Community

Police Raise Money for Special Olympics

Fundraiser Held for Torch Run

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Police in Duluth and Superior staked out the rooftops of area Dunkin’ Donuts today, all for a good cause. It’s all part of fundraiser for Minnesota and Wisconsin’s Special Olympic torch run they have every year. That connection with those athletes, has become very deep over the years. “It’s a great experience to work with the athletes and support…

Food Truck Fridays Brings Communities Together

Food trucks are at the Duluth Public Library every Friday until the end of August.

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks enjoyed food and music down at the Duluth Public Library on Friday. Every Friday during the summer months, the library hosts Food Truck Friday, which brings local food trucks, local musicians, and local people all together in one place. “The whole reason behind a public library is to be open to everyone in the community,” library…

Pipe Organists Make a Stop Through Duluth

It's part of the Organ Historical Society Convention

DULUTH, Minn. – Organ recitals were happening all across Duluth on Friday. It’s the 62 annual Organ Historical Society in the Twin Cities, but a few organists also made a stop through Duluth. Pipe organ enthusiast from around the world have come to celebrate the massive instruments, and hear what these talented musicians are capable of. “You feel so powerful,…

FEMA Grant Helping Repair Flood-Damaged Lincoln Park

Over the next couple months, crews will be working to widen parts of the stream and fix the stone wall eroded by the flood.

DULUTH, Minn. – The floods of 2012 left many Duluth neighborhoods with a large mess to clean up. Lincoln Park, on the city’s west, is still recovering from the damage caused by the large amount of water that rushed through Miller Creek. More than five years later some much needed repairs are finally being made to the historic park. A…

Mighty Machines Event Gives Kids Unique Experience

The 10th Annual Mighty Machines Event was held outside Superior Middle School

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Kids and parent got an up–close look at some heavy machinery today. The 10th Annual Mighty Machines Event was held outside Superior Middle School. Agencies and service groups in the community were all on hand to give families the opportunity to explore many different types of machines. From SWAT vehicles to school buses, professionals spent the evening…

Kids Hit the Ice for Open Skate

Heritage Center Hosts Weekly Open Sessions

DULUTH, Minn. – Local kids beat the heat Wednesday by hitting the ice. The City of Duluth and the Essentia Health Heritage Sports Center hosted an open skate for kids of all ages. The session gave some parents a chance to teach their kid the basics, while others were keeping skills sharp for hockey season. “The only sad thing is…

Organ Music to be Heard Throughout Duluth as Organ Historical Society Comes to Town

Four Concerts to be Performed

DULUTH, Minn. – The Organ Historical Society is coming to Duluth as part of its 62nd Annual Convention. Several organ recitals will be happening around town Friday, August 11 to celebrate. FULL SCHEDULE: Isabelle Demers and Jillian Gardner on the 2011 and 1980 Jaeckel organs at First Lutheran Church When:    11:35 a.m. Where:   1100 East Superior St., Duluth, MN  55802…

Eveleth Days Inn to be Used in Fire Training Exercises

EVELETH, Minn. – The former Days Inn in Eveleth, on Hat Trick Avenue, has fallen into significant disrepair, has been tax-forfeited, and is up for demolition this fall. For the past month fire departments have used the building for training exercises on various skill including ladder operations, downed firefighter rescues, and roof ventilation, according to St. Louis County officials. Before…

Grilling Summer Favorites with Fireplace Corner

Cooking Connection: Fireplace Corner Grills

DULUTH, Minn. – Fireplace Corner in Duluth is known for keeping homes warm, but the business also features several grills. Every Friday and Saturday in the Summer employees grill for customers to show them how the different grills work while eating lunch. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Fireplace Corner Salesman Alan DelVecchio did some grilling with FOX 21’s William Seay….

