Community

Volunteers Clean-up Lake Superior Museum

The annual Spring Cleaning Day at the Lake Superior Maritime Museum brought in plenty of helping hands.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is in the air, on Thursday the Lake Superior Maritime Museum held its annual Spring Cleaning Day. Over 20 volunteers grabbed brooms and polish, making the Visitor Center at the Maritime Museum spick-and-span. One woman we spoke with loves the museum and volunteers every year to give back. “You learn a little bit every time you come,” volunteer…

Loll Designs Grants Check to COGGS

This is the fifth donation to COGGS totaling  $135,000 over the five year partnership

DULUTH, Minn.- An outdoor furniture manufacturer in Duluth called Loll Designs is donating money to Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. The donation helps COGGS build multi–use trails n Duluth. Loll Designs is apart of a Patagonia group called One Percent of The Planet, dedicated to donating apercentage of sales to environmental organizations. On Thursday COGGS was granted a $25,000 check to help build…

Local Non-profit Continues Free Prom Dress Giveaway

"If the Dress Fits" to Give Away Hundreds of Free Prom Dresses

DULUTH, Minn. – Prom isn’t too far away for many Northland students, and oftentimes it brings memories that are kept for years. However, the cost of prom can sometimes be daunting. The non-profit “If the Dress Fits” is here to help anyone struggling with buying a prom dress. They’re hosting their 3rd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway in the coming days….

Mixing up the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Leprechaun Dip

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so for this week’s Cooking Connection we made an appropriate dish for the holiday. Local chef Arlene Coco was in the kitchen with FOX 21’s William Seay to make Leprechaun Dip Coco has three decades of experience, is a professional cooking instructor and gives cooking classes to groups of…

Spots Still Open for St. Fennessy 4K

This is the first year the race is offering special youth pricing.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Saint Fennessy 4K race is coming up on St. Patrick’s Day, this Saturday and spots are still open as of Wednesday. New this year, the race is offering youth pricing, inviting runners as young as six to join in. Runners are encouraged to dress-up in festive green and gold outfits. After the race votes will be placed…

Inside Dubh Linn Irish Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day Preparations

This year the pub will offer a special surprise breakfast.

DULUTH, Minn.-  This year many Northlanders will be able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as it falls on a Saturday. Many businesses are already preparing for the busy day. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub has become a popular spot to celebrate for all ages. The bar will have live bagpipe performances and hammerschlagen. But this year the holiday breakfast is…

Duluth High School Students Join National Gun Violence Protest

East and Denfeld Students Were Joined by Neighbors and Friends Showing Solidarity with Parkland Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida, was just the latest in a string of violence on school campuses. Students from several Northland schools took part in a national walk out against gun violence to show solidarity. It wasn’t a typical day at East High school in Duluth. At 10 a.m. on this Wednesday morning many students…

Free Lenten Organ Recitals Happening Around Duluth

Every Wednesday, a 30 Minute Performance Helps Raise Money for an Organ Scholarship Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches around Duluth are offering free organ recitals during lent. Performances happen between 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Donations are accepted at each recital to benefit an organ scholarship fund to help students learn the instrument. “The organ is the closest thing I can get playing a solo instrument, maybe playing a flute or being…

Fitger’s Bockfest Celebrates the Pending Arrival of Spring

Fitger's wants you to come early and stay late!

DULUTH, Minn. – You know spring is around the corner because Fitger’s Bockfest happens this week in Duluth. It’s a beer festival but also a celebration of spring. It’s a big deal in Germany and this will be the 24th anniversary for the event in Duluth. Organizers are reintroducing the Bockhunt where people are given clues in search of bock…

Guess the Date of “Official” Snowmelt at Lutsen

Contestants Can Submit Their Vote up Until Midnight on Friday, March 23

LUTSEN, Minn. – If you’re counting down the final days before snow if officially gone, you may want to turn your attention to Lutsen Mountains. Right now you have the chance to guess when the last pile of snow will melt. This date will be determined on Mystery Mountain when the snow on the slopes fits within a standard sized hula…

Smooth Sounds of Jazz to Fill UMD Music Halls

UMD Celebrates 45th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the smooth sounds of jazz will be filling music halls at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. It’s all for the 45th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival. The fun gets underway with a performance by the Bobby Watson Quartet on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. in the Weber Music Hall. It…

Animal Answers: Scooby’s Story

Megan Wedel, Founder of Nemo Paws, Made the Trip to Texas with Volunteers in September, Bringing Back 20 Dogs to the Northland

ESKO, Minn. – Last August Hurricane Harvey proved to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in United States history. But through the devastation came light at the end of a dark tunnel for one Northland family. “It takes a village; there was a lot of us there to make this organization work,” said Megan Wedel, Founder of Nemo Paws….

