Community

Senator Amy Klobuchar visits Duluth Discussing Net Neutrality

The Senate bill needs one more vote of support to pass the bill that would put net neutrality rules back in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke out in the  Northland voicing concerns on the future of net neutrality. The U.S. Senate currently has 50 of the 51 votes needed to support a bill that would potentially reverse the FCC’s decision to repeal net neutrality.  Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth this afternoon to discuss net neutrality, and how keeping neutrality…

Ice Dam Removal On the Rise During Winter

The best advice is to always hire a certified professional when you have ice dam problems.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ice dams happen a lot during the winter season. These are basically chunks of ice that form on the edges of your roof that can prevent melting snow from draining off. But experts say homeowners need to be careful when it comes to removing ice dams. Signs of ice dams are icicles in certain areas like behind…

Special “Birkie Brew-Ski” Released This Weekend

It's Not Only A Beer To Celebrate Finishing The Race, But A Historical Story Is Told On The Can Itself!

HAYWARD, Wis. — Birkie weekend is finally here and near 8” of fresh snow has fallen in Hayward, Wisconsin overnight! Birkie Fever is in full throttle as the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon took place this morning and afternoon. Tomorrow the iconic American Birkebeiner race kicks off and there is something special brewing in Hayward this year. Special addition, first year…

Downtown Duluth Basks in Warm Winter Day

Many Northlanders were out enjoying the sunshine.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many people were out and about downtown Duluth on Friday enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. FOX21 spoke to one couple that fell in love with Duluth and decided to permanently leave the cities. “We were delighted with some new discoveries,” Jerry Oakerman said. “There’s music every night, the culture is growing with the theatre opening again and…

Thousands Prepare for 44th American Birkebeiner

The Main Race Starts Saturday Morning in Cable with Skiers Finishing in Hayward

HAYWARD, Wisc. – After months of planning and preparation, over 11,000 skiers and more than 30,000 spectators are arriving in Hayward, Wisconsin for the 44th running of the American Birkebeiner. The race was first ran in Hayward back in 1973 and excitement continues to grow worldwide every year. It doesn’t happen everyday, but once a year tens of thousands of…

8th Congressional District Green Party Candidate Makes Campaign Stop

This is not the first time Sandman has entered the race for this seat.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Green Party candidate making a run for the 8th Congressional District seat spent the day fundraising in Duluth. Ray “Skip” Sandman hosted a fry bread taco sale to raise money for his campaign. This is not the first time Sandman has entered the race for this seat. Sandman says now people are ready for something else that’s…

Local Car Dealership Deals With Snow Cleanup

For Kari Toyota employees the day after heavy snowfall means clearing the vehicles off.

DULUTH, Minn. – No was exempt from the recent snowstorm. The snow has stopped for now but the work continues long after. Workers at a car  dealership in Superior got to work early this morning clearing snow to make it easier for their customers. For Kari Toyota employees the day after heavy snowfall means clearing the vehicles off. Then depending on…

Historic Superior Property Restored As Empire Block Apartments

It took the developers one year to restore the property.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A historic 125–year–old property in downtown Superior is now the site of a new apartment building. The Empire Block Apartments are located on the 1200 block of Tower Avenue. The building has 15 residential units. Each of the one, two and three bedroom apartments are all unique with new amenities. The large windows will give tenants great views…

Northland Native Writes & Directs Holocaust Play

Historical Play Performed at UW-Superior This Weekend

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An original play written from the view of children who experienced the holocaust is being performed at UW-Superior this weekend. “Children of the Holocaust” will be performed in the Manion Theatre on the UW-Superior campus. Performances will take place on Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. This original script, which…

Duluth YMCA Offers Opportunity to Stay Active During the Cold Winter

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – New activity sessions are starting up at the Duluth YMCA. Winter session II is beginning next week which includes pretty much all of the YMCA’s programs such as gymnastics, swimming, rock climbing, taekwondo, pickleball, and much more. The Duluth YMCA is located at 302 w 1st st, Duluth, MN 55802. They can be reached at (218) 722-4745….

Hailey Sault Ranked One of the Best Places to Work in the U.S.

Inside Hailey Sault is a ping pong table and a workout room.

DULUTH, Minn. – A national magazine says one of the best places to work in the whole country just so happens to be right here in Duluth. Outside Magazine recently ranked marketing agency Hailey Sault the 15th best place to work in the United States. The health marketing firm is located on the top floor of the Dewitt-Seitz Building. The…

Northlanders Take on Extreme Freeze for Cold Camping

Special Report: Extreme Camping

DULUTH, Minn. – On a cold winter day, heading out to camp may not be the ideal way most people would want to spend their time. However, hundreds of people live to get outdoors during the wintertime. Cold camping is a passion of Brian and Miranda Gustad and their friends. “Not too many people get out and do this so…

Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program Earns School of the Year Award

A principal of an alternative school in Hinckley nominated the Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program.

