Community

Volunteers Help Clear the Beach at Wisconsin Point for Endangered Birds

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The weather was nice and warm this morning on Wisconsin Point during a volunteer effort to clear the critical beach habitat for the Great Lakes’ piping plover. The birds head south for the winter, but they nest right here on the shores of the Great Lakes. These volunteers are working with the St. Louis River Alliance and…

Pumpkin Stands Already Popping up in Northland

Pumpkin Season is Getting to Full Strength

DULUTH, Minn.-With the fall chill in the air, that means it’s pumpkin season. One pumpkin seller has already popped up in the Miller Hill Mall Parking lot. He said people can be pretty selective about the pumpkins they purchase, including little kids who fall in love with the fruit. “It’s so fun,” said Adam Jaros, of DC Produce. “I’ve done…

Annual Oktoberfest Celebrations to Take Over Grandma’s Saloon & Grill

Grandma's Celebrates 42 Years of Oktoberfest Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This week the keg will be tapped to kick off Oktoberfest celebrations at Grandma’s Saloon and Grill. This is the 42nd year of the festival at Grandma’s Restaurants. The beer tapping will take place at 11 a.m. at the Canal Park location on Wednesday, September 20. For the first week of Oktoberfest at Grandma’s there will be…

Research Center Preserves Stories of Minnesota’s Iron Ranges

Northland Uncovered: Iron Range Research Center at Minnesota Discovery Center

CHISHOLM, Minn. -For hundreds of years mining has been the focus of life on the Iron Ranges of Minnesota. The Iron Range Research Center in the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm preserves the past of these areas in its archive collection. The mission of this department is to collect materials to interpret the human experience on all three of Minnesota’s…

Mayor Emily Larson Defends 2018 Proposed Budget Cuts

Larson: Officers, Firefighters Won't Lose Jobs

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is defending her 2018 budget proposal that includes $2.1 million in cuts spread out throughout all city departments. Mayor Larson told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Monday that nobody wants cuts and cuts are stressful, but she says that doesn’t mean her office should avoid the problem, especially with aging streets and infrastructure –…

Essentia Health – Duluth hosts 19th annual Journey Awards

The awards recognize those who have made an impact on people living with disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health – Duluth hosted the 19th annual Journey Awards on Monday. The Journey Awards recognizes individuals who have made contributions to helping people living with disabilities. This year’s award went to Kelsey Peterson, for her work on the film project The Cure Map, as they look find a cure for paralysis. “We drove around the country…

Life House promotes peace before International Day of Peace

The youth organization is celebrating peace all week

DULUTH, Minn. – International Day of Peace day is coming up this Thursday, but one Duluth organization is celebrating all week long. Life House, an organization that helps homeless youth in the community, is trying to promote the idea of peace and nonviolence. On Monday they held a get together at the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial to kick off the…

New Time Capsule Being Created in Virginia

50 Year Capsule Will Be Placed on New Highway 53 Bridge

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Last year, the City of Virginia opened a fifty-year time capsule, giving their residents a look inside the past. Now, a new time capsule is being created. The capsule will be built into the pedestrian plaza on the new Highway 53 bridge. It will be sealed on September 29th. Officials are now looking for materials to include…

Volunteers Needed for Bentleyville

Volunteer Work Begins this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville will be opening up in a few months, and that means volunteers are needed to help set it up. Preparations are expected to begin this weekend as volunteers flood into Bayfront Park. “We’ve had volunteers that have been returning for the ninth consecutive year down there,” said Nathan Bentley, event organizer. “People make friends down there. They become…

Touchstone Award Given to Three Local Non-Profits

A Total of Seven Organizations Were Recognized

DULUTH, Minn.-Those who give back were honored on Monday, for all they do. Three non-profits were given the Touchstone Award by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation. The local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum, and the Myers-Wilkins Community Collaborative were all honored. “We think non-profit organizations are doing really vital work in Duluth and Superior and…

Upcoming Fundraiser Supports Free Dental Care for Students

8th Annual Sips & Slices

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just Kids Dental is continuing its campaign of providing free dental care to children and an upcoming fundraiser will support that mission. The 8th Annual Sips & Slices is Thursday, September 21 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Superior Curling Club. This is a pizza and beer tasting fundraiser. There will also be raffles featuring items…

Engwall’s Corn Maze Open for the Season

Hermantown Maze is Open Saturdays and Sundays Through October 29th

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Engwall’s Corn Maze is now open for the season. Starting Saturday, maze goers can try to find their way our of three acres of corm while exploring about a mile of pathways. They can also fire off the corn cannon or try their hand at pumpkin bowling. “I think it gets families excited because it’s another thing…

