Education

Solar Eclipse a Gray, Cloudy Washout in the Northland

No sun rays--only rain drops hit the eyes of those gathered at UMD planetarium.

If there was a place not to have a solar eclipse viewing party Monday, it was in the Northland. But that did not stop the hopeful at UMD. Many stood in the rain, looking up at the sky, only to have raindrops on their faces instead of the sun in their eyes. “Right now, just clouds, clouds and clouds,” said…

40 Additional Staff Laid Off Amid Superior School District’s $4M Budget Deficit

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More employees of the Superior School district have been let go as the district tackles a $4 million deficit for the next school year. Forty support staff members, mostly paraprofessionals, were notified this week about the layoffs, according to a district spokesperson. This comes after 25 teachers were told last month that their positions were being eliminated….

Northland College Gives Itself Two More Weeks to Solve Financial Crisis and Avoid School Closure

A Thursday evening meeting left many in the NC community 'annoyed' with the uncertainty going forward after initial deadline is moved

ASHLAND, Wis. — Yesterday’s self-imposed deadline for the future of Northland College came and went. Today, college leaders said it will be another two weeks before they know for sure. The news came during a meeting in the gymnasium. The bleachers were filled with students, staff, and faculty, gathered to learn something about their future. They were there to hear…

Sexual Assault, Domestic and Child Abuse Getting Important Focus in April

Awareness effort started Monday in Superior with commitment to support and education.

Sexual assault and domestic and child abuse are issues that continue to plague communities. April is a month when advocates focus attention on the issue and the effort kicked off Wednesday at the Douglas County Government Center in Superior. It involved law enforcement, political leaders, educators, and those with the court system. The wide cross-section represented the message and the…

11th Hour To Save Northland College From Closure; Former City Council Pres. Speaks Out

ASHLAND, Wis. – A former Ashland city council president is speaking out about the possible closure of Northland College. This comes as the college faces a deadline of Tuesday, March 3, to raise $12 million to stay open, according to the college’s president. Northland College in Ashland announced March 11th that it needed $12 million before April 3. The president…

Criminal Charges Dropped Against Duluth Edison Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault of Student

His attorney said, "This matter underscores the importance of the presumption of innocence."

Duluth, MN–Criminal charges have been dropped against a Duluth Edison elementary school teacher who had been accused of sexually assaulting a female student. His attorney said the allegations “were fake” and that he “never sexually assaulted anyone.” John Paul Horgeshimer, age 49, had been charged after a female student at Duluth Edison Charter Schools’ Raleigh Academy told her teacher that…

New Chancellor of UMD Announced

DULUTH, Minn. — Charles Nies has been named the tenth chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is expected to start July 1 pending approval by the University’s Board of Regents at their May meeting. Dr. Nies has over 25 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as the vice chancellor of student affairs at the University…

UW-Superior Campus Receives Recognition for Efforts in Student Voting

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The UW-Superior campus is receiving recognition for its effort in student voter participation. The campus is the only one in the region and one of 93 in the U.S. to be given the 2024 Highly Established Action Plan Seal. The nonprofit organization called ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge provided this award. To get the award their nonpartisan…

UMD Students Bus To State Capitol For ‘Bulldog Lobbying Days’

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students rode by bus to Minnesota’s state capitol Thursday on behalf of the university for Bulldog Lobbying Days. Bulldog Lobbying Days is an annual student-led event where students advocate for the University’s legislative priorities.  “In the past advocacy efforts have surrounded around funding for building projects, maintaining our current buildings, making sure they are in good…

Pi Day Brings Math Lovers Together at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. — Math lovers are celebrating Pi Day at UMD. The day is celebrated on March 14th because that is the first few numbers of the mathematical constant 3.14. The event Thursday featured pizza, fruit pies, trivia, and prizes. A mathematics professor says Pi Day gives them a reason to get together, eat some free food, but also learn…

Duluth Elementary School Teacher Charged With Criminal Sexual Assault of Female Student

