Author: CJ Baumgartner

No Spike in Douglas County COVID-19 Cases After Restrictions Loosen

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Positive Coronavirus test results have doubled across Wisconsin since Governor Evers’ Safer-At-Home order ended last month. But counties in the northern part of the state like Douglas County have avoided a spike in cases. Douglas County health officials are surprised at the small amount of cases that have arose in the county. “These strategies have worked, in particular…

UMD Announces Reopening Plan for Fall Semester

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota Duluth has announced its plans to reopen the campus for the fall semester today. Residence halls, dining spaces, and other public places will open this fall. Classes will start August 31. There will be no fall break so classes will end by Thanksgiving. Finals will be held virtually. Classes will be in-person, online, or a…

Wisconsin to Give $40 Million in Aid to Hospitals

MADISON, Wis.– As healthcare providers around Wisconsin are working during the pandemic to keep everyone healthy, Governor Tony Evers is using money from the CARES Act to offer assistance to healthcare providers. The $40 million in assistance for hospitals will be based on the percentage of Medicaid claims paid to the hospital compared to all state Medicaid claims. The payments…

North Shore Tourism Picking Up During Summer

FINLAND, Minn.– As summer begins, the impact of the pandemic means a slow start for businesses along the North Shore. Tourist-reliant businesses like Maple Grove Motel and Bait Shop in Finland, Minnesota have been slower than normal but is starting to pick back up, seeing an increase in last minute reservations and ones for the fall. While business at the…

Duluth Public Parks Allowed to Reopen

DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted across Minnesota, it also means some changes are coming right here in Duluth. The city is working to open public parks and fields back up in a safe way but limited city resources in this area are causing some setbacks. With new updates from Governor Walz, Duluth city parks and playgrounds will…

More Relief for Iron Range Businesses

EVELETH, Minn.– Small business loans have been given out during the pandemic and over on the Iron Range, there is now another program to get relief. The Minnesota Department Of Iron Range Resources And Rehabilitation has pledged $7 million for the area. $5 million will go towards small business relief loans and another $2 million in grants for communities to…

Kendahl Mini Golf in Cloquet Opens for 55th Season

CLOQUET, Minn.– With summer coming up and school ending for the year around the area, families are going out to try and find activities to do during the summer. That means places like Kendahl Mini Golf in Cloquet are opening up for the season. What started as a mini golf course in a backyard has become a popular summer spot…

Police Address Use of Force Procedures

DULUTH, Minn.– In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death while he was in the hands of Minneapolis Police, city leaders from across the country and right here in Duluth are addressing policies and procedures. While no policies were announced to be changed, the city of Duluth talked about what goes into policies like the Use of Force policy. “We know…

Kendahl Mini Golf in Cloquet Reopens

CLOQUET, Minn.– One of Cloquet’s biggest summer attractions opened this week as Kendahl Mini Golf opened for the season. Normally they open on weekends in May but management at the course decided to wait until June to get the course ready, including replacing the carpet on the course along with getting new clubs and golf balls and adding safety precautions…

Water Park Opens at Mont du Lac

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the school year ending and the nice weather, kids are getting ready to go out and swim. One resort in Superior is introducing a new feature this summer. While the park was open over Memorial Day weekend, Friday was the official grand opening for the new Big Kahuna water park that sits on the pond at the…

Community Garden Opens in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the weather warms up, Superior residents have seen one community activity increase in popularity. Community Gardens in Superior have seen more people taking up spots than in recent years. The Oak Avenue Garden in Superior has doubled the amount of plots due to high demand. The garden was built in 2018 and has relied on volunteer support….

City of Duluth Gives Update on Beaches

DULUTH, Minn.– This week starts the beach season for the city of Duluth and they have made some changes for the season. There will be no lifeguards on duty at the beaches. Those wanting information on swimming conditions can find it on their website or by looking at the signs posted along the point. Older signs have also been replaced…

Canal Park Seeing Increase of People with Restrictions Lifted

DULUTH, Minn.– As Coronavirus restrictions around Minnesota have started loosening up, Canal Park in Duluth has been seeing bigger crowds lately. That’s welcome news for business owners as the summer tourist season begins. Canal Park isn’t as busy as usual for early June. Still, more people are visiting the area while businesses adapt to keep them safe. “It’s kind of…

Superior Fire Department Gives Update on Landfill Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Superior Fire Department is giving more details after last night’s fire at a landfill near Wisconsin Point. The cause of the fire is unknown but Superior Fire Department believes it was most likely caused by hot material at the landfill that smoldered and caught fire. Crews first used water to put out the fire before smothering the…

Greater Downtown Council Plants Flowers at Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.– The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth continued their annual tradition of beautifying the community today. The council, local businesses and other volunteers were in Canal Park today. They were planting flowers in over 20 pots they placed around the area. Normally all volunteers would be planting in one spot but to stay social distant, they were doing it…

