Education

UMD Land Lab Offering Summer Day Camps

DULUTH, Minn.– Summer camps are in full swing, and the UMD Land Lab is sponsoring a unique and free summer day camp opportunity for Duluth area high school students. This camp will allow high schoolers a hands on experience with harvesting vegetables, learning sustainable living skills, working with honeybees, and visiting the UMD campus for a sustainability tour. Through the…

‘Raise Our Standards Tour’ Held on Park Point with Community Resistance

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday evening on Park Point, The Center of the American Experiment held an event at the Lafayette Park Community Center, after being denied at four Duluth locations in one month because of pressure from some in the community. The is the 17th stop in Minnesota for the “Raise Our Standards Tour” focusing on the state’s draft social studies…

City Urges Public to be Aware of Swim Condition Warnings

DULUTH, Minn.– Last year there were 25 water emergencies through the city of Duluth, and this year there are already 20. But with two of the most recent happening last week, the Duluth Fire Department and Park Point lifeguards who are urging swimmers to be aware of quickly changing conditions. In one of the most common areas for rip currents…

Wilderness Experience Teaching Kids About Pioneers Through Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– Wilderness Experience in Duluth is a locally focused outdoor ministry, offering summer camp programs that teach kids about nature, the woods, and faith. Pioneers Camp for kids in kindergarten to 2nd grade helps youngsters learn how to explore and work in the woods like the pioneers did. The lessons include working with farm animals and preparing garden beds…

Duluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park Offering Summer Camps

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park began their sculpture and plaster camp on Monday, July 5th, where the young artists were able to let their imaginations run wild. This weeks art class teaches children about wildlife in North America, and hopes to inspire them to learn and appreciate different species through art and sculpting. “They’re going to…

Wilderness Experience Pioneer Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– A day camp through Wilderness Experience for kids kindergarten to 2nd grade, is teaching the youth this week about pioneering by getting them involved working with farm animals and preparing garden beds to plant seeds. The Director of Wilderness Experience explained why it’s so important to teach kids about the outdoors, “It’s important to the development of kids…

American Indian Education Department Makes Meal Kits for Indigenous Community

  DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Education Department for Duluth Public Schools is on their third week of “Boozhoo Fresh” programs. The group is providing two different recipes and healthy ingredients to students and their families to keep them engaged during the summer break. All while giving out meal kits to twenty indigenous families each week. “As American Indian programming…

AICHO Holds Blessing of the Gardens Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn.– There was a ‘Blessing of the Gardens’ ceremony today held by the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), that honored and gave appreciation to the plants for what they give to us and the community around us. Hope Flanagan of Seneca Nation, and of the Turtle Clan, is the Community Outreach and Cultural Teacher for Dream of Wild…

Lake Superior College Welding Students Create Aerial Lift Bridge Replica

DULUTH, Minn.– Visit Duluth and Lake Superior College partnered up in 2018 and planned to have students design and weld a lift bridge replica that is 95″ wide, and 82″ tall. Finally today, the pieces were put together. Visit Duluth was able to purchase and supply the materials while the students of Lake Superior College put their heads together and…

Summer Program Guide Released

DULUTH, Minn.– Yesterday Duluth’s Parks and Recreation division announced the return of some senior programs, but today, the full summer program guide for all ages was released. Duluth hopes this will encourage people to sign up, to help promote more community activities that allow people to get out and be active again. “Pretty much whatever your interest is we offer…

Law Enforcement Reminds Public to Celebrate 4th of July Safely

DULUTH, Minn.– There are all kinds of precautions that should be taken into consideration as the public prepares to celebrate this Fourth of July, but today, law enforcement wanted to remind us that if you want to celebrate safely this year, leave the fireworks to the professionals. From 2019 to 2020, calls due to firework disturbances and injuries have tripled,…

STARBASE Instructor Flies with the Blue Angels

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One lucky STARBASE instructor was nominated by members of the Duluth Airshow committee to fly with the Blue Angels today. The nomination was for a STEM educator who has made a positive impact on the community through their passion for educational outreach and today, she was so excited to put some science in motion. “The application of knowledge…

