Community

Duluth School District May Look at Referendum to Reduce Deficit

District Likely Faces a $2.3 Million Budget Shortfall

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is facing another budget deficit. District officials are looking into how to make up that shortfall, including a possible referendum that could be on the table as early as next year. “This is a sobering budget for us,” says school board member Harry Welty. With the school district in the red again, cuts…

Downtown Duluth Shines Bright Once Again

City Crews Along with Business and Property Owners Pitched in to Clean up Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth is shining bright once again, after residents and city workers pitched in for a little spring cleaning. The Greater Downtown Council had to postpone the annual event due to Tuesday’s heavy rainfall. However, business and property owners, the Clean and Safe Team, along with City Street crews helped wash away the winter dirt from 10…

Duluthians Fight for Earned Sick and Safe Time

Final Listening Session Takes Place in Duluth for Earned Sick and Safe Time

DULUTH, Minn. – The Earned Sick and Safe Time Taskforce in Duluth hosted their final rally and listening session Wednesday morning outside Grandmas Sports Garden. You may recall, the sessions were set up to hear input from workers within the City of Duluth. The Duluth City Council originally set up the taskforce after learning nearly 46 percent of Duluth workers…

Highway 169 Cross Range Expressway Work Begins

Photo: MnDOT DULUTH, Minn. – Crews have started their wok on the Highway 169 Cross Range Expressway project. Motorists will see crews doing grading and other excavation work in the area. A two-lane bypass, using portable barriers has been put in place in the vicinity of County Road 7 to protect passing traffic from any construction debris. MnDOT advises motorists…

Traffic Advisory for Fitger’s 5K Race Saturday, April 22

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, April 22 starting at 8:30 a.m., traffic will be diverted from portions of Superior Street in downtown Duluth, Lake Avenue, and Railroad Street for the Fitger’s 5K Foot Race. “No Parking” areas will be posted on Superior Street from Lake Avenue to 8th Avenue East, and the West side of Lake Avenue South from Railroad…

St. Louis River Alliance Works to Fight Invasive Species

Open House and Panel Focuses on Non-native Phragmites

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather continues to warm many Northlanders will be focusing on getting in the water or heading out on hikes, so the St. Louis River Alliance is hoping to educate the public about a certain invasive species. They’re hosting an open house and panel discussion to highlight the prevention and control on non-native phragmites in the…

Sugar Gliders Soaring into Northland Homes

Local Breeder Believes Sugar Gliders are Being Sold Without Proper Background Knowledge

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Exotic animals are increasing in popularity across much of the United States. In the Northland, little creatures known as sugar gliders are making way into homes. The market for these furry friends is quite competitive and comes with much responsibility. “They’re like potato chips, you can’t have just one,” said Amy Laessig, Founder, Superior Suggies. In a…

Dozens Attend Vigil To Support Cloquet Police Chief

Chief Steve Stracek Is On Paid Admin. Leave After ‘Vote of No Confidence’ By Officer

CLOQUET, Minn. – A different kind of vigil was held outside Cloquet City Hall Tuesday  that didn’t involve a death. It was instead a community effort to close what some consider a growing divide between the City Council, residents, and the Police Department. This all stems around Police Chief Steve Stracek, who was put on paid administrative leave about a…

Great Outdoors: Gearing Up For Camping Season

Great Outdoors: Local Experts Give Camping Tips

Although it’s been rainy and chilly to start the week, Spring is here and many are gearing up for the camping season. Local outdoor experts spoke with FOX 21 to give some tips on having a successful trip. “As soon as the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer you start thinking about camping,” said Greg Pinther,…

Iron Range Theatre Making Renovations

1912 Opera House is One of Few Remaining Vaudeville Theatres in Minnesota

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A truly historic theatre in Virginia is undergoing major renovations. Virginia’s Lyric Opera House opened in 1912 and remains one of Minnesota’s last remaining vaudeville theatres. “You can feel the creativity,” says Lyric Center for the Arts Executive Director Mary McReynolds. “You can feel the history.” “The sound, the sight lines, the closeness, the intimacy to the…

Mayor Paine and Superior City Councilors Sworn In

Council President and Vice President Also Decided

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine and new city councilors Jenny Van Sickle and Craig Sutherland were sworn in Tuesday at the Superior City Council meeting. Mayor Paine thanked the community for electing him and talked about how he plans to move the city forward. “We have a lot to accomplish together. Our city faces some very real challenges in…

