DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department is warning the public that it’s too dangerous to swim at park point beaches because of rip currents in Lake Superior. The rip currents extend as far as 100 yards offshore, and there aren’t any lifeguards at the beaches. There are red flags up at the 12th st beach, Lafayette Square, and the Park…
DULUTH, Minn.- Summer is a time for many fun activities: vacations, swimming, barbecues. But it’s also a time to care for your lawns. After a long winter, many Northlanders get a good look at their lawns for the first time in a while. “Of course we’re running into things like 12 inch grass,” said Shane Madrinich. “With the snowfall it…
DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth Parks and Rec Department is getting in on geocaching, to encourage more people to check out parks and greenspace. The first GPS navigation and geo–caching meeting was held at Enger Park. To geocache, you need a handheld GPS or a cellphone, and use coordinates to find hidden clues and riddles throughout nature, to lead…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Saturday Anglers took advantage of the nice weather out on Allouez bay for the Captain’s Platter Fishing Contest. Over 50 boats full of anglers tried the water and caught some pretty big trout, walleye and salmon. One of the largest was a 23 lb trout. According to the organizers with the Duluth Sail and Power Squadron, anglers…
DULUTH, Minn.- A certain winged insect was celebrated for arriving in Duluth. The Coppertop Church held their 4th Annual Monarch Festival, marking the Monarchs ending their migration here from Mexico. Experts, caterpillars, and real Monarch butterflies were in attendance, helping to educate and encourage the public to plant milkweed, a non-invasive plant that attracts and feeds Monarchs. According to experts,…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- City officials, business leaders, and families pedaled through the streets on the Northland’s own Tour De Superior. “The importance of riding bikes in Superior is the importance of getting around,” said Mayor Jim Paine. Dozens of men, women, and children on two wheels took over the streets for the first ever Mayor’s bike race. “I really just thought…
DULUTH, Minn.- The National Weather Service has extra staff on duty to monitor severe weather like the storms we had earlier Tuesday. Forecasters say it’s imperative to warn those on land and water of incoming bad weather to potentially save lives. “Our critical mission here at the National Weather Service is the protection of life and property,” said Science and…
DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of boats dot the water of Island Lake. They come in from a long day of fishing, and move out of the dock to make room for the boat to weigh what they caught. “Today we have 300 anglers out here fishing for bass, fishing for walleye, they’re out here trying to get the big one, get…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The nicer weather gave some in Superior a chance to clean up local boat launches. The Northland Paddlers Alliance adopted the Woodstock Bay Paddle Access Launch, after it was designated for Paddle Access last year. On Tuesday they broke out the bags to pick up garbage, and get the launch ready for paddlers this summer. “I think anybody…
CABLE, Wis. – The Cable Natural History Museum nestled in downtown Cable is bursting with activity, fun, exhibits, activities, events, volunteers and kids, with even more of all that set to open this month as its Curiosity Center nears completion. The museum is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, May 25. “The new Curiosity Center is a dream come true…
DULUTH, Minn.- Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and that’s famously a time when families get in their camper, or pack up their tents, to go camping. With 105 campsites for RVs and areas for tents, the staff at Buffalo House Campground is busy getting ready for the Memorial Day rush. The peaceful trees and sounds of birds…
DULUTH, Minn.- While the wind and snow kept most inside, it brought surfers out to Brighton Beach to ride the waves. According to the surfers, once you’re in a wet suit, the cold isn’t that bad. They add that it’s worth it when you catch the perfect wave. “You catch the wave and you start to speed up a little…
DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders were out enjoying the summer-like temps on Monday. Many spent the day at the Leif Erickson Park listening to students sing, in what seemed to be one of Duluth’s many summer festivals. It was sort of a pre-music festival as students from Duluth Edison Charter schools put on their Spring Concert, taking audiences on a trip…
DULUTH, Minn.- More than 1,500 sixth graders from throughout the region are learning about the Duluth waterfront and water safety all this week, during the 27th Annual Saint Louis River Quest Program. The program began Monday at the DECC’s Pioneer Hall, where students heard from experts about water pollution and the dangers of rip currents. Some, like Lydia Polkoski, said…
DULUTH, Minn.- Mothers weren’t the only ones celebrated on Sunday. Canal Park was a sea of silver and blue, gathered to celebrate one thing. Smelt. The 8th Annual “Run Smelt, Run” Parade and Party brought out fans of the little fish caught in nets and served whole. People gathered to celebrate the end of winter, ring in the summer, and…
DULUTH, Minn.- Almost every lake in the Land of 10,000 is filled with Anglers. “It’s peaceful, and just to get to hold the rod and get fish again,” said Angler Jilleine Luoma. And they are all hoping for the perfect catch. “We get to test out the boats, make sure they’re working alright,” said James Orman. “Get to teach the…
DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was greats for students at Lakewood Elementary School to get outside and learn about the environment. The school participated in Environmental Education Day. It’s like a field day with various activities like bird watching, and learning about animal furs, from local organizations like the Minnesota DNR. “We concentrate so much on reading and math and specific…
