News

Kirby Commencements Continue at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – Some UMD students planning to graduate next month are taking advantage of a program this week that gives them a more personal send off. The Kirby Commencement allows students to get their pictures taken with their cap, gown, and diploma cover as if they were on stage during a commencement ceremony.  They also get the chance to meet…

Duluth Public Schools Begins New Strategic Plan Process

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is ready to begin the process to create a new comprehensive strategic plan. Superintendent John Magas says they hired TeamWorks International to assist them.  The approach they are taking is known as ‘schoolroom to boardroom’. “This process focuses more on first assessing on our current reality,” says Magas.  “What is our history? What are…

Visit Duluth Opens New Visitor Center in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth is ready to open their new visitor center in Canal Park. The move from West Superior Street to Lake Avenue next to Flagship will continue to offer brochures, maps, and information to the various attractions in the Twin Ports. “We’re right in Canal Park,” says President Daniele Villa, “the heart, where visitors all come.  Whether they…

Lake Superior Zoo’s Longtime African Lion Dies

DULUTH, Minn.–The Lake Superior Zoo announced Thursday the passing of their male African lion, Leo. The lion was 14 1/2 years old, and called the zoo home for 13 years. He is survived by his two sisters, Lily and Malkia. For the past couple of weeks, Leo’s behavior had been different than normal. On Tuesday his health took a decline…

Suspect Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting In Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. — The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in the city of Chisholm. The shooting happened Wednesday morning after 7 a.m. on the 200 block of Central Avenue South, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was wanted in connection to a recent felony…

The Rambler Food Truck Begins New Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of spring in the Northland as The Rambler food truck had its first stop of their season Wednesday outside Cirrus. Event Coordinator Kesley Auran says they are one of the oldest food trucks in the Northland, starting in 2012.  “We love our regulars.  We love people are still finding out about us, fresh and new, so…

Bomb Threat Identical To Esko One Causes Evacuation Of Cloquet Middle And High Schools

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet middle school and high school were evacuated on Wednesday after a bomb threat was called into the high school over the phone, and both buildings have now been given the all-clear by police. Cloquet police say the bomb threat seemed to be the exact same one that was called into Esko High School last month,…

American Red Cross Provides Relief for Victims of Bayfield Area Fire

As of this morning, the Red Cross has opened relief cases for 14 people from approximately 6 units/homes affected by the blaze.

BAYFIELD, Wisc.–Disaster volunteers from the American Red Cross are stepping up to help those who lost everything, including the roof over their heads, after an apartment building caught fire in Bayfield on Saturday. The Red Cross is working to connect the residents affected with a place to stay, food, and other necessities. Currently, they have helped fourteen people from six…

74 Apartments of Lincoln Park Flats Complete, Pre-Leased Ahead of June 1st Opening

Rent ranges from studio apartments at about $900 a month to $1,700 for 2-bedroom units.

DULUTH, Minn.- This summer West Superior Street will see more housing overlooking the lake, as the 4-story Lincoln Park Flats is all booked up ahead of its June 1st opening, about a year after they started construction. “How we finish a building is we finish our way out,” said Megan Holsclaw, Operations Manager with P&R Companies. “We’re up on the…

Superior Council Unanimously Approves Tourism Contract with Duluth-Based Swim Creative

According to the Mayor, Swim Creative can now begin their campaign immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis,- Superior City Councilors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a tourism contract worth $250,000 to a marketing agency based out of Duluth called “Swim Creative.” Superior Mayor Jim Paine says the choice was between 3 bidders, but in his book, Swim Creative rose to the top. According to the Mayor, they were the best at reaching out to citizens…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Live Entertainment Returning To Bayfront Park

Schneider added they're closing in on 20,000 runners total for all three races.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon is set to be even more of a party again this year, as live music will be returning to Bayfront Park on race weekend. Last year there was live music at the finish line and modified entertainment in Canal Park. Now this year the six musical acts — one Friday and five through midnight Saturday —…

Duluth Parks and Rec Holds Youth Soccer Camp

The camp, which is for kids ages five and six, is run by former UMD soccer captain Julia Osborne.

DULUTH, Minn. – Through the Duluth Parks and Recreation, one UMD soccer player is helping give back to the youth soccer community. “I was asked by my boss to put on a soccer camp for the first time. I’ve always wanted to get into coaching so I thought what better way than working with a young population,” former UMD soccer…

Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota puts on Family Night

DULUTH, Minn. – The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota put on an event tonight for families impacted by epilepsy. Held at the Duluth Children’s Museum, the event was a way for families that deal with the challenges of epilepsy to come together and meet those who are also facing similar realities. The Foundation does events like this throughout the year to…

DTA Lifts Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced Tuesday that it is lifting its mask mandate for riders after a federal judge ended it for all public transit Monday. Before the ruling by the judge, the CDC wanted it to continue until May 3rd while it studied the latest COVID variant and what kind of threat it would be to the public….

Lawn Care Preparation as Summer Approaches

DULUTH, Minn. – Green thumbs are patiently waiting for the last frost of the spring before they can start planting and taking care of the grass, and we are getting closer every day. Mike Letica runs a lawn care business, and he says the ground first needs to dry up from all the moisture from the snow and then the…

Art Exhibition at Tweed Museum of Art

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, UMD celebrated its annual student exhibition at the Tweed Museum of Art. The exhibition is work completed by art and design students from the past year. The theme this year was layers, and two professionals from outside of UMD looked at submissions and selected 67 works to be included. The art is on display at the…

AEOA Needs Volunteers for Meals on Wheels

DULUTH, MN – The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency is looking for volunteers to help them with the Meals on Wheels program. Every Monday through Friday they need 8 volunteers to deliver meals to 170 seniors in Duluth, Hermantown and Proctor. For many of these seniors, it is more than just the meals that they receive every day. “A lot of…

Duluth International Airport Drops Mask Mandate After Federal Judge Ends Requirement

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport will no longer require masks on its property after a federal judge ended the requirement nationally on Monday. “Since the beginning of pandemic, the Duluth International Airport has instituted reasonable mitigation measures that promote public health, including increased disinfection and air exchange inside the airport terminal,” Tom Werner, the executive director of DIA,…

Decontamination Trailer Donated to Superior Fire Department, Will be Used Across Northwest Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new piece of equipment will help firefighters in Superior get clean faster and easier when they are out on certain calls. Enbridge has donated a $400,000 53-foot decontamination trailer to the city.  Jeff Foster Trucking is also assisting by storing the trailer at their location, and having people available to move it to a scene when needed….

Live Interview: Locally Produced Horror Flick ‘Beyond The North Woods’ To Debut At ‘North X North Fest’

DULUTH, Minn. – Local actors, editors and camera operators joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 8 a.m. hour of the morning show Tuesday to talk about their new horror film called “Beyond the North Woods.” The film was shot mostly in Duluth’s Lester Park and at the Androy Hotel in Superior.  It’s described as “raw, unedited footage recovered from…

Live Interview: ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ At Fitger’s Theatre, Boat Club’s Stand Up Comedy

DULUTH,  Minn. – Boat Club Productions is getting ready to debut “Tuesdays with Morrie” this Friday at the Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s. Jason Vincent, owner of the Boat Club Restaurant and Productions, is producing the show and joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show Tuesday to talk about what people…

Water Main Break on 1700 Block of North 43rd Avenue East

Water has been turned off on North 43RD Avenue East from Glenwood Street to Tioga Street

DULUTH, Minn.–City of Duluth operations crews are responding to a water main break on the 1700 block of North 43rd Avenue East. Water has been turned off on North 43RD Avenue East from Glenwood Street to Tioga Street. The duration of the repair is unknown at this time. Crews are working to repair the break and restore water service as…

‘No Mow May’ Bee Boosting Initiative Growing in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More Wisconsin communities are encouraging residents to keep their lawnmowers in the garage next month to boost the population of bees and other pollinators. Appleton became the first city to adopt the “No Mow May” initiative a couple years ago and others have followed, including Wausau, Oshkosh, Fort Atkinson and Stevens Point. The idea is to…

Researchers To Study Minnesotans Who Swim In Icy Waters

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Researchers plan to study a group of Minnesotans who dunk themselves in icy Lake Harriet every winter day. The Star Tribune reports that researchers from Rockefeller University’s Cohen Laboratory of Molecular Metabolism are studying so-called brown fat that generates heat in cold conditions in humans. They’re currently investigating blood biomarkers of brown fat in young New Yorkers…

Poplar Pilot Developing ‘Skypak’ to Take Off as Personal Propeller-Driven Jetpack

With six propellers strapped to his back, Daniel Gant hopes his invention can soon help with repairs, construction and more manned-flight operations.

POPLAR, Wis.- Aviation has come a long way from the Wright Brothers’ first successful airplane flight in 1903. Now a pilot in Poplar Wisconsin is hoping his personal flying machine can take off, to eventually help with high-altitude repairs, construction, and more. “I’m standing on the shoulders of giants and they have, there’ve been people that have done a lot…

New Jets in UMD Pool Simulate Surfing, Rafting Waves for Training

It has one setting for swimmers to practice in smaller waves, another for surfers to work on maneuvers, and the last setting -- river flow similar to whitewater rafting and sea kayaking.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thanks to upgraded jets, the pool in UMD’S Sports and Health Center can now better train kayakers, surfers, and swimmers in rough water conditions through their Rec Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP). The lap pool now has a “flow pump” system. It has one setting for swimmers to practice in smaller waves, another for surfers to work on maneuvers,…

Texas Roadhouse ‘Dine to Donate’ Supports Duluth Children’s Museum

The money will be going into the opening of the museum's second floor with new experiences after they outgrew their first-floor space.

DULUTH, Minn.- While chowing down on some steaks and barbecue Monday, Texas Roadhouse customers could also give back to the Duluth Children’s Museum located in Lincoln Park. Texas Roadhouse held one of their dine to donate nights. Guests could tell their servers they wanted to support the Children’s Museum with their dine-in or pickup orders, and have 10% of their…

KYN: Northwood Tech Takes Gold and Silver in Carpentry Competition

RICE LAKE, Wis. – “I think anybody right now knows that there is a shortage of people in the trades and an apprenticeship is a great way to get that kind of training in accomplished workforce development,” said President of Northwood Technical College, John Will. Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake, Wisconsin had two of their apprentices through the ABC…

Tick Season Is Among Us

Ticks in the Northland are prevalent, but with the right steps they can be easily prevented.

DULUTH, Minn.– Tick season is already in full force and nobody is safe from these little guys. There are, however, some preventative measures you can take to keep them off. Ticks are prevalent in the Northland and they can cause a lot of issues, including Lyme Disease. This infection if gone untreated, can potentially become life-threatening, impacting both humans and…

St. Luke’s Pharmacy Wins Clinical Excellence Award

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Luke’s Pharmacy has won an award for clinical excellence with the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. The award is given to clinical partners of the the U of M who express innovation and excellence within their pharmacy and go beyond what is expected to support learners. There are eight recipients of the award and…

Cloquet Apartment Building Deemed Unfit for Human Habitation

Repairs to the building must begin before the end of May, or all tenants on the second and third floor will be forced to move.

Cloquet, Minn.– A Cloquet apartment building has been deemed unfit for human habitation after a failed building inspection. The building has a total of nine units and 12 residents. Those living in the building were given the notice after the city found the building was in violation of proper structure supports in the rear fire exit staircase. The owner was…

Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Banks Thanks Volunteers During National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Second Harvest says they're always looking for more volunteers. If you're interested in helping out, you can find more information on their website.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is national volunteer appreciation week and the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is taking time to honor those who use their own time to help out with the organization. Second Harvest is handing out treats and featuring their 13 regional volunteers in the community who dedicate their time to help those in need. At…

Essentia Health Holds Flag Raising Ceremony to Honor Organ Donors as Part of National Donate Life Month

Essentia raised a flag to honor those who gave others a second chance at life in the Northland with organ, tissue and eye donations. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Essentia Health held a ceremony to honor organ donors as April is recognized as National Donate Life month. Essentia raised a flag to honor those who gave others a second chance at life in the Northland with organ, tissue and eye donations. For the families of both the donors and recipients, along with the medical…

Florida Judge Voids US Mask Mandate For Planes, Other Travel

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida on Monday voided the national mask mandate covering airlines and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in their response to the coronavirus pandemic. The mandate, recently extended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, covered a vast array of transportation, from airplanes and trains…

Divided Minnesota Legislature Will Return With Much Undone

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A deeply divided Minnesota Legislature returns from its Easter-Passover break Tuesday. Lawmakers have just five weeks left to decide what to do with the state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus plus $1 billion in unspent federal pandemic relief. There’s been little meeting of the minds between the House Democratic and Senate Republican majorities. They have yet…

Bayfield Community Helping 8 Displaced Recover from Ashes of Saturday Apartment Fire

The building was one of the oldest in the city, and the only affordable housing in the small tourist town.

BAYFIELD, Wis.- After a massive apartment fire Saturday, it was a bleaker Easter Sunday in Bayfield as residents drove by to look at the burnt-down remains of one of the town’s oldest structures — and only affordable housing unit — while helping the displaced rise from the ashes and try to get back on their feet. “I saw some smoke…