Weekend Spotlight: Jan. 12-14
Categories: Entertainment, News, News – Latest News, Weekend Spotlight
News – Latest News
Hundreds Attend 9th Annual ‘More Cowbell’ Fundraiser
FOX 21 Took First Place in Competition
DULUTH, Minn.- The 9th annual More Cowbell fundraiser raises money for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps support families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. On Thursday at More Cowbell, groups competed in a dance competition, and this year our very own FOX 21 News team took first place. To check out some of their performance, click here. Categories:…
Recent Snowfall Expected to Provide Economic Benefits on Iron Range
Hibbing Received Roughly Seven Inches of Snow Thursday, Prompting Winter Enthusiasts to Invest in the Local Economy
HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled with Thursday’s big snowfall on the Iron Range. The Chamber tells FOX 21, so far it’s been a slow start to the winter season. With a lack of snow before Thursday and bitter cold temperatures, staff say it keeps visitors and locals from enjoying local ski resorts and snowmobile…
Snow Storm Doesn’t Stop The DTA
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Public Transportation was not effected by Thursday’s weather. Northlanders can count on the everyday routes even in heavy snowfall. Officials say driving the 30,000 pound bus equipped with snow tires is just like any day on the job for drivers. “Obviously some operators are going to be more experienced in these conditions than others and often…
Winter Storm Delivers Snow to the Northland
DULUTH, Minn. – The snow was falling all day at a steady pace, but we still managed to find some people outside who for the most part are enjoying this snowfall. Lester Park Trail is open for skiing. “When I’m here during the day and it’s not that crowded I take advantage of the opportunity.” We found one woman visiting…
Superior School District Wants Your Input In Choosing Next Superintendent
The survey opened on Jan. 8.
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District is seeking a new district administrator and needs your help. The public is asked to participate in a community survey to help choose the next superintendent. Janna Stevens, the current superintendent, is retiring on June 30. The survey closes next Friday on Jan. 19. It asks what qualities people think are important for…
Judge Rejects Change to Minnesota’s Wild Rice Water Standard
The MPCA Still Has to Evaluate the Report
MINNEAPOLIS-An administrative law judge has rejected an attempt to change Minnesota’s water quality standard for protecting wild rice, saying it violates federal and state law and puts an unfair burden on Native Americans who harvest wild rice for food. In a report released Thursday, Administrative Law Judge LauraSue Schlatter says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency failed to justify changing the…
Senators Make Bets on Vikings-Saints Game
Senators make “Cake and Ice Cream Bet." Home state favorites on the line.
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today joined Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) in a friendly “Cake and Ice Cream” bet on Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. In a salute to the Vikings and Minnesota’s many dairy cows, Senator Klobuchar wagered purple-colored homemade ice cream against a king cake from Senator…
A Lofty Minnesota Proposal
‘Marry Me’ etched in snow, seen from above.
Gavin Becker enlisted his family’s help to pen the life-changing question using a snow blower.NEVIS, Minn. (AP) — An aviation student in northern Minnesota pulled off a sky-high marriage proposal by writing “Marry Me” in the snow, then flying his long-time girlfriend over his handiwork. Gavin Becker enlisted his family’s help to pen the life-changing question using a snow blower…
GOP senator says lawmakers reach immigration compromise
Democratic lawmakers pressed for protections for nearly 800,000 immigrants who arrived illegally in the U.S. as children.
