Education

Duluth Public Schools Stay Prepared for Potential Coronavirus Outbreak

School district now focused on cleaning surfaces and encouraging students and staff to wash hands

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools are making sure they’re prepared should the coronavirus outbreak reach the Northland. School leaders tell us they’re focused on preventative measures now, but they are in constant contact with state and federal officials about if and when more action has to be taken. Because the virus hasn’t been found in this area, the school…

Stuffed Animals Are Spending the Night at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is Located at 305 East 2nd Street in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Stuffies are invading the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior Friday, March 13. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting their 3rd Annual Stuffie Boot Camp. The camp, lead by Sgt. Presley, is designed to be a fun and educational event for children Pre-K through third grade or for anyone who has a…

UWS Extends Spring Break, Moves Classes Online for Coronavirus; WITC Weighing Options

UWS moves to online classes until April.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- College campuses in Superior are making adjustments and preparations for the Coronavirus. University of Wisconsin Superior is extending its Spring Break and moving all classes online until April, and WITC is considering alternate delivery modes for classes. “I like staying busy. So part of me, I don’t mind it,” UWS Student Body President Zack Abt said. “It’ll be…

Harlem Globetrotter Visits Duluth Elementary School

Flip White showed off moves and taught kids about the dangers of bullying

DULUTH, Minn. – A member of the Harlem Globetrotters stopped by Lakewood Elementary in Duluth. Flip White showed off some of his moves for the kids while teaching them about the dangers of bullying in schools. “I come in with the tricks, get their attention, they look like what’s going to happen next, boom, hit them with the message. They’re…

UMD, UWS Extend Spring Break; Classes Moving Online When Students Return

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior have announced they are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return because of the growing concerns involving the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus.  Below are the two official releases from each university. UMD: Dear students, faculty, and staff, As the challenges presented by COVID-19…

Duluth School Board Releases Names Of Six Superintendent Candidates

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board has released the names of the six candidates who will be interviewed for the Duluth Public School District superintendent job. The board approved the final six candidates on Tuesday. The semifinalists were selected from 20 applicants. The candidates are James Wagner, the superintendent of the Johnson County School District in Buffalo, Wyoming, Fabby…

Harlem Globetrotter Flip White Visits Duluth Ahead of Upcoming Tour

Amsoil Arena Will Host the Harlem Globetrotters Sunday, March 29

DULUTH, Minn. – Harlem Globetrotter Flip White slam dunked his way into the FOX 21 Local News Studios Wednesday morning. The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at Amsoil Arena Sunday, March 29. White will be making two stops Wednesday, March 11. One at Lakewood Elementary School and the other at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness. In advance of the Harlem…

State Allocates Funds for Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species

Each year the state legislature delegates funds to attack Aquatic Invasive Species.

DULUTH, Minn.- The fight against Aquatic Invasive Species in St. Louis County lakes continues as the County Board has approved the distribution of funds for their prevention and elimination. Each year the state legislature allocated funding to counties to be used to prevent the introduction and limit the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, or AIS. These species disrupt the health…

Organizations Work to Make Social Media More Accessible to Those with Disabilities

Workshop organized by Minnesota Access Alliance held at Aquarium.

DULUTH, Minn.- Organizations from across the Northland learned ways to make their social media accounts more accessible to people with disabilities. The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth was one of those organizations. The workshop was held there by Minnesota Access Alliance–a non-profit with a mission to raise the bar for accessibility in the state. Today’s event focused on the use…

UMD Engineering Students Helping Make Esmond Building More Sustainable

Engineering students submitting recommendations to developer to redevelop the building to be more energy efficient.

DULUTH, Minn.- The redevelopment of the Esmond Building, also known as the former Seaway Hotel in Lincoln Park is getting some help from young college engineering students. Ecolibrium 3, the non-profit focused on improving sustainability in Lincoln Park, partnered with UMD’s Swenson College of Engineering. Students will look at the Esmond and develop recommendations to present to the developer to…

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…

Free Solar Energy Workshop Held in West Duluth

Families learned about renewable energy at the Family Freedom Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- Families learned more about renewable energy at a free Solar Workshop at the Family Freedom Center The workshop featured informational booths with training and job opportunities in renewable energy. There were also interactive solar-based games for kids. According to organizers, renewable energy is the right way to go in the Northland. “The interesting thing about renewable energy and…

Coronavirus Information Phone Line and Webpage Offered by St. Louis County

Public Health Nurses will be on hand to answer questions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid Coronavirus concerns spreading across the country, St. Louis County opened up an information phone line and a website for people to call or visit to get their Coronavirus concerns addressed. Public Health nurses will be at the ready Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new Coronavirus….