DULUTH, Minn. – Keller Williams Realty of Duluth is looking for your help to make Lester Park sparkle Thursday, May 9. The day is also known as RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate. The annual celebration happens on the second Thursday of May. RED Day serves as a way to make a difference in the lives of others and bettering…
DULUTH, Minn.- As snow is falling, the Charter boats in the Minnesota Slip are docked. The Charter fishing season in Duluth is already underway. The owner of Happy Hooker Charters, one of the longest running charters in the city, said they’re receiving bookings at double the pace of last year, no matter the nasty weather blanketing the Northland now. “So…
DULUTH, Minn. – With the Minnesota fishing opener on Saturday, May 11 and more humans enjoying area lakes, it’s time to once again talk turtle conservation. It’s also important to remember we often share rural roads with these interesting reptiles. Melanie Michaels with the Lake Superior Zoo stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday to share a few reminders in this…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has brought back its company-wide and month-long Arbor Day campaign called, “Buy A Pack, We Give Back.” Due to the company’s success with the philanthropic campaign in 2018, the Made in America business has brought it back once again for 2019. For every Duluth Pack manufactured product sold, Duluth Pack will properly plant a tree…
LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis.- The season has begun to catch Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. At 986 acres, Lake Nebagamon is a place many anglers go to feel those fish a-bitin’. The rumble of boat motors break the soft lapping of the water. “I’m 54 years old, I’ve been out here for that many years,” said Brian Gilbertson….
DULUTH, Minn. – Now that spring has officially sprung, officials with the Minnesota DNR are reminding homeowners to be aware of bears. While these animals are typically more scared of humans than we are of them, experts say it’s important to make sure you’re aware of what to do if destruction is knocking on your door. “The calls have started…
DULUTH, Minn.- For this year’s 2nd Annual Skyline Parkway Spring Cleanup, volunteers attacked the garbage down Skyline Parkway between Haines Road and Highland Street. The wind and rustling of leaves mixes with the rustling of plastic bags, and the deep crinkle of soda cans. “We’re just gonna keep doing the garbage cleanup,” said one young volunteer. A sea of neon…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Saturday, protestors rallied outside the Douglas County Courthouse in Superior, voicing their concerns about the Husky Energy Refinery Rebuild. Recently, Husky announced they will continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen fluoride after rebuilding the refinery which exploded a year ago. Protestors said it’s time to do away with the chemical, and the refinery, as a whole. “No…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Many of us will never forget the fear and nervousness as the evacuation zone continued to grow last year on April 26th Husky Refinery explosion. The National Weather Service in Duluth and Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot closely forecasted the winds strength and direction that quickly carried the thick, possibly toxic, heavy black smoke southward. Winds were…
DULUTH, Minn. – Earth Day celebrations and cleanup events continue into the weekend as Duluth Parks and The Duluth Experience team up to host the annual Skyline Parkway Spring Cleanup. The cleanup is happening Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at Lake Superior Brewing before being deployed to various locations along Skyline…
DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to help make the Lincoln Park Neighborhood sparkle this Earth Day. The Lincoln Park Business Group is hosting a neighborhood cleanup event on Monday, April 22. The two-part day will include a break for lunch and some visual entertainment to keep volunteers motivated. From 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. the group is looking for volunteers…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Education funding has been a top priority of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s administration. On Tuesdsay they took that campaign to Superior. Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Representative Mick Millroy toured UWS’s Lake Superior Research Institute. According to Barnes, education funding, including for the UW System, is an important part of Governor Evers’s new budget proposal. “Water issues…
DULUTH, Minn.- Future innovations and improvements in mining were among the topics discussed at the 92nd annual SME Minnesota Minerals Conference at the DECC on Monday. The theme of this year’s conference is “Mining for a Modern World.” Organizers brought together industry leaders who explored topics such as gold and surface mining. “They’re looking, as all of us are, to how…
DULUTH, Minn.- Winds reaching nearly 70 miles per hour battered parts of the Lake Superior shoreline last week. Meanwhile, crews have already spent months restoring Duluth’s lakewalk from previous storms. But according to officials, the lakewalk escaped any additional damage. The lakewalk’s project supervisor says they were gearing up to have more damage after this past week’s snowstorm, but the ice…
