Education

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visits with students and teachers at a local school

MAPLE, Wis. — The Governor visited Northwestern High School in Maple Thursday morning. He walked the halls, speaking with students, teachers and staff. He said he enjoyed being there and spoke about the seriousness of the teacher shortage. He noted that rural schools like Northwestern have at least one unique advantage on larger city schools. Rural schools tend to have…

St. Scholastica Freshmen Move into Dorms

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s a day students are excited and look forward to while parents have mixed feelings about college move-in day. These were most assuredly the emotions that were in place at St. Scholastica this morning as freshmen arrived on campus Upperclassmen were on hand being cheerleaders for new students and their parents as they entered the drive to…

Ribbon Cutting Held for New Stella Maris Academy High School

DULUTH, Minn. — Stella Maris Academy just revealed their latest addition to the Woodland and Catholic community today. Starting this fall, around 150 students between 7th and 10th grade will be welcomed at their new high school campus. They have been renovating the campus since October 2021. The 9 classrooms, student lounge, and chapel is only one part to the…

Superior School Board Member Resigns Amid Election Fraud Charges

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Embattled Superior School Board member Steven Stupak resigned Monday morning amid election fraud charges against him. Board President Steve Olson confirmed the resignation at Monday night’s board meeting. It was not immediately known Monday night what the board’s process will be moving forward with the vacant seat. Stupak’s announcement comes just one week after former school board…

Raleigh Academy Received $20,000 Grant for Outdoor Education

"Our kindergarten teachers are going to be totally reworking how they approach teaching the standards," said Katie Ruhland.

DULUTH, Minn. — As the kids get ready for the school year, one charter school is looking to bring students outside the classroom. Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy received a $20,000 grant from the MN Department of Education for outdoor education for kindergarteners. The Playscape will feature a sand pit, a water pump, and even a mud kitchen. Construction…

SHS to Participate in “Away for the Day” for 2023-24 School Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Starting on Sept. 1, Superior High School will be joining the rest of the Superior School District implementing “Away for the Day”.  During school hours, Superior High School students are expected to keep phones and other mobile devices such as smartwatches, tablets, and portable gaming systems in their lockers. The School District of Superior offers laptops to…

10th Year Of Science On Deck At Pier B Resort

DULUTH, Minn. — An opportunity to learn about the smallest organisms in Lake Superior. Friday marks Science on Deck’s 10th year. Scientists have once again opened the Research Vessel Blue Heron to the public. They are working to understand the effects of climate change in freshwater large lakes. Since Minnesota is in a drought and temperatures are rising, they want…

High School Students Participate In Annual Scrubs Camp

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from all over the northland gathered in Duluth Wednesday to learn all things medicine. It was the annual Scrubs Camp hosted by UMD’s Medical School and College of Pharmacy. High school students were introduced to all kinds of career opportunities in health sciences. They even got to check out lab equipment such as microscopes, surgery tools,…

DNT Building Purchased by Duluth Public Schools

"We really think it's a multi-phases process. We've given it a lot of thought. We think it's going to be a great fir for the district and a great fit for the City of Duluth," said Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools just made a $600,000 purchase that’s aimed to centralize the community and Duluth area schools.  Duluth Public Schools just purchased the Duluth News Tribune building in downtown Duluth. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas says that they’re excited for the new space as it allows them to sell previous buildings that are currently used…

Moose Lake Community School Receives $1.75 Million Donation For Student Scholarships

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. — The Moose Lake Community School received a generous donation that will help students in their future careers. It is $1.75 million for student scholarships. The donation was made in honor of George E. and Magdalyn Lund. George was a 1931 Moose Lake High School graduate. He graduated at the age of 16 where he then went…

Duluth Public School Board Votes On Possible Referendum

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Public School Board Members voted earlier today for plans for a potential school referendum. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary ESSER funds helped the Duluth Public Schools take that step forward into a 21st century learning environment. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas said that the referendum’s plan is to keep Duluth Public Schools up to date with…

Reggae & World Music Festival Takes Over Bayfront July 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building for the 17th annual Reggae and World Music Festival at Bayfront Park this Saturday. Singers from all over the world will take the stage starting at 1 p.m. and lasting through the night. It’s an all-ages event that keeps getting bigger every year. The Bayfront Reggae Fest’s mission is to provide cultural entertainment through…

Minnesota College Tuition Program Has North Dakota Worried

Concern is that Minnesota students may stay in home state.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota higher education officials are deeply worried about losing students and revenue in 2024 when neighboring Minnesota makes public college and university tuition free for thousands of residents. Officials estimate around 15,000 to 20,000 Minnesota students a year will use the free North Star Promise program, and North Dakota education officials are projecting an $8.4…