UMD Farm Fest Offers Look Inside Organic Farm

Guests Took Tours and Sampled Food Grown on the Farm

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Land Lab, an active organic farm, opened their gates to the public today. Hundreds of guests could take tours and sample food grown right there at the farm. There was also an original performance by the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe. The Fifth Annual Farm Fest taught people about food and living sustainable lives. “Hopefully it sparks…

Birdwatchers Flock to Hawk Ridge For Annual Migration

More than 11,000 birds have been counted this season so far

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people are flocking to Hawk Ridge in Duluth to see the birds during their annual migration. Birdwatchers at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory have already counted 11,000 hawks so far this season. “We’re in a unique location here, right at that western tip of Lake Superior,” Hawk Ridge executive director Janelle Long said. “The birds are traveling…

Hermantown Mayor Encouraged By New Housing Development

Single-Family Homes Planned Near Future Home of YMCA

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There is growing excitement in Hermantown as ground is now broken on a new housing development in a part of the city that’s seeing big changes. The nine single-family homes are adjacent to the future home of the new multi-million dollar YMCA wellness center. And as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports, Hermantown’s mayor believes the development tonight is…

East End Family Fun Day celebrated in Superior

Food vendors, music and games.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The East End Family Fun Day held its annual event on Saturday. Food, music, raffles, and a car show were just some of the fun being had on the streets of superior. “We’re just trying to show off the community and have a fun day for everybody,” organizer Jon Nelson said. “We purposely make this a family…

Syd’s Angels Raise Awareness About Bullying

Biker Organization Helps School Districts Find Bullying Solutions

PROCTOR, Minn. – Syd’s Angels Bikers Against Bullying was formed in June 2016 after founder Greg Carson saw a disturbing internet video of a fifteen year old girl being beaten. “It really struck a chord and it’s almost like something snapped,” said Greg Carson, President and Co-Founder of Syd’s Angels. “It’s like enough is enough. It’s time to stand up…

Fall Fest Celebrated at Chester Park

33rd Annual Festival Held to Reign in Changing Seasons

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration of community and the changing seasons was held in Duluth. The thirty-third annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest attracted thousands of Northlanders. The event featured one hundred thirty local vendors, food trucks, and three live music performances. “It is such a community builder,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. “You’re out seeing friends and…

New Highway 53 Bridge Dedicated

Bridge Near Virginia Will Soon Be Open to Traffic

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The new Highway 53 bridge is almost complete. It’s the tallest bridge in Minnesota. Soon it will be open to traffic. Iron rangers and state officials dedicated the new bridge to the public on Friday. “Are you ready to celebrate?” asked U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL-Minn.) at the dedication ceremony. At over two hundred feet tall, the…

Syd’s Angels to Take Motorcycle Ride Against Bullying

Organization Works With Kids, Parents, and Schools to End Nationwide Bullying Epidemic

PROCTOR, Minn. – A group of bikers are taking a stand against bullying. Syd’s Angels are a Minnesota-based organization that now has members from around the world. They help raise awareness about bullying and work with kids, parents, and school officials to take action and end this widespread problem that they call an epidemic. “We’re looking to light a fire…

Chester Bowl Fall Festival to Attract Thousands

If Rain Postpones the Event, Fall Fest Would Move to Sunday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend over 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park and celebrate the changing of seasons. The 33rd Annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday morning at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if the event is postponed due to rain. They say…

Vigil Held for Missing Duluth Woman

Contact Police if You Have Any Details on the Case

DULUTH, Minn.-Sheila St. Clair of Duluth went missing in August of 2015. Friday, a vigil was held for her at the Central Hillside Park to remind the public that authorities are still looking for her. The last confirmed sighting of the Native American woman was at the Cascade Apartments on West Third Street. “It makes me feel good that people…

Duluth Named Least Stressed City in America

Adam JagunichBayfront Park, Duluth, MN DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has been named the Least Stressed City in America by smartasset.com. Smartasset analyzed data for 512 cities in the country. Nine factors were considered when analyzing the cities including, average work week, average commute times, percent of residents getting sufficient physical exercise, density of entertainment establishment, unemployment rate, bankruptcy rate, housing costs…

Enbridge Protestors Arrested In Superior

Blockade Set Up Prevented Construction Workers From Working

SUPERIOR, Wis. Protestors hoping to keep Enbridge workers from getting into their construction site on the line 3 replacement project Thursday morning are now in trouble with the law. In a dramatic scene, several protesters were arrested Thursday in Superior. One has been charged with disorderly conduct during the incident while three others were booked for resisting arrest and trespassing….