Duluth City Hall Partially Reopens to Public

DULUTH, Minn.– The process of reopening Duluth City Hall to the public started today. It’s been closed for several weeks because of COVID-19 concerns. After a long wait, the city of Duluth is letting people back inside city hall. But that doesn’t mean safety precautions have ended. Duluth City Hall is now open again for the public in a limited…

Campers Return As Minnesota Campgrounds Reopen

CARLTON, Minn.– A combination of nice summer weather and loosening of state guidelines means some busy campgrounds in the Northland. On Monday, campgrounds in Minnesota reopened under phase II of Governor Walz’s Stay Safe Minnesota order. And campers didn’t waste any time, filling up different campgrounds around the area. “We just enjoy the outdoors and being able to camp,” said,…

Support for George Floyd Drawn On Lakewalk with Chalk

DULUTH, Minn.– Peaceful demonstrations continue to pop up in Duluth. This time, it was in the form of sidewalk chalk along the Lakewalk. A path there has been covered in messages expressing justice for George Floyd. The writing also includes the names of other victims of police brutality with the phrase ‘say their names.’ Categories: News, News – Latest News

Minnesota Restaurants Open For Outdoor Dine-In

DULUTH, Minn.– Bars and restaurants in Minnesota are serving customers again for the first time since March. Restaurants can open only with limited capacity and only outdoor seating allowed per the governor’s order. But some business owners say it’s not enough to keep going. Sir Ben’s Tavern on East Superior Street in Duluth saw a steady flow of customers Monday….

Marnie Grondahl Retires From Duluth Fire Department

DULUTH, Minn.– One of Duluth’s most accomplished firefighters is retiring today after spending more than 32 years with the department. Marnie Grondahl was Duluth Fire Department’s first woman to serve in a chief level officer role with the fire department. She was also awarded the distinguished service award from the International Association of Arson Investigators. She says she’s had a…

City of Duluth Advises Caution at Beaches

DULUTH, Minn.– As summer gets closer, more people are going outside to places like the beaches on Park Point. Those have been packed the last few days and now the city of Duluth is advising everyone how to stay safe when they go out. City officials say masks aren’t required to be out at the beach but they are saying…

Duluth Leaders Respond to Protests in Minneapolis

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth leaders are reacting to what’s going on in Minneapolis and they’re saying how people in Duluth are showing support to George Floyd and his family. “We have work to do,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “We have conversations to be had. We have listening to take place.” Mayor Larson gave her first public comment on the killing…

Northern Wisconsin Businesses Work to Reopen

MASON, Wis.– The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s recent decision to end Safer At Home restrictions have opened the state back up. And businesses all across Wisconsin are doing what they can to keep operations going. “We want to make sure when people drive here that we’re able to serve them,” said Todd Bucher, Managing Member of Delta Diner in Mason. The…

Ecolibrium3 Leading Charge to Make 360,000 Face Shields

DULUTH, Minn.– As restrictions in Minnesota are starting ease, one Duluth organization is working to ramp up the amount of PPE in the Twin Ports. Ecolibrium3 is launching an effort to produce over 360,000 face shields by the end of June. Over 35 volunteers from US Bank, Duluth LISC, and others were there making the shields. Ecolibrium3 is asking for…

Drive-In Movies Coming to DECC Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn.– Coronavirus has been affecting many summer events in Duluth and the Greater Downtown Council has decided to put a twist on one of their summer traditions. Instead of movies in the park, they will be showing movies in the parking lot of the DECC. Movies will play every Friday night from July 17th to late August. Admission will…

Touchless Sensors Added to Lake Superior Railroad Museum

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota museums are still closed under Governor Walz’s current restrictions. While they are shut down, places like the Lake Superior Railroad Museum are making adjustments to be ready to open. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum has been closed since mid-March. Staff members are using this down time to add a new feature to keep everyone safe whenever they…

Veterans Honored at Bong Center

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Veterans in Superior got together at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center to pay their respects for the soldiers who never made it home. The annual event took place earlier this afternoon. Veterans presented the American flag in front of the building with a 21 gun salute. Veterans say they’re glad to be representing those who can’t…

Fallen Honored at Cemeteries Around Northland

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– As everyone remembers those who are not with us today, people went out to cemeteries all over the Northland to pay their respects. Even though this Memorial Day is unlike any seen in recent years, that didn’t stop Northlanders from paying their respects to those who aren’t with us. “It’s a tradition just like millions of other…

Census Working to Get Results During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, it has been disrupting many things including the 2020 Census. Local census officials say work on this decade’s has fallen behind compared to other censuses because they are running on limited staff. The people they were training were put on hold due to the stay at home order. They have been using other methods…

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Impacted By Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– The pandemic is changing Northlander’s travel plans for Memorial Day weekend. “I’m just going to keep myself planted at home for the weekend, said Solon Springs native Dennis Freid. “Hopefully I don’t get it and give it to anyone else.” Freid normally spends his Memorial Day in Solon Springs with his relatives. Instead of having a barbeque together,…

