Community

Gander Outdoors in Hermantown to Open Early This Year

CEO Announced List of Stores Opening Before Late May

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Many Gander Outdoors stores are re-opening, including the former Gander Mountain in Hermantown. The Gander Outdoors CEO gave a list of stores expected to open by the end of May. The Hermantown store was number nine of the list, meaning it should be the ninth location to open its doors. This is a list that we feel…

Ordinance May Restrict Flavored Tobacco Products In Duluth Convenience Stores

The Ordinance Would Amend Chapter 11 of the Duluth City Code

Management from both smaller local convenience stores and big names like Kwik Trip are speaking out against the proposed ban. Gary Milk House Owner Derek Medved carries a variety of flavored tobacco products. But the store owner does not want young people buying them. “We’re here to work with the city on that to prevent of course selling to minors,”…

Flu Season Affecting Many in the Northland

Doctors say if you have flu like symptoms, stay home to avoid affecting others.

DULUTH, Minn.- Have you been feeling under the weather lately? Doctors say this flu season could be shaping out to be worse than last years. Medical professionals say you don’t need to visit the doctor if you have the flu stay home and rest. But the flu can affect some worse than others. “You may have influenza, you may not…

Ely Winter Festival Looks for Talented Sculptors

The Ely Winter Festival is Celebrating a 25th Anniversary This Year

ELY, Minn. – Those of you looking to brave the cold and create a stunning piece of art have a few more hours to apply if you’d like to do so in this year’s Ely Winter Festival. The search for sculptors ends Friday evening at 11:45 p.m. The festival is a chance for artists to make snow sculptures from large…

Mayor Larson Announces Community Listening Sessions for 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be continuing her annual outreach to Duluth residents through City Hall in the City Community Listening sessions held throughout Duluth. City staff will also be in attendance representing Public Works, Parks, Public Safety, Human Rights, and Imagine Duluth Comprehensive Plan. “I’m excited to start 2018 with a new series of listening sessions…

Fat Tire Biking Trails Expand in Cook County Ahead of Annual Race

Active Adventures: 2nd Annual Norpine Fat Tire Bike Classic

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Cold temperatures and snow covering the ground in the Northland means fat tire bike enthusiasts are hitting the trails. The second annual Norpine Fat Bike Classic is being held Saturday, January 6. Approximately 200 cyclists are expected from across the United States and Canada. Racers can compete in a 24-mile race or 16-mile race. Racing begins…

Cold Temperatures Causing Shipping Delays

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Port normally sees cold temperatures like these in January, but officials say it’s the most ice on the lake at this time of year since about 2001. The freeze is happening so early it’s starting to hamper some of the ship movement, particularly in Lake Erie, which is much shallower than Lake Superior. Ships that would…

Competitive Dancers Prepare for Competition Season

The workshop helps performers learn costume tips.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Dance students at Sterling Silver studio are getting ready for the competition season. The studio held a make-up workshop, teaching competitive dance students how to get in full costume for their competitions. The girls are shown how to do their make-up and hair for the show. “All the hair styles and makeup are themed to fit into what…

Working in Winter Conditions

Many Northlanders face the cold everyday, are you doing what you can to avoid frostbite?

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter has been extremely cold so far in the Northland. While some are bundling up avoiding the outdoors others braving chilly temperatures at work. “It’s a battle but we’ve been through it before,” Krause Anderson Construction Mark Burdick said. Many workers around the Northland clock in, spending their workday outside in freezing temperatures.  One construction worker told…

Duluth Designated Baby Friendly City

Duluth earned the recognition on Dec. 14. from the Healthy Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has been named the fittest city and the least stressful city in the past and now one more title can be added to that list. Mayor Emily Larson was presented with an award recognizing Duluth as a baby friendly city at City Hall. Duluth was chosen because of its commitment to make breastfeeding easier and more accessible…

Great Lakes Aquarium Breaks Attendance Record

The newest exhibit, Unsalted Seas, features the largest sturgeon tank in North America.