Duluth Library Foundation Hosts Fundraiser for Northland Children

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, September 16 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m., the Duluth Library Foundation will host their 6th Annual Learning and Libations at the Library. This event consists of food, fun, entertainment, along with dazzling conversation with the best and brightest of Duluth. From a silent auction to chats on human genetics and technological advances, staff and volunteers…

Hundreds Flock to Hawk Ridge for Annual Fall Migration

Organizers Expect the Great Fall Migration to Happen this Saturday, September 16 at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, September 16, hundreds will gather at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth to see the fall migration of birds. Visitors from as far away as Sweden are known to come for the annual event. Different species will be making their way south as cooler temperatures push into the Northland. Organizers say the weekend of events is…

Moving to the Music with Sterling Silver Dance Studio

In This Week's Active Adventures, Meteorologist William Seay Practices His Dance Moves with Sterling Silver Studio in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tackles the dance floor with Sterling Silver Dance Studio in Superior. The friendly staff taught William a few basic moves to the music, and from there, the rest was history. The crew rehearsed a short routine, and told William he was on his way to becoming a professional….

UW-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute Celebrates 50 Years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute will celebrate 50 years with a free conference featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Consteau. “This is exciting time to celebrate 50 years of hard work by an environmental organization that is largely funded by extramural funds,” said Dr. Matthew TenEyck, director of Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI.) “The celebration…

New Trail Opens in Lincoln Park

Trail Leads to Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn.-A new portion of a traverse trail was completed in the Lincoln Park neighborhood today. A ribbon cutting was held earlier today, for the trail that will be connected to the Lincoln Park Middle School. The goal is to encourage youth to explore the trail system and possibly use it as a commuter route. “I think this is a…

Volunteers Work to Count Pedestrians and Bikers in Duluth

Will Help Determine Course of Action for Future Developments

DULUTH, Minn.-A step was taken today, to determine how to make the city of Duluth more bike and pedestrian friendly. Dozens of volunteers took to the streets to count just how many people are using the Duluth’s walkways and bike routes. Organizers say the data will be quite useful. “This will kind of give us; the city planners and the…

Little Foresters Experience New Cabin Classroom

The Secret Forest Playschool Raised Funds for Months Before Building the Cabin Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Northland youngsters now have the chance to enjoy their unique new classroom. After months in the making, the doors are now open at the Secret Forest Playschool’s Cabin Classroom. Founded five years ago, Owner Meghan Morrow utilized a space in the East Ridge Community Church until the congregation decided to expand on the property….

Hermantown Community Church Hosts Block Party for Harvey Victims

Hermantown Community Church Hosted Block Party

DULUTH, Minn. As millions continue to try and get their lives back together after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the Northland continues to show their support. Another benefit for the victims of Hurricane Harvey was held by the Hermantown Community Church. Hundreds showed up Wednesday night at the church to show their support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey Lead pastor…

Annual Walk Creates Space of Support for those in Recovery

Twin Ports Recovery Walk

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, Northlanders will be walking for recovery to support those going through the process. September is Recovery Month, so the walk is taking place on Saturday, September 16 on the campus of the College of St. Scholastica. Registration is free and starts at 9 a.m. The walk gets underway at 10 a.m. Food, vendors and games…

Historical Society Brings Past to Life within Cemetery

3rd Annual Living History Walk is Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend the history of Douglas County is coming to life in a place reserved for the dead. The Living History Walk is Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The walk will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, 8402 Tower Avenue Superior, WI 54880. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, $7 Veterans, $5…

Pickleball Clinic Helping Locals Discover the Sport

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Pickleball Association is helping locals learn more about the unique sport through open clinics. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and regular tennis. It’s played with solid paddles rather than rackets and is something that can be enjoyed by all ages. “I think everyone can play it, everyone has…

Friends of Animals Humane Society Has a New Home

Cloquet Humane Society Held a Grand Opening for Their New Building

CLOQUET, Minn. – Friends of Animals Humane Society has a new building to call home. They had an open house and grand opening ceremony for the new space on Avenue B. Tours showed off the building and taught people about the foster and adoption programs happening at Friends of Animals. “We’re trying to provide a service to animals as well…

Balloon Festival Returning to Bayfront Park This Weekend

Event Will Include a Craft Brew Village, Color Run, and Children's Performance

DULUTH, Minn. – Hot air balloons will be lifting off in Bayfront Park this weekend. Duluth Rising, the annual hot air balloon festival, is back. This year’s event will feature a craft brew village, a color run, and a free performance of “Kids Live” featuring Disney Channel’s Kevin Quinn. “In the evenings when the balloons are lit and it starts…

