Community

Junk Hunting Takes Over Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center

The Duluth Junk Hunt runs from Friday, May 11 until Saturday, May 12; The Event is in It's 6th Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota fishing opener may be Saturday, but on Friday hundreds of folks started hunting for junk at the 6th annual Duluth Junk Hunt. The two day event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center at 120 North 30th Avenue West. Founder Emily Broman started the event back in 2012 because she realized there…

“Make it OK” Campaign Stops at Duluth Area Family YMCA

A Full List of Events is Planned by Northland Healthy Minds throughout the Month of May to Combat Mental Illness Stigma

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks visiting the Duluth Area Family YMCA on Friday had the chance to learn more about the stigma surrounding mental illness, and even sign a pledge to speak up about the ongoing issue. Northland Healthy Minds is a volunteer group that has come together to bring the “Make it OK” campaign to the Duluth area. The group…

Theater Group Brings Dark Comedy to Life at The Underground

Rubber Chicken Theater to Perform "Dr. Strangelove" Live Read

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing the laughs this weekend as they perform another Live Read. The groups stages readings of classic movie scripts and this year they’re presenting the dark comedy, Dr. Strangelove. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at The Underground, 506 West Michigan Street, in downtown Duluth. Tickets are $10….

Climbing Ely’s Peak with Vertical Endeavors

Active Adventures: Rock Climbing

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm Northlanders are venturing outside to enjoy the nature and all the activities that come with it. For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 went rock climbing with Vertical Endeavors at Ely’s Peak. Vertical Endeavors offers several outdoor climbing options and can be reached at (218) 279-9980, or www.verticalendeavors.com/outdoor. The Duluth Climbers…

Daycare Shortage Leaves Northland Families With Limited Options

St. Louis Co. Public Health and Human Services hosted a public meeting to discuss possible solutions

DULUTH, Minn. –  The recent announcement that a major daycare facility is closing its doors in Duluth has left some parents feeling stressed out about what to do next. Last week, the Benedictine Health System announced they’ll be shutting down their infant and toddler center in mid-June. Northland parents say there is a major shortage of affordable daycare available. After…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

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….

Realty Company Hosts Kids Day Party

Keller Williams Realty holds a day every year to give back to the community

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids got the chance to play some games and have some fun at Keller Williams Realty on Thursday. Every year, Keller Williams Realty holds Red Day, where they invite the community to come and share in activities and togetherness. “We just want to do as much as we can to give back and get to know people,” realtor…

Digging In For Groundbreaking of New Virginia Government Services Center North Building

The $19 million project is a 63,000 square foot building, which will house more than 10 departments and 180 employees.

Virginia, Minn. – It was an exciting day in the city of Virginia. Ground was broken for a new multi–million dollar government services center. It’s a project that’s been in the works for years to better meet the needs of people living in northern St. Louis County. The city of Virginia is getting the new government services building because the existing facilities are too old to renovate….

Knowing Who and Where Your Food is From

Market Day Duluth hosts a meet and greet to sign-up for a CSA.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s that time of year for locally grown fresh produce to start hitting the stands, one local market is helping you know where and who your food comes from. Starting in June Market Day Duluth will host its own farmers market, through Community Supported Agriculture. To prepare for the season today individuals could come in and signup for…

SLRA Seeks Volunteers for River Clean-up

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend several Northlanders are stepping up once again to keep the St. Louis River clean. The St. Louis River Alliance is looking for volunteers to take part in their annual river clean-up event. It’s taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interested individuals and organizations may contact the St. Louis River…

Making a Fresh Appetizer with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: Bruschetta

DULUTH, Minn. – When entertaining guests it’s always tough to come up with a dish everyone will enjoy eating. A commonly-liked appetizer is actually much easier to put together than may be expected. For this week’s Cooking Connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed FOX  21’s William Seay how to make Bruschetta. BRUSCHETTA Remove…

Hermantown Rebuilding New Fire Halls

In March 2018, Hermantown awarded the contract to TNT Aggregates, LLC.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown is making room for new fire halls and the demolition of the old fire halls has already started this week. Fire Hall #3 is no longer standing and by Thursday, May 10, Fire Hall #2 will begin to come down. City officials say those fire halls didn’t meet proper Hermantown Fire Department operational needs any longer….

Superior Police Take It To the Sky With Drone Technology In Husky Fire Response

The four member Tactical Technology Unit linked up with the Husky Emergency Response Team to get better views from the air.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It turns out new technology high in the sky was a big help in battling the Husky Refinery fire last month. Drone footage from the Superior Police Department made it easier to determine if the scene was safe for firefighters. The Superior Police Department has a Tactical Technology Team. Some of these officers fly a drone in…

What Local Farmers Hope to Find on the New Farm Bill

Senator Tina Smith's staff is asking the community to voice concerns and ideas.

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…

Search for Missing Woman Ends in Lake County, No Foul Play Suspected

Lake County Sheriff's Office Reports the Body of Missing Tawhna Jolee Pringle Found, No Foul Play Suspected

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Officials say the body of Tawhna Jolee Pringle, 30,  was located Tuesday, May 8 at approximately 11:00 a.m. According to authorities, Pringle was found roughly 100 feet off the Dunka River Road near Babbitt and approximately 2.2 miles from where officials found her vehicle on February 7, 2018. Officials say there does not appear to be foul…

Financial Expert Gives Tips for College Graduates Entering Workforce

Managing Finances with Great Waters Financial Lead Advisor

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s graduation time and thousands of college grads are now heading into the workforce. Unfortunately, many of these millennials are moving forward in life with college loan debt and not much knowledge on managing finances. This morning, Lead Advisor for Great Waters Financial Barry Bigelow stopped by FOX 21 to give some tips. Here are four subjects…

Animal Answers: Jimmy Walks Once Again

Duluth Dachshund Jimmy Page Suffered from Intevertebral Disc Disease Two Weeks Ago, Having to Undergo Emergency Surgery

DULUTH, Minn. – Just over two weeks ago, dachshund Jimmy Page had to undergo emergency surgery at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in St. Paul after slipping two discs in his back. Without any warning sign, Jimmy woke up one day suffering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). IVDD is when discs in the back deteriorate, becoming susceptible to bulging or…

Northland Preparations for Fishing Opener

This year the opener is Saturday, May 12th, and several businesses across the Northland are busy getting ready.

DULUTH, Minn. – The tradition of testing the waters and going fishing continues this weekend for the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Opener. About half a million anglers usually head out for the occasion. The fishing opener is what some consider a Minnesota holiday. “It’s pretty exciting times,” said Fisherman’s Corner Owner Scott Van Valkenburg. “It kind of gives you the fear…

Opioid Overdose Antidote Now On-Hand at the Cook County Sheriff’s Department

This investment came in the form of a big donation for the Cook County Sheriff's Office

COOK COUNTY, Minn.-  Keeping law enforcement protected from the deadly painkiller known as fentanyl is a serious concern across the country. Fentanyl is often times mixed with heroin and can cause an officer to overdose just by being exposed to the particles in the air during searches, like a traffic stop.  This has forced law enforcement agencies to invest in an opioid…

Olympic Curling Team Tells Their Story to Middle School Students

The Gold Medal athletes inspired kids to follow their dreams

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Members of the gold medal winning U.S. Olympic Curling Team shared their stories with middle school students in Duluth and Superior. The curlers shared their Olympic journey and their inspiring stories of growing up in the Northland and achieving their dreams. John Shuster, John Landsteiner, and Joe Polo spoke to hundreds of students at Superior Middle School….

Knowing Your Neighbors: Better Results with Building Logic

Building Logic Started in 2010 to Assist Residents in the Twin Ports with Everyday Property Care and Repair Needs

DULUTH, Minn. – Becoming a home or business owner can be exciting but it also comes with a price tag, countless hours of hard work and labor. That’s why Duluth based Building Logic is looking to be there for you when there’s property care and repair needs. It’s located in a small grey building just off Piedmont Avenue in Duluth….

Elite Beach Volleyball Tournament Comes to Skyline Lanes

Tournament to be Hosted Memorial Day Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – An elite volleyball competition is coming to Duluth. Skyline Lanes is hosting an AVPFirst Tournament and AVPNext Tournament. This is taking place Saturday, May 26 – Sunday, May 27 at Skyline Lanes. The tournament has been in the Twin Cities before, but this is the first time this tournament has been held in Duluth. AVPFirst is for…

Glensheen Mansion to Host Free Classic Tours for Moms on Mother’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is coming up and Glensheen Mansion is offering a fun way to spend time your mom. The Historic Congdon Estate is offering free Classic Tours for mothers on Sunday, May 13. This is in honor of Clara Congdon. The mansion is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also in May, Glensheen is once again…

Kids Carnival Held at Damiano Center

Event kicks off new renovated space

DULUTH, Minn. – A kids carnival was celebrated at the Damiano Center in Duluth. The event kicks off their kids space being renovated and a custom-made library opening there. The center’s children’s program offers after school help, cooking, and games. “This is huge to be able to just celebrate and to just have inflatable Twister or the UMD mascot come…

Letter Carriers Ask for Public’s Help with Annual Food Drive

Stamp Out Hunger Takes Place Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the public can help the hungry in the Northland just by taking a stroll to the mailbox. The National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is taking place on Saturday, May 12. This is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. On this day, letter carriers collect non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes and in…

Bent Paddle to Celebrate Five Years with Annual Festival

Festiversary Takes Over West Michigan Street on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle is celebrating their fifth anniversary and they want the public to join. Their annual Festiversary is taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 2 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $10 for those under 21 or the designated driver. Kids 14 and under are free. This is a…

Wolf Ridge ELC Unveils Renovated Margaret A. Cargill Lodge

The Margaret A. Cargill Lodge is Renovated to Meet the Highest International Standard for Sustainability

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…

Paint Your Pet Class Has People Creating Art of Their Furry Friends

No, they're not painting on their pets, they're painting pictures OF their pets.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Some people in Duluth spent a relaxing Sunday getting in touch with their creative side. Folks gathered at Blacklist Artisan Ales for a “Paint Your Pet” class. People submitted photos of their pet to the artist at MP Design Art, who then creates a paint–by–numbers image, so that even the most inexperienced painter can complete a masterpiece…

Race Car Parks at West Duluth Dairy Queen

Dan Kingsley Racing Team is gearing up for 2018 race season

DULUTH, Minn. – People driving along Grand Avenue in West Duluth may have seen this Number 68 race car sitting in the Dairy Queen parking lot. The team from Dan Kingsley Racing is showing off their car before the race season starts and highlighting Dairy Queen as one of their newest sponsors. “It helps bring people in to see who…

World Accordion Day Celebrated in Superior

World of Accordions Museum hosts music festival to celebrate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – May 6th is World Accordion Day. It celebrates the date in 1829 when the first accordion was patented. The World of Accordions Museum in Superior is the largest in the world with more than 1,300 unique instruments. They paired Sunday’s celebration with a music festival showcasing accordion music throughout the world. “It plays all kinds of music,”…

‘Horses in Your Neighborhood’ Offered Throughout the Northland

Families learned how to groom and ride horses

DULUTH, Minn. – Families spent Sunday learning all about horses in their neighborhood. The event was offered at five barns across the Northland. Kids and adults learned how to groom horses and took pony rides. “It’s different than what kids get to do every day,” said Lauren Brickley, a working student at West Amity Stables. “You get to interact with…

Superior Thanks First Responders After Husky Fire

City leaders wanted to personally thank the people who put their lives on the line to help others after the events at Husky that caused a mass evacuation in the Superior area.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior stands united to thank the brave men and women who worked together to protect the community after the Husky Energy Explosion and fire last week. City leaders wanted to personally thank the people who put their lives on the line to help others after the events at Husky that caused a mass evacuation in the…

Cars & Businesses Vandalized in Superior

Level Up in Superior was another business that was vandalized.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Employees from Serenity Spa in Superior arrived to work a little before 8 a.m. and noticed the place was vandalized. Their windows had been shot out. The staff believes someone used a BB gun to cause the damage and it’s the fourth time this has happened within the year. The windows can cost thousands to replace. Superior…

Reeling in for the Wisconsin Fishing Opener

A current fishing license is required for the 2018-2019 season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The day many Wisconsinites have been waiting for is almost here the Wisconsin Fishing Opener is May 5. Local fisherman came into Northwest Outlet in Superior to get some last minute things. There are restrictions where you can catch fish and it also depends on the type of fish you’re looking to reel in, but this season will be off…

Model Train Show This Weekend at Depot

Show Will Feature About 30 Model Trains

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Depot has always been the home to trains, but this weekend a smaller version of railroads will also make its way there. A massive model train layout will fill the Great Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and until about 1 p.m. Sunday. It’s all sponsored by the group Minnesota Free-Mo Modelers, who say that…

Animal Control Changes in Carlton County

The President of Friends of Animals tells us shelters don’t typically provide animal control officers.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The animal shelter, Friends of Animals in Cloquet has been providing the community with an animal control officer for years. Last month the shelter notified the City it will no longer. The President of Friends of Animals tells us shelters don’t typically provide animal control officers. The motive behind the change is to put more resources into the shelter….

2018 Homegrown Music Festival Continues with Weekend Full of Shows

Bratwurst to Perform Saturday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is well underway and there’s still time to take in some great shows. One of the founding members of the band “Bratwurst” stopped by FOX 21 to chat about their upcoming show. Bratwurst will be performing at The Red Herring Lounge at 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. For more information on…

Kids Club Offers Child Care for Parents at Duluth YMCA

Active Adventures: Kids Club

DULUTH, Minn. – For busy parents, it can be a struggle to find time to get daily tasks done, let alone find time to work out. This causes many parents to put exercise at the bottom of their priority list. The Duluth YMCA is offering a program with their membership to help with that. Emily Ranta, the Associate Executive Director…

Health Expert Shares the Psychological Impact Husky Energy Explosion May Have On Someone

Experts say you should look for signs or symptoms and if they aren't resolved within a month after an event like this you're advised to seek professional help.

