HERMANTOWN, Minn – As it gets colder outside chances are getting higher that you might encounter a certain kind of creature in your neighborhood. There’s one that’s become a sort of ‘neighborhood celebrity’ spotted by dozens of people in Hermantown looking for a snack. Talk to most people on Morris Thomas road in Hermantown and you’ll hear something like what…
DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students took a field trip to learn how climate change could be impacting the Northland. Students learned about sustainable farming practices on the UMD Land Lab farm, went to Hawk Ridge to learn about changing bird migration patters, and took a ride on a research vessel to learn how water has been impacted. “Things are happening…
DULUTH, Minn.-As Lord Stark from Game of Thrones warned, “winter is coming” to the Northland. So snowplows, salt, and shovels are now headed to store shelves, waiting for their big debut. Regardless of how much snow actually falls this month, it’s still a sign that winter is on the horizon, a sign Northlanders know all too well. So they turn to…
Cook County, Minn. – Fall colors are slowly starting to appear further to the North, and with that comes many autumn adventures to take part in. Linda Jurek with Visit Cook County stopped by FOX 21 Local News Monday morning to chat about the upcoming “Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour.” The event starts on Friday, September 28 and…
DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior showed off for the second day in a row. Strong winds whipped up waves that crashed along the lakewalk. The windy day with gusts as high as 30 mph had people, of course, headed down along the lakefront in Canal Park. And no one was afraid to get in the splash-zone, experiencing the raw natural power…
DULUTH, Minn.- 387. That was the magic number from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the community. They say it will take 387 days to finish burial recovery at the grave site unearthed by Mission Creek Bridge Construction. It is the first time they have had a measurable timeline for the project. After burial recovery, crews move to cemetery restoration,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, September 21, folks will be able to hop aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Fall Color Tours. Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Ken Buehler, told FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning that this opportunity gives riders the chance to view the Northland in a vibrant, colorful perspective. The Fall Color Tours will be…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth region offers seasonal attractions for thousands of visitors every year. Combine the amount of entertainment and adventure with beautiful fall colors and there’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy. Co-Founder and CEO Dave Grandmaison stopped by FOX 21 Local News Monday morning to chat about the upcoming events scheduled. The Duluth Experience is already thinking…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a sure sign fall is right around the corner. Family owned and operated Simek’s Farm is opening Saturday, September 15! Co-owner Andrea Simek says the farm is a wonderful place for both the young and the young-at-heart to enjoy a fall farm experience. The grounds include a corn maze, pick your own fall pumpkin, fresh produce,…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Barker’s Island Mayor Jim Paine and Duluth Mayor Emily Larson kicked off what’s being called the “Twin Ports Coastal Cleanup.” It’s part of a larger, month-long effort by the Alliance for the Great Lakes to adopt beaches, and clean them up. Last year, more than 6,300 volunteers picked up more than 11,000 pounds of trash on more…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland chapter of the Red Cross is on standby ready to respond as Hurricane Florence gets closer to the Carolinas. While the immediate concern is Hurricane Florence, there are two other disasters for the Red Cross to address. Hurricane Olivia is expected to rip through Hawaii, and Typhoon Mangkhut is already ravaging Guam. So far the Northland only…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Barker’s Island Beach is closed as restoration work is underway to reduce levels of E. coli. City leaders believe the restoration project will help more people enjoy Barker’s Island. The goal of the project is to remove sources that potentially contribute to the E. coli levels including storm runoff, waterfowl, and trash. Over 17 hundred feet of trail will be…
DULUTH, Minn. – Feelings of fall will be in full force as folks are invited to check out the 34th Annual Fall Fest at Chester Bowl Saturday, September 15. The annual event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In case of heavy rain or severe weather, the event would be pushed to Sunday, September 16 with the same…
DULUTH, Minn. – Folks looking to take a cruise on the St. Louis River have the chance to do so aboard the Vista Fleet on Tuesday, September 11. The event is being put on by the St. Louis River Alliance. Folks will start boarding the Vista at 5:00 Tuesday evening, depart at 5:30 and return to the dock around 7:00….
