Author: Emmaleah Allen

Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Begins

DULUTH, Minn. – Hartley Nature Center is kicking off the 10-week Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training. Volunteers sign up and complete the 40-hour hands-on course taught by expert instructors. The course consists of studying natural history, environmental interpretation, and conservation stewardship through both indoor and outdoor learning. This helps participants develop their ability to observe nature and learn tools to…

Damiano Center Hosts Expungement Clinic

DULUTH, Minn. – Free Expungement Clinic taking place at the Damiano Center to help people as part of the clean slate movement. The clinic offers people help with getting certain criminal records sealed by the court. The resources provided at these clinics consist of legal representation, ACLU lawyers, public defenders, and legal aid to help walk people through the process….

ST. Louis County Rescue Squad Brings Equipment for McHero Night

  DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Rescue Squad teaming up with the Proctor McDonald’s to fundraise for McHero Night. The rescue squad brought some of their important equipment to the McDonald’s Parking lot for people to tour and learn about. During the fundraiser, 20% of all sales were donated directly to the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, enabling…

Armory Arts and Music Center Raising Funds for Kids Music Program

DULUTH, Minn. – The Armory Arts and Music Center, a local non-profit, teaming up with Chipotle to raise funds for the kids’ music program. People were encouraged to use a one-time code for online or in-store orders, with twenty-five percent of event sales being donated to the cause. These funds help continue the music program, which served over 2,100 students…

Phoholic Set to Open Monday in Former China Cafe Building

DULUTH, Minn. – On London Road in Duluth, a second, much larger Vietnamese restaurant known as Phoholic is opening. The new spot is the former longtime home of China Cafe, which has a much larger parking lot. This will make it easier for people to park, enter, and leave. The restaurant opens tomorrow at 11 a.m. on the 1600 block…

‘Force on Fifth Avenue’ Shines Brighter in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The skyline of downtown Duluth is shining a little brighter with a new addition to the downtown’s latest housing development. Inside Force on Fifth Avenue New signage has been installed on Force on Fifth Avenue’s building at the corner of 5th Avenue West and Superior Street. Brian Forcier, president and CEO of Titanium Partners, is behind this…

11-Year-Old Girl Fatally Hit by Vehicle While Riding Her Bike

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Friday evening, 11-year-old Avery Anderson died after being hit by a vehicle in Wrenshall. The child was reported to be riding in the roadway near the intersection of Broadway St. and Crestwood Drive when she was hit by a pickup truck. An off-duty Cloquet Police Department Patrol Officer dispatched the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office and then began…

Superior Fire Department Hosts Car Seat Safety Clinic

SUPERIOR, Wis. – When a parent is driving, the most precious cargo is their children, and keeping them safe starts with proper car seats. The Superior Fire Department and Safe Kids Northeast Minnesota held their monthly car seat safety clinic earlier this evening. The program aims to teach parents and caregivers how to properly install car seats and learn what…

Mayor Reinert Proposes ‘Inflation-Only’ Levy Increase

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert formally proposed a 4.1 percent property tax levy increase for the city’s portion of the 2026 levy. He says new growth within the city will bring the percent down to an “inflation-only” 2.7 percent. Today’s announcement was made at the city council’s agenda session. This comes after the city administration earlier this spring…

UMD Land Lab Harvests Flax

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students met at the Land Lab for flax harvesting as part of a new research project called Book of the North. Dr. Krista Sue-Lo Twu, a professor of medieval studies at UMD, is leading the project. Dr.Twu is the recipient of the Imagine Chair Award, a $100,000 grant, which is funding the creation of a book….

Governor Tim Walz Addresses Labor Day at Bayfront Picnic

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluthians and politicians gathered Monday at Bayfront Festival Park to represent all things labor and union. Hotdogs, sides and fixings were dished out by volunteers and several union reps. Numerous musical groups accompanied the event, while everyone shared a meal. The crowd got to hear from several speakers, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Tim Walz. Both of…

Dragons, Dungeons and Drinks Hosts Second Duluth Adventure

DULUTH, Minn. – People gathered at Bent Paddle Brewing Company to participate in an inclusive ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ adventure, hosted by the Minneapolis‑based gaming collective, known as ‘Dragons, Dungeons and Drinks.’ The gaming collective is based in the Twin Cities and hosts approximately 2,000 adventures, with 150 game masters. Lately, they have expanded to other parts of the state, including…

The Twin Ports Kicks off Pride Weekend

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In Superior, Mayor Jim Payne started Pride Weekend today, with a reception at the Spirit Room. ‘Duluth-Superior Pride’ returns this Labor Day Weekend, with events on both sides of the Twin Ports. The weekend marks the 39th year of pride in the Northland, highlighting the 2SLGBTQIA community while bringing the ‘spirit of inclusivity’ to the area for…

Concerts on the Pier to be Extended

DULUTH, Minn. – People gathered at Glensheen for the last regularly scheduled concert on the pier event. Throughout the summer, people have been attending the free concert series every Wednesday except for two, which are Superior Siren with Jumpsuit and Big Wave Dave and The Ripples with Born Too Late. The two concerts were canceled due to weather, but they’ll…

