Education

Two Harbors Principal Talks Ways To Avoid School Violence

Principal Jay Belcastro Believes Building Relationships with Students Is Key

DULUTH, Minn. – Area high schools are paying close attention to how threats are handled in other school districts, like at Duluth Denfeld where a student there threatened to shoot up the school Monday and later said he was just “messing around.” Two Harbors High School principal Jay Belcastro believes the best way for schools to prevent threats and violent…

Threat at Denfeld High School Could Mean Consequences for Student

Police Do Not Believe There's Any Remaining Threat at Denfeld

DULUTH, Minn. – A student has been identified in connection to a threat of a shooting at Duluth’s Denfeld High School. Classes were not cancelled Monday. Police and the school district felt there was no intent to carry out the threat. On Friday, a Denfeld High School student was overheard by another student talking about shooting up the school. It…

Superior High School Students Protest Against Gun Violence

Students said the protest was them also exercising their First Amendment rights.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Students from Superior High School took their concerns on gun violence to the streets, doubling down on similar protests that took place earlier in the week at the schools there. A small group came together with one powerful message. One student says she remembers hearing about school shootings in the fourth grade and she couldn’t do much back then, but now she…

Denfeld High School Band Hosts Mardi Gras Themed Fundraiser

Students will perform at several locations while in New Orleans.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Denfeld High School Band has their sights set on taking a trip to New Orleans. So they had a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser to raise money to get them there. The trip is scheduled for next month. Students will perform at several locations while in New Orleans. “Just to see the local history of New Orleans…

Giant Insects Fill Duluth Depot

Educational Exhibit Features Entomology

DULUTH, Minn. – Giant insects are taking over the Duluth Depot. Friday an educational exhibit highlighting insects is opening up at the Duluth Depot. The World of Giant Insects exhibit opens Saturday, March 3. There will be eight giant robotic insects similar to the size of compact automobiles. The nationally recognized traveling exhibit runs through April 11. It’s free to…

Students Speak Out Discussing Mental Health

This is the second year the student ran group YOUmatter, held Speak Out Night.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students in Duluth are breaking the silence on the topic of mental health. The second annual Speak Out Night event was held at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The group, YOUmatter, was put together by students. They’re opening up the conversation about mental health and suicide in the community. Thursday YOUmatter got the conversation going, sharing experiences with mental…

Students Find Careers at Head of the Lakes Job

UW-Superior Hosted Annual Spring Job and Internship Fair

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some hot careers for recent college grads are data and financial analysts. Companies from across the region are hiring for those and many other positions. College students met with employers at the Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair today at UW-Superior. More than a hundred companies showcased their latest openings. “Our students need an opportunity…

Local Students Hold Peaceful Protest Asking for Change

The students at Superior Middle School held a walk-out to honor the students who were shot and killed in Florida

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Students at Stoneman Douglas High School returned to classes for the first time since the shooting massacre, Superior Middle School students made their voices heard. The students at Superior Middle School held a walk-out to honor the students who were shot and killed in Florida. It was also a time to talk gun regulations, mental health, and school safety….

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Minnesota

Students at Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy Celebrated

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is school bus driver appreciation day in Minnesota. Students at the Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy are going the extra mile for their favorite bus drivers. Classrooms are making posters, thank you cards, and treat jars for their drivers who work hard every day. “The drivers really do a great job of getting them home…

Construct Tomorrow Gives Students Hands-On Career Guidance

More Than 1,000 Students Expected at the Two Day Event at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Area students have the opportunity to learn all about construction and trades careers at the Construct Tomorrow job fair at the DECC in Duluth. More than a thousand high school students from across the Northland are getting a hands-on look at sixteen kinds of in-demand careers. Students are hammering, brick laying, and climbing with local professionals at…

Annual Job and Internship Fair Offers Opportunities to Northland Community

Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re eager to find a job or interested in learning more about a new career path, The University of Wisconsin-Superior can help you do so this week.   The Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair is being held Thursday, March 1 at the Yellowjacket Union on UW-Superior’s campus. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m….