Northland Pizza Shop Celebrates 63 Years

Northland Uncovered: Sammy's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – Picking up a slice can mean a tasty dinner for many Northlanders, but for one family it means carrying on a tradition. This year Sammy’s Pizza Inc. is celebrating 63 years. Sam Perrella is the Vice President for Sammy’s Pizza Inc. and is the third generation working for Sammy’s Pizza. His grandfather started the business in 1954…

Councilor Joel Sipress Kicks Off Re-election Campaign

Sipress is Running For Duluth's 2nd Dist. Seat

Duluth, Minn. — City council president Joel Sipress kicked off his re-election campaign Monday. Sipress is running for re–election to Duluth’s 2nd Dist. seat. Supporters gathered at Sara’s Table to hear the candidate discuss issues he hopes to address in the community. “We’re getting a good, active start,” Sipress said. “We’re going to be working hard and talking with people…

Deer Tags On The Rise In Wisconsin

More Antler-less Deer Tags To Be Issued

Superior, Wis. For 3 consecutive years winters have been relatively warm. Because of the warmer weather the deer population has continued to grow according to Wisconsin department of natural resources. The herd needs to be thinned so the DNR plans to issue 50% more antler-less deer. “We think we’re at a point where we can issue a few of those…

Community Saddened After Popular South Shore Restaurant Burns Down

Pine Cone Ole's has been a staple in the Wisconsin town of Herbster since the 1920s

HERBSTER, Wis. – Pine Cone Ole’s restaurant and bar in Herbster, Wisconsin is being called a total loss after it caught fire early Monday morning. “It was a great little bar restaurant,” said John Powers, who used to be a cook at the staple along Highway 13. “It was a fabulous meeting place for the locals. It’s quite the hit…

Tax Season is Coming to an End

Experts Warn to Get Taxes Done

DULUTH, Minn.- Tax season is ending tomorrow, and if you’re put off doing taxes until the very last minute, you still have time. Taxes can still be filed electronically, or be sent in as long as they are post marked by Tuesday. Whether you’re actually getting your taxes done last minute, or planning on getting an extension, experts say it’s…

UMD Students Teach Grade Schoolers Science

It's an Outreach Program to Help Kids Get Interested in Science

DULUTH, Minn.- Science can be hard for a lot of young students, especially if they’re just learning from a book. That’s why UMD created an outreach program, so that college students could help teach science to grade school students in fun and creative ways. The UMD students work with grade school students a couple times a month to teach them…

Duluth Parks to Receive Sixty New Recycling Bins

Bins will be Donated to the City of Duluth by Keep America Beautiful and Dr. Pepper Snapple Park Bin Grant Program

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is moving one step closer to become a more eco-friendly City! Recycling will soon be easier thanks to a grant from the Keep America Beautiful program and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Park Bin grant program. Sixty new recycling bins will be placed in 17 parks across the City. The City of Duluth was…

Medical Experts Bring History to Life

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums Displays Medical Miracles

DULUTH, Minn. – History is coming to life at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Duluth. The exhibit currently on display shows medical discoveries throughout the years, including an original sample that first confirmed penicillin defeating bacteria. There are manuscripts and artifacts connected with Benjamin Franklin, Christian Bernard, Bernard Crick, Albert Schweitzer, and Dorothea Dix. Next week local experts will be…

Wildfire Week Sparks Awareness from Minnesota DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is Looking to Bring Awareness of Wildfire Danger April 16-22

DULUTH, Minn. (DNR) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is raising wildfire awareness throughout the week of April 16-22. The DNR is asking Minnesotans to be thoughtful when it comes to using fire, and how they are using it. Many wildfires occur during the spring due to dry vegetation. Experts say this material can quickly catch fire between the…

Annual Bike Swap to Support Two Charities this Year

Coffee Conversation: Continental Ski & Bike

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is here and Summer is quickly approaching, getting many Northlanders excited for the bicycling season. The 11th Annual Continental Ski and Bike Swap is coming up on April 21st-23rd. Discounted retail bikes and gently used bikes are available for purchase. Free bike helmets will be provided for those who purchase a children’s bike. Anyone can donate a…

The Dow Of Luke

Dow, Wilderness Continue Thier Run at The Robertson

In hockey, strength, speed, and size are all essential. Just don’t try telling that to Wilderness forward Luke Dow. Former Duluth East Greyhound and Current Minnesota Wilderness Forward Luke Dow says, “Especially when you’re a smaller guy like me you got to learn how to avoid contact I guess, and try to play your game through the physicality and the…

Families Celebrate Easter at the Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.- Families across the Northland celebrated Easter Sunday in special ways, but some families wanted to do something a little different, and the Lake Superior Zoo helped them do just that. Many families were at the zoo to see both real life animals and the Easter Bunny, and to have a quick meal at the zoo’s first Easter Brunch in…

Families Spend Easter Playing Golf

Courses Are Open About Two Weeks Earlier Than Usual

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The warm spring Easter day had Northlanders outdoors taking in the holiday and even taking a swing. It was a great day to be outside and a lot of families used the beautiful weather to play their first round of golf for the season. Many courses, like Nemadji Golf Club in Superior, are now open for business….

