Education

Creativity in the Kitchen at the Harrison Community Center

DULUTH, Minn. – The Harrison Community Center puts on weekly programs to engage families in the community through artistic play. Thursday, kids and their parents got to spend the evening taste-testing girl scout cookies. The program called Creativity in the Kitchen was put on for the first time to teach families about nutrition and healthy eating. After taste testing each…

UMD Hosts Summit On Equity, Race & Ethnicity

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD hosted its annual Summit Wednesday on Equity, Race and Ethnicity with the goal of inspiring change for greater equality for all. The Summit’s theme was “Decolonizing Our Institutions and Communities.” It included workshops and a play inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. UMD’s Commission on Equity, Race and Ethnicity put on the conference and is…

$32-Million Referendum Clears Way For Education Overhaul At Chisholm Public Schools

CHISHOLM, Minn. — School will be out in a few months, but in Chisholm, a lot of people are already thinking about the fall of 2025. If all goes as planned, that is when a new elementary school will open. There will also be extensive renovations of the current facilities, including the high school. Inside the bowels of the 100-year-old…

Monday School Closings, Delays, E-Learning

The following schools are closed, delayed or operating as e-learning for Monday, Feb. 27: Cloquet School Dist.: E-learning Barnum School Dist.: Closed Birchwood School Dist.: E-learning Esko School Dist.: E-learning Hayward School Dist.: Closed Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School: Closed Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University: Closed McGregor School Dist.: 2-hour delay Moose Lake School Dist.: E-learning Northwoods School Dist.: Closed…

UMD Medical School Graduates the Second Highest Number of Indigenous Doctors

Duluth, Minn. –The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Medical School has the distinction of having graduated the second largest number of native or indigenous medical professionals in the nation.  Only Oklahoma State University has more. The Center of American Indian and Minority Health Department has been a part of UMD’s Medical School for more than 40 years. Dr. Mary Owen, an…

Protest Calls for Cloquet Schools to Get Tougher on Bullying

CLOQUET, Minn. – The issue of bullying in schools taking center stage outside Cloquet High School Tuesday. Some parents and students saying they’ve had enough. They say they want the school district to get tougher on bullying, saying the problem is at a breaking point. The district says it investigates and deals with concerns brought to them. People were holding…

Parents Speak Out About Maple School Dist. Cuts, 2nd-Grade Changes

MAPLE, Wis. — Concerned parents spoke up Monday about cuts for the Maple School District next school year as it faces a nearly $600,000 deficit. The school board held a special meeting Monday evening about the cuts after approving them Feb. 13. There are more than a half-dozen teacher positions being eliminated. And while the parents FOX 21 spoke to…

AmeriCorps Members Help Local Students with SEL

Dultuh, Minn. — The pandemic had, in the words of the Brookings Institute, a devastating impact on students.  It not only affected academic levels, but with students not having interactions with other students their social skills were also impacted. True North AmeriCorps is helping 30 schools and other organizations work with children to help the students with their Social Emotional…

Maple School Dist. Plans To Eliminate Teacher Positions Amid $575K Deficit

MAPLE, Wis. – More than a half-dozen teacher positions are planning to be eliminated within the Maple School District next school year because of an anticipated $575,000 deficit, according to Supt. Sara Croney. As of Friday’s announcement, a full-time math teacher, social studies teacher and part-time library aide are being eliminated at the high school. At the middle school a…

Ojibwe Winter Games Much More Than Games

Children learn skills tied to history and ancestors

Winter is what you make of it. And for Native Americans, it is an important time for their culture. That was on full display Friday in the cold and sunshine of February. It was the Ojibwe Winter Games at UMD’s Bagley Nature Area. In the form of very specific and unique games, school children were learning skills that native ancestors…

UMD, UWS Offer Support After Fatal Michigan State University Shooting

UMD and UWS sent emails to students, faculty and staff to offer support and guidance following the fatal Michigan State University shooting. The following message was sent by UMD Interim Chancellor Dave McMillan: “The events of last evening at Michigan State University are horrifying. UMD shares in the sadness and sorrow of the Michigan State University community. We honor the…

Indigenous Families Seek Support/Understanding in Loss of Loved Ones

Feel there is more urgency when other groups need help

The effort to remember Native American women who have been murdered or are missing was the focus of a community event in Duluth Tuesday.  But the issue of violence affects not only women, but also men and entire families. Sage Matthews of Duluth still mourns the loss of her niece and nephew who died separately four years ago.  She and…

Student Led Organization Advocates For UMD Legislative Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. — Monday, UMD students were at the Capitol in St. Paul to lobby on behalf of the University. Bulldog Lobby Day is an annual student led event where students advocate for the University’s legislative priorities. The issues students talked with legislators and staff members about included renovating and updating campus facilities, as well as funding for student scholarships….