DULUTH,Minn.- Next year a $75 million cleanup project will begin at U.S. Steel’s former Duluth site on the St. Louis river. The EPA and U.S. steel made that announcement today as they reached an agreement on cleaning up and restoring the Spirit Lake site near the Morgan Park neighborhood. U.S. Steel is planning to pay 55 percent of the cost, while…
DULUTH, Minn.- Thanks to a free class St. Louis River enthusiasts are learning how to spot invasive species. The Aquatic Invasive Sentry Training Program prepares fishermen and paddlers how to know what plants and insects shouldn’t be on the river. Trainers tell us it’s important to be on the lookout and inform specialists and it’s easy for people frequently out…
DULUTH, Minn.- Since 2006, the Glensheen Vegetable Gardens have donated over 2,000 pounds of produce a year to the Second Harvest Food Bank, helping make over 10,000 meals for those in need. And this September, everyone can see what the gardens have to offer at their weekly Chef in the Garden show. Audiences will watch a Blackwoods chef in the gardens,…
Superior, WI- Massive flooding devastated parts of Northwestern Wisconsin back in June. As recovery from that damage continues, FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management experts met at the Douglas County Government Center to discuss applications for federal assistance. The storms caused an estimated $3.8 million in damage in Douglas County alone. While many repairs have been completed by area townships, many…
DULUTH, Minn. – With the power of reasoning and a grant from the Northland Foundation, Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth could soon become more sustainable. Youth allies with the shelter recently noticed a big problem, and now, they’re looking to spread the news when it comes to composting “number two.” “They saw a problem and we decided that we…
Duluth, Minn.- For years we’ve been warned to lookout for blue-green algae blooms in local lakes and rivers. But just a few days ago, it bloomed somewhere no one saw coming: Lake Superior. Patches of blooms were reportedly 50 miles long between the Twin Ports and Apostle Islands. Now researchers at UMD’s Large Lake Observatory are trying to figure out…
DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, August 14, residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin have the chance to make their voice heard during the 2018 Primary Election. Tuesday morning, Cindy Rugeley, UMD Associate Professor of Political Science, gave her insight on the importance of the primary election. Races up for grabs include Governor, Congress, Senate, Attorney General and many more local races….
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – State pollution officials are advising Minnesotans to limit outdoor physical activity over the weekend due to smoke from fires in western Canada. The Star Tribune reports the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an alert Friday that extends through midday Sunday. The agency also advises people to avoid air pollution hotbeds like busy roads and wood fires. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders have until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, August 9 to register for the 2018 St. Louis River Alliance Canoe and Kayak Tour and Picnic. The event is taking place on Saturday, August 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Executive Director of SLRA, Kris Eilers, tells FOX 21 the event is open for everyone to take part in. The mission of…
CARLTON, Minn. – The inaugural Honey Bee Folk Festival begins Friday, August 3 and will run through Saturday, August 4 with fun for the whole family. On Friday, the honey bee folk festival will kick off at 3:00 p.m. with a pronouncement from the Mayor of Carlton and the Carlton City Council. The officials will state the City of Carlton…
DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, July 28, more than 50 children from across the Northland will take part in a fun-filled day of events at Boulder Lake near Duluth. The Duluth Elks #133 along with many local sponsors and volunteers will help take kids fishing, some, for the first time in their life. The group partners with youth centers across…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Slip seawall reconstruction project continues. We spoke with officials at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency who say the project is a long time coming, practically for over 20 years. Removal of the contaminated sediment in the Minnesota Slip in Canal Park by the MPCA will begin October first through November. Before this process begins the new seawall needs to…
DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth Land Lab was recently voted one of the top college farms in the country. The UMD Land Lab is a thirty acre farm off of Jean Duluth Road. It started in 2009 and has been expanding ever since. Now, more than a thousand students visit every year. “Being able to have such…
DULUTH, Minn. – A lawsuit was filed Monday morning by conservation groups The Wilderness Society, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Izaak Walton League of America, all represented by Earthjustice, to challenge the reinstatement of federal mining leases near the BWCA Wilderness. The group’s lawsuit follows last week’s lawsuit filed by nine Minnesota businesses that aim to protect the recreation…
DULUTH, Minn. – Summer in the Northland can be one of the most beautiful times of the year and up the North Shore, there’s no shortage of entertainment when it comes to celebrating what the area has to offer. Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about a few upcoming events…
DULUTH, Minn. – After months of cold and snow and back by popular demand, butterflies have fluttered their way back into the Lake Superior Zoo for yet another summer. Mother Nature forced opening day of the exhibit to be pushed back, but it’s not stopping visitors from flocking to local attraction. “People are enchanted when they come here,” said…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Happening Tuesday evening, residents in the Twin Ports have the chance to paddle board for free at Barker’s Island. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Duluth is once again hosting a series of community paddle sessions throughout the summer. Co-owner of SUP Duluth Heather Holmes says paddle boarding is a great way to experience the beauty of the…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – For the first time since a major fire and explosion in April, Husky Energy is meeting with the public and answering their questions about the state of their Superior refinery and possible environmental concerns. Husky officials were joined by representatives from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies updating the community about their efforts to determine the cause…