Raleigh Edison Academy teacher arrested for allegedly assaulting female student

A Duluth elementary school teacher is facing felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student. John Paul Horgeshimer is a teacher at the Raleigh Edison Academy. He is charged with first and second degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under the age of 14. According to a criminal complaint, on March 5, the student was running to get…

Lake Superior College Reopens Library After $2.3 Million Renovation

DULUTH, Minn. — A project 10 years in the making is now complete at Lake Superior College. The Harold P. Erickson Library has reopened after undergoing a $2.3 million renovation. The new space brings services all to one spot instead of scattered across campus like they were before. That includes the Tutoring and Learning Center, the federally funded TRIO Student…

Juvenile Questioned After Potential Gun Threat At Proctor High School

PROCTOR, Minn.  — A juvenile male is being questioned after Proctor High School went on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a potential threat involving a weapon in the school’s Media Center, according to Proctor Police Chief Kent Gaidis. Authorities say 911 dispatch began getting calls around 4:30 p.m. about a “potential gun or weapon” at the school. Multiple agencies responded, including…

President Of Northland College Responds To Institution’s Potential Closure

ASHLAND, Wis. –  The president of Ashland’s Northland College said it was a perfect storm that led to Monday’s urgent plea to the community for financial help. The liberal arts institution of 132 years announced it will begin closing down this summer if it does not raise $12 million in the next three weeks. President Chad Dayton spoke with FOX…

“O-C-D” Chant Against Duluth Basketball Player Prompts Disciplinary Action

Marshall School player taunted by Crosby-Ironton students after disclosing off-court perseverance.

After directing cruel chants at a Duluth Marshall basketball player, some students at Crosby-Ironton high school are being disciplined. It happened at last Thursday’s game, when Crosby-Ironton was playing Marshall’s girls team. Students in a section of Crosby-Ironton’s fans chanted “O-C-D” when Marshall’s Chloe Johnson had the ball. Earlier this year, Johnson–an eighth grader and standout player–had gone public about…

Duluth Marshall Selects New Head of School

Anthony PisapiaDULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Marshall’s five month search for a new Head of School is over. They found their next leader in Anthony Pisapia. He served most recently in Wilmington Delaware where he was Associate Head of School at Tower Hill. The press release announcing his selection says he has twenty years of experience in education and education-focused non-profits….

Wildcat Sanctuary Roaring After 25 Years

Lions, tigers and other wild cats live at Sandstone facility all grown up after its "mom and pop" beginning.

The idea was to rescue some wild animals–maybe a bobcat or two. Twenty-five years later, it covers acres and acres and has big cats from around the world. Lions, tigers and more now live near Sandstone, Minnesota. Although they do roam within fences, the goal of all the space and open air at the Wildcat Sanctuary is to provide the…

Teacher Layoffs Announced At Superior School Dist. Amid Budget Cuts

25 teachers are being laid off, and an unknown number of support staff will follow.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Twenty-five teachers at the Superior School District have been notified their positions are being eliminated, as the district deals with a significant budget deficit for the 2024-2025 school year. “It is never easy to make cuts in education. Any cut that we need to make has a direct impact on our students and our families. And so,…

Robotics Masterminds Design, Build, Compete at the DECC

Students participate in FIRST Robotics Competition at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. — We’ve all heard the expression, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” Well, how about, “Young men and women, start your robots!” On Saturday, the high school robotic competition wrapped up at the DECC. Fox 21’s own adventurous photojournalist Adam Jagunich dared to step in the pit, to bring us the story. Categories: Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Wheels Turning as NextGen Robotics Creators Compete

110 high school teams at DECC reveal creative minds, imaginations and know-how for the future.

