Education

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…

Legacy Project Ribbon Cutting Held at LSC

New Projects Includes a Sidewalk and Benches

DULUTH, Minn.-A student legacy project is shaping up at Lake Superior College. Today a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate a new sidewalk and park benches, which is headed up by the school’s student senate. The hope is over the years, that other generations of students will add to the program. “They really enjoy doing it,” said Pat Johns, president…

First Witness Kicks Off ‘I Stand With Kids Month’

Child Abuse Continues to be a Problem in the Northland; Community Members Work to Make a Difference

DULUTH, Minn. – Child abuse is big problem in the Northland, and that’s why First Witness Advocacy Center in Duluth is working year round to investigate child abuse, provide services and education. Now, they’re looking to reach out even more as they kick off a monthlong campaign. Safety is something many of us take for granted, but for many children…

Parenting Again, Raising a Second Generation

Preregistration Required for the Course; If Enough Support is Gathered, Winter Classes Could be Offered

PROCTOR, Minn. – Many communities across the Northland are seeing a rise when it comes to parents abusing drugs and alcohol. Children are being taken from homes and grandparents are stepping up to care for their grandchildren. It’s why one Duluth woman has chosen to develop a new program known as parenting again. The class, specializing in raising a second…

CSS Fall Classes Begin

College Has Increased Enrollment and a New Physician's Assistant Program

DULUTH, Minn. – College of Saint Scholastica students started their fall classes today. College officials are excited to have their largest incoming class in the last five years, including thirty students in the school’s brand new Physician’s Assistant Master’s program. “Especially in under served areas, whether rural or urban, these physician assistants can supply that health care that’s needed and…

Campus Buzzing as Classes Begin at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The day after Labor Day is a big day for college students at several Northland colleges. It’s the first day of classes at the University of Wisconsin Superior. The Yellow Jacket Student union was buzzing with activities, as students are set to return to the classroom. Emily Lakanen, an incoming freshman from Proctor, says she came to…

Multiple K-12 Schools Start Class

School is Back in Session for Many Northland Students in Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – After nearly three months off thousands of students in school districts across Northern Minnesota returned to class on Tuesday. As back-to-school photos flood social media, many students are resting well after heading back to the classroom for a year of new adventures. The day of excitement and nervousness started bright and early at Piedmont Elementary in Duluth….

Students Host Produce Sale on First Day of Class

William Kelley Elementary 5th Grade Teacher Tom Frericks Spends Much of His Summer in the School Garden

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Fifth grade students from William Kelley Elementary School in Silver Bay were back to the books Tuesday morning and they’ll have a fun lesson to kick the year off. For nearly seven years, teacher Tom Frericks has spent his summer growing plants and vegetables of all kinds in the school garden. From onions to squash, peas…

Boat Tour Offers Fun, Educational Ride Along St. Louis River

Coffee Conversation: St. Louis River Alliance

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is once again heading out on the water to educate Northlanders about the estuary. There will be a boat tour on the Vista Star Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m. The river alliance will highlight clean-up projects, successes and future vision of the estuary….

Backpacks Given Away to Students

200 Free Backpacks Handed Out at Metro PCS in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Students grabbed some free back to school gear at Metro PCS in West Duluth. Backpacks were given to the first two hundred students who came to the store. Families could also get their faces painted and enjoy free ice cream treats. “We want to give back to the community and we figure that school supplies are really…

Northlander’s Visit Large Lakes Observatory

Boat Teaches About Science Related to the Lake

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, Northlander’s got to learn all about the science connected to Lake Superior. The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted an open house of sorts for their boat the Blue Heron, which is part of its Large Lakes Observatory program. Leaders of the program told us they do these events to help explain more about the program. “People…

Making Incoming Students Feel Welcome at UWS Move-In Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s that time of year again – move in day at our local universities, and today the University of Wisconsin Superior welcomed droves of new students on campus. Upperclassmen and campus staff members formed a crew to help new students with everything they need. Crew members were there to help move all the incoming students’ belongings into…

Pick a Seat at William Kelley School Auditorium

Staff, Students, and Community Members Raise Funds for New Auditorium Seating

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Big changes are coming to a decades old school along the North Shore. Silver Bay’s William Kelley School auditorium will soon have new seating options, but staff, students and community members are looking for financial support. A campaign has kicked off, allowing anyone to purchase a new seat for $200. There are currently 700 seats that need…

Duluth Public Schools Host Open House

Back To School We Go

DULUTH, Minn. It’s down to Labor Day weekend to get in those summer activities. The back to school buzz was in the air Wednesday, as several Duluth Public Schools held open houses. Parents along with their kids packed schools across the Northland. Schedules are passed out back packs are full kids are excited to start the school year. “Probably going…

Wisconsin Schools Close to Receiving Additional Funding

If approved, the Superior School District says it would just break even for its yearly budget.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior schools and other K–12 schools in Wisconsin could see a spending increase over the next two years. On Monday, the state legislature’s budget–writing committee voted to include a $639 million funding increase over the next two years. The heart of Gov. Scott Walker’s education funding proposal would raise per–pupil aid by $200 this year and $204…

Friends Set Up Memorial For 15-Year-Old Drowning Victim

Flowers, Cross Put At Last Place Will Schlotec Was Seen Alive

DULUTH, Minn. – Heavy hearts continue for friends and family of 15-year-old Will Schlotec who drowned over the weekend in the popular swimming hole known as The Deeps. People close to Schlotec have begun to build a memorial at the site of the accident. On Monday, friends showed up with flowers and comforting words for one another as the new school…

Classes Start For WITC Students

Monday marks the start of the new school year for WITC students

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -Wisconsin Indianhead Techical College students in Superior are back for the semester. Classes started on Monday for those students seeking an Associates Degree or technical diploma, to get that first step towards a new career. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 years old and coming here, or you’re 45 and coming here,” WITC VI of Academic Affairs Bonny…

Wildcat Welcome Held for New Lincoln Park Sixth Graders

Eighth Graders Helped Show New Students Around the School

DULUTH, Minn. – Students were welcomed to the sixth grade at Lincoln Park Middle School on Monday. The Wildcat Welcome had selected eighth graders serve as Pride Leaders and show the new sixth graders around the school. The orientation helps new students make friends, learn where they’re going, and feel comfortable as they transition from elementary to middle school. “On…

UMD Fall Classes Begin

Students Are Back on Campus Getting Back into the College Flow

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall classes started Monday at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Students are back on campus after more than three months off for summer break. They spent today being handed syllabi and getting back into the college flow. “I’ve sat here in Kirby in between classes, hanging out with friends that I haven’t seen in a while and good…

Japanese Students Compete in Dragon Boat Race

Sister Cities Commission from Ami Machi Japan Teamed Up With Local Students for Race

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the biggest events in Superior each year. Students from Superior’s sister city in Japan got to experience dragon boat racing first hand. Competing in a dragon boat race takes hard work., but more importantly it takes well executed teamwork. “Despite the fact that the course doesn’t look that long, it’s…

New Cloquet Middle School Nears Completion

Crews wrap up finishing touches before students return

CLOQUET, Minn. – Crews are wrapping up the final days of construction on the new Cloquet Middle School before students return for the school year. After two years of planning and about 15 months of construction, the 180,000 sq. ft. building is nearly complete. “The construction has been just amazing in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish in…

New Housing Facility at Vermilion Community College

Housing Project Cost $6 Million

ELY, Minn. – Just in time for the new school year, Ely’s Vermilion Community College has unveiled a new $6 million housing project. The 120-bed facility is a four-unit townhouse which sits next to the existing dorm. Needless to say, the campus is buzzing with excitement with the new digs. “It was a big deal for us,” said Shawn Bina,…

Driven to Discover at the Minnesota State Fair

Exhibit Offers Fairgoers the Chance to Learn More About Research and Studies by the U of M

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Driven to Discover Research Facility was launched in 2014 to bring University research and researchers into closer contact with the Minnesota community. Nearly two million people visit the fair each year from across the state. The exhibit allows fairgoers to participate in research in a fun, innovative, and convenient way. Most studies take under 20 minutes. Driven…

Duluth City Council Candidates Talk Transportation

Zeitgeist Host Event For The Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council candidates hit the stage Wednesday to answer questions about improving transportation equity in the city. The forum held at Zeitgeist was organized by local nonprofits and research groups who say, transportation is a vital necessity to be able to access employment and income, education and grocery services among other daily needs. But those necessities…

Duluth East High School Holds Registration

Students Could Pick Up Schedules and Have Their School Picture Taken

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East High School opened their doors to students today before classes begin this fall. East students could pick up their schedules, get their locker assignments, and have their school picture taken. They could also learn about all the school clubs and activities and reminisce with friends. “I think it’s fun to see everyone because you haven’t…

Northland 4-H Groups Prepare for Minnesota State Fair

10th Grader Landen Dahl will Travel to the 'Great Minnesota Get Togehter' to Showcase Mason Bee Research

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Monday, September 4, dozens of Northland 4-H youth will make way to the Minnesota State Fair, eager to share their projects, research, and livestock with other 4-H members. In this week’s Animal Answers, Duluthian Landen Dahl visited FOX 21 Local News alongside Tim Caines, Program Coordinator for South St. Louis County 4-H. Dahl will…

Local Businesses Happy to Have College Students Back

Many Businesses Rely on Student Customers During the School Year

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of business owners and managers are excited to have college students back this fall because they rely on their business during the school year. Crooked Pint Ale House in Duluth has only been open for a few months, but they expect returning UMD and Saint Scholastica students to come check them out this fall. “That’s…

Active Shooter Response Exercise Held in Superior

Douglas County Sheriff's Department Partnered with Local Fire Departments to Complete Training

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County first responders held a training exercise Tuesday in Superior. The training is designed to help prepare agencies if there was ever an active shooter at a school. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department teamed up with the Town of Superior and the Town of Oakland fire departments for an active shooter training exercise at Four Corners…

A New Year Starts at FDLTCC

College Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Year

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College celebrated the start of a new school year Tuesday. The campus was buzzing with students making their way to and from classes.  One student we spoke to says he loves FDLTCC’s sense of community. “Teachers are willing to help, along with classmates, even people you don’t know are willing to…