“The Harbinger” Movie to Be Shot in Chisholm

$2 Million Film to Bring More Than 100 Jobs to the Iron Range

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “I found out that Chisholm Minnesota in the movie Field of Dreams was actually shot in Illinois,” said Director/Writer Will Klipstine. “I was like even that wasn’t shot in Chisholm, we’ve got to change that.” A movie is being made on the Iron Range. “The Harbinger” will start shooting next month at Ironbound Studios in the basement of…

String Quartet to Perform in Duluth Breweries

Beerthoven: On Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth is known for its great craft beer industry, and also for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Now, the two are joining forces. The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is going on tour with Beerthoven to five different breweries. The Highland String Quartet will be performing at Hoops Brewing from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. This is free to…

Kid-Friendly Events Connect Youth to Northland History

Camp Bong & Stuffie Boot Camp Taking Registrations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two fun events in Superior are getting school-aged kids involved with local history. Officials at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center are continuing Camp Bong have created another event, Stuffie Boot Camp. Camp Bong is put on by the historical center and The University of Wisconsin – Superior. Camp Bong is a sleepover experience at the…

Toppers Pizza to Open in Duluth Mid-April

DULUTH, Minn. – A new spot to pick up a pizza will soon be open in Duluth. Two Duluth natives, Jordan DeCaro and Jon Matko, are opening a Wisconsin-based Toppers Pizza location. General Manager Justin Lyons, also a Duluth native, visited FOX 21 and tells us Toppers pizza stands out because their pizzas are all made with fresh ingredients. Toppers…

How Aquaculture Affects Minnesota

The Minnesota Sea Grant is getting the conversation going.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The bait industry plays a large role in Minnesota which is just one facet of aquaculture . The Minnesota Sea Grant at the University of Minnesota Duluth is discussing how aquaculture can affect our community, specifically how it affects jobs in the field. “We’re trying to move the conversation forward in Minnesota,” fishery specialist Don Schreiner said. “We…

New Performing Arts Center Could Come to Two Harbors

Organizers Have Fundraising Commitments of About $1 Million to Replace City's Bandshell

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A new performing arts center could soon be coming to downtown Two Harbors. The city’s bandshell has hosted performances since the 1930s, but it will soon reach the end of its useful life. The new center could cost close to $4 million. It will have an outdoor concert area plus indoor rooms for rehearsals and community…

A New Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights Proposed

The ordinance was proposed to the Duluth City Council on Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposed Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights aims to eliminate barriers for those without homes. Community members rallied outside asking for a Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights. Supporters say the bill protects basic things homeowners take for granted, such as going to the bathroom and having something to eat. There’s been past debates whether it should be policy…

National MS Awareness Week Highlights Work to Find a Cure

Walk MS, Bike MS and Finish MS Events Support Fundraising Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. – People around the world are working to change the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. This week, March 11 – 17, is National MS Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis is when the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, distorting and interrupting nerve impulses to and from the brain producing a wide variety of symptoms. Over…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Coffee Cupping Will Have You View Coffee In A New Way

Duluth Coffee Company has open cupping sessions Thursdays at 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – How do you prefer your coffee? Maybe you’ve never thought too much about the brewing, roasting or origin of coffee. Well Duluth Coffee Company lets you go beyond what’s in your cup and experience coffee in a new way. You won’t look at coffee the same way after you’ve done coffee cupping for the first time. It’s…

Duluth’s Jowon Brand Turns 90 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn. – You don’t turn 90 years old every day, so it was a special surprise party for 90-year-old Jowon Brand of Duluth on Sunday. Jo, as her friends call her, is known for breeding, boarding and showing collies. She was even Miss Mankato in 1948. Mayor Emily Larson also proclaimed Sunday as Jowon Lee Brand Day in the…

Duluth East Daredevils Headed To Championship Despite Robot Issues

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils robotics team had a rough start to this weekend’s Northern Lights Regional Competition at the DECC. The team’s coach said their robot had some programming, mechanical and electrical issues. The Daredevils were defeated in the quarterfinals. However, the team will still go to the championship competition because the Daredevils were awarded the Chairman’s…

Free Showing of International Movies

Each movie involves the theme of crossing borders.