CLOQUET, Minn – The Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program just received a top honor. It was recognized as the 2018 Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs school of the year. There are more than 400 alternative schools across the state. Program Principal Connie Hyde says this award sheds a positive light on how people see students at alternative schools. For the…

Board & Brush Opens in Duluth

Owners say you don't need to be an artist to create the fun pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.- One new business in town is asking you to gather your friends and grab a paint brush. The Board and Brush Duluth was packed for the grand opening night on Thursday. The studio has over 200 designs from holiday decorations to family. The owner says you don’t even need to be artistic. “It;s really fun, it’s something you can…

Northland Hospitals in Minnesota Medical Errors Report

There were  341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota says medical errors reported by Minnesota hospitals and surgical centers have been rising slightly the past four years and the number of resulting deaths rose in 2017 to 12 compared to four in 2016. There were  341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries and Duluth’s St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospitals are…

Cloquet Public School District Names New Superintendent

Ken Scarbrough is the current superintendent of the Cloquet Public School District.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public School District has named it’s new superintendent. He may be a familiar face to some. Michael Cary, the current director of curriculum and instruction with Duluth Public Schools will begin his new role in July. The School Board worked with a consultant and narrowed it down to three candidates before selecting Cary. The selection…

Local Farmers and Producers Celebrate CSA Programs Friday

National CSA Day Connects Farmers and Community

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Community-supported agriculture is something many Northlanders take part in. Friday, February 23 is National CSA Day. This morning, Lake Superior CSA Manager Evan Flom and farmer Chris Duke visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of CSAs and this national day. This day gives farmers and food producers an opportunity to connect the local community with…

Searing Scallops with New Duluth Restaurant

Cooking Connection: Sound

DULUTH, Minn. – A new restaurant in Duluth is bringing a classy, seafood option to the table for its customers. Sound opened about a month ago in the old city hall building at 132 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Executive Chef Patrick Moore made scallops. For more information call (218) 464-1972 or head to soundduluth.com….

UMD Summit Takes Aim At Inclusion On Campus

The Commission on Race, Equity and Ethnicity sponsored the event.

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is doing what it can to create a more inclusive community. And that was this year’s theme for its 2018 summit on, Equity, Race and Ethnicity. This summit is about helping people be a part of an environment where everyone feels like they belong. That’s the Patrick Henry High School choir providing the…

The Great Cabbage Giveaway

The Food Farm has been serving the Duluth Community since 1975.

DULUTH, Minn.- One organization is helping Northlanders put locally sourced food on the table during the winter time. The Food Farm gaveaway free cabbage at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.  The Great Cabbage Giveaway gives people an opportunity to connect with the farmers who grow their food. “So often you connect with your farmer through the food you eat, which is great,” Food…

Police Officers Bond With Community Over Hockey

The Superior Police Department invited the community to team up and play some floor hockey.

DULUTH, Minn.- Officers with the Superior Police Department bonded with community members over some friendly competition. The Superior Police Officers invited people to gear up for some floor hockey.  Police officers took a night off from patrolling the streets and patrolled the hockey puck.  Kids and officers lined up next to the full court, waiting for a chance to hop back…

Duluth Police Department K-9s Receive Body Armor

Each vest is fitted for the individual dog.

DULUTH, Minn – Two Duluth Police Department K–9s have been wearing body armor for a while now. Two more of its K–9s received new body armor too. Riggs and Haas are now getting use to their bullet and stab protective vests. Riggs is a German Shepherd and will be working with the tactical response team. His handler Officer Dean Bauers…

Pet Program Helping UMD Students With Stress

Animal Allies, UMD Employee Health and Wellness Program, KUMD and other organizations sponsor the Pet Away Worry and Stress Program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miniature horses, dogs and cats all made a visit to University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) for a Pet Away Worry and Stress Program. The event happens once a month on campus. It’s said to help students relieve some stress from all of their studying. Students say wellness and health isn’t just a physical thing, it’s mental as well. “Mental health is…

Stuffed Animals Sleep Over at Duluth Public Library

A Slideshow of the Toys' Adventures Was Shown to Their Owners

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library had a sleepover on Tuesday night for stuffed animals. Kids brought in their favorite toys and the stuffed animals spent the whole night in the library reading stories, riding the book drop slide, and playing games. Kids picked up their stuffed animals today and watched a slide show of all the fun they…

Could Your Dog Get the Flu?

