Author: CJ Baumgartner

80 Blankets Donated to Steve O’Neil Apartments

DULUTH, Minn.– As winter is upon us in the Northland, an annual blanket drive in Duluth is continuing to spread the warmth despite the pandemic. Miller Hill Subaru donated 80 blankets to Steve O’Neil Apartments, a low-income housing building in downtown Duluth ran by CHUM. They were donated through Subaru’s “Share the Love Event” to help those in need during…

Duluth Organizations Awarded State Housing Funds

DULUTH, Minn.– Governor Walz has announced $195 million to create and preserve thousands of homes across the state including here in Duluth. The city announced five projects that will receive funding including a 5-story, 52 unit building project led by OneRoof Community Housing that’s at the corner of 6th Avenue East and 4th Street. Another project is a rehab of…

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Begins in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin has been distributing Pfizer’s Coronavirus vaccine across the state. It’s being sent to 8 regional hubs. Health officials have been in contact with healthcare providers to make sure they are ready to roll out the vaccine. “We are working to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to folks who need it quickly, safely and equitably. And it’s going…

MN AG Ellison Cracks Down on Indoor Dining Amid Extended Restrictions

BEAVER BAY, Minn.– Some Minnesota bars and restaurants did ignore Governor Tim Walz’s restrictions on indoor dining. None reported so far in northern Minnesota but one owner planned to defy the order, before Minnesota’s attorney general stepped in. “You want us to close down, you want us to limit what we do, I’ve said it before, bills don’t stop,” said…

DSGW Engineers Create Gingerbread Village for Walking Tour

DULUTH, Minn.– The Nordic Center’s Gingerbread City Walking Tour in downtown Duluth includes an impressive display created by engineers with an architecture firm. You can check it out through the window of DSGW Architects on the corner of Lake Avenue and First Avenue West. The crew put a creative spin on a gingerbread village with recognizable Duluth landmarks like the…

Gov. Walz Extends Certain COVID-19 Restrictions Into January

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state today to extend the lockdown he installed last month as hospital beds filled up with COVID-19 cases. These new restrictions in the state regarding schools, businesses, gatherings, and more are slightly more flexible, but still strict. Governor Walz said last week he needed more time to look at the numbers…

Superior Toys for Tots Goes Drive-Thru in 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This weekend in Superior, hundreds of families were able to get a helping hand and help put some presents under the tree this Christmas. And do it in a way never done before. The Superior Fire Department has helped give out toys to kids in the area for over 100 years. While it may look different this time…

COVID-19 Vaccine Coming Soon to Northland Healthcare Workers

St. Louis County Public Health officials are anticipating shipments of the vaccine to come to the county before the end of the year, possibly as early as next week.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States and it could be getting to the Northland soon. St. Louis County Public Health officials are anticipating shipments of the vaccine to come to the county before the end of the year, possibly as early as next week. The first shipments…

Wisconsin’s First Wolf Hunting Season Since 2014 Set for Nov. 2021

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin’s wolf hunting season will take place November 2021 after being sidelined since the last hunt in 2014. This comes after the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced in October that it would take grey wolves off of the endangered species list. The Wisconsin DNR says framework for the new season will include public input and consultation with…

Bayfield Foods Unveils ‘Holiday Boxes’ Full of Local Goods

BAYFIELD, Wis.– Over in Bayfield, Wisconsin, one local business is offering a new kind of gift for Christmas. After the success of their apple boxes, Bayfield Foods Co-Op is offering holiday boxes this Christmas. They are offering 10 different kinds of boxes filled of meat, cheeses, and other Bayfield-made goods. Including the best of Bayfield Appetizer box. Bayfield Foods says…

Winter West Market Continues to Encourage Local Shopping

DULUTH, Minn.– Over in west Duluth, the Winter West Market continues highlighting local businesses for a third year in a row. Area shops are all offering deals to encourage shopping local. Little Neechers, a store that sells baby goods, toddler toys, and other natural and organic toys saw a steady flow of customers today. The store is offering 15 percent…

Zeitgeist Cafe to Rent Out Their Kitchen Space

DULUTH, Minn.– One restaurant in Duluth is opening up their space to businesses that want to try bringing some of their cooking to the area. Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in downtown Duluth is looking for some partners to use their commercial kitchen space while their cafe is closed during the pandemic. It would be shared with other people renting out the…

Big Menorah Lit for First Day of Hanukkah

DULUTH, Minn.– On this first day of Hanukkah, a small group of Jewish people got together to celebrate the holiday. The first candle of the menorah was lit today in front of the Duluth Civic Center. Normally, the celebration is a big event for the local Jewish community but due to the pandemic, it was a livestream for people to…

‘Gingerbread City’ Turns Into Downtown Walker Tour

DULUTH, Minn.– The annual “Duluth Gingerbread City” display that’s normally housed inside the Nordic center is being spread out for the first time for a COVID-friendly walking tour in multiple storefronts downtown. Decorated gingerbread houses will be all it up starting this Saturday in the windows of not only the Nordic Center but places like the Zeitgeist Arts Building and…