Nonprofits Want State Gambling/Gaming Taxes To Lower

Some Say The State Gets To Much Already

Duluth, Minn. Each year billions of dollars are spent on charitable gaming across the state of Minnesota. Sounds like a lot of money, but with increasing state taxes on gaming and the states percentages getting bigger and bigger. What’s left over for the charities that rely on their slice of the pie? Nonprofits across Minnesota including Duluth are feeling the…

Rally Held to Stand Against Nuclear Weapons

Ralliers Gathered on the Anniversary of the 1945 Bombing in Nagasaki, Japan

DULUTH, Minn. – Community members rallied at the Federal Building in Duluth to show their support of the proposed worldwide nuclear weapons ban. Ralliers spoke about the horrors of nuclear war on the anniversary of the 1945 bombing in Nagasaki, Japan. They stood in remembrance of that attack and voiced their support of the recent United Nations treaty calling to outlaw…

Duluth and Superior Combine to Honor Survivors

Mayors Proclaimed Aug. 16 as Break the Silence Day in the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine joined sexual assault survivors from Duluth and Superior, as well as their allies on Park point Wednesday to dedicate a day towards breaking silence. “Therefore, we, Jim Paine and Emily Larson, Mayors of the City of Superior and the City of Duluth, do officially proclaim August 16th, 2017 as Break the…

Carlton School District Looking At Next Step After Referendum Fails

Residents rejected both items on the $23.6 million referendum, which included renovating South Terrace Elementary School and building a new high school

CARLTON, Minn. – Voters in Carlton made their voices heard during a special election Tuesday night, shooting down some major proposed changes to the town’s high school and elementary school buildings. Residents rejected both items on the $23.6 million referendum, which included renovating South Terrace Elementary School and building a brand new high school. The superintendent for the Carlton School…

Drive In-Fly In Movie to Be Shown at Two Harbors Airport

Guests Can Use Cars or Planes to Get to Free Screening of "Up"

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – You’ve probably heard of a drive-in movie, but this Friday the Two Harbors Airport is hosting a fly-in film. A screen will be set up on the airport grounds for a free showing of the Disney-Pixar movie, “Up.” Visitors can drive or fly in to the event, eat a barbecue meal at 6:00 p.m. and enjoy…

Duluth Winter Village to Return This December

Outdoor Local Market Coming Back to Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Winter Village, an outdoor local market, is returning for a second time this winter to Glensheen Mansion. The village will feature thirty local businesses vending out of log cabin buildings. It offers a chance for Northlanders to kick off winter and get a head start on local holiday shopping. “Gift wrapping, hot cocoa, smores, and…

Pizza Wars Competition in Superior

Voting ends August 30

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Business Improvement District (SBID) has announced the launch of a Pizza Wars competition for the month of August. Pizza Wars is a friendly competition among restaurants in Superior vying for the title of “Most Superior Pizza.” The competition features five local restaurants including Pizza Man, Sammy’s Pizza, Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant, Thirsty Pagan, and Vintage Italian…

Scammers Targeting Minnesota Power Customers

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power has received reports of scam callers targeting their customers for payments, which have alarmingly increased over the past few days. Company officials are cautioning customers to protect themselves. Scammers have reportedly been able to manipulate caller ID to display a fake number, which shows as a possible Minnesota Power line. Scammers will then pose as…

Dubh Linn Brew Pub Recognized as One of the Top 40 Whiskey Bar/Restaurants in the Nation

  DULUTH, Minn. – Whisky Advocate Magazine has recognized Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Duluth as one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bar and Restaurants in the United States. The criteria for the award was based on whiskey selection, variety, food quality, entertainment, and ambiance. Whisky Advocate Dubh Linn has a massive collection of different whiskeys available, over 350 bottles…

Twin Ports Officers will Stake Out Dunkin’ Donuts Rooftops this Friday

TWIN PORTS – Officers in both Duluth and Superior will hit the rooftops of local Dunkin’ Donuts this Friday, Aug. 11 to support the Special Olympics.  Law enforcement officers in Minnesota will participate for the first time ever in a statewide Cop on a Rooftop event, at all six Minnesota locations, including Duluth. Wisconsin officers will be participating for the…