Maple School District Sees Success With Sensory Grant

MAPLE, Wisc. – “No matter what happens during the day, we will love them no matter what,” Elementary School Counselor, Kara Hietala says. It’s a process newly integrated into the maple school district. “Getting really at the root of what is going on really in their own lives and helping them be able to problem solve and get through that,”…

2nd Annual Local Food Fair Happening Saturday in Cloquet

The 2nd Annual Local Food Fair is Happening at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – Happening Saturday, March 7, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will host the 2nd annual Local Food Fair sponsored by the United Way of Carlton County. The event is set to bring together local farmers, bakers, and other food producers. The Local Food Fair is happening from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings…

Physical Therapy to Help Injury or Illness Restricting Daily Tasks

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Physical Therapy at Viverant

  DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we head up the hill to Viverant with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot. After Merlot’s recent back break in August left her unable to walk, she has been in physical therapy for months getting back on her feet. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they…

Council Unanimously Approves New Police Protective Gear Policy

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a new policy for the use of newly purchased protective gear by the Duluth Police Department. This effectively puts an end to public discussions on the policy, which began back in 2017 when Police Chief Mike Tusken proposed purchasing the gear to replace outdated ones. Many councilors spoke on their reasons for…

Carlton And Wrenshall School Districts Vote to Move Forward With Consolidating

NORTHLAND – The Carlton and Wrenshall School Boards recently passed resolutions to begin planning the consolidation of two schools. The proposed consolidation plan would mean South Terrace school in Carlton becomes pre-k through sixth grade, and Wrenshall would have grades seven through twelve. The next step in the process is to work with local representatives to make the consolidation eligible…

“Sunscriptions” Filled on the SunSpot Bus

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Mobile Unit Geared to Help Vitamin D Deficiency, SAD and Winter Blues

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes on the SUNSPOT BUS! If you are battling the winter blues, cabin fever, vitamin D deficiency and finding yourself not being very active, light therapy can help you! ABOUT: The further one lives north of the equator, the less sunshine hits the surface of the earth or…

Group Makes Banners Empowering Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women March

Currently 20 unaccounted women are logged in urban parts.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Native Lives Matter Coalition spent the day making banners for Friday’s fifth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Memorial March. According to data from the Urban Indian Health Institute, 20 indigenous women are murdered or missing from urban areas in Minnesota. A task force is working on determining numbers for the whole state. The banners empower family…

The Ups and Downs of Unfrozen Lake Superior

Experts share different effects of the lake's low ice cover, while some Northlanders miss the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland has gone through an unseasonably warm winter, eliminating the chance for much ice to form on the surface of Lake Superior. “I was excited for the ice build up and it’s just not coming yet,” Lindsey Ruhnke said. Lapping waves is a surprising sound to hear by the lake at the beginning of February. “I think…

Soul and Soul Food Served to Hundreds at UMD

At 240 people the event was sold out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Great smells, great company, and of course great tastes packed the Kirby Ballroom for the Black Student Association’s annual Soul Food dinner. “It signifies black people and unity, honestly,” Black Student Association Treasurer Trina Kwamboka said. “Being brought together to eat by your Grandma, to eat some soul food. It’s a really big thing in the black culture.”…

City of Duluth Launches New MuniciPals Podcast

First episode received 100 downloads in a day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is distributing information in a new way with a monthly podcast. The “MuniciPals” podcast started out as a joke according to officials, but has now turned into a new way to give people a behind the scenes look at the city, and distribute information on a wider scale. Following a peaceful guitar riff, Phil…

Lake Superior Nearly Ice-Free this Warm Winter

Ice coverage at less than 5% as temps are higher than normal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter’s unseasonably warm temperatures have left Lake Superior almost entirely without ice. According to experts at the National Weather Service, less than 5% of the lake is covered so far, while at this time last year 40% of the lake was covered. While less ice may make the water seem warmer, experts said that it’s still icy…

Escape the Bong 2.0 Raising Funds for Educational Programs

Five Escape Rooms Will Be Set Up at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center February 6 - 8, 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Are you feeling extra intelligent or lucky this week? If so, you may want to visit the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior February 6 – 8. Escape the Bong 2.0 is presented by Heritage Window & Door. The fundraising event is back by popular demand for a second year in a row. The escape…

Celebrating “I Love to Read” Month at Duluth’s Stowe Elementary

The Gary New Duluth Rec Center Will Host a Two-Day Event Celebrating "I Love to Read" Month

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gary New Duluth Development Alliance takes great pride in celebrating “I Love to Read” Month. For the past five years, board member Fran Morris and her team have organized an event inviting students from nearby Stowe Elementary School in Gary New Duluth to make way to the Gary New Duluth Rec Center to pick out a…

Superior Middle School Students Compete in Geography Bee

27 students answered geography questions with a chance to win the school competition

