Education

Differing Opinions on School District Debt

School Board Member Wants Bonds Rebudgeted

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Public School District will pay $45 million out of its general fund over the next 15 years. The district took on the debt in the form of bonds which went to a variety of projects including construction of the new Duluth East and renovations at Denfeld High School. The city currently pays roughly $23 million a…

Kids Get Up-Close View of Bats on Zoomobile Stop

The Lake Superior Zoo brought along an African fruit bat named Webber

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Things got bat–crazy at the Superior Public Library Wednesday afternoon. The Lake Superior Zoo brought along an African fruit bat named Webber as part of the Zoomobile tour. Kids were able to get an up–close look at the bat and learn more about different species found in Minnesota and around the world. “These guys are amazing because…

UMD’s Bushey Receives Honor

Radio Host Has Studio Named After Them

DULUTH, Minn. — After hosting KUMD’s long running radio show “Highway 61 Revisited” for half a century radio personality John Bushey receives a huge honor. The studio Bushey has sat in for more than 25 years was dedicated to him and will forever be named the John Bushey Studio. During Bushey’s weekly show he shares his understanding of everything there…

Remembering Those Lost In The Largest Mass Shooting On U.S. Soil

49 Shot Dead At Pulse Night Club Are Remembered In Duluth

Duluth, Minn. Tonight local groups representing the LGBTQ community came together to remember all 49 of the victims shot and killed in Orlando. Dozens showed up to pay their respects at the Powless Cultural Center. Tonight “remembering pulse– one year later” was a commemorative event aiming to honor those 49 victims and all the others that were wounded or affected…

UW-Superior Hosting Summer Theatre Camp

Students will be performing an adapted version of Beauty and the Beast at the end of the camp

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The theatre department at UW-Superior is hosting a summer camp for area students. Over the next two weeks, the group of 6th through 12th graders will go through classes and workshops taught by faculty, local professionals and UWS theatre students. Each student auditioned on Monday for a role in Beauty and the Beast, which they will perform…

Urologist Speaks Out During Men’s Health Week

Tips for Staying Healthy

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, June 12-16, is recognized as Men’s Health Week. This morning, Dr. Andrew Nisbet of St. Luke’s Urology Associates visited FOX 21 to speak on the topic. Dr. Nisbet says, “This is a week men should be encouraged to talk to their doctors about health concerns that they have. Some of these issues can be even embarrassing…

Intro To Kayaking

Duluth Folk School Teaches Amateurs How To Kayak

Island Lake, Minn. With the more than 10 thousand lakes in Minnesota and not even counting Wisconsin there’s always some type of aquatic activity you can get involved in. Apparently going to Walmart and buying a blow up kayak may not be in your best interest until you have the skills to hit the water. Today at Island Lake the…

Book Signing to Benefit Marine Museum

"World War II Shipbuilding in Duluth and Superior" by, Gerald Sandvick

DULUTH, Minn. – A local author and historian has written a book about ship building in the Twin Ports and this weekend he’s using a book signing as a fundraiser. It’s all to raise money for the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association. The book is titled “World War II Shipbuilding in Duluth and Superior” by, Gerald Sandvick. Here’s a look…

Conquering the Ropes Course at YMCA Camp Miller

Active Adventures: Camp Miller

DULUTH, Minn. – With school out for Summer kids from around the country are looking for ways to stay busy. YMCA Camp Miller has been providing activities for decades. The camp is one of the oldest YMCA camps in the nation. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21 tackled the ropes course. Camp Miller is located at 89382 E Frontage Rd, Sturgeon…

4th Annual Operation K-9

Area Agencies Show Off Dogs Capabilities

Superior, Wis. More than a dozen Northland K-9 teams demonstrated their skills in front of a massive crowd today at AMSOIL Center in Superior. “Its really cool to be here to show off the dogs skills. What they can actually do and allow the public to have this close interaction with these dogs,” Sgt. Brandon Silgjord of St. Louis County…

