Education

What it Takes to Compete in 4H

The St. Louis County Fair is a big event for 4H showmen.

PROCTOR, Minn.- County fairs are underway in the Twin Ports and 4H is a big part of it all, teaching students how to raise livestock and perform. These County Fairs are the big show for the animal caretakers, it’s the time they get to show off all their hard work after training animals one–on–one to perform, this weekend is the…

Animal Answers: Teaching with Touch at Great Lakes Aquarium

Great Lakes Aquarium Unveiled their New Touchpools on Memorial Day Weekend; the Attraction is Increasing in Popularity

DULUTH, Minn. – Some say seeing is believing, but at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, touching is teaching. On Memorial Day weekend, the Aquarium unveiled three touchpools for the public to visit, including horseshow crabs, sharks, jelly fish and more. The Great Lakes Aquarium is open Monday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Click here to learn more information….

Active Adventures: Safely Lighting Fireworks

KG Fireworks Warehouse on the South Range Offers Safety Classes

SOUTH RANGE, Wisc. — KG Fireworks Warehouse teaches us how to safely light fireworks in this weeks active adventures. From a slow burn safety fuse to home made quick and easy stands, to help make your fireworks experience a safe and memorable one. Join Meteorologist Brittney Merlot and Owner Jason Detherage of KG Fireworks for tips. Safety classes are also…

St. Luke’s Dietitian Offers Summer Food Safety Tips

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne Offers Important Tips to Remember When Preparing Your Summer BBQ

DULUTH, Minn. – Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year and many folks will be firing up the grill to help celebrate, but St. Luke’s in Duluth says it’s important to remember a few simple safety tips when it comes to setting out your favorite picnic foods. Monday morning, St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne stopped by FOX 21…

UMD’s Land Lab Named Top Five in the Nation

UMD's Land Lab is officially the fifth best college farm according to Best Value Schools.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Land Lab at the University of Minnesota Duluth is officially ranked one of the top college farms in the country. UMD’s Land Lab is officially the fifth best college farm according to Best Value Schools. The farm stretches over 30 acres and is ran by over a thousand students every year. Fruits and vegetables grown on the…

“Break the Chain” for Cancer Research this Sunday

The Event is Hosted by the University of Minnesota Medical School and College Pharmacy, Duluth Campus

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Sunday, June 24, The University of Minnesota Medical School and College of Pharmacy, Duluth Campus join the “chain” of community groups in the fight against cancer. The University of Minnesota Medical School and College of Pharmacy on the Duluth Campus have joined the Chainbreaker event for the second year. One-hundred percent of the proceeds goes toward…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Food Access Program

The Summer Food Access Program is Organized by the Duluth Area Family YMCA

  The Duluth Area Family YMCA is once again participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), providing students across the community with nutritious meals while school is out. Organizers say meals will be provided to all enrolled children (18 years of age and younger) without charge. Meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis at the sites…

Superior School Bus Drivers Upset with District Changes

The bus drivers don't want to sign any contracts until they can talk with the incoming superintendent.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Bus drivers with the Superior School District are slamming the brakes on the district’s changes to operations. The changes involve where the buses are stored overnight and new non-breakable one–year work contracts. Emotions were high as bus drivers sounded off to Superior School District Superintendent Jana Stevens on Thursday. More than two dozen bus drivers showed up to…

Planning for the Ultimate Vacation: Retirement

Finanical Advisor Barry Bigelow says Planning for Retirement Requires More Planning than Your Annual Family Vacations

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is in full gear and for many, that means traveling the country and taking some much-needed time off. But if you’re like many Americans, there’s a good chance you’ve spent more time planning this summer’s getaway than you have planning your ultimate vacation; retirement. Great Waters Financial Lead Advisor Barry Bigelow says retirement planning requires just…

Little Library Opens at Great Lakes Elementary School

Free book exchange encourages kids to keep reading in the summer

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new little library is encouraging kids to read all summer. The PTA at Great Lakes Elementary School set up the book exchange outside the front doors of the school. Kids biking by can take a book and donate a book they’ve already read for another kid to enjoy. Parents and school officials hope the new resource…

Proctor Middle School Students Host Fundraiser for International Trip

PROCTOR, Minn. – Students from Proctor Middle School are raising money for their London, England trip in October 2018. After submitting personal essays and receiving teacher recommendation letters, students were selected to represent their school and community on this exciting travel adventure. The students will visit historical sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and more. As…

Duluth Teacher Deemed Negligent After Two Kindergarten Students Locked Outside of School

The mother of one of the students involved tells us mistakes happen but not being truthful is another story.