Community Members Stand Behind Message: Local Needs Matter

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members and local organizations like Veterans for Peace, Grandmothers for Peace, and Socialist Action joined forces to send out a message to legislators: Local Needs Matter. “The leadership in Washington in particular, does not understand the things that we value as a community. The things that are important to us as individuals and as community members,” said…

Technology In Nature

Hartley Nature Center Issues A Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – In an effort to get more community involvement in the outdoors, the Hartley Nature Center is issuing a challenge to four local communities. Not everybody can walk up to a tree and know exactly what they’re looking at “This right here is a White Pine.” Wouldn’t it be nice to know what you were looking at? Did…

An Egg-splosion of Easter Fun in Lincoln Park

The Event Has Been Going on for 4 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Families decorated eggs and watched them Egg-splode at the 4th Annual Lincoln park Egg-splosion. It’s an event where people learned unique egg dyeing techniques like tie-dying or marbling, and then launch the eggs into a field with a wrist rocket. “We wanted something that would appeal to both boys and girls, and our thought was, who doesn’t want…

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny

The Depot Hosts Dozens Of Families

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids started celebrating Easter by having breakfast with a certain bunny. Dozens of families turned out for the 5th annual breakfast with the Easter bunny at the Depot. Not only was plenty of food on the menu, but also face paintings an Easter egg hunt egg dying and much more. Officials say breakfast with the bunny is…

UMD Freshman Goalie Hunter Miska Signs With Arizona

Bulldogs Stud Goaltender Departs After One Season

GLENDALE, ARIZONA- After just one remarkable season for the UMD Bulldogs, Freshman Goaltender Hunter Miska has signed an entry level contract with the Arizona Coyotes. The Stacy MN native ended the season with a 27-5-5 record, and .920 save percentage, with just a 2.20 goals against average. The terms of his professional contract were not disclosed. Categories: College, Community, News,…

Kennedy Announces Council Bid

Planning Commissioner Lost Council Race in 2015

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s another candidate vying for one of the Duluth City Council’s two at-large seats. Duluth Planning Commissioner Janet Kennedy officially announced she’s running Friday. Kennedy ran for the district 5 seat in 2015, but lost the election to Councilor Jay Fosle. A kickoff event is planned for Sunday, April 23rd at 1:30 p.m. at Civic Center Park…

Harbor City Roller Girls Open Season

Wessman Arena Tomorrow Night

Superior, Wis. Tomorrow is set to be another hard hitting Saturday night at Wessman Arena. This time though the game won’t be hockey. Instead the Harbor City Roller Dame Nautikills. Open their 10th anniversary season against the Minnesota Roller Girls’ Dagger Dolls. The Nautikills are one of the top 300 teams in the world and say they’re ready for some…

Magic For A Good Cause

Second Harvest Food Bank Receives 100% Of Proceeds

Duluth, Minn. It was an evening of magic and laughs tonight at Clyde Iron Works all for a good cause. Kids of all ages came to enjoy one of the Midwest’s most in demand entertainers. Magician Jonathan May. Tonight 100% of the proceeds went to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank back pack program. The money raised tonight will go a long…

Agate Bay Gets Tugboat for First Time in Decades

The Nancy J is Owned by Heritage Marine

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Agate Bay hadn’t had a Tugboat servicing the area for 36 years, after the last boat, Edna G, was retired. And though the Edna G is still docked at Agate Bay, a new tug boat is taking over her job.  The Nancy J, owned and operated by Heritage Marine in Duluth, is the new boat servicing the…

Florists Prepare for Easter

Flower Shops Sell Over 1000 Easter Lilies

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With Easter just around the corner, flower shops in the Northland are busy preparing for the big holiday. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Hermantown is expecting to sell around 12 hundred Easter Lilies this season. Though some stores have already sold out of Easter Lilies, Rod Saline, Owner of Engwall says there are enough Easter Lilies at his store…

