Author: Drew Kerner

UPDATE: Superior Police Say Missing Superior Man Found Safe

UPDATE: Superior Police say Richard Elliot was found safe Thursday. ORIGINAL POST: SUPERIOR, Wis./DULUTH, Minn. – The Superior Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Richard Elliot, age 62.  On Wednesday, January 8, Elliot left for work in Duluth, Minn. After work Elliot went to a church in Duluth and then to the Duluth Transit Authority where he…

Hermantown Awarded $950,000 For Trails System

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– The City of Hermantown is going to be seeing some big changes to their trails system in the coming years. Earlier this week, it was announced that the city has been awarded a $950,000 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to continue development of the Hermantown Connector Trail System. These trails are a part…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Race Postponed for 2nd Year in a Row

NORTHERN MINNESOTA – Unusual winter weather has yet again postponed the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon for a second year. All three races –  the 40-miler, the 120 miler, and the 300-mile marathon – were originally scheduled for January 26. But today, the board of directors announced on social media that the race will be postponed to March 2. The…

Hermantown Granted $2-Million for New Industrial Park

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The city of Hermantown got big support from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  The city of Hermantown was awarded $2 million to assist public utilities and streets, with enough funding to construct a new 35-acre industrial park. The new venture is being called a Hawkline Business Park and is estimated to attract over…

Juvenile Arrested, Another Suspect at Large After Virginia Fight

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Virginia Police Department was dispatched to a fight Wednesday evening.  According to the report, a 38-year-old male was being punched repeatedly by two other males. One of the males possibly had a knife. This happened around 7:30 at night on the 200 block of 3rd South Street. Upon arrival, Virginia Police spoke with a juvenile male…

148th Bulldogs Returned Home After 3-Month Deployment

DULUTH, Minn. – Approximately 225 Bulldogs from the Minnesota National Guard 148th Fighter Wing returned safely home early Monday morning. Family of active service members waiting patiently for their active service family members 2:15 a.m. arrival. The over 200 Bulldogs were deployed for three-months to the Kadena Air Base in Japan to oversee the Indo-Pacific region. About half-way through their…

148th Fighter Wing Dedicates Memorial Wall to Bulldog Families

DULUTH, Minn. — “This has been a long-time coming, so we’re really happy to honor the families – not only the members who’ve lost their lives, but it’s really important that we acknowledge their sacrifice,” said Chief Master Sergeant Douglas William Ion, with the 148th Fighter Wing. “I’m proud to be part of that.” After decades of planning, a granite…

Local Podcasters Talk Inclusivity Training with Aspirus St. Luke’s Staff

DULUTH, Minn. — Health care is a necessity that many Americans still struggle with, but receiving fair treatment is important no matter the cause or how the person identify. Over the last year, father-daughter duo and local podcasters Cameron & Raven Kruger have holding educational seminars at Aspirus St. Luke’s. Their podcast, called the Transagenda, is focused on broad topics…

Zeitgeist Celebrates 15th Anniversary as Downtown Cultural Center

DULUTH, Minn. — When it comes to what’s in theaters or entertainment, no other place in town has quite as diverse a taste for media than the Zeitgeist. The arts and cultural center has been the place to get involved and enjoy the works of local artists, performers, and filmmakers. Saturday, the Zeitgeist is celebrating their annual Spirit of the…

YMCA & Essentia Partnerships Bridges Gap with Childcare & Housing Needs

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth is in need of over one-thousand spaces reserved for childcare. Although this problem is far from reaching a complete solution the Duluth Area Family YMCA and Essentia Health are adding more than 100 childcare spots in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Duluth Area Family YMCA has committed more than $1 million and Essentia Health more than $2.6…

Earth Exchange Looks for New Buyers

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A long-time thrift store looking for new owners. The announcement comes after owners say they are up against some health challenges. Earth Exchange opened their Superior location in 2008. The thrifting business has always been home to large furniture sets, upcycled clothes, DVDs, and more. But now are looking to sell the whole business. Earth Exchanged announced…

Mesabi Trails Sees Spike in Popularity

EVELETH, Minn. — One of Minnesota’s largest trails has been gaining popularity. The St. Louis & Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority has been tracking the number of new people hiking along Mesabi Trail. The 165-mile trail has seen upwards of 140,000 users so far in 2024. The trail has is one of the longest paved trails in the United States….