Motorcycle Crashes Near Ely

ELY, MINN. — First responders and law enforcement responded to a motorcycle crash just north of Ely on Friday. The 65-year-old driver reported that he lost control of the bike while he was trying to make a turn. The man was taken by ambulance to Bloomenseon Community Hospital before being transported to a Duluth hospital. While authorities were investigating that…

Duluth Central H.S. Memorabilia Exhibit Opens At Depot Monday

DULUTH, Minn. — A nostalgic exhibit opens Monday at the Duluth Depot full of rare Duluth Central High School artifacts. The Duluth Central Alumni Association has compiled more than 150 artifacts ranging from band uniforms and cheerleader sweaters to the Trojan head from the gym floor and yearbooks. DCAA Central High School opened in 1892 in the Minnesota brownstone building…

Lake Superior School District Celebrates Groundbreakings

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–“We hear a lot of things across the country about school boards that are dysfunctional,” said Superintendent Jay Belcasto. “I think ours is very functional. The time and commitment they put in on behalf of the students to ensure we now got a 21st century learning experience.” The Lake Superior School District broke ground Wednesday at its schools…

Duluth-Area Students To Travel To 9 ‘Historic Black College And Universities’

DULUTH, Minn. — HBCUs are Historic Black College and Universities. They provide an upper education for students while creating a supportive community around them. Many people in the Northland aren’t aware because Minnesota, and primarily northern Minnesota, doesn’t have many. The Zeitgeist Atrium hosted a trip fundraiser Thursday to support students from the Duluth-area high school and colleges. They will…

FDLTCC Narrows President Search to Two Finalists

FDLTCC President FinalistsAnita Hanson (left) and Kim Spoor (right) are the two finalists to be Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College President.CLOQUET, Minn. – The number of candidates that could be the next president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is down to two. A search advisory committee selected Anita Hanson and Kimberly Spoor as finalists. Anita Hanson…

Wrenshall High School 2023 Graduation

Angela Sjodin Delivers Valedictorian Speech in Place of Her Daughter Janae

WRENSHALL, MINN. — The class of 2023 at Wrenshall High School finished their high school career Friday as they took part in the graduation ceremony. The Valedictorian for the class was Janae Sjodin, who was seriously injured in a car crash over two months ago and has been hospitalized since. In her place, Angela Sjodin, Janae’s mother delivered the speech….

Duluth’s “Other” Train Back on Tracks in July

L.S.&M. Railroad Excursion Soon Back to Showcasing Beauty of St. Louis River Surroundings

The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad will soon be back on the tracks. It looks a little quiet right now, but things will definitely be picking up as they get ready to reopen in July. During a three-year pause, they’ve been working on everything from improving the tracks to refurbishing authentic rail cars. They have a ninety-minute round-trip that goes…

Alpacas Line Up For Annual Shearing Day At Frosty Ridge

DULUTH, Minn. — Shearing day at the Frosty Ridge Alpacas farm was another busy one Wednesday. Around 80 alpacas showed up to get all that winter fiber buzzed away for the summer months. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich has more on the process and how all that fluff gets put to good use. Categories: Education, Environment, Minnesota, News, News –…

Downtown Duluth Dental Office To Focus On Children From Low-Income Families

DULUTH, Minn. — A new multi-faceted dental office is coming to downtown Duluth, and it’s focused on providing oral health to low-income families, especially children. The building is located at 25 West Superior Street. Children’s Dental Services is the non-profit behind the project, along with the financial help from 20 organizations and foundations — local and within the state. Organizers…

Trapping Begins for Spongy Moths in Northeastern MN

Formerly called "gypsy" moths, 100,000 trapped last season.

NORTHEASTERN, Minn. –As temperatures warm up and summer gets underway, it also brings some big problems. The trapping of spongy moths has begun in Minnesota. Formerly known as gypsy moths, they have been wreaking havoc on trees for years. Northeastern Minnesota will be included in the area where traps will be set. The Department of Agriculture says that last year…

Duluth and Chisholm School Districts To Take Part in Arts Program

DULUTH, MINN. — Eight school districts across Minnesota, including two in this area, have been chosen to take part in the Comprehensive Arts Planning Program by the Perpich Center for Arts Education. Both Duluth and Chisholm school districts will take part in the three-year program. It will begin this fall and continue through 2025. The districts will design strategic plans…

Lake Superior College Graduates Celebrate

Commencement marks next stage in many lives

There was no shortage of gowns, tassels and mortar boards Monday at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. It was a day for students from Lake Superior College to celebrate and go through their commencement ceremonies. Almost eight hundred students graduated. Their accomplishments included certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Their studies covered 67 different program areas. The emotions included a mixed bag…

6th Graders on Quest to Discover the River

1,500 converge to learn more about the St. Louis River.