DULUTH, Minn.- To raise awareness about the climate impacts and pollution caused by plastic bag use, the Bag It Duluth campaign is preparing for a city wide event on Earth Day. “Bag—A—Thon” will occur at locations across the city on April 20th. Different locations will accept donations until the 17th. Then people would be invited to come and sew reusable…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota lawmakers heard directly from the community at a Town Hall forum in Duluth. Politicians present were State Representative Liz Olson, Senator Erik Simonson, and MNDOT Commissioner Margaret Kelliher. They sat onstage at the Norshor Theater where they were asked questions from constituents who wanted their voices heard. “I hope we can proceed with line 3 to get our…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The legendary scientist, Bill Nye, says: Science Rules. That was no exception at UWS on Saturday. Everyone was a student for Science Fest, where they learned about the world and how it works. They also found out what they can do to keep that world spinning. From adorable baby chicks and ducks, and a kennel of baby goats,…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Two of Wisconsin’s most polluted sites on the Great Lakes are marking cleanup milestones. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the state Department of Natural Resources no longer designates the Lower Menominee River and the St. Louis River as impaired. Impairment designations indicate the area has experienced environmental degradation. The impairment designations were removed in February. The…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Nearly a year after the explosion at Husky Energy Refinery, the company announced their plans for a $400 million rebuild, expected to create 350 jobs at its peak. However, the plan to continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) in the Refinery’s operations, is raising some eyebrows. Investigations found the initial explosion took place in the Fluid Catalytic…
DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow melts, it’s revealing some of the effects of the opioid crisis we don’t always see during the winter. Discarded needles. So residents decided to do something about it. The group is called Natives Against Heroin, and a couple dozen people came out to help clean up trash and needles. They don’t want to see anyone…
DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday, High School kids explored the Weird and Wonderful World of STEM at UMD. The University hosted STEM Discovery Day where kids could learn about hissing cockroaches, owl pellets, and DNA extraction. The event aimed to get them interested in science careers. “Maybe in their home life they may not have resources or parents who may not…
DULUTH, Minn.- For the third year in a row the President proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, which included a 90 percent cut to funding for Great Lakes restoration. But that proposal now seems to be saved by the President himself. Last night at a rally in Michigan, the President declared his support for the Great Lakes. “I support…
DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) and Climate Generation hosted a climate institute in Duluth. The two-day event aims to open up meaningful conversations about climate change, humanizing what they say is a normally science-dominated discussion. “We’re really beyond the science because we know that information alone is not enough to move someone to behavior change,” said Jothsna…
DULUTH, Minn.- Warmer air means Duluth Public Works crews are out in force tackling all those potholes around town. But the melting snow is making any permanent solution, temporary. It took crews an hour to finish 100 yards of a stretch of 35th Avenue East. But looking back on their work, they saw the water runoff and tire treads already…
NORTHLAND – This full moon is the third and final Supermoon for the rest of 2019, so if you missed the first two in January and February, be sure to catch this one—it’s your last chance of the year. It’s set to fully form on March 20, 2019 at 8:43 p.m. Central Time. It falls on the same day as the…
DULUTH, Minn.- This St. Patrick Day, Lake Superior Zoo celebrated green in another way. With frogs. The zoo celebrated World Frog Day, which officially falls on Wednesday, March 20th. Guests came and met Pickle the Bullfrog, and other frog species. According to Zookeepers, many don’t know that frogs are indicator species, meaning that a population of frogs in an area…
DULUTH, Minn.- The potential for flooding has homeowners thinking about flood insurance. Pat Shelton, an agent at Farmers Insurance in Duluth said people are worrying about heavy snow and the potential for flooded basements. Shelton added that you don’t have to be in a flood zone, to get protection. “It can be a good idea, it’s piece of mind,” he…
DULUTH, Minn.- Sometimes clearing flooded roads isn’t as simple as removing the water or unclogging a nearby storm drain or culvert. A harsh winter can cause water backup in another way. Duluth Public Works crews arrived to deal with about 10 inches water on 88th Avenue West. They found the drain didn’t take much unplugging, the big issue was the…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- There are 3067 storm drains, 91 miles of sewer, and 181 miles of ditches, swales and culverts in the City of Superior. Now crews are rushing to have those near homes clear, before any flooding can begin. “If that drain gets plugged up, whether it’s plugged up with debris like leaves, grass, sticks, garbage, or ice like we’re…
DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been an impressive winter on Lake Superior. That’s because ice has covered nearly 100 percent of the big lake. According to a Professor at UMD, the lake hasn’t seen this much ice since 2014. And, it will have an effect on our summer. “The timing of the start of that layer of warm water forming plays a…
DULUTH, Minn.- Normally the first rainfall this time of year means spring is upon us. But being under this much snow with warmer temperatures, means it can spell out trouble, in the form of flooding. “The old saying is ‘turn around, don’t drown.’” That message is what Keith Kesler of Douglas County Emergency Management is advising drivers this week. “I…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa presents “We Are Water MN”, a traveling exhibit and community engagement initiative at Great Lakes Aquarium, March 10-April 22. “We Are Water MN” is a partnership among state agencies and host sites, formed to tell Minnesota’s water stories collaboratively, bringing together personal narratives, historical materials, and scientific information….
DULUTH, Minn.- Outdoors lovers bought gear at a pop up shop at the Duluth Folk school today. Great Lakes Gear Exchange has recycled or used gear they sell at a discounted price. They have everything wilderness folks want, and they say if you don’t use it anymore someone else still can. Co-Owner of Great Lakes Gear Exchange Emily Richey says…
