Education

Giving Tree Program Helping to Brighten the Holidays

Event Lets Patients Feel at Home

DULUTH, Minn.-Being in the hospital at this time of the year can be tough, but this year some local elementary students tried to make that experience a little bit brighter. Students from Lester Park Elementary School visited patients at Essentia Health earlier today to hand out ornaments they made in class while also delivering decorated trees. The tradition has been…

Play Gym Provides Fun Space for Little Northlanders

The city of Duluth invites little Northlanders to a free space of their own.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Parents looking to give their kids a space to play and meet others their age can now stop by one local spot. The Duluth Heights Community Center is hosting Play Gym, a free time open to preschool aged kids and parents. The event welcomes Northland families to come in, enjoy a warm space, and spend some quality time. On goers told FOX21 Play…

Two Harbors High School Students to Host Civility Summit

DECA Program Creates Civility Summit for Community

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Two Harbors High School students are working together to create a better environment for Northlanders. The school’s DECA program has created a Civility Summit they’re hosting on Friday, January 26. This summit is open to schools throughout the Northland, local businesses and residents. So far, more than 600 Northlanders have been invited. Students say the goal…

Avoiding Pet Decorating Dangers this Season

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth Offer Tips on How to Keep Your Pets Safe this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – By now many folks are probably rocking around the Christmas tree, but did you know your holiday decorations could be a danger to some in the household? Michelle Sternberg, Marketing and Communications Manager and Lindsay Snustad, Executive Director of Animal Allies Humane Society visited FOX 21 Local News to offer a few tips on keeping your furry friends…

Duluth School District Makes Cuts to Budget

The District Cut More Than $1.5 Million; a $409,500 Deficit Remains

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District had a $2 million deficit going into the next fiscal year. Tuesday night, they made a decision about where to cut. The reductions make $1.59 million in cuts to the district’s budget. ISD 709 will carry a deficit into next year of $409,500. Layoffs are not part of the budget cuts at this…

Maple School District to Have Referendum Vote in April

Maple School District Wants $600,000 A Year Over Three Years

MAPLE, Wis.-Maple School District is asking its residents to vote in favor of a referendum in April. They are asking the public for about $600,000 a year over the next three years to help maintain some of its current programming and staff. They had initially asked for $1.7 million a year over a five-year period, but the public didn’t support…

Cathedral School Gives Back to Hurricane Victims

Students sorted the clothing by gender and age group

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been a little over three months since hurricanes devastated parts of Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico and these students were ready to step up and help. One by one these fifth graders loaded up a truck that is an example of the fruits of their labor. Nineteen students in Amber Nielsen’s class collected boxes of clothing,…

APEX Donates Winter Gear to Working Students

Northland students are receiving hands on experience out in wintry conditions.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-  Northland high school students are working on a construction project, but with the temperatures getting chillier a local group of business leaders are ensuring students have the necessities. Members of the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion donated winter gear to students in the construction technology program. The students are working in the Northland’s wintry conditions. The bibs, gloves and…

UW-Superior Receives Narcan Kits

Safety officers will administer the drug

SUPERIOR, Wis. -Nine campuses in the University of Wisconsin system will be provided with free Narcan nasal spray, this includes UW-Superior. Law enforcement and campus security will receive the spray to treat opioid overdoses. “Narcan is a first line of defense against an overdose, so it can potentially save lives here on campus by getting that immediate dose of Narcan until first responders…

Community makes wreaths to support Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center

The money raised will go to fund educational programs at the center

DULUTH,Minn. – Folks were able to stop by the Glensheen Mansion for a night of wreath making on Wednesday. The event was a fundraiser for the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. Families paid $20 for each wreath, and that money will be used to fund educational programs at Boulder Lake. “We really want to spread the word, and let people…

UMD Athletic Director Signs Contract Extension

Josh Berlo (University of Minnesota Duluth) DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth and Athletic Director Josh Berlo, have agreed to a two-year contract extension. The extension would put his contract that he signed in November 2015 through May 1, 2023. “Josh is a tireless advocate for student athletes. I am confident in the direction and leadership Josh has…

Partnership Provides Narcan to UW Campuses

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The overdose-reversing drug Narcan will be available for use by security officers on all University of Wisconsin campuses. Attorney General Brad Schimel joined the UW System President Ray Cross to make the announcement Wednesday. A partnership with the pharmaceutical company Adapt Pharma will make a nasal spray version of Narcan available for free at 10 UW…

‘Choralaires’ from Duluth East Perform Downtown

DULUTH, Minn. — The songs of Christmas fill the atrium at the Holiday Center in downtown Duluth. These carolers are the Choralaires – a group of students from Duluth East High School. The singers have been practicing their holiday show for more than a month. “I’ve always enjoyed Christmas music.  It’s like – I don’t know – it’s just a…

