Community

Duluth Armory Receives $250k Grant For Improvements

The Duluth Armory received a $250,000 legacy grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hard work is underway, so that the historic Duluth Armory can once again open its doors for its new chapter of life. But that work is getting easier with a big boost in funding from the Minnesota Historical Society. Before the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) came along the place to be for top entertainment was the Duluth Armory and soon the historic building along London Road will be like new again. The legacy…

Duluth Depot Seeking Bond for Building Upkeep

The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis county is hoping to preserve the Duluth Depot with help from the state. The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill. Officials say citizens won’t visibly notice improvements. The projects in place will prevent noticeable damage before they occur. Officials say the proposal for preventable maintenance will keep the building running…

Harlem Globetrotter Visits FOX 21 While Promoting Bullying Prevention, World Tour

2018 “Amazing Feats of Basketball World Tour” Stops in Duluth Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Harlem Globetrotters are known for their amazing talents on the basketball court, but also for the work they do with children. The team will be bringing their tricks to Amsoil Arena on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. The players will show off on the court in the “2018 Amazing Feats of Basketball World Tour” while taking…

Torching Bananas with Local Cooking Instructor

Cooking Connection: Bananas Foster

DULUTH, Minn. – Ending dinner with a sweet treat is a must for many, but have you ever made a dessert that’s perfect for brunch, too? For this week’s Cooking Connection, local chef Arlene Coco was in the kitchen with FOX 21’s William Seay to make bananas foster, or what Coco calls, Torched Bananas with Salted Caramel Sauce. Coco has…

Duluthians Learn the Irish Language

Weekly Class at Carmody Irish Brew Pub Offers Cultural and Language Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – Every Wednesday, Duluthians are learning the Irish language at a free class at Carmody Irish Brew Pub on Superior Street. The class aims to keep the Gaelic language thriving and allows people to experience Irish pride on another level. “This is a chance to go above and beyond just the wearing of green and the shamrocks and…

St. Ann’s Senior Residence Seeking Tax Exempt Status

Bill Proposed in Minnesota Would Exempt Non-Profit from $82,000 Per Year in Property Taxes

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Ann’s Residence is a non-profit organization that has provided housing to seniors since 1963 at their location on Third Street in Downtown Duluth. But since the 1980s, the residence has been forced to pay property taxes unlike other healthcare non-profits. A bill has now been proposed in Minnesota that would make St. Ann’s tax exempt. Non-profit…

Figuring Out the Worth of Your Antiques

The service is apart of the S.t Louis County’s public education program.

DULUTH, Minn.- Experts are checking your antique items helping you find out their worth. The St. Louis Historical Society offered free appraisals of up to two items per person. Appraisers inform you what makes your piece special. The service is apart of the County’s public education program. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: appraisals, duluth, Local News,…

Business Leaders Celebrate Small Business Development Centers Day

The Northeastern Minnesota SBDC has assisted more than 700 businesses and helped create almost 1,300 new jobs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed March 21 as Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Day. The Northland joins many states in the nationwide celebration of local and small business growth and development. About two-thirds of businesses with employees survive at least two years and about half survive at least five so SBDCs are instrumental. Duluth Technology Village brought out…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Shares Results of Text to 911 System

Once a text message comes in authorities are already working to locate the person who sent the message.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Text to 911 system has been working well for the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office after being introduced just three months ago. The department receives an average of two emergency text messages a day. When a message comes through it shows up on a dashboard with location coordinates. The coordinates are then placed into a mapping system to…

Organizations Give Free Aid On Legal Services Day

People also received assistance if they had warrants.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time criminal and civil legal organizations are together at the Damiano Center to offer legal services for people in need. Attorneys and public defenders offered advice on civil matters such as family law, housing and consumer issues. The goal is to make sure everyone has access to justice so people’s basic rights and needs are protected. “This is not…

