Minnesota

Spartan Wellness Center Opens at Superior High School

The center will be open to students and athletes as part of their curriculum.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new weight room is now open at Superior High School. It’s one of many projects made possible after a district wide $92 million referendum passed in 2016. The Essentia Spartan Wellness Center has brand new weights for students to channel their inner Spartan. The space was once three classrooms before it became the Wellness Center. It…

Hiking and Halloween Fun This Weekend at Hartley Nature Center

The Annual Hartley Nature Center Howl-O-Ween is Happening Saturday, October 27 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Rain or shine, the annual Howl-O-Ween event is returning to Hartley Nature Center on the morning of Saturday, October 27. This year’s event will unveil an all new outdoor format. Organizers invite the public to come dressed in costume and enjoy exploring trails near the nature center. You’re encouraged to dress warm and be ready to take…

Wade the Duck: Lost, Attacked, Found

Duck Escapes, Attacked by Dog

DULUTH, Minn.-This week Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation helped save the life of an animal attacked by a dog, and it’s family is happy to have it home. The duck’s name is Wade. His owner said he went missing from his coop over the weekend. They were horrified to find a piece of him in the driveway, fearing the worst. A few…

New Loop Trail Opens on Superior Hiking Trail

New Trail Goes up Ely's Peak

DULUTH, Minn.- Hikers now have new uncharted territory to explore on the Superior Hiking Trail. Mayor Emily Larson hiked the new loop trail with a group yesterday, to install the maps for the route. Developers say, the trail allows you to see Ely’s Peak in a new way. “Hikers will be overjoyed with spectacular overlooks,” said Larry Sampson, Trail Renewal Consultant….

Mother Of Victim In East H.S. Assault Calls For Louder Voices Against Bullies

DULUTH, Minn. – The mother of a victim in a recent violent assault recorded on video outside Duluth East High School is speaking out and calling on people to stand up more against what she calls a growing problem of violence and bullies in schools. The assault happened Oct. 15, and now school officials and police are responding publicly after…

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cleaning Up Minnesota Slip

DULUTH, Minn. – An update tonight on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It’s one of the largest projects of its kind and the goal is to clean up pollution in the St. Louis River. This multi-partner project includes the state, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the city of Duluth. These type of projects provide multiple benefits, like taking care of…

15th Annual Energy Awareness Expo

Guests could also apply for energy assistance and sign up for weatherization.

DULUTH, Minn. – As we’re entering the winter season the 15th Annual Energy Awareness Expo is helping customers prepare. The event is at the Salvation Army in Duluth where Northlander’s can learn about different resources in the community to help cut costs when it comes to energy use. “In terms of heating, now that it’s cold time of year, just making sure that…

Duluth NAACP Speaks Out After Council Riot Gear Vote

The Duluth City Council voted 6–2 to allow the purchase of riot gear for the police department on Monday night

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted 6–2 to allow the purchase of riot gear for the police department, and now some organizations are speaking out. Some members of the Duluth Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) say they are frustrated with the process, and what they see as the city’s lack of including…

Duluth Declares Disaster Area

Federal Aid Being Sought for Lakewalk Damages

DULUTH, Minn.- The Saint Louis County Board has declared a “state of local disaster area” in Duluth after the October 10th storm. That declaration was made in order to help the city get needed funding for repairs along the lakewalk, along with numerous other spots along the shoreline. The total cost of damages sits at $18.4 million right now after an…

Tweed Museum to Host Grand Opening of “122 Conversations” Exhibition

Artist Anne Labovitz Set to Officially Unveil "122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders" Thursday, October 25

DULUTH, Minn. – 122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders is a multi-city participatory exhibition by Anne Labovitz, whose endeavor is to be a catalyst for positive social change through this community-building project. Labovitz’s exhibition will be officially unveiled Thursday, October 25 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Tweet Museum of Art on the campus of UMD. Mayor…

Minnesota Posts 300th Traffic Death of 2018

Drunk Driving was a Factor in 93 Fatal Crashes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota officials say more than 300 people have died in traffic crashes so far this year. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said Monday the 302 deaths were 17 more than the 285 reported at this time last year. In 2017, Minnesota did not record its 300th death until Oct. 31. The most recent death…

City Council Approves Riot Gear As Protesters Take Over Chambers

Disruptions Don't Stop Approval of Riot Gear Purchase

DULUTH, Minn.- After two tabled votes, and three community meetings involving the topic, the Duluth City Council voted 6 to 2 in favor of purchasing roughly $83,000 of riot gear for Police Officers. Counselors Gary Anderson and Joel Sipress voted against the purchase. Em Westerlund was out of town for work. Westerlund missed a city council meeting like no other….