Gov. Evers Encouraging More COVID-19 Testing as Hospitals Continue to Surge

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin is still clocking in with a high number of COVID-19 cases each day, but the cases are slightly dropping. However, the strain on hospitals and healthcare workers is still as bad as ever. Governor Tony Evers says the state continues to be a ‘national hotspot’ for COVID-19 with thousands of new cases coming in again today. Wisconsin…

LSC Hosts Manufacturing Career Night

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College opened its doors earlier today to give potential students an inside look at the campus. LSC hosted more than a dozen students for manufacturing career night. The visits were spread out individually throughout the day to keep everyone distant. Those visiting were able to get a look at current students in programs studying welding and…

Wis. Health Officials Promoting Higher Rates of Flu Vaccinations in Communities of Color

MADISON, Wis.– As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the country and in Wisconsin, cases of the flu have been another story. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is rolling out a new campaign to help encourage all Wisconsinites to get the flu vaccine. With the COVID-19 vaccinations now starting around the world and on the way here soon…

Donations Up for Superior Toy Drive

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the financial impacts of the pandemic, there has been a decrease in donations this Christmas but not in Superior. The Superior Fire Department, along with the Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots are getting ready for their annual toy drive. Thanks to donations from around the community, they will be able to provide toys for nearly 600…

Bong Center to Give Meal Kits for Veterans

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Veterans who are in need of food in the Twin Ports will have the chance to get a unique kind of meal. The Bong Veterans Center in Superior will be giving away over 1,300 read-to eat meal kits to veterans. A veteran’s museum in Texas got in touch with the Bong Center and local businesses helped get the…

Mont Du Lac Resort Fully Opens for Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This year hasn’t looked like much of a winter wonderland so far, but the Mont Du Lac resort in Superior is now open for its regular season hours. The resort has been open the last few weekends while the snow guns are busy keeping the hills covered so Mont Du Lac could open fully. Those at the resort…

Local Churches Create Drive-Thru Nativity Set Around Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– A handful of Duluth area churches have still not seen their congregations inside the church for services since the pandemic began in March. For this Christmas, they all decided to come together to remember the season. Six Duluth and Hermantown area ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America) churches came together to create a city-wide drive-thru nativity set. “It…

Finnish Flag Flown to Celebrate 103rd Anniversary of Country’s Independence

DULUTH, Minn.– Sunday marks the 103rd anniversary of Finland’s independence over Russia. Over in Canal Park, those who are proud of their Finnish heritage found a unique way to celebrate the date. The Northland Chapter of the Finlandia Foundation raised the Finnish flag earlier today at the South Pier Motel along Minnesota Point. Normally, they all get together and celebrate…

Bentleyville Staying Busy in 2020, Founder Asks for More Food and Toy Donations

It's another busy night in Bentleyville. The popular holiday attraction has been seeing anywhere from 700-1,000 cars a night.

DULUTH, Minn.– Bright lights and Christmas music have filled Bayfront Park as Bentleyville 2020 is going strong as they work to navigate through their unique format due to the pandemic. It’s another busy night in Bentleyville. The popular holiday attraction has been seeing anywhere from 700-1,000 cars a night. “They have parties inside their cars, they order food in advance,…

New Pop-Up Shop Opens in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.– Down in Canal Park, there’s a new place to get some Christmas gifts for the outdoorsman in your family. Lake and Co. Is the first pop up shop to move into flagship’s “The Hull,” their old office space converted to host pop ups. The shop sells seasonal apparel, gifts, camping gear, and anything outdoors. Owners say they’re honored…

Governor Walz Raises Concerns Over Rising COVID-19 Cases in Care Facilities

DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Minnesota, the increase is starting to impact people living in group homes and assisted living facilities. Governor Walz has spent all week emphasizing the need to follow social distancing and health department guidelines. And now he says that need is even greater as the raging pandemic is crippling the most vulnerable…

Jam Rock Moving to New Location on Tower Ave.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After moving from a few different locations, one popular Superior restaurant now has a place of its own. Jam Rock, a Jamaican restaurant in Superior is moving into the 1900 block of Tower Avenue. The spot used to be home to Pak’s Green Corner Restaurant and before that, Kenny Wong’s Oriental Express. The restaurant has had a few…

COVID-19 Outbreak Leads to More Deaths at Superior Rehab Facility

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The number of deaths from COVID-19 in Douglas County is now in the double digits. Now, additional deaths are coming from the Superior Rehabilitation Center in the wake of a virus outbreak at the facility. The center has confirmed that 16 residents that tested positive for COVID-19 have died. So far Douglas County health officials have confirmed that…

Gov. Walz, Duluth City Officials Urge Minnesotans to Use Housing Aid Before Dec. 7 Deadline

DULUTH, Minn.– Housing has been one of the most important issues during the pandemic, along with keeping up on payments and utilities. An area where the state of Minnesota has dedicated $190 million in state and federal aid. Now Governor Tim Walz and local officials are giving out a last call for assistance. Minnesota’s COVID Housing Assistance Program or “CHAPS”…

