Community

Construction Begins on Slip Bridge

Will Also Get New Paint in Fall

DULUTH, Minn.-Construction began on the Duluth Slip Bridge today. The bridge has had major issues over the years, causing it to constantly close. The new system they are installing, will be much more reliable than it is now, according to city officials. The project is expected to be completed by the first week of June. It will also get new…

Wellness Advocate Promotes Essential Oils

Coffee Conversation: Doterra Essential Oils

DULUTH, Minn. – For thousands of years, people have healed with nature’s touch. Essential oils are used around the world and found in the seeds, bark, stems roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They have been used historically for food preparation, beauty treatment, and healthcare practices. This morning, doTERRA Wellness Advocate, Linda Carrillo, explained how essential oils have changed…

Group Hopes to Spread Meaning of Wellness

Northland Community Wellness Day

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders are promoting wellness in the region and at home for the whole family for the Northland Community Wellness Day. This is a free community event highlighting local wellness resources and services through interactive exhibits, workshops, and family-friendly activities. There will be more than 80 wellness-related exhibits in Romano Gym at the University of Minnesota –…

Zack Filipovich Vying for Duluth City Council Re-Election

Filipovich Was the Youngest Council President in Duluth History

DULUTH, Minn.- City Councilor Zack Filipovich announced he is running for reelection to the Duluth City Council at Large. At the age of 25, Filipovich was the youngest council president in Duluth History. If re-elected, Filipovich plans to continue to focus on public safety, infrastructure, environmental issues, and economic equity in Duluth. “After being on the council now for over…

Northland College Working to Serve 80% Local Food

The First Phase to be Completed This Spring

ASHLAND, Wis.- Around 50 percent of Northland College in Ashland’s food supply is sourced locally. But Northland College is working to have even more local food available, and plans to have its cafeteria serve 80 percent local food by 2020. The college launched what they call the Food Systems Center to help reach that goal. “We have a lot of very…

Nikki’s Notebook: Northland College Pledges Sanctuary

The School Pledges to be a Sanctuary School for Immigrant Students.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland pledged to be a Sanctuary school for Immigrant students. College President Michael Miller says Northland college has a history of commitment to social justice and diversity.  The college promises students that the school will not voluntarily share student information with immigration enforcement officials, unless it is legally required. “The policies primarily focus on us…

Children Get a Taste of Being an Engineer for 1 Day

The Event was Put on by UMD Students.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 40 3rd, 4th and 5th graders had a small taste of what it’s like to be an engineer. The Society of Women Engineers at UMD hosted the Spring into Engineering event, where children tried out hands on activities, that put their problem solving skills to the test.  The goal behind the event is to “If we can…

Registrations Opened for Family Freedom School

It's a Program That Started in the Civil Rights Movement Era

DULUTH, Minn.- The Family Freedom center opened up registrations for the Family Freedom school, a 12 week program designed to engage and empower black families and community members. The program addresses internalized racism, economic isolation, and structural racism that can affect black families. The program also helps educate people on the civil rights movement, cultural values, and youth development.   A…

Saint Fennessy 4K Run A Success

600 Runners Including Children Participated

DULUTH, Minn. – No walk up registrations welcome at this year’s St. Fennessy 4k fun run as it sold out for the first time ever. 600 racers laced them up early this morning for the first leg of the 3 race KP challenge. The challenge is for runners to commit to 3 races including the Fennessy, the Fitgers 5k and…

Take Action Duluth Wants Paid Sick Leave

Could Sick Leave Become A Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – How would you like to earn paid sick leave from work no matter your yearly earning’s? Take action Minnesota met in 6 locations state wide today to join resistance efforts and take action on pressing issues including paid sick leave. According to recent surveys, employees not earning paid sick leave makes those on low income based salaries…

Figure Skaters Show Off Talents

Big Crowd At Lake View Ice Arena

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of skaters of all skill levels put on a performance for friends and family today at Lake View Arena. Celebrating 90 years the show was also a reunion from performers dating back 30 years. Skaters were of all ages male and female and some of the performances included parents skating with their children. One skater says…

St. Urho’s Day Celebration Returning to Finland, MN

Town Will Honor the Fictional Saint for the 42nd Straight Year

FINLAND, Minn. – Finns across the Northland and beyond observed St. Urho’s Day yesterday. St. Urho’s celebrates the man who chased the grasshoppers out of Finland. Finland, Minnesota holds an annual festival celebrating the fictional saint. The event returns this weekend for its 42nd straight year. This year’s celebration features a musical theme called Urho–Palooza, including a parade, talent show,…