How to Volunteer for the Quilt-a-Thon

The Quilt-a-Thon donates comforters to kids in crisis.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Northlanders are making quilts for kids in crisis at the 26th Quilt-a-Thon. Volunteers make nearly 50 quilts during Quilt-a-Thon, over all 100 quilts will be donated to various organizations. Sewers will gather at the Mariner Retail in Superior at 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m. Organizers say everyone is welcome to lend a hand. “I guess you really get the…

Pack and Mail Plus Addresses Shipping Safety

Many rules and regulations are in place, Pack and Mail Plus stressed training is very serious.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime local shipping business is reassuring its customers that safety is their number one priority. The owner of Pack and Mail in Duluth nd Cloquet tells us security measures begin as soon as a package is dropped off. Employees open and inspect all packages without a shipping label already attached. That’s followed by checking ids and asking a few…

“Girls Night Out” Supports Two Harbors Food Shelf

Brides Don Old Wedding Gowns for Good Cause

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Finding the perfect dress for your wedding day is something little girls dream about, but after the wedding day what happens to the beautiful dress? Some Northland women are creating a space for those dresses to come out of the closet, all while helping the hungry in the region. They’re calling it the ultimate girls night…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens for 58th Season

The Lundquist Family Chose to Open their Family Restaurant on Tuesday, March 20, the First Day of Spring This Year

CLOQUET, Minn. – Day after day you rarely see a line forming out the door of a regular old burger joint, but once a year Northlanders and folks passing by can’t help but stop when they see Gordy’s Hi-Hat open up in Cloquet. “Gordy is on his way back from Florida right now,” said Sever Lundquist, Gordy’s grandson. It only…

Duluth Folk School Part of Lincoln Park Revitalization

More Offerings Coming Soon, as Folk School Continues to Expand

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot of excitement in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District as local businesses continue to revitalize the area. Bryan French, the Director of the Duluth Folk School, says the atmosphere in Lincoln Park is vibrant and alive. His renovations continue as more and more is being offered at the folk school. Tuesday, a newspaper weaving class…

Laughter Yoga Class Offers Fun and Healthy Experience

Instructors Say Voluntary Laughter Has the Same Health Benefits as Spontaneous Laughter

DULUTH, Minn. – Laughter yoga is offered throughout Duluth as part of the St. Luke’s Community Well Being Series. The practice involves exercise mixed with voluntary laughter, which instructors say has the same health benefits as spontaneous laughter. “It’s not like poses or anything, it’s exercises that are silliness and fun,” said Sue Brewer, a certified laughter yoga leader. “Adults…

Legal Services Day Offers Warrant Resolution

Anyone with warrants from Minnesota can attend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Legal Services Day will be held on Wednesday, March 21st. Individuals with warrants from Minnesota, can meet with prosecutors to figure out a plan. New this year agencies are on hand to discuss family and civil services. “If they’re not a fit for one organization they can see if they’re a fit for another organization,” Executive Director Legal Aid…

Spots Still Open to Run for Good in Grandma’s Marathon

Runners can partner-up with a charity to help raise money.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon entries filled up within hours of opening, but you can still participate by running for a good cause. The Charity Partnership Program offers 15 local and national charities runners can team up. Currently 8 charities still have opening spots for the half and full marathon. Racers can choose a organization close to them, ranging…

Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen Also Helps Charity

Gillette's Children Hospital helps children, teens and adults who have disabilities and complex conditions.

DULUTH, Minn. – You know spring has arrived when Dairy Queen is handing out free ice cream. The food chain does this every year to raise money for charity. Folks at the Dairy Queen in Canal Park know Free Cone Day is always a busy time. There’s no purchase necessary for the free treat but donations are being accepted this…

Fuse Duluth Invites Public to Anniversary Networking Event

Fuse Duluth Celebrates 13 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – This year Fuse Duluth, a networking group in town, is celebrating 13 years and they’re hoping you attend the party. This year’s anniversary theme is Fire and Ice. The event features over 20 local restaurants, bakeries, distilleries and breweries who will offer tastings during the event. The event is Thursday, March 22nd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m….