Former Drug Addict Turns Life Around

Davey Speaks To Kids Across The U.S. As A Form Of Motivation On Recovery

Duluth, Minn. A former drug addict turned musician met with youth tonight in west Duluth to talk about the role drugs played in her life. Mindy Davey has traveled the country talking to young teens about her trials and tribulations while she was addicted to crack–cocaine and prescription pain pills. After numerous run-ins with the law and a number of…

Myers-Wilkins Unveils New Logo

Students will receive a t-shirt with the new logo for their last day of school

DULUTH, Minn. – Myers-Wilkins Elementary School has unveiled their new logo and students will be donning it on t-shirts for their last day of school. Students will receive a free t-shirt with the new wolf mascot thanks to a Leadership Duluth service project and some generous donors. Leadership Duluth met with Myers-Wilkins principal Elisa Maldonado, and identified a need for…

Chainbreaker Bicycle Ride to Raise Cancer Research Funds

Ride Takes Place in August

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking a bike ride this summer could help with cancer research. The University of Minnesota is partnering with a group called Chainbreaker to launch a fundraising experience for the Masonic Cancer Center at the University. Many treatments are now available to patients around the world were pioneered at the Masonic Cancer Center. For example, the University has been…

Retired Teachers, Faculty From Cloquet Schools Share Memories

CLOQUET, Minn. — Earlier this morning, the library at Cloquet Middle School was filled with memories and stories. Retired teachers and staff members from the Cloquet School District share coffee and pastries, provided by Gordy’s Warming House, as they reminisce about the past. “Even though we are a small town, you don’t always see everybody.  This is a great way…

UWS Upward Bound Program Receives Funding for Next Five Years

Program Got $1.28 Million Grant to Continue Helping Superior Kids Get Education

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior Upward Bound program has been re-funded for the next five years. The program recently got a federal grant of more than $1 million. They’ll use that to continue to help high-schoolers from the Superior School District. who are low income or first generation college students, continue their education. “It’s important for these students to have…

Harbor City Students Help Plant Gardens

Library Sale Also Set for Next Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn.-Harbor City students today broke out their green thumb and helped plant garden behind the library on Michigan Street. The students worked with Duluth’s Parks and Maintenance crews to plant beans and a variety of other vegetables, along with flowers Once the veggies are ripe, the public can pick them off the vine. “When people see this kind of…

St. Luke’s Oncologist to Help Those Dealing with Chemo Brain

How Cancer Treatment can Effect the Brain

DULUTH, Minn. – Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the toughest and most shocking things someone goes through. Dealing with the effects of cancer treatment can last a lifetime. A doctor at St. Luke’s Hospital and a UMD professor in Duluth are hoping to help cancer patients through that hard time. On Tuesday, June 13 St. Luke’s Oncologist and…

Group Voices Equity Concerns to Duluth School Board

The Community–Based School Equity Initiative gathered outside the administrative offices after becoming aware of some of the district's plans for next school year

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of parents and educators are voicing their concerns to the Duluth School Board. They’re upset about a number of inequities and unmet needs kids are facing in the district. Monday afternoon, the Community–Based School Equity Initiative gathered outside the administrative offices after becoming aware of some of the district’s plans for next school year. Among…

UMD Theatre Announces 2017-18 Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Department of Theatre has announced their 2017-18 season performances. Season tickets are available for purchase August 1-31. For information on pricing visit www.tickets.umn.edu Antigone By Sophocles Translated by Don Taylor Directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks Sept 28-30 & Oct 3-7 @ 7:30 pm Oct 1 @ 2 pm This modern translation of one…

Upward Bound Program at UWS Receives $1.28 Million Grant

Serves 56 high school students from the Superior School District

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Upward Bound program at the University of Wisconsin – Superior received a $1.28 million grant for the next five years from the U.S. Department of Education. The Upward Bound program, established in 1999, currently serves over 50 high school students from the Superior School District who are low-income or first-generation college students, who have a desire…