DULUTH, Minn.- A teacher with the Duluth School District is under investigation and on unpaid leave after two kindergarten students were accidentally locked outside in the cold. The incident happened in January 2017, at Congdon Park Elementary School. The mother of one of the students involved tells us mistakes happen but not being truthful is another story. The Minnesota Department of…

Vikings, U.S. Bank Help Fund Rec Center At Stowe Elementary

DULUTH, Minn.-  The new recreation center is currently being built in New Gary Duluth right outside Stowe Elementary School, which got a huge boost from U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Vikings in the form of a $50,000 grant. The funds will go toward a new sports court, which students celebrated with the team on Monday, including Vikings mascot Victor and…

Duluth Library Summer Reading Program Starts Today

DULUTH, Minn. – The summer reading program at the Duluth Public Library is beginning today. Kids and teens can log reading time to earn small prizes and a free book of their choice at the 20-hour mark. They may also be entered into grand prize drawings for Barnes & Noble or Visa gift cards. Participating adults will be entered into…

Piedmont Panthers Receive Graduation Surprise from Overseas

Piedmont Kindergartener Zach Ault Dealt with Emotional Struggles After His Mom was Deployed in January, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s estimated more than 1.3 million children in the United States are currently living with a parent who is serving overseas in the military. Everyday events happen, memories are made and often one parent is forced to miss out. But thanks to today’s technology, three students at Piedmont Elementary in Duluth has the surprise of a lifetime…

Wisconsin Students Grow Spinach in High Tunnel Greenhouse

UW-Extension Offers Opportunity For Learning and Job Experience

WASHBURN, Wis. – For the past two years, the UW-Extension has been working with Washburn High School to see how high tunnel to see how high tunnel greenhouses can help with growing produce all year. “I’ve learned that spinach is pretty hearty,” said ninth-grade student Seth Johnson, “we’ve been testing different heats, different soils, to see what makes it grow…

New Rip Current Warning Signal Unveiled

The New Rip Current Warning Signal Flag is Located on the South Pier Near the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth recently applied for funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to add a rip current signal flag on Corps property near the Aerial Lift Bridge. On Wednesday, the new signal flag was unveiled with a ceremony including staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and…

Local Authors, Characters, to Read to Kids to Encourage Educational Success

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northland children will get to hear from local authors and characters as part of a “Super Sweet Story Time.” This is a day-long reading event hosted by A Sweet Event and Legacy Toys. According to the owner of A Sweet Event, Peter Cpin, reading is the single most significant factor to influence a child’s early…

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Captain of Duluth Honor Guard, John Marshall, Shares the Importance of Memorial Day, West Duluth Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a holiday many use to grill, connect with family and friends or travel to kick off the summer season. But for Captain of the Duluth Honor Guard John Marshall, Memorial Day is a time to educate and share knowledge of why we honor the day annually. Marshall says it’s important to honor Memorial Day every day, not…

Starbase Celebrates First School Year

The classroom is a whole new experience for children who learn to program rovers and create real-world architectural design.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Northland students are experiencing what its like to be a scientist through a program called Starbase, which is celebrating the end of its first school year program. The classroom is a whole new experience for children who learn to program rovers and create real-world architectural design. The Starbase program operates on the base of the 148th Fighter…

Students Learn How to Leave No Trace on the Trails

Leave no trace is a set of principles to help enjoy the outdoors sustainably.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Outdoors took over Congdon Park Elementary School as students learn how to preserve our forests. The Superior National Forest’s educational outreach program aims to inspire students to enjoy our trails but also know the proper etiquette. The gym transformed into a mock boundary waters campsite at Congdon Elementary School. “We want kids to care about the environment…

Tutors Needed in the Northland

Duluth needs 52 tutors for the upcoming school year starting this fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Elementary schools in the Northland are in need for more math and reading tutors, this comes after students are struggling at higher class levels such as algebra. Duluth needs 52 tutors for the upcoming school year starting this fall. Full-time and part-time tutors are being recruited by AmeriCorps. Educators say the preschool level has the largest demand for…

