Author: Emily Halling

‘Bayfront Blues Fest’ Delivers Good Vibes and Music for 36 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– For 36 years now, Blues Fest has rocked the Bayfront. And no matter what the weather is, that has never stopped the dedicated fans. “I mean, we’ve been coming for 20 years. And we’ve been baked, we’ve been frozen, we’ve been drenched, we’ve done it all,” explained Phil Vanschepen, a longtime Blues Fest Attendee. Overtime, it’s grown quite…

City of Superior Now Operating Local Museums

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today, it was announced that the employees at the Fairlawn Mansion, S.S. Meteor, and Police and Fire museums are now considered city staff. This transition is something that has been in the works for a while. “It’s been a long discussion, but ultimately, we’ve been evaluating our relationships with all outside organizations. What we found is everything works…

Grit & Gratitude: 5th Annual Bike Race for Pediatric Cancer Research

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Coming up on August 17th, a bike race for a very important cause will be taking place at Two Harbors. ‘Grit & Gratitude’ is a bike race that raises money for pediatric cancer research. The event was inspired by the organizer’s daughter Lily, who fought with stage four liver cancer. After overcoming this hardship, the family decided…

Park Point Forestry Project Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting today, you may begin to notice a lot of noise and commotion over at park point. That’s because a new project aiming at preserving and landscaping park point has just started. The goal is to remove invasive species, trim down overpopulating trees, and eventually fill in space with white pine seeds. “There’s a strip running from the…

Duluth Coast Guard Station Celebrates 235th ‘Coast Guard Day’

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday afternoon on the Duluth harbor of Park Point, laughs, and yells can be heard across the bay. Because today, the Coast guard Station has something big to celebrate. “We’re celebrating the 235th year of the Coast Guard’s founding. So, we were found in 1790 this is just a day to celebrate that. So, we get all the…

40th Annual ‘Finn Fest’ Returns to the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– For forty years now, the Finn Fest at the DECC has connected the northland with both old, and modern Finnish cultures and customs. Guests can immerse themselves with everything ranging from art & music, food, and simply language. “‘Fin Fest’ is all about celebrating all things Finnish and Finnish American, and bringing modern Finland with Finnish America and…

Community Boards ‘Blue Heron’ Research Vessel for “Freshwater Discovery Day”

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the community got a front row seat to discover what student scientists at the ‘Blue Heron’ research vessel participates in. The Large Lakes Observatory is a research group that is in connection with UMD. It brings an opportunity for both undergraduate, and graduate students to receive hands on experience. “It is the only research-intensive campus that sits…

St. Scholastica & Mankato State Launches Engineering Dual Degree Pathway

  DULUTH, Minn.– The College of Saint Scholastica is partnering with Minnesota State Mankato to launch a new engineering program partnership. This dual pathway program is giving students the chance to earn a degree in both natural science and also integrated engineering. This is the first dual degree pathway of its kind. The five year long degree covers two and…

‘Mango’ the Lion Cub Has Successful Surgeries

Mango the Lion Cub’s surgery 7/28/25 SANDSTONE, Minn.– The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone rescued an 8-week-old lion cub last week. On Monday, July 28, 2025 she had to undergo surgery to correct some genetic complications. Mango the lion cub at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone was gearing up for surgery. She had a herniated umbilical cord that caused her intestines…

‘Head of the Lakes United Way’ Launches Free Babysitting Classes

  DULUTH, Minn.– ‘Head of the Lakes United Way’ teamed up with the American Red Cross to give kids the opportunity for a valuable childcare class. The babysitting classes caters to kids aged 11 to 17 who are interested in seeing what it’s all about. The free 1-day course covers everything from basic first aid, to fun activities while babysitting….

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Small Lion Family from Canadian Roadside Zoo

SANDSTONE, Meet Mango, a feisty ambitious 8-week-old lion cub. She is just one of three recent rescues the Wildcat Sanctuary took on just two days ago. They were saved from a Canadian roadside show. “This is a really unique rescue, not only because it was international and we had so many permits and so much process to get through, to…

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin Addresses Retirement in ‘Love Letter’ Video

DULUTH, Minn.–Earlier today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not be running for a third time for his seat as Governor. With this announcement, Evers released what he called his ‘love letter’ to Wisconsin, to reminisce on his time as Governor. “I cherish every moment, every tour, every visit high five, question and selfie. It’s the honor of…