Final Preparations Before North Shore Inline Marathon

The Race Weekend Kicks Off Friday with the Inline Marathon Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the largest inline marathon in North America will kick off near Two Harbors with a finish line in Duluth’s Canal Park. It’s time once again for the 22nd Annual North Shore Inline Marathon. Nearly 2,000 athletes are registered throughout a series of six different races. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, but those interested…

New West Duluth Business Owners Honored

Six Entrepreneurs Presented With a Certificate of Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – New business owners were honored by the West Duluth Business and Civic Club. Six entrepreneurs were presented with a certificate of appreciation. Their new businesses filled some empty storefronts in West Duluth and other business owners hope the new ventures will help the whole area do better. “It looks like a very vibrant area to come and…

United Way Unveils “What Do You Fight For?” Campaign

Slogan Asks Northlanders Why It's Important for Them to Give

DULUTH, Minn. – The Head of the Lakes United Way is asking “What Do You Fight For?” The organization unveiled that new slogan today at Essentia Health, one of their largest local partners. The campaign asks people across the Northland what motivates them to give and why it’s important to them that everybody’s basic needs are met. “You may not…

Block Grants Available for Local Communities

Nearly $2 Million Available

PROCTOR, Minn.-Block grant funding has been instrumental in helping build up Saint Louis County since the mid-90s. It helps fund projects like the Vermilion housing project in Tower, created water and sewer infrastructure in six communities, and even helped supply meals through the Salvation Army. Today, a meeting was held in Proctor to discuss with area leaders what projects they…

Northland Residents Enjoy Warm Weather

Temperatures to Dip into 60s Over Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.-We are about a week away from when fall officially begins and many Northland residents are having one last hurrah as they enjoy summer time weather. Highs were expected to be in the 80s today with temperatures dipping into the 60s over the weekend. Today we caught up with one family enjoying one of the last hot days, as…

Artists Filling the Windows of Vacant Duluth Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. A Bemidji photographer has teamed up with a Duluth artist to brighten up store front windows of vacant businesses in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Nik Nerburn walks around Duluth looking for interesting people to photograph. Nerburn came across Brad Tollefson one day and they both agreed they needed to showcase the people of Duluth. “I want to uplift the people…

Imagine Canal Park Launch Party

A New Vision For Canal Park

DULUTH. Minn Imagine Duluth has been collaborating with residents and the Canal Park Business Association to consider the future of Canal Park. The hope for the Imagine Canal Park project is to build upon the successes in this part of the city, while also preserving the area. Imagine Canal Park is working with the public to address issues and figure…

Color Run Looks to Brighten Bayfront Festival Park

The Color Run 5K Will Happen Sunday, September 17, Starting at 9:00 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Color Run will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Sunday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m. On Wednesday, dance club students from Duluth Denfeld gave FOX 21’s Brett Scott a preview of what runners can expect. The event is meant to bring Northlanders together for a morning of colorful fun, with a mist of neon color, foam…

Denfeld Students Prepare to Volunteer at Color Run

Registration Continutes Throughout Sunday Morning as Runners Prepare to be Dashed with Color

DULUTH, Minn. – The Color Run will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Sunday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m. On Wednesday, dance club students from Duluth Denfeld gave FOX 21’s Brett Scott a preview of what runners can expect. The event is meant to bring Northlanders together for a morning of colorful fun, with a mist of neon color, foam…

Animal Answers: Bringing Barn Cats Home This Fall

Local Shelters See Abundance of Barn Cat Adoptions in the Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Shelter animals in the Northland typically find homes rather quickly, however, some animals are less appealing, due to a slight temperament or lack of social well-being. Local shelters want to remind Northlanders now is the perfect time to look at adopting a barn cat if you’re in need of an extra helper around the farm. “Barn cats…

Music Resource Center Back In Session For Students

The after-school programs connects youth and music

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s music hot spots is back open after a summer break. The Music Resource Center at Sacred Heart is an after-school program for kids to get a chance to work with music professionals, quality gear, and helps them grow their creative sides. “Music is something that’s so near and dear to so many young people,”…

Duluth Primary Election Results

Council and School Board Seats Up for Grabs

DULUTH, Minn.-Tonight the citizens of Duluth are deciding on who they want to fill two council seats and one on the school board. Polls opened at 7 a.m. as voters are deciding on a city council at-large seat, a Fourth District council seat, and a school board at-large seat. Regardless of how you vote today, local officials remind the public…