Education

Healthy Options are Celebrated in Minnesota for National School Lunch Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week schools across the country are celebrating National School Lunch Week. This is all with a goal of educating students and encouraging them to eat healthy foods. Northland schools offer farm-to-school initiatives, customizable meals, and innovative ways to help kids make healthy choices. The Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA), founded in 1956 as a state–wide association…

Craft Sale Benefits Local Food Shelves

Saturday: Annual HCE Craft Sale

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend you can collect some cool crafts for a good cause. The HCE (Douglas County Association for Home and Community Education) Annual Craft Sale is Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. You can find it at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds in the multipurpose building, which is located at 4700 Tower Ave.,…

Sprout Film Festival

Films Based Around People With Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn- ARC Northland hosted the highly celebrated and award winning Sprout Film Festival tonight. Based around people with disabilities, the festival provides an enlightening that break the stereotypes of people with disabilities. The event promotes greater acceptance, community integration, and awareness. Each film chosen exclusively showcases the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Seeing…

Grandparents Parenting Over Again

Parents That Lose Kids Over Opioids Or Alcohol Have Kids Sent To Grandparents

PROCTOR, Minn- Some would say that parenting is tough to begin with, but what if you had to do it all over again as a grandparent? Sadly it’s not uncommon in the Northland for grandparents to have to become a parent once again because of the choices made by their children. Parents that abuse drugs or alcohol are seeing their…

UMD Takes Back The Night

Public Forum To Unite Efforts For Those Impacted By Violence

DULUTH, Minn- Wednesday, the campus of UMD vowed to ‘Take Back the Night.’ It’s an event held every year where students and faculty gather to show their support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Take Back the Night is a public forum to unite efforts to provide the space for individuals who have been impacted by violence to heal….

LSC Waiving Application Fee for October

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College has announced it will be waiving its $20 application fee for the entire month of October, as part of a statewide initiative to encourage students to explore their higher education options. This year’s fall enrollment has been the highest it’s been in five years, according to the college. LSC is hoping to continue their…

Local Agencies Crack Down for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse is Partnering with Agencies in Douglas County Throughout October

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In 2016 law enforcement in Douglas County responded to 585 calls related to domestic abuse. During the month of October their looking to spread a message of change throughout Twin Ports. Monday, elected officials along with the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior kicked off a month long campaign. Authorities say over four million…

UW Regents to Adopt Free Speech Resolution, Set Up Punishment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – University of Wisconsin System leaders are poised to adopt a policy that would punish students who disrupt speeches and presentations. Under the policy up for Board of Regents vote Friday, students accused of twice engaging in violent or other disorderly conduct that disrupts free expression of others would be suspended for at least a semester. Any…

Lake Superior Research Institute Celebrates 50 Years at UW-Superior

Coffee Conversation: 50 Years of LSRI

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Research Institute is honoring 50 years at UW-Superior. They are celebrating with a free conference open to the public featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Cousteau. The LSRI was created in 1967 and formally recognized by the University of Wisconsin’s Board of Regents in 1969. LSRI’s mission is to conduct environmental research and provide services that…

Fight to Lower College Textbooks Costs on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON D.C. – A push to bring down the cost of textbooks is in the works on Capitol Hill. The Affordable College Textbook Act was introduced in support of the creation and use of open college textbooks, which would allow students, professors, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. “It’s a way of putting pressure on the textbook companies,…

College Text Book Could Become Cheaper For Students

80% Increase In Last Ten Years

WASHINGTON, D.C. A push to bring down the cost of textbooks is in the works in on Capitol Hill. The affordable college textbook act was introduced in support of the creation and use of open college textbooks, which would allow students and others freely access materials. “It’s a way of putting pressure on the textbook companies, which have been driving…

Lester River Rendezvous Kicks Off for Area Students

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lester River Rendezvous brings the history of the fur trading days to life right here in the Northland. Today, students from schools from around the whole region arrived to an encampment of Ojibwe and Europeans. From blacksmiths to seamstresses to bead-makers, the clash and cooperation between the cultures is on full display here. Event coordinator Don…

Duluth Second Graders Receive Book Donation

Animal Allies Humane Society is Gifting "Ms. April & Ms. Mae: A Fable" to All Duluth Second Grade Classrooms