Tiny Home Project Looking for New Developer

DULUTH, Minn.– After getting a tiny homes project off the ground, a Duluth realtor is looking to hand the project off to someone else to keep it going. Realtor Mike Peller is looking to find a new developer to step in to build nine tiny homes on a lot at the corner of St. Marie Street and Carver Avenue by…

City Of Cloquet to Give $300,000 to Local Businesses

CLOQUET, Minn.– With state and federal assistance programs already in place, the City of Cloquet is also stepping in to help local businesses during the pandemic. Small businesses in Cloquet can now draw from a pool of $300,000 to help stay afloat. Those places can get up to $20,000 in relief from the fund. Businesses need to be under 30…

Cloquet Clinic Turns Ice House Into Coronavirus Testing Station

CLOQUET, Minn.– Area hospitals are working to test as many people for Coronavirus as they can. Healthcare providers in Cloquet are channeling their inner Minnesotan to help. “It seems to go well, people seem to be okay with it,” said Dr. Charles Kendall, Physician and Incident Commander for Community Memorial Hospital and Raiter Clinic in Cloquet. Testing was first done…

Teachers Draw Math Puzzles for Students

DULUTH, Minn.– As distance learning continues for students, some teachers are trying to find other ways to keep students engaged outside the classroom. Math teachers from the Ordean East Middle School were at Harbor Highlands earlier today as they were drawing math problems, puzzles, and games on the sidewalks. They are encouraging students of all ages to work on them….

Duluth Public Library Offers Curbside Pickup

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public Library has been shut down since mid-March but staff there has been finding a way to get people their books. Library staff says they have been busy doing curbside pickup over the last few weeks at their main building downtown. Northlanders can call the library or go to their website to set up a time…

Fitger’s Business Complex Reopens

DULUTH, Minn.– As businesses continue to reopen, one historic Duluth landmark is closed no more. Businesses in the Fitger’s Complex in downtown Duluth have started opening up this week as they try to open up and keep their customers safe. “There’s just something about the feel of being in the store,” said Jennifer Jubenville, Manager at The Bookstore at Fitger’s….

Minnesota Stores Reopen Under New Stay Safe Minnesota Order

DULUTH, Minn.– After two months of having their doors shut to the public, retail stores can now have customers inside once again. Today is the first day of Governor Walz’s new stay safe Minnesota order, allowing some businesses to let customers inside their stores. “It’s kind of like letting the dam burst,” said Jarrow Wahman, Co-Owner of Austin-Jarrow Footwear in…

Family Donates Meals for First Responders

DULUTH, Minn.– A Duluth family that’s been active in helping out first responders was out today showing their appreciation. The Parrott family donated meals to first responders here in Duluth. They got burgers and chips from McKenzie’s bar and grill in Hermantown. They donated 15 meals to firefighters and to first responders for Mayo Clinic Ambulance in Duluth. They say it…

Superior Gentlemen’s Clubs Reopen

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As Wisconsin businesses start to open back up, they are making sure social distancing guidelines can be met. With restrictions now lifted in the state, more businesses are starting to open back up, including gentlemen’s clubs. “I didn’t think it would be that soon but I was excited. I knew I had a lot of work to do,”…

Health Department Urges Caution as Safer-At-Home Order Is Dropped

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Public health officials in northwest Wisconsin are urging businesses and customers to be cautious and smart without the Safer-At-Home order as the COVID-19 virus is still very much alive. Today in Superior, the Superior-Douglas County Health Department outlined guidelines for restaurants and bars to follow to help avoid new cases of Coronavirus. Officials want tables to be six…

Parks, Playgrounds Now Open In Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the Safer-At-Home order gone, all public parks like Wisconsin Point are now open. Superior Mayor Jim Paine also opened playgrounds, dog parks, and boat launches. Public park bathrooms, life jacket and fish cleaning stations will follow this weekend. This of course comes with the opening of bars and restaurants in Superior. While this is exciting news to…

Local Hospitals Bring Back Elective Surgeries

DULUTH, Minn.– As healthcare facilities are working to contain Coronavirus, Minnesota hospitals are expected to lose $3 billion so far during the pandemic. Last week, Governor Walz announced that hospitals could perform elective surgeries and after getting the okay from the governor, Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are bringing patients in for elective surgeries again. Both hospitals say their first…

Local Hayward Businesses Serve Free Lunch to First Responders

HAYWARD, Wis.– As the fight against Coronavirus goes on, first responders are still out there keeping their communities safe. A couple are businesses got together to show their appreciation for local first responders. “We so appreciate our first responders. We can’t say thank you enough,” said Margaret Winter, an agent at Armstrong Insurance Agency. Armstrong Insurance Agency and Lynn’s Custom…