Community

Great Lakes Aquarium celebrates otters’ birthday

Otters Agate and Ore turned five years old.

DULUTH, Minn. – The otters Agate and Ore turned five years old this year. The playful little ladies were given a special treat on Saturday – a birthday “cake” made out of ice and other foods that otters enjoy. The audience also had the chance to learn a little bit about little animals. “It’s a great event for both our members,…

Curling Popularity On the Rise After Olympic Team Win

The next season for the Duluth Curling Club is in October.

DULUTH, Minn. – After the USA Men’s Curling Team made history by winning the Olympic gold medal the popularity of the sport has increased. The men’s team is based out of the Duluth Curling Club. And the club has received numerous e–mails congratulating the team as well as people wanting to join the club and get involved with leagues. The…

Mentor Duluth Seeks New Recruits

March into Mentoring Campaign Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – This month Mentor Duluth is aiming to recruit new mentors through their annual March into Mentoring campaign. Each March, Mentor Duluth sets a goal of diminishing the wait list of over 200 kids and matching them with new mentors. The organization is also hoping to garner support through an annual event. Prom Across the Ages is taking…

Northlanders Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day With Family Fun

The event is called northern Minnesota's largest attended family celebration of Irish culture and tradition.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth hundreds of people spent their St. Paddy’s Day with the family. Organizers say the holiday isn’t just for adults. This was the fifth year musical group Mcinnis Kitchen performed. The goal was to have a family friendly spot for everyone to hang out. “The big thing is a lot of…

Sun shines for the final day of Fitger’s Bock Fest

Hundreds turn out to enjoy the weather and the beer

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of people came out to enjoy the 23rd annual Fitger’s Bock Fest. The day included all kinds of activities, like a lake jump, and the stein races. Bock Fest is a German celebration of Spring, and with the beautiful weather on Saturday, it sure felt like winter is in the past. “The sun is shining, there’s a…

Cool Cars to Fill DECC for 50th Motorhead Madness

Coffee Conversation: Arrowhead Autobody Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. – Classic cars, hot rods, trucks, race cars, remote-controlled cars and more will fill the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center this weekend. The 50th Annual Arrowhead Auto Body Motorhead Madness is taking place Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Danielle Colby from History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ will be holding a Meet and Greet Saturday from 11 a.m. –…

Fifth Graders Bagging Groceries To Help Veterans

Cathedral School students will perform and open for the band, Madison Rising on March 30.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Fifth graders at Cathedral School in Superior are not only participating in this year’s Nearly Naked Ruck March, they are helping raise money for veterans. Amber Nielsen is a fifth grade teacher at Cathedral School in Superior and she’s also a veteran. She says she wanted students to know about the sacrifices made by the men and women…

Free Dress Giveaway Helps Fulfill Prom Dreams

If the Dress Fits was started three years ago by Ashleigh Arnston and her mother, Amy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bella Rose Bridal Shop in Duluth was full of young women looking for the perfect dress for prom. For three years the bridal shop has hosted a free prom dress giveaway. If the Dress Fits provides donated dresses for high school students who maybe otherwise couldn’t afford a dress. This is a dream come true for many…

Lake Superior Zoo Connects With Tarantulas on Save A Spider Day

There are about 800 known tarantula species.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Zoo is representing its spiders with Save a Spider Day and even helping people get over their fears. The day focuses on how spiders are interesting animals and how you can live alongside them. Zoo staff say spiders are often misunderstood and spiders aren’t trying to hurt you. Having spiders as pets isn’t common because…

Mont du Lac Hosts Snowmobile Races Before the Season Ends

Mont du Lac Resort is located 3125 Mont du Lac Drive in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – On your mark get set, go! The Mont du Lac Resort in Superior hosted the Grand National Uphill Snow Drags. The race is usually scheduled as one of the last events of the season, but the amount of snow has kept the resort open. Double eliminations meant guys had to lose two races to get bumped out. If…

St. Ann’s Residence Hosts Rummage, Bake Sale

Duluth Senior Residence Hopes to Raise $5,000 to $7,000

DULUTH, Minn. – Bargain hunters can check out a rummage sale and bake sale this weekend at St. Ann’s Senior Residence on Third Avenue East in Duluth. 200 to 400 shoppers attend the sale every year. It raises $5,000 to $7,000 annually for the facility. Items are donated by community partners and residents who also shop for great deals. “It’s…

Twin Ports JOYRIDE Program Offers Safe Ride Options For Patrons

Vouchers are $7 if the cab ride is more than $7 the patron covers the balance.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Saturday and several local businesses are a part of the Twin Ports JOYRIDE Program helping people get home safe. One of them is Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth. Bent Paddle joined the program in 2016 and promotes safe and sober driving. If the beer tenders see someone who…