Traveling Sauna Visits Duluth

Celebrating Finland's 100th Year Of Independence From Russia

Duluth, Minn. – During all of 2017 Finland is celebrating the country’s centennial birthday after gaining independence from Russia in 1917. As part of Finland’s 100th birthday, the traveling sauna will continue to travel the United States visiting cities and towns with a high finish population today the sauna made a stop in Duluth. ”It’s really cool to be up…

Exploring Super Science Fridays

Mrs. KP Incorporates Science into all Methods of Learning at Homecroft Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past ten years one elementary school teacher in Duluth has been pouring out passion for science into the classroom. It’s now becoming a favorite lesson, every Friday. When walking past room 206 at Homecroft Elementary you can hear a beat and a buzz coming from inside. “Science is real, science is everywhere! This is Professor…

Wisconsin Republicans Propose Gun Classes in Public Schools

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A group of Republican legislators are circulating a bill that would create gun safety classes for high school students. Under the bill, the state superintendent would have to work with the Department of Natural Resources or police or an organization that specializes in firearms safety or certifies firearm instructions to develop the curriculum for an elective…

Superior Band Teacher Passes Baton

40 Years In The Books

Superior, Wis. Tonight in students at Superior High School honored their orchestra teacher. Jean Leibfried is retiring after 26 years with the Superior School District. Jean’s former students took the opportunity to surprise her for her final concert and celebrate with her as she journeys into retirement. “It’s been the most fun job ever because I get to have the…

Lowell Elementary School Works With Nature

School Receives Award For Nature Play

Duluth, Minn. Lowell Elementary students joined by their parents enjoyed a picnic this afternoon at the schools nature play scape. Lowell elementary school received an award today for the many ways they encompass nature in their curriculum. The nature play achievement award was presented to the school today for the commitment to connecting students with learning and play opportunities in…

School Board Approves Funding for Repairs

District will Borrow $4.3 Million Through Bonds

DULUTH, Minn. – At Tuesday’s meeting, the Duluth School Board approved a new long term maintenance plan. Two projects were added; repairs at Rockridge Elementary to prepare for Woodland Hills moving in, and replacing rubber mulch on school playgrounds. To pay for the projects, the district needs to borrow $4.3 million through bonds to be paid back in five years. …

Registration Not Needed for ATV Riders this Weekend

"No Registration Weekend" June 2-4

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is the perfect time for ATV riders to spend some time outdoors. That’s because June 2-4 is “No Registration Weekend.” Meaning, Minnesota is providing ATV riders with free access to more than 3,000 miles of state forest and grant-in-aid trails. This is for Minnesotan an all-terrain vehicle registered for private or agricultural use and out-of-state…

Duluth Air Show Spreads Aviation Education to Local Students

Air Show Takes Off Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Air and Aviation Expo, Presented by St. Luke’s is just days away and several pilots and planes are already in town. The Co-Education Directors, Tara Anderson and Amy Hallback, visited FOX 21 to talk about the education aspect of the show. The air show offered free tickets to this year’s airshow to every elementary school…

Google Trends: Most Misspelled Word in Wisconsin is ‘Wisconsin’

  People in Wisconsin cannot spell the name of their own state, according to new data released by Google. In honor of the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Google Trends collected data and mapped the top “how to spell” searches in every state across the U.S.   America’s most misspelled words – it’s #spellingbee week and we mapped top “how…

Pond Scientists on the Rise at Hartley Nature Center

Many Student Groups Flocking for Field Trips to Northland Educational Hub

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers we’re taking you on a field trip! For some, it may be a trip to the park, museum or movie theater. However, many groups of Northland students are becoming seasoned pond scientists. “I think if you start kids at an early enough age they’ll have an appreciation for the outdoors,” said Matt…

Local School Creates Cool Bird Puppet’s

Through A Grant From The State, North Shore Community School Worked With Art Teacher

