Environment

City Crews Tackle Storm Drains in Superior, Cleaning Businesses Prep for Flooding

City of Superior and SERVPRO of Twin Ports Share Tips and Tricks

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…

Lake Superior Nearly 100 Percent Frozen

Cold and snow increases ice coverage.

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…

Potential Rain and Warmth Could Mean Flooding

Northland Agencies Prepare for Flooding.

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…

Fond du Lac Band Presents “We are Water MN” Exhibit

The Traveling Exhibit will be Available to View at Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth Through April 22

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….

Great Lakes Gear Exchange Pop Up Show

Recycled or used gear was up for grabs Saturday at the Duluth Folk School

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…

Heavy Snowfall Could Lead to Increased Flooding

National Weather Service measuring overflowing

MINNESOTA- There could be an increased flooding risk this spring because of all the snow we’ve been getting. According to the National Weather Service, agencies are measuring Minnesota’s risk of flooding this spring. The DNR and the U.S. Geological Survey are monitoring the depth and flow of streams and rivers across the state to figure out how much water they can…

Northland Springs Into Spring Cleaning

Cleaning services give tips and tricks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though it may not feel like it, we are less than two weeks away from Spring. That means many Northlanders have started their Spring Cleaning routines. Some even hire professional services to clean their homes and offices. Marianne’s Professional Cleaning in Duluth is one of those services. The owner says she sees her business increase around this…

Cleanup Talks Lead 2019 St. Louis River Summit

Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve organized event.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The cleanup of the St. Louis River was in focus at University of Wisconsin-Superior. The college held a St. Louis River Summit that included experts on the topic of clean and safe water. Currently the Wisconsin DNR said that of their 77 cleanup tasks, they’re about halfway done. They added that collaborating with others at the Summit is…

New Eco-Entrepreneurship Program at Lake Superior College

The program will feature a two acre farm, greenhouse space, and packaging facility on campus.

DULUTH,  Minn. – Lake Superior College is launching a program to teach students how to make the farm-to-table process more sustainable. The program will feature a two acre farm, greenhouse space, and packaging facility on campus. Students will learn how to create more eco-friendly business practices when it comes to our food system between farmers and sellers. “How do we…

Cleveland-Cliffs Delivers State of the Business

Business leaders, city and state officials gather in Chisholm.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm business leaders, city and state officials, and employees heard a state of the business update from the iron ore mining company Cleveland-Cliffs. President, Chairman and CEO Lourenco Goncalves spent the beginning of his presentation detailing Cleveland-Cliffs’s growth since he took over in August 2014. But soon he delved into the environmental impacts of iron ore mining, clean steel-making…

First Repeating Snowstorms, Now Potholes

DULUTH, Minn.- Old Man Winter has not been kind to Duluth’s streets this season. While Duluth Public Works crews have been busy battling snow, potholes have invaded roads. The peaceful rumble of a car rolling by is suddenly broken. This winter, Missy Smith has had quite a rocky commute to work every morning. “I drive in like I said from Solon…

Artist Makes Unique Drawings for World Wildlife Day at Zoo

Brad Vanderbrook showed off drawings at Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was World Wildlife Day, and while Lake Superior Zoo doesn’t normally have elephants, giraffes, and gorillas, they got to have them all, through the unique drawings of one artist. “There’s so many animals that are in trouble, it’s like I’ve got a lot to choose from.” The pictures on display at the Zoo may look like black and white…

An “Otter” Kind of Birthday at Great Lakes Aquarium

Two Otters celebrate 6th birthday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Lakes Aquarium is celebrating two birthday today. Otter sisters Agate and Ore turned 6 today. Guests celebrated by making them a cardboard house to play in, along with other crafts. They even had their own Otter Birthday Cake. Otters typically live about 10 years in the wild and 20 under human care. So 6 is a…

Protecting the Birkie with Birkie Security Team

Security prepares for inclement weather.

HAYWARD, Wis.- Behind the scenes, the Birkie Security Team of about 25 volunteers say they’re Sawyer County law enforcement’s eyes and ears for the huge event. They tell us the weather’s cooperated so far, but they’re preparing for much worse as athletes and fans head home. Just be safe driving we have a major weather event heading our way,” said…

American Birkebeiner Skates Into 45th Year

Northland tradition again brings many to Hayward.