Action Trackchair Provides More Mobility on Trails

DULUTH, Minn. — Hartley Nature Center just got a lot more accessible for people who have mobility issues. Hartley Nature Center is now home to an Action Trackchair. The chair will be available to check out at Hartley Nature Center, and can be taken to other Duluth parks if requested through the Duluth Parks and Recreation website. The chair was…

Volunteers Needed For Active-Shooter Training At UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Don’t be alarmed by the larger than usual police presence that will surround the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Holden Fine & Applied Arts Center later this week. UWS Campus Police will undergo an active shooter training to ensure campus police know how to handle an active shooter threat. The training will happen Wednesday, August 14, and Thursday, August…

Trail Fest Returns for Second Year at Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — The cool start to the weekend gave a relaxed fall-feel for the second annual Hartley Nature Center’s Trails Fest. Trails Fest celebrates all things outdoor recreation. They connect the community to local partners with the gear to try out on the trails at Hartley Park. Ski Hut provided mountain bikes for families, with a group bike ride…

Take Home Some of Minnesota’s Beautiful Artwork at Two Harbor Art Fair

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Artists were busy setting up Friday afternoon to prepare for the 30th annual Two Harbors Art Fair, also known as Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival. This year, 31 artists gathered outside Earthwood Inn Restaurant & Bar instead of P.K. Anderson House in Two Harbors. The new venue offers more space for artists and customers…

Woodstock Bay Reopens as Superior’s Newest Waterfront

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Sunday’s warm weather brought many out to Superior’s remodeled Woodstock Bay. In a Facebook post, Superior’s Mayor Jim Paine welcomed the community to check the former gravel and dirt boat landing on Friday. Woodstock Bay now provides walking trails, a pavilion, a restroom, a bike repair station, and a place to dock kayaks. Since reopening, plenty of…

64th Annual Lumberjack World Championship Concludes

HAYWARD, Wis. — This weekend saw the return Lumberjack World Championships, this year entering in their 64th official year. Lumberjack World Championships has been apart of the Hayward culture since the 1890’s, but wasn’t recognized world-wide until 1960. This year saw 97 different athlete compete head to head in 10 different events like log chopping, speed climbing, boom running, sawing,…

VIDEO | Day of Mayhem at Proctor Speedway Bus Races

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor Speedway was filled with a destructive kind of enthusiasm as hundreds waited in the grandstand to watch buses and old vehicles crash into each other at this year’s Mid Summer Night of Mayhem. This year’s race was postponed due to Saturday’s rain, but crowds still roared as automotive mayhem endured on Sunday. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News,…

City on the Hill Christian Music Festival Continues Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — City on the Hill music festival returned for its 9th year at Bayfront Festival Park.  The two-day Christian music festival is expected to see 10,000 spectators to attend over the weekend. This year spectators can watch local, national, and international Christian music artists like Derek Charles Johnson, Brennley Brown, Logan and Katie, Matt Maher, Ignescent, Matthew West and…

Fish Found Mysteriously Dead in Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — Under mysterious conditions, residents along Duluth’s Hunters Park neighborhood woke up Thursday morning to dozens and dozens of dead fish along Tischer Creek. According to the Duluth News Tribune, about 250 brook trout, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic bugs were dead. The DNR and Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency crews have taken samples of the aquatic creatures and water…

Duluth Fire, Police Duke It Out For Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire and Police Departments went head-to-head on the diamond Thursday night, all for a good cause. For the last 15 years, the two agencies have played a charity ball game at Wade Stadium to raise money for local families who have children with life-threatening illnesses through the Northern Lights Foundation.  The Northern Lights Foundation provides families,…

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center One Year Later

DULUTH, Minn. — Just one year ago on Wednesday, Essentia Health opened doors to its $900,000,000 St. Mary’s Medical Center, emptying patients out of their St. Mary’s Legacy Hospital. In its first year of operations, the Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center has delivered 1,600 babies, performed 14,000 surgeries, and admitted 17,000 patients. The hospital provides state of the art…

Well-Known Wisconsin Cheese Company Comes to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Wisconsin’s oldest cheese companies just made their first step into Minnesota. Thursday, August 1, Burnett Dairy Cooperative will be opening Burnett Dairy Duluth Cheese Store at the base of Spirit Mountain next to the Ski Hut Adventure Center. The farmer-owned company will be selling their iconic cheese selection, while also partnering with local businesses like…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn. — A quarter-century staple of Canal Park Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant is known for its fine dining atmosphere and superb wine. Since its opening in 1998, the restaurant has separated itself as a more higher-class dining experience. The restaurant brings in a welcoming northern Italian feel, that’s reminiscent of Duluth’s very own hillside. “Our owner at the time, 25…