Animal Allies Receives Big Check from Miller Hill Subaru

The Money Was Raised During Subaru's 'Share the Love' Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Our furry friends at Animal Allies in Duluth received a big check, Friday. Miller Hill Subaru was at Animal Allies to present a check of more than 11 thousand dollars to Animal allies. The money came from Subaru’s Share the Love event, where customers purchasing a vehicle from Subaru could choose 1 out of 5 charities that Subaru…

New Wisconsin License Plates Will Contain 7 Characters

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin license plates have features six characters for more than 30 years, but that’s about to change. The state Department of Transportation expects to begin issuing plates with seven numbers and letters beginning later this month as the inventory of six-character plates dwindles. Department of Corrections prisoners are already making the plates. The six-character plates allowed…

Egg-citing Event Coming to Lake Superior Zoo

The Annual Easter Egg-stravaganza is Expected to Attract Thousands to the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – An event happening this weekend in the Northland is sure to attract thousands to the Lake Superior Zoo! Preparations are well underway for the annual Easter Egg-stravaganza. It all happens this Saturday and organizers say it’s the largest public, pre-Easter fun activity in the Twin Ports. With fun for the entire family, you’re invited to stop by…

Tackling the Jungle Gym at Green Light Fitness

Active Adventures: Gym Offers Kettlebells, Spin Classes and Jungle Gym

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Spring is here and many Northlanders will be working to get ready for bikini season. At Green Light Fitness in Superior, Paul and Amanda Rockwood are helping those folks get in shape. The fitness center offers kettlebell workouts, spin classes, and Jungle Gym XT training. Amanda also coaches a Booty Camp. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX…

Gun theft fugitive caught in southwest Wisconsin

Man who found fugitive describes him as cordial

Joseph JakubowskiMILWAUKEE – Sheriff’s officials say a man suspected of stealing firearms from a gun store and sending President Donald Trump an anti-government manifesto has been arrested in southwestern Wisconsin. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Joseph Jakubowski was captured around 6 a.m. Friday near Readstown, Wisconsin. The sheriff’s office said in a statement that he was captured without…

Officials: Dry Conditions, Human Error Cause Fire

Homeowner Was Burning Pine Needles

Duluth, Minn. The winter snow pack is gone, wildfires have begun and on top of that human error mixed in has created devastation for one Duluth home owner. It all happened at this home on the 500 block of 18th avenue east. Using a handheld torch to burn dry pine needles quickly turned into an all-out inferno. Human flames that…

Record-Setting Globetrotters Show Off Their Skills in Duluth

Families got a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with the basketball stars

DULUTH, Minn. – The Harlem Globetrotters were in Duluth Thursday as part of their 2017 World Tour. Before the show started at AMSOIL Arena, families hit the court with some of the players for a once in a lifetime experience. The Globetrotters signed some autographs, took a few photos, and even taught fans a few tricks of their own. “I…

Fourth Street Construction to Resume Monday

Work will be done in phases, starting between 10th and 19th Avenues East

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on 4th Street in Duluth will pick back up next Monday. Last year, crews completed work to replace old utilities and damaged roads between 6th and 10th Avenue East. Construction will be done in phases, starting between 10th and 19th Avenue East , and continue down to Wallace Avenue as work is completed. That portion of…

5th Graders Act Out Colonial Days

It's A Tradition That Has Been Going On At Stowe Elementary For Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Fifth Grade Student at Stowe Elementary hosted Acted out history at the Colonial Fair today. Students studied what life was like in the colonial times, and dressed in costumes to show what they learned to their family and friends. The school gym became a colonial village and children acted out roles like black smiths, and store owners of…

Former NHL Athlete Henry Boucha Visits UWS

He Talked About His Career as an Athlete and About Racism

SUPERIOR Wis.-  Henry Boucha who played for the Detroit Red Wings in the 1970s, gave a presentation on diversity, and answered questions from students, fans, and community members, at the Multicultural center in UWS. Boucha talked about his career playing in the NHL and in the Olympics, and the adversities and racism he experienced, even as a professional athlete. He…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Gets New Luxury Recliner Seats

4 Of Their Theatres Have New Chairs

DULUTH, Minn.- Movie time has become more comfortable at the Marcus Duluth Cinema, thanks to their new chairs The Marcus Duluth Cinema has installed new chairs called Dream Loungers in 4 of their theatres. The Dream Loungers are all electric and recline back all the way, so theatre goers can watch the newest movie with more space and comfort than…

House Fire on North 18th Avenue East in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a fire at 518 North 18th Avenue East around 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Neighbors reportedly saw smoke coming from the house and called 911. Fire officials confirmed that 21 firefighters responded to the blaze, and when the first arrived on scene flames were visible at the front of the house. The…