DULUTH, Minn.– A new winter activity is available at Duluth’s Bayfront Park for a limited time. Duluth Parks and Recreation opened a luge hill at the park this week. Luge involves jumping in a toboggan for one or two people and sledding down an iced up track. The Parks Maintenance Division spent the week building up and icing down the…
NORTHLAND– The cold temps may be keeping some people inside as of late. But for farmers, they need to be outside even more when the reading on the thermometer goes down. “It’s definitely almost a 24 hour a day job when you’re in those extreme 45 below wind chills,” said Chris Litchke, Owner of Litchke Farms in Superior Township. The…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– Two arrests, two pursuits, and two police departments. Duluth and Superior officers were taken on wild chases Wednesday. One of which, injured officers and created a mess of damage through a Superior neighborhood. “We apprehend violent people every day and it doesn’t always turn out this way so it doesn’t always make the news but we are out…
DULUTH, Minn.– Excitement is building for a popular Duluth theater getting ready for its first in-person audience since the pandemic. We’re talking about the Duluth Playhouse. They’ll be performing a production of Charlotte’s Web on stage at The Depot starting the last weekend of February. Masks will become part of the costumes. The audience will be limited at 25 percent…
DULUTH, Minn.– The update in policy for in-person guidelines from the governor won’t change the reopening plans already in place for Duluth Public Schools. ISD 709 Superintendent John Magas says the district will keep its current plans in motion to shift into a hybrid model for grades 6 and up starting on March 8. Between 80-90 percent of students in…
TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Teachers, staff and students have been making their way back to Minnehaha Elementary in Two Harbors. And they’ve been bound to notice one of these signs along the way. Late last week, dozens and dozens of thank you signs popped up outside the elementary school. Along with the two harbors high school and silver bay schools. “I…
DULUTH, Minn.– Earlier this afternoon, local indigenous groups found a new way to honor those who are missing or murdered. Dozens joined in virtually to the 6th Annual Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women’s Memorial March was held from a distance this year due to the pandemic. It started with a prayer and music from the harbor. They wanted to honor…
DULUTH, Minn.– Ice racing season is in full swing in Superior with Saturday’s Souptown Showdown race. “There’s no traction out here, we’re all on the same surface cause it is ice,” said racer Greg Pluntz. The sound of engines revving filled the frozen Allouez Bay in Superior as vehicles raced around a frozen track on the ice. It was the…
TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Over in Two Harbors, a group got together to raise awareness for the mental health of young people in the area. The North Shore Rotary Club held a fundraiser raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention for the youth of Lake County. They sold Valentine’s Day take and bake meals from Louise’s Place Restaurant, along with…
DULUTH, Minn.– Local bars and restaurants in the Northland say Governor Walz’s announcement scaling back restrictions is good news. It was just about a month ago when Minnesota bars and restaurants were able to let no more than 150 people inside. Now, they say not only is the additional hundred allowed in helpful but so is the extra hour they…
DULUTH, Minn.– A fresh set of officers were sworn in to the Duluth Police Department Friday. Six new officers received their badges and took the oath to serve at DPD headquarters today. Police Chief Mike Tusken says this comes at a time when there is a crisis of public confidence in their line of work. One of the biggest points…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to rollout, local public health officials and community organizations are trying to get doses out to groups most impacted by the virus. Over 30 shots were given out to those who pre-registered at the pop-up vaccination at St. Mark’s church in the Hillside community on Friday. The goal was to prioritize vaccinations for…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, many places around the Northland are trying to reach people while staying six feet apart. That includes places like the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard. The 148th Fighter Wing wasn’t sure how to go about recruiting during the pandemic. But they’ve been able to adapt with the challenging circumstances. Before…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– The City of Superior welcomed in its newest business on Thursday. The Hearing Wellness Center is located on 8th street. It offers services like hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings. A doctor at the new store say the location allows Wisconsin residents to save a trip across the bridge. “Our Superior patients, our Wisconsin patients often just don’t…
DULUTH, Minn.– The pandemic has impacted certain career fields but not all are in a bad way. Lake Superior College’s healthcare programs have seen an increase in enrollment over the past year. At LSC’s Career Fair Thursday, more than 100 prospective students showed up to get a look at the college’s 15 healthcare programs like nursing, med assistant, and LPN….