Twin Ports Residents Peddle Forth on National Bike to Work Day

National Bike to Work Day Events in Duluth and Superior are Organized by the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed a few extra bicyclists on the road during your commute across the Twin Ports Friday. It was all to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. It’s a common sight year round throughout many communities in the Northland; bikers strapping on helmets and raising kickstands no matter how cold it gets. “It’s a perfect…

Time to Register for Summer Camp at Animal Allies

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Advise Signing up for Summer Camp Sooner Rather than Later

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days remain before summer camp will be full at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about what your child will take part in during camp. Aside from getting to pet animals and work to make sure they’re happy and healthy on…

Companies to Classrooms Has Been Helping Teachers for Five Years

Organization has a free school supplies store for Northland educators

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization in Duluth has spent five years giving free school supplies to area teachers. Companies to Classrooms recently moved to a new location in the basement of the Old Central High School building. It is a free store filled with new and slightly used items donated by people and businesses to help students’ educational experience. “This…

Lake Superior College Holds 2018 Commencement

More than 700 graduates walked across the DECC Auditorium stage

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College celebrated their 2018 graduating class at their annual commencement ceremony. More than seven-hundred students walked across the stage at the DECC Auditorium to get their degrees, diplomas, and certificates. As students prepare for the next steps in their lives, family members came to show their support. “We are very proud of her. Very proud….

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

Olympic Curling Team Tells Their Story to Middle School Students

The Gold Medal athletes inspired kids to follow their dreams

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Members of the gold medal winning U.S. Olympic Curling Team shared their stories with middle school students in Duluth and Superior. The curlers shared their Olympic journey and their inspiring stories of growing up in the Northland and achieving their dreams. John Shuster, John Landsteiner, and Joe Polo spoke to hundreds of students at Superior Middle School….

Educators Celebrated on Teacher Appreciation Day

One Local Business Giving Away Books to Teachers

DULUTH, Minn.-Throughout the country today, teachers are being celebrated because it’s National Teacher Appreciation Day. Some businesses are giving teachers special deals as a way of saying thank you, including Duluth’s Once Upon a Child, which buys and sells used items for children. The owners say they have a special appreciation for educators, due to a family connection to teaching….

LSC Firefighting Students Complete Hands-on Training

After the '14 Hour Shift' second year students graduate from the program

DULUTH, Minn. – There is a big demand for firefighters across the nation. Lake Superior College firefighting students took their training to another level today before trying to find jobs in the competitive field. Firefighting students at LSC completed their ’14 Hour Shift’ Monday. The training puts together everything they’ve learned throughout the year and asks them to use it…

Wolf Ridge ELC Unveils Renovated Margaret A. Cargill Lodge

The Margaret A. Cargill Lodge is Renovated to Meet the Highest International Standard for Sustainability

FINLAND, Minn. – A vision of outdoor education and sustainability back in 1971 has become a huge success over the years in Lake County. Staff, students and visitors to this popular attraction continue to stay one step ahead of the game when it comes to going green. “Wolf Ridge started on the idea of let’s get kids outside and get…

Paint Your Pet Class Has People Creating Art of Their Furry Friends

No, they're not painting on their pets, they're painting pictures OF their pets.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Some people in Duluth spent a relaxing Sunday getting in touch with their creative side. Folks gathered at Blacklist Artisan Ales for a “Paint Your Pet” class. People submitted photos of their pet to the artist at MP Design Art, who then creates a paint–by–numbers image, so that even the most inexperienced painter can complete a masterpiece…

UMD Students walk across the stage for graduation

More than 2,000 students graduated on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday was a big day for University of Minnesota – Duluth students at Amsoil Arena It was UMD’s commencement day for those students who have passed all their tests, and are ready to take the next steps in their lives. “It’s super exciting, seeing all these people, it kind of brings back the memories of all the…

Duluth Schools Facing $4 Million Budget Shortfall

District Still Looking at Selling Two Vacant Properties

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth School District is facing a $4 million budget shortfall and the clock is ticking on when they have to get their final budget in. June 30th is the deadline for the district, which has been facing some tough financial times in recent years. Their budget sits at $100 million right now and they are hoping to get…

Arrowhead Youth Games Bring Sunshine and Smiles

The Arrowhead Youth Games is an on-going tradition.