Feedback: Park Point Recreation Area Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The future of Park Point’s public recreation area has city officials wanting more feedback beyond those who live on the point. Throughout the summer, people have been attending focus groups, workshops, and pop-up events to give input and review potential redesigns of the end of Park Point. That input has been compiled into three concept plans focusing…

Retired Duluth Firefighter Unexpectedly Passes Away

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the weekend, 52-year-old Steve Swanson, a former Duluth firefighter, unexpectedly passed away. The beloved firefighter retired last May, after fifteen years as a fire equipment operator, where he worked on 7 engine, 4 quint, 2 engine, and 1 tower. Duluth Fire held a send-off as Swanson was flown to the Mayo Clinic, where his organs will be…

Minnesota DNR Now Accepting Urban and Community Forest Grant Applications

DULUTH, Minn. – Local governments, non-profits, and Tribal governments can officially apply for urban and community forest grants of up to $500,000 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The two grants total $12 million, making this the largest grant amount since the beginning of the DNR’s urban and community forest grant programs. The funds will be used to help…

3rd Annual Clover Valley Farm Festival

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The third annual Clover Valley Farm Fest brought people together in Two Harbors today, celebrating the end-of-season harvest. Held at Agate Acres Farm, the annual festival features over 25 vendors, including the Clover Valley Farm Trail, a co-operative group of local farms located between Duluth and Two Harbors. “This helps people become aware of what they…

The DECC Wraps up Regional Listening Series

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center wrapped up its final public listening session aimed at learning how to better set priorities for the venue. Two years ago, the DECC decided to work toward a clearer public purpose. Part of that effort was setting up three 90-minute sessions, which include a survey that attendees can take throughout the meeting….

16th Annual “Battle of the Badges” Takes Over Wade Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Lights Foundation held its 16th annual charity softball event at Wade Stadium this evening. Duluth police and firefighters are competing in a friendly Battle of the Badges softball game to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps financially support Local families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. The event will also feature an auction, food trucks,…

Governor Tim Walz Participates in Nashwauk-Keewatin School Ribbon Cutting

Nashwauk, Minn. – The community of Nashwauk came together back in 2022, approving $42 million to go towards building a new school and $5.7 million to build the community wellness center. “Many of you here today may recall with great, heartfelt memories our historic schools. 1000s of children received a top-notch education at those schools, and 1000s more will receive…

Gov. Evers Highlights Childcare Bridge Program While Touring a Childcare Facility in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers visited Superior today, touring a childcare and education facility. It was all about highlighting Wisconsin’s new childcare bridge program, which Evers says is helping childcare providers across the state. The new state funding for childcare providers is derived from an investment of over $360 million approved by the state legislature. This will help provide…

The DECC Hosts Regional Listening Series

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is hosting a series of listening sessions this week to gather input throughout the Northland regarding future organizational priorities. Two years ago, the DECC decided to work towards a clearer public purpose. This is being accomplished through three 90-minute sessions, aiming to bring together community members, partners, and local leaders from various…

St. Mark AME Church Preparing to Celebrate 125th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Duluth is celebrating its 125th anniversary next weekend. The church is hosting a fundraiser to celebrate the historic building constructed in the early 1900s, which church leaders say is the only building in Duluth built by African Americans. The event starts next Saturday at noon at North 5th Ave….

River Walk Goes Over Planned Prescribed Burn on Wisconsin Point

SUPERIOR, WIS. – The Lake Superior Reserve held a River Walk on Wisconsin Point today while presenting the Wisconsin Point Fire Restoration Project. A group of representatives from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa partnered with the City of Superior to plan a prescribed burn or good fire as a way to restore Wisconsin Point. This method…

K-9 Teams Across the Northland Bring Excitement to Superior

SUPERIOR, WIS. – 18 K-9 teams from eight northland law enforcement agencies are showing off their skills up close and personal for the community. Operation K-9 was held at the Wessman Arena in Superior, where the K-9 teams performed demonstrations showcasing the skills and professional bond of the K-9s and their handlers.  Law enforcement officers allowed locals to meet the…

K-9 Teams Across the Northland Train for Operation K-9

SUPERIOR, WIS. – K-9 teams from across the Northland are practicing for the 11th annual Operation K-9 event. The Northland K-9 Foundation hosts free demonstrations, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation, which supports the purchase of new K-9s and equipment for the K-9 units in our area. Thursday’s Operation K-9 will showcase the skills of K-9 law enforcement teams from…

Deborah DeLuca Appointed 2ND District City Councilor

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council unanimously voted in Deborah DeLuca to be the new temporary Second District Councilor. DeLuca, recently retired from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, decided to apply for the position of Second District Councilor. She initially went up against four other applicants during the first round of interviews, where she was voted as the councilor’s…

Third Annual Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Shop and Social at Maurices

DULUTH, Minn. – Ovarian cancer survivors and their loved ones were treated to a shopping spree at no cost in Maurice’s sample room in downtown Duluth as part of their 3RD annual shop and social. Kristine Greer, a survivor of ovarian cancer and board member with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, says it’s all about connecting with others who have faced…