DULUTH, Minn.- All week long free international movies are being showcased in Duluth. The World Languages and Cultures Department at the University of Minnesota Duluth is partnering up with Zeitgeist Zinema showing free international movies all week long. The WLC faculty members selected movies to fit the theme, crossing borders. “Whether it be crossing a national border, a linguistic border,…

Piecing Together the Puzzle Derby

The competition has become a tradition in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Northland is home to the second largest puzzle competition in the country. On Saturday afternoon over 100 teams participated in the 5th annual Puzzle Derby. “Everybody gets the same puzzle, they all start at the same time, and it’s just whoever finishes first is the winner,” organizer Valerie Coit said. Once the clock started the room was…

Spring Fling at Spirit Mountain Rounds out the Season for Midwest Masters

Fifty-six races took to the slopes to compete in the Midwest Masters races this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Skiers hit the slopes at Spirit Mountain for the last of the races this season. Skiers competed in the final races for the Midwest Masters, a non–profit organization which helps alpine ski racers find their passion on the hills. “It’s open to all abilities,” organizer Greg Abel said. “Even the beginner racers – a lot of the…

Art Exhibit Honoring Women of Color

The exhibit will host nearly 31 local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first art exhibit honoring women of color in Duluth Minnesota is opening this month. The American Indian Housing Community Organization is hosting 31 artists who identify as women of color. Officials say this is the first ever exhibit in Duluth celebrating women of color. “This hasn’t been done before,” arts & cultural program coordinator Miora Villiard…

Bodyweight Circuit Workout with The Strength Factory

Active Adventures: Strength Factory

SUPERIOR, Wis. -With Spring and Summer around the corner, several people are working to get into shape for the warmer months. One place to do that is The Strength Factory in Superior. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay did a circuit bodyweight workout with CEO Kelly Kellar. The gym focuses on strong bodies and strong minds with…

Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup Speak Out Against Line 3 Abandonment

Enbridge has operated pipelines in Minnesota for more than 60 years.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Some Minnesota landowners have a strong message for Enbridge. Clean up your mess. They were in Grand Rapids today letting Enbridge know they are not backing down when it comes to what they consider the abandonment of Line 3. The group Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup released a report explaining the financial, legal and environmental impact they…

Northland’s Ray Sports & Marine Expands In Grand Rapids

Ray's Sport & Marine has 16 boats and five pontoons.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A well known Northland business has a new location. Ray’s Sport & Marine has been around since the 60s. The family business has grown to six dealerships in northern Minnesota and is expanding in Grand Rapids. The 4,500 square foot shop recently relocated about a block and a half away from its previous location and is seeing an increase…

LCO Community College Offers Educational Opportunities to All

HAYWARD, Wis. – It’s the time of year when colleges across the country are taking applications and registering current students for classes, and that includes right here in the Northland. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College is always welcoming new students. This morning, LCO Marketing and Student Success Counselor Taylor Nelson, along with Marketing Assistant and Student Intern Lindsay Dillon…

Creating Truffles Featured at Chocolate After Dark

Cooking Connection: Lyric Kitchen Bar

DULUTH, Minn. – Arc Northland is once again holding their Chocolate After Dark Fundraiser. The 21st annual event will include sampling chocolate creations from featured local chefs, a silent auction, a gift card wall and a cash bar. All proceeds from the event go to supporting and expanding Arc Northland’s advocacy and educational programming for individuals and families with disabilities….

Hucklebeary Celebrates Grand Re-Opening, International Women’s Day

Hucklebeary Originated as a Pop-Up Shop in Downtown Duluth Over the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn – Thursday, March 8 is International Women’s Day! The day is aimed at recognizing the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women around the world. The initiative also sheds light on gender parity and closing the pay gap. The world economic forum estimates that global gender equality won’t be achieved until 2133. Thursday morning on FOX 21…

Making Fresh Food Accessible in Lincoln Park

The community is reviewing past efforts to turn the "food desert" around.

DULUTH, Minn.- In recent years the Lincoln Park community has been aiming to make fresh foods more accessible. The area was deemed a food desert, meaning there’s no grocery story within 1.5 miles, but community members say progress has been made. Nearly five years ago a campaign was launched to help create better access to healthy food in Lincoln Park….

New Proposal Could Implement Gas Station Restrictions

Community members voiced concerns after the announcement of a possible development plan.

DULUTH, Minn.- New gas station developments near neighborhoods in Duluth, could be a lot smaller in the future. The planning commission is proposing a reduction of pumps to a maximum of six, with public filling stations on both sides totaling 12 lines. The proposal comes after homeowners spoke out about a proposal of a Kwik Trip on Boundary Avenue, near Proctor. Which…

CHOICE Unlimited Presents Roaring Twenties Ball

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

DULUTH, Minn.- The community is invited to turn back time for a good cause and enjoy a roaring twenties evening. Pick out your favorite mask, flapper dress, or outfit to support CHOICE, unlimited arts program. The fifth annual Unlimited Masquerades Ball will be held at Greysolon Ballroom. The adult event raises money for CHOICE, unlimited art program. The non–profit organization helps…

UWS Majors & Minors Fair Helping Students Choose Career Path

The fair is also the kickoff to the advising season at UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It can be tough to decide on a career path. That’s why University of Wisconsin-Superipor (UWS) is helping students get closer to their educational goals with its majors and minors fair. The fair is also the kickoff to the advising season at UWS. Undeclared students met faculty and learned which majors and minors are offered. “A lot…

Duluth Depot Bugs Out With Latest Exhibit

Family Day on March 18 will get you and your family in for $25.