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a Friday morning full of fun for the entire second grade class at Piedmont Elementary School in Duluth. Students received a gift from Animal Allies Humane Society At the shelter, part of their everyday mission is to help kids grow into being the most compassionate and empathetic people they can be. A recent book donation…

Middle Schoolers Visit UMD Land Lab

Students Learned First Hand Where Food Comes From

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been an interesting day for some area middle school kids. They got a hands-on experience learning all about farms. Duluth seventh graders have been talking about food systems in their classrooms. Now, they had a chance to get their hands dirty experiencing it on a real life farm. As part of their life science class, Lincoln…

Lakeview Christian Academy Students Volunteer in the Community

School Officials Hope Volunteering Will Inspire Students to Give Back in Other Ways

DULUTH, Minn. – Lakeview Christian Academy students are volunteering their time giving back to the community. Students boxed up food and provided help to many Northland organizations including Second Harvest Food Bank, the Salvation Army, and several assisted living centers. “We’re mostly volunteering to help people who need it most by mostly packing stuff like packing corn, carrots, and potatoes…

Public Invited Aboard the Blue Heron

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday was the last opportunity for the public to climb aboard the Blue Heron. The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory invites the public onboard the research vessel a few times a year for their “Science on Deck” event. Science on Deck gives visitors a chance to learn about the vessel and meet with researchers to…

19th Annual Lester River Rendezvous Saturday

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a fall tradition filled with canons, muskets, and hatchets; recreating the days of the fur trade along the shores of Lake Superior. This weekend, voyageurs will take over the Lester River for the 19th annual Lester River Rendezvous. Thursday and Friday mark the events Education Days, where re-enactors will immerse area students in the daily lives…

$21 Million in Funding to Improve Student Literacy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The U.S. Department of Education has provided $21 million to improve student literacy for some 30,000 students in Minnesota. Preschool programs, low-income students, those who are learning English and students with special needs will benefit from the funding. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the money comes from the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program and will be used…

Science Institute for Educators workshops held at Great Lakes Aquarium

Educators from all types of classrooms discuss education techniques

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth is helping educators of all kinds learn from one another. The aquarium is hosting a series of workshops called the “Science Institute for Educators.” School teachers, park naturalists, zoo keepers and more all come together to meet each other and share what they know. “What works in a pre–k room, versus…

UW-Superior Supports Military Veterans through Annual 5K

4th Annual Running for our Heroes 5K Run/Walk

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend many Northlanders will be getting in a workout to honor those who have and do protect the United States of America. UW-Superior is once again hosting the Annual Running for our Heroes 5K Run/Walk. It’s taking place Saturday, Sept. 30, at 9 a.m. The event is hosted by UW–Superior’s Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center (VNSC)…

Duluth Councilors Set 2018 Maximum Levy, Reduce Police/Fire Cuts

Property Tax Increase At 6.43 Percent Equals $25 More A Year On $160,000 Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors have fulfilled their state duty to set the maximum operating levy for 2018 to a number higher than Mayor Emily Larson has proposed. In a 7–2 vote Monday night, councilors voted to increase the maximum 2018 levy from Mayor Larson’s 4 percent to 6.43 percent, which councilors say would allow more funding to the…

St. Louis River Alliance Highlights Fall Colors, Estuary Projects on Annual Train Ride

Annual Fall Color Train Ride is Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall has officially started and the season changes are visible as many leaves are changing colors. The St. Louis River Alliance is taking advantage of this beauty this weekend for the annual Fall Color Train Ride. The ride shows off the Fall colors, while SLRA staff discuss the projects taking place in the St. Louis River Estuary….

Annual Festival Takes Duluthians Hundreds of Years Back in Time

Annual Lester River Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Duluth is going back in time 200 years for an annual festival. The Lester River Rendezvous is Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival shows what life was like over 200 years ago and is described as being “a living history attraction devoted to recreating the days of the fur trade.”…

UMD Chancellor Addresses Budget Concerns

The university is working to reduce the budget deficit over the next few years

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth’s budget deficit will continue this year. But some good news is on the horizon. The deficit is projected be down from the $4 million dollars last year around $3.2 million this fiscal year. According to the administration, the budget troubles are due to legacy costs as well as recent years of declining student…