‘Duluth Whiskey Project’ Opens its Doors

DULUTH, Minn.– Lincoln Park is ‘uncorking’ its latest addition to the craft district today. Nestled onto superior street near brewery neighbors, ‘Duluth Whiskey Project’ was undergoing construction since last August. But this opportunity has been a dream for owner Kevin Evans for over a decade. The building features seating for 124 guests at the bar, and taproom. They’re offering a…

Minnesota Department of Safety Launches MMIR Tip Program

  ST. PAUL, Minn.– Today during a press conference, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new tip program. This was established to bring closure and justice for families impacted by Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives. State officials, as well as law enforcement joined together to launch this powerful tool. A reward fund is being opened on the behalf of…

Duluth East Freshman Qualifies for Figure Skating National Showcase

DULUTH, Minn.– a Duluth east freshman is gearing up to compete in a national level competition for a figure skating showcase. Since age 7, Brynn Sterling of Duluth has been learning and growing with this sport. And next week, she will represent Duluth for the U.S. Figure skating National Showcase. When it comes to figure skating, there’s a lot of…

Great Lakes Aquarium Celebrates 25 Years by Unveiling Time Capsule

DULUTH, Minn.– The Great Lakes Aquarium is making history today, as well as reflecting on it, by opening their time capsule from 25 years ago. The aquarium wasted no time diving into history to reminisce on the time they first opened. Inside the capsule, guests got to check out the unveiling of numerous news clippings and magazines highlighting the beginning….

I-35 Bridge Work Near 40th Avenue West Starting July 28th

  DULUTH, Minn.– Starting July 28th, bridge repair will begin on 40th Avenue West out in Duluth. The work will begin by constructing crossovers for the bridge. This will eventually prepare for a bridge repair above the freeway. Once the crossovers are complete, traffic will remain head-to-head through mid-August. This will be one of the last pieces before the I-35…

11th Annual Bike Duluth Festival Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Gears are turning at spirit mountain, because the 11th annual Bike Duluth Festival is about to take off. The festival itself draws in cyclists of all skill levels. Throughout the weekend, 9 different courses will take place, downhill, cross country, and chainless downhill just to name a few. In addition, a handful of vendors will be available to…

Fatal Beatty Township House Fire Under Investigation

BEATTY, Minn.– At approximately 9:20 on Thursday night, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office alongside fire personnel from Cook, Ore, Kinney-Great Scott, and Greenwood responded to a residential house fire in Beatty Township. Upon arrival, the house was fully engulfed in flames. During investigation, two parties were located in the residence deceased. At this time, the incident is still under investigation,…

Douglas County Humane Society Celebrates 50 Years of Rescuing and Adopting

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today’s ribbon cutting out in Superior didn’t highlight something brand new.  But instead, over 50 years of tail wagging, smiles, and connections to furry friends. “We’ve gone through a couple different buildings. At this point, we’ve had different animals and staff come through, but the whole mission has always been the same, and that is to care for…

FDLTCC Celebrates 15th Annual Scholarship Event

Fond du Lac, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Tribal Community College didn’t let yesterday’s rain stop their event. And with some adjustments, it was all okay, in Cloquet. The community came together to help support student scholarships. Instead of the typical croquet event, the college switched gears to a taco lunch. The mission remained the same, helping raise money for…

One Week of Continued Striking: APPs Joins MNA with Essentia Health Strike

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Advanced Practice Providers, commonly referred to as ‘APPS’, have joined Essentia Health nurses in the ongoing strike. The MNA held a press conference in Superior Tuesday morning, to provide updates. For one week now, Essentia Health nurses and providers have been on strike around Minnesota. APPs from Baxter, Duluth, and Superior joined in on the strike. “What has…

‘DAIP’ Proves Significant Efforts in Solving Violence

DULTUH, Minn.– For over 45 years, the ‘Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs’ has been a valuable resource for victims of domestic violence. The Deputy Director of DAIP said there is a critical need for resources, surrounding domestic violence treatment. A 24- hour record period was studied, for the entire country, and during that time, 66,000 people needed help. And 10,000…

Two Harbors Heritage Days: 4 Days of Fun!

