Community

How Technology Can Help You Have a Good Night’s Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – As we experienced the “Fall Back” of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, the Northland is going to be seeing less daylight. This can affect mood and sleep cycle. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to describe technology that can help with the sleep cycle. The Fitbit Charge 2 can help monitor how much light,…

“A Playground for Everybody” Could Soon Be Built in Proctor

Playground Will Be Accessible for Physically Impaired Children

PROCTOR, Minn. – A special playground accessible to kids with physical impairments could soon be coming to Proctor. “A Playground for Everybody” will have a ramp leading all the way around it so every child can make it to the tallest tower. Jennifer McDonald has three kids. When taking them to local playgrounds, she noticed the limitations her daughter had…

Talent Shines At 7th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition

Competition provides an event for dancers of all backgrounds.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 7th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition took place Sunday, honoring Kruger who was known as a local break dancing pioneer. The competition brings together dancers from diverse backgrounds. Some performances were choreographed in the studio and others mastered their skills out on the streets, which is where Willie Kruger’s love for dancing originated. “There’s no competitions around…

Northlanders Attend the Gales of November Convention

The Gales of November convention is the largest fundraiser for the Maritime Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.-The 30th Gales of November convention took place this weekend at the DECC. The event is the largest fundraiser for the Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association. The association said it’s all thanks to community members. “Everywhere I look there’s somebody lending a hand, offering to donate something, to give back in some way,” executive director Tammy Sundbom Otterson said….

Congdon Students Enjoy Science Night

UMD Science Department Puts On Science Fair

DULUTH, Minn- Congdon Elementary School was full of students being inspired by science Friday evening. 45 students from UMD’s biology, chemistry, engineering and physics departments presented science related demonstrations and activities for the students and their families. One student says being a college student at UMD means you are a part of the Duluth community and it’s fun to get…

UWS Hosts Forum for Students to Discuss Program Suspensions

University Announced Current Students Can Enroll in Suspended Programs Next Week Only

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Earlier this week, the University of Wisconsin-Superior announced some big cuts to academic programs. On Tuesday, students, faculty, and alumni were shocked with UW-Superior’s decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs and emotions were still running high at the student forum on Friday. “There is a general air of no confidence in our administration here,” said Nick Isaacson,…

Language and Literacy at Duluth Children’s Museum

UMD's Communication Sciences and Disorder Department Put On Event

DULUTH, Minn- Language and literacy was another component kids could learn about at the Duluth Children’s Museum Friday. UMD’s Communication Sciences and Disorder Department teamed up with the museum for a dragons, queens, kings and castles themed event to raise awareness about literacy, language, and speech. Organizers looked to identify and address unmet needs in the community. “It’s a great…

City of Duluth Moves Forward with Seawall Replacement Project

The project could begin as soon as spring of 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making moves to replace the failing sea walls surrounding the Minnesota Slip. Funding is in place for the $6 million project. According to city officials, right now the sea walls are deteriorating, and would cause problems with the surrounding structures. Construction of the project could begin as soon as spring 2018. “We’ve been worrying…

Fire Officials Remind to Check Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend

According to fire officials, a majority of house fire related deaths are in houses with faulty smoke detectors

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  Sunday is the day to set the clocks back for daylight saving time, which means it’s also an important time to check something else around the house. Fire officials say it’s time to change the batteries on those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts say having a functioning smoke detector is a matter of life or…

Hermantown is not Receiving LGA in Upcoming Budget

Local government aid cut in Hermantown due to a glitch.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown is receiving no local government aid for the 2018 budget. This is the fourth year the city has received a cut in LGA. Back in 2016 an unintentional error caused the city to receive less LGA than the state determined. The glitch was corrected, but it was too late to fix the city from getting funding in…

Wise Fool Theater Presents First Show Since Name Change

Tonight: Wise Fool Theater's "The Merchant of Venice" Premieres

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday night, Wise Fool Theater is presenting their latest show. “The Merchant of Venice” will run through the next two weekends. On November 3-4 and 10-11 the shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Matinee shows will be on November 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. The performances will be at Lincoln Park Middle School. To purchase tickets,…

Duluth Trampoline Park Offers Fun for All Ages

Active Adventures: Jumping Around at Planet 3 Extreme Air Park

DULUTH, Minn. – A trampoline park is open in Duluth, but it’s much more than what you might think. Planet 3 Extreme Air Park offers extreme dodgeball, trapeze, launchpads, foam pits, dunk zones, a ninja obstacle course. All ages are encouraged to jump at the park. Planet 3 Duluth is located at 101 N 46th Ave W., Duluth, MN 55807….

Carlton County Medical Professionals Receive Narcan Training

Pharmacy's Have A New Protocol

The push to educate people on the access one has to Narcan expands outside of Duluth. Thursday medical professionals from towns across Carlton County came out to Fond du Lac Technical College to learn more about the protocol in Minnesota for area pharmacies. As part of the recent opiate protocol in Minnesota, community members are able to seek access to…

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad Offers Year Round Fun

Railroad Has America's Only Bed and Breakfast Dinner Train

TREGO, Wis. – If you’re looking for a trip to take this winter, a railroad in Trego offers the country’s only bed and breakfast dinner train. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad takes riders to scenic spots in the north woods five nights a week all year long. They also host special events and will have a Santa train this holiday…

Shell Lake Arts Center Raising Funds for Building Improvements

Non-Profit Needs $4.5 Million to Make Necessary Renovations

SHELL LAKE, Wis. – The Shell Lake Arts Center is raising funds to repair and rebuild their campus buildings. The Arts Center has educated kids for the last 50 years with programs in music, theatre, art and film. They need to raise $4.5 million to update their aging facilities. “We need to continue providing programming for the next fifty years…

Norshor Theatre Deadline Fast Approaching

Walk Through Theatre Allowed Duluthians To See Progress

DULUTH, Minn- The pressure is on and the excitement is bursting from the supporters, backers, and arts community ready for the Norshor Theatre’s comeback. Developer and big financial backer George Sherman was at today’s press event among city leaders and the Duluth Playhouse. The transformation and restoration of the historic Norshor Theatre on E Superior St. is looking the clearest…

Holiday Lighting Contest Begins

Multiple Cities Involved This Year

DULUTH, Minn.-The Christmas Lighting Challenge has begun. Categories are now open for “Best Home,” “Best Business,” and even “Grand Master” in a variety of communities around the region including Duluth,  Superior, Two Harbors, Cloquet, Hermantown, and Proctor. One of the event organizers said going around seeing all the lights reminds families about what this time of year is all about. “What’s…

Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant Features Breaded Pork Chop as Special

Cooking Connection: Breaded Pork Chop, Butternut Squash Risotto, Tomato Salad

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Cooking Connection FOX 21 was back in the kitchen with Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant and Bar. Owner Anthony Sclavi showed FOX 21 how to make a breaded pork chop with fresh rosemary, butternut squash risotto with gorgonzola, and a tomato salad. Sclavi’s is located at 1006 Tower Ave. in Superior, WI. They are open Wednesdays…

St. Luke’s Hosts Annual Holiday Celebration Sale

The St. Luke's Volunteer Service Guild is Hosting their Annual Holiday Celebration Sale Benefiting Hospital Patients

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers at St. Luke’s in Duluth are thinking holiday shopping already with their Annual Holiday Celebration Sale happening Thursday, November 2 and Friday, November 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The St. Luke’s Volunteer Service Guild hosts the fundraiser numerous times throughout the year. This unique holiday sale features holiday decorations, clothing, jewelry, toys by Melissa…

Eat Smart Month Aims to Help Northlanders Improve Heart Health

The American Heart Association Partners with Essentia Health, St. Luke's and Super One Foods to Promote Healthy Eating

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to gobble up the rest of your Halloween candy and prepare for a healthy holiday season. The American Heart Association is looking to help consumers celebrate National Eating Healthy Day. The Association along with Essentia Health and St. Luke’s hosted an event Wednesday evening at Super One Foods near the Miller Hill Mall. The event…

Salvation Army Ready to Help Those in Need on Christmas

Deadline to Apply is Nov. 22

DULUTH, Minn.-With the Christmas season coming fast upon us, one local organization is working to make the needy’s holiday a little more special. Right now the local Salvation Army is accepting applications for Northlander’s who need a little extra help. You can come in and fill out a form for a holiday dinner basket or even request a gift for…

‘A Dozen Excuses Donuts and More’ Named A Top Doughnut Shop

Superior Store Ranked Seventh in Wisconsin's Top Shops

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Dozen Excuses Donuts and More was recently named one of the best doughnut shops in the state. Best Things Wisconsin ranked the store seventh in their top ten doughnut shop list, but the Tower Avenue bakery makes a whole lot more than doughnuts. As the holiday season approaches, they’re offering special cookies and a traditional kringle….

More Than 20 Jobs Coming to Hibbing as Radiator Plants Expands

More Than 200 People Work at Plant Now

HIBBING, Minn.-L&M Radiator is putting in a $17.6 million expansion at it’s Hibbing plant, which means there will be 22 jobs added to that region. The company, which makes cooling products for heavy equipment, is adding 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is supporting the project with a $354,000 grant….

Annual Gales of November Conference Begins Friday

Keynote Speakers to Focus on Shipwrecks

DULUTH, Minn. – November is now upon us and that means peak storm season on Lake Superior is near. The 30th Annual Gales of November conferece is beginning Friday, November 3 and running through Saturday, November 4. This is a fundraiser for the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association. The Saturday Keynote Luncheon Speaker will discuss the French Navy minesweepers Inkerman…

Apartments Planned for Old Cloquet Middle School

Development Company Secured Funding to Complete Project

CLOQUET, Minn. – A development company was awarded the financing needed to construct a new apartment complex in the old Cloquet Middle School building on Carlton Avenue. The proposed development will include fifty-seven units of housing, both market rate and affordable. It’s expected to fill a housing need in Cloquet and will allow the school district to save $1.3 million…

The Spirit Room Pairs Beer with Halloween Candy

The Spirit Room experiments with the beer and candy combinations

  SUPERIOR, Minn. – Halloween isn’t only for the kids. The Spirit Room in Superior hosted the Beer and Candy Tasting event this Halloween. They paired several kinds of local beer with a bit of Halloween candy, in an effort to find some unique tastes. “This kind of brings a new level of seeing what kind of flavors can be…

Cloquet Area Fire District Giving out Reflective Bracelets for Trick-or-Treaters

More Than 600 Free Slap Bracelets Will Be Handed Out

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Area Fire District is giving out reflective wristbands to keep kids safe while trick or treating. More than six-hundred of the free slap bracelets will be given out by firefighters tonight. According to fire district officials, kids are twice as likely to get hit by a car on Halloween as they are on any other…

Duluth Junk Hunt Heads to DECC for Fall Sale

Semi-Annual Event Starts Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re one to search for a special find for your home, The Duluth Junk Hunt may be the place for you. The semi–annual Duluth Junk Hunt kicks off Friday. Vendors will fill the DECC’s Pioneer Hall Friday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors…

Duluth Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Reflective Tape and Bright Costumes are Recommended by Police

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is all about fun as kids head out to trick or treat, but there are safety concerns surrounding the tradition. Sgt. Gayle Holton with the Duluth Police Department visited FOX 21 this morning to shed some light on the topic. Sgt. Holton says kids should be wearing bright costumes and if they’re not, they should wear…

Tours Now Offered at Nopeming Sanatorium

Northland Uncovered: Going Inside Nopeming Sanatorium

DULUTH, Minn. – For years an abandoned tuberculosis sanatorium has been the interest of Northlanders, ghost hunters, and historians around the country. Nopeming Sanatorium sits almost empty in Duluth. “In 1908 they built the first building and then after that it filled so they built other buildings to accommodate more patients,” explained Tanya Graysmark, the Project Director at Nopeming. A…

Fire Engulfs Garage in Rice Lake Township

RICE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Tuesday morning fire filled a garage in Rice Lake Township. Crews got the call to 4055 Fairview Rd. just at 6:27 a.m. Upon arrival, responders found a large pole barn-style garage fully engulfed in flames. An adult female and two adult males were safely evacuated from the adjacent residence with no injuries. Fire department personnel…

UMD Hosts 22nd Annual ‘Haunted Halls’ For Kids

UMD students decorated the halls and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students had the chance to celebrate Halloween with younger members of the community on Monday. It was the 22nd annual Haunted Halls at UMD. Students dressed up in costumes and decorated the living spaces  on campus, and hundreds of kids got to go trick or treating with them through the halls. “Kids going through get to…

After more than 20 years in business, How Sweet It Is Cakes is closing

The owners cited financial reasons for the decision to close up shop

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than 20 years in business, popular Twin Ports cake decorators, How Sweet It Is Cakes is closing its doors. How Sweet It Is posted to Facebook on Monday to announce that they will be shutting down, citing a “significant decline in sales,” among other personal reasons. Eileen Brown, the owner of How Sweet It Is…

Northlanders Discuss “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” Proposal

Lieutentant Governor Tina Smith and Commissioner Emily Piper Host Town Hall for Residents in Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith started the workweek with a stop in Duluth to talk healthcare Monday morning. Smith along with Commissioner Emily Piper chose to host a town hall in Duluth on the MinnesotaCare Buy-In Proposal. For Lt. Governor Smith, the goal of Monday’s meeting at Duluth City Hall was to inform residents of the plan…

Wisconsin Girl Scouts Create Small Food Pantry

(Wisconsin State Journal) DEFOREST, Wis. (AP) – Girl Scouts in southern Wisconsin are stocking the shelves of a small food pantry they created. The Wisconsin State Journal reports a seven-member Girl Scouts troop largely funded the installation of the Little Free Pantry box outside Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest. The wooden box is a place where community members can pick…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Begins this Week

Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge Starts Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be Halloween on Tuesday, but registration for the Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge begins this week. Families and business owners are encouraged to decorate their buildings in Christmas lights and enter them in the competition. Once the establishments are entered, families can see the list online, tour the displays and vote for their favorites….

Storm Damage Closes Parts of Lakewalk

Brighton Beach Closed Due to Storm Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday’s snowstorm brought devastation to Duluth and this weekend FOX 21 got a first look at the damage left behind. The City of Duluth has been forced to close down parts of two popular attractions. At Duluth’s lakewalk, parts of the boardwalk have been completely ripped up, benches damaged and rocks have taken over what was once…

Bars open early for Vikings fans

Bars were able to open one hour early to accommodate the 8:30 a.m. kick-off.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Fans of the Minnesota Vikings made the early morning trek to their favorite bar to catch that 8:30 a.m. kickoff Sunday morning. With the Vikings playing the Cleveland Browns in London, England, the time difference made for an early start to football Sunday. Thanks to a state exemption, made only for today, bars in St. Louis county…

Last day for corn maze at Ru Ridge

Despite the snow, Ru Ridge Corn Maze stayed open until the end

CARLTON, Minn. – The weather didn’t stop the folks out at the Ru–Ridge Corn Maze from staying open another day. It was the last day for the corn maze at the Ru-Ridge Produce in Cartlon. It was Ru–Ridge’s first year having the corn maze, and the owners were pleasantly surprised by the show of support from the community, even on the…

2018 Superior Days Just Around The Corner

Leaders and Residents Meet To Kick Off Legislative List

SUPERIOR, Wis- Superior leaders and residents are making a list, getting ready to head to the statehouse in a few months, to ask for legislative changes. In February, hundreds of people from 5 northwest Wisconsin counties will head down to Madison. There they will lobby for the top legislative issues deemed most important in northwest Wisconsin. During last year’s superior…

Biggest Scarium at the Aquarium yet for Great Lakes Aquarium

Kids dressed up in costumes and enjoyed some family-friendly fun and games

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of kids and their families made their way to the Great Lakes Aquarium for the annual Scarium at the Aquarium.  There were fun and games, a dance party, and super hero divers. Families dressed up in their favorite costumes and trick or treated through the aquarium. “It’s really a family party,” Great Lakes Aquarium’s Allison Iacone said. “We…

Kids Skate in Halloween Costumes

The Duluth Figure Skating Club Held Their Annual Halloween Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids were figure skating in their costumes today at Mars Lakeview Arena. The Duluth Figure Skating Club held their annual Halloween party out on the ice. Skaters in the club and the Learn to Skate Duluth program were decked out in costumes, getting to know each other while having a lot of fun. “It’s kind of a…

Trunk or Treat Event Held at Duluth Gospel Tabernacle

Kids in Costumes Got Free Candy from Cars in the Church Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn. – Before trick or treating on Tuesday, kids in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood got to “trunk or treat” on Sunday. The Duluth Gospel Tabernacle put on the Halloween-themed event. Hundreds of kids dressed in their costumes and got candy from the trunks of twenty-seven cars in the church’s parking lot. There were costume contests all day and food…

Winter Storm Has Duluth’s Water Still Abnormal

Full Press Release Of The Situation In Story

The storm may be over but it has left its lasting presence on Duluth’s drinking water. The City of Duluth water system recently violated a drinking water standard related to turbidity. Although the levels have continued to drop throughout the day, Duluth’s water is still not at a level that we would normally come to expect. What should you do?…

Halloween Fun at Wade Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. – Wade Stadium was transformed into one of the biggest Halloween bashes in town, Saturday. Benefiting Noteworthy kids, the first year of Hallowade featured both inside and outside stages for local live music, thousands of dollars in prizes for the costume contest winners, and a haunted locker room. The Lake Superior Zoo stopped by with their mobile animal…

Duluth Police Investigating Man Found Outside Deceased

Not Many Details At The Moment

UPDATE: The Duluth Police have reported that preliminary autopsy results suggest the man died from accidental death due to exposure. Currently, toxicology results are pending. DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Police Department is investigating the death of a man found near the 10 block of E 4th St.  According to police, they were notified of a man down at 9:43 a.m….

Morgan Park Halloween Carnival

United Protestant Church Held Event

MORGAN PARK, Minn- The United Protestant Church in Morgan Park brought back a family fun event tonight. After a 3 year hiatus, members of the church thought it was important to bring back the annual Morgan Park Halloween Carnival. Kids and even some grownups dressed up in their customs came to enjoy games and family fun. The organizer of the…