How to Spot Substance Abuse Warning Signs

One in three twelfth grade students report in trying marijuana according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Middle School transformed a number of rooms into mock drug rooms, giving community members a hands on trial at spotting warning signs. Classrooms were transformed into mock teenage bedrooms. Community members were tasked with spotting the warning sign and potential hiding places to store drugs. Each room had up to 27 to 28 items the programs says…

UMD to Perform Play by Local Playwright

"These Shining Lives" Performances Begin Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a play is opening in Duluth highlighting the struggle women faced as they advocated for a safe workplace in the 1920s and 1930s. “These Shining Lives” will be presented March 1 – 18 in Dudley Experimental Theatre in Marshall Performing Arts Center at UMD. Playwright Melanie Marnich was born and raised in the Morgan Park…

HCIS Students Fundraising for Unique Field Trip

Every student is responsible for their own fundraising goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local students are working hard to raise money this weekend, for a once in a lifetime school field trip. Students at the Harbor City International School in Duluth held a rummage sale to raise funds for a trip to Europe. The school rather than fundraising for technology or other tangible things, traveling outside the country will stick with…

Northland Native Writes & Directs Holocaust Play

Historical Play Performed at UW-Superior This Weekend

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An original play written from the view of children who experienced the holocaust is being performed at UW-Superior this weekend. “Children of the Holocaust” will be performed in the Manion Theatre on the UW-Superior campus. Performances will take place on Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. This original script, which…

‘Children of the Holocaust’ Playing at UW-Superior

Original Play by Kathy Laakso Teaches the Horrors of the Holocaust

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An original play about the horrors of the holocaust is being performed at UW-Superior. “Children of the Holocaust” was written and directed by Northland native Kathy Laakso. The forty-minute show tells the true stories of various people affected by the 1940s genocide in Europe. Wednesday, Superior High School students were able to watch a special showing of…

Marshall Students Volunteer After Snow Leaves Many Stuck at Home

Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are Marshall students lending a helping hand after snow storm

DULUTH, Minn. – Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are 8th-grade students at Duluth’s Marshall School, and they have a passion for helping others. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping people out and giving them more chances to get out of their houses,” Orn said. The girls are working on a school project – one that puts them right in…

Superior School District Selects New Administrator

Amy Starzecki starts her new role on July 1st.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Amy Starzecki has been the assistant superintendent of Duluth public schools since 2015.  Before that, she worked in the Floodwood and Deer River school districts. Starzecki says she is excited to get to work in superior and will spend the next several months transitioning into her new role. “I’m currently just trying to figure out what are…

Experts Share How to Speak to Children In the Wake of Tragedy

Seventeen people were killed in the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

DULUTH, Minn. – The safety and well being of all students is something area school districts take seriously. Even though the mass shooting in Florida happened far away, students in the Northland can still have a hard time coping. With their sense of security when events like this occur. As difficult as this topic may be experts say it’s an important conversation to…

Lake Superior College Has An Issue With Leaking Roofs

School administrators say a lot of the updates have been put off for too long.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whenever it rains, water leaks into offices at Lake Superior College in Duluth. That’s one reason the college is included on Gov. Dayton’s proposed bonding bill list for $6 million dollars in funding. Many buildings on campus are state of the art, but have been built around older buildings that are almost 60 years old. School administrators…

Final Superior Superintendent Candidates Answer Public Questions

The new superintendent will be announced late Tuesday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis., Tuesday night  a new superintendent will be chosen for the Superior School District. Dennis Goodwin, Francis Redmond and Amy Starzecki are all in the running. The  school board and community members are asking the finalists an array of questions from handling funding issues to communication with the public. “I’ll say visibility is a big one, meeting with the…

UMD Students to Perform in Annual Bands Concert

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the musical talents of UMD students will be on display for the Annual Bands Concert. During the concert, two bands, The UMD Concert Band, which is made up of primarily non-music music majors, and the UMD Symphonic Wind Ensemble, perform. Mark Whitlock, the Director of Bands, Trombone and Graduate Studies visited FOX 21 to discuss…

Traveling Exhibits Offer Glance at Formation of St. Louis County

Northland Uncovered: St. Louis County Historical Society Traveling Exhibits

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Historical Society is filled with stories of all the different cultures that have passed through and immigrated to the area. Now, historical society officials are hoping to share those stories with the Northland. The historical society has 16 traveling exhibits available for rent. Any organization can borrow them from schools and churches to…

UMD Students Create Art to Support Duluth NAACP

Coffee Conversation: Freedom Fund Dinner

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth NAACP’s upcoming Freedom Fund Dinner is getting some support from UMD graphic design students. Those students are designing pieces to be sold as a fundraiser for the Duluth NAACP at the annual Freedom Fund Dinner. This is taking place on Friday, Feb. 23. There will be an art show from 5 – 6 p.m. and…