Bay View Elementary Offers Summer School Programs

DULUTH, Minn.– Today the students of Bay View Elementary School’s summer program learned about bike safety from the Duluth Police Department, and got to ride with Hank and Henry. For the Duluth Police Department, it’s not only important to educate kids on how to ride their bikes safely but also to be more engaging with the public. “It is so…

NRRI Looks to Public to Measure Stream Height

DULUTH, Minn.– Since 2017, the Natural Resources Research Institute has placed measurement gauges in streams throughout Duluth and neighboring areas, and now they continue to need your help in tracking this important data. Those participating can text in the height of the water to a national database that uses the recording to study stream behavior and environmental impacts. Organizers says…

Five Northland Students Competing in National History Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was a record-breaking year for history students from three different area schools. Nine records were set between five young women, and they now get ready to compete in the National History Day contest next Sunday. Normally, the contest is held in-person at the University of Maryland, but this year, it will be virtual, and Duluth is proud…

Lakewood Elementary Ends the Year with a Splash

DULUTH, Minn.– After a year of three different learning styles, Lakewood Elementary School celebrated their last day of school outside, and together. After good behavior and hard work all year, Lakewood got to dunk their principle and have a pizza party to celebrate the last day of school. A year full of COVID, and distance learning, made for a stressful…

Lake Superior Zoo is Aiding Animals Through Thermal Imaging

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo has been granted a special piece of equipment that allows them to make diagnoses on their animals from a distance. Through a thermal imaging camera Lake Superior Zoo is utilizing a new piece of equipment that is helping them find different injuries in their animals. Teletherm Infared, based out of Florida, granted Amy Gallagher,…

Great Lakes Aquarium Educates Public on Harms of Using Lead Lures

DULUTH, Minn.– In light of fishing season, the Great Lakes Aquarium is raising awareness about the harmful consequences of using lead lures and their impact on the loon population in Minnesota. Lead poisoning is one of the main causes of death in loons and Great Lakes Aquarium is partnering with Get the Lead out Minnesota to raise awareness about the…

Duluth Offers Advice on How to be Ready for Heat Wave with Pets and Children

By knowing the heat index, experts suggest being aware of your limitations, and by not pushing them when there is heat like this.

DULUTH, Minn.–With temperatures in the high 80’s, and in some areas the 90’s this weekend, experts are trying to remind the community to not take any unnecessary risks when it comes to your children and pets in this weather. If you’re planning on taking your dog out to play or for a run, Animal Allies suggests doing it earlier or…

Essentia Health Tells How to Recognize Signs of a Heat Stroke

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Duluth Fire Department teaches us how to beat the heat, Essentia Health is also educating the public on signs to look for that indicate having a heat stroke. Some of the most common signs include physically looking unwell, fatigue and perspiration. But these symptoms can lead to confusion, disorientation, and sometimes even passing out. Essentia Health…

Renovations at Wrenshall Public Schools Moving Forward with Completion Set for Early Fall

Phase Two Renovations Are Set to be Complete in Late-August

WRENSHALL, Minn. – You can feel it in the air – school is almost out for the summer. It’s been a year of new adventures, hard learning curves, and trying moments, but the staff at Wrenshall Public Schools is 100 percent focused on the future. “It’s great that we’re doing it, it’s like we’re finally here,” said Kimberly Belcastro, superintendent…

Grandmothers and Veterans for Peace Gathered to Map Out War Spending

DULUTH, Minn. — In Duluth on the Lake Walk today, Grandmothers for Peace and Veterans for Peace gathered to draw attention to both the human and financial costs of war. They set up signs citing numbers from a Brown University study called “The Costs of War Project” that analyzed how many people have been affected by conflicts and how much…

Duluth Public Library Announces Summer Reading Program

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Public Library begins its annual Summer Reading Program June 1st, and can’t wait to welcome children of all ages back through its doors to pick up their books. This annual program invites children to read daily and log their reading times through an online tracker to compete for different prizes like gift cards or toys. “It’s incredibly…