St. Paddy’s Gear Flying Off the Shelves

Ragstock is located at 7 W. Superior St. in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ragstock in Duluth is ready for St. Paddy’s Day and many people are coming in to look the part. If you’re looking for anything green to get you in the Irish spirit Ragstock has you covered. Management tells us people bought green t–shirts, accessories and wigs and it’s been a busy day. “The line has been to the…

Lake Superior College Promoting Career Paths In Aviation

An aviation degree from LSC may be completed in about two years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College (LSC) is helping student soar to new heights with a career in aviation. LSC’s Aviation Career Night gives students many options whether they decide on a career as a pilot or in aviation maintenance. Students like Troy Naughton chose a career path in aviation because of the promising job opportunities. He’s graduating in may…

Cloquet Area Home, Business, and Sports Show Offers Something for Everyone

Annual Show Features Companies of All Kinds and Activities for Families

CARLTON, Minn. – There’s something for everyone this weekend at the Cloquet Area Home, Business, and Sports Show at Black Bear Casino. About 140 companies are showing off their products. Guests can watch performances, browse through boats and trailers, and check out the craft fair. “I think it’s good for the Cloquet area because we get all of the businesses…

St. Urho Day Celebrated in Cloquet

Carlton County Historical Society Also Honored Finnish Families Who Survived 1918 Fires

CLOQUET, Minn. – March 16th is Saint Urho Day. The holiday was invented in Virginia, Minnesota to celebrate the fictional Finnish Saint Urho. According to the legend, Saint Urho chased the grasshopper out of Finland to save the grape crop. Every year, fins honor their patron saint at the Carlton County Historical Society. Olli Rahkola, a “true Finn” said “Grasshopper,…

DCHS History Sunday Features “NOTHiNG”

Douglas County Historical Society Brings Back History Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Historical Society is bringing back History Sunday events. This weekend, you can learn all about NOTHiNG. NOTHiNG was a plastic container with nothing in it. The gift box was a local sensation that was in response to the pet rock craze. The box was created by two local radio disc jockeys, Dale Botten and…

Nationally Known Speaker Visits Duluth for 100 Year Church Anniversary

Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Celebrates 100 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating a major milestone. This year is the 100th year the church has been in Duluth. A group of Greek immigrants established the church in 1918. The church once had a congregation that was 99 percent Greek but is now filled with diverse backgrounds. To honor this milestone, church…

Green Grocery to Bring Luck to CHUM Food Shelf

Endion Station Teams up with CHUM for Donation Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the luck of the Irish may be coming to CHUM Food Shelf. One local St. Patrick’s Day celebration is aiming to help with hunger in the Northland. Endion Station and CHUM have joined forces for a Green Grocery event. Between 11 a.m. – midnight on Saturday, March 17 anyone can donate $5 or bring a…

Duluth Rowing Club Nears Fundraising Goal and Boathouse Completion

Active Adventures: Icebreaker Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the last few years, the Duluth Rowing Club has worked to build a new home for their club. Now, a fully funded and finished new boathouse is nearly a reality. Northlanders have the chance to help with the final stages of work. More than 90 percent of the $1 million goal has been attained, and the…

Historic West Theater Set to Open This Summer

The original 1937 theater originally seated 595 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s original Art Deco Theater was established in 1937 and was a premiere theater until the 70’s and almost 50 years later it will open once again. Several showed up to Beaner’s Central in West Duluth to learn more about the renovation progress of the historic Theatre. Bob Boone is the owner of the Reader Weekly and is…

Bockfest Begins With Traditional Blessing of the Bock

The original recipe for Bock was entered into a national competition and was a first place winner.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s day one of the 2018 Bockfest and the festivities began after the traditional blessing of the Bock. Some people have showed up for all 24 of the Bockfests. Organizers say it’s one of the best ways to welcome spring here in Duluth and the warm weather was just right. Someone was on hand caramelizing beer for guests….

Local Law Enforcement Increasing Presence For St. Paddy’s Day

There will be more officers from agencies in southern St. Louis County, Proctor and Hermantown Police and the Minnesota State Patrol on St. Paddy's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Paddy’s Day is the Duluth Police Department’s (DPD) second most dangerous DWI holiday after Labor Day. The Irish holiday is on March 17 and police want you to have fun, but also be safe, so you don’t land in the slammer. You’re encouraged to designate a sober driver or call Lyft or Uber. Police say the bottom line is don’t…

Duluth Mayor Shares Vision At State of the City Address

Mayor Larson also discussed the workforce development Duluth has seen during her address.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson is looking toward the future and wants to let you know what’s in store for the coming year. She shared her vision in her State of the City at the NorShor Theatre. The location was a key theme in focusing on the city’s growing and thriving cultural community. The mayor also announced the launch…

