Author: Emily Halling

‘Twin Ports Business Alliance’ Meets Ahead of Blatnik Bridge Replacement

DULUTH, Minn. — A brand new alliance between businesses across the Blatnik Bridge met today to discuss future plans. The Twin Ports Business Alliance is made up of a group of local business owners and leaders. They say they will continue to meet leading up to the anticipated Blatnik Bridge construction. They are collaborating on topics such as affected tourism,…

St. Louis County Legacy Dump Damage Reversal Project in the Works

CANYON, Minn.– Around 250 closed dump and landfill sites across St. louis County is being addressed with a proposed project. These sites are unlined and ultimately contaminating ground water. To try and solve this, there’s a multi-million-dollar plan to help reverse the centuries-long damage at those sites. The project is called the “St. Louis County Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus.”…

Governor Walz Visits Duluth to Address Numerous Infrastructure Projects

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited Duluth today to address two different infrastructure projects. The first stop was for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Sofidel paper plant in Duluth. The company announced a 200-million-dollar expansion for the facility. With this expansion it will allow the facility to not only produce and package products but ship them out under the…

Minnesota Nurses Association Contract Talks with Essentia Health St. Mary’s

DULUTH, The Minnesota Nurses Association is about to begin new contract negotiations with Essentia Health and Aspirus St Lukes in Duluth, as well as the Twin Cities Metro Area. The goal is to reach an agreement before the current three-year contract expires in June. The MNA contract represents 15,000 nurses total. But in Duluth, 2,500 nurses are involved. The nurse’s…

Superior Fire Department Holds Swearing In & Awards Ceremony

SUPERIOR, Wis.– There were lots to celebrate and recognize today at the Superior Fire Department for the swearing in and awards ceremony. The Superior Fire Hall welcomed friends and family to celebrate accomplishments from their loved ones. The ceremony swore in four new firefighters to join the Superior Fire Department team. It also acknowledged promotions to the Captain, Assistant Fire…

Tara Swenson Announced Reelection for Duluth City Council District 4 Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Tara Swenson announced bid for re-election for the Duluth City Council District 4 Seat back in March. Swenson tells FOX 21 that she would focus on ensuring residents and visitors feels safe, by supporting first responders. Continuing to invest in infrastructure is another goal, citing her work with turning West Skyline near Enger Park into a one…

Terese Tomanek Announces Reelection Plans for Duluth City Council at Large Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday, Duluth City Councilor at Large, Terese Tomanek, is seeking reelection this fall. The announcement coming at a press conference today at Duluth City Hall. There, Tomanek reflected on her efforts leading up to her current position. More specifically, her work involving the COVID-19 pandemic, as following her recognition for a Public Health Achievement Award. Tomanek also…

‘Library Passport Program’ Returns to Northern Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More than 30 Libraries across Wisconsin are partnering up again in a special challenge to promote each other. It’s called the ‘Northern Waters Library passport program.’ The goal is to encourage people to visit as many northern Wisconsin libraries as possible this summer. At each location, library-goers will receive a stamp. Once a person reaches ten locations,…

Knowing Your Neighbor: ‘Kindred Heart’ Introduces Unique Community Outlet

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Tower Avenue in Superior is filled with traffic. And after listening around, one can quickly become overwhelmed with the sounds of everyday life. But since Kindred Heart has opened it’s doors, customers are able to hone in on a peaceful, quiet, and calm atmosphere. “I do astrology, tarot and chakra work. I’m a registered holistic therapist. But…

HDC Clinic Introduces ‘Queer Community Connections’

DULUTH, Minn. — The Human Development Center Clinic in Downtown Duluth is giving Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary members a space to connect. For three months now, HDC has been providing a weekly meeting to get queer clients together. The closed group is giving clients the chance to get back into the community, and hear each other’s stories and experiences. ‘Queer…

Superior Public Library Recognizes ‘National Library Week’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Public Library has branded itself as a welcoming communal space for hundreds of years and for National Library Week, the centuries long commitment has a spotlight. The gathering today featured numerous speakers recognizing the impact the library has brought since 1888. With the world of digital media, the Superior Public Library is still standing as…

2025 AMSOIL Championship Snocross Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Engines are revving at Spirit Mountain this weekend, as the highly anticipated Amsoil Snocross Tournament began today. Spirit Mountain has welcomed snowmobile racers from around the globe for three decades now. But this year, instead of having the race in November, they’re ending the biggest snocross event in the world this weekend. Nearly 700 racers of all ages…

‘Heyday Home Solutions’ Holding ‘Roof of Hope’ Replacement Contest

DULUTH, Minn.– A local roofing company is gearing up to help out a family in need with a brand-new roof replacement. After being in business for several years, the Twin Ports based roofing company is excited to give back to the community. ‘Heyday Home Solutions’ is giving away a free roof repair for one family in need. The company has…

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kicks Off

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The month of April symbolizes Sexual Assault Awareness month. It was recognized today through stories shared by the Superior community. The press conference at the Government Building gave community members the opportunity to bring their stories to light. Professors, Mayor Jim Paine and representatives at CASDA shared their outlook as to why it’s important to stay informed. Being…

Virginia Essentia Health Announces Emergency Department Expansion

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Essentia Health has announced a 14-million-dollar expansion and renovation of its