DULUTH, Minn.– The below-zero temperatures have kept Duluth city crews busy with water main break after water main break. More than a half-dozen breaks have happened so far in the past week alone. But it’s a job the city is used to handling with about 140 breaks every year. “Frost has driven down and water mains seem to be breaking…
DULUTH, Minn.– While the temperatures may be below zero outside, it’s nice and warm here in the skywalk in downtown Duluth, which has been seeing a steady increase in the last couple weeks with the chilly temps. “There’s definitely a few more people with me than usual,” said Marie Williams, who was walking home from work. The 3.5-mile long skywalk…
DULUTH, Minn.– Valentine’s Day is just a few days away and health experts are encouraging couples to get creative and find some new ways to celebrate the day and stay six feet apart from other people. Some options include getting take-out, cooking a meal together, or making a playlist together at home. Even though we’re doing better as more vaccines…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine continues, Duluth will be getting a temporary boost in doses. The Minnesota Department of Health has been opening up vaccination locations around the state, including one in Mountain Iron last month. Now, they’re going to have one in Duluth on Monday. “Our goal here is to get as many Duluth residents…
DULUTH, Minn.– It’s National Burn Awareness Week and Duluth firefighters are giving an important message to those trying to warm up. This year’s theme for the awareness week is focused on electrical burns and safety. Experts say to only use one appliance per outlet to avoid them from overheating. As the temperatures stay below zero, they say space heaters are…
DULUTH, Minn.– The vaccination rollout is continuing to push on in St. Louis County. St. Louis County Public Health says the county has vaccinated more than 4,000 people so far. And the additional vaccinations from health care providers and pharmacies have helped bring the total to 27,000. That’s close to 14 percent of the county’s population. Right now, the county…
DULUTH, Minn.– It may be a chilly day out here in Duluth but that’s not stopping some avid runners from hitting the trails. The 3rd annual Hartley Park 10K is just the second race that’s been held this year, with two others cancelled in January due to the pandemic. “It’s cold today but people come and you know if it’s…
DULUTH, Minn.– Over on Spirit Mountain, one of the biggest ski traditions continued this year despite concerns with the pandemic. The 43rd annual Atmore Memorial Race started with 2 races on Friday. 88 boys ages 16 to their 30’s competed in 2 single pole slalom races Saturday afternoon shredding down the hill. Events were spread out over the weekend to…
DULUTH, Minn.– With the Super Bowl just a handful of days away, some Duluth businesses are preparing for the big game during the pandemic. As football fans get ready to watch, they’re also getting ready to make some big meals. And one place they’re going to stock up is the Super One in west Duluth. “They grabbing their chips, their…
DULUTH, Minn.– The cold snap has been causing other headaches for the city of Duluth’s Utility Operations Department. Crews responded to three water main breaks Friday, leaving some without water temporarily. Crews worked on a break by the 27-hundred block of Piedmont Avenue after reports of water gushing in the street. Workers spent hours trying to get through the frozen…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the temperatures about to plummet, some businesses in the Twin Ports are seeing people stocking up on warm gear. First responders are also getting ready to make sure they are ready for the cold. We made it this far into our Northland winter without a big cold snap, but that lucky streak appears to be over. While…
DULUTH, Minn.– In west Duluth on Wednesday, people bot their hands on some root vegetables — for free! The Food Farm came down from Wrenshall and handed out hundreds of pounds of rutabagas. Nearby, Wusso’s Concert Cafe got in on the fun with a special rutabaga dish from their drive-thru. And The Zenith Bookstore showcased its rutabaga themed cookbooks. The…
DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 vaccinations continue in our area, St. Luke’s has been giving out around 300 of them a day with the capacity to do more. But it has come with challenges, including making sure that there is enough doses to go around. St. Luke’s has been working to line up vaccine appointments for those who are able to…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, the need for childcare is growing throughout the state and at the rate it’s going state officials say more workers are needed in the field. With 12,000 childcare workers in the state already and 500 here in northeast Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reports the child care industry has been…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– The weekend of the 2021 Lake Superior Ice Festival is upon us. Preparations are underway for the festival out in Superior. With a whole list of the classic events set to go on. The statuses of many events have been in doubt because of the pandemic. But the Superior tradition is ready to go in 2021. “There’s a…
DULUTH, Minn.– The financial impacts from the pandemic are forcing state governments to find ways to bridge their deficits. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz unveiled his budget, which would raise taxes in several areas, including tobacco sales. Walz’s new plan would create a one dollar tax increase on tobacco and vaping products, leading to a mixed reaction here in the…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– Enbridge Energy is continuing to move forward with its Line 3 pipeline replacement project despite continued protests from indigenous and environmental groups. Enbridge says it has 5,200 workers on the ground replacing the pipeline that runs across Minnesota and through Superior. Enbridge official’s stress they’ve passed all environmental reviews at the federal, state, and local levels while working…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the city of Duluth looks to try and find new ways to fight housing issues in the city, they’re thinking small. Duluth Economic Development Authority is unanimously passed the land sale agreements from the city’s Rebuild Duluth program to create more housing options in the Hillside, Gary-New Duluth, and Fairmont Areas. It would add 23 home projects,…