Lake Superior College Has Low-Cost Physical Therapy Clinic

A physical therapy assistant degree can be completed in two years at Lake Superior College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Twice a week, Lake Superior College offers low-cost physical therapy for anyone whose insurance may not cover it. The special clinic is open Monday and Wednesday afternoons during the school year. The clinic is a partnership between Lake Superior College and the College of St. Scholastica. Students from both schools treat the patients. Some patients have come in…

Duluth School Changes Reading Lists Due to Use of Racial Slur

"To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" are required readings in high school literature classes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Changes are coming at Duluth Public Schools when it comes to required reading lists for students. The changes are happening because of the use of racial slurs in two books. At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” will not be required readings. The books are not…

Forum Offers Duluth Public Schools Update

A Forum Hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Included Superintendent Bill Gronseth, District Chief Financial Officer Doug Hasler

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce gave those involved in the Duluth School District a chance to voice concerns and hear some answers Tuesday morning. Coffee cups and curious community members filled the dining space of Valentini’s restaurant on London Road. “As we address our budget, as we address a strategic plan moving forward, we all need…

Boys and Girls Club of the Northland celebrates Youth of the Year

Staff selects one of three youths to represent the organization at a competition in the Twin Cities

DULUTH, Minn. – The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland held a celebration to honor some of their youth’s success in their organization. Local leaders were on hand to congratulate the young ones at the Youth of the Year event. “Our staff have chosen three finalists for the Youth of the Year. One of them will be chosen to…

Duluth Public Library hosts “Mad Science” with the Duluth Playhouse

Mad Science is an interactive and educational play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library hosted “Mad Science,” performed by members of the Duluth Playhouse on Tuesday. Mad Science is an interactive story about a young group of friends all vying for the position of science club president.  The play is part of a series of events designed to get kids interested in the library. “It’s really important…

St. Scholastica Theatre Premieres “Eleemosynary”

Playwright Lee Blessing to Hold Q&A

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica Theatre has started performances of its latest production. “Eleemosynary” by Lee Blessing is running through this weekend. Evening performances will be Feb. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be in the St. Scholastica Theatre building, which is behind…

‘Senior Connection’ receives grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An local organization that helps senior citizens has received a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. Senior Connections provides meals for senior citizens, from programs like Meals on wheels, to “Campus Café” at the University of Wisconsin–Superior campus . Everyday, senior citizens are able to come to UWS campus and enjoy a meal among the college…

Duluth Edison Charter Schools to Create Alumni Program with New Celebration

Coffee Conversation: DECS Alumni and Third Decade Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Edison Charter Schools is celebrating several years in the Northland. While marking that milestone, they’re hoping to build school spirit through alum. Bonnie Jorgenson, the Head of Schools, says this is important in order to build a school community that lasts a lifetime. This past year, the school is entering its 21st year, so the new…

State Higher Education Commissioner Visits UMD For Proposed Bonding Projects Tour

The Duluth Campus Share of the Total Request is Under $18 Million.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Dayton’s proposed bonding bill for the next session includes $28 million for University Minnesota Duluth (UMD). The state’s higher education commissioner was on the UMD campus to see where some of the funding would go if the proposed bonding request is approved. Some of the money UMD is asking for would be reinvested into facilities for research, outreach and education…

UWS Invites Students to Help Build the Kindness Quilt

The supplies are provided in select offices on campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin Superior is asking students to tap into their creative side to show kindness on campus. The Kindness Quilt has become a UWS tradition. During the month of February students, faculty, and families on campus are invited to decorate a felt square to represent equality. The supplies are located on campus at the Veterans and…

Exhibit Marks 100th Anniversary of the 1918 Fire

There are books about the fire available for purchase that feature dramatic writings and poetry.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Oct. will mark the 100th anniversary of a massive fire in northern Minnesota. Stories about this fire have been passed down through generations. The fire of 1918 is considered to be the worst natural disaster in Minnesota history that left 450 people dead. Oct.  12, 1918, is a day that will never be forgotten. The Carlton…

St. Luke’s Offers eCare Program for All

Online Proram Aims to Treat Patients Conveniently

DULUTH, Minn. – With cold and flu season well underway, it can be helpful to get a diagnosis online so you can start treating your illness quickly. St. Luke’s has started an eCare program. This is part of St. Luke’s goal to provide convenient access to care. Users can enter their symptoms into the online program and a St. Luke’s…

Classic Children’s Tale to be Performed on UMD Stage

"Charlotte's Web" Opens Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a story many know from childhood, and now it’s coming to a stage in Duluth. Charlotte’s Web is being performed by students at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. The children’s tale highlights friendship and sacrifice. The play is based on the book by E.B. White. Show Dates: Feb 1-3 & 8-10 at  6:30 p.m. Feb…

New Duluth Police Officers Train For Field Sobriety Tests

DULUTH, Minn. — The culture of drinking and driving in Minnesota has changed since the 1980s when more than 250 people died every year in alcohol-related crashes. Since 2010, that number now averages around 127 deaths every year. But authorities stress even one death a year is far too many. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger gives you a look inside the Duluth…

One Book Northland Honors Local Author

The book club aims to celebrate reading books accessible to everyone in the region.