Northland Uncovered: Lake County Courthouse

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – County courthouses are visited for necessity and oftentimes the history represented within the walls is overlooked. One courthouse in the Northland has been standing for over 100 years, but it wasn’t always that way. Two Harbors resident Mitchel Costley knows all about the Lake County Courthouse, “I grew up here, so I’ve been in and out…

Countless People Impacted by True North Adaptive Yoga

True North Adaptive Yoga Focuses on What Folks Can Do, Not What They Can't

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year it’s estimated more than 400,000 Americans will be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In the Northland, one local non profit organization is working to make the diagnosis easier to deal with. “It’s a support group, it’s a family, it’s tremendous,” said Becky Pederson. Nearly every Monday morning you’ll find a group of people gathering at Peace…

Phase Two of Belknap Highway Reconstruction Begins In Superior

Businesses brace for slump during Belknap construction project

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Phase two of the Belknap Highway 2 Reconstruction Project in Superior is now underway. The $23 million project includes transforming the center section from John Avenue to Birch Avenue. Michael DeMeo has owned Big Apple Bagel in Superior for five years. Last year when the first phase of this project happened he saw a 50 percent decrease…

Superior Conducts Annual Stormwater Cleaning Training

The training was at the Estuarium in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Experts with the city of Superior say stormwater is the biggest pollutant to Lake Superior from their community. Contractors and consultants who design and implement new projects in the city took part in an annual training for stormwater cleaning. The training provides tips and techniques on how to handle stormwater pollution that could potentially come off construction…

Minnesota Ballet Takes on Famous “Swan Lake” for Spring Performances

DULUTH, Minn. – The ballet is back with Spring performances of Swan Lake this weekend. Minnesota Ballet Executive Artistic Director Robert Gardner is staging the ballet in honor of his 10 year anniversary in the position and 25 year anniversary with the company. Previously, Act II of Swan Lake was performed by the then-Duluth Ballet in 1993. Performances this weekend…

Great Lakes Aquarium celebrates otters’ birthday

Otters Agate and Ore turned five years old.

DULUTH, Minn. – The otters Agate and Ore turned five years old this year. The playful little ladies were given a special treat on Saturday – a birthday “cake” made out of ice and other foods that otters enjoy. The audience also had the chance to learn a little bit about little animals. “It’s a great event for both our members,…

Curling Popularity On the Rise After Olympic Team Win

The next season for the Duluth Curling Club is in October.

DULUTH, Minn. – After the USA Men’s Curling Team made history by winning the Olympic gold medal the popularity of the sport has increased. The men’s team is based out of the Duluth Curling Club. And the club has received numerous e–mails congratulating the team as well as people wanting to join the club and get involved with leagues. The…

Mentor Duluth Seeks New Recruits

March into Mentoring Campaign Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – This month Mentor Duluth is aiming to recruit new mentors through their annual March into Mentoring campaign. Each March, Mentor Duluth sets a goal of diminishing the wait list of over 200 kids and matching them with new mentors. The organization is also hoping to garner support through an annual event. Prom Across the Ages is taking…

Northlanders Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day With Family Fun

The event is called northern Minnesota's largest attended family celebration of Irish culture and tradition.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth hundreds of people spent their St. Paddy’s Day with the family. Organizers say the holiday isn’t just for adults. This was the fifth year musical group Mcinnis Kitchen performed. The goal was to have a family friendly spot for everyone to hang out. “The big thing is a lot of…

Sun shines for the final day of Fitger’s Bock Fest

Hundreds turn out to enjoy the weather and the beer

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of people came out to enjoy the 23rd annual Fitger’s Bock Fest. The day included all kinds of activities, like a lake jump, and the stein races. Bock Fest is a German celebration of Spring, and with the beautiful weather on Saturday, it sure felt like winter is in the past. “The sun is shining, there’s a…

