Author: Drew Kerner

SHS to Participate in “Away for the Day” for 2023-24 School Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Starting on Sept. 1, Superior High School will be joining the rest of the Superior School District implementing “Away for the Day”.  During school hours, Superior High School students are expected to keep phones and other mobile devices such as smartwatches, tablets, and portable gaming systems in their lockers. The School District of Superior offers laptops to…

Operation K-9 Demonstrates Dogs For Community

SUPERIOR, Wis. — In its ninth year, Operation K-9 returned to the Northland presenting the talents of the police dogs that serve our areas.  Dogs serving from Hermantown, Duluth, Superior, Douglas County, and St. Louis County showcasing why K-9 units are important in communities. These K-9 are trained in drug detection, apprehension work, and tracking. During the demonstration, audiences were…

Bayfield County Fair Open Through Sunday

IRON RIVER, Wis. — Ready for a weekend of fun fair festivities? The Bayfield County Fair has just about something for everyone.  From fair food, to carnival rides, and numerous grandstand events like Monster Trucks and Dirt Dashes. Each day the kids ages four and under will get in for free with everyone else paying $15 per entry ticket. Friday…

Former School Board Members Speak Out Against Steven Stupak After Felony Charges

SUPERIOR, Wis.– “We the undersigned have all read this letter and given permission to adhere to our names to be attached. We strongly urge you to move forward with filling the vacant seat and restore integrity to the Superior School Board,” said Rob Morehouse, representing 14 former school board members. Former school board members wrote a letter to the current…

Bloody Bash Raises Thousands for ALS

DULUTH, Minn. — For the 2nd year in a row Skyline Social and Games held their Bloody Bash in partnership with local nonprofit Never Surrender Inc. All in hopes to raise both awareness and money to help end the fight of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease Organizers say that this year’s turnout doubled from last…

Information Gathering Raises Awareness of Nuclear Powers

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been 78 years since the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.  The Twin Ports Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons held an information gathering in Canal Park about the use of nuclear weapons. Those who gathered spoke about the devastation nuclear weapons can create for humans, agriculture, and the environment. Signatures…

Anchors End Officially Open at Old Electric Fetus Location

DULUTH, Minn. – After purchasing the Electric Fetus building in downtown, Anchor’s End Tattoo says they’re excited to open. Anchor’s End opened downtown officially on Monday. Artists say that since the location became available, they thought about purchasing the space. But now getting to the point of opening, the Anchor’s End crew had to put in a lot of work…

DNT Building Purchased by Duluth Public Schools

"We really think it's a multi-phases process. We've given it a lot of thought. We think it's going to be a great fir for the district and a great fit for the City of Duluth," said Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools just made a $600,000 purchase that’s aimed to centralize the community and Duluth area schools.  Duluth Public Schools just purchased the Duluth News Tribune building in downtown Duluth. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas says that they’re excited for the new space as it allows them to sell previous buildings that are currently used…

Community Unites in Duluth for National Night Out

Strengthening Bonds with First Responders and Fostering Neighborhood Camaraderie

DULUTH, Minn.–Scattered around Duluth, first responders and the community gathered for National Night Out, celebrating neighborhood camaraderie and police-community partnerships.  “I think we do a really good job at staying involved and connected to our community,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa. “Really glad to see all of our staff out here along with all of our community members, different…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Duluth Driftwood Art

DULUTH, Minn. — By taking a casual stroll down Greysolon Ave. there’s a yard filled with sculptures that draw the eyes of neighbors and passersby.Behind these intricate sculptures, lies an artist who’s journey into the art world is anything other than ordinary. “Sometimes it’s like magic,” said Wilmer Roballo, the artist behind Duluth Driftwood Art. “Sometimes I feel the attraction…

All Aboard the Board Game Station

DULUTH, Minn.–If you’re looking for something to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the Duluth Depot was the spot to be. From chess, to puzzles, and even Settlers of Catan, people could play a board game of their choice and duke it out all for fun. Board games ranged from a variety of age levels, making this event perfect for…

St. Mary’s Medical Center Welcomed First Patients

DULUTH, Minn.—“It’s a big deal. I feel honored that I get to participate and that our community has this new hospital. I’ve been treated very well here so I’m excited,” said first St. Mary’s Medical Center patient Bethany Johnson. After 4 years, Essentia’s Health opened St. Mary’s Medical Center is welcoming their patients over from their legacy building, with new…

Feline Like a Coffee, Purr-haps?