HAYWARD, Wis.- “It’s the Birkie, man!” The gun fires, and in one fluid motion the surge of skiers and skaters pushes off in Cable. “The day will go on to be talked about for years.” Main Street is lined with Birkie fans, the whole town of Hayward, and many others, lining the track with the sound of cowbells. “Your whole…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

One-On-One: Gov. Walz Talks Legalizing Marijuana, Mining & Infrastructure

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…

BNSF Investigates 40-Car Train Derailment Near Cloquet

No one was injured, coal spills out onto river and snow.

DULUTH, Minn.- BNSF Railway is investigating to find out what caused dozens of train cars to overturn near Cloquet. The Railway released a statement Sunday night which reads in part: “BNSF crews have been working at the site clearing cars and repairing the track, and preparing a plan to remove the spilled coal and remaining derailed cars. There were no…

Minnesota Sea Grant Watches Lake Levels Rise

Levels inching closer to record

DULUTH, Minn.- The turbulent weather this winter hasn’t only dumped tons of snow on the city, but added water to Lake Superior. Minnesota Sea Grant reports that the lake levels have risen, to 602.43 ft as of this January. This has caused some flooding on Park Point, and big waves splashing on Brighton Beach. They say the increase is largely…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing on Lake Superior

Anglers Get Out on Ice in Tough Weather Conditions

DULUTH, Minn.- As Lake Superior hardens with ice, you can bet Anglers are there to drill their holes and drop their lines. But these brave Northlanders have to get their timing just right, because in a day all that ice could be gone. The wind howls, cutting through ice houses like a knife. Suddenly, the wind’s song is interrupted by…

Winter Bike Week Rolls into the Northland

Winter Bike Week, Sponsored by Zeitgeist, is Happening February 2 - 9

DULUTH, Minn. – Some say biking in the winter impossible, but Winter Bike Week proves that the season is as great as any through events that teach, encourage, and celebrate all forms of biking for every type of rider. Working with partner organizations in the Duluth area, Zeitgeist is hosting community events over the week of February 2 – 9, including educational workshops,…

City of Duluth Informs Residents on Upcoming Dredging

Dredging Harbor to Stop Erosion

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth hosted a public information meeting on park point, to go over the upcoming harbor dredging, taking place this summer. Over 100,000 cubic yards of clean sands and clay will be dredged out of the Duluth-Superior harbor and placed along Minnesota point near the Wisconsin Entry. The city says this is totally safe, and should…

Superior Skiing: Free This Week

Free Ski Week in Conjunction with Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The heart of the winter brings with it the annual Lake Superior Ice Festival. In conjunction with the festival, the city of Superior has made all of its cross-country ski trails free through the end of the festival on the 27th. Over 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) of groomed trails are wide open for use. They’re broken up…

Skiing, Skating and Snowshoeing by Candlelight

13th Annual Event Held in Cold Temps

DULUTH, Minn.- In true Northland fashion, families bundled up and took to the ice-cold outside at Hartley Nature Center. The Center hosted their 13th Annual Candlelight Ski, Skate and Snowshoe event. Families could enjoy fat biking and snowshoe hiking on a trail adorned with lights, skate on Hartley Pond, or share some hot chocolate at the yurt. Organizers say, when…

“Super Wolf Blood Moon” This Weekend!

Viewing Times For The Northland (Weather & Cloud Cover Permitting)

Get your telescopes ready Northland! Sky-watchers will have a front-row seat to a rare cosmic event, as three lunar phenomena come together and give rise to a ‘Super Wolf Blood Moon’ on Sunday night! So what is all of that? Let me break it down for you… Super Moon: Is when the moon is closest to Earth and appears much…

Anglers Take to the Ice for 3rd Annual Ice Fishing Contest

Anglers Compliment Weather, Fish Still Hiding

DULUTH, Minn.- Only in the Northland can you expect a frozen lake to be covered with ice houses and four-wheelers. On Saturday Anglers attacked the ice, trying to get themselves the next biggest cash to win the 3rd Annual Alpine Bar Winter Walleye Fishing Contest. The white blanket of snow on the frozen St. Louis River is peppered with different…

Lake Superior Estuarium Holds Open House

Staff Wants More to Learn About Lake and Estuary

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s much about Lake Superior and it’s surrounding water that the public isn’t aware of, according to the Lake Superior Reserve. On Friday, the National Estuarine Research Reserve had an open house to help educate more about our neighborly body of water. Staff said they have a variety of interactive educational tools and programs to help you learn…

Lake Temperature Data Unavailable Due To Government Shutdown

The Partial Government Shutdown Is Affecting The Northland Directly, Especially Meteorologists