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Middle School students showed off their knowledge at the National Geographic Geography Bee. The geography bee is similar to a spelling bee, but the student scholars have a different area of expertise. “I love geography. It’s really my thing,” said seventh-grader Jack D. Milliken. Twenty-seven middle school students battle it out to be the king, or…

Lake Superior Zoo Preschool Accepting Applications Starting February 3

The Nature-Based Preschool is Set to Open on September 8, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo School is gearing up to begin accepting preschool applications for the 2020-2021 school year. Families with children ages three to five years old will be able to submit registrations starting Monday, February 3. Preschool Director Leah Budnik says the mission of the Lake Superior Zoo School is to inspire the healthy social emotional,…

Duluth School District Asks for Public’s Help in Finding New Superintendent

Focus group meeting held to build a leadership profile for the position.

DULUTH, Minn.- The public was invited to meet with the consulting firm searching for Duluth Schools’ new Superintendent Monday night, to discuss what kind of person they want to see fill the position. The focus group aimed to develop a leadership profile describing district strengths, challenges, and goals along with the characteristics, abilities, and experiences they want in a new…

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Hosts Talk on Ice’s Effects on Great Lakes Shipping

Talk focuses on how ice affects shipping paths, maintenance of ships, and other maritime activities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ice is no stranger to the Northland or Lake Superior. On Friday folks could learn about how it effects the Great Lakes at the Lake Superior Maritime Museum. The Museum hosted “The History of Lake Ice and its Effects on Great Lakes Shipping,” where Ranger Scott Bjorklund spoke about how ice affects shipping paths, maintenance of ships, and…

Duluth Schools Holds Second Boundary Project Meeting, Calmer than First

Second meeting at Denfeld more calm than first at East High School.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools ISD 709 held its second community meeting at Denfeld High School Thursday to discuss changing the district’s boundaries. This comes after a tense meeting at Duluth East High School Wednesday night. The public was able to discuss three proposed scenarios for realigning the district’s boundaries, to address overpopulation at Lester Park and Congdon Elementary Schools,…

MLK Indoor Frisbee Tournament Raises Money for UMD Team

Fundraiser raises about $2,000 every year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Northern Lights Ultimate Frisbee Team held their annual MLK Indoor Tournament Fundraiser at Ward Wells Fieldhouse Saturday. Teams from as far as Mankato and North Dakota came to the fieldhouse to play. The tournament is how the UMD team raises most of their money for travel expenses, jersey fees, and more for the whole season. According to…

‘Food for Thought’ Program Raises Money for Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

College officials hope to raise $25,000 for their scholarship program

CLOQUET, Minn. – Tables-full of delicious food help raise scholarship money for Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. More than three-hundred-fifty people attended the annual ‘Food for Thought’ fundraiser. Fifteen local vendors served up some of their best dishes to the crowd. College officials tell us it’s their biggest fundraiser of the year and a great way to show…

Public Input Wanted Involving Changes To IDS 709’s School Boundaries

Survey available online through Feb. 3

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools is looking for public feedback to possibly re-do boundaries within the district, which could affect where your child attends school in the future. According to district officials, Congdon Elementary and Lester Park Elementary schools are currently over capacity, while Lowell Elementary is on track to be as well because of the addition of its immersion…

In Case of Iranian Cyber Attack, How to Keep Your Data Secure

Officials say a cyber attack is possible, local expert shares tips on how to protect yourself.

DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump has said Iran appears to be standing down after their missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, but experts say they could hit us with a different type of attack. An FBI and Homeland Security Intelligence Bulletin sent to law enforcement nationwide said a cyber attack in retaliation is possible, due to Iran’s long history of…

Minnesota Fire Deaths on the Rise, Mostly Smoking-Related

Duluth Fire Officials share with us why, and how to further prevent one from starting.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, 42 people died in fires statewide in 2019, a 14% increase from 2018, preliminary numbers say. The leading cause of these fires is smoking, with at least seven people dying in smoking related fires last year. According to Duluth Fire Department leaders, these fires tend to start outside by people improperly…

Mighty Pups Are Ready to Go! PAW Patrol LIVE! at the DECC

PAW Patrol LIVE! is Happening at the DECC Symphony Hall January 7 - 8

DULUTH, Minn. – No job is too big, no pup is too small! PAW Patrol LIVE! is taking place inside DECC Symphony Hall January 7 – 8. The PAW Patrol pups have a mission to accomplish in Duluth. Ahead of the upcoming three performances in the Northland, mighty pup Chase and spokesperson Michael Bartkiewicz stopped by FOX 21 Local News…

Lake Superior Levels High but Dropping This Winter

Experts say levels have dropped, and evaporation is expected to occur.