Cool Cars to Fill DECC for 50th Motorhead Madness

Coffee Conversation: Arrowhead Autobody Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. – Classic cars, hot rods, trucks, race cars, remote-controlled cars and more will fill the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center this weekend. The 50th Annual Arrowhead Auto Body Motorhead Madness is taking place Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Danielle Colby from History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ will be holding a Meet and Greet Saturday from 11 a.m. –…

Fifth Graders Bagging Groceries To Help Veterans

Cathedral School students will perform and open for the band, Madison Rising on March 30.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Fifth graders at Cathedral School in Superior are not only participating in this year’s Nearly Naked Ruck March, they are helping raise money for veterans. Amber Nielsen is a fifth grade teacher at Cathedral School in Superior and she’s also a veteran. She says she wanted students to know about the sacrifices made by the men and women…

Free Dress Giveaway Helps Fulfill Prom Dreams

If the Dress Fits was started three years ago by Ashleigh Arnston and her mother, Amy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bella Rose Bridal Shop in Duluth was full of young women looking for the perfect dress for prom. For three years the bridal shop has hosted a free prom dress giveaway. If the Dress Fits provides donated dresses for high school students who maybe otherwise couldn’t afford a dress. This is a dream come true for many…

Lake Superior Zoo Connects With Tarantulas on Save A Spider Day

There are about 800 known tarantula species.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Zoo is representing its spiders with Save a Spider Day and even helping people get over their fears. The day focuses on how spiders are interesting animals and how you can live alongside them. Zoo staff say spiders are often misunderstood and spiders aren’t trying to hurt you. Having spiders as pets isn’t common because…

Mont du Lac Hosts Snowmobile Races Before the Season Ends

Mont du Lac Resort is located 3125 Mont du Lac Drive in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – On your mark get set, go! The Mont du Lac Resort in Superior hosted the Grand National Uphill Snow Drags. The race is usually scheduled as one of the last events of the season, but the amount of snow has kept the resort open. Double eliminations meant guys had to lose two races to get bumped out. If…

St. Ann’s Residence Hosts Rummage, Bake Sale

Duluth Senior Residence Hopes to Raise $5,000 to $7,000

DULUTH, Minn. – Bargain hunters can check out a rummage sale and bake sale this weekend at St. Ann’s Senior Residence on Third Avenue East in Duluth. 200 to 400 shoppers attend the sale every year. It raises $5,000 to $7,000 annually for the facility. Items are donated by community partners and residents who also shop for great deals. “It’s…

Twin Ports JOYRIDE Program Offers Safe Ride Options For Patrons

Vouchers are $7 if the cab ride is more than $7 the patron covers the balance.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Saturday and several local businesses are a part of the Twin Ports JOYRIDE Program helping people get home safe. One of them is Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth. Bent Paddle joined the program in 2016 and promotes safe and sober driving. If the beer tenders see someone who…

St. Paddy’s Gear Flying Off the Shelves

Ragstock is located at 7 W. Superior St. in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ragstock in Duluth is ready for St. Paddy’s Day and many people are coming in to look the part. If you’re looking for anything green to get you in the Irish spirit Ragstock has you covered. Management tells us people bought green t–shirts, accessories and wigs and it’s been a busy day. “The line has been to the…

Lake Superior College Promoting Career Paths In Aviation

An aviation degree from LSC may be completed in about two years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College (LSC) is helping student soar to new heights with a career in aviation. LSC’s Aviation Career Night gives students many options whether they decide on a career as a pilot or in aviation maintenance. Students like Troy Naughton chose a career path in aviation because of the promising job opportunities. He’s graduating in may…

Cloquet Area Home, Business, and Sports Show Offers Something for Everyone

Annual Show Features Companies of All Kinds and Activities for Families

CARLTON, Minn. – There’s something for everyone this weekend at the Cloquet Area Home, Business, and Sports Show at Black Bear Casino. About 140 companies are showing off their products. Guests can watch performances, browse through boats and trailers, and check out the craft fair. “I think it’s good for the Cloquet area because we get all of the businesses…

