Community

Superior Celebrates Winter with Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. -The City of Superior is celebrating the winter season. The Lake Superior Ice Festival is being held Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28. There will be The Great Lakes Pond Hockey Classic, ice sculptures, a snow slide, an ice bar, bonfires, a kid’s zone, ice racing, and more. The entire festival is taking place on Barker’s Island…

Historical Center Highlights Northland Connection to World War I

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A history center in the Twin Ports is taking on the subject of The Great War and how the area is connected to that war. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting “World War I in the Twin Ports” on Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. Local historian and Glensheen Mansion Director, Dan Hartman, will…

Blush Offers a New Space for Artists in Duluth

Bar and Event Venue Is All About Making People Feel Welcome

DULUTH, Minn. – Since last summer, there’s been another artist run venue in Downtown Duluth. Blush was founded by members of the Duluth music scene to create an inclusive space for artists on First Avenue West in Downtown Duluth. Since last August, Blush has offered performances and gallery showings by artists for artists. “It’s not really like heavily invested in…

Vikings Fans React to NFC Championship Game

Though Their Team Lost, Vikings Fans Will Always Remain Loyal

DULUTH, Minn. – “This was supposed to be the season but if it’s not, it’s not, but I still support my Vikings. Absolutely. All the time. Every day.” Faces of disappointment Sunday night for Minnesota Vikings fans after the Philadelphia Eagles take a win to head to the Super Bowl. Like many bars and restaurants across Duluth, all eyes were glued…

Lil’ Icebreakers teaches young girls the hockey basics

Girls ages four to eight learned how to skate from local hockey experts

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of young girls got the chance to learn some hockey basics on Sunday. The Duluth Girls Hockey Association (DGHA) hosted the Lil’ Icebreakers Free Skate at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth. Girls ages four to eight got to the chance to learn some techniques from local women hockey experts. “This open skate is a perfect…

Bowlers compete in the Underthun Challenge

Bowlers from the Midwest and Canada come to Duluth to play in the tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – Country lanes north bowling alley hosted the Underthun Auto Body Bowling Challenge tournament. To make things interesting, bowlers were only allowed to use certain parts of the lanes, making scoring a bit more difficult. “It gives it a pretty level playing field for everybody,” tournament sponsor Ryan Underthun said. “Anybody can win, and anybody can lose, and that’s…

Local Volunteers Working Super Bowl Events

Several Northlanders Are Part of "Crew 52" Providing Event Hospitality in Minneapolis

DULUTH, Minn. – Local volunteers will be working around the Super Bowl in Minneapolis providing guest services for tourists coming to town. Friday, the local volunteers met near the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth. They are some of the 10,000 “Crew 52” members who will help with hospitality at the Super Bowl and the events leading up to the game….

Birkebeiner Organizers Say 2018 Conditions Are Near Perfect

Last Year's Cross Country Ski Race Was Cancelled Because of Lack of Snow

HAYWARD, Wis. – Cross country skiers are excited to hear about snow in the forecast. Organizers of the American Birkebeiner tell us the trails are in really good shape and that the conditions are nearly perfect for the February ski race. “Snow on the ground is really an economic driver in the north woods and it helps with restaurants, it…

Marshall Students Compete in Cyber Security Competition

High School and Middle Schoolers Learn the Basics of Keeping Digital Information Safe

DULUTH, Minn. – These days, it seems like almost everything is connected to the internet. And with that comes security concerns. Young people at Marshall High School and Marshall Middle School are learning about ways to prevent cyber vulnerabilities. The students are learning the basics of computer security and could potentially use those skills in their future careers. “They can…

Candidates for Minnesota Governor Discuss Issues at UMD

Seven Gubernatorial Candidates Answered Questions from Students and the Community in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven candidates for Minnesota Governor stopped by the University of Minnesota-Duluth today to meet with students and other voters in the northern part of the state. Several organizations at UMD brought in the candidates to get students more involved in the election process and give them more knowledge about the campaigns and important statewide issues. The panel…

Emergency Responder Training in the Cold

Duluth Hosts the State's Largest EMS Expo

DULUTH, Minn.-  EMS workers in Minnesota face many tough situations and harsh weather conditions on the job. To provide the best care workers are taking part in the state’s largest EMS Expo in Duluth.  Around 1,000 EMS workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota come take part in Arrowhead’s EMS Expo. The training courses offered help workers learn more about advancing…

Sea Wall Repairs Moving Forward

If a Sea Wall Isn't Fixed They will Corrode Over Time

DULUTH, Minn. –  Constant waves coming in across the harbor and rolling underneath the bottom of the seawall have led to its corrosion. Now the city is trying to repair the damages. The repairs on the sea wall is made up of two sections the Minnesota Slip and another area near the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center). The Minnesota slip is where…