DULUTH, Minn.- The recent snow and rain the Northland has been getting has put experts on alert, watching Lake Superior lake levels. According to experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant, lake levels have remained about 20 inches above average, but decreased six inches since October. Levels are expected to drop another three inches through this month. Ice cover on the…

Ozobots Take Over Duluth Public Library

Families learn how to code with Ozobots.

DULUTH, Minn.- Robots took over Duluth Saturday, as the Duluth Public Library taught families how to code with Ozobots. The little orbs on wheels follow lines drawn on paper with special markers, allowing kids to program what they do. According to library staff, while programming sounds difficult, it isn’t hard at all. “It’s a really easy learning curve. the best…

FIRST Robotics Competition Season Kicks Off

Game reveal held at UMD with teams from across the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- The robotics season has officially begun, as Saturday high school robotics teams from across the Northland got a first look at their game for this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition. The Marshall Performing Arts Center Auditorium packed with anxious high school engineers waiting to see how they’ll have to design their robots this year. “Getting that experience and being…

Flag Presentation Symbolizes Relationship of Solon Springs, Fond Du Lac Band

New flag presented to Solon Springs School District.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Solon Springs School District received a very special gift from the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. A flag was presented by the Band at an all-school assembly at Solon Springs High School. Sponsored by the Solon Springs Educational Foundation, the event aimed to celebrate what they call the historic and continuing relationship the community…

Go Vegan this January with ‘Veganuary’

Initiative by Whole Foods Co-op aims to show people the benefits of a plant-based diet.

DULUTH, Minn.- If eating healthier is one of your New Year’s resolutions, a new initiative in Duluth wants to support you. Duluth Does Veganuary is part of an international movement to get more people to try plant-based diets. In Duluth it’s sponsored by the Whole Foods Co-op, with a Facebook group that currently has more than 300 members posting recipes…

Eveleth-Gilbert Girls Hockey Get One-on-One Time with UMD Women’s Hockey

College players help girls brush up on skills and learn about a typical day in the life of a college athlete.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some young female hockey players from Eveleth-Gilbert got to brush up on their skills with members of the UMD Women’s Hockey Team, as a thank you from the Red Cross for their involvement in projects this year. In November, the Eveleth-Gilbert 12U Girls Team wrote holiday cards for the Red Cross’s Holiday Mail for Heroes Project. They also…

Barnes and Noble Helps Raise Funds for Stowe Elementary Book Fair

While part of purchase went to the book fair, school officials sat outside and offered to wrap gifts for free.

DULUTH, Minn.- Shoppers at Barnes and Noble at the Miller Hill Mall got a headstart on their Christmas wrapping–while helping out at a local school. A portion of Barnes and Noble sales during the day went towards Stowe Elementary School’s book fair in February. After shopping, you could get your gifts wrapped by an official from Stowe, partnered with the…

UMD’s ‘An Enemy of the People’ Selected to Perform at Regional Theatre Festival

Play one of seven to be picked to perform.

DULUTH, Minn.- This year a UMD Theatre production has been selected to perform at a highly anticipated regional competition in South Dakota next month. An Enemy of the People, directedy by Tom Isbell, was selected among seven other shows to perform at the seven-state Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Isbell stopped by FOX 21 to discuss the play,…

Open House Shows off New Early Childhood Development Center at YMCA Essentia Wellness Center

New child care program keeps kids all day, Monday through Friday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Families got a first look at the new Early Childhood Development Center at the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown Sunday. The “Y” held an open house for the new center, which will provide child care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. From 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. kids will get lessons, meals and…

College Athletes Hang Out with Local Kids at UWS Holiday Party

As part of Week of Giving, families were invited to spend the day with Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As part of UWS Athletic Department’s 4th Annual Week of Giving, kids could come and use the campus as their playground, as they spent the afternoon with college athletes. “Superior’s obviously a smaller town and we want the community’s support, and in order to get that you gotta support the community,” said Andrew Durham, a Senior on the…

Marshall School Looks To Make Education More Affordable

DULUTH, Minn. – In an effort increase enrollment, starting next year, the school will offer reduced tuition rates from grades 4-8 and frozen rates in grades 9-12. The school will also offer guided tuition, so families with different circumstances can see exactly how much tuition will cost. With these small class sizes, students are needed to participate in the arts…

Remembering the Day of Infamy: Duluth Veterans Honor Pearl Harbor Fallen

DECC Holds Wreath laying ceremony commemorating 78 years since Pearl Harbor.

DULUTH, Minn.- December 7th, 1941. Proclaimed “a date which will live in infamy” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The whole nation felt the shock of the surprise attack in Hawaii, and is still feeling the grief 78 years later as the day is commemorated across the country. Beside Lake Superior, the late morning air is broken by the sound of…