Evers Calls for Adult Leadership in Education Address

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – State Superintendent Tony Evers is using his annual state of education speech to hit on themes of his campaign for governor. The Democrat spoke Thursday in the state Capitol, saying we live in “challenging time.” Evers is calling for finding long-term solutions for road and education funding. And he’s also repeating the Democratic call to accept…

Mayor Larson Meets With Morgan Park Residents

Talking About Sales Tax Increase

DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is continuing her speaking sessions across town focusing on her proposed 0.5 percent sales tax increase for 2018 to specifically fix roads and the infrastructure below. Mayor Larson projects $7 million would come out of this 0.5 percent sales tax increase if voters approve it in November and if the legislature gives the final…

UMD Student Newspaper Now Called ‘The Bark’

Paper Was "The Statesman" for the Last 70 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students have something to bark about this semester because their student newspaper has a new name. It’s now called “The Bark.” It’s a name that connects to the school’s bulldog mascot and Duluth’s love of nature. For the last seventy years, the paper was known as “The Statesman,” but students think the new name will help…

Virtual Reality Open House Held at UMD

Program Involves Multiple Disciplines

DULUTH, Minn.-A new reality has come to the University of Minnesota Duluth. Tuesday, a demonstration was held at the school which showed multiple virtual reality projects they’ve been working on including ones that involve dance, a forest, and a beach. The program uses cross disciplines including students in the art and computer graphics fields. “It’s cool because I work with…

Research Center Preserves Stories of Minnesota’s Iron Ranges

Northland Uncovered: Iron Range Research Center at Minnesota Discovery Center

CHISHOLM, Minn. -For hundreds of years mining has been the focus of life on the Iron Ranges of Minnesota. The Iron Range Research Center in the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm preserves the past of these areas in its archive collection. The mission of this department is to collect materials to interpret the human experience on all three of Minnesota’s…

Wisconsin Submits Revised Education Accountability Plan

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin submitted a federally required school improvement plan to President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday over objections from Gov. Scott Walker and conservative groups that it didn’t do enough to embrace innovative ideas, such as expanding taxpayer-funded private school choice programs. All 50 state must submit accountability plans under the law, which replaced No Child Left…

Syd’s Angels Raise Awareness About Bullying

Biker Organization Helps School Districts Find Bullying Solutions

PROCTOR, Minn. – Syd’s Angels Bikers Against Bullying was formed in June 2016 after founder Greg Carson saw a disturbing internet video of a fifteen year old girl being beaten. “It really struck a chord and it’s almost like something snapped,” said Greg Carson, President and Co-Founder of Syd’s Angels. “It’s like enough is enough. It’s time to stand up…

Mesabi Range College Receives Big Grant

Grant Worth $1.3 Million Over Five Years

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Mesabi Range College was recently awarded a grant worth $1.3 million over a five–year period, to help provide college prep services to under privileged high school students. Some of the top areas that are served through the grant are in the sciences and math. “We do find that our program the past years has been successful and has succeeded…

UMD Working on Being More Environmental Friendly

Educational Summit on Sustainability Held Today

DULUTH, Minn.-Environmental sustainability has been sweeping across the nation. Today, UMD and four other University of Minnesota campuses, began exploring how they can be more environmentally friendly at its Sustainability Education Summit. The event focused on how to better connect students and staff with creating a cleaner campus and community. “I’m hoping the general public will take away that sustainability…

Cloquet Middle School Shows Off New Digs

Open House Held For The Public

CLOQUET, Minn. Cloquet Middle School showed off their $40 million facility Thursday. Hundreds made their way to check out the new school. The city broke ground on the school back in April of 2016 after the referendum was passed in 2015. The school has all the newest technology including 53 smart boards and a multipurpose media center. “The peripheral stuff…

Hundreds Flock to Hawk Ridge for Annual Fall Migration

Organizers Expect the Great Fall Migration to Happen this Saturday, September 16 at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, September 16, hundreds will gather at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth to see the fall migration of birds. Visitors from as far away as Sweden are known to come for the annual event. Different species will be making their way south as cooler temperatures push into the Northland. Organizers say the weekend of events is…

Little Foresters Experience New Cabin Classroom

The Secret Forest Playschool Raised Funds for Months Before Building the Cabin Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Northland youngsters now have the chance to enjoy their unique new classroom. After months in the making, the doors are now open at the Secret Forest Playschool’s Cabin Classroom. Founded five years ago, Owner Meghan Morrow utilized a space in the East Ridge Community Church until the congregation decided to expand on the property….