Technology Specialist Talks Back-to-School Gadgets

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer vacation is coming to an end in a few weeks and students will be heading back to school. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 this morning to talk about must-have technology for students. Google Home: Students can ask the device homework questions. Fitbit Alta: This is a great accessory for student athletes. Track…

New Developments Help Provide Animal Enrichment

Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is Building a New Catio and Dog Recreation Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Stepping outside or lounging on the deck is something we humans take for granted. Now, hundreds of furry friends will soon have the chance to spend more time in the fresh air at Animal Allies Humane Society. “I can’t wait until it’s done, it’s going to be beautiful! I think the cats and kittens are going to…

Fond du Lac Band Asks For Answers; What’s Next?

Ancient Burial Ground Unearthed By MnDOT Road Project

Duluth, Minn. This Spring, Native American grave sites were disturbed at a MnDOT Highway 23 work site. The Fond du Lac band called for some kind of resolution. Tuesday MnDOT held an open house for the community members affected by the issue to speak out. Months after the department of transportation mistake the construction site remains at a standstill and…

Carlton Residents Vote “No” On Referendum

CARLTON, Minn.- Carlton residents casted votes in a special election Tuesday. They voted “No” 1202 to 475 “Yes” votes not to approve the issuance of $23.6 million dollars in bonds to construct a grades 6-12 addition at the South Terrance site and make improvements to the existing building. By 11 a.m. Tuesday morning close to 300 people had turned out…

Firefighters help fight muscular dystrophy with Fill The Boot events

Firefighters are spread across the town, collecting money for youth with muscular dystrophy

DULUTH, Minn. – Firefighters in Duluth are spread out at busy intersections across town for the Fill the Boot event, which raises money for children with muscular dystrophy. “We take it seriously,” Duluth firefighter Aaron Bujold said.  “Its for a really good cause… Most of the people we deal with are pretty charitable. We get a good outcome out here.”…

Paddlers Alliance Holds Free Paddle Day

Community Paddle Days lets youth groups and the community experience paddling for free

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Paddlers Alliance is continuing to help the community get out on the water. Last week, they helped folks get out on some stand up paddle boards, and this Tuesday, they set people up with canoes out at Boy Scout Landing. It’s all provided free of charge, for anyone of any skill level. “It’s all very…

First Duluth Boat Completes Yacht Race

The Eight-Person Crew Finished In Just Over Three Days

DULUTH, Minn. – Sailors on the Trans–Superior International Yacht Race are still making their way into the Twin Ports. Tuesday saw the first Duluth vessel cross the finish line. Papa Paucho II cruised into port a little after 2 p.m. The Duluth boat had a crew of eight. They finished the race in just over three days. “Lots of heavy…

Duluth Unveils Street Repair Plan

Mayor's Proposal Calls for a .5% Sales Tax Increase

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth streets are a problem for virtually every driver. However Mayor Emily Larson thinks she has a solution. “I am announcing a referendum for voters this fall, for a 0.5% sales tax dedicated entirely to fund our Streets Improvement Program,” said Mayor Larson, while unveiling her new plan Wednesday. According to Mayor Larson the sales tax increase…

T-Shirts Designed to Raise Mental Illness Awareness

Steven Gold Selling "Mental Illness Sucks" Shirts to Encourage People to Address Issues

DULUTH, Minn. – Statistics say you or someone close to you battles some form of mental illness. One Duluth man wants to raise awareness. Steven Gold came up with the “Mental Illness Sucks” t–shirt as a way to get people talking about a difficult subject. Gold, who’s battled depression since the 10th grade, says getting people to talk about their…