St. Urho Day Celebrated in Cloquet

Carlton County Historical Society Also Honored Finnish Families Who Survived 1918 Fires

CLOQUET, Minn. – March 16th is Saint Urho Day. The holiday was invented in Virginia, Minnesota to celebrate the fictional Finnish Saint Urho. According to the legend, Saint Urho chased the grasshopper out of Finland to save the grape crop. Every year, fins honor their patron saint at the Carlton County Historical Society. Olli Rahkola, a “true Finn” said “Grasshopper,…

DCHS History Sunday Features “NOTHiNG”

Douglas County Historical Society Brings Back History Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Historical Society is bringing back History Sunday events. This weekend, you can learn all about NOTHiNG. NOTHiNG was a plastic container with nothing in it. The gift box was a local sensation that was in response to the pet rock craze. The box was created by two local radio disc jockeys, Dale Botten and…

Nationally Known Speaker Visits Duluth for 100 Year Church Anniversary

Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Celebrates 100 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating a major milestone. This year is the 100th year the church has been in Duluth. A group of Greek immigrants established the church in 1918. The church once had a congregation that was 99 percent Greek but is now filled with diverse backgrounds. To honor this milestone, church…

Green Grocery to Bring Luck to CHUM Food Shelf

Endion Station Teams up with CHUM for Donation Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the luck of the Irish may be coming to CHUM Food Shelf. One local St. Patrick’s Day celebration is aiming to help with hunger in the Northland. Endion Station and CHUM have joined forces for a Green Grocery event. Between 11 a.m. – midnight on Saturday, March 17 anyone can donate $5 or bring a…

Duluth Rowing Club Nears Fundraising Goal and Boathouse Completion

Active Adventures: Icebreaker Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the last few years, the Duluth Rowing Club has worked to build a new home for their club. Now, a fully funded and finished new boathouse is nearly a reality. Northlanders have the chance to help with the final stages of work. More than 90 percent of the $1 million goal has been attained, and the…

Historic West Theater Set to Open This Summer

The original 1937 theater originally seated 595 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s original Art Deco Theater was established in 1937 and was a premiere theater until the 70’s and almost 50 years later it will open once again. Several showed up to Beaner’s Central in West Duluth to learn more about the renovation progress of the historic Theatre. Bob Boone is the owner of the Reader Weekly and is…

Bockfest Begins With Traditional Blessing of the Bock

The original recipe for Bock was entered into a national competition and was a first place winner.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s day one of the 2018 Bockfest and the festivities began after the traditional blessing of the Bock. Some people have showed up for all 24 of the Bockfests. Organizers say it’s one of the best ways to welcome spring here in Duluth and the warm weather was just right. Someone was on hand caramelizing beer for guests….

Local Law Enforcement Increasing Presence For St. Paddy’s Day

There will be more officers from agencies in southern St. Louis County, Proctor and Hermantown Police and the Minnesota State Patrol on St. Paddy's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Paddy’s Day is the Duluth Police Department’s (DPD) second most dangerous DWI holiday after Labor Day. The Irish holiday is on March 17 and police want you to have fun, but also be safe, so you don’t land in the slammer. You’re encouraged to designate a sober driver or call Lyft or Uber. Police say the bottom line is don’t…

Duluth Mayor Shares Vision At State of the City Address

Mayor Larson also discussed the workforce development Duluth has seen during her address.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson is looking toward the future and wants to let you know what’s in store for the coming year. She shared her vision in her State of the City at the NorShor Theatre. The location was a key theme in focusing on the city’s growing and thriving cultural community. The mayor also announced the launch…

Lake Superior Zoo to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Zoo Offering Family Friendly Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Looking for a family friendly St. Paddy’s Day? The Lake Superior Zoo has you covered. There’s a lucky leprechaun hunt all over the grounds and shamrock-themed items in the cafe. Keeper talks will be offered throughout the zoo including a special lion training session. “We really wanted to bring a family friendly event so that people can…