District 709 Faces $1M in Projected Cuts

The District's top priority is protecting and preserving what happens in the classrooms.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School District is facing more than one million dollars in projected budget cuts. The district is currently $400,ooo in the red. District officials tell us they only have around $100,000 left in reserve, which an only be used for specific operational needs. The district’s chief financial officer Doug Hasler told FOX21 the district is doing everything…

Superior High School Students Hold Discussion About Concussions

Kaleb Ullan Got Two Concussions Playing Hockey Last Year and Wanted to Teach Facts to the Community

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the last few years, we’ve all heard a lot about the effects concussions can have on athletes. Two Superior High School students looked into the information and on Monday, they presented a community discussion about concussions. Kaleb Ullan was diagnosed with two concussions while playing hockey last season. This year, he and his friend Blake Hanson…

Education Department Urged to Resume Loan Cancellations

WASHINGTON (AP) – A government watchdog is urging the Education Department to resume the process of forgiving student loans for tens of thousands of Americans who were defrauded by for-profit colleges. In a report published Monday, the Office of Inspector General, an independent body within the education agency, recommends that the department restart “review, approval, and discharge process” for defrauded…

On Sale Now, ‘The Copper Hen Cookbook’

Duluth's Best Bread Co-Owner Robert Lillegard Has Released His Third Cookbook, 'The Copper Hen'

DULUTH, Minn. – Cooking can be difficult for many of us, whether it be finding certain ingredients or the time to perfect the best dishes, but one Duluthian is looking to eliminate the hesitation. Co-owner of Duluth’s Best Bread, Robert Lillegard first dabbled in cookbook writing when he was asked to write the first cookbook for The Duluth Grill. Since then,…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith Bookstore Offers Icelandic Holiday Tradition

In This Week's Coffee Conversation, Zenith Bookstore Owner Angel Dobrow Chats About the Jolabokafloo, or "Yule Book Flood"

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Midwest Roasters Coffee Conversation, Angel Dobrow, Owner of Zenith Bookstore, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about their ongoing holiday event. The Icelandic tradition is traditionally called Jolabokafloo. The Zenith Bookstore in Duluth is bringing it to you by pairing books with chocolate. It’s a tradition done before the holidays and it’s…

Denfeld High School Students Sing the Sounds of Christmas

Maroon 16 was dressed in costumes from the University of Minnesota Duluth to look the part

DULUTH, Minn. -People in Gary New Duluth were in the holiday spirit at the Second Annual Sounds of Christmas. Students from Denfeld High School provided the music. The group calls themselves “Maroon 16.” The performance was held at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, which has become a major gathering place in the community. “It’s important to have events like this to…

Curriculum Changing for Biology Students at CSS

DULUTH, Minn. — Things are changing in the biology program at the College of Saint Scholastica. At this Environmental Showcase event, freshman students discuss science posters from research projects they’ve been working on this semester. Most of the projects on display are on various topics around climate change and sustainability. But the curriculum this year has changed. Rather than big…

Wrenshall Students Learn How to Be a Photojournalist

Star Student Program Allows a Student to Bring a Guest Each Week

WRENSHALL, Minn. – A group of twenty-one students at Wrenshall Elementary School got to see what it’s like to be a photojournalist at Fox 21. Our own photojournalist Adam Jagunich was invited to talk to the class as part of their Star Student Program, where each week a different student is able to invite an adult into class and tell…

Active Adventures: Positive Energy Outdoors Winter Camp

Winter Camps will be Available for Children in December, January and February

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures Steph Love with Positive Energy Outdoors stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about upcoming winter camps. Positive Energy Outdoors looks to encourage people and animal powered exploration of the outdoors. Winter Break Day Camp will give children three days to explore and play outdoors. In addition to snowshoeing and learning…

Local Students form Suicide Prevention Group

The Students Offering Support group is reaching out to neighboring schools to help more Northland students.

CLOQUET, Minn.-  Students from Cloquet High School are doing their part to prevent teen suicide. After the Northland students attended a text for life conference in Grand Rapids last year, they were inspired to bring the program back home. In students offering support also known as S.O.S. members know how to talk with someone struggling with depression and what adult…

Rise in Impaired Driving During Holiday Season

Local law enforcement are cracking down on driving under the influence this holiday season.

DULUTH, Minn.-Last year in Minnesota 74 people died due to alcohol involved crashes, on Wednesday 74 holiday gifts were handed out at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The event is part of the Towards Zero Death Campaign. Local law officials walked students through field sobriety tests. When participants attempted to complete the tasks wearing the drunk simulation goggles, it put things perspective….

