Education

UMD Students Create Tech to Help Fight Off School Threats

Competition of 9 schools to create an Active Threat Emergency System

DULUTH, Minn.- Multiple school shootings have rocked the nation recently. In order to help stop those threats, UMD Engineering students have created groundbreaking technology to help law enforcement in situations like those. Eight colleges competed with UMD in the Air Force Research Lab Design Challenge. UMD Students won by creating a new Active Threat Emergency System, a victory despite the…

Kids Practice Reading with Canines at West Duluth Public Library

Organizers say it's a good way for kids with reading trouble to practice.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a perfect Wednesday afternoon for being inside reading at the West Duluth Branch Library. Kids got a chance to practice their reading skills out loud to a very relaxed listener – a licensed therapy dog, named Moe. “Some are a little bit reluctant reading and often feel judged by human audiences and a dog is a…

UMD Public Health Students Showcase This Year’s Projects

Students proud to show off their hard work.

DULUTH, Minn.- Public Health students at UMD showed off projects they’ve been working on throughout the year. The 2019 student showcase featured campaigns and projects focused on Health and Wellness in and around the University. Presentation topics included ways teachers can prevent burning out from stress. “We all work so hard throughout the semester and we need a chance to celebrate…

Carlton School Dist. Faced With Budget Cuts

  CARLTON, Minn. – The Carlton School District is undergoing some budget reductions due to possible declining enrollment and the uncertainty of state funding. More than 25 third-grade students are projected to be enrolled for the 2019–2020 school year at South Terrace Elementary. The third graders will now exist under one class instead of two to reduce costs. The district…

Coffee Conversation: Need for Tutors Rises in Duluth Public Schools

29 Tutors are Needed for Reading, Five Turors are Needed for Math

DULUTH, Minn. – Tutors are in high demand inside Duluth Public Schools. Duluth schools are currently looking for 29 literacy tutors and five math tutors for the 2019-2020 school year according to Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps. Minnesota is reported to have one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation, heightening the need for literacy and math tutors in schools throughout…

Performing Arts Students Honored By Bluebird Foundation

Foundation holds 2019 Grant Ceremony.

PROCTOR, Minn.- High School students who excelled in the performing arts were recognized in Proctor, and given some support for their futures. The Bluebird Foundation presented 11 area High School students with awards, and grants as high as $750. Students entered in categories like music, dance, theater, and entrepreneurship. “I think the arts and everything don’t really get highlighted at…

Art by Duluth Public Schools Students Exhibited at Miller Hill Mall

Over 400 students' pieces on display.

DULUTH, Minn.- Works by young artists took over the Miller Hill Mall on Wednesday. Over 400 K-12 students from Duluth Public Schools had their artwork featured just outside of Barnes and Noble for all to admire. One of the young drawers said she worked hard to make her Mandala drawing as eye-catching as possible. “I want a lot of detail…

Living Walls Blossom Throughout Local Duluth Businesses

Bill and Kate Isles are the Creators Behind Duluth Living Walls

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park craft district is now home to a massive 37 foot long living wall. The concept is sprouting up in popularity across much of the nation, but the owners are proud to be the first official business right here in the Northland. “A lot of people, first their thought is, wow, and second it’s like, is…

Celebrating Bengali New Year at UMD

Students and community members of all backgrounds gathered to ring in new year 1426.

DULUTH, Minn.- “Subho Noboborsho!” That’s how you say “Happy New Year” in Bangla, the language of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a country northeast of India and on Sunday, students from there joined students here at UMD in celebrating the beginning of a different calendar. “Essentially it was kind of a combination of the Islamic calendar and also the Gregorian calendar, and…

Annual Battle of the TV Meteorologists

Meteorologists from the four stations in Duluth went head-to-head with one another for a great cause

DULUTH, Minn.- Tonight, the meteorologists of the Northland put their minds to the test, paired up with students from the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland for a quiz battle. Teams were asked math, history, and meteorology questions. There were four teams competing tonight, each representing a meteorologist from a local T.V. station. “Our kids inside its important to…

Governor Tim Walz Visits Duluth on Community Prosperity Tour

Entrepreneurs Show Off Their Innovative Business Ideas To Governor Walz, All In Hopes To Boost Local Economy

DULUTH, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz made a stop in Duluth today continuing his Community Prosperity Tour, where entrepreneurs gathered to learn about ways their innovations can help the Minnesota economy soar. It was more or less a “Minnesota Nice” version of the TV show, “Shark Tank”. Where Gov. Walz heard presentations at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute about…

Wisconsin Lt. Governor Tours UW Superior

Details education funding in Evers's Budget

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Education funding has been a top priority of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s administration. On Tuesdsay they took that campaign to Superior. Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Representative Mick Millroy toured UWS’s Lake Superior Research Institute. According to Barnes, education funding, including for the UW System, is an important part of Governor Evers’s new budget proposal. “Water issues…