Duluth, Minn. All sorts of unique birds have made their way back to the Northwood’s for summer. North Shore Community School worked with a professional puppeteer for several days to create bird puppets out of recycled materials and a teacher’s favorite, paper mache. Lots and lots of paper mache. In the process the 5th and 6th graders studied birds that…

Major Cuts At Northland College

Millions To Be Scaled Back Affecting Sports And All Employees

Ashland, Wis. In a letter sent out to Northland College students and staff by the board of trustees will hit the pocket books of many. The school is making some big budget cuts totaling around 3.5 million dollars. Many areas of the school will see some type of cuts, affecting some athletes and 100% of the schools employees. As of…

Coast Guard Reminds Boaters to Stay Safe

As Thousands Prepare for a Long Memorial Day Weekend, Others are Thinking Safety

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands will be driving to the cabin or favorite summer destination this Memorial Day weekend. With that, the United States Coast Guard is looking to make sure safety comes first. The Coast Guard in the Twin Ports is busy making sure they’re up to date on rescue techniques and procedures. One Officer we spoke with say boaters,…

Finance Committee Approves UW Tuition Freeze

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Legislature’s Republican-controlled budget committee has ditched Gov. Scott Walker’s call to cut University of Wisconsin tuition by 5-percent. The Joint Finance Committee instead voted 12-4 Thursday to continue a tuition freeze for two more years. It’s been in place for four years. Walker said earlier Thursday that continuing the freeze would be a “huge victory”…

Lincoln Park Students Walk to Promote Overall Health

Walk to School Wednesday Helps Students, Staff and Community Leaders Build a Stronger Community

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a beautiful Wednesday morning for a group of Duluth Lincoln Park Middle School students to hit the sidewalk and make their way to class as a group. It’s all part of a local campaign known as Walk to School Wednesdays. Organizers started the weekly routine at the beginning of May and say they’re seeing growth…

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…

Great Outdoors: Bike Rodeo

Kids Learned Bike Safety While Having a Lot of Fun

PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…

Carlton Voters to Decide School Future

Referendum Up for Vote August 8th

CARLTON, Minn. – The future of Carlton High school is up for a vote August 8th. That’s when voters in the school district cast ballots on a two question referendum. The first, to approve more than $23.5 million to renovate South Terrace Elementary and build a new high school on the site.  The second would approve another $3.3 million for…

Free Summer Camps and Academies Offered at Lake Superior College

Educational Camps Feature Aviation, Nursing, Robotics and More

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer Lake Superior College is continuing their tradition of educating youth for free through summer academies. Registration is now open for the academies that are offered in several subjects. All exploration academies and camps are held in June and July. Summer Academy/Camp Subjects: Aviation Camp -A summer camp for young people ages 15-19 who are interested…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Duluth East Daredevils Win State Championship

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils traveled to Minneapolis to represent Duluth in the Minnesota State High School League State Championship for FIRST Robotics on Saturday. The Daredevils teamed up with ERRORS robotics team from Woodbury and FRED robotics from Warroad. The championship match up came between Greenbush/Middle River and their alliance with Green Machine from Edina. In…

13 Students Suspended after Hazing Allegations at Carleton College

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (KMSP) – 13 students have been suspended from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., after school officials say they engaged in hazing activities. In a letter to students and staff, the school’s president Steven Poskanzer said the students engaged in “extreme alcohol consumption” as part of initiation into a “secret co-ed social club.” Poskanzer said the school launched an…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Summer Camps Educate Children as School Closes for Season

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the school year is nearing and many children will soon be home for the summer. The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting several summer camps to keep children busy throughout the season. These camps aim to educate children without them realizing as they have fun with friends and activities. Topics will cover STEM, art, and history…

S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Offered Free Ship Tours on Opening Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It may feel like fall weather outside, but that didn’t stop a popular attraction in Superior from opening up for the summer season. And to celebrate, the S.S. Meteor Museum gave free tours. These innovative ships were called Whalebacks for their cigar-shaped steel hulls that rode low to the water when loaded with cargo. “It’s older than…