Veteran Celebrates 102nd Birthday

Rogenald Keller Showed Family and Friends Why He's Going Strong at 102

SILVER BAY, Minn. – One hundred years is a milestone most of us will never reach. Rogenald Keller celebrated his centennial two years ago and today showed why he’s still going strong at 102. There was quite the celebration at the Silver Bay veteran’s home Friday, and the party wasn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. “Dad’s 102nd birthday and the…

Cloquet Police Chief Placed on Leave

City Council Voted to Put Steve Stracek on Leave at Thursday's Meeting

CLOQUET, Minn. – There was controversy Thursday, as Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek was placed on paid administrative leave at the city council meeting. That was confirmed to FOX 21 by one city councilor who asked not to be identified.  However, the councilor couldn’t confirm Why Stracek was placed on leave, as the matter is being investigated. At Thursday’s meeting,…

4th Saint Fennessy 4K Kicks Off Saturday

The Race Starts at Hermantown High School

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Runners are preparing for The 4th Saint Fennessy 4k that kicks off Friday. The race is named after a former employee of Grandma’s marathon that passed away, and has been increasing in popularity each year. This year, the race registration has reached its maximum capacity of 600 people. The Race starts at Hermantown High School and Ends at…

Mentor Duluth Celebrates Match of the Year

Awards Were Given at a Luncheon Held in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Mentor Duluth celebrated the Mentor Mentee match of the year at the Making a Difference Luncheon at Holiday Inn in Duluth today. Past and present mentors, local leaders, and others involved with Mentor Duluth honored Mentor Duluth’s 20th birthday at the Luncheon, where they also recognized the Match of the year. Every year, Mentor Duluth honors a mentor…

Shipping Season Around the Corner

Shipping Season Starts Again March 25th

DULUTH, Minn.- Shipping season is starting back up next week, and Duluth could be seeing ships coming in, as soon as Next Sunday. The St. Lawrence Seaway and the Welland canal which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are opening on Monday, and the locks at Sault Ste Marie are opening on Saturday.  This means the twin ports maybe seeing…

Local Leaders Hold Round Table to Discuss Healthcare

DULUTH, Minn.- Local leaders discussed healthcare at the MNsure round table event at Generations Health Care Initiatives in Duluth, Friday. Leaders like MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole, and area representative Jennifer Schultz attended an in-depth discussion on the current state of MNsure and the affordable care act, and what the future of Minnesota healthcare may look like, with legislative changes. One…

Updegrove Announces At-Large City Council Run

DULUTH, Minn. – Rich Updegrove, a high school social studies teacher, announced his candidacy Thursday evening for Duluth City Councilor, At-Large. Updegrove is a co-facilitator of Our Revolution – Duluth, a grassroots political organization that arose out of Bernie Sanders’ campaign. He was recently elected to leader positions on several legislature committees. He is also active in the Duluth Federation…

Duluthians Say ‘No More’ to Mother Nature

Shorts Against Winter Happens Annually the Friday Before the First Day of Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – A hardy group of Duluthians were sending a strong message to Mother Nature Friday morning. The 5th Annual Shorts Against Winter event is a chance for Northlanders to wear shorts to work before the official start of spring on Monday, March 20. Shorts Against Winter started by Swim Creative Advertising Firm employee Kevin Cain, and has since…

Registration Now Open for Hartley Summer Camps

Since Wednesday, More than 600 Children Are Already Signed Up for Camps

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration for Hartley Nature Center Summer Camps is underway. Staff at Hartley tells FOX 21 over 600 kids have registered in just two days. Although a fresh coat of snow blanketed the Northland on Friday, Brett Amundson, Director of Operations at Hartley Nature Center says kids love to spend their summer days at Hartley. Amundson says Hartley…

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Focuses on Culture

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks around the country have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for about a week, and the holiday is finally here. Duluth’s Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is happening this evening at Clyde Iron Works. The family-friendly event, featuring McInnis’ Kitchen, brings top Irish music and colorful cultural tradition to the Northland. There will also be an indoor…

Duluth YMCA Adds Lumberjack Tradition to Aquatic Activities

Active Adventures: Log Rolling

DULUTH, Minn. – A lumberjack sport is now offered at the Duluth YMCA. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tried out Log Rolling. Log rolling is available for people of all ages. According to aquatic instructors, not only does the sport preserve the rich history of lumberjack sports in North America, but it’s fun and good for…

Minnesota tops voter participation list in 2016 election

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota leads the nation once again in voter turnout for a presidential election. It’s the second consecutive presidential election that the state had the most voters going to the polls, and the eighth time in the past nine presidential elections. Nonprofit VOTE and the US Election Project compiled the numbers. About 75 percent of eligible voters in…