KYN: Wings ‘n Willows Art Gallery and Custom Framing

Owner Linda Budrow specializes in custom framing and can frame just about anything.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids is home to an art gallery shop that can also take a piece of art to the next level with its custom framing. Wings ‘n Willows Art Gallery and Custom Framing is nestled in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. “We do custom framing,” said Owner Linda Burdow. “We sell a lot of local…

Lake Superior Zoo Receives Large Donation for Bear Country Exhibit

The construction phase for Bear Country will take about six to eight months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Next year Lake Superior Zoo hopes to open a new Bear Country Exhibit, and after a large donation from Irving Community Club, it’s now one step closer to that goal. Lions, tigers and soon to be bears oh my! Lake Superior Zoo employees tell me they want to make Bear Country a signature exhibit. “This is about trying…

Newspaper Starting Up In Cloquet: Pine Knot News

The weekly paper will have local news focused on northern Carlton County.

CLOQUET, Minn. – A new newspaper is starting up in the Northland. Pine Knot News is the third newspaper is moving into a historic office in Cloquet. Pine Knot News is paying tribute to an old town paper, which was called “The Pine Knot” by using its name. The weekly paper will have local news focused on northern Carlton County….

Duluth Parks and Rec Department to Host Halloween Boo Bash

Costumes are Encouraged and Skates will be Free to Rent at the Essentia Health Heritage Sports Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Children and parents are invited to check out the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Wednesday, October 24 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Duluth Parks and Recreation Department along with many other sponsors are pleased once again to host the annual Free Halloween Boo Bash skating party. The Essentia Duluth Heritage Center, the City of Duluth Parks & Recreation Department, the…

Bikers Go Boo at Hartley Nature Center

COGGS Hosts 2nd Annual Shredding Pumpkins

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids and parents in Duluth took advantage of the good weather for some Halloween fun on Sunday. They rode their bikes over to the Hartley Nature Center for their 2nd Shredding Pumpkins event. Families decked out in their Halloween best could take on the new trails built by the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. also known as COGGS. “As…

Dovetail Open for Business

New Cafe Opens in Duluth Folk School

DULUTH, Minn.- A new cafe has opened at the Duluth Folk School in Lincoln Park. Dovetail Cafe and Marketplace opened their doors and welcomed first customers last week. The Folk School says, they hope to provide a space for the community to come together, being the only coffee shop in Lincoln Park. Almost everything in the cafe is handcrafted by artists…

Blessing from a Bar for Hurricane Michael Victims

Carmody's Irish Pub Holds Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.- With beer on every table and football on every TV, it looks like a typical Sunday at Carmody’s Irish Pub. But today is no ordinary Sunday, and these are no ordinary patrons. “It’s really nice that everybody paid attention to the invitation and came out to see us,” said Jonathan Lee. Newlywed Duluth natives Jonathan Lee and Jessica…

Frightening Four Legged Friends at Fitgers

Dogs and Owners Invited to Festival

DULUTH, Minn.- Some furry friends joined in the frightening Halloween fun, as dogs dressed as Superheroes, clowns, and more took over Fitger’s for the 5th annual Fido’s Fall Festival. Dogs and owners could shop for treats from vendors, and also be models for a day at a photo booth. “The photo costume contest is the biggest draw, for sure,” said…

One Last Strike for Bowling to Beat Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Says Goodbye

DULUTH, Minn.- A Northland hallmark of Breast Cancer awareness and empowerment comes to a close this weekend. Country Lanes North hosted the 11th Annual Bowling to Beat Breast Cancer fundraiser. Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed among women aged 50 and older, according to the American Cancer Society. But you wouldn’t know it, watching these women…

Last Minute Pumpkin Picking

CLOQUET, Minn. – Pumpkin vendors around town tell us sales are steady this season, and those looking to do last minute pumpkin shopping still have time. Staff with DC Best Produce tell us customers are stopping by to pick up their pumpkin just in time for Halloween. They say even adults look forward to pumpkin picking, but the kids enjoy it the…

Cloquet Public Library Plans To Expand

The library is 12,000 square feet and an expansion would add 7,000 more, that would expand the children's area and meeting spaces and create a new space for youth.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Exciting things may be happening at the Cloquet Public Library if a million dollar grant is approved. The plans for expansion is something that began a few years ago after a study revealed there was a need for more space. Staff tell us the Cloquet Public Library is usually full of people every day, and new programs at…

Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Turns 10

10th Anniversary Celebrated at Denfeld High School

DULUTH, Minn.- A staple of Duluth community sports celebrated a special birthday Thursday night. The tribal thunder of boomwhackers leads you to the auditorium of Denfeld High School, as the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center celebrates its 10th Anniversary. All ages attended the interactive program to wish a happy 10th birthday to the sports center. John Shuster was even in attendance, bringing a…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Hearing On Proposed Natural Gas Plant

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) heard arguments from both sides regarding a natural gas power plant in Superior. Minnesota Power believes it’s the right time to build the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). No final decision is expected for a while, but that didn’t stop people from showing up to learn more about where this project stands….