Lake Superior Zoo to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Zoo Offering Family Friendly Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Looking for a family friendly St. Paddy’s Day? The Lake Superior Zoo has you covered. There’s a lucky leprechaun hunt all over the grounds and shamrock-themed items in the cafe. Keeper talks will be offered throughout the zoo including a special lion training session. “We really wanted to bring a family friendly event so that people can…

Volunteers Clean-up Lake Superior Museum

The annual Spring Cleaning Day at the Lake Superior Maritime Museum brought in plenty of helping hands.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is in the air, on Thursday the Lake Superior Maritime Museum held its annual Spring Cleaning Day. Over 20 volunteers grabbed brooms and polish, making the Visitor Center at the Maritime Museum spick-and-span. One woman we spoke with loves the museum and volunteers every year to give back. “You learn a little bit every time you come,” volunteer…

Loll Designs Grants Check to COGGS

This is the fifth donation to COGGS totaling  $135,000 over the five year partnership

DULUTH, Minn.- An outdoor furniture manufacturer in Duluth called Loll Designs is donating money to Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. The donation helps COGGS build multi–use trails n Duluth. Loll Designs is apart of a Patagonia group called One Percent of The Planet, dedicated to donating apercentage of sales to environmental organizations. On Thursday COGGS was granted a $25,000 check to help build…

Local Non-profit Continues Free Prom Dress Giveaway

"If the Dress Fits" to Give Away Hundreds of Free Prom Dresses

DULUTH, Minn. – Prom isn’t too far away for many Northland students, and oftentimes it brings memories that are kept for years. However, the cost of prom can sometimes be daunting. The non-profit “If the Dress Fits” is here to help anyone struggling with buying a prom dress. They’re hosting their 3rd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway in the coming days….

Mixing up the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Leprechaun Dip

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so for this week’s Cooking Connection we made an appropriate dish for the holiday. Local chef Arlene Coco was in the kitchen with FOX 21’s William Seay to make Leprechaun Dip Coco has three decades of experience, is a professional cooking instructor and gives cooking classes to groups of…

Spots Still Open for St. Fennessy 4K

This is the first year the race is offering special youth pricing.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Saint Fennessy 4K race is coming up on St. Patrick’s Day, this Saturday and spots are still open as of Wednesday. New this year, the race is offering youth pricing, inviting runners as young as six to join in. Runners are encouraged to dress-up in festive green and gold outfits. After the race votes will be placed…

Inside Dubh Linn Irish Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day Preparations

This year the pub will offer a special surprise breakfast.

DULUTH, Minn.-  This year many Northlanders will be able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as it falls on a Saturday. Many businesses are already preparing for the busy day. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub has become a popular spot to celebrate for all ages. The bar will have live bagpipe performances and hammerschlagen. But this year the holiday breakfast is…

Duluth High School Students Join National Gun Violence Protest

East and Denfeld Students Were Joined by Neighbors and Friends Showing Solidarity with Parkland Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida, was just the latest in a string of violence on school campuses. Students from several Northland schools took part in a national walk out against gun violence to show solidarity. It wasn’t a typical day at East High school in Duluth. At 10 a.m. on this Wednesday morning many students…

Free Lenten Organ Recitals Happening Around Duluth

Every Wednesday, a 30 Minute Performance Helps Raise Money for an Organ Scholarship Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches around Duluth are offering free organ recitals during lent. Performances happen between 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Donations are accepted at each recital to benefit an organ scholarship fund to help students learn the instrument. “The organ is the closest thing I can get playing a solo instrument, maybe playing a flute or being…

Fitger’s Bockfest Celebrates the Pending Arrival of Spring

Fitger's wants you to come early and stay late!

DULUTH, Minn. – You know spring is around the corner because Fitger’s Bockfest happens this week in Duluth. It’s a beer festival but also a celebration of spring. It’s a big deal in Germany and this will be the 24th anniversary for the event in Duluth. Organizers are reintroducing the Bockhunt where people are given clues in search of bock…

Guess the Date of “Official” Snowmelt at Lutsen

Contestants Can Submit Their Vote up Until Midnight on Friday, March 23

LUTSEN, Minn. – If you’re counting down the final days before snow if officially gone, you may want to turn your attention to Lutsen Mountains. Right now you have the chance to guess when the last pile of snow will melt. This date will be determined on Mystery Mountain when the snow on the slopes fits within a standard sized hula…

Smooth Sounds of Jazz to Fill UMD Music Halls

UMD Celebrates 45th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the smooth sounds of jazz will be filling music halls at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. It’s all for the 45th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival. The fun gets underway with a performance by the Bobby Watson Quartet on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. in the Weber Music Hall. It…

Animal Answers: Scooby’s Story

Megan Wedel, Founder of Nemo Paws, Made the Trip to Texas with Volunteers in September, Bringing Back 20 Dogs to the Northland

ESKO, Minn. – Last August Hurricane Harvey proved to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in United States history. But through the devastation came light at the end of a dark tunnel for one Northland family. “It takes a village; there was a lot of us there to make this organization work,” said Megan Wedel, Founder of Nemo Paws….