Russ Campaign Kickoff

Barbara Russ Hits The Campaign Trail

Duluth, Minn Current City Council member Barbara Russ is getting an early start on the campaign trail. Tonight she hosted her campaign kickoff at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth. She wanted to let those who came know how she felt about her first 3 and a half years on the council and what she wants to work on if…

Art Of Local Food

Good Food And Art All In One Place

It was all about good food, local artist, and great company tonight at Clyde Iron Works. It was the 6th annual Art of Local Food fundraiser to benefit the Duluth Community Garden Program and the Arrowhead Professional Chefs Association. It was 40 years ago that a few gardeners saw the need for fresh locally grown food and now 220 families…

Washburn County Humane Society Suffers Devastating Fire

Courtesy: WCAHS SPOONER, Wis. – The Washburn County Area Human Society suffered a devastating fire early Thursday morning. Crews were called to the scene around 1:30 a.m. Animals that survived have been sent to Northwoods Humane Society in Hayward. It has been reported that three cats perished in the fire. No other information is available at this time. A GoFundMe page…

March Madness Could Lead to Trouble

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Maybe it’s a coincidence with the NCAA Basketball tournament going on, but March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Every year, millions of dollars are wagered on the tournament, both in sportsbooks, and on those bracket sheets you likely filled out for your office pool According to a counselor at Duluth’s Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment, brackets…

Students Learn How to Protect St. Louis River

15th Annual River Watch Congress Drew About 200 Kids

CLOQUET, Minn. – Kids from area schools got hands–on lessons on how to protect the St. Louis River Thursday. St. Louis River–River Watch is a program that gets kids involved with studying the environment up close and personal, by actually getting in the river. While students didn’t get in the water as part of Thursday’s 15th annual River Watch Congress…

Coast Guard Breaks Ice to Make Way for Ships

Coast Guard Clears Way Before Shipping Season Begins

DULUTH, Minn.- The Alder cruised through Lake Superior, cracking and breaking the ice that formed on the water’s surface. “The Alder is a 225 foot buoy tender, it is ice capable, so it’s not actually designated as an ice breaker, we just have the ability to break ice,” explained Lt. Christian Von Stralendorff of the U.S. Coast Guard. Shipping season…

Preparations Underway for St. Patrick’s Day

Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub Believes Record Numbers May Turn Out

DULUTH, Minn.- Many local pubs are gearing up for a big day of business, including Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub. It was recently voted the second best event in Minnesota to attend on St. Patrick’s day. Dubh Linn representatives say they are expecting record crowds. “Most years you get two things: people come out on the day, or people come…

Young Actors Prepare for Disney Classic

The Duluth Playhouse Presents "The Lion King Jr!"

DULUTH, Minn. – A Disney classic is coming to Duluth. The Duluth Playhouse is presenting “The Lion King Jr!” and it opens tonight. This is being performed by the Children’s Theater, so all the actors are between the ages of 12-18. Ashlee Hartwig, Duluth Playhouse Marketing Director, visited FOX 21 to chat about the musical. Hartwig tells us these young…

Texas Roadhouse Offering Options for Those Recognizing Lent

Cooking Connection: Norwegian Salmon

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders are currently recognizing Lent and Texas Roadhouse wants these folks to know the restaurant is not just a steakhouse. Jeff Fort, Managing Partner at Texas Roadhouse, says there are many other options if someone is trying to avoid red meat. The restaurant is offering an entire Dockside Favorites menu. For this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s William…

Former Bagley’s Building To Be Sold To Texas Investor

Two Remaining Tenants Will Stay Put After Closing Day

  DULUTH, Minn. – The downtown Duluth building that was, up until last year, once home to Bagley & Company Jewelers for 131 years has been sold to an investor in Texas. We’re told the building on the 300-block of West Superior Street will continue to house Apricot lane Boutique and Stout Chiropractic Care. Rick Heimbach, who owned Bagley’s and…

Downtown Parking Meters From 80 Minutes To 2-Hour Limit?