‘How to Start Your Vegetable Garden’ Class

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your garden. Over at the Duluth Folk School Thursday, a ‘How to Start Your Vegetable Garden’ class was held in collaboration with the Duluth Community Garden Program. The class talked about climates and crop plans, along with the right way to seed. Attendees also…

Superior School Dist. Considers Consolidating Schools

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior School District is beginning discussions to potentially consolidate its elementary schools from six to five. Superintendent Amy Starzecki said a 2022 district study showed the elementary schools are being underutilized — sitting at only 71 percent capacity. So, because of that and a significant budget shortfall coming in 2024, the district believes downsizing into five…

Robot Team Gears Up for State Competition

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Two Harbors Robotics team is gearing up for the big State Competition happening this weekend. Team ‘Robo Dweebs’ as they call themselves, is a first Lego league, meaning they build robots out of Legos. They’ve been working on their robots since August, with focus on design, programming and project. One of the goals of the…

The Birth of the American Colonies Exhibit on Display at Karpeles Manuscript Museum

DULUTH, Minn — A new exhibit recently arrived at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum near downtown Duluth. The collection is called “The Birth of the American Colonies” and features 19 documents and letters from European royalty dictating the charters or authority of the new world. Most of the documents featured in the museum are photographs of the originals accompanied by a…

Veterans Stories Weather COVID Storm

More stories of Veterans are still wanted by the Veterans Memorial Hall Program in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — We all know that COVID and the pandemic interrupted almost everything and everybody. And the effort to collect the stories of our veterans was no exception. In Duluth, the Veterans Memorial Hall Program has preserved the stories of over two hundred veterans. But the important work hit a roadblock when meeting with aging veterans face-to-face became a…

Coffee Conversation: Alworth Scholarship Deadline January 15

DULUTH, Minn. — The Executive Director, Patty Salo Downs, of the Alworth Memorial Fund came on the morning show to spread the word encouraging students to apply for the Alworth Scholarship. The scholarship is $20,000 and the deadline to apply is January 15. To be considered you need to have an interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in studies related…

Legislative Priorities for Minnesota Dems in New Session

May be itch to spend with early forecast of $17 billion surplus

The Minnesota DFL party has the Governor’s office, and the majority in both the House and Senate. And party leaders said Wednesday they are all on the same page when it comes to priorities. At a joint press briefing of the House and Senate at the Capitol, DFL leaders said allowing women to make their own decisions about abortion will…

Lester Park Elementary Students Deliver Holiday Joy

20th Year of The Giving Tree Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Sue Baker is a Kindergarten teacher from Duluth’s Lester Park Elementary School and she can tell you how the tradition of students delivering trees to hospital patients and others began. It was an idea her son had come up with 2o years ago. “He  (Robbie) was the one who came up with the project’ said Sue Baker.”…

UMD Professor Working with NASA

DULUTH, Minn.–There was a rocket lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California Friday morning, it was carrying the first satellite dedicated to observing nearly all the water on the earth’s surface. An associate professor at UMD has been working with NASA leading up to the launch. Sam Kelly, an associate professor in the Large Water Observatory program at…

148th Fighter Wing’s Starbase Hosts Young People for STEM Event

DULUTH, Minn.–Young professionals gathered Thursday at the 148th Fighter Wing to talk about all things S.T.E.M. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a program titled Fuse aimed at connecting community members with local professionals to expose them to different career opportunities. The Chamber hosts several interactive luncheons with their Fuse members. Thursday’s get together took place at the…

UWS Media Class Receives Visit from Industry Expert

SUPERIOR, Wis. – “I’m not originally supposed to be a communications major but after this I’ve definitely gotten a lot more interest in this,” UWS Student, Bill Krieg says. A Communications class at UW Superior, Digital Storytelling and social media, received a visit from FOX 21 News Director, Steve Goodspeed as part of the curriculums agenda to invite Media industry…

Duluth Public Schools Host ‘Education After Hours’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools is putting on ‘Education After Hours’ sessions where community members have a chance to talk to Superintendent John Magas one on one. These sessions are an opportunity for anybody to stop by with questions, thoughts, or concerns. The Superintendent plans to reach out to all communities throughout Duluth with visits to each community center…

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Offering $800,000 in Scholarships

DULUTH, Minn.–Students looking for 2023 scholarship opportunities can now apply for funds offered through the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. The Foundation has more than $800,000 to disperse to applicants, meaning students can choose from over 80 different scholarships. The applicants don’t have to be traditional college students, the Foundation is looking to award money to anyone pursuing studies at…

Justices Keep Student Loan Cancellation Blocked For Now

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Biden administration program to cancel student loans will remain blocked for now, but the justices agreed to take up the case in late winter. The court’s decision to hear arguments relatively quickly means it is likely to determine whether the widespread loan cancellations are legal by late June. That’s about two months…

Tutors Needed in the Northland

We met up with a mother-daughter team that has stepped up, and into, the classroom.