DULUTH, Minn. – The impact of a traumatic event like the Husky Energy explosion in Superior can have serious psychological effects on a person. Health experts know young children may sometimes begin to act out or show regressive behaviors after events like this. There is also potential for teens to indulge in risky behaviors and turn to drugs or alcohol….

Smoke From Cloquet Interiors Fire Moves North Over Cloquet and Esko

The Cloquet Fire Department says there were a few buildings involved in the fire.

CLOQUET, Minn. – A long standing business in Cloquet goes up in flames and caused road closures as the Cloquet Fire Department responded to the fire. It happened earlier this afternoon around 4 p.m. at Cloquet Interiors, a flooring and carpeting business, which happens to be located near gas stations. Driving into Cloquet you could see the smoke from miles away. And because…

Arrowhead Youth Games Bring Sunshine and Smiles

The Arrowhead Youth Games is an on-going tradition.

DULUTH, Minn.-The day camp invites kids with disabilities from various schools to try activities they may have never experienced before. We spoke with one student who mastered a new bike and even took up archery. “I got it right in the red circle and I got it above it, the black circle, I got it above it,” Daniel Loney said….

Students Pitch City Plans to Local Officials

The plans could be used for future city projects.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students at the University of Minnesota Duluth have been brainstorming ways to utilize plots in the city. Art history students are sharing their vision for redesigning the lots around Essentia Health and the former Cobb Elementary School. Their plans were pitched to the City Planning Commission and could be incorporated in future city projects. “The fact that it…

National Day of Pray Honors Those Affected by the Husky Refinery Explosion

This year the tradition in Superior was different than the past.

SUPERIOR, Wis,-  The U.S. National Day of Prayer is May 3rd and in Superior, the ceremony differed from years past. Community members gave special prayers for those affected by the Husky Refinery Explosion. Mayor Jim Paine joined in remembering what some are calling a traumatic experience. As we’ve seen over the past week Superior residents are reaching out to one…

“Horses in Your Neighborhood” Invites Public into Barns

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of local equestrians has been working continuously to make riding horses a part of regular recreation in the Northland. This weekend the Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance is hosting Horses in Your Neighborhood. This is a free event to teach about horses, horse care and horse activities. It’s being held on Sunday, May 6 from…

Duluth Playhouse’s Family Theatre Performs Dr. Seuss Classic

The Cat in the Hat Performances are Saturdays and Sundays

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is performing a children’s classic this month. Two actors from “The Cat in the Hat” stopped by to chat about the work that’s been put into the production. The performance follows the Dr. Seuss story when The Cat in the Hat visits Sally and her brother on a gloomy day. The shows will be…

Fresh Fish Tacos with Bucktales Cantina & Grill

Cooking Connection: Fish Tacos

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Cooking Connection, Bucktales Cantina & Grill Owner Dee Morales made fish tacos. Bucktales is located a half-mile from Pattison State Park at 6098 South State Road 35, Superior, WI. For Cinco De Mayo te restaurant will have live music, and taco and drink specials. The restaurant can be reached at (715) 394-4181, or visited…

Superior Schools Helping Students Cope with Explosion

The school district wants to make sure students dealing with stress, will receive help.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been a week of getting back to normal for some Superior students after just last week, some witnessed the Husky Refinery explosion right from their classroom window. Now educators and families are discussing mental health. The school district wants to make sure students dealing with stress, will receive help.  Families and educators are keeping a close eye…

Meet A Young Entrepreneur, Mountain Biker and LSC’s Student-Athlete of the Year

Max also runs a media group and Max Organics, which provides produce to the local co-op.

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year Lake Superior College (LSC) recognizes students at an Honors Banquet for their hard work in their academics and in some cases on the bike trails. For the 20th year in a row LSC is honoring a young student and this one wears many titles. Max Fierek is a student, entrepreneur and avid mountain biker and now…

Duluth Lions Club to Host Annual Pancake Day on Thursday

Annual Fundraiser Supports Local Organization

DULUTH, Minn. – This Thursday Northlanders will have the chance to eat breakfast at any point in the day. The Duluth Lions Club is hosting its Annual Pancake Day, giving hungry eaters the option to eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack! The event will run from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment…

Veterinarian Expresses Concern Over Heartworm, Urges Prevention

On Average, Seven Dogs Every Year will Receive Treatment for Heartworm at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The disease is deadly, but the group targeted cannot speak up when they’re feeling ill. Heartworm is more common in southern states due to warm weather year round, but it doesn’t mean animals in the Midwest are out of the clear. “I have actually seen mosquitos out already,” said Lindsay Niemi, Practice Manager at Animal Allies Humane…