Downtown Businesses Are Being Asked To Weigh In

DULUTH, Minn. – Changes could soon be coming to a parking meter near you – at least in Downtown Duluth. As FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports, it means the time limit on meters could significantly increase. “When folks got to go out and plug their meter, they often just get in their car and drive away. So let’s not make…

Superior Mayor Forum

Candidates Answer Questions For Citizens

We’re just weeks away from a new mayor in Superior. Two candidates Jim Paine and Brent Fennessey were left standing after February’s Primary. Tonight they met face to face trying to sway votes their way. The conversation between the two candidates included topics such as budget, personnel, services and facility concerns. The Superior Library was full of citizens eager to…

PetSmart Opens in Duluth

New Store Will Have Grand Opening on Saturday from 9 a.m. Until 9 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – PetSmart is now open in Duluth at the Village Mall near Hobby Lobby and Savers. Store managers say PetSmart has had its eyes on the Northland for years and they finally decided to open a store when their new location became available. They think Duluth has been an under represented area for pet stores and hope PetSmart…

Mayor Larson Talks with Citizens in Their Neighborhood

The Mayor and Other City Officials Met With Duluthians at St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson spoke with citizens at the College of Saint Scholastica. The event was part of the City Hall in the City program where Mayor Larson and other city officials travel to each council district every year to talk with residents on their own turf. The mayor says these discussions are key to learning what…

City of Duluth to Address Homelessness

City Council Passed a Non-Binding Resolution Promising to Work on Issues Related to Homelessness

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the Duluth City Council passed a resolution to focus on the problem of homelessness. On Monday, a non-binding resolution was passed, which the City Council calls a promise to continue to work on issues related to homelessness. On any given night, there are an estimated two hundred to three hundred people in Duluth who sleep…

Duluth Citizens’ Police Academy Begins

The classes are designed to create transparency and a better understanding of how the Duluth Police Department serves the community

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department’s citizens’ police academy started Wednesday night. Over the next 11 weeks, participants will take part in classroom and field instruction, covering a wide variety of topics the department handles. This year, 21 people will go through the academy classes, with a goal of creating transparency and a better understanding of how the department…

Hermantown Hawks Raising Money for Fellow Hawk

Mike Anderson of Hermantown was Once Again Diagnosed with Brain Cancer in February

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hundreds of Hawks were soaring together in the Northland Wednesday morning. Students, staff, and faculty at Hermantown Middle School were crowded together for a group photo. It’s all for the husband of Special Education teacher, Jen Anderson. Former Hawk Mike Anderson graduated from Hermantown in 2002. “People say there’s kind of a motto at school that Hawks fly…

Duluth’s March Madness Connection

Former LCA Standouts Anders and Bjorn Broman in Tournament with Winthrop

DULUTH, Minn. – The NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament really gets going Thursday as the round of 64 starts.  One of Thursday’s early games should get plenty of local attention. Duluth natives Anders and Bjorn Broman not only starred for Lakeview Christian Academy, they’re two of Minnesota’s three highest scorers all–time. These days, the Broman brothers play for Winthrop University.  Parents…

Duluth’s Most Endangered Properties

Local Preservation Group Published List

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Preservation Alliance recently published its list of the city’s ten most endangered properties. Among the buildings on the list are Pastoret Terrace; otherwise known as the Kozy Apartments, the Temple Opera Block on Superior Street, Old Duluth Central High School, the Duluth Armory, and sections of the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad line in West Duluth….

Volunteers Spruce Up Maritime Museum

Museum Cleaned Up Ahead of Tourist Season

DULUTH, Minn. – As Duluth slowly emerges from winter, local attractions prepare for tourist season. A crew of about 15 volunteers spent Wednesday cleaning the Duluth Maritime Museum. The workers cleaned the museum, made sure the electronic displays were ready, and polished all the brass in the museum’s engine room. According to park rangers, the museum gets too busy for…

Damiano Center Celebrates Anniversary

Local Charity Opened 35 Years Ago

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Damiano Center celebrated its 35th anniversary Wednesday. The center started as a temporary soup kitchen during the 1982 recession. Today, the Damiano Center is the largest emergency meal provider in Northeastern Minnesota, serving thousands of people every year. “This is a super–exciting day for us,” said Katherine Mueller, Development Director for the Damiano Center.  “On the…

Propane Leak the Cause of Fortune Bay Resort Casino Evacuation

TOWER, Minn. – Fortune Bay Resort Casino was evacuated Tuesday evening due to a propane leak. Several area law enforcement agencies and fire departments were called to the scene around 6 p.m. As a safety precaution, the entire Fortune Bay property, along with homes within a one-mile radius were evacuated. “We just wanted to take all the necessary precautions,” said…

Highway 61 Tree and Brush Removal Project Begins

DULUTH, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Highway 61 north of Two Harbors may encounter temporary lane closures Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., until May 1, as crews work on a tree and brush removal project. The temporary lane closures are necessary while crews remove trees and brush in preparation fro a drainage improvement…