DULUTH, Minn. – A whole lot of insects have moved into the Duluth Depot, but there’s no need to be alarmed. They are all part of a new exhibit on display. The World of Giant Insects Exhibit features several animated insects like an Atlas beetle and Shadowtail caterpillar. It’s also educational. “For people who have a phobia about bugs, this…

Women in the Northland Go Red Against Heart Disease

Heart disease is the second-leading cause of death in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a sea of red in Duluth for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women event. Go Red For Women started in 2003 to help increase awareness about the number one killer of women in the United States, heart disease. The campaign helps women identify risks so they can prevent heart disease. Doctors say signs…

Expect A New Look For Superior Street In Downtown Duluth

You're advised to use the parking ramps during the duration of the construction to help with parking issues.

DULUTH, Minn. – The start of a major reconstruction project in downtown Duluth is getting closer. The multi–million dollar project will be divided into three separate phases and take three years to complete. City officials believe if everything goes according to plan Northland Constructors of Duluth will be awarded the bid to handle this project at the next city council…

Keeping the Hive Alive During Winter

It Takes At Least 90 Pounds of Honey to Keep a Colony of Bees Alive Throughout the Winter

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – When you think of honey, a cute plastic bottle shaped like a bear probably comes to mind. But do you ever stop to think about how much work it took to produce the product? In just a few short weeks, snow will melt and flowers will force their way from the ground. You may think a honeybee…

Police Resolve Threat Referencing Cloquet High School

Officials say the Threat was Made Through Social Media

CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities say all is safe in Cloquet Wednesday morning after police responded to a threat of violence referencing Cloquet High School. Tuesday evening the Cloquet Police Department was made aware of this potential threat of violence and immediately began investigating the incident. The threat was made through social media. Thirty minutes after being notified, officers located an…

Barnum Shovels Out After Winter Storm

BARNUM, Minn. – While Duluth missed out on the latest snowfall, the towns of Barnum and Moose Lake got hit hard with the flurries. Barnum schools had a two-hour delay due to the winter storm Monday night. Almost 10 inches that fell in the area overnight. “Hard work,” Barnum resident Mason St. Germain said when asked how the digging out was…

Duluth company selling U.S. Olympic Curling apparel sees rise in sales

Let's Play the Curling is seeing increased interest in their apparel after U.S. Olympic gold win

DULUTH, Minn. –  Curling fever is taking over the United States, after Team Shuster took home Olympic gold last month. As Shuster and the team are off on a national media tour, fans have noticed some of the apparel they have been wearing. Sweatshirts and t–shirts were created by a  business here in Duluth called Let’s Play The Curling as…

Superior Chamber Helps H.S. Students With Public Speaking Skills

The Workshop Is Part Of The Chamber's Youth Leadership Program

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More than 50 students got some training from the Superior-Douglas County Chamber on how to loosen up and feel more comfortable in their own skin. Instructors say it’s important for today’s youth to stand out to employers and colleges with their public speaking skills. “The biggest rewarding thing for me is just having them know more about…

Bent Paddle Brewing Teams Up with Northwoods Women in Science

Five percent of sales from the Session Barleywine beer will go toward the non-profit.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company has announced their latest partnership.  Five percent of the sales from their current Valve Jockey beer, “Session” Barleywine, will benefit  Northwoods Women in Science. The Valve Jockey Brewer’s Series celebrates the brewers’ creativity by giving them a platform to create a new brew. Beyond creating a recipe, they also showcase their passions and interests by…

Duluth Coffee Company Giving Coffee Lovers Coffee Cupping Experience

Duluth Coffee Company is located at 105 East Superior Street in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – You won’t look at coffee the same way after taking part in a coffee cupping experience at the Duluth Coffee Company. Coffee cupping is a method used to rate coffee. For Duluth Coffee Company the process lets them pay homage to coffee’s origin while also brewing coffee properly. Once you step into the cupping lab it involves very thorough smelling and tasting. “It creates a personality within the coffee. it creates an experience for…

Holocaust Survivor Visits Superior Middle School Students

Holocaust Survivor Fred Amram's book is titled We're in America Now.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Every year eighth graders at Superior Middle School study the Holocaust. Right now the students are learning about the every day life of holocaust victims. Students received special insight from Author and Holocaust Survivor Fred Amram. The students’ teacher tells us this face–to–face interaction is very powerful for students and teaches them to think about their impact on the world. “Some of my students have come up with various community service…