DULUTH, Minn. — Soon you’ll be able to have a cup of coffee served alongside a feline companion. That’s right! Currently in the works is Duluth’s first cat café! Wired Whiskers Cat Café is hoping to open their doors this fall offering baked goods and coffee from local Duluth businesses like Positively Third Street Bakery and Kitty Town Coffee; all…

Spill Contained After Train Cars Derailed

SUPERIOR, Wis.–Several BNSF train cars derailed in Superior spilling “some” amount of chemicals early afternoon on Monday. Mayor Jim Paine posted on social media several train cars, including a few tankers, derailed near 28th Street and spilled magnesium chloride, a chemical that is commonly used for road de-icing. Magnesium chloride is a dangerous chemical if exposed in large amounts to…

Air Quality Alert Extended Through Tuesday Afternoon

MINNESOTA–It continues to be hazy in the Northland from wildfire smoke from Canada. It’s not going away too quickly as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended their air quality alert until Tuesday afternoon. Medical professionals from St. Luke’s warned how children, teenagers in athletics, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and other heart or lung…

First Indigenous-Lead Coast Guard to Set Sail Next Year

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn.– The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced their latest partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for a new search and rescue program. This will be the first indigenous-lead coast guard. On average, the Grand Portage Band said that they help out with around 10 search and rescue missions each year. After the Auxiliary U.S….

AMSOIL Celebrates 50 Years of Partnerships

SUPERIOR, Wis.– AMSOIL just celebrated a big milestone, hitting 50 years since partnering up with their dealers. AMSOIL was originally founded in Superior, and became the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet and pass American Petroleum Institute (API) requirements. In 1973, AMSOIL started partnering up with local dealerships which shaped them into the company that it is…

Duluth Public School Board Votes On Possible Referendum

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Public School Board Members voted earlier today for plans for a potential school referendum. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary ESSER funds helped the Duluth Public Schools take that step forward into a 21st century learning environment. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas said that the referendum’s plan is to keep Duluth Public Schools up to date with…

MNA Essentia Nurses Prepare for Friday’s Picket

DULUTH, Minn.–“To avoid any HIPPA violations I’ll just say that nurses are almost daily in tears trying to deal with the struggle of knowing that we don’t have enough staff. It’s very stressful,” said RN Staff Nurse Stacee Rosier.  Essentia nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association are getting their signs ready for an informational picket July 21, calling staffing levels…

Duluth Air Show Takes Flight

DULUTH, Minn.–The rest of the scheduled events at the Duluth Airshow did continue on through Sunday showcasing spectacular skills of the U.S. Air Force at Minnesota’s largest airshow. Aviation lovers had their chance to get up close and personal to explore the inside of planes and helicopters. The Duluth Airshow brought out 12 performing groups… Crowds of people flocked to…

Moose Lake’s Agate Days Stampedes the Downtown

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.–Hundreds of people took over downtown Moose Lake Saturday in search for agates. Trucks poured loads of gravel into the streets where hundreds of people lined-up and flooded Elm Ave. in search for that perfect agate. The annual agate stampede is part of Moose Lake’s Agates Days Celebration. Agate Days is a community event that residents and volunteers…

Jammin’ Out the Reggae Way at Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn.– Bayfront Festival Park was packed yet again, for this year’s 17th annual Reggae and World Music Festival on Saturday. Over the years, Reggae and World Music Festival have been getting more and more popular. Artists from all over the world took the stage with their lively music like Ghana artist Stonebwoy, Bajan artist Alison Hinds, and Minneapolis-based reggae…

Spongy Moth Fly-Over Spraying Duluth and Holyoke

DULUTH, Minn.–Through Monday, low-flying airplanes will fly over the Duluth and Holyoke area. These planes are carrying pheromones to prevent the spread of spongy moths. Formerly known as gypsy moths, spongy moths are an invasive species originally from Europe and are known to strip away leaves from trees. One female spongy moth can lay between 500 and 1,000 eggs. Spongy…

A Final Farewell to Macgrouper

One of Great Lakes Aquarium's biggest fish is moving on to bigger waters.

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday was the last chance to say a final good-bye to one of the Great Lakes Aquarium’s biggest fish. Macgrouper is the large orange-spotted grouper, just shy of four feet and will eat about anything. Macgrouper has been a part of the Great Lakes Aquarium since 2014. “I actually took care of this system for quite awhile, so…

Do You Know How To Geocache?

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Grab a GPS and get searching. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior held a Geocaching 101 presentation Sunday, July 9,  to educate people on what Geocaching is and how you can get started. “And my husband and I found it together and I said, ‘We have this new thing that we have to try.’ So…

Unique Crafts, Artwork At Park Point Art Fair

DULUTH, Minn.–Sunday was the last chance to check out the 51st annual Park Point Art Fair. Over 110 artists from around the Midwest gathered to show off and sell their art ranging from woodworking, jewelry, paintings, sculpture and so much more. But for Steven Weagel, he spent the majority of this last winter working with both hot metal and glass…

Farm Doug Opens Farm For Tours, Wine Tasting

DULUTH, Minn.–Peonies are in season and one local farm is bringing more into the gardening season. Farmer Doug and Duluth Flower Farm held a farm tour showing off this year’s selections of flowers and crops all while offering complimentary wine. Expert advice on gardening and farming were available for people to really understand what Minnesota Grown means. “The feedback has…