Duluth City Hall May Undergo Million Dollar Renovation

Years ago the Police Department had offices on the ground level at City Hall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s City Hall may be getting a nearly $2 million makeover. The Duluth City Council will take up a resolution for City Hall interior renovations on Monday, Jan. 22. Most of the renovations are focused on keeping the building functional. It consists of working on the electrical system, infrastructure of the building and reworking some of the office spaces. “Part of the…

Former Miners Create Project to Preserve History of Erie Mining Company

Traveling Exhibit to Open at St. Louis County Historical Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Former miners on the Iron Range are working together to ensure the legacy and history of the Erie Mining Company is never forgotten. A group of Erie Mining alum is writing a book with oral history recounts and information about the company throughout the years. The book will be distributed to libraries and stores around the Northland,…

Discount Duluth Offers More at Larger Location

Discount Duluth aims to supply affordable big brand products.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two brothers are creating jobs and bringing affordable shopping to their hometown. Discount Duluth opened one year ago, now the retail shop is moving to a new location. The store is now five times larger than before. Discount Duluth sells overstock big brand products at a discounted price. “It means a lot to us because we always use…

Spirit Mountain to Feature Fat Tire Biking at Annual Race

Active Adventures: Third Annual Frosted Fatty

DULUTH, Minn. – As many Northlanders know, it’s possible to ride bikes all year, even when there is snow on the ground. Spirit Mountain is celebrating that fact with the Third Annual Frosted Fatty Weekend this weekend. Festivities start up on Saturday, January 20 and run through Sunday, January 21. There will be two days of fat bike races, bike…

Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Sets Record

That three percent matches the lowest unemployment rate on record.

SUPERIOR, WIS. -The latest numbers are in and the unemployment rates are at an all time low. Wisconsin set a record last month for the lowest unemployment rate ever. Wisconsin’s Dec. unemployment rate dropped to three percent. In a report released today by the Department of Workforce Development shows the unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percent from Nov.’s rate of 3.2…

Duluth Public Schools Taking Precautions Against the Flu

Immunizations are important throughout a child's time at school from kindergarten, middle school and in high school.

DULUTH, Minn. – The recent flu outbreak has many Northland schools taking extra precautions. Several schools are seeing an increase in flu–like illnesses. But health officials at Lincoln Park Middle School in Duluth tell us there hasn’t been anything too much out of the ordinary for them when it comes to the flu. The school reports to the State of Minnesota if more than five…

How to Fight the Winter Blues

You don't need a gym membership to stay active.

DULUTH, Minn.- This time of year it’s common to get the winter blues. The medical term is seasonal affective disorder. The Duluth Community Action Center has some tips to fight S.A.D. naturally. “We can actually do something, without having to pay something, it’s very cheap,” integrative nutrition health coach Inge Maskun said. “For me it’s dancing, turn it up the music…

Addressing Sexual Harassment in Small Businesses

The Northland Human Resources Association is hoping to help small businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lately sexual harassment allegations against high profile individuals are making headlines. One local group is training individuals how to handle incidents in the work place. The Northland Human Resources Association is hosting sexual harassment training explaining how to create a safe work environment and help employers recognize inappropriate behavior. “Sometimes it’s just not knowing where to go to and…

Hospitals Dealing with National IV Solution Shortage

Officials with Essentia Health say the shortage isn't affecting patient care.

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a national shortage of IV solution; aftermath of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, which happens to be home to 80 drug manufactures, who supplied it the solution to the U.S. Officials with Essentia Health in Duluth say there’s no need to worry the shortage isn’t affecting patient care. IV bags are given to patients that are dehydrated. The…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Preparations Underway

An estimated 3,000-5,000 people will attend the Festival.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 2018 Lake Superior Ice Festival is still about a week away, but workers are busy in Superior getting ready now. Crews are  getting the rinks prepared for the pond hockey tournament and clearing snow for the figure skating tournament. The fun begins next Friday, Jan. 26 when thousands will make their way to the ice. New games…

Downtown Duluth May Have Another Million Dollar Housing Project

CityView Flats would be a three to four story building.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing development is in the works in Central Hillside. This Monday council members will decide whether to approve an $800,000 grant to support the development. The proposed $20 million project would be located at 1st Avenue West and 4th Street. Right now most of the property is a parking lot, but it could be the future site of a…

Tigers at Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone Enjoy the Snow

Big cats take adavantage of cold weather and destroy snowmen

Sandstone, Minn – Rescued tigers play like kittens at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone.  Check out this video sent to us by Executive Director and Founder, Tammy Thies. This style of rough-housing may give some “paws,” but the tigers seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The goal of the non-profit is providing a natural sanctuary to wildcats that cannot live in…