Annual Walk Creates Space of Support for those in Recovery

Twin Ports Recovery Walk

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, Northlanders will be walking for recovery to support those going through the process. September is Recovery Month, so the walk is taking place on Saturday, September 16 on the campus of the College of St. Scholastica. Registration is free and starts at 9 a.m. The walk gets underway at 10 a.m. Food, vendors and games…

Historical Society Brings Past to Life within Cemetery

3rd Annual Living History Walk is Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend the history of Douglas County is coming to life in a place reserved for the dead. The Living History Walk is Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The walk will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, 8402 Tower Avenue Superior, WI 54880. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, $7 Veterans, $5…

Imagine Canal Park Launch Party

A New Vision For Canal Park

DULUTH. Minn Imagine Duluth has been collaborating with residents and the Canal Park Business Association to consider the future of Canal Park. The hope for the Imagine Canal Park project is to build upon the successes in this part of the city, while also preserving the area. Imagine Canal Park is working with the public to address issues and figure…

Animal Answers: Bringing Barn Cats Home This Fall

Local Shelters See Abundance of Barn Cat Adoptions in the Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Shelter animals in the Northland typically find homes rather quickly, however, some animals are less appealing, due to a slight temperament or lack of social well-being. Local shelters want to remind Northlanders now is the perfect time to look at adopting a barn cat if you’re in need of an extra helper around the farm. “Barn cats…

Music Resource Center Back In Session For Students

The after-school programs connects youth and music

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s music hot spots is back open after a summer break. The Music Resource Center at Sacred Heart is an after-school program for kids to get a chance to work with music professionals, quality gear, and helps them grow their creative sides. “Music is something that’s so near and dear to so many young people,”…

Authorities Remind Parents to Talk About Internet Safety

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and the Lake Superior Forensic Technology & Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force have teamed up to remind parents to speak to their children about internet safety and cyber bullying, as the new school year gets underway. Authorities are encouraging parents to have a discussion with their kids about the property use of…

Replica Of U.S.S. Duluth Turned Over To City

Model Sized Boat On Display At The Depot

DULUTH, Minn. Crew members that once served on the Navy’s U.S.S Duluth battleship, had the chance to relive their glory days on Thursday, with a model sized replica of the ship. The scale model ship was hand crafted to look just like the battleship. It took over a year to build, and one crew member tells FOX 21 that he’s…

Wisconsin ACT Scores Hold Steady for 2nd Year in a Row

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Scores held steady for Wisconsin’s Class of 2017 on the ACT college entrance exam. In results released Thursday, Wisconsin’s average composite score was 20.5 for the second year in a row. That’s behind the national average of 21.0. But it was the third highest among the 17 states where all graduates were tested, behind only Minnesota…

DeVos Planning to Scrap Obama Rules on Campus Sexual Assault

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) – Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Thursday declared that “the era of ‘rule by letter’ is over” as she announced plans to change the way colleges and university handle allegation of sexual violence on campus. She said Obama administration rules established in 2011 to guide schools as they investigate and resolve complaints of assault have failed to…

Minnesota ACT Scores Rise, Remain Among America’s Best

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Scores on the ACT college entrance exam rose for Minnesota’s Class of 2017 and remain among America’s best. For the second year in a row, Minnesota’s graduating class led the 17 states where all high school seniors took the test. In results released Thursday, they posted an average composite score of 21.5, compared with 21.1…

Early Childhood Studies Program At Steve O’Neil Apartments

Allowing Kids To Start Early

DULUTH, Minn. UMD’s Early Childhood Studies Program teamed up with the Steve O’Neil apartments to get a jump start on literacy. The program is geared toward kids under the age of five at the apartment complex all in an effort to address disparities the children face. To start the program, representatives from the Duluth library, the Northland Foundation and Chum…

Lt. Gov. in Duluth to Talk Education

$100,000 Heading to Pre-Kindergarten Programs

DULUTH, Minn.-$100,000 is heading to the Duluth School District to expand its pre-kindergarten program. Today Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith made the rounds at Lowell Elementary to discuss what it means for the district. She believes that even though the kids are in pre-school, these early learning experiences will help them for years to come. “These kids and their families are…