Excitement Brews Early on Grandma’s Race-Day

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–Excitement ran high on race-day, Saturday, with the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon that kicked off at 5:50 a.m., a little more than an hour later it was time for the main show as the Grandma’s Marathon started at 7:30 a.m. Nearly 9,000 people would line up with the goal to complete Grandma’s Marathon. Each person with their own…

Essentia Fitness Expo is on at the DECC; Grandma’s Race-Day Registration Open

DULUTH, Minn.–You could argue that Grandma’s Marathon officially started today with crowds of people gathering at the DECC for the Essentia Health Fitness Expo. Runners, spectators, and the community were welcomed to browse through the latest in athletic gear. “There’s everything from the latest running shoes on the market to the latest technology through garments watches. Then of course Advantage…

Cancer Survivors Night at Carnival

DULUTH, Minn.–“There was a month of just tests and scans and tests and scans,” said patient Dan Egley. For Dan Egley, receiving his cancer diagnosis was no easy task. Although the news was not easy, Egley decided to look at the positives that are in his life. “The doctor was sitting over there and he said, ‘We found your tumor…

Esko Drops its Mascot After New MN Law

ESKO, Minn.–A new law in Minnesota is forcing a change of the Esko School District’s Mascot. The Esko Eskomos will be discontinuing their mascot as of June 30, this after Minnesota lawmakers passed a law that prohibits the use of using indigenous cultures for sports team mascots and logos. The Esko Eskomos is a play on the word “eskimo” which…

Camp is Almost in Session at Camp Miller

STURGEON LAKE, Minn.–Another camp season is about to begin at Camp Miller. This year’s campers are excited as the staff welcomes in the campers for a day visit before staying a week on the shoreline of Sturgeon Lake.  “It’s a little scary to think I’m used to seeing her experiencing new things and now I don’t get to be around…

Trans Joyfest Welcomes All

DULUTH, Minn.–People joined together at the Gichi-ode’ Akiing Park to support and celebrate the transgender people that reside in the Northland. This is the second annual Trans JoyFest which is organized by Trans Northland, an organization that supports the transgender and gender expansive community. This year’s event saw more vendors, people, and activities like drag shows, comedy shows, as well…

Spring Fever Days Brings Vendors and Classic Cars to Barnum High

BARNUM, Minn.–Barnum High School saw their facilities packed today with multiple events happening at once. Inside, the 41st Spring Fever Days craft show brought many people and vendors to the gymnasium. Popcorn, nail press-on, and jewelry were some of the items available. But for first time vendor Nancy Lindberg, she found some help getting ready with her glass and stainless…

Lake Superior School District Celebrates Groundbreakings

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–“We hear a lot of things across the country about school boards that are dysfunctional,” said Superintendent Jay Belcasto. “I think ours is very functional. The time and commitment they put in on behalf of the students to ensure we now got a 21st century learning experience.” The Lake Superior School District broke ground Wednesday at its schools…

Church Hosts Blessing of the Bikes

SUPERIOR, Wis.–According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, on average, 80 motorcyclists lose their life a year due to traffic accidents. In Superior, one church’s ceremony blessed bikers for a safe riding season as well as honoring the lives lost within the last year. Motorcycle fatalities have only gone up in Wisconsin in recent years. For those that attend the…

A Hoot and A Holler, ‘Always, Patsy Cline’

DULUTH, Minn.–If you’re looking for a real hoot and a holler, the musical ‘Always, Patsy Cline’ is on for four more shows at the Spirit of The North Theatre in Fitger’s. This is Boat Club Productions 2nd show of their second season of plays at Fitgers. ‘Always, Patsy Cline’ is a tribute to the legendary country singer who died at…

Maker’s Market at Earth Rider Brewery

SUPERIOR, Wis.–Earth Rider Brewery in Superior hosted a Maker’s Market that’s all about promoting local artists in the Twin Ports. People could enjoy eighteen different booths on the brewery’s Fest Field. Paintings, prints, woodcarvings, soap, plants and a whole lot more all for sale. We caught up with artist Anna Kidd who recently moved to the Twin Ports area from…

CHUM Celebrates 50 years with ‘Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving’

DULUTH, Minn.–Fifty years ago, Chum established themselves in the Central Hillside of Duluth and have seen themselves only expand into the largest defense for those struggling with homelessness and poverty. Volunteers, leaders, and community members were invited to the First United Methodist Church on Sunday to acknowledge their accomplishments over the years, like opening up their first warming centers over…

Smelt Parades Down the Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. — Oddly enough it means the start of spring when people gather in Canal Park dressed in silver. This year saw the 10th year that the Magic Smelt Run Parade embarked on the Lakewalk.  Smelt were known as an invasive species in Lake Superior in the 1970s, which migration patterns see them arrive into our area in the…