DULUTH, Minn.  Sixth graders from across the region had a chance to find out what the water in our area is all about. Its official title is ‘2023 St. Louis River Quest.’ As a practical matter, it teaches fifteen hundred sixth graders about Lake Superior, the harbor, the St. Louis River, and everything connected with those waters. The kids learn…

Ashland Art Teacher/LGBTQ Advisor Back On Job After Community Rally, Board Decision

Bob Graf said he's grateful for the support and being offered a contract for the next school year

ASHLAND, Wis. — Around 70 students, parents and some teachers within the Ashland School District spoke out in protest Wednesday evening in support of an art teacher and LGBTQ co-advisor who was recently put on paid administrative leave and faced non-renewal of his contract after unsubstantiated allegations of being a “pedophile” and a “groomer.” During the eight o’clock hour, that…

Minnesota Lawmakers Reach Deal For Free College Tuition

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Tuition at Minnesota’s public colleges would be free to residents whose families earn less than $80,000 annually, starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, under an agreement reached by legislative negotiators. If the full House and Senate accept the language, which would be part of a broader higher education budget bill, qualifying Minnesotans would no longer…

Boys & Girls Club Encourages Support for Mental Health Crisis Line

Several Duluth area groups working to raise funds

DULUTH, Minn. – A new, national suicide crisis line has been getting some attention, and there is a continued local effort to let people know about it. It is called “Just Breathe 988.” Several Duluth area groups are coming together to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club’s Mental Health Access program. The three-digit number works exactly like 9-1-1…

Fox Along the North Shore: Geological History of the Waterfalls

DULUTH, Minn — Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, there are numerous waterfalls, each with their own beauty and awe. Despite their unique appearance, they share a common history in how they were formed starting over a billion years ago. “So, we had about 1.1 billion years ago there was a major event. It’s now known as the mid-continent…

Lake Superior College Hosts Robot Wars

DULUTH, Minn. — Students were battling it out Thursday at Lake Superior College. It’s called Robot Wars! LSC students in the Machine Tool, Welding, and Engineering CAD program are teaming up with Wrenshall High School students to compete with their robots. They have been designing and building the robots since January. Students like this part of the program because it’s…

12th Annual Iron Range Science And Engineering Festival In Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. — Over the next few days 1,200 students will be at the Iron Range Science and Engineering Festival. It’s all happening at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. Students are able to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math related activities and experiments. This is in hopes to inspire them to look into a STEM related career. The…

Duluth Public Schools Graduation Rate Increases

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools reported good news Thursday regarding four-year graduation rates. For the school year of 2022, 76.66% of Duluth Public School seniors graduated in four years, and that exceeds the pre-pandemic level. Superintendent John Magas sees the graduation rates as “significantly improved.” Only one measured group, White students, scored higher than the average. But all groups…

Duluth Celebrates The Life Of Judge Sally Tarnowski

A day of fond memories, professional achievements, and deep friendships

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth born-and-raised attorney and judge was remembered by friends, family and colleagues Thursday during a memorial at the DECC. Judge Sally Tarnowski died unexpectedly in March when she was struck by a vehicle while jogging on vacation in Florida. Tarnowski was 63 years old. Thursday’s reflections included her Duluth public school roots, her going to law…

“No Hit Zones” Hope to Prevent Spanking of Children or Hitting Others

Staff members in certain public spaces will intervene.

It is child abuse prevention month, and part of that includes an effort by some to get parents to move away from spanking children. Thursday, supporters of that effort gathered at the YMCA in Hermantown to promote an area coalition that is establishing and increasing the number of “No Hit Zones.” The zones will be spaces and agencies where others…

Minnesota Gov. Walz Draws Sharp Contrasts With Red States

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz drew stark contrasts between Minnesota and Republican-led states Wednesday night, using his State of the State speech to highlight how he and his fellow Democrats have used their new control over state government to push through an ambitious liberal agenda. Walz, now three months into his second term, told lawmakers and other…

St. Scholastica Consolidating from Six Colleges Down to Three

DULUTH, Minn — The College of St. Scholastica is in the process of restructuring their academic programs, consolidating their six different schools down to three. Effect July 1, the three new schools will be the Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Health Professions. This restructure will promote collaboration…