Catering By Bellisio’s Cooks up Savory Pasta Dish

Cooking Connection: Pasta from Heaven

DULUTH, Minn. – During the winter months, a savory dish is always a great dinner choice. Bellisio’s in Canal Park offers many meals that fit that bill. For this week’s Cooking Connection, the Executive Chef of Catering By Bellisio’s, Eric Denney, showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make Penne from Heaven. PENNE FROM HEAVEN Heat olive oil in pan…

Arc Minnesota Supports Northlanders with Disabilities Searching for New Careers

“Taking Control of Your Employment Future”

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday afternoon Arc Minnesota is offering Northlanders with disabilities a chance to get insight on succeeding in a new career. A national speaker, Bob Niemic, will be presenting. Niemic has traveled around the country to discuss ways people with disabilities can find employment that matches their interests. The session will be from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in…

Government Shutdown Could Happen This Week If Agreement Isn’t Reached

The Republicans control both the House and Senate.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congress has a lot of work to do with the possibility of a government shutdown hanging in the balance. The last time there was a government shutdown like that the year was 2013. History may repeat itself if an agreement isn’t reached by Friday. A government shutdown can delay services or anything that people receive from the federal…

Fly Tying Classes at Great Lakes Fly Shop

Learn how to tie your own flies for spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Being that it’s winter, the only kind of fishing there is to do is through a hole in the ice.  But that’s not stopping some fishing enthusiasts from thinking about spring time. Great Lakes Fly Shop in Duluth offers fly tying classes furring the winter months, helping fly fishing fans learn the craft of tying their own…

Inclusive Care Units Now Available in Superior

In the future Katie hopes to have an Inclusive Care Unit in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s United Presbyterian Church has the first of its kind, an inclusive care unit. The box is filled with cold weather goods like mittens and socks. Anyone can grab what they need and the public isn’t responsible for restocking the box. There will be five inclusive care units located throughout Superior. “The idea was to place it outside where people could come and…

Growing Season Sprouts at Engwall’s

Spring Officially Begins on March 20, but the Staff at Engwall's are Already Ordering, Planting and Watering

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still a little over two months away from the official start of spring, but when temperatures plummet as low as they have been, it’s hard not to think of warmer weather. Spring in the northern hemisphere begins on Tuesday, March 20, and one business in the Northland is already growing more and more excited….

Proud Parents Root For Their Son To Play In the Super Bowl

C.J. Ham graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 2011.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last Sunday the Minnesota Vikings miracle win over the New Orleans Saints kept them alive in the playoffs. It also means Duluth’s very own C.J. Ham has more football to play this season. His parents Tina and Cortez work in Duluth and they are still excited about that big win. The Ham’s believe C.J. was destined to play in the NFL and watching…

Fairlawn Mansion Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Pattison State Park is named after Martin Pattison.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A birthday celebration was held for the man who built the Fairlawn Mansion. Martin Pattison would have been 177 years on Jan. 17. He was instrumental in developing the Northland, so what better way to mark the occasion than with cake and cookies? Fairlawn guests received guided tours of the more than 42 room mansion that was built way back in 1891….

Harley the Cat Looks for a Forever Home

Harley was Featured as Pet of the Week; He's 12-Years-Old and is Located at Animal Allies Humane Society in Dultuh

DULUTH, Minn. – Meet Harley! Harley is 12-years-old and was featured as Pet of the Week on FOX 21 Local News at 7 Wednesday morning. When arriving at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, Harley was diabetic. After losing a few pounds, obtaining proper medications and eating right, he is no longer diabetic. Now, Harley is looking for his new…

Twin Ports Women’s March to Fill Duluth Street this Weekend

Feminist Action Collective Advocates for Women's Rights

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, millions of women marched around the country advocating for women’s rights. This effort was also present in Duluth. This weekend, that sight will be seen again as men and women fill the street for the cause. The Feminist Action Collective is hosting the 2nd Annual Twin Ports Women’s March on Saturday, January 20. The day…

Preparing for the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say the trail is in ideal condition for the marathon.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-  It’s the longest sled dog race in the country outside of Alaska and the 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is coming up next weekend. Back in the late 1800’s John Beargrease and his brothers would travel from Duluth to Thunder Bay Ontario delivering mail. John became known for using sled dogs and is…

Tax Pros: File Sooner Than Later

Tax Pros at H&R Block on Grand Avenue in Duluth Have Already Helped Dozens of Taxpayers this Year

DULUTH, Minn. – This year the IRS will start accepting tax returns on January 29. According to the IRS, nearly 155 million individual returns are expected to be filed this year. Business is already booming at H&R Block on Grand Avenue in West Duluth. Tax professionals say they’ve already had a few dozen customers walk through the door. This year…

Hundreds March in MLK Tribute

The march shows there is no room for hate in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- People around the nation are honoring Martin Luther King Jr. The Duluth NAACP Chapter is continuing the Birth of a New Nation, the theme for a series of events honoring MLK in the Twin Ports.  Its become a Northland tradition for people of all ages and races to march through down town Duluth in unity on MLK day. “We’re…

Fairlawn Mansion Celebrates Martin Pattison, Begins Garden Talks

Northland Uncovered: Fairlawn Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a celebration in the Twin Ports is honoring a man with a major impact on the area. Wednesday, January 17 would be Martin Pattison’s 177th birthday. Superior Public Museums is recognizing the day with half-priced tours of Fairlawn Mansion and dessert.   The free cake, cookies, and tea will be in the Fairlawn gift shop….

Duluth Celebrates the Season with New Winter-Themed Event

Cold Front February Kicks Off with Frigid Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is celebrating the season with a brand new winter-themed event. Cold Front February will last throughout the month, but the first weekend, February 1-4, will be full of fun to kick-off the celebration. This will all focus on the Canal Park and Lake Place Park area of Duluth. Senior City Planner Steven Robertson…

BoomTown Opens Only Commercial Brewery on the Iron Range

BoomTown Brewery in Hibbing Already Offers Several Beers

HIBBING, Minn. – For the first time in many years, beer is being brewed on Minnesota’s Iron Range. BoomTown WoodFire opened in Eveleth back in 2015 offering what the owners call “comfort food with a twist.” Now, there’s a new BoomTown located in Hibbing, and this one includes the only commercial brewery on the Iron Range. “I think it’s kind…

Duluthians Get ‘A Taste of France’

Zeitgeist Offers Monthly 'Spirit of Duluth' Events

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians got a taste of France tonight at Zeitgeist in Downtown Duluth. A french meal was served with gouda stuffed dates, potatoes in sauce, and chocolate mousse. After dinner, there was a screening and discussion of a French film. The curator of the event says French food isn’t about flavor, but about the dining experience. “In the…

Soap Making with Market Day Duluth

Market Day Duluth Started as a Pop-Up Shop in March, 2017, Now the Owners Have Expanded with Goods and Services

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly one year since Market Day Duluth was started as a pop-up shop in Downtown Duluth. Now the owners are helping hundreds of people every year to create handmade everyday essentials. Owner and instructor Lanae Rhoads has been making soap for 12 years and teaching others to do it for over 10. Rhoads says soap…

Jersey Sales Spike After Vikings Win

The Minnesota Vikings Beat the New Orleans Saints, Advancing Minnesota to Play to Eagles

DULUTH, Minn. – Local sports retailers are seeing a spike in sales. The staff at Pro Image at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth say customers were coming in right away when they opened their doors at 10 a.m. The store’s manager says jersey sales for players Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are on the rise, so much so, the…

Northland Foundation Grants Help Fund After School Programs

A total of 37 grants are being given out in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.-  After–school programs and in–school enrichment across Northeastern Minnesota are receiving funding from the Northland Foundation. One of the largest grants is going to CHUM, totaling $50,000. Overall the Northland Foundation is giving out over $507,000 worth of grants to 37 non–profits and schools. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is receiving $20,000. The money is going towards the Teen Core…

Saturday Morning Races Aim to Keep Kids Active

Coffee Conversation: Saturday Morning at the Races

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon may be six months away, but that isn’t stopping some events from starting up to prepare for the big day. The Young Athletes Foundation is offering free youth races on Saturday mornings. The races are for children 14 and under. The next event is Saturday, January 20 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the Ward…

Duluth March and Rally to Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Duluth Events Recognize MLK Day

DULUTH, Minn. – In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some Northlanders are taking to the streets to respect the Civil Rights leader. This morning, a march and rally are being held in recognition of the holiday. The march begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Washington Center at 310 N 1st Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806. The group will…

How to Become a Curling Umpire

Students will officiate the upcoming national tournaments in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two national championship curling tournaments are coming to Duluth. Preparations are underway for the big event. This weekend volunteers are being trained to be a curling official. “Curling is becoming a much more popular sport,” deputy national instructor Randy Czarnetzki said. Curling is rated one of the highest streamed sports, during the past two Olympics. “There are more curling…

Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Thissen Visits Duluth

Thissen wants to focus on healthcare, childcare and affordable education

DULUTH, Minn. –  Another candidate or Minnesota governor has thrown his hat into the ring for the DFL.  Paul Thissen is a former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who also served as a DFL Minority Leader. He made a stop through Duluth on Sunday to talk about his bid to become the next Minnesota governor. “I’ve been in…

Superior Mother’s “Little Free Library” Set On Fire; Community Steps Up

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A mother of three from Superior is looking for your help to make as many “Little Free Libraries” as possible for the community after her family’s free library was set on fire. The fire happened late Saturday night outside Laura Selden’s home on Birch Avenue. Selden, who is a former MIX 108 morning radio personality and now…