UMD Welcomes Home National Champs

UMD Men's Hockey Team Greeted with Celebration Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone was a Bulldog at UMD’s Championship Celebration Tuesday. Students, staff, and longtime hockey fans welcomed the team home. To great fanfare, the 2019 NCAA Champions run through a big inflatable bulldog, greeted by a sea of maroon and gold. Three of the Bulldogs on the team are seniors this year so they get to end their college…

Duluth East National Honor Society to Host Formal Attire Drive

Duluth East Student Lauren Skar Discusses how the Community can Donate to the Dress-Wear Closet

DULUTH, Minn. – Dressing for success can come with a steep price tag. That’s why Duluth East National Honor Society President Lauren Skar and her team have worked to develop the Dress-Wear Closet at East High School. The National Honor Society will be hosting a formal dress-wear drive April 29 – May 10. Skar developed the idea after shopping for…

30th Annual Fiesta Put on by UMD Latinx/Chicanx Students

Longstanding cultural tradition continues.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s diversity was on display at the Greysolon Ballroom, as UMD’s Latinx/Chicanx Student Association hosted their 30th Annual Fiesta. Greysolon was flooded with the sights, sounds and smells of Hispanic culture, as hundreds gathered to have a good time. 30 student volunteers of all backgrounds buzzed around the ballroom, banding together to promote Hispanic culture through the Fiesta. A…

School Closings & Delays Friday, April 12, 2019

School Closings & Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News Friday, April 12, 2019

Aitkin School District – 2 Hour Delay Cathedral School – Closed Carlton Schools – 2 Hour Delay Cherry School – Closed Cloquet Schools – 2 Hour Delay Cook County School District – Closed Duluth Key Zone – Closed Duluth Public Schools Administrative Offices – Closed Duluth Children’s Museum – Opening at 12 p.m. Duluth Salvation Army – Closed Esko Schools…

Hubble Telescope Images to be Showcased at Upcoming UMD Concert

The Concert is Happening Sunday, April 14 in Weber Music Hall at 7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band will be featuring several new works during their upcoming concert. The concert is taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 in the Weber Music Hall. The Concert Band will be performing a piece by Eric Whitacre called “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!”, a soundtrack for a hypothetical script that pits the…

Meeting of the Math Minds at UWS Math Meet

Area High School students put their calculations to the test.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Calculators and pencils were at the ready for University of Wisconsin Superior’s 45th annual High School Math Meet. More than 200 students from 18 high schools throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota met at the University to compete in algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, geometry and trigonometry tests to win various prizes. Organizers said this type of event gives all…

Adopt-a-Duck Fundraiser Happening Now at Animal Allies

The Fundraiser will Help Support the Humane Education Program at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Animal Answers takes Northlanders deep into the pocketbook. Animal Allies is encouraging families across the area to consider adopting a different type of creature all for a good cause. “There’s no ducking around at Animal Allies,” said Michelle Sternberg, Development Officer at Animal Allies. Staff and volunteers at the Duluth shelter cannot stop quacking up….

History of Duluth in Photographs at Glensheen Mansion

Mansion pairs with Duluth News Tribune for Reporting Duluth Exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth history is now on display in the form of newspaper photos at Glensheen Mansion. The exhibit is called Reporting Duluth. It’s a partnership with the Duluth News Tribune to display blown up photos from the paper, dating back to the late 1800s. Photos include UMD’s victory during the Frozen Four last year, and the 1920 lynchings of…

Zilch to 5k Class

Active Adventures: A Truly Beginner Walking & Running Class in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are joining a truly beginner fitness class. This is for people who don’t work out and also for those who need to move after injuries, surgeries, replacements, illnesses and more. This is a class for those who enjoy moving slowly, while learning about pacing, form, nutrition, hydration, ball, theraband, stretching, proper…

UWS Science Fest Goes Beyond the Typical Volcano

The UWS Science Fest is Happening Saturday, April 6, 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS is inviting children and adults to explore their annual Science Fest Saturday, April 6 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The topics of astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and zoology will be showcased. The event is taking place in both Barstow and Swenson Halls. Barstow Hall is located at 816 North 17th Street and Swenson Hall…

Connected Kids Initiative Steps Up for Foster Children

Event at Duluth Public Library raises awareness.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, there are 9,900 children in foster care, and over 800 waiting to be adopted in the state. Representatives from the organization Connected Kids Initiative tried to help these kids with their Step Up MN campaign. At the Duluth Public Library Wednesday, they introduced the campaign, the second city of their…

Great Outdoors: Duluth East Little League Practices at UMD

Gearing up for the new season.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s time to dust off those cleats and polish those bats, because baseball season is just around the corner. Duluth Eastern Little League players ages 10 and up got to brush off their batting and base–running skills at UMD’s Ward Well’s Fieldhouse. “It’s been a long winter, it’s the first day of spring, y’know, the major leagues have…