DULUTH, Minn. — With the partial Government Shutdown still underway the affects are being felt here in the Northland, even by local Meteorologists as they forecast this winter weather. First things first says Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot, “As a Meteorologist an important reading we need this time of year is the water temperature. It helps us determine lake effect…

MnDOT Says Prepare for Dangerous Roads

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

DULUTH, Minn.- On top of not driving under the influence, the freezing temperatures on the way spell double trouble for drivers late tonight. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has had their hands full with the new snow already, and officials said the extreme cold will make their job even harder. “The chemicals don’t work as well when it’s this cold, so…

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Little Snow Doesn’t Bury Plow Sales

Unlike Clothing and Hardware, Snow Plow Sales Increase

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures on the rise, and snow missing from the picturesque “Northland Winter” scene, some businesses are noticing a decline in sales of hardware and winter clothing. But the plows are still flying off the shelves. Snow plow retailers have been soaking up the sun. At Bears Heavy Duty Parts and Accessories, they’ve seen sales double since last…

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree From The Superior National Forest!

Great Outdoors Holiday Tradition

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Seven African Lions Relocated to Sandstone’s Wildcat Sanctuary

The Final Two Lions Arrived Tuesday Morning

Sandstone, Minn. – Sandstone now has seven African Lions, they’ve been re-homed inside the Wildcat Sanctuary. The big cats have come a long way, they’re from Argentina. The final two cats arrived Tuesday to start a new life after the country decided to close its government-funded zoos. The pair named Leo and Mansa made it through a 26-hour car trip…

Duluth Apartment Complex Takes on Poo-Petrators

Management at Endi Apartments in Duluth Announce Animal Owners Who Don't Pick up Poop will now Pay a Fine

DULUTH, Minn. – Turds are now the talk of the town, at least at Endi Apartment complex on London Road in Duluth. A new policy in effect will enforce residents to think twice after their furry friend leaves something on the ground that’s not so nice. “It’s not an option, it’s a requirement in our building,” said Peggy Walsh, Property…

Protesters Block Blatnik Bridge With Teepee

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Blatnik Bridge is open again after protesters blocked off traffic with a giant wooden teepee early Thursday morning. Superior police say the structure was put up in the middle of the Hammond Avenue entrance to the Blatnik. The sign read in a photo posted online said” “Thanksgiving = genocide” and “No pipelines, no borders.” The people…

Mix Cosmetiques Brings Custom Makeup to Duluth

Owner Handmakes Soaps, Makeup, and More

DULTUTH, Minn.- Paris has Sephora, New York has Maybelline, and now Duluth has Mix Cosmetiques. The newest cosmetic store to hit the Northland offers custom, handmade makeup, soaps and lotion. Walking in, you’re hit with the sweet smells and vibrant colors of all the different cosmetics. You might even find the owner practicing her chemistry, mixing and testing different solutions to…

Gun Deer Hunting Kicks Off in Wisconsin

Meat Processors Across State Get Busy

POPLAR, Wis.- Rifles cocked, targets in sight, Deer hunting has begun in Wisconsin. This means meat processors across the state are going to be extra busy, but the business has been spread out. With the colder weather allowing meat to be outside longer, the folks at Hursh Meat Processing have had their hands full all day, showing how it’s going…

Wisconsin Deer Hunting Begins as License Sales are Low

Hunting Stores Help Hunters Gear Up

DULUTH, Minn.-With the Wisconsin Gun Deer Opener happening at first light on Saturday, hunting stores like Superior Shooters Supply are helping hunters gear up to start the season. The gleam of polished rifles and the rattling of ammunition boxes mean it’s that time of year: Wisconsin deer hunting begins. Which means products at area hunting stores are flying off the…

Wisconsin Goats Go Green

Lake Minnesuing Farm Led Goats on Plant Eating Parade

DULUTH, Minn.- While herds of Northlanders flocked to the polls for their civic duty, a herd of Northland Animals took the streets of Bennett Wisconsin, for their environmental duty. Breaking up the normal landscape of candidate signs on Bennett Road: goats on parade. Many are named after food: Sugar, Mama Coco, Maggie, Ginger, Ruby Tuesday, Devon, Mary Jane, Chippers, among…

Some Like it Rainy, Some Like it Snowy

Rain by Lake, Snow Inland

DULUTH, Minn.-The Twin Ports was pulled two different ways today. Shoppers at Miller Hill Mall were taken by surprise by the immense snowfall, while those by the lake were treated to an all too familiar sight: wind and rain. In Canal Park waves crashed ashore, reaching heights of 10–14 feet, drowning parts of the sidewalk underwater. Yet that didn’t stop…