DULUTH, Minn. – “If you’ve gone on a visit to the Great Lakes Aquarium in 2017, you”ve helped set a 15 year attendance record. A total of 162, 676 people made the Aquarium 2017’s number one paid attraction in Duluth. Attendance grew almost 14 percent, which is the greatest one year growth in the Aquarium’s history. Aquarium staff say memberships for…

UPDATE: Northbound Lanes on Blatnik Bridge Now Open

The Accident Occured Shortly After 6:20 a.m. Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A crash happened at 6:22 a.m. on the John A. Blatnik Bridge connecting Superior and Duluth. At this time, all northbound lanes are open once again on I-535. The Superior Police Department says they were already handling two separate crashes involving a total of four vehicles. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is responded to the accident. Stay…

Northland School District Shortened School Week Is Cost Effective

With a four day school week Lake Superior School District has managed to save programs like Calculus, Advanced Biology and Physics.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – It’s now been eight years since one Northland school district made a major change to its schedule. The Lake Superior School District, which includes the schools in Two Harbors and Silver Bay, started using a four day school week back in 2009. The district remains one of only a few in the state sticking with a shortened week….

Life House has a new addition

The homeless youth advocacy organization has purchased a neighboring building

DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless youth advocates at Life House in Duluth are celebrating their newest property. Life House has officially acquired a building right behind its location. The building will be used to expand the education efforts for homeless youth there. “We have an in–house, paid, job training program for the homeless and street youth that we work with….

Glensheen kicks off Moonlight Snowshoe hike

The snowshoe hikes take place every Wednesday this January

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of winter–goers braved the freezing air for the first Moonlight Snowshoe event of the year at the Glensheen mansion. Snowshoers toured the grounds, and finished off at a bonfire to warm up. “It’s just a different way to enjoy the winter landscape that we have in front of us,” Glensheen marketing director Jane Pederson said. “You…

Resorts See An Increase In Guests For Winter Season

Minnesota has more than 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, with over 21,000 miles maintained by local snowmobile club volunteers.

BEAVER BAY, Minn. -Trail conditions are getting better for cross country skiing and snowmobiling around the Northland. The recent stretch of cold and snow has been a big help after a dry start to Dec. The Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay is one place seeing more guests lately who have winter sports in mind. The Lodge is located near several…

Kicking the Butts This New Year

Experts Offer Advice for Those Looking to Quit Smoking in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The beginning of a new year could be the perfect time to stop one of your bad habits from happening any longer. Staff at the American Lung Association say deciding to kick the butts can be a common New Year’s resolution, in fact, there are certain techniques proving to be more beneficial than others when trying to…

Fitger’s Frozen Fundraiser Aims to Impact Hundreds of Animals

The Fitger's Frozen Fundraiser is Happening Friday, January 26, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Tickets are on sale now for the annual Fitger’s Frozen Fundraiser event happening Friday, January 26, 2018! Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to chat about the fun event. Sternberg says all attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages. Beverages will be provided by Bent Paddle Beer and the…

Police Chief Tusken Talks to East Hillside Residents

Potluck Was the Cheif's First Community Engagement Event of 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Police Chief Mike Tusken is starting off the new year talking to East Hillside residents. This was the third annual “Chillin’ With the Chief” potluck at the East Hillside Community Club. It was Chief Tusken’s first community engagement event of 2018. At the potluck, residents could talk with the chief and other Duluth police officers in a…

Bayfront Ice Rink Open for the Season

Rink is Open as Long as Winter Is Here

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink and community playground in Duluth’s Bayfront Park is now open for the season. Skaters can bring their own gear or rent skates, sleds, and snow shoes from the park pavilion. “It’s great exercise, it is fun, it’s challenging and adventurous but it is also what Minnesota is all about,” said Pamela Page, recreation specialist…

What You Should Have In Your Car’s Winter Survival Kit

It's recommended that you keep your gas tank at least one-half full.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts are reminding people to take this extreme cold weather seriously. When traveling, having a winter survival kit in your vehicle could save your life. At Ace Hardware in Duluth customers have been rushing in to stock up on winter survival kit basics. Fleece hats and gloves are among the big sellers over the past couple weeks….