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–Two Harbors heritage days kicked off yesterday, and the party is scheduled to continue all weekend. Today is day two of the annual event. This festival boasts a four-day arts and crafts show, stage entertainment, a street dance, and two parades. With all the activities and events, there’s something for everyone. The fun brings in thousands of locals…

New Owners Same Passion: ‘Happy Critter Farms’ Opens Beloved Strawberry Fields

CARLTON, Minn.– As of last year, the beloved former ‘Finks Berry Farm’ out in Carlton took on new owners. They’re tasked to take care of 11 miles of strawberry fields. ‘Happy Critters Farms’ introduced a plethora of pollinator plants, and they stay away from insecticides. And with this new opportunity, they had big shoes to fill. “So last year we…

Twin Ports Celebrates its First Disability Pride Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Across the state of Minnesota, numerous disability pride events have been celebrated. And now, advocates felt it was time for the Twin Ports to join in. “The reason we’re doing this, is we want to celebrate disabilities, their contributions to our community, we’re here to stay. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Amanda Crosby, Executive Director ‘Arc Northland’. Around the…

Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses at Essentia Health Begin to Strike

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning, at multiple locations around the Northland, more than 290 Essentia Health nurses and health care professionals with the Minnesota Nurses’ Association are making their voices heard. “Since issuing our strike notice, we have offered to meet every single day, and Essentia has declined every single time, only offering two meetings this month, we are here demanding…

Pre-Independance Day Fireworks Excitement is Skyrocketing

SOUTH RANGE, Wis.– Customers are wasting no time getting their firework fix. “I think everybody’s feeling pretty patriotic this year and looking to celebrate good,” beamed Jason Deatherage, owner of ‘KG Fireworks’. But before it gets to the customers, there’s a lot to keep in mind leading up to it. “We always try to be prepared and have a lot…

‘Lola Farms’ Opens up Honeyberry Fields

WRENSHALL, Minn.–When it comes to owning a farm, it leads to a ton of passion ideas. Such as raising chickens and eventually expanding into an ‘AirB-n-Bawk’. And right now, it’s full steam ahead for Farm Lola with all things honey berry. They’re showcasing rows upon rows of ripe berries ready to be picked. But with this special fruit, there’s more…

St. Louis County Assessor’s Dept. Tackling Brimson Wildfire Aftermath

BRIMSON, Minn.– A dedicated team in the Brimson area is conducting damage assessments, and re-assessments of over 130 properties affected by the fires. With these thorough inspections, they are determining overall property value. They’re taking pictures, updating systems, and putting together applications for property owners to apply for damage relief. That being said, many of the affected landowners already know…

Minnesota Nurse’s Association Votes to Authorize a Strike

  DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the Minnesota Nurses Association announced they have voted to authorize a strike. That involves more than 15,000 nurses statewide. It doesn’t trigger an immediate strike, but it gives union leaders the power to call for one if they choose. Union President Chris Rubesch made the announcement at a news conference. He listed a number of things…

Medical Tents Gearing Up Ahead of Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn.– All volunteers for the big race are preparing for everything. And with the medical tents set up, they are no exception. Over 250 medical volunteers will participate for Grandma’s Marathon. Essentia Health is stocked up with cots, wheelchairs, air conditioning, and hydration stations. The ski patrol from Giant’s Ridge will also be stationed throughout the course to aid…

Popular ‘Hairball’ Rock Cover Band Celebrates 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– In a few short weeks, a longtime performer at Bayfront Park is gearing up to ‘Party in the Park’ once more. Alongside celebrating rock and roll, ‘Hairball’ is hitting a major milestone. For a quarter of a century, ‘Hairball’ has been rocking the nation. Getting their start at small bars, their band covers favorites such as ‘Motley Crue’…

Volunteers & Staff Prepping for Annual ‘Michelina’s Spaghetti Dinner’

DULUTH, Minn.– The volunteers and staff for this weekend’s big race is running a marathon of their own. They’re working around the clock to make the city’s largest batch of spaghetti. Chef Jerry, and his brigade of volunteers and staff are working around the clock to chop up the oregano, basil and rosemary. By the time they’re finished, they will…

Volunteers Prepping for CHUM’s 20th ‘Rhubarb Festival’

  Duluth, Minn.– The 20-yearlong beloved rhubarb tradition for Duluth is right around the corner. And CHUM is excited to continue the traditions, both new and old. For this year’s ‘Rhubarb Festival’ celebration, it will take place at the Asbury United Methodist Church in West Duluth. Before the festival on June 28th, an official told FOX 21 an impressive 1,000…

Church’s Natural Burial Cemetery Idea Causes Controversy

BARNUM, Minn.– There is controversy tonight involving a church in Barnum and its plan to open a natural burial site. The site’s planner says natural burials are better for the environment without embalming chemical used in traditional burials. Matt Connell, cemetarian at Loving Earth Memorial Gardens, and a member of the Steelmantown Church has a passion for the outdoors and preserving…