DULUTH, Minn. — With as many lakes and rivers as we have here in Minnesota, you can imagine how many invasive species are in our waterways. Professionals can only do so much, so volunteers are often needed to help deal with aquatic invasive species. Today, at the Lake Superior Aquarium in Duluth, educators from University of Minnesota Extension hosted a…
DULUTH, Minn.- Houses that are no longer suitable to live in are typically demolished and taken to a landfill but one Minnesota project potentially has a more environmental solution. Multiple sites are now being deconstructed rather than knocked down. The deconstruction of the tax-forfeited property at538 Rose Street is helping 85% of the materials stay out of a landfill. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s spring, and with that means the start of the farmer’s market season. The Duluth Farmer’s Market has been open since the May 5. People are able to come in and scope out the unique items from local producers. With all this strange weather we’ve been having, it’s a good time to check it out. “We’ve had some…
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)WASHINGTON (AP) – Newly released emails show senior Environmental Protection Agency officials collaborating with a conservative group that dismisses climate change to rally like-minded people for public hearings on science and global warming, counter negative news coverage and tout Administrator Scott Pruitt’s stewardship of the agency. The emails were obtained by the Environmental Defense Fund and the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Kids and families can now get up close and personal with some new critters at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Thursday, the aquarium unveiled the “Feel Connected” exhibits, which offers three new touch pools featuring exotic ocean critters like sea stars and jellyfish. “When people can use their sense of touch, they become more connected to what they’re…
DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers spent Saturday planting milkweed at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth. The park got a grant to plant 196 milkweed plugs at several locations. Milkweed is one of the only plants Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on. Monarchs are important pollinators and have recently been disappearing in the Northland. “I think a lot of times we forget…
DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed a few extra bicyclists on the road during your commute across the Twin Ports Friday. It was all to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. It’s a common sight year round throughout many communities in the Northland; bikers strapping on helmets and raising kickstands no matter how cold it gets. “It’s a perfect…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people stroll through Chester Bowl along Duluth’s scenic Skyline Parkway, but six years ago, massive flooding made for a big mess in the park. Now, reconstruction work is close to being complete. “Just that gurgling noise you can hear in the background, people love that as a relaxing sound,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community listening session at Superior Middle School got heated as community members express environmental concerns in the aftermath of April’s Husky Energy Refinery explosion and fire. The listening session was offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension for Superior and other area residents to ask questions about the refinery fire and have their comments heard. Fear…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…
DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….
CLOQUET, Minn.- As the 2018 Farm Bill works its way through Congress, Northland farmers are making sure their priorities are being heard. Members of the agriculture community joined political representatives at Fond Du Lac Community College on Wednesday to talk about farming needs. Senator Tina Smith is a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee, some of her staff members were among…
FINLAND, Minn. – A vision of outdoor education and sustainability back in 1971 has become a huge success over the years in Lake County. Staff, students and visitors to this popular attraction continue to stay one step ahead of the game when it comes to going green. “Wolf Ridge started on the idea of let’s get kids outside and get…
DULUTH, Minn. – 12-hour work days, six days a week: That’s the new pace underway for the $6 million seawall reconstruction project in Duluth’s Minnesota Slip that the city says is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, with new bike lanes and sidewalks wrapping up in August. The delayed seawall project has the William A. Irvin pushed out about 10…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is continuing to stay in the conversation among other local and state agencies as Husky Energy works through the clean-up effort after the historic explosion and fire at the Canadian company’s Superior refinery Thursday. Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 Sunday there is no evidence of any lingering health effects or contamination of…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has released new details to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger involving an updated construction timeline on the delayed seawall project in Canal Park, and also when and where the William A. Irvin could eventually open for the season. But first, the Minnesota Slip Bridge in Canal Park, also known as the “Blue Bridge,” is…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s multi-million dollar seawall reconstruction project has been given the green light to start work up again after questions were raised about the historical significance of the Minnesota Slip, according to the mayor’s office late Wednesday. This means the State Historical Preservation Office has completed its work and has concluded the seawall reconstruction will not cause adverse…