CHUM Gala for Street Outreach Program, Struggles with Housing

Event held at Greysolon Ballroom

DULUTH, Minn.-  A gala was held by CHUM Thursday night, to raise money for their Street Outreach program. All proceeds benefit the Street Outreach program, which helps homeless people living outside or in their cars. “So we really work with people to try to get them inside,” said Development Director Mary Schmitz. “And once they’re inside, then we can work…

Cranberry Brie Pinwheel, Easy Fun Fall Appetizer

Easy To Cook & Serve Fall Pinwheels Tought From A Private Cooking Instructor You'll Want Lessons From!

DULUTH, Min. — Cooking Connection with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Private Instructor Arlene Coco! This week we are cooking up a Cranberry Brie Pinwheel that is perfect for appetizers, parties and the holidays! RECIPE: Cranberry Brie Pinwheels Makes 12 Servings Yield: 2 dozen This recipe is a starting point for countless variations. Think cheddar cheese, pesto, and other delicious…

Homeless Camp Dismantled Over I-35; Fencing Installed After Safety, Health Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – A homeless camp above I-35 in Duluth has been moved out with new security measures being installed after growing health and safety concerns there. Crews with the Minnesota Department of Transportation were out Wednesday installing new fencing around the property along the 700 block of East Superior Street. MnDOT officials say conditions were increasingly unsanitary, with mounting…

Experts Not Ready to Call Polio-like Illness An Epidemic Yet

AFM is a polio-like disease with seven cases in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local health experts say Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is not considered an epidemic just yet. AFM is a polio-like disease with seven cases in Minnesota. The illnesses cause paralysis or limited mobility in children. Doctors from St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth say following steps like hand washing and staying home when you’re sick can help with prevention….

Community Voices Heard One Last Time for Riot Gear

Issue with Comments from Meetings Now Goes to City Council

DULUTH, Minn.- “…we stop being oppositional and look for ways to make our community safe.” The tired plea from one concerned citizen at a third community meeting discussing whether the Duluth Police Department should purchase new riot gear. The Citizens Review Board held its final community meeting about the proposed purchase of riot gear. The feedback along the way will…

Protesters Demand Answers From Itasca County Officials On Spending of Taxpayer Funds

The protesters want answers from the Sheriff's Office and other county officials on how taxpayer money is being spent.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Protesters in Grand Rapids are calling out Itasca County on what they believe to be the misuse of funds. The protesters want answers from the Sheriff’s Office and other county officials on how taxpayer money is being spent. Dozens of protesters were in front of the Itasca County Courthouse braving the cold to get their point…

Former Hermantown Mayor Donates New Book to Local Classrooms

Former Hermantown Mayor, Dan Urshan, is the Author of "Where's Duke," Now Being Donated to Local Classrooms in the Northland

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – When it comes to being in first grade, some real life topics are often tough to discuss with your children. But with the help and creativity of one local author, it’s now easier for Animal Allies to step in and continue teaching lessons for years to come. “Duke went missing in the middle of the winter in…

Duluth’s Downtown Holiday Center Welcomes New Tenants

There's been a $20 million investment into the Holiday Center within the last 15 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Holiday Center Market in downtown Duluth is on its way to full capacity as several new businesses are moving in. With more food and entertainment options, you’ll now have even more reasons to stop by and shop there. In November 2019, Townsquare Media will be home to four radio stations including B105, Mix 108, Sasquatch 106.5…

Nopeming Sanatorium Paranormal Investigation

Medium Lady Ocalat & Twin Ports Paranormal Investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria

DULUTH, Min. — Fox 21’s Northland Uncovered October Special investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria, Nopeming. Nopeming was built in 1912 to help house and care for individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis. The building went through many changes in structure, tenants, employees and management since. Nopeming has been privately owned by Orison Inc. which is a non-profit since 2009. Orison has…

Duluth Mayor Announces Selection for Chief Administrative Officer

A Public Meet and Greet Will be Held Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Former City of Minneapolis Director of Regulatory Services, Noah Schuchman, has been selected as Duluth’s next Chief Administrative Officer. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson made the announcement Tuesday morning following an extensive national hiring process. In his previous role Schuchman managed a department of nearly 200 staff with complicated budgets and several lines of city business. “I am…