Superior Day of Giving All Day Wednesday

UW-Superior foundation hopes to get 200 donors. Last year, they raised more than $40,000

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wednesday, April 3rd is the Superior Day of Giving. For twenty-four hours, the UW-Superior foundation is accepting online donations, which will be matched by their board of directors. The foundation wants two hundred people to donate this year. In 2018, they raised more than $40,000 during the day of giving. The money raised is used for students…

Denfeld Freshmen Visit UWS

'Denfeld Days' event held while juniors take ACTs.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The entire Freshman class from Denfeld stopped by UWS today, to get them thinking about their future, and to keep them busy while Denfeld Juniors take the ACTs. The freshmen visited the University for “Denfeld Days.” 200 students toured the campus and participated in recreation activities. University officials say they hope the day changes the minds of high…

Superior Public Library to Host Two Genealogy Experts

The Fourth Annual Foolin' Around with your Family Tree is Happening Friday, April 5, 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Public Library invites the public to their fourth annual Foolin’ Around with your Family Tree Genealogy Program Friday, April 5 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The event is happening on location, will feature presentations from noted genealogy experts and networking with other genealogists while guests enjoy exclusive access to the library’s many resources. This after-hours event…

Duluth East Daredevils to Host Pasta Fundraising Dinner

The Pasta Dinner Fundraiser is Happening Tuesday, April 2, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East Daredevil Robotics team members Linnea Frisk and Kylene Schubitzke recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the group’s upcoming Pasta Dinner Fundraiser. The event includes a silent auction and bake sale, and is happening Tuesday, April 2 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Duluth East High School. The sixth annual dinner invites families to come out and…

STEM Discovery Day at UMD

University Hosts Weird and Wonderful World of STEM

DULUTH, Minn.-  On Saturday, High School kids explored the Weird and Wonderful World of STEM at UMD. The University hosted STEM Discovery Day where kids could learn about hissing cockroaches, owl pellets, and DNA extraction. The event aimed to get them interested in science careers. “Maybe in their home life they may not have resources or parents who may not…

UWS Students Learn About Careers in Oncology

Students met with professionals at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. – UWS biology students learned about cancer-related careers from specialists at Essentia Health. Doctors say there is always a high demand for specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The students met one-on-one with twelve professionals who gave them a personal account of opportunities in their field. “I know the students are going to be excited and…

Lake Superior College Hosts Career and Transfer Day

Today they especially focused on recruiting future college graduates.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College hosted a career and transfer day Wednesday for students, professionals, and the public. Today they especially focused on recruiting future college graduates. More than 60 companies attended the event and recruiters also had a presence at the event, and say sometimes people enlist when they’re not quite sure what field they’d like to enter….

Northwood Fab Lab Helps Minong Community Learn and Create

Lab has 3D printers, a plasma cutter, and CNC router to help any adult or student

MINONG, Wis. – The fabrication laboratory or “fab lab” at Northwood School in Minong is a place where students and adults can work on their own projects for free. “Depending on what people are interested in doing we can build anything, almost literally anything in here,” said Ben Sorensen, Northwood Technology and Engineering instructor. The fab lab started in 2016….

University of Minnesota President Pays Farewell Visit to UMD

President Kaler to step down July 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler is making his farewell rounds. On Monday he paid one last official visit to the Duluth campus before he steps down in July. The first stop on the president’s farewell tour was a sweet one, he visited the Chemical Engineering Department’s Chocolate lab at UMD. Kaler went through the through the same…

UMD and Red Cross Hosts Community Blood Drive

University's Pre-Med Club partners with Red Cross.

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members were invited to UMD on Monday to donate blood. The Pre–Med Club partnered with the American Red Cross to hold their annual Blood Drive, giving undergraduate medical students a hands–on perspective of the process. “This is more or less are kind of community outreach thing we go ahead and we’re just trying to get involved more…

It’s Easy Being Green on Frog Day at Lake Superior Zoo

Zoo celebrates St. Patrick Day and World Frog Day

DULUTH, Minn.- This St. Patrick Day, Lake Superior Zoo celebrated green in another way. With frogs. The zoo celebrated World Frog Day, which officially falls on Wednesday, March 20th. Guests came and met Pickle the Bullfrog, and other frog species. According to Zookeepers, many don’t know that frogs are indicator species, meaning that a population of frogs in an area…

Springing Forward for 100th Daylight Savings

History of Daylight Savings

MINNESOTA- On Saturday night, the country will be springing ahead one hour for the 100th time! The first daylight savings time happened in 1918 during World War I, to conserve coal. While it gives you some more sunshine, setting your clock ahead one also comes at a cost. A study showed losing that hour of sleep leads to a 25…

Gov. Tim Walz Visits Duluth

The Gov. and Lt. Gov. are on a statewide education tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and the state’s education commissioner stopped in the Northland today as part of their statewide education tour. The Governor read to kindergarteners at Myers Wilkins Elementary in Duluth. He then met with teachers and administrators, getting feedback about what they need. Walz is also using the tour to promote full service community…

FIRST Robotics Competition Kicks Off

Competition teaches students valuable skills.