4-H Kids Do Chemistry Experiments at UWS

Discovery 4-H Club Focuses on Science and Math Career Preparation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kids in a new 4-H program did science experiments with college students in Superior. In the Discovery 4-H Club, kids can have traditional 4-H experiences and learn more about science and math. On Tuesday, they made slime and glow in the dark projects alongside UWS chemistry faculty and students. “You don’t necessarily get the opportunity to see…

Christmas Trees Lit at St. Scholastica

Annual Advent Vespers Ceremony Held at Monastery

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas season officially started at the College of Saint Scholastica on Tuesday. College students and staff lit the Christmas trees outside Tower Hall. Before that, they got together with the sisters of the Saint Scholastica Monastery to celebrate the beginning of advent at the annual Advent Vespers Ceremony. “It’s a really good way for all of us…

Holiday Book Sale Helps Fund Children’s Programming

The Holiday Book sale has festive reading material for everyone.

DULUTH, Minn.- Materials are donated to the Mount Royal Branch Library all year long. Workers sets aside all holiday products in preparation for their annual book sale. The holiday book sale is one of the largest fundraisers put on by Friends of the Library. Purchasing the festive books gives money to children’s programming put on at the Duluth Public Library….

Coldest Air Of Season Creates Concern For Homeless

CHUM and Life House In Need Of Donations

DULUTH, Minn-  The coldest air of the season is settling in on the Northland, which has advocates concerned for homeless in the area. Typically, the CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth hosts about 50 people a warm night, according to CHUM support staff member Shawn Carr.  But he says that number can double when the deep freeze sets in. “During cold…

UWS Athletes Giving Back to Community

Events Take Place Throughout Week

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The fall semester at UWS is coming to close, but that’s not stopping the students there from giving back to the community. All week students from the athletic department are taking part in a variety of activities to help those in need. Today some Yellow Jackets rang the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual holiday drive. “It’s a really…

Local Artwork for Sale at Lake Superior College

Students show off semester long art projects at LSC.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The fall semester is almost over for college students, Lake Superior College is showing off students’ semester long work with an art gallery. Northlanders can stop by the LSC and purchase the creations made by local students. The exhibit allows the artists to appreciate the skills they honed all semester long. One student told FOX21 art is her…

Strength in Community Scholarship Supports Northland Education

FOX 21 Offers $21,000 Worth of Scholarships

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21, along with partners, is once again giving back to students in the Northland. This is through Fox 21’s Strength in the Community Scholarship. It aims at educating students in the Northland who are looking for jobs in the Northland. If you’re a high school senior with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, be sure to…

UW-Superior to Present 20th Annual “Season of Song” Concerts

Concerts Feature Choir and Orchestra

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend a holiday tradition is continuing in Superior with the Season of Song concerts. The 20th Annual “Season of Song” concerts are being held Sunday, December 3 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts will be at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Dr. Katherine Chan, the Director of Choral…

National Sexual Misconduct Allegations Spark Conversation on Campus

Addressing sexual misconduct now can prevent issues later in the workforce.

TWIN PORTS–  Women across the nation are coming forward with accusations against high profile men, which has created a ripple effect for college students in the Northland. The Women’s Resource and Action Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth has seen an increase in students reporting sexual misconduct. The incidents range from test messages to assaults that have occurred at…

UMD Dance Students to Perform Pieces Inspired by Jazz

"In a Jazz Way" Opens Thursday Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend UMD students will be performing to show off their talents and it’s all inspired by the spirit of jazz. The Artistic Director of the performance, Rebecca Katz Harwood visited FOX 21 to discuss the show, “UMD Dance Concert: In a Jazz Way”. Katz Harwood tells us, “Jazz dance is so connected to popular music and…

UWS Explores How Plastic Microbeads Impact Lake Superior

Researchers Say More Awareness Needed on Plastic Microbeads

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Microplastics have had a significant impact on the waters in the Northland for many years. The tiny beads get washed down our drains after we brush our teeth using certain tooth pastes or when we use a variety of soaps which contain plastic. From there they cause threats to aquatic life in our region after they hit Lake Superior….