DULUTH, Minn.-The day camp invites kids with disabilities from various schools to try activities they may have never experienced before. We spoke with one student who mastered a new bike and even took up archery. “I got it right in the red circle and I got it above it, the black circle, I got it above it,” Daniel Loney said….

Students Pitch City Plans to Local Officials

The plans could be used for future city projects.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students at the University of Minnesota Duluth have been brainstorming ways to utilize plots in the city. Art history students are sharing their vision for redesigning the lots around Essentia Health and the former Cobb Elementary School. Their plans were pitched to the City Planning Commission and could be incorporated in future city projects. “The fact that it…

Superior Schools Helping Students Cope with Explosion

The school district wants to make sure students dealing with stress, will receive help.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been a week of getting back to normal for some Superior students after just last week, some witnessed the Husky Refinery explosion right from their classroom window. Now educators and families are discussing mental health. The school district wants to make sure students dealing with stress, will receive help.  Families and educators are keeping a close eye…

Duluth Lions Club to Host Annual Pancake Day on Thursday

Annual Fundraiser Supports Local Organization

DULUTH, Minn. – This Thursday Northlanders will have the chance to eat breakfast at any point in the day. The Duluth Lions Club is hosting its Annual Pancake Day, giving hungry eaters the option to eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack! The event will run from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment…

Duluth YMCA Offers Swim Scholarships for Underserved Communities

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is just a couple months away which means families will be out on the lakes enjoying weekends up North. But while enjoying the warmer weather, families should always have water safety on their minds. Sara Eder, the Aquatics Director for the Duluth YMCA, stopped by FOX 21 this morning to chat about safety education opportunities at…

‘One District, One Book’ Project at Duluth Edison Charter Schools

Students, Staff, and Administrators will all read "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" together

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Edison Charter Schools are starting a district-wide special reading project. Every kindergarten through fifth grade student, staff member, and administrator will receive a copy of “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles,” a children’s book by Julie Andrews. They are all asked to read the book at home over the next few weeks. “It’s a great…

Duluth Public Library Focuses on Health and Wellness

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of your health is something important no matter your age, and this weekend the Duluth Public Library is dedicating a day to wellness. The Duluth Public Library is hosting its 2nd annual Wellness Day, dedicated to learning about and trying out healthy lifestyle practices throughout the afternoon. This event will take place at the  Duluth…

Fond Du Lac College is Helping Connect Students with Local Jobs

Officials say the expo shows students other routes their degree can take them.

CLOQUET, Minn.- One local college is helping health and nursing students get a foot in the door for jobs after graduation. Fond Du Lac Community College is hosting a Nurse and Health Sciences Expo. The event brings local organizations in the industry to show students the many job opportunities in their field locally. “It’s great to have the local job fair…

Zoo Hosts “Party for the Planet” Ahead of Earth Day

Event Supports Snow Leopard Trust

DULUTH, Minn. – Tonight it’s going to be a big party at the Lake Superior Zoo and everyone is invited! The Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day and gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after hours. It’s taking place Friday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest can check out the animals and meet endangered species…

Local Student Discusses Gender Neutrality at State Tournament

The Denfeld High School speech team qualified for the state tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Students at Denfeld Highschool are speaking out for what they believe in at a state level competition. The Denfeld Highschool speech team qualified for the state tournament. The five students are competing in St. Paul on Friday, April 20th. One student is using this platform to speak-out on gender neutrality. “It’s really nice to be able to share…

Education Leaders Discuss Helping Kids Experiencing Trauma

Organizers believe educating a variety of organizations using the same message, helps with consistency.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a common concern for educators trying to find the best way to reach students facing tough situations in their lives. Education leaders from across Northland spent Thursday learning how to better handle these students. The conference is not only a space for educators to learn as a team but also a chance to share experiences. The Early…

UW-Superior Students to Perform Comedy Musical

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re looking for a laugh in the coming weeks, you may want to check out UW-Superior’s performance of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical will be performed April 27-28 and May 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Manion Theatre on the UWS  campus. Written…

Meteorologist Talks Weather with Future Scientists

FOX 21's William Seay spoke with second graders at Wrenshall Elementary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- Our very own William Seay informed our future scientists what it’s like as a meteorologist. William spoke with second graders at Wrenshall Elementary School. Students are currently learning about weather in class. Their teacher says hearing from an expert gives students a better perspective. Weather is taught in the spring because here in the Northland, you never know…