UWS and WITC Collaborate to Offer More Opportunities

SUPERIOR, Wis.– UWS and WITC signed documents this morning that certified a partnership that will offer their students more opportunities. A University Transfer Degree option will allow students to combine classes from the two colleges to pursue an associate of arts or science degree from WITC. The goal is to prepare students to enter baccalaureate programs at junior status by…

WITC To Become Northwood Technical College

The college will also have a mascot named Blaze the Bear.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, also known as WITC, will soon be called the Northwood Technical College, and Northwood Tech for short. The college took name and mascot submissions from the public last fall, with the board approving it all this past spring. Hundreds of students and staff members voted on their favorites. The new name, logo,…

UMD Students Design Rover To Deliver Payloads Where Troops Find Dangerous

The University’s entry into the Air Force Research Lab Challenge could help our nation's troops.

DULUTH, Minn.- What has four wheels, two propellers, two cameras, and can climb walls? The newest rover designed by UMD students to deploy cameras or sensors in places hostile to a human operator.  “When you think, ‘oh I need to get something high up in the air,’ you think a plane or a helicopter or something like that — you…

Duluth Public Library Hosting Annual Bookmark Competition

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public Library is holding its annual bookmark contest, and submissions are wanted. The library wants children to submit their bookmark designs to encourage reading, art and creativity together. The staff will pick six winners and print them out to distribute during the summer. “We want kids to feel connected with the library, so any way that…

UMD Students Create Robot to Climb Walls, Deploy Items in Hostile Territory

The students designed the rover for this year's U.S. Air Force Research Lab Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- From the minds of UMD Students comes a robot that can climb walls, carry and drop off items — their entry in this year’s Air Force Research Lab Challenge. The challenge was to design a remote controlled, autonomous robot that could climb walls and deploy sensors or cameras in hostile territory. UMD’S rover is outfitted with a moveable…

UMD 2021 Graduates Make Most of Virtual Commencement

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota graduates were sent off into the world Saturday celebrating their years of hard work. More than 2,300 students will be graduating this year from UMD. Like the year before, the UMD class of 2021 commencement took place virtually due to the pandemic. School chancellors say to ensure everyone could stay safe. One of the students…

UMD Graduates Make Final Drive Through Campus in Commencement Parade

DULUTH, Minn.– With graduation taking place tomorrow, some UMD seniors took one last chance to ride around campus. In addition to the virtual commencement, UMD’s College of Liberal Arts had soon-to-be graduates drive through campus to celebrate their hard work over the years. Educators, parents, and underclassmen cheered on the students as they took a victory lap along University Drive…

UMD Student Talks About What It’s Like To Take Finals Virtually

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD students are wrapping up the 2020-2021 academic year with finals ending tomorrow. One student we spoke to says some of the finals online make it especially tough, but she’s learned a lot about the distance learning process throughout the year which will help pull her through. “Keeping myself on track, like sitting down for 2 hours at…

Duluth East Student Charged In Ammunition Scare

DULUTH, Minn. – The student accused of bringing ammunition to Duluth East High School and forcing a lockdown there is now charged with a felony. The 16-year-old boy, who authorities previously said was 17 in error, was in the Arrowhead Juvenile Center Wednesday charged with “possession of ammunition by a minor,” according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. Rubin…

Duluth East Student In Custody After Ammunition Found in Locker, 90-Minute Lockdown

Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday morning after a loaded magazine with 9 mm ammunition was discovered in a student's locker.

DULUTH, Minn.- Authorities said the situation at Duluth East High School is safe and the lockdown has been lifted after ammunition was found Tuesday morning in a student’s locker. “I was scared because most of my friends are in that building right now and I don’t know how they’re doing,” Junior Katie Higgins said. Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday…

UMD Students Push for Change After Professors Resign Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Olson and other fellow students decided to start the group: Students for Equity and Accountability in STEM at UMD, or “UMD SEA STEM.”