Democratic lawmakers were joined by so-called ‘Dreamers’ as they spoke to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol. (Jan. 10)WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of bipartisan senators has reached a deal on legislation to protect younger immigrants brought to the country illegally, a spokesman for Sen. Jeff Flake said Thursday. The group including the Arizona Republican, top Senate Democrat Dick Durbin and…
Dietitian: Eating “SMART” Helps New Year’s Resolutions
Cooking Connection: 2018 Healthy Eating
DULUTH, Minn. – In a new year, many Northlanders are trying to better themselves with a list of resolutions. One of the most common resolutions is to eat better. Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Debra Anderson with Essentia Health visited FOX 21 to share some knowledge. Anderson recommends following a SMART diet because oftentimes people try to change too many…
Veteran DJ and Officiant Hosts “Grooms Only Workshop” at Duluth Wedding Show
Wedding Show Celebrates 30th Anniversary
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Wedding Show is taking place this weekend, but it’s not just a day for the brides. Night Magic Productions is making sure the grooms feel included as well. In fact, according to Night Magic Productions Owner Dean Carlson, the company is ensuring the grooms get involved in the wedding planning process. Carlson is hosting the…
Some Wisconsin Lawmakers Must Get Harassment Training
New Senators Must Attend Harassment Training
MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Legislature provides sexual harassment training for new lawmakers but only some are required to get it. New senators must attend training by the Senate chief clerk and the Legislature’s human resources department that covers sexual harassment. The Legislature’s attorneys also offer orientation for all new legislators that includes sexual harassment training. Assembly leaders say they plan to…
Harassment Training, Reporting Under Scrutiny in State of Minnesota
Lawmakers May Tighten Legislation on Harassment Training
ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are moving to tighten the Legislature’s sexual harassment training and policies. The nationwide reckoning with the issue came to St. Paul late last year. Two male lawmakers, Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen and GOP Rep. Tony Cornish, resigned over sexual harassment allegations. House and Senate policies only require sexual harassment training every five years after legislators are…
Teenager Missing in Duluth Found Safe
Last Seen 11 a.m. Wednesday
UPDATE: Missing teen has been found safe. DULUTH, Minn.-According to a Facebook post from the Duluth Police Department, a 14-year-old boy has gone missing in Duluth. Topher William Lee Atkins, a white male, was last seen at 11 a.m. Wednesday leaving his home. His is 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. He is wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, grey…
Fox 21 Prepares to Compete in ‘More Cowbell’ Fundraiser
9th Annual Competition Takes Place at Grandma's Sports Garden Thursday
The 9th Annual ‘More Cowbell’ fundraiser is coming up, and the FOX 21 team is ready to compete. Northern Lights is hosting their 2nd biggest fundraiser of the year Thursday night at Grandma’s Sports Garden. It’s an SNL inspired event in which contestants compete while playing the cowbell to their favorite song. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Northern Lights…
Local Shelter Offers the Pur-fect Yoga Class
The Humane Society of Douglas County is helping Northlanders relax with animals.
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Studies show animals have calming affects on humans. The Humane Society of Douglas County says it’s true and is offering a pur–fect opportunity to relax with felines. Cat yoga is being held at the shelter. You can come in take a yoga class with a certified instructor, while the shelters cats roam around in relaxation with you. “The…
Leah Phifer Minnesota’s 8th Congressional Candidate visits Northlanders
Leah Phifer will be holding more open meetings with the public.
DULUTH, Minn.- Leah Phifer is a candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District and took a visit to the Northland on Wednesday. Phifer is running against Rick Nolan, in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. She previously worked for the FBI and homeland security for 10 years. On Wednesday she spoke with locals at Perk Place in Duluth explaining the importance of national security,…
Maintaining City Sidewalks in the Winter
The responsibility is on homeowners and business owners to keep the sidewalks clear.
DULUTH, Minn.- With snow hitting some areas hard,means its time to bust out the shovels. The city takes care of our roads but its on Northlanders to maintain the sidewalks of Superior. The city doesn’t have enough resources to ensure the sidewalks are clear for pedestrians. So with this snowfall its important for homeowners and business owners to know the responsibility…
Governor Mark Dayton Visits the Iron Range
Community Leaders Discussed Important Regional Projects with the Governor
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid, funding various bonding projects, and moving the Polymet project forward were some of the important issues discussed with Governor Dayton. The Range Association for Municipalities and Schools, or RAMS, held…
Superior Fire Department Upgrading Its Headquarters
The Superior Fire Department is accepting bids for the project until Feb.
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A big change is coming for the Superior Fire Department. The department’s headquarters will be replaced. The process began in 2014 after a station assessment on all of the facilities found a replacement was needed. The Superior Fire Department is currently operating out of a building that’s 37 years old. The facility doesn’t have enough space to store all…
Free Legal Clinic Helping Veterans In the Northland
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans will be in St. Cloud on Jan. 16.
DULUTH, Minn. – Veterans around the Northland sometimes need local help and today a special legal clinic in Duluth offered some free assistance. The program provides legal services to low income veterans or those with housing issues. Veterans could walk in to get advice on whatever legal topic they had including drafting a will. “Often times people earn more income…
Team Heads to Puerto Rico for Power Restoration
Volunteer Workers from Minnesota Power and SWLP will Leave Late Next Week, Spending at Least One Month in Puerto Rico
DULUTH, Minn. – It was back on September 7th when a group of Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power workers chose to volunteer their time to head south, aiding in power restoration efforts in Florida after Hurricane Irma left millions without electricity. Nearly five months after Hurricane Maria slammed into the island of Puerto Rico, recovery and restoration…
Donations Needed at Damiano Center
Men's and Women's Coats and Boots Needed Most
DULUTH, Minn.-The Damiano Center in Duluth is in dire need of clothing donations, as the cold air continues to hover over the Northland. In particular they are looking larger sizes of men’s and women’s coats and boots. Organization leaders told us, without the generosity of the Northland, many of the needy in the area would be facing incredibly tough situations….