Dr. Justin Dahl with Happy Tails Animal Hospital Explains How You Can Prevent Your Pet from Canine Influenza

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Every year it’s estimated nearly 80 percent of dogs are exposed to canine influenza will develop the disease. However, local veterinarians say it can be less deadly than the human flu, with a mortality rate of less than ten percent. After all, it seems like every day we hear of more people being diagnosed with the flu….

10-Year-Old Duluth Boy Celebrates Life, Stars in Movie

The working title of the film: "The Dexter Project"

DULUTH, Minn. – Attention horror movie fans:  Soon you’ll have a chance to see a local film project starring a young boy whose dying wish is to be in a scary movie. Ten-year-old Dexter Ojeda has a rare form of cancer for which there is no cure.  He’s not been given much time to live, but he’s celebrating his life…

Marshall Students Volunteer After Snow Leaves Many Stuck at Home

Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are Marshall students lending a helping hand after snow storm

DULUTH, Minn. – Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are 8th-grade students at Duluth’s Marshall School, and they have a passion for helping others. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping people out and giving them more chances to get out of their houses,” Orn said. The girls are working on a school project – one that puts them right in…

Historic Homes In Duluth May Be Like New Again With New Housing Program

The Council will wait and see how this program turns out before moving forward.

DULUTH, Minn. – Renovating old homes in Duluth is getting easier thanks to a new pilot program. The Duluth City Council has approved launching the program by waiving building permit fees for qualifying properties. Most of the eligible properties for the program are in Duluth’s Hillside, Endion and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. If homeowners meet certain criteria they can earn 50…

Electric Vehicles Hit the Floor at Energy Design Conference & Expo

Some electric vehicles can be fully charged in about 30 minutes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Day two of the Energy Design Conference & Expo in Duluth went into high gear with electric vehicles on display at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Inside of the electrification of transportation room were four fully electric and three plug in hybrid vehicles. From a Tesla to a Chevy Volt, these electric powered vehicles may be just what you need if…

Lake Superior Zoo Offering Discount for Sledders

This Week the Zoo Will Give $1 Off Coupons for Bringing a Sled to Use on Their Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids off from school this week for winter break can spend their time sledding at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth. This week only the zoo is offering one dollar off admission to anyone bringing a sled. Officials there want to offer families a reason to visit the animals in winter. “In the winter it’s really special…

Minnesota Power Customers See Increase On Electricity Bill

Renewable Energy Projects in Works for Minnesota Power

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a customer of Minnesota Power your electricity bill might be going up a bit. The Citizens Utility Board held a public hearing in Duluth to share the reasons behind the increase. Right now customers are seeing a five percent interim rate increase. Minnesota Power told us that increase will sit at about three and a half percent by the…

Organists Perform Free Recitals in Duluth Through March

Annual Lenten Midday Organ Recital Series

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a series of organ recitals is beginning in Duluth. The performances will last through Lent. The Lenten Midday Organ Recital Series, sponsored by the Arrowhead Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, offers free half hours recitals Wednesdays, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. at various locations in Duluth. A free-will offering will be received at each…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Officials Seek New Conductors

Conductor Classes are Open at All

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the history and legacy of the North Shore Scenic Railroad now is your chance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is always looking for more volunteers, and now they’re looking for new conductors. Railroad officials are holding a series of classes for those interested in the task. They are starting up…

28th Annual Energy Design Conference & Expo Is Back at the DECC

There will also be mini-sessions at the conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a place to learn about the latest and greatest in energy efficient building. The Energy Design Conference & Expo started today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth. The three day conference put on by Minnesota Power also covers sustainable designs, renewable energy and best practices. “Building smart is the right way to go….