Football may have its Super Bowl Week, but it is not alone. The countdown is on in Duluth for super clashes between mechanical beings. The floor of the DECC Thursday was a sea of metal frames, wheels, mechanical limbs and electricity. It’s officially known as a FIRST Robotics competition. One hundred and ten high school teams are competing to make…

CSS Students Going To Mayo Clinic To Present Research

DULUTH, Minn. — A group of students from the College of St. Scholastica will be heading to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to present research they’ve been gathering. 4 students and some faculty and staff were chosen as part of the Innovation Scholars Program through the clinic. Students all have different strengths with some coming from a marketing and computer…

Lake Superior College Gives Students Opportunities To Live Healthy Lifestyles

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College hosted its annual Health and Wellness Fair Wednesday. This event is all about helping students learn ways to live a healthy lifestyle and network. Students are able to meet with different community agencies, get free blood testing done, and grab a healthy snack. And you do not need to have an interest in the…

Art Mural Gets Students Thinking and Asking Questions

Native artist combines tangible images with scenes intended to trigger imaginations.

Some Duluth students will now have a lot to ponder as they walk through their school and look up. What they are going to see is art. Not just any art, but a mural. It now adorns Raleigh Edison Charter School and was done by local native artist Jonathan Thunder. Thunder was on hand to talk to the kids Wednesday….

Lake Superior College Named Designated Center of Excellence for Maritime Training and Education

DULUTH, Minn. — The Maritime Administration gave three colleges in Minnesota the designation of a Center of Excellence and Lake Superior College is one of them. The designation is bestowed upon institutions of higher ed who provide education and training for the maritime industry. LSC currently offers many programs in the field such as welding, machining, firefighting and engine repair…

Hermantown High School Robotics Team Prepares for Competition

Hermantown Talons 5232 Robotics Has Just a Few Days to Finish Their Robot Before Regionals

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — It’s crunch time for the Hermantown High School Robotics team! Their first competition of the season, the Northern Lights Regional, is fast approaching. Hermantown will compete this weekend at the DECC against teams from across the Midwest. “It’s kind of the biggest event for Minnesota,” said Scouting & Strategy Captain Emma Klyn. “And it’s the first one,…

“Real” Author Offers Real Writing Inspiration

Superior Middle Schoolers hear from local author Erin Soderberg Downing

When reading a book, we know there is an author, but it’s sometimes hard to imagine them as a real flesh and blood person. Well, Tuesday, kids at Superior Middle School got a chance to meet a real-life author. Erin Soderberg Downing is from Duluth and has written dozens of books for kids. She met with sixth graders Tuesday and…

Firefighter Recruits Train With Flames In Moose Lake

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Northland firefighter recruits faced raging flames this weekend during a training event in Moose Lake. The Moose Lake Area Fire District hosted the training, which included how to handle a chimney fire. Blue Fire Training is behind the program, which dedicates to supporting fire, EMS and law agencies be their very best. Moose Lake will host…

Hermantown Robotics Students Head To State Capitol To Talk Computer Science Education

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hermantown Robotics students were down at the State Capitol this week speaking about computer science education in the schools. Minnesota has been ranked last in the nation for access to high school computer science courses for the last 3 years. The bill brought to the House Education Policy Committee will ensure all students have equal opportunities…

Third University of Minnesota President Finalist Knows Duluth and Smoked Fish

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham was third of three finalists visiting UMD as regents face state-wide president decision.

UMD had a chance to meet the last of three finalists for the University’s statewide top job. Dr. Rebecca Cunningham answered questions and spoke during a campus forum. She is currently the University of Michigan’s Vice President of Research and Innovation. Cunningham is a long-time faculty member at the school of Public Health and Medicine, after completing her residency in…

Lake Superior College Expansion Project Continues

LSC unveiled a precast concrete wall mock-up today, the next step in the construction project

DULUTH, Minn. — The expansion project at Lake Superior College is well underway. Once complete, the new T-building will add 9,000 square feet and provide a place for manufacturing students a place on the main campus. Currently, students studying welding, machine tool, and computer-aided design, attend classes at the temporary downtown campus. President Patricia Rogers said the expansion will benefit…

Martens, Owls, Ermine, the Unexpected

Sax-Zim Bog wildlife attracts amateurs and pros, big lenses and small.

