more accessible, since they’re the first facility in the state to partner up with the “Zane” Program. ‘ZANE’, or Zoos and Aquariums for Neurodiverse Ecosystem Program is a nonprofit that equips zoos with resources to better understand those needs. Earlier this week, it was announced the Lake Superior Zoo…

6 Arrested in International Falls in Drug Bust

*This article was updated with the names of those charged.* INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — A drug bust in Koochiching County  lead to the arrest of 6 people and the recovery of approximately 9.5 ounces of suspected methamphetamine. On February 18, the Koochiching County Deputies executed a search warrant on a vehicle and their occupants on the 1500 block of 1st…

Interim President of Northland College Speaks About Campus Closure

ASHLAND, Wis. — The Interim President of the soon-to-close Northland College is talking about the difficult decision that the university is in. On Wednesday, the college made the unexpected announcement that the 133-year-old college is shutting down at the end of this academic school year. The news came just five months after northland college officials said they received donations to…

Beloved Birkebeiner Weekend Returns To Downtown Hayward

HAYWARD, Wis. — Hayward is home to one of the biggest ski races in the nation — the American Birkebeiner.  The week-long event welcomes in thousands of participants from at least seven different countries. And with last year’s race missing out on the Main Street grand finale because of weather, organizers are thankful for this year’s quick turnaround. “It’s such…

Duluth Council Meeting Now Starts at 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council has a new start-time for it’s twice-a-month council meetings. Starting February 24th the council meeting will begin one hour earlier at 6 p.m. instead of the tradition 7 p.m. start time. Councilor Arik Forsman tells Fox 21 the earlier time is simply more convenient for councilors, city staff, and the public. Start earlier,…

Tiny Riot Boutique Brings Affordable LA Fashion to the Twin Ports

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A newer women’s boutique clothing store in Superior is looking to bring high-end women’s fashion to the Northland. Tiny Riot Boutique opened last year as an online retailer, before opening their storefront in September. Most dresses range in women’s small through three XL. They specialize in inclusive, affordable women’s fashion like ruffled tear skirts and corset lace-up…

Superior Police Department Promotes Michelle Pope to Patrol Captain

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Police Officer just earned a new stripe being appointed to patrol captain. Captain Michelle Pope has been onboard with the Superior Police Department for the last 23 years. Pope has been a life-long resident of Superior and even graduated from UWS. Captain Pope joined the department back in 2002. Since then she worked in narcotics…

Northland College to Close at End of 2024-25 Academic School Year

ASHLAND, Wis. — Northland College Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday to permanently close the college at the end of the 2024-25 academic school year. The college was founded in 1892, being the first to fully integrate an environmental focus with its liberal arts curriculum. But after it’s 133-year run, officials say the college is closing due to declining…

WIAA Voted to Ban Transgender Student-Athletes from Girls’ Competition, Not Practices

WISCONSIN — The organization that oversees Wisconsin’s school sports voted on Wednesday to ban transgender girls from competing in girls’ competition. This repeals a 2013 policy that allowed children of all gender identities from competing in both WIAA boys’ and girls’ sports competitions. The new policy states that student-athletes assigned male at birth can still practice with girls’ sporting teams,…

Duluth Pack Continues Core Values Under New Owners

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Pack announced on Wednesday that over-century old business has been purchased by Kevin Hall and another business partner effective immediately. The new business pair plan on carrying on Duluth Pack’s core values and traditions. The new owners say they plan to continue to manufacture their products here in Duluth with a lifetime guarantee. The new owners…

Small Business Brewery Perspectives on Potential Aluminum Tariffs

TWO HARBORS Minn.– Castle Danger Brewing is a larger facility in Two Harbors, producing nearly 25,000 cans of beer daily. And with that significance, the idea of a potential 25 percent tariff increase is on their radar. “So right now, immediate impact, we’re not experiencing immediate impact. It really depends on your supplier. Our aluminum supplier uses primarily U.S. steel,…

KYN: New Owner Sews New Life into Fabric Store

DULUTH, Minn.– Hannah Johnson Fabric & Sewing Store nestled on East Superior Street in Lester Park has been catering to their crafty customers for 16 years. And after dedicating more than a decade to the shop, the previous owner decided it was time to retire. The new owner, Asher Estrin-Haire, is excited to alter the shop in his own way….

Curtains Closing for Two Significant Figures at Duluth Playhouse

DULUTH, Minn.– When you see a production at the Norshor Theater stage, you can’t help but take it all in. The artistic decisions lie within the directors, and costume managers alike. And pretty soon, the Playhouse will be saying goodbye to two of those employees. “They flew me out December 2019 right after a giant blizzard. And I remember getting…

Bad Weather Cancels ‘Book Across The Bay’ Race, But Not The Party

ASHLAND, Wis. — High winds and drifting new snowfall canceled this weekend’s ‘Book Across The Bay’ in Ashland. Winds and snowy conditions on Lake Superior piled up on the luminaires that keep the skate skiiers and snowshoers on course from Ashland to Washburn. The course required 1,000 luminaries, which were unloaded Friday in preparation for the race. Even though the…

FOX 21 Takes The Duluth Polar Plunge, Raises Nearly $5K For Special Olympics

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 was the proud television sponsor of this weekend’s Duluth Polar Plunge, and some of our team members took the frigid jump for the cause. FOX 21 Team courtesy of MIX 108’s Nick Cooper The FOX 21 Team, including  Dan Hanger, Emily Halling, Maria Vollom and general manager Erik Hayes, helped raise nearly $5,000 for Special…

Activists Take to the Streets for 10th Annual Indigenous Memorial March

DULUTH, Minn.– Today the Twin Ports participated in its 10th annual march for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The march takes place each year on Valentines Day to bring justice and awareness to those missing. This year, 20-30 people were involved with the event. Before the march took place families met to share personal stories of their loved…