“The Harbinger” Movie to Be Shot in Chisholm

$2 Million Film to Bring More Than 100 Jobs to the Iron Range

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “I found out that Chisholm Minnesota in the movie Field of Dreams was actually shot in Illinois,” said Director/Writer Will Klipstine. “I was like even that wasn’t shot in Chisholm, we’ve got to change that.” A movie is being made on the Iron Range. “The Harbinger” will start shooting next month at Ironbound Studios in the basement of…

String Quartet to Perform in Duluth Breweries

Beerthoven: On Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth is known for its great craft beer industry, and also for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Now, the two are joining forces. The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is going on tour with Beerthoven to five different breweries. The Highland String Quartet will be performing at Hoops Brewing from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. This is free to…

Kid-Friendly Events Connect Youth to Northland History

Camp Bong & Stuffie Boot Camp Taking Registrations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two fun events in Superior are getting school-aged kids involved with local history. Officials at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center are continuing Camp Bong have created another event, Stuffie Boot Camp. Camp Bong is put on by the historical center and The University of Wisconsin – Superior. Camp Bong is a sleepover experience at the…

Toppers Pizza to Open in Duluth Mid-April

DULUTH, Minn. – A new spot to pick up a pizza will soon be open in Duluth. Two Duluth natives, Jordan DeCaro and Jon Matko, are opening a Wisconsin-based Toppers Pizza location. General Manager Justin Lyons, also a Duluth native, visited FOX 21 and tells us Toppers pizza stands out because their pizzas are all made with fresh ingredients. Toppers…

How Aquaculture Affects Minnesota

The Minnesota Sea Grant is getting the conversation going.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The bait industry plays a large role in Minnesota which is just one facet of aquaculture . The Minnesota Sea Grant at the University of Minnesota Duluth is discussing how aquaculture can affect our community, specifically how it affects jobs in the field. “We’re trying to move the conversation forward in Minnesota,” fishery specialist Don Schreiner said. “We…

New Performing Arts Center Could Come to Two Harbors

Organizers Have Fundraising Commitments of About $1 Million to Replace City's Bandshell

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A new performing arts center could soon be coming to downtown Two Harbors. The city’s bandshell has hosted performances since the 1930s, but it will soon reach the end of its useful life. The new center could cost close to $4 million. It will have an outdoor concert area plus indoor rooms for rehearsals and community…

A New Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights Proposed

The ordinance was proposed to the Duluth City Council on Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposed Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights aims to eliminate barriers for those without homes. Community members rallied outside asking for a Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights. Supporters say the bill protects basic things homeowners take for granted, such as going to the bathroom and having something to eat. There’s been past debates whether it should be policy…

National MS Awareness Week Highlights Work to Find a Cure

Walk MS, Bike MS and Finish MS Events Support Fundraising Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. – People around the world are working to change the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. This week, March 11 – 17, is National MS Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis is when the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, distorting and interrupting nerve impulses to and from the brain producing a wide variety of symptoms. Over…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Coffee Cupping Will Have You View Coffee In A New Way

Duluth Coffee Company has open cupping sessions Thursdays at 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – How do you prefer your coffee? Maybe you’ve never thought too much about the brewing, roasting or origin of coffee. Well Duluth Coffee Company lets you go beyond what’s in your cup and experience coffee in a new way. You won’t look at coffee the same way after you’ve done coffee cupping for the first time. It’s…

Duluth’s Jowon Brand Turns 90 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn. – You don’t turn 90 years old every day, so it was a special surprise party for 90-year-old Jowon Brand of Duluth on Sunday. Jo, as her friends call her, is known for breeding, boarding and showing collies. She was even Miss Mankato in 1948. Mayor Emily Larson also proclaimed Sunday as Jowon Lee Brand Day in the…

Duluth East Daredevils Headed To Championship Despite Robot Issues

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils robotics team had a rough start to this weekend’s Northern Lights Regional Competition at the DECC. The team’s coach said their robot had some programming, mechanical and electrical issues. The Daredevils were defeated in the quarterfinals. However, the team will still go to the championship competition because the Daredevils were awarded the Chairman’s…

Free Showing of International Movies

Each movie involves the theme of crossing borders.

DULUTH, Minn.- All week long free international movies are being showcased in Duluth. The World Languages and Cultures Department at the University of Minnesota Duluth is partnering up with Zeitgeist Zinema showing free international movies all week long. The WLC faculty members selected movies to fit the theme, crossing borders. “Whether it be crossing a national border, a linguistic border,…