DULUTH, Minn.–If you’re looking to make a difference, there are a lot school children who could use help. There is a shortage of tutors to help kids bridge the gap after a couple of tough school years. We met up with a mother-daughter team that has stepped up, and into, the classroom. AmeriCorps reading tutor, Amy Hill, said, “It’s amazing….

‘Why Treaties Matter’ Exhibit Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – With Native American Heritage Month drawing to an end, the John Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health partnered with AICHO to display an exhibit that tells the story of why treaties matter. The traveling exhibit is owned and run by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and has been around since 2008. It is put on with the intention…

Sickness, Lack Of Subs Force Wrenshall School To Close Monday

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Sickness and a lack of substitutes forced the Wrenshall School District to close Monday. The outside of the school in the small community was very quiet Monday, and there were only a few employees inside answering phones. If school did open Monday, the building would have been 15 staff members short with only two available substitutes, according…

DIY Thanksgiving Bouquet

DULUTH, Minn. – In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Engwall Flowers hosted a Do-It-Yourself class, designing bouquet centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. The class teaches the fundamentals and design principles that go into making a homemade bouquet fit for the holiday. The lesson begins with understanding the container, establishing the foundation, and determining greenery, layout, and shape of the design. Classes…

Study On Deer Vehicle Crashes

MINNESOTA — It’s likely that you or someone you know has been in a crash with a deer. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin are in the top ten states in regard to the number of these types of crashes. Now a 2-year study in Minnesota is trying to reduce the chances you’ll hit a deer. Ron Moen is likely one of…

Native American Heritage Day Celebrated At Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – Native American Heritage Day was celebrated at the Duluth Depot Saturday. In partnership with the St. Louis County Historical Society, the event saw community gathering around to learn about the history of bandolier bags and enjoy a round dance. “A round dance, traditionally, was a mourning ceremony. The idea is that everybody that passed on in the…

Duluth Schools Superintendent Gets New Three-Year Contract

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board is sticking with its top leader for another three years. Supt. John Magas joined the district in 2020, just days after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and schools across the state would face major challenges to continue education among the virus. Magas will make $205,000 for the 2023-2024 contract year followed by $209,500…

Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College’s First Female President Dies

CLOQUET, Minn. – The first female president of the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College has died. Stephanie Hammitt, 60, died peacefully in her home Monday, according to her obituary. Hammitt was named president in 2019 but was part of the college for more than 30 years. Her previous roles included chief financial officer and vice president of finance…

Students at Raleigh Academy Participate in Election Process

DULUTH, MN – Hershey’s Chocolate Bars or Sour Patch Kids? Students at Raleigh Academy faced that tough decision today after several weeks of campaigning for their favorite type of candy.  In the spirit of election season, fourth and fifth grade students participated in all aspects of the voting process including registering, voting in primaries, campaigning, and giving speeches in support…

College of St. Scholastica Inducts First Generation Honor Society

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of Saint Scholastica inducted first generation students into the Tri Alpha honor society Friday. A ceremony celebrating 74 students and their academic success took place at Mitchell Auditorium. Undergraduate and graduate honor students with a minimum 3.2 GPA were rewarded with the induction to Tri Alpha, which recognizes academic excellence and helps first generation students. “I…

St. Scholastica Celebrates New Learning Center With Ribbon Cutting

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of St. Scholastica celebrated a new learning opportunity for students with a ribbon cutting Thursday. The Center for Experiential Learning is a way to connect students with internships, study abroad options, and service-learning opportunities. They’ll be working with partners across the Northland and have already teamed up with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. The…

Test Scores Show Historic COVID Setbacks For Kids Across US

WASHINGTON (AP) — The COVID-19 pandemic spared no state or region as it caused historic learning setbacks for America’s children, erasing decades of academic progress and widening racial disparities, according to results of a national test that provide the sharpest look yet at the scale of the crisis. Across the country, math scores saw their largest decreases ever. Reading scores…

Duluth Police Dept.: School Resource Officers Are Coaches, Mentors, Social Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Whether it’s building relationships with students, attending community events or after-school programs, the Duluth Police Department says that’s the majority of its focus for school resource officers. The Duluth City Council and Duluth School board recently approved a one-year contract for officers at Denfeld and East high schools, and Ordean and Lincoln Park middle schools. While safety…