DULUTH, Minn.– The race to give out the COVID-19 vaccine continues as the Northland begins to move on to the next wave of people to get the shot. So far, healthcare providers in Duluth have vaccinated over 1,400 people including frontline workers, long term care residents, and first responders. St. Luke’s and Essentia Health both started giving vaccines to people…
DULUTH, Minn.– The pandemic has greatly impacted the travel industry, especially at airports around the country. But at the Duluth International Airport, they had 20 percent more passengers than the average airport in 2020 according to the TSA as 130,994 travelers came through the airport. While that may be a 59 percent decrease from last year, the airport is confident…
DULUTH, Minn.– It’s tax season again and one local organization is offering some help with filing before the April 15th deadline. Community Action Duluth is offering free tax service once again but it will look a little different this year due to the pandemic. Taxes can be filed by sending your tax information virtually or by stopping at their office…
DULUTH, Minn.– 12,665 people have been given the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Louis County so far. Now, county leaders working out a plan to deliver the next round of vaccinations. St. Louis County Public Health expects to wrap up phase 1a as early as the end of the month, with people ages 65 and older up next for vaccinations. “It’s…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Frontline workers of all kinds continue their hard work to during the pandemic and now, 11 county and tribal public health departments have a way to say ‘thank you’ with Project Blue Light. Landmarks and businesses will be lit up blue this week across the Northland to honor their hard work. And they are encouraging everyone to…
DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 vaccinations continue around the country, one health center right here in the Northland reached a big milestone for those at the facility. In late December, residents and staff at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Now on Monday, they were able to get their second shot. “Lots of…
HERMANTOWN, Minn.– With the recent cold snap, local auto shops are reminding everyone of some good winter car care habits. Accurate Auto Repair up on Hermantown road has been seeing more repairs for alternators, batteries and starters this winter. They say it’s always a good idea to have good set of winter tires and to make sure that the vehicle’s…
DULUTH, Minn.– It was a chilly and windy day out on Island Lake. But to a group of UMD students, it might not be such a bad thing. Led by the UMD Outdoor Recreation Program, a group of around a dozen current and former UMD students came out to the lake Sunday afternoon to enjoy a different kind of winter…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the passing of baseball legend Hank Aaron on Friday, it’s been a busy time for sports memorabilia shops as fans find ways to embrace his legacy. Globe News in Superior has been seeing more people coming and calling into the store over the weekend to get whatever gear they could, including a card of ‘Hammering Hank’ from…
DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth East Junior Mason Branstrator’s life changed forever on Monday after a skiing accident left him seriously injured. Now as he and his family brace for the road ahead, they’re getting some help along the way. “I went off of a jump and was in the air backwards and next thing I know, I’m in the hospital,” said…
DULUTH, Minn.– Over in Gary-New Duluth today, hundreds stopped by a pop-up food pantry to paying a small fee for groceries they need in an area that has been labeled a food desert. Ruby’s Pantry held the pop-up at the Mission Creek Church. For just 20 dollars or less, people were able to get a shopping cart full of food…
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.– Mountain Iron is one of the places administering the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over 65 education and child care workers as part of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s new vaccine pilot program. COVID-19 vaccinations are ramping up in St. Louis County with more than 10,000 shots given out so far. And over in Mountain Iron, the next step…
DULUTH, Minn.– Mega millions? More like mega billions as the jackpot jumps above $1 billion for just the third time ever. And people in the Northland are going out to get themselves a ticket. The owner of Korner Store in Gary New Duluth says all of the lottery news is exciting as Northlanders take their shot to see if they…
DULUTH, Minn.– The City of Duluth and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are asking for people walking certain areas of Park Point Beach to keep a sharp eye out as decades old aluminum can pieces were found on the shore. The comers as pieces of shredded aluminum cans were found along the shipping canal on the lakeside to 13…
DULUTH, Minn.– Tortise and Hare Footwear store off Grand Avenue in Duluth has seen a nice boost of customers coming in lately to buy spiked boots and running shoes. As temperatures cause the snow to melt and then refreeze, it’s getting icy outside, and people are looking for some extra traction along the trails and down the sidewalks. The store’s…
DULUTH, Minn.– Some sculptors are getting to work transforming giant boxes of snow into artwork around Lincoln Park. It’s part of the neighborhood’s Snow Sculpture Festival. This one is located just across the street from Bent Paddle Brewing. The sculptor is calling his work Be Brave inspired by yesterday’s inauguration. “He’s making a big megaphone kind of thing that you…
MADISON, Wis.– In Wisconsin, the state gave out over 22,000 shots in the last 24 hours, their single largest day so far as the state continues their vaccination efforts. Wisconsin has now administered over 285,000 COVID-19 vaccines over the last month in phase 1-A. Now, they’re looking to take the next step. Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin will move…
