Education

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…

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…