“Not only are you able to actually see nature. There’s a lot of travels I do, and I don’t see any animals, hardly any birds, and to be able to have this in our backyard is awesome,” said local photographer, Amber Nichols. “There are people that come here from all over the world, to see owls in particular, and the…

Second U Of M Presidential Finalist Visit

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota system is continuing its process of searching for a new President. Laura Bloomberg is second of the three finalists visiting Duluth. UMD students, faculty, and staff were able to attend an on-campus forum, followed by a reception to learn more about her. Bloomberg is no stranger to Minnesota as she was born in…

UMD Chocolate Lab Hosts Annual Valentine’s Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Chocolate Lab experts hosted their annual Valentine’s Day sale this week. Students in the Department of Chemical Engineering take a course on chocolate making. Part of the course is to travel to Trinidad to harvest cocoa and then bring back beans to eventually make it into chocolate. A lot of the principles in chocolate making relate…

After ‘Threat Complaint,’ Solon Springs School District Board Criticized For ‘Lack of Communication’

UPDATE Following 2/14 Story

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — Emotions were high Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting over safety and security procedures within the district. The meeting was called after a “threat complaint” by a student on Monday, February 5th. According to the district and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, they determined the threat was a misunderstanding. They say…

Emotions Erupt At Solon Springs School Board Meeting Over Recent ‘Threat Complaint’

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Emotions hit a breaking point Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting involving safety and security procedures within the district. Officials at the district said the meeting was about providing facts and dispelling rumors around what parents said was a gun threat by a student that wasn’t handled properly. The meeting started…

Lake Superior College Hosts Spring Student Success Day

LSC is taking the day to set their students up for success -- and not just in the classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — School was out at Lake Superior College today, but it wasn’t just a day for students to relax! Each semester, LSC’s Student Success Day is an opportunity for students to build community through networking and skill building. LSC President Patricia Rogers said the college is all about getting students ready for the next phase of their life,…

Barnum High School Students Learning Life Skills Through Business Organization

BARNUM, Minn. — February is Career and Technical Education or CTE Awareness Month and over at Barnum High School students are going above and beyond what they’re learning in the classroom. Business Professionals of America is a student organization for 9th through 12th grade students. Students choose from around 60 events to compete in ranging from accounting, marketing, computer programming,…

UMD Indigenous Student Organization Raising Funds For Spring Powwow

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s Indigenous Student Organization is raising funds for their spring Powwow by selling grilled cheese and tomato soup. The organization focuses on different indigenous cultures that surround the college encouraging students to embrace their backgrounds and feel more comfortable doing so. The second annual Spring Powwow is happening March 23rd and donations from the grilled cheese fundraiser…

Duluth School Officials Explain Need and Goals of Referendum

Technology education and technology itself would get much attention.

May 14th, the Duluth Public School district will once again be asking voters if they would pass a referendum. It would raise $5.2 million a year for ten years for technology needs. It’s not that long ago that blackboards, textbooks, and overhead projectors were as advanced as school technology got. However today technology is everywhere, with teachers and students now…

Advanced Materials Center at UMD Receives $1 Million Gift

DULUTH, Minn. –The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Advanced Materials Center received a $1,000,000 gift from the Advanced Drainage Systems Foundation.  ADS is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America and provides septic wastewater solutions. UMD Chancellor David McMillan, said this is likely the single largest gift the Advanced Materials Center has received. The Director of Sustainability at ADS,…

Palestinian Cafe, Market To Open In Former ‘New London Cafe’ Building

DULUTH, Minn. – A Palestinian cafe and market is opening in Duluth, replacing a longtime restaurant that recently closed. That longtime favorite is New London Café in the 4700 block of East Superior Street. The new restaurant that’s moving in is called Falastin. For the past year and a half, Lyla Abukhodair, has operated Falastin as a pop-up restaurant to…