DULUTH, Minn.-  For the 17th year libraries around the region are joining together celebrating the One Book Northland project. This month’s chosen book is written by local author Katharine Johnson titled The Wind and The Drum. Officials are excited to celebrate a book from the community. “Even better in a year like this when we can find a local tie…

Superior Sister City Celebrates 20th Year

Students are fundraising to make a trip to the Sister City

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  The Superior Sister City is celebrating a 20 year relationship with Ami Machi, Japan. Monday night kids in the Superior School District are getting a taste of another culture. The Japanese New Year was honored Monday night. Families tasted exotic foods. learned origami, and dress up in kimonos. “Just to be a kid from this area and have the…

Blue Moon, Super Moon, Total Lunar Eclipse Rolled into One

Some call it a “super blue blood moon.”

In this Aug. 28, 2007, file photo, the moon takes on different orange tones during a lunar eclipse seen from Mexico City. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The moon is providing a rare triple treat this week. On Wednesday, much of the world will get to see not only a blue moon and a super moon,…

New science building taking shape at UMD

An engineer on the project is also a UMD alum

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the new science building at UMD is moving along. FOX 21 got a look inside the new facility on Friday. The building features four floors with both laboratories and classrooms together in one place. UMD’s Swenson College of Science and Engineering alum Laura Hart is an engineer on the project. “It’s really cool that I…

UW-Superior Launches Strategic Diversity Plan

The university introduces first Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior has recently initiated the first Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the history of the institution. The plan is designed to help the UW-Superior community achieve a diverse and inclusive campus climate. “There have been so many groups in involved,” said Jerel Benton, Senior Diversity Officer. “It’s been great. It gives…

Duluth Public Library Rewarding Reading

The library is also giving away prizes if you attend events.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Public Library is giving away prizes to promote reading. Now until February 24th if you attend a class held at the library, you could win a prize. Wednesday the library held a Metal Tool Workshop partnering up with the Duluth Art Institute. The workshop inspired people to tap into their creative side, making raised art with tin foil…

Hartley Nature Center Expanding

The Board has been planning for this expansion over the last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to the Hartley Nature Center building in Duluth. As visitors and students continue to come through the doors, the center is trying to keep up with the demand. Thousands of children visit Hartley every year for school field trips and plans to add on to the building will allow kids to continue…

Law Enforcement Get Special Training at Juvenile Officer’s Conference

"We're hoping to create kind of a team effort." - Cory Spencer, Minnesota Juvenile Officer's Association Treasurer

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1955 the Minnesota Juvenile Officer’s Association has provided members of law enforcement special safety training. This training is designed to help with situations involving young people. Members of law enforcement from around the state who work in schools are learning valuable lessons this week at a special conference in Duluth. Those taking part include juvenile probation…

Superior’s Cooper Elementary School In Finishing Stages

Some of the upper grade level classrooms will have their own bathrooms.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cooper Elementary School in Superior is expected to be open and ready for students to start classes in Sept. The project is well ahead of schedule. When finished it will be a new two story 95,000 square foot school. The school is being built to look more like a house and will feature an east and west…

Superior High School Renovations Making Progress

The $60 million project is being funded by a $92.5 million referendum that was passed last spring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Andy Wolfe has been teaching at Superior High School for 20 years. He’s always wanted bigger spaces for more student collaboration. With the ongoing expansion he’s getting that wish. “The sizes of the places, the hallways are big and open, which is so much better than what we currently have. the classrooms immediately felt bigger,” said Wolfe. When…

Lake Superior College Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships

Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The spring semester is in swing at Lake Superior College, and some students in the machine tool technology department are already being honored with a special scholarship. Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools. Many have been donated by future employers or by their own faculty members. Machine…

Two killed in shooting at high school

BENTON, Ky. (AP)  – Gov. Matt Bevin says two people have been killed and 19 injured in a shooting at a high school in southwest Kentucky. Of the 19 injured, Bevin says 14 of those were gunshot wounds. Bevin also said the suspect in the Tuesday morning shooting at Marshall County High School is a 15-year-old male student who will…