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2018-2019

Wondering What This Northland Winter Has In Store? Check Out The Fox 21 Weather Teams Forecast

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is right around the corner.  Along with the parties, kids are getting ready for trick-or-treating.  But, Northlanders know that the weather can very well be more of a trick rather than a treat. Last year, just in time for Halloween weekend, more than ten inches of snow fell in Duluth.  While an inconvenience, that pales in…

Duluth Police and DEA Promote Proper Drug Disposal

National Drug Take Back Day Events held Across Country

DULUTH, Minn.- The Drug Enforcement Administration sponsored their 16th National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. That event has collected nearly 12 unneeded tons of medications last April in Minnesota alone. At the Duluth Police Department, officers were available to help people properly dispose of medication, to avoid contamination of other places, or people. “This way, instead of people throwing…

Experience Sugarloaf Cove During Open House this Saturday

Sugarloaf Cove Along Highway 61 is Hosting Their First Ever Open House Saturday, October 20

SCHROEDER, Minn. – The friendly folks at Sugarloaf Cove invite you to spend your Saturday exploring the wilderness and rich history of their location. Visitors will have the chance to celebrate Minnesota’s North Shore and learn more about its unique geology, climate and more. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Sugarloaf North Shore Stewardship Association are hosting an…

Rake Leaves Into A Jumbo Spider Leaf Bag! Perfect Halloween Decoration Family Fun!

Brittney Merlot Turns Fall Chores Into A Workout & Art!

DULUTH, Min. – After strong winds topped 64mph on Wednesday’s storm, many leaves have fallen off of the trees. So we need to turn that chore of raking into something fun! In this week’s Active Adventures we are building a Halloween Spider leaf bag with Meteorologist Brittney Merlot. If you make one of your own this weekend, be sure to…

Storm Damages Boats, Sends One Into Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.- The raging water of Lake Superior knows no bounds. It doesn’t recognize that the dock is where boats are to be kept, safe and secure. The bobbing stern of a boat reads “Wild Water.” That boat lived up to its name, rocking back and forth violently with its peers at the pier by Lakehead Boat Basin. The dock fights…

Northlanders Rally to Clean Up Local Beaches

A Coastal Cleanup Event Took Place in Three Locations Across the Twin Ports Saturday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – If common Northland beaches look a little cleaner, it’s all thanks to helpful Northland volunteers. The City of Duluth was just one of the sponsors for the coastal cleanup project taking place Saturday morning. Canal Park Brewing was one of the many locations involved in the beach cleanup. Folks also turned out at Barker’s Island and Wisconsin…

First Measurable Snowfall Accumulates in Northern Minnesota!

1-3" of Heavy Wet Snow Fell Overnight & Early Morning

THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOWFALL OF THE SEASON HAS ARRIVED! Snow amounts range from a trace to 3″ of heavy wet snow! It began falling around 8pm Thursday evening and came to an end on the Arrowhead at 10am Friday. It is the perfect snow to make snowmen, have a snowball fight and build forts! But the heaviness of the snow…

Hiking Cook County & Lutsen Mountain Peak Fall Colors

Active Adventures: Hiking Through Fall Colors

LUTSEN, Minn. — On the Lake Superior Hiking Trail fall colors are popping! For the next 3 weeks colors are at peak up the north shore and it’s a great time to visit Cook county and Lutsen Mountains. Whether you are hiking or biking the trails or taking a ride in the gondola up the mountains, there is a sight…

Making Colorful Fall Memories at Jay Cooke State Park

Park Naturalists at Jay Cooke State Park are Pleased to Invite the Public to their Wednesday Wanderings Series in October

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Wednesday, October 3, you, your family and friends are invited to take part in a new month-long series at Jay Cooke State Park near Carlton. Wednesday Wellness Wanderings will include a guided tour with Park Naturalist Kristine Hiller. The event is a three-part weekly series. Folks are invited to arrive and take part in the series from…

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Fall Train Fundraiser Sunday

The St. Louis River Alliance is Teaming up with the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad for an Afternoon Along the River

DULUTH, Minn. – You may wonder what fall colors and beautiful views of the St. Louis River have in common. As Kris Eilers, Executive Director of the St. Louis River Alliance would tell you, you’ll have the chance to enjoy both in the same day this Sunday, October 7. The annual Fall Colors Train Ride on the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad…