Author: CJ Baumgartner

City of Duluth Hosts Drive-Thru Job Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– As people try to get back to work during the pandemic, the city of Duluth and CareerForce are trying a never before way to connect employers and job seekers. The city of Duluth got the idea for a drive thru job fair after seeing other cities in northwestern Wisconsin do the same a few weeks ago. And today…

Bayside Sounds Concert Series Continues in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– It might be getting cooler outside, but that’s not stopping people in Superior from throwing on an extra layer to go enjoy some great music outdoors. The concert series Bayside Sounds began last month in Superior. The group Born Too Late performed Wednesday night at Wade Bowl Park. The eight week concert series features bands that perform every…

Raising Awareness for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum Disorders

DULUTH, Minn.– September is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month and experts want people to understand the complications that can come with what they say is a completely preventable disability. It’s caused by exposure to alcohol while a baby is in the womb. Experts say it impacts people on a spectrum with damage to the brain or growth deficiencies…

Chamber After Hours Returns at The DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– The DECC has slowly been getting back to some type of business during the pandemic, with a popular Duluth event making its way to the facility. Chamber After Hours was held in person for the first time since March. About 40 people showed up to the popular networking event, featuring snacks, drinks and games. Temperatures were taken at…

Newly Remodeled Lake View Hospital Unveiled

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– The new Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors is now unveiled.  It’s a place hospital leaders are calling a major step forward for the future of healthcare in the region. More than two years ago, Lake View and St. Luke’s put plans in motion to strengthen and modernize the facilities in Two Harbors.  The main goal was…

Winter Gear Selling Well as Summer Ends

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota weather has been keeping Northlanders on their heels the last few weeks as people in the area get ready for the winter season. Winter items like snow blowers, snowmobiles, winter tracks for ATVs, and more are starting to sell already here in September. While snow isn’t expected for a little bit longer, Northlanders say it’s never too…

Duluth Library Foundation to Celebrate Duluth’s 150th Anniversary through Virtual Tour

DULUTH, Minn.– As the city of Duluth reaches its 150th anniversary, one Duluth organization is planning a special way to remember the city’s past. The Duluth Library Foundation is hosting a virtual history tour from September 19-30. It will showcase two local authors, Tom Peacock and Tony Dierckins telling the story of Duluth’s founding from the perspective of the first…

Twin Ports Health Officials Expect Spike in Covid-19 Cases as School Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– As students across the Northland continue starting the new school year, concerns about COVID-19 are definitely still a part of daily life.  Schools are taking plenty of precautions to focus on safety but area health experts are still worried about the uncertainty that comes with classes being back in session. Students from elementary to high school to college…

Changes Could Be Coming to Chester Park Trail

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth City Council is expected to take up a resolution involving one of the city’s most popular trails. The council is considering making the Chester Creek Trail ski-only during the winter months. Both pedestrians and cross country skiers have shared the trail over the years. But some city parks officials say the steep trail, blind corners, and…

EPA Officials Visit Duluth, Tour Revitalized Sites

DULUTH, Minn.– Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency were in Duluth earlier this week, touring past and potential new sites that are eligible for funding from the federal agency. The money not only helps create more business in the area but also helps keep natural resources around the community clean. The EPA has given out over $287 million over the…

Socially Distant Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Instead of walking in large numbers down the Lakewalk, participants were encouraged to do their own version of the walk at home.

DULUTH, Minn.– Over 120,000 Americans died from Alzheimer’s in 2018 and today a popular annual event in Duluth helping raise awareness for the disease was still able to go on in a unique way during the pandemic. Walking to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s this year is more important now than ever. Those effected say with the added stress…

Local Firefighters Honor 9/11 Heroes

DULUTH, Minn.– On the 19th anniversary of 9/11, a group of Duluth firefighters spent the day paying tribute to those who lost their lives, including the first responders who jumped into action. More than 3,000 people were killed on that fateful day back in 2001, including 343 firefighters. To honor the sacrifices made by first responders, members of the Duluth…

Volunteers Honor 9/11 Victims, Clean up Community

DULUTH, Minn.– A group of community members went out today to do some good in honor of those lost. Around 25 members of Ecolibrium-3’s Vista Corps and Duluth Parks and Recreation went around doing service projects around the city. Stops were made at places like Harrison Park to help maintain the community gardens there. Organizers say while the tragedy is…

Waters of Superior to Close, Noting Difficulties Due To Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– A popular canal park business for the last two decades will be closing its doors for good later this fall. The reason for shutting down is financial difficulties due to COVID-19. Waters of Superior has been an icon in Canal Park since the store opened in 2000. Providing not only a unique shopping experience but also an opportunity…

Duluth Veterans Rally Against Trump

DULUTH, Minn.– The President has been accused of making comments calling soldiers who died in combat ‘losers and suckers’ which has drawn criticism across the country, including from veterans in Duluth. A group of veterans met outside City Hall in Duluth earlier today in response to the allegations made against Trump. Several veterans spoke during the gathering sharing their experiences…

Duluth Couple Takes Flight for 65th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– A Duluth couple got to experience their 65th wedding anniversary from the clouds earlier today. James and Barbara Burud thought they were going out for pizza, instead their kids surprised them when they got to the Sky Harbor Airport on Minnesota Point for a plane ride around Lake Superior and the Duluth area. James has an interest in…

Minnesota Firefighters Help Battle Western Wildfires

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– As wildfires continue to ravage western states, some Minnesota firefighters are out there to help. More than 60 Minnesota firefighters are out west helping fight fires in six states including California, like this one near Los Angeles. Crews are helping with on the ground suppression, aerial suppression and support and large incident management. Fire officials say those…

Superior’s ‘Dream Park’ Officially Unveiled

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Three years ago, a girl in Superior wanted a place for kids with physical limitations to play. And today that was made a reality. Kenna Hermanson cut the ribbon at Superior’s Webster Dream Park in the south end of the city as the grand opening for the 100 year old park’s new look was held Wednesday. The park…

Protest Held in Response to Trump Jr’s Duluth Visit

DULUTH, Minn.– This isn’t the first time a Trump family member has visited Duluth to try to win over voters during the president’s re-election campaign. While each visit draws supporters, the events have also drawn protesters who want their message to be seen and heard. About 50 people gathered at Gichi-ode’ Akiing park in downtown Duluth to protest Donald Trump…

Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Preps for Fall Season During Pandemic

CARLTON, Minn.– It’s beginning to look a lot like fall in the Northland and that means corn mazes all around are getting ready for families to come through again. As the season begins to change, popular fall destinations like Ru-Ridge Corn Maze in Carlton are gearing up for an unexpected and unpredictable fall but one thing they can guarantee is…

Cloquet Library Returns to Regular Hours

CLOQUET, Minn.– In Cloquet, the city’s library is now returning to full hours for the first time since March. Starting Tuesday, the Cloquet Public Library is now running at their fall schedule. Open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m to 7:30 p.m. Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cloquet Public Library will…

Goats and Yoga Help De-stress in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Experts say yoga and spending time with animals can help reduce stress. One Duluth group has been putting them together for a unique experience in Superior. Duluth Goat Yoga hoofed it to over earth rider brewing’s cedar lounge for a relaxing session. Participants got in a good stretch and managed stress with goats of all shapes sizes and…

Couple Opens Yard to Renaissance Festival Vendors

DULUTH, Minn.– As many of the area’s conventions and festivals have been canceled due to the pandemic, one Duluth couple is giving some special vendors a chance to work and sell their magic. The Meier’s opened up their yard along the north shore to pop-up vendors selling so-called mystical items including crystals, scents, and more. These vendors normally set up…

Gov. Walz, MN Health Leaders Warn Of High COVID-19 Numbers as Fall Approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn.– The number of people infected by COVID-19 in Minnesota has steadily been growing all summer, adding to total more than 78,000 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic. And with the summer winding down the impact could look a lot different in Minnesota in the coming months. With Labor Day weekend coming up and fall around…

Essentia Health Encouraging Child Checkups Before Fall

DULUTH, Minn.– With the school year approaching, Essentia Health says parents should still find time to get their kids in for a checkup. Essentia says now more than ever, parents should be getting their kids in for their annual physicals. Doctors say that besides keeping up with a child’s development, it’s important to stay up to date on vaccinations as…

Visit Duluth Releases July Tourism Numbers

DULUTH, Minn.– Visit Duluth, the city’s primary marketing operation, is transitioning furloughed staff to temporary layoffs on October 1st as tourism tax revenue continues to be far below normal projections. Five positions will have temporary layoffs while one position will have a permanent layoff. Visit Duluth has announced at least six furloughed staff members will be officially laid off by…

Classes Begin at University Of Wisconsin-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Students at University of Wisconsin-Superior began in-person classes today for the first time since March. Students are back in class but things are a little bit different. Masks are required on-campus, there are single points of entry into all buildings, and each classroom will have sanitizer and paper towels for students. One student says while it’s good to…

CareerForce Duluth to Hold Virtual Job Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– CareerForce in Duluth is adding a drive through job fair, taking a page from some Wisconsin communities. It will be held September 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Wheeler Field in West Duluth. While they have held virtual job fairs in the past, CareerForce says with their offices and libraries closed, it will give people with limited access to…

Just For Kix-Duluth Holds Free Trial Class

DULUTH, Minn.– One Duluth organization is looking to keep kids moving and dancing with the school year around the corner. Just for Kix Duluth held a free trial class today at St. Michael’s Lakeside School in east Duluth. Kids as young as three years old all the way to high school students got the chance to go through a class,…

Surly Brewing to Close Beer Hall, Other Breweries Impacted Due to Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– The Coronavirus’ financial fallout is forcing Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis to close its popular beer hall this fall. This comes as breweries across the state prepare for an uncertain winter season without outdoor seating. The impact financially of the Coronavirus has been taking its toll on businesses across the country, including one of Minnesota’s most popular industries….

Align Yoga Reopens for In-Person Classes

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After a long break because of the pandemic, one superior business is ready to stretch out in person again. For the first time in five months, Align Yoga in superior held an in-person yoga class. The studio needed to follow state and CDC guidelines like having plenty of PPE and cleaning supplies. After holding virtual classes on Facebook…

Community Barbecue Gets Kids Ready for School Year

DULUTH, Minn.– The school year is starting in just under a couple weeks for Duluth Public Schools. As families try to prepare for a school year during the pandemic, one local group offered some help Friday afternoon. Neighborhood Youth Services is a community-based organization for local kids in the area. And today they brought the community together to get ready…

Minnesota Applies for Extra $300 in Federal Weekly Unemployment Benefits

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that the state has applied for federal help to get an extra boost to those out of work during the pandemic. The state applied for FEMA’s lost wages assistance program that would give an additional $300 per week to those on unemployment due to COVID-19. Applicants can get payments starting with the…

Free Pop-Up Bike Shop Held in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– At Wade Bowl Park in Superior, Galleria Bike Shop and Ski Hut held a pop-up bike shop for free basic repairs. People from around town showed up to get basic repairs done on their bikes. Free bike helmets donated by Essentia Health were also given out to those who need them. With more people using their bikes during…

Montessori School Looking to Bring Program to Duluth

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Montessori schools offer a specialized form of learning for young students and as demand grows, even more expansion is happening in the Northland. Renaissance Schools was founded in 2017 in Sandstone with the goal of establishing more Montessori schools in northern Minnesota. And after setting up other schools in the area, they are looking to bring one…

Cook County Leaders Address Issues of Racial Inequity

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.– Leaders in Cook County are addressing the issue of racial inequities in the county and how they can do better. The Cook County Joint Powers Group met virtually Tuesday night to talk about what each organization is doing or planning to help resolve racial inequities. One topic brought up was creating a land acknowledgement with members of…

Sen. Tina Smith Calls on Postal Service During Pandemic, Upcoming Election

MINNESOTA– As more people will be looking to vote through the mail this November during the pandemic, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is calling for more clarity from the heads of the United States Postal Service. The senator toured a postal facility in Eagan earlier this week, where resources like mail sorting machines have are declining, along with the blue mailboxes….

Duluth Costco Construction Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Construction on the much anticipated Costco in Duluth has begun. Crews began working on the area by Haines and Arrowhead Roads in Duluth removing trees flattening the ground for the building. The Costco is estimated to add about 200 jobs to the area. The store is expected to be 160,000 square feet with more than 700 parking spaces….

UMD Staff Voice Concern Over COVID-19 Guidelines

DULUTH, Minn.– With the fall semester just around the corner for colleges around the Northland, some instructors at the University of Minnesota-Duluth are voicing their concerns with some of the safety protocols on campus. Department heads at UMD have been working all summer to prepare for this semester, and some faculty from around campus are asking for more insight before…