Duluth City Council Passes Amended Public Camping Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. — After 7 hours of deliberation at Monday night’s City Council meeting, a verdict was reached. Councilors passed a measure extending the ban on outdoor camping to include all city properties. They did however amend this ordinance reducing the penalty from a misdemeanor to a fine. “The garbage, the drug use, the drinking are an insult to all…

Bellisio’s Recognized for Superb Wine Selection for Last 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Since opening 25-years ago, Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant has been selected “Best of Award of Excellence” for their superb dining experience by Wine Spectator. Every year Wine Spectator carefully selects the best of the best when it comes to a fine wine and dining experience. This year, 25 restaurants in Minnesota were up for the prestigious title and…

Remembering Duluth’s Portia Johnson; Civil Rights Advocate, Educator, Mother

DULUTH, Minn. — Longtime Duluth activist Portia Johnson died over the weekend at the age of 88. Tuesday afternoon, family members, friends, and community members gathered for a special ribbon cutting extending Portia Johnson Drive down the hill from the Duluth Public School District’s administrative offices. “She listened to the people of Duluth, their feedback and gave voice to their…

Duluth Park & Recreational Staff Recognized for Engaging Youth Bike Program

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth youth bike program was recently recognized for their efforts of getting kids outdoors and enjoying the local parks and trails system. Duluth Parks and Recreation was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association. The parks and recreation staff started a youth and community bike program last year and have already…

What You Need to Know About Minnesota’s New Child Passenger Safety Laws

DULUTH, Minn. — Starting August 1, there’s new ways for children to be safe while riding in vehicles. The new “5 Step Test” aims for child safety. Children must (1) sit flat against the back of the seat (2) without falling asleep consistently, (3) keeping knees at a 90-degree angle (4) with the seat belt resting across the hips and…

New Behavior Health Clinic Looks to Bridge Gap for Crisis Response

DULUTH, Minn. — A new behavior health care center is set to open near Downtown Duluth next week. During Tuesday’s public safety meeting, members of the Human Development Center opened the presser stressing the need for mental health support. A new Urgent Care Behavioral Health Clinic will open up on Monday with a dedicated space meant to de-escalate and service…

Arrowhead Transit Expands Services Into Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. – The largest rural public transportation provide just expanded their service, targeting more in the Hibbing area. Arrowhead Transit is a vital lifeline for many people who live in the iron range and across northeastern Minnesota. Previously the city of Hibbing has had their own transportation service, but have slowed down and decreased services in recent years. Arrowhead…

Ex-Superior Police Officer Sentenced For Double-Fatal Drunken Crash

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was an emotional day in court Wednesday as a Douglas County judge handed down his sentence against a former Superior police officer who killed a father and newborn son in a drunken hit-and-run in 2022. Judge George Glonik sentenced Gregory Swanson, 44, to 5 years in prison and 5 years supervision for each of the two…

Strong Opinions On Proposed Public Safety Plan; Duluth Mayor, Chiefs Encourage More

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after a standing-room only council meeting, the city of Duluth’s top public safety leaders are reacting to 3.5 hours of public comments and dialogue about Mayor Roger Reinert’s proposed ordinance changes to get tougher on non-violent crime. Property damage, graffiti, illegal dumping and camping on public property are among the non-violent crimes that would become…

Two Workforce Development Nonprofits Merge Providing Career Building Opportunities

DULUTH, Minn. – True North Goodwill and SOAR Career Solutions announced their plans for a merger. The two nonprofits both focus on workforce development in our region for decades. Through recent conversations between the Executive Director of SOAR, Emily Edison, and President & CEO of True North Goodwill, Dodie Brown, they found their companies visions aligned.  “This is an opportunity…

Two Harbors Celebrates First Pride Event

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Although Pride Month ended in June, that didn’t stop people in Two Harbor’s from celebrating. Organizing their first ever Pride celebration, the community decorated Thomas Owens Park to welcome everyone regardless of sexual or gender orientation. Craft vendors, artists, and a fashion show celebrated local LGBTQIA+ talent. And the community gathered for a discussion panel, discussing…