Education

Longboarding the Snow Away

Longboard making classes at Duluth Folk School

DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow piles up, some dream of longboarding down a hot, sunny boardwalk surrounded by Palm Trees and beaches. Duluth Folk School gave Northlanders a small taste of that. A three-day class began Wednesday in making your own Longboard, a longer skateboard. Students started with stock pieces of wood, learning how to use a table saw, which…

Great Outdoors: Dogsledding With a Twist at North Star Academy

School hosts unconventional dog sled race.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland winters are full of great activities like skiing, snowboarding, and of course dog sledding. You’ve likely heard of the Beargrease, and the Iditarod. But North Star Academy’s dog sled race puts a spin on the traditional. “Teamwork makes the dream work. You have to trust your musher, and the musher has to trust his dogs,” a team…

UMD Unveils Orchids at Open House

University opened herbarium and greenhouse for the public

DULUTH, Minn. – Instead of roses this Valentine’s Day, the University of Minnesota-Duluth is celebrating with orchids. Staff at the university’s greenhouse and herbarium invited the public to take a look at the orchids in bloom and learn more about the forty-eight varieties in Minnesota. They also showed off the herbarium, which is a museum filled with more than fifty-thousand…

Boys and Girls Clubs Celebrate Outstanding Youth

Youth of the Year banquet held at Holiday Inn

DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrated three of its standout teens at a special banquet on Tuesday night. It was all part of the 47th Annual Youth of the Year Celebration. Kwe Perry, Alex Lewis, and Raymond Davenport were selected for their leadership, and service. They were judged on their writing, public speaking and their…

Northwestern Students Create Awards for Upcoming Sled Dog Race

Tiger Manufacturing has Proudly Created Medals for the Inaugural Northern Pines Sled Dog Race

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Northwestern High School students Alex Smith and Ethan Brown are excited for the upcoming inaugural Northern Pines Sled Dog Race in Iron River, Wisconsin. The students recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News with their instructor to chat about projects related to “Tiger Manufacturing,” the student-run manufacturing business on campus. Tiger Manufacturing was honorably tasked with creating…

Escape Rooms Take Over The Bong Historical Center For A Good Cause

This Weekend Only! You Can "Escape The Bong" With 3 Different Themed Room Options.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott get locked into a mobile escape room with 1 hour to get out! Watch the video above to see if they got out in time! Northland, you get the chance to try out the 3 new escape rooms that are only here for this weekend only! Grab…

School Closings, Delays for Friday, February 8, 2019

Closings and Delays Due to Winter Weather Friday, February 8, 2019

Bessemer School District: CLOSED Feb. 8 including all events/activities Mellen Schools: 2 Hour DELAY Feb. 8 Watersmeet Township School District:  CLOSED Feb. 8 Categories: Community, Education, News, News – Latest News, School Closings Tags: community, Delays, education, school closings, weather

UMD School of Fine Arts Dean Talks Future Program Endeavors

UMD School of Fine Arts is Preparing to Debut their Latest Production of "Love's Labor's Lost" Thursday, February 7

DULUTH, Minn. – Robert Kase, Dean of the UMD School of Fine Arts, is happy to be back in the Northland serving his community, staff and students. Kase, a UMD alumnus, recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the future of UMD School of Fine Arts. Kase is looking forward to seeing continued passion being poured into the program he…

Zookeepers, Animals Working to Stay Warm During Arctic Blast

Staff at Lake Superior Zoo Taking Extra Precautions to Keep Animals Safe in Frigid Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – Dangerous cold weather doesn’t discriminate. Even the staff and animals at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth are bundling up and finding creative ways to stay warm during the bitter arctic blast. For Lana the Amur tiger, a heated space indoors is where she spends much of her time during below zero temperatures. A heated rock also…

Saint John’s Spelling Bee

Catholic Schools Week Begins in a Unique Way

DULUTH, MINN.- Students took a variety of routes to learning the spelling of some tough words for the upcoming Spelling B ee. Some decided to read more while others used Spelling Bee websites. With all the studying and prep work the students were feeling pretty nervous since for most this is stepping way out of their comfort zone. For Madeline…