Popular Duluth Toy Drive Going Drive-Thru in 2020

DULUTH, Minn.– The Make Every Child Smile toy drive is still on despite the pandemic. It’ll be a drive through format at Shake It restaurant in west Duluth. Donated items like toys or gift cards can be dropped off at the restaurant or Ogston’s Body and Paint. Organizers, including one little girl who’s donating her toys, are excited to keep…

Gov. Walz, DFD Chief Krizaj Address First Responders Impact as Cases Continue to Climb

DULUTH, Minn.– In Minnesota, the state is continuing to see a surge in COVID-19 cases. With another 5,200 added Wednesday, with the case positivity rate staying above 12 percent. The increase in cases and hospital capacity is putting a strain on healthcare workers, and it’s also putting a strain on other groups who are trying to keep everyone safe. Wednesday…

Shop Small Superior Week Promotes Local Stores During Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– In Superior, they love Small Business Saturday so much, they decided to extend it to an entire week. Coming at a time when support for them is needed most. “It’s a great way to connect the community and support local,” said Megan Meyer, Executive Director of Superior’s Fairlawn Mansion. Shop Small Superior began over the weekend. Helping small…

Final Day for Earth Rider’s “Beer Tent”

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Earth Rider Brewing in Superior had its final day of serving their customers inside its beer tent for the fall season. The brewery has been keeping its customers warm and spaced out by using a tent this fall. It’s allowed Earth Rider to do events like meat raffles and live music. Inspiration for the beer tent came from…

Shop Small Superior Week Begins

SUPERIOR, Wis.– In Superior, special recognition of small businesses is extending all week long. The Superior and Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce are leading Shop Small Superior Week. With discounts on clothes, gift certificates for restaurants and more. They are trying to encourage people in the area to buy local during this time and help limit the amount of…

Local Stores Stay Busy on Small Business Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.– Another day of shopping is here but today the focus is shopping and supporting local. Now more than ever shops say they depend on people shopping local this Christmas season. And small business Saturday was one way many Duluthians came out to support stores in their communities. Stores across Duluth saw a steady stream of customers this Small…

UMD Swept by Minnesota in First Home Series of Season

Ashton Bell records lone goal for Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.– The No. 6 ranked UMD Bulldogs fell by a score of 2-1 at home against rival Minnesota. The Gophers pulled ahead with the first two goals of the game, leading 2-0 after 2 periods. The Bulldogs tried to make it interesting with a goal from forward Ashton Bell with just under 10 to play. But couldn’t pull of…

Central Sales in West Duluth Begins Closing Sale

DULUTH, Minn.– One west Duluth business that’s been around for over five decades is starting their final sale. Central Sales hardware store began their “going out of business” sale today. The store has been around since 1965 and was recently bought out by another local business. So they have six months to sell everything inside like nuts and bolts, mufflers,…

Christmas Tree Sales Begin in Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn.– In Duluth, families are already out getting a tree of their own. Emmanuel Evergreens off Grand Avenue in west Duluth kicked off their fourth season today selling Christmas trees, wreaths, and planter boxes. A steady flow of families came through today to get their tree, ranging anywhere from 3-11 feet tall. “I think a lot of people are…

Superior ‘Lights Up’ a Christmas Tradition to Start Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– In Superior, the Coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stop an annual city tradition from getting the community into the Christmas spirit. In a year where Christmas time traditions will look different due to COVID-19, the city of Superior was able to keep one of their oldest Christmas time traditions alive. The holiday tree was lit up Friday night in Superior’s…

Duluth Residents Makes Some Noise for Frontline Workers

DULUTH, Minn.– Frontline workers have been giving their all since the very beginning of the pandemic. Now, with hospitals busier than ever fighting the virus and schools going virtual due to high cases numbers, the city of Duluth found a creative way to say thank you. Right at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, the sound could be heard all across the east…

NAACP ‘Masks Up’ Duluth Ahead of Thanksgiving Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.– One Duluth organization is continuing their run of masking up the Twin Ports. The Duluth NAACP was out again Wednesday handing out free masks to those who need them ahead of thanksgiving. They handed them out at the Copper Top Church, Asbury United Methodist Church and Denfeld High School. The local NAACP chapter says volunteers with the organization…

Ely Football Coach Steps Down After 11 Seasons

ELY, Minn.– Ely Timberwolves Head Football Coach Cory Lassi has decided to step down from the position. He was with the Timberwolves for the last 11 seasons. The Timberwolves went 3-3 this season before their year ended after losing their lone playoff game to Bigfork last week. According to the Ely Echo, Lassi says he decided to move on from…

Another Fire on Duluth’s First Street Causes ‘Total Loss’ for Building

DULUTH, Minn.– Another downtown Duluth building was charred by large flames and smoke Saturday. “I don’t know it was pretty crazy. There were literally flames coming up out of the top of the building. It was really impressive to see it,” said Duluth resident Mallory Towle, who was watching firefighters put out the flames from across the street. The cause…