70 Duluth Locations Participate in National Night Out

DULUTH, Minn. – Communities across the Northland celebrated National Night Out to help strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and people of all ages. “Community partnerships is super important, you know, and a lot of times people are calling they need help for something bad happening, whereas this gives us opportunity to come out and meet people, make those connections in a…

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Advises Families to Vaccinate Ahead of School Year

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released the vaccination data report from the previous school year The data shows 86.4% of students in Wisconsin met the minimum immunization requirements, which is below the national public health standard of 95%. DHS says a majority of Wisconsin families are getting their children vaccinated, but this level is not quite where…

Whoopsa Daisy Kicks off 5TH Annual Weekend Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – The Whoopsa Daisy Farm held its 5th annual weekend opening. The family-friendly farm welcomed visitors throughout the weekend, offering a wide variety of outdoor activities. The farm activities include an obstacle course, exploring fairy land and dino land, feeding donkeys, goats, and chickens, a corn pit for playing, and a 14-foot mushroom you can walk into. “We’re…

Authority Elite Launches First Non-Profit Cheer Program

DULUTH, Minn. – A first-of-its-kind non-profit all-star cheerleading organization opened its doors last month over on West Third St. Authority Elite offers a variety of affordable youth cheer classes, including competitive and non-competitive teams, as well as skill classes. Their program prioritizes removing financial barriers, giving young athletes the chance to be part of a team while building confidence and…

Local Swimmer to Compete at World Aquatics Championship for Fifth Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Local competitive swimmer Amy Flessert has qualified for the upcoming world aquatics masters swimming championship. Flessert qualified for the 2025 Worlds swimming competition after meeting the time standard at Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo, Calif., last year. Throughout her 34 years of competitive swimming, this will be her fifth time competing at Worlds, which will he…

‘Force on Fifth Avenue’ Close to Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – “Force on Fifth Avenue,” the new housing development, is close to opening in downtown Duluth. “I’m proud of this particular project because it’s really the gateway to downtown Duluth and to our community. And as you can see, we’re doing work out there now to make sure it’s beautiful,” said Brian Forcier, president of Titanium Partners. That…

Duluth Council to Review Revised Child Care Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will discuss the amendments made regarding daycare facilities and definitions tomorrow. The proposed ordinance will allow childcare facilities to operate in residential areas by modifying zoning rules and definitions, and was tabled last Monday. This delay was decided on by the council, allowing time for revisions that clarify the language and ensure the rules align…

City Council to Revisit Transportation Commission

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will be discussing the ordinance regarding establishing a Duluth Transportation Commission tomorrow. This proposed ordinance was tabled last Monday due to staff edits that still needed to be put together and reviewed before proceeding further. At last Thursday’s meeting, the City Administrator said it will be a few more weeks before the…

DLH Debuts Visual Sound Bath

DULUTH, Minn.- The Visual Sound Bath art installation officially opened at the Duluth Airport. For many, traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to flying, and over the years, airports have turned to public art to create a welcoming and calming environment for passengers. “The airport has a long-standing history of the public display of art and…

Duluth’s Best Bread Speaks on Incline Village Fallout

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The owner of Duluth’s Best Bread expressed disappointment after hearing a business fallout involving the proposed Incline Village Development in Duluth. The popular bakery planned to be the first retail tenant for the development on the old Central High School property off of central entrance. But just this week, the project’s construction development company, ICS, terminated its contract…

Superior YMCA Whalers Swim Team Takes on AAU Junior Olympics

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven swimmers from the Superior YMCA Whalers Swim Team are taking on the AAU Junior Olympic National Games. The six-day competition began today in Houston, Texas, bringing together top youth swimmers from across the country and several other nations. The Whalers qualified after strong performances throughout the season and are representing Superior, Hermantown, and Esko at this…

City Council Tables Daycare Zoning Proposal for Further Review

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council decided to table the ordinance regarding daycare facilities. The Duluth City Council tabled a proposed zoning change that would make it easier to open daycare centers in residential areas without a special use permit. Councilors stated that they require additional time to ensure everything is finalized and ready before proceeding. “What we’re really…

City Council Approves to Extend Seasonal Closure Dates on Skyline Parkway

DUUTH, Minn. –  The Duluth City Council voted to extend the seasonal closure of Skyline Parkway. The sections of Skyline Parkway that normally close from December 1 to April 15 will now extend to May 15. Frequent weather-related delays, which have occurred in four out of the past five years, have added pressure to the Street Maintenance and Communications departments,…

Lake Superior Day Brings Great Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Day brought the community together for a day of fun, learning, and appreciation of the world’s largest freshwater lake. People gathered at Barkers Island to celebrate Lake Superior through free Interactive learning activities, games, prizes, and paddle boarding. It was organized ‘Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve’ with support from other organizations like Friends of…

‘Good Trouble’ Protestors Rally in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians joined cities nationwide for the “Good Trouble” peaceful protest defending civil rights and honoring the late John Lewis, a former congressman and civil rights icon. The protest was centered around Lake Avenue and Superior Street, with 50 states and 50 cities participating in one mission. They held rallies, marches, teach-ins, and vigils, demanding voter protections, protesting…