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students are speaking out after the second professor in three years resigns from her position claiming she experienced sexual harassment and discrimination in her department. While an investigation was conducted two years ago, students say it was not enough and are demanding the administration take more action. Now Dean Wendy Reed has agreed to meet with the…

Residents ‘Get Flushed’ to Raise Money for Proctor High Grad Party

The All Night Grad Party committee restarted their "You've Been Flushed" fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- The porcelain is taking over Proctor, as Proctor High School’s All Night Grad Party committee restarted their “You’ve Been Flushed” fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. “It gets people’s attention, you’ll drive by and you’ll wonder why is there a really colorful toilet in somebody’s yard?” Proctor High Senior Wyatt Okstad knows the answer to that one…

Barnum Elementary School Celebrates National Unicorn Day :)

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a magical day at Barnum Elementary School Thursday. Teacher Mindy MacDonald got dressed up in a big unicorn outfit to celebrate National Unicorn Day. The actual holiday is on Friday but the kids are out of school Friday, so the celebration happened Thursday instead. “Ms. Mindy MacDonald is our lovable resident unicorn :),” said Nikki…

Democratic-Backed Underly Elected Wisconsin Schools Chief

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Jill Underly rode support from the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage to win election as Wisconsin superintendent of schools. Underly defeated Republican-backed Deb Kerr in Tuesday’s election. Underly is superintendent of the rural Pecatonica school district and formerly worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which she will now lead. Kerr is…

Lake Superior College Opens In-Person Registration for Fall Semester

LSC will continue to enforce social distancing and mask wearing next semester.

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has announced that school will resume all in-person courses for the upcoming fall semester. Current students began registering for courses on Monday while incoming students can get their first crack at registering Wednesday. Faculty at the campus say, students have been excited to get back on campus, especially for the courses that deal with…

Congdon Park Elementary Students Syrup Making Process

Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup.

DULUTH, Minn. —   Today Congdon park elementary students learned what it takes to make maple syrup. The instructional course took up the entire day and involved grades K-5. Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup. As students rotated through each of the stations, they recorded their reactions with teachers hoping they have…

UMD Continues STEM Discovery Day with Take-Home Experiment Kits

Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow catapults for engineering and physics.

DULUTH, Minn- UMD’s STEM Discovery Day, their annual student-led day of middle and high schoolers exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math continued this year — a little differently. Swenson College of Engineering students offered free STEM Discovery Day home experiment kits. Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow…

COVID Cases Force Ely’s 6-12th Graders Back To Distance Learning

ELY, Minn. — A rise in COVID cases within the Ely School District is forcing officials to hit the reset button and send students back to full distance learning. The change starts March 19 for junior high and high school students, grades 6-12. This comes after seven positive cases popped up in the past three days. In-person learning will return…

School Closings, Delays for Thursday, Mar. 11, 2021

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News as of Thursday, Mar. 11, 2021

Duluth Public Schools – Closed Hermantown Public School District – Closed Lake Superior School District – 2 hour delay Lakeview Christian Academy – Closed Proctor Public Schools – Closed South Shore Schools – 2 hour delay South Ridge School – 2 hour delay Stella Maris Academy – Closed on site, remote learning day Categories: Community, Education, School Closings Tags: Local…

Police: 2 Students Threatened To ‘Shoot Up’ Northwestern Middle School

MAPLE, Wis. – Two students are facing serious consequences after authorities say they threatened to “shoot up” Northwestern Middle School. The 12-year-old boys are in the custody of the Douglas County Juvenile Intake. The Sheriff’s Office says authorities were made aware of the threats Tuesday night. The two juveniles were overheard by other students making detailed, specific plans to not…

Some Iron Range Schools See A Drop In Enrollment

Many remain hesitant about sending their kids back to in-person instruction during the pandemic.

AURORA, Minn. – Multiple Iron Range public school districts are still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are reporting a decline in enrollment because of the ongoing health crisis. It’s not uncommon for some Northland school districts to see a slight drop in student enrollment from year to year, but the coronavirus pandemic is causing an even greater decline…