Community gym gives children and families a place to play

The Duluth Heights Community Center offers a wide open space for kids of all ages to play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heights Community Center is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, for children and their families to come have a free and safe place to play, with toys and a big open space. Its open to children of all ages, which volunteers say is a good way to develop social skills. “It’s fun…

North Branch Mayor Joins Race For 8th Congressional District

Kennedy is a single mother of five and has a masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The list of candidates vying for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 8th Congressional District seat is getting longer. North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy is among those seeking the DFL nomination. After speaking to her family, Kennedy says this is the right time to run. When asked how can she represent people that live so far away from her North…

Lawmakers Gear Up For the Upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session

The legislative session lasts for three months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 20. is the first day of the Minnesota’s 2018 Legislative Session in St. Paul and area lawmakers are ready to address everything from housing, healthcare to gun control. A lot is at stake for Minnesota’s 90th Legislative Session. Gov. Mark Dayton’s $1.5 billion proposal is among topics to be discussed. Proposed bonding projects in the Northland include…

Families Enjoy Big Snowfall Outside

Schools Were Out, So Kids Hit the Slopes at Mont Du Lac Resort

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of snow has fallen in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and some decided to get out and enjoy it. All this fresh snow makes for some great times out at ski and tubing hills across the Northland. “Oh yeah, every day. I love to shred this every day, man,” said snowboarder Ethan Snyder With schools out…

Dog Sled Classic “Iron Will” Returns to the Northland

Two main train characters in the movie, Car Northland and Steam Engine were on display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Depot in Duluth hosted a special movie viewing event on this President’s Day. It was the 1994 winter dog sled classic movie “Iron Will” being shown. “Iron Will” is based on a true story and was filmed right here in the Northland. Junior musher Julia Cross recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The…

Yeti Tour Promoting Awareness for Healthy Babies

The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland woman is making it her personal mission to promote healthy babies. Kelly Alvar began the Yeti Tour to honor her sons that passed away. The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality. The top prize for this year’s raffle was an Arctic…

Minnesota Man Dies in Snowmobile Crash

Crash Occurred in Washburn, WI

WASHBURN, Wis. – A man is dead following a snowmobile crash over the weekend. The crash happened Saturday, February 17 just before 2:00 a.m. The Bayfield County 911 Communication Center got the call regarding the crash at 1:58 a.m. The crash happened on Pajala Road near Forest Road 690 in the Town of Washburn. It was reported that one snowmobile…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

Finnish Culture to be Highlighted at Annual Event this Weekend

2018 Kalevala Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Finnish culture is being celebrated through an annual event. The 2018 Kalevala Day Celebration is taking place on Sunday, February 25. The fun starts up at 1:00 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church located at 2720 Myers Ave. in Duluth. There will be a bake sale, live music and a program by Jim Pellman. Categories:…

The 2018 Polar Plunge Makes A Big Splash For Special Olympics Minnesota

The FOX 21 News Team also took the Polar Plunge and raised more than $4,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day that many people have been waiting for finally happened, the 2018 Polar Plunge in Duluth. The 2018 polar plunge made a big splash in Duluth. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Minnesota. Tt brought out veteran plungers and rookies too. “I think it’s great, because I’m from Wisconsin and we don’t make a…

Recalling the Cheers from Old Central High

Duluthian Barbara Burud was Once a Cheerleader at Old Central High School in Duluth; to this Day, She Continues to Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting events happen every day with players and fans gathering to see who will win the game, but we often forget about the choreographed athletes on the sidelines. One local woman has never stopped recalling the cheers from her time at old Central High School in Duluth. “That’s the old chimes from Central,” said former cheerleader Barbara…

Michelle Lee Kicks Officially Announces Campaign for 8th Congressional District

Congressman Rick Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news anchor Michelle Lee officially made her campaign announcement for the 8th Congressional District. Lee and some of her supporters were at Fon du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet. She says her 30 years of covering the news will help her focus on the issues like gun control, mining and education. “I will go to…

Local Veteran Hopes For A New Way to Experience the Outdoors

The Action Trackchair gives people with limited mobility the freedom to do things on their own.

DULUTH, Minn. – The man you’re about to meet is a veteran that served his country and suffered a serious injury. But he hasn’t given up and is trying to get a piece of his old life back. Jim Vandenheuvel is at the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic with one thing on his mind. The Army National Guard veteran suffered…

Final Ski and Snowboard Races of the Season Held at Chester Bowl

Races Also Marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of a Sponsorship from the Duluth Kiwanis Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday was the final ski and snowboard race of the year at Chester Bowl in Duluth. Kids of all ages flew down the hill, testing their skills, and pushing themselves to the limit. Today also marked the fiftieth anniversary of the races being sponsored by Duluth’s Kiwanis Club. “I grew up skiing here, my kids grew up…

Duluth’s ‘Spin Collective’ Heating Up for Summer Shows

Group Puts on Awe-Inspiring Performances with Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a chilly winter, but there’s a group in Duluth that’s warming some events up with awe-inspiring feats performing with fire. You can see them at many different events around town. Now the Spin Collective is ramping up the heat, getting ready for a Homegrown Music Festival performance. The Spin Collective has been entertaining Duluth for the…