Firefighter Discusses Cold Weather Concerns

Extra Precautions Are Taken When Fighting Fires in the Cold

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Sub zero temperatures can be dangerous for anyone outside for very long. Firefighters have to do their job in all kinds of extreme conditions including dangerously cold weather. They recommend not going outside unless you need to and wearing as many layers as possible. The Superior Fire Department takes extra precautions when battling flames in the cold….

Twin Ports Cyclery Goes Out For A Ride

Riders braved the cold and spent about 30 minutes on their bikes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports Cyclery hosted its 40th annual New Year’s Day Ride and Potluck. Organizers say the ride and potluck are more for the camaraderie. It’s not considered an outward bound ride. Riders will go out for whatever distance they want, turn around and head back. “There are two rides now. Some of us will ride on the road,” said…

Northland Couple Welcomes Baby On New Year’s Day

At least five babies were born on New Year's Day at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. – Well it’s a new year and with that comes a new baby for one Northland couple who welcomed their bundle of joy on New Year’s Day. Little Charles Everett Dreier was born at 2:13 a.m. weighing in at 6 pounds and 15 ounces. New mom Susanna Schafter says her due date was Jan. 9. She didn’t expect Charles to…

New Laws Take Effect Today for 2018

(KMSP) – There are five new laws going into effect Jan. 1, including one that honors fallen officers. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the new law allows for special license plates that honor fallen officers. Drivers can purchase a memorial plate for $10 and donate $25 to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. The law is sponsored by…

As Smith heads to DC, questions linger over her replacement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – After a crazy year in Minnesota politics, 2018 will start with Democrats and Republicans squabbling over the next lieutenant governor and what it means for control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn into the U.S. Senate this week. But Fischbach plans…

Life Coach Presents Tips on Being the Best “You” in 2018

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – As 2018 begins, many Northlanders will be looking to improve themselves in different ways. For this week’s Coffee Conversation we talked with Executive Coach Pam Solberg-Tapper about ways to ensure you fulfill these resolutions. To learn more about Solberg-Tapper and her business, you can contact her at pam@coachforsuccess.com , 218-729-0772 or www.coachforsuccess.com. Here is her blog post…

Milwaukee hunter dies after falling out of tree stand

GREENFIELD, Wis. (AP) – A Milwaukee man is dead after falling out of a tree stand while hunting in Sauk County on Sunday. The sheriff’s office says 50-year-old Jacob Herr was wearing a safety harness, but it had not been attached to the tree. A hunting companion found Herr’s body at the base of the tree. Categories: Community, Features, News,…

Man injured in New Year’s shooting at bar in Racine

RACINE, Wis. (AP) – Authorities are investigating a New Year’s shooting at a bar in Racine. Police responded to Curmudgeon’s bar shortly before 2 a.m. Monday. Bar employee Jeff Dandeneau told WITI-TV that bar patrons were celebrating the new year when “everything broke loose.” The man who was shot was taken to a hospital and reported in stable condition. No…

Self-inflicted shooting prompts lockdown of emergency room

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – A hospital emergency room in the Twin Cities area was put on a temporary lockdown over the weekend after a self-inflicted shooting in a restroom. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the incident happened Saturday night at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Authorities did not immediately release details on the condition of the shooter, or…

Duluth Children’s Museum Celebrates New Year’s Eve

An estimated 400 people showed up throughout the day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though they may take place earlier in the day, New Year’s celebrations are for kids too. The Duluth Children’s Museum hosted its fifth annual New Year’s Eve party! There were plenty of kid friendly activities like trail mix making and even a balloon drop. Organizers say this year the event was bigger and better. The Museum offered…

Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse Brings In 2018 With A Bash

Owner Jason Wussow also took the stage.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you usually spend New Year’s Eve at your favorite bar waiting for the clock to strike midnight, Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse in Duluth has another option for you. This New Year’s bash started as an all day jam session that has now turned into a tradition for the last seven years. The stage is set and 24…

Junior Naturalists Get A Lesson In Identifying Animals During Winter

Kids also made and took home a plaster animal track.

CARLTON, Minn. – The cold is not keeping some dedicated “junior naturalists” from learning about the outdoors this this weekend  from the warmth of a classroom. They showed up to Jay Cooke State Park to learn about identifying animals in the winter. These young snow trackers discovered what animals signs to look for like animal droppings, footprints or bones. The…

Northlanders Can Connect With Super Bowl LII

Super Bowl LII is expected to attract one million visitors and leave an economic impact of more than $400 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – The last time Minnesota hosted the Super Bowl the year was 1992 and 26 years later the Super Bowl is making its return. We may be hundreds of miles away, but organizers say people in Duluth can be part of the action. Super Bowl Experience started in Minnesota and it’s grown to a more than 400,000 square feet…

Clothing Drive To Help People Stay Warm This Winter

You'll receive a ticket for the raffle for each item you donate

DULUTH, Minn. – One way to make sure someone can withstand Minnesota’s brutal winter is with suitable winter clothes. The owner of Duluth’s Red Herring along with the man behind Lizsam Entertainment have found a way to give back to the community with a winter clothing drive. It’s cold out especially this time of the year and for the people…

Duluth Public Library hosts escape room for teens

Northland teens worked together to solve the puzzle and escape the library

DULUTH, Minn. – Some teenagers simulated what might happen if they were locked inside the library.  The Mount Royal branch of the Duluth Public Library hosted a library-themed escape room puzzle on Friday. Teens worked together to find clues, and figure out how to escape the library in under 25 minutes. “There’s a whole ton of teamwork that happens here,”…

Post-holiday exercise options

9Round Fitness 30 minute Kickboxing might help knock you back into shape

DULUTH, Minn. – After the holidays is when most people start feeling like it’s time to hit the gym.A new kind of gym has opened up in Duluth recently. 9Round Fitness is a 30 minute kickboxing studio, where folks can work with a trainer, and have a slightly different workout experience than your typical gym. “The whole thing with kickboxing…

Duluth rink rats brave the cold for the love of hockey

Well below-zero temps won't stop these little athletes

DULUTH, Minn. – Well, it may be cold outside but that’s not stopping hearty Northlanders from keeping busy out there. Being that it’s Minnesota, kids don’t seem to mind that it’s a few degrees below zero. FOX21 caught up with some young rink rats playing a game of pick-up hockey at the Glen Avon hockey rinks. “It’s cold, but, I…

Northland businesses prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Liquor stores are sure to be busy this weekend

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  Now that Christmas is out of the way, it’s time to start to think about those New Year’s Eve plans. Liquor stores are obviously a major stop for many people getting ready for the celebration. Stores are getting rid of the Christmas gifts sets to make room for the champagne. Employees say this time of year is…

Island Lake Inn Announces Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of the Island Lake Inn have announced they will be closing, effective immediately. According to a Facebook post on the restaurant’s page, they will open for one last day, which will be Sunday, Dec. 31. Owners cited a growing family and a military deployment of a manager as a few reasons they will be closing…

Jay Cooke State Park Has Activities to Keep You Busy This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Jay Cooke State Park will be offering several free naturalist programs during the upcoming holiday time period.  All programs are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to enter the park.  They can be purchased upon arrival.  $7/day or $35/annual.  Attached is our program flier for the winter, but here are the highlights for…