New Coffee Shop With A Twist Opening In Superior
Twisted Pastries will have about six employees and baristas begin training in the next few weeks.
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new coffee shop with a twist is coming to Superior. Superior natives Mark and Annette Jacobson are behind the Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse. Twisted Pastries will offer unique flavors such as chai tea cupcakes with green tea frosting. Duluth coffee products will also be served in the shop. Renovations to the building began this week. “We’re excited…
The Northland Needs Your Blood Donations
One of the Best Bloods to Donate is O Negative Because it Can be Used by Anyone
DULUTH, Minn.-The American Red Cross is in urgent need of blood donations. Right now is one of the slowest times of the year for them as people haven’t been donating as much due to the holiday season. One blood collector at the Duluth Red Cross said that another thing holding people back is they are intimated to give blood, because…
Ecolibrium3 Making Moves To A Possible New Location
DULUTH, Minn. -Lincoln Park’s Ecolibrium three may soon be moving into a new building. The Duluth City Council approved the sale of the old Lincoln Park Sub Station on West Superior Street for the new location. A second reading of the ordinance is still needed to make it all final. The move would allow the organization that runs Duluth’s energy…
School Closings and Delays 1/11/18
Closings Bessemer, Mich. School District Birchwood School District Duluth School District Hermantown School District Lakeview Christian Academy Marshall School Mellen School District Northwoods School Solon Springs School South Shore Schools Watersmeet Township Schools Winter School District Two-Hour Delay Cherry School Deer River School Esko Schools Hill City School Lake Superior School District Northeast Range School South Ridge School Tower-Soudan Elementary…
Crash Leaves One Dead in Ashland County
Update: The person identified in the fatal crash is Craig A. Schemberger, 60, from Park Falls, Wis. GLIDDEN, Wis. – A man is dead after his vehicle left the road way striking a tree on Highway 13 near Glidden in the Township of Jacobs. According to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the call came in just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday….
Mine Supporters Sue to Void Dayton’s Order Against Twin Metals
VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) _ A pro-mining group is suing to overturn an order by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton that dealt a blow to the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Dayton last March directed the Department of Natural Resources not to enter into any new access or lease agreements for mining operations on state-owned lands near the Boundary Waters…
“Calendar Girls” Tickets Going Fast at The Underground
Production Follows Friends through Fame and Friendship
DULUTH, Minn. – The latest production at The Underground is opening Thursday evening. The show follows two friends on a journey for good. “Calendar Girls” is based on a true story of middle-aged friends who decide to raise money for a sofa after the sudden death of a husband. The calendar they create gets them a big amount of attention,…
MnDOT Urging Motorists to be Cautious Around Snow Plows
ST. PAUL, Minn. – With significant snow totals around the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations. According to MnDOT, there have been 22 crashes so far this season involving vehicles and snowplows. A total of 58 were reported last year. “Inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to…
Great Lakes Iron Ore Shipping Up 11 Percent in 2017
Highest Total Recorded Since 2012
CLEVELAND-More than 60 million tons of iron ore were shipped on the Great Lakes in 2017, a 10.9 percent increase over 2016. It was the highest total recorded since 2012. The Lake Superior ports that go through the Soo Locks saw their loadings increase by 9.9 million tons, which is 23.6 percent. Shipments from Canadian ports in the St. Lawrence…
Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats at HSDC
"Cat Yoga" Has Arrived at the Humane Society of Douglas County; January Classes are Already Sold Out
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Starting Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00p.m., the Twin Ports will now be home to a growing trend already popular across much of the nation. Cat yoga is skyrocketing in popularity, proving to offer benefits such as lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. “Much spontaneous laughter does happen because it’s just so unpredictable,” said Beth Swanson, Fundraising…
Great Outdoors: Snowshoeing at Glensheen Mansion
DULUTH, Minn. – Moonlight Snowshoes at Glensheen was hugely popular last year, and it is back this year. Visitors to the historic estate tour the grounds after dark and experience the Glensheen and Congdon story. There is a bonfire afterwards with s’mores afterword. The snowshoe hikes at Glensheen are happening every Wednesday in January. It’s free. You just need to…
The Duluth Salvation Army Wraps Up Its 2017 Red Kettle Campaign
The Red Kettle total was almost the same as last year at $256,018.
DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Salvation Army’s 2017 Red Kettle campaign has wrapped up and the results are in. The goal was to raise $300,000 over the holidays. Although the salvation army ended up 15 percent short of that number, the staff tells us it was still a busy season. “The Salvation Army has been in the Duluth area for 125 years…
Duluth Teachers Nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Three Teachers from ISD 709 Were Nominated for the Statewide Award
DULUTH, Minn. – Three teachers from the Duluth School District have been nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. Holly Bowen Bailey, Beth Kersting-Peterson, and Cindy Upton were nominated by a committee from the district. They join many other teachers nominated from across the state. The winner of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be entered for…
UWS Named a Top Online Bachelor’s Program
University Officials Say Their Online Graduate Enrollment Has Doubled As Well
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior was recently recognized as a top online bachelor’s program by U.S. News and World Report. Administrators tell us their online graduate enrollment has doubled in the last year. They say online programs are great for students who can’t commute to campus and for students who prefer learning in a different setting. “We are…
Lake Superior Zoo Working on New Projects
Zoo Has Begun Its Revitalization Following the 2012 Flood
DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is looking ahead to some exciting new developments in 2018. The zoo is starting their revitalization. Since the flood of 2012, changes were needed. Now the zoo is moving forward with some needed projects. Their goal for this year is to raise enough money to build a new bear country exhibit where the…
The Northland Prepares For Looming Winter Storm
The public is advised to be careful when snow plows are on the roads.
DULUTH, Minn. – For the most part, the St. Louis County Public Works Department is ready as early as fall for handling winter storms. Whenever a storm is in the forecast crews go through all of the equipment to make sure everything is cleaned and greased. They also check the plow edges for wear and tear. “This garage, we have…
Mayor Larson Hosts Let’s Do Lunch Event
Mayor Working on State of City Address Which Will be Held in March
DULUTH, Minn.-We are less than 10 days into the new year, but Duluth’s mayor already has some big plans for 2018. Today she spoke with a variety of business leaders at the Greysolon Ballroom during the Chamber’s “Let’s Do Lunch” event. Larson said she’s already been working on her State of the City Address which is set for an unknown…
Welcome Week for Spring Semester at Lake Superior College
DULUTH, Minn. — Spring semester classes at Lake Superior College began at the beginning of this week, but all this week is Welcome Week on campus! Earlier this morning, students could take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the front of campus. Positive Energy Outdoors even brought some sled dogs for a visit. Welcome Week is a chance for students to…
Future of Edna G Uncertain
Edna G Tugboat in Two Harbors Could be Removed From Water
TWO HARBORS, Minn.-The Edna G tugboat in Two Harbors has been a tourist attraction for years, but it could soon be coming out of the water. Recently the Two Harbors City Council passed a resolution to look into whether to do a feasibility study, that would determine how much it would cost to remove it from Lake Superior and place…
Sound Restaurant Opens in Duluth Today
Concert Featuring Multiple Acts Tonight at 8 p.m. at Sound
DULUTH, Minn.-The new Sound restaurant is open in Duluth. It’s grand opening is today and the place is being described as a spot sorely needed in downtown Duluth. The locale will feature different types of cuisine normally not found in the region like raw oysters and bison strip steaks. It’s all part of the chef’s goal of revitalizing the downtown…
Bannon to Exit Breitbart News Network after Break with Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is stepping down as chairman of Breitbart News Network after a public break with President Donald Trump. Breitbart announced Tuesday that Bannon would step down as executive chairman of the conservative news site, less than a week after Bannon’s explosive criticisms of Trump and his family were published in a…
MPCA Proposes Denial of Minntac’s Water Quality Permit
Meeting to be Held Jan. 23 in Mountain Iron to Discuss Denial
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.-The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has invited the public to make comments on a proposed denial of Minntac’s water quality permit at its Mountain Iron facility. A hearing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Mountain Iron Community Center where reasons for the denial are presented. The denial directly impacts the site owned by…
Trump Suggests 2-Phase Immigration Deal for ‘Dreamers’
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking a bipartisan compromise to avoid a government shutdown, President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that an immigration deal could be reached in two phases — first by addressing young immigrants and border security with what he called a “bill of love,” then by making comprehensive changes that have long eluded Congress. Trump held a…
Senate Committee Vote on Bill Relaxing Air Pollution Rules
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A legislative committee is set to approve a Republican bill that would relax Wisconsin air pollution regulations. The bill would repeal any state air pollution rules that go beyond federal regulations by the end of 2018. The state currently regulates hundreds more pollutants than the federal government. The proposal would allow the Department of Natural Resources…
Minnesota Human Services Chief to Fight Release of Serial Rapist
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper says she’ll appeal a judicial panel’s approval of the conditional release of a serial rapist from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Thomas R. Duvall has spent the past 30 years locked up for the violent rapes of teenage girls in the 1970s and 1980s. The Star Tribune reports that a three-judge panel…
UMD Production Honored at Regional Festival
"Antigone" Encore Performances in Duluth this Weekend
DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota-Duluth Theatre production is being honored in a big way. The department has been invited to perform “Antigone” at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, IA. This is one of only seven productions selected to perform in the festival. The play was chosen from hundreds around the region. UMD Theatre…