In Wake Of Two Ice Related ATV Deaths: Experts Give Early Season Ice Safety Tips

Deaths Stem From Two Falling Through The Ice

DULUTH, Minn- It’s a start to the winter season that experts are warning is very dangerous right now with up–and–down temperatures. Ice condition reports range from none at all to pretty solid. Experts warn to prepare, have a plan, and don’t chance it, ever. According to the Minnesota DNR, from 2012 to March of this year, Minnesota has seen 16…

Superior Middle School Students Get Hands On Health & Safety Training

There were four stations including an Automatic External Defibrillator and firefighter as a career station

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students as young as 12 learned how to save a person’s life. Superior Middle School turned into a hub for heart and health safety. In its second year, 325 seventh grade students were taught hands on training in CPR and first aid basics by off duty Superior Fire Department firefighters. “The idea is for us, the Fire Department,…

UMD Offers Three Different Concerts for “Sounds of the Season”

Concerts Take Place First Weekend of December

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas just about a month away, many Northlanders are getting into the holiday spirit. The University of Minnesota Duluth is helping locals get into the holiday spirit by hosting the Sounds of the Season concerts. They’ll be December 1, 2 and 3 at Weber Music Hall. Three different UMD Music concerts to…

Minnesota Lawmaker Hopes to Stop School Lunch Debt Shaming

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota lawmaker says she’s exploring ways to force school districts to back off hard-line tactics for students with school lunch debt. The Star Tribune reports that Republican Rep. Sarah Anderson of Plymouth is pushing the effort. The move comes amid reports that a Minnesota school cafeteria worker took food from children who owed lunch…

AG to Represent Evers in Lawsuit Despite Conflict

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican Gov. Scott Walker ordered the state Department of Justice on Wednesday to represent schools Superintendent Tony Evers in a lawsuit alleging Evers is illegally writing education regulations without Walker’s permission, even though the agency believes Evers is overstepping his authority. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported Wednesday that Walker ordered DOJ attorneys to replace Department…

Former Students Remember Happy Times at Morgan Park School

Northland Uncovered: Morgan Park School

DULUTH, Minn. – A school standing in Duluth for over 100 years is being torn down to make room for new apartments. A fence and no trespassing signs now surround the old Morgan Park School. These images representing a much different message than the one former students remember. “It was like a big, happy community,” said 1980 graduate Mike Letica….

Packed Council Chambers Discusses Paid Sick And Safe Time

Task Force Gives Two Recommendations To City Council

DULUTH, Minn- The Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force recommended the Duluth City Council adopt an ordinance that would provide two alternatives for businesses to give paid time off to workers who don’t currently get any. In a survey conducted by the task force, data shows that 46% of workers within the Duluth currently aren’t getting any sick and…

UMD Announces Romano Gym Renovation Plans

Three Phase $10 Million Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics department has announced plans to renovate Romano Gymnasium. The athletics department is working to raise an additional $2 million, as part of the $10 million renovation project. Romano Gym has been the hub for UMD women’s volleyball; men’s and women’s basketball; recreation space; as well as community programming for over six…

Wrenshall School District Closed for Remainder of Week

WRENSHALL, Minn. – The Wrenshall School District has announced that it will be closed for the remainder of the week. Superintendent Kim Belcastro tells FOX 21 this is a precautionary safety measure for faculty and students after the adhesive being used on a roofing project is causing an “extreme” odor. A message on the school’s website reads: Attention: Wrenshall School…

UMD Holds Topping Ceremony For New Science Building

Classes at the Heikkila Chemistry and Advanced Materials Science Building are expected to begin by the Fall of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chemistry and biology are two of University of Minnesota Duluth’s (UMD) biggest programs. In the coming years, the school will have a new state of the art building for future chemists and scientists. UMD marked the occasion with a topping off ceremony. Just like that the largest structural membrane of the facility was placed on the Heikkila Chemistry and…

UMD Hosts 24th Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistic Showcase

Some students will have their work published in Civil Engineering's Hydraulics Engineering Magazine.

DULUTH, Minn. – After months and long hours of research more than 40 University of Minnesota of  Duluth students had their projects on display. It’s all a part of the 24th Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistic Showcase. Students work alongside a faculty member and conduct research outside of their regular courses. The showcase featured topics ranging from long-term effects to…

UWS Faculty Hold Teach In

Instructors are Protesting the University's Decision to Suspend Academic Programs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are holding a teach in on Monday and Tuesday to protest the University’s recent decision to suspend 25 academic programs. The teach in is an open public classroom taught by faculty members from many different programs. It’s a discussion about why the suspensions happened and it’s designed to help the campus…

Duluth Superior Community Foundation Seeks to Close Opportunity Gap for Children

There are more than 1,000 children living in poverty in Superior, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Community members in Superior gathered on Monday to talk about the opportunity gap that underprivileged children face in the Twin Ports. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation hosted the Opportunity Rising dinner, and discussed ways to better help children in poverty have the same chances in life as their peers. “Every child deserves to have opportunities that…

UMD Adding Two Counselors To Mental Health Care Team

UMD students followed the model at the Twin Cities campus to seek the funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has more than 11,000 students on campus. At times there’s a long wait for students seeking assistance with mental health needs. After two years of pushing for funding UMD will now be adding two new counselors to its staff. The school learned it’s staff of five therapists and one counselor just…