Carlton County Historical Society Invites Public to Watch Historical Movies

The Historical Society is Sorting Through What Movies to Keep

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Carlton County Historical Society is inviting you to join them in watching historical movies. The Historical Society has a few videos and film in their collection. But many of these old films are unmarked, or haven’t been watched in years. So historical society staff members are having a viewing of the movies to decide if they are going…

Cloquet Middle School Getting New Building

The Old School was Around 100 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn.- The old Cloquet Middle School building was almost 100 years old, and was in dire need for an upgrade. After the 50 million dollar referendum was passed and construction began, students are now only weeks away from stepping into the new building. The school has an upgraded pool facility, gymnasium, classrooms, and open learning spaces. The new school…

NE BBQ and Smokehouse Open in Cloquet

BBQ Lovers Have Been Waiting for 2 Years

CLOQUET, Minn.- The North East Barbecue and Smoke House in Cloquet is finally open. BBQ lovers in the area have been waiting for almost 2 years for the restaurant to open, and earlier this month, their wishes were answered. The menu includes smoked meats, burgers, sandwiches, and even offers vegetarian options like black bean burgers. “We’re really determined to make…

Thousands of Ship Documents Archived, Available for Public Research

Northland Uncovered: Fraser Shipping Documents

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The shipping industry is a business impacting the entire Northland. About four years ago, Fraser Shipyards donated thousands of ship drawings dating back to the 1890s to UW-Superior for archiving and research. Now, librarians are finishing up that task. “They’re more works of art than anything else,” Senior Project Assistant Dara Fillmore described of the donated documents….

Fuse Duluth Takes Networking Outdoors

Young Professionals Group Hosts First-ever Disc Golf Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Fuse Duluth is taking networking outdoors. The organization, designed by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce to attract and retain young talent to the area, is hosting a disc golf tournament on Thursday, August 10. This is taking place at the Miller Creek Disc Golf Course from noon to 5 p.m. Each of the course’s nine…

Trans-Superior International Yacht Races Finishes in Duluth

The multi-day race starts in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

DULUTH, Minn. – Sailors racing in the Trans–Superior International Yacht Race are starting to sail into the Twin Ports. About 35 boats set sail from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and took part in the multi–day race that takes them through the center of Lake Superior, and finishes right here in Duluth. “The best part of sailing, especially distance racing, is…

New art exhibit at Zeitgeist honors artist’s late sister

Gabriel Christopher Dee's exhibit runs through Labor Day

DULUTH, Minn. – A new art exhibit is on display at the Zeitgeist Arts Building in Downtown Duluth. Gabriel Christopher Dee’s exhibit is called Muse: Images of Women. The artwork heavily feature’s the artist’s sister, who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. He says that working with his sister was a good way to remain connected to her. “While…

“Wolves At Our Door” Teaches Minnesotans Wolf Facts

The Traveling Outreach Program Stopped in Two Harbors on Monday

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – People in Two Harbors had the chance to learn all about wolves at the International Wolf Center’s program, “Wolves At Our Door.” The traveling outreach program helps Minnesotans understand wolves and the problems associated with them so they can learn to co-exist with the wild canines around them. “This is the animal that lives near me…

National Lighthouse Day Celebrated at Split Rock

Since 1989, August 7th Is Used to Recognize the Importance of Lighthouses

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – August 7th is National Lighthouse Day, when we pay tribute to the lighthouses along our shorelines. National Lighthouse Day is celebrated to honor the passing of the Lighthouse Act in 1789. That law put lighthouses under federal government control. Since 1989, today’s date has been used to recognize the importance of lighthouses to our country. At…

Carlton Residents Voting in a Special Election Tuesday

Community Residents Will Vote on Carlton School District Referendum

CARLTON, Minn.- Carlton residents will be casting votes in a special election Tuesday. There will be two questions on the ballot. One is for renovating South Terrace Elementary School and building a new High school. The second question is for building an auditorium, outdoor spaces, and other improvements for those schools. “Carlton high school was built in 1916, and South…