New Airplane Program Coming to Lake Superior College

Eagle Career Pathway heading to LSC

DULUTH, MINN.- Lake Superior College in Duluth has announced the launch of a new program with AAR Aviation Company. With this program, students in the aviation maintenance technician program are offered tuition reimbursement. Out of all the schools around the country, LSC was one of just a handful of schools selected for this new program. Daniel Fanning, Director of Institutional…

Two Harbors High School Finding the Kind in the Northland

#FindtheKind Challenge Goes Viral

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- You’ve heard of the ice bucket challenge, and the mannequin challenge, and now: Find the Kindness Challenge. Students at Two Harbors High School are all about it, and this week they’re being recognized for it in a big way. Last year these students hosted a civility summit to combat what they called the disrespectful atmosphere in their…

Hurley Moves on from “Midgets” Mascot; Butternut Keeping Nickname

Butternut Midgets are named after wrestling legend, Charles "Midget" Fischer

HURLEY, Wis. – Hurley sports teams have been known as “midgets” for years, but on their school building, their athletic fields, and their uniforms, the controversial mascot name can’t be found. Now, the school board has unanimously to officially change the mascot saying: “In a school district that prides itself on inclusion and making all students and families feel a…

Learning About Elementary Schools at Twin Ports School Fair

Parents Talk with Teachers, Get Information

DULUTH, Minn.- Parents got a one stop shop for choosing an elementary school for their kids at the Robert Powless Center on Tuesday night. The 3rd Annual Twin Ports Area Elementary School Fair allowed parents to talk to teachers and administrators, get enrollment info, and hear about before and after school programs for about 10 different twin ports schools. The…

Hannah Johnson Fabrics Expanding in Lakeside Location

Hannah Johnson Fabrics will Host a Grand Re-Opening Event Thursday, January 24

DULUTH, Minn. – More fabric and fun will soon be available for quilters in the Duluth Lakeside neighborhood. The owner of Hannah Johnson Fabrics is expanding. The growth comes after Johnson’s Bakery vacated their Lakeside location in 2018. “Who would have ever known? I never thought I’d be here for ten years,” said Janet Anelli, Owner of Hannah Johnson Fabrics….

6th Graders Perform Concert at Superior Middle School

Band performed twelve songs for family and friends

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Music filled Superior Middle School for a sixth grade band performance. The middle schoolers played twelve songs in front of their families and friends. The music ranged from Christmas songs to American classics like “Skip to My Lou.” Some of the sixth graders have already been playing music for a few years. “When I was in fourth…

Northland Schools Support Healthy Eating Resolutions

Wrenshall Schools Food Service Director Valerie Dahl Shares Tips to Getting Children to Enjoy Fruits, Vegetables During Meals

DULUTH, Minn. – With the start of a new year, healthy eating is a common resolution for families. School cafeteria professionals can often provide tips and techniques used in the cafeteria to get students to consume healthier food options that can easily translate to habits at home. • Create a food kaleidoscope – Children commonly eat with their eyes, if…

Duluth School District Settles with Former School Board Member for $55K

Art Johnston sued the district after he didn't receive responses about his data requests for several months

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District has reached a $55,000 settlement with former school board member, Art Johnston. Johnston made data requests with the district that were not responded to after several months. In settling the lawsuit, the Duluth School District does not admit any wrongdoing. Johnston filed four data requests with Duluth Public Schools in March 2018. He…

Salt is Potentially Damaging to the Environment

MPCA rallying for reduced use of chloride salt on ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- Weather conditions this winter have caused a lot of ice buildup around the Northland. Covering roads and sidewalks with salt during the winter is routine, but this process can harm to the environment. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, many of the salt and de–icers that make it on the ground will eventually end up polluting bodies…