DULUTH, Minn.- 120 plus teams and their mechanical mates gathered at the DECC to battle it out. The Double Decc’er started with practice matches, as teams tested out their robots on the official “FIRST Minnesota” arena. Organizers say the competition requires students to branch out of the world of robotics, as they’re judged on other skills. “One of the key…

Celebrating Women in STEM at FIRST Robotics Competition

Ladies Event held before competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- At the FIRST Robotics Competition, a special event was held celebrating the young women competing this weekend. Organizers say hundreds of young women are starting to make names for themselves in this STEM field. Some, even taking over their respective teams. “I feel like women in FIRST and STEM is growing and so we want to encourage that,” said…

Cleanup Talks Lead 2019 St. Louis River Summit

Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve organized event.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The cleanup of the St. Louis River was in focus at University of Wisconsin-Superior. The college held a St. Louis River Summit that included experts on the topic of clean and safe water. Currently the Wisconsin DNR said that of their 77 cleanup tasks, they’re about halfway done. They added that collaborating with others at the Summit is…

New Eco-Entrepreneurship Program at Lake Superior College

The program will feature a two acre farm, greenhouse space, and packaging facility on campus.

DULUTH,  Minn. – Lake Superior College is launching a program to teach students how to make the farm-to-table process more sustainable. The program will feature a two acre farm, greenhouse space, and packaging facility on campus. Students will learn how to create more eco-friendly business practices when it comes to our food system between farmers and sellers. “How do we…

Winter Blues Setting in? Dietitian Advises Three Superfoods to Consume

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne Offers Tips to Keeping Your Spirits High Throughout Winter

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to the winter blues, it’s important to have the correct diet and exercise routine to help keep depression at bay. Mary Cherne, St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, encourages a diet high in vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and fruits and vegetables. Cherne wants to encourage physical activity on a daily basis to help boost…

National History Day Competition Takes Old and Young on Trip Through Time

Northeast Regional History Day Competition held at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend history lessons were given out by 6 thru 12th graders. Just a day after National Minnesota Day, Middle and High School students competed in the Northeast Regional History Day Competition at UMD. They competed to share websites, documentaries and presentations on historical events they’re passionate about. “You get mood swings, sometimes you forget where you are.” This…

LSC Hosts English Language Conference for Educators in the Northland

Discussions focused on writing and other aspects of teaching and learning English

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College welcomed more than 50 educators from around the region and world hoping to provide more ways to engage students learning English as a second language. This annual summit is a time for educators to come together and share ideas on how to better serve their students. They sat through discussions focused on writing and…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part II

Father & Son Head To The Ice To Build A Lasting Bond

WATERSMEET, Mich. — For some families, there is no excuse to stay inside all winter long. In fact for some, it’s time to head out on the ice and do some fishing! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on the ice, in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Joining a father and son that are building life long memories and…

Head of the Lakes Job, Internship Fair Happening Thursday

Grab Your Resume and Stop by UWS Thursday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior will host nearly 90 employers from the Twin Ports and beyond as part of the free Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair on Thursday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Yellowjacket Union Great Room. Employers will be available to meet, network and recruit for internships, seasonal work,…

‘We All Belong’ Art Show Celebrates Diversity at UMD

Art created by students includes drawings, 3D art, and graphic design pieces

DULUTH, Minn. – An art display at UMD is celebrating diversity through creative work. The “We All Belong” art show was created by students. It includes 3D art, drawings, and graphic design pieces. It was all made to create an inclusive, welcoming environment at the university. “This just adds another layer to what we can learn from other people’s experiences…

UMD Engineering Students Make Electric Bike

Bike can travel up to 25 miles per hour

DULUTH, Minn. – A custom-built electric bike was created by UMD engineering students for their final design project. The pedal bike was turned into an electric-powered one using lithium-ion batteries, a hub motor, motor controller, and a throttle. The students also created an app that records the bike’s total distance, average speed, and ride duration. “In Duluth it’s kind of…

Kalevala Day to Offer Finnish Fun in Duluth

The Finnish Cultural Event is Happening Sunday, February 24, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Kalevala Day is celebrated in Finland on the 28th of February, in honor of the day on which the Old kalevala’s forward was dated by Lonnrot (February 28, 1835). Kalevala Day is an official flag-raising day in Finland, and simultaneously the Day of Finnish culture. A local celebration is happening Sunday, February 24 at Kenwood Lutheran Church…