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…

UMD Plans Expansion With New Dorms and Dining Facilities

The facilities will be paid for with internal funding and a loan from the University of Minnesota system and not state funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has plans to build a new residence hall and dining facility. The school currently doesn’t have the space for all students who want to live on campus. Now they’re planning to build a $59 million dorm and dining facility to fill that void. The facilities will be paid for with internal…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission To Decide Fate of Proposed Gas Plant

This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power announced plans to build a $700 million natural gas plant in Superior just last year. This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant. But, not everyone is on board. A…

Curling Club Creates Curling Community

Duluth Curling Club Holds Lessons

DULUTH, Minn.- After taking home Olympic gold last year, the USA Men’s Curling Team has become a staple of Duluth. Now the club they call home is helping other Duluthians try out the sport. Team Shoostie, as they’re called, named after leader John Shuster, is making waves after their Olympic win. Despite Parks and Recreation actor Nick Offerman being interested…

New Eastside Church Open for Holy Business

Vineyard Church Holds Grand Opening

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year and a half the Duluth Vineyard Church welcomed people for their first Sunday Mass. The church opened in partnership with Duluth Congregation Church. The Vineyard says having a smaller, more intimate location than their Arrowhead church, breathes new life into the community. “It’s just so exciting to us, and I think inviting people into a new…

Northland Pets Out ‘Fur’ a Good Cause

Fur Ball Gala held at Northland Country Club

DULUTH, Minn.- Some more cuddly animals gathered in their Sunday best for the Animal Allies’ Humane Society’s 17th annual Fur Ball Gala. The Northland Country Club was decorated with shiny tables, elegant dresses, and friendly pets. The goal of the fundraiser is to earn over $100,000, to be used for education efforts. “So Duluth is a community that values pets,”…

Lake Superior Zoo Goes Boo

Boo at the Zoo Held

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland must not know that Halloween is still a few weeks away, and neither did the animals at Lake Superior Zoo. The Zoo hosted their annual Boo at the Zoo on Saturday. Kids got to enjoy tricks at the bounce house, and the animals got the treat of seeing everyone in their costumes. Even some of the vendors…

Drawn From Abbey Road to Lake Avenue

Beatles Cartoonist at Prove Gallery

DULUTH, Minn.- A figure of musical history was celebrated at the Prove Art Gallery in Duluth on Friday. The works of Ron Campbell were up on display. Campbell is the original artist for the Beatles’ tenth studio album: yellow submarine, the musical film spin-off and the Beatles’ Saturday morning cartoon. Each of his paintings jump off the canvas with bright, popping…

Relief from Superior During Fire of 1918

City Across the Bridge Took in Refugees

DULUTH, Minn.- The Fire of 1918 sent up a bellowing smoke cloud of history, that is still being explored today. And that smoke cloud encompassed Superior as well. As the Douglas County Historical Society found out, for those caught in the flames on that fateful day, Superior ended up being a safe haven. “Over 5,000 people came on 98 train…

New Improvements at Ely Peak Trail

With these improvements, DAHTA hopes new members will get involved.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation is celebrating the completion of the Ely Peak Trail in the Magney Snively Natural Area. It’s a frequent hot spot for equestrians with the Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance (DAHTA). One of the upgrades includes a $240,000 investment to harden the trails for the horses. DAHTA hopes to further develop…

UMD Inspired Electric Bus Rolls Onto Campus

Students ride for free as long as they show a student ID and school employees pay a small fee for the year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)  recently added seven electric buses to its routes, and one of those buses will be seen around University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) giving rides and helping protect the environment. It took a few years for an electric bus displaying Bulldog pride to roll onto the UMD campus, but staff say its perfect timing….

Gov. Mark Dayton Undergoes Successful Back Surgery

He's had Three Back Surgeries

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton’s office says his latest back surgery was a success. Dayton underwent a third procedure to fuse several vertebrae in his lower back Friday morning. The operation was meant to improve the 71-year-old governor’s leg strength and stability. Spokesman Matt Swanson said Dayton was conscious and resting after a successful surgery at Mayo…

College of St. Scholastica Institutes Test-Optional Admissions Policy

Applicants can Still Submit Scores if They Choose

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica will no longer require the ACT or SAT standardized tests as part of its application for admission. According to a Friday press release the change was made official on Thursday October 11 by a vote of St. Scholastica’s Faculty Assembly. “This new policy reflects our commitment to access and to an admissions…

Follow the Green Balloons this Saturday in Lincoln Park

The Third Annual Lincoln Park Open House is Happening Saturday, October 13 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local business owners in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood invite you to stop by and explore their space this Saturday, October 13. The third annual Lincoln Park Open House is taking place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Activities and great deals will be offered by local businesses such as Ursa Minor Brewing, Corktown Deli & Brews, Love…