It’s National Purple Heart Day

It's an Honor Given to Soldiers Wounded or Killed in Battle

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Purple Heart is a medal awarded to members of the United States Military who are wounded or killed in combat. Bradley Bennett of Duluth served our country during the Vietnam War. While at war, Bennett was hit by shrapnel through his arm and ankle during a battle. He says the wounds were relatively minor, and after…

Students with Autism Attend Creative Workshop

The Event Has Been Going on for 2 Years in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.0- Students on the autism spectrum and members of the creative community worked together for an art workshop. Islands of Brilliance, a non-profit organization, is using the Hailey Sault office in the Dewitt Seitz building in Duluth to help people with autism use their creativity to make art. The students are paired one on one with art mentors to…

7 West Taphouse Opening Second Duluth Location Next Week

The Taphouse Has Expanded to a Location Along Maple Grove Road

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders will soon have a new location to stop for a burger and a brew in the Twin Ports. The owner of 7 West Taphouse tells FOX 21 he and his staff should be ready to open their new Duluth location Monday, August 14. Since May, crews have been busy turning the former Nevada Bob’s Golf space…

Kids on the Autism Spectrum Take a Ride on Thomas

The Event is the First of its Kind

DULUTH, Minn.- Children on the autism spectrum had a chance to enjoy a Day out With Thomas. Children with autism can be sensitive to loud noises, big crowds, and too much going on all at once. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in collaboration with other organizations is offering a Sensory Friendly Day Out with Thomas. Children with Autism had the…

30 Acts Expected for Bayfront Blues Festival

Coffee Conversation: 29th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – Music will be filling Bayfront Festival Park this weekend for the 29th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival. Cyndee Parsons, the Media Relations Director, says out of the 30 acts expected there will be something for everyone. The festival starts up on Friday, August 11 and runs through Sunday, August 13. Following the performances on the main stages, a…

Families Enjoy St. Luke’s Family Summer Bash

The Event is Sponsored by St. Lukes

DULUTH, Minn.- Families enjoyed quality time together at the St. Luke’s Family Summer Bash The event, held at Bayfront Park, had fun for people of all ages including yard games and water activities, princess and superhero appearances, and family races. “It’s a great chance for families to get out, be active and do fun activities together. Make some memories and…

Studies Show ‘Babies Need Boxes’

Studies Show Finland has one of the Lowest Infant Mortality Rates in the World

DULUTH, Minn. – For year, babies have been falling asleep in boxes. Closer to home, one Minnesota mother caught onto the trend back in 2015. Since then, proper education of the practice has been spread to various communities across the country. “I think it would have been fantastic,” said Lori Sawnson, St. Luke’s Birthing Center Nurse Manager. Helpful hands, for…

Thomas the Tank Engine Entertains at the Duluth Depot

More Than 10,000 Visitors Spent Time with the Famous Train This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – More than ten thousand people got tickets this weekend to spend time with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Duluth Depot. For the first time, Thomas is joined by his friend Percy. Kids and their parents took twenty minute rides along the Lake Superior shore, and also had a blast with a Thomas themed carnival. “He woke…

Duluth for Clean Water Asking for Polymet Evidentiary Hearing

Organizers Will Send Letter to Governor, DNR Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Discussions for and against a proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in Northeast Minnesota continues. On Sunday, a Duluth environmental group held an event to gain support. According to Duluth for Clean Water officials, decisions could be made later this year on whether permits to mine are granted to the proposed PolyMet project. Before that happens, some in Duluth…

Duluthians Meet with Students from Sister City in Japan

It's Part of a 2 Year Student Exchange Program

DULUTH, Minnl.- It was a reunion for Hinano Kurokawa of Ohara and Emma Stottleman of Duluth. Emma visited Ohara Isumi city in Chiba Japan last year, where she stayed with Hinano’s family. Now, Emma’s and other families in Duluth have the opportunity to host students from Duluth’s sister city for a few days. “Their hospitality was incredible and they were thrilled…