University Nursery School Opens New Location

Location on East Third Street expected to help with regional child care shortage

DULUTH, Minn. – University Nursery School has opened a new location in the Jefferson Square building on East Third Street. The new spot will allow staff to educate forty-eight infants, fifty-five toddlers, and seventy-two pre-schoolers. The child care center is now accepting applications. They’re hoping to fill the big space with kids having fun. “Duluth has long winters and now…

Adventure Awaits with The Duluth Experience this Winter

Dave Grandmaison with The Duluth Experience Talks About Upcoming Winter Excursions in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Experience offers a wide variety of unique adventures for every season in the Northland. This winter, Co-Founder and CEO of The Duluth Experience, Dave Grandmaison, is excited to share a new Curling and Brews Experience. This adventure allows thrill seekers the opportunity to learn how to curl, then enjoy a great local brew from Ursa…

1-7-19 Closings and Delays Due to Winter Weather

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News for Monday, January 7, 2019

Aitkin Public Schools – Closed Barnum Schools – Closed Bessemer, MI Area School District – Closed Birchwood School District – 2 Hour Delay Carlton Schools – Closed (* No AM or PM preschool) Cook County School District ISD 166 – Closed Cloquet Schools – 2 Hour Delay Deer River Schools ISD 317 – 2 Hour Delay East Central School District ISD 2580…

Lake Superior Estuarium Holds Open House

Staff Wants More to Learn About Lake and Estuary

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s much about Lake Superior and it’s surrounding water that the public isn’t aware of, according to the Lake Superior Reserve. On Friday, the National Estuarine Research Reserve had an open house to help educate more about our neighborly body of water. Staff said they have a variety of interactive educational tools and programs to help you learn…

Duluth Library’s Winter Job: Part Time Movie Theater

Movies in the Library Caters to Kids Home on Break

DULUTH, Minn.- Not all families can make it to the slopes for skiing. Parents with jobs, or lack of ski-lodge money can make it difficult to entertain kids on Winter Break, so the Duluth Public Library has got a free solution. Movies at the Library allows kids of all ages to come and watch a family friendly movie with other…

Autonomous Vehicles Made by UMD Students

DULUTH, Minn. – In the future, self driving vehicles could be taking over Northland roads, that’s if some UMD engineering students have their way. Earlier this month, fifteen teams from an introductory engineering course hosted a competition with miniature self driving vehicles which navigated a route without human intervention. Students in the class said this type of learning has taught…

Coffee Conversation: Staying Heart Healthy this Winter

Dr. Leif Christianson, St. Luke's Cardiologist, Offers Tips to Stay Heart Healthy this Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation, St. Luke’s Cardiologist, Dr. Leif Christianson, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about ways to stay heart healthy this winter. The Northland is suffering a lack of snowfall so far this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make up for it as the season goes on. Christianson wants to…

CSS Says Farewell to Fall 2018 Graduates

Fall 2018 Commencement Held in Reif Gymnasium

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday marked the beginning of a new chapter for many St. Scholastica Saints, as they donned their caps and gowns for the 2018 fall commencement. 664 students walked the stage into their new lives. Officials say the college’s most popular majors among undergrads are nursing, social work and management. For the former students, the day marks a triumphant…

Duluth Gun Violence Vigil to Raise Awareness Today

A Vigil for the Lives Lost to Gun Violence in the United States is Happening Thursday, December 13 at Noon at the First Luteran Church in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The 6th Annual December vigil to remember victims of gun violence is happening Thursday, December 13 at noon. The event is taking place at First Lutheran Church in Duluth (1100 East Superior Street). Organizers say this vigil is an important part in raising awareness in the Northland when it comes to gun violence and safety. The annual…

3 Women Graduate from Machine Operation Training Program

Program aims to get more women in non-traditional fields

DULUTH, Minn. – Three local women recently completed a program through SOAR Career Solutions and Lake Superior College where they learned job skills in machine operation. The three women graduated in a special ceremony at Duluth City Hall. Their program was created under the Women’s Economic Security Act to train more women in non-traditional career fields. “It’s not just me…

Protect Your Paws from Holiday Regret

Animal Allies Wants to Remind Potential Pet Owners in the Northland to Think Twice Before Adding to Your Family this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis the season for gift giving! From the latest electronics, to an adorable kitten or puppy, staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth want to remind all potential pet owners to think twice before adopting and adding to your family, especially over the holiday season. Michelle Sternberg with Animal Allies says potential adopters often stop by…

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree From The Superior National Forest!

Great Outdoors Holiday Tradition

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Robot Wars Take Over Lake Superior College

Manufacturing Robots Competition Held at Downtown Center

DULUTH, Minn.-The machines took over Lake Superior College’s Downtown Center, as they put some of their student–made robots to the test for “Robot Wars.” Seven integrated manufacturing student teams designed and built robots, who were tested with their ability to take water from one bucket, across the obstacle course, and to the other bucket. Students say it’s great to see…

At LSC Throw a Bowl, Feed the Hungry

LSC Art Club Hosts Annual Throw-a-Thon

DULUTH, Minn.-For two days anyone can throw pottery for free at Lake Superior College, and support a good cause. The college’s Art Club is hosting their 19th annual Throw-a-Thon. Anyone in the community can go and make some clay bowls, which are sold to raise money for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. “Hoping it can like bring the…

Skates for Superior Program Now Accepting Donations

The goal of the program is to outfit local rinks to provide equipment to the public free of charge.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior has partnered with the Superior/Douglas County Adult Leadership Program to launch a program called “Skates for Superior.” The program is part of a superior high school senior project by hockey player Trevor Dalbec. It’s his mission to provide local rinks with skates, helmets and sticks donated by members of the community. “I wanted to do…

Near-Campus Housing Could Be Coming to LSC

College working with developer to build 300 unit complex near their main campus

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College may soon have student housing right next to their main campus for the first time ever. College officials are working with a private developer to build up to three-hundred units of efficiency-style apartments right across the parking lot from their main campus on Trinity Road. Most of the land where the proposed development would…

UWS Multicultural Center Renamed to Commemorate Beloved Professor

The William "Pope" Wright Jr Student Center is open for business on the UWS campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Wisconsin–Superior Multicultural Center has a new name, it’s now the William “Pope” Wright Jr Student Center. The center provides access and programs and support for under represented minority students on campus. It recently underwent renovations where almost one hundred thousand dollars were invested into the space upgrade and is now open to the campus and the community. “We…

Dance Works to Take Over at Marshall Performing Arts Center Thursday

UMD Theatre Presents the Annual Dance Works Performance Starting Thursday, November 29 at Marshall Performing Arts Center

DULUTH, Minn. – The energetic folks at the UMD Theatre are excited to present 15 new performances, three by faculty and twelve by student choreographers, starting  Thursday, November 29. This year’s Dance Works will be presented on the main stage at the Marshall Performing Arts Center on the campus of UMD. Dance Works will feature a range of dances in a variety of…

Learn How to Cut with Plasma at Duluth Makerspace

Intro to Plasma Cutting Class Held

DULUTH, Minn.- Education in unique skills was abound in Duluth on Sunday, as people could try cutting out their own designs in metal at a plasma cutting class Plasma cutting involves cutting through electrically conductive materials with a jet of hot plasma. Duluth MakerSpace held the three hour class, as part of their metal shop teaching program. They invited all…

UWS International Students Share International Food

UWS Holds International Cooking Demo at Pilgrim Lutheran Church

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The cultures of UWS were on display at Pilgrim Lutheran Church Saturday. The University hosted their annual International Cooking Demo. Foods from around 10 countries were available, for people to get a taste of a different culture. “Our main motto is to bring people together so that they can know more about our culture, and we can learn…

Duluth: City of Gingerbread

Gingerbread City at Nordic Center

DULUTH, Minn.-While Bentleyville is making Duluth a city of lights, the Nordic Center is making Duluth a city of gingerbread. For the 7th year the Nordic Center set up their Gingerbread City. After a gingerbread decorating workshop, you could go and make other crafts with UMD students, embracing Nordic tradition in Duluth. “We want people to come together, take some…

WITC Hosts Cosmetology Open House

Program is one of two active cosmetology schools in the twin ports

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Since the closing of Regency Beauty Institute in 2016, only two cosmetology schools remain in the twin ports: Cosmetology Careers Unlimited in Downtown Duluth and the program at WITC Superior. WITC held a cosmetology open house where prospective students could tour the facility, meet the faculty, watch demonstrations, and even get a free brow wax. “Not only…

Pro-Life Posters Taken Down and Destroyed at UMD

Bulldog Students for Life tell us many of their event posters were taken down between Friday and Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – A pro-life UMD student organization says their free speech is being limited on campus after posters about an upcoming event were torn down and destroyed. Bulldog Students for Life is the pro-life student organization. On Friday, they put up posters promoting their event, the Face of Choice. They say many of those posters were taken down by…

Want Tips On How To Start Your Own Small Business?

Small Business Workshops Offering Tips To Help Beginners Start Up In Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A small business workshop kicked off today, providing tips on how you can start up your own business in Douglas County. Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco lead Monday’s class on restaurant start-ups. “Everybody’s just in the listening stage. One of the best tips I give people when they are starting a business is to remember everything takes…

Students Pledge To Not Text & Drive

"It Can Wait Campaign" Focuses On Texting While Driving, With A Distracted Driving Simulator At Marshall School

DULUTH, Minn. — “It can wait” campaign highlighted the dangers of distracted driving to the students of Duluth Marshall School. About 250 attended and watched a video telling the true stories of Caleb and Forrest, who were killed by smartphone distracted driving. After the presentation students were encouraged to try out the distracted driving simulator and put their skills to…

UMD Brings Food From Around the World

International Taste of UMD Took Place at Hope United Methodist Church

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD took folks on a trip around the world Saturday, as their annual International Taste of UMD brought delicacies from around 25 countries to the Northland, all handmade by UMD students. The smell of food from Iran, India, the Philippines, Columbia, and more wafted through the halls of the Hope United Methodist Church. “The fact that UMD is…

The Bell Tolls for the Edmund Fitzgerald

Commemoration of Shipwreck Held at Split Rock

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- On November 10th, 43 years ago, a tragedy rocked Lake Superior. The SS Edmund Fitzgerald ship sank, taking all 29 crew members with it. On Saturday that ship, and those lives lost, were honored at Split Rock Lighthouse. One might expect this event to be one full of sorrow, and grief. But 43 years later, a mix…

Duluth Voters Approve Property Tax Increase for School District

Another referendum failed that propsed an additional increase for improved technology

DULUTH, Minn. – More teachers and smaller class sizes are coming to the Duluth School District after voters approved two referendums last night. A third referendum to update technology in schools was voted down. The first referendum passed last night maintained the Duluth School District’s operating levy. The second referendum will raise property taxes by about $9 per month on…

Former First Lady Edith Wilson to Come Alive Friday in Superior

Douglas County Historical Society in Superior will Host "Edith Wilson," a Historic Political Performance for the Community on Friday, November 9

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Happening Friday, November 9, the Douglas County Historical Society will present “Edith Wilson” LIVE on stage. Accomplished actress Jessica Michna is a one-woman show bringing Edith Wilson to the history theater stage on the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice and the end of WWI. Tony Tracy, Executive Director of the Historical Society says, “Edith played an amazing…

UMD Political Science Professor Discusses 2018 Midterm Elections

UMD Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Cindy Rugeley Breaks Down the Heated Political Races in Minnesota and Wisconsin on Election Day 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Election Day 2018. On Tuesday, November 6, millions of Americans are heading out to the polls to determine the winners of key races from coast to coast. Locally, Minnesotans and Wisconsinites have a jam packed ballot. Both Governor seats are up for grabs, and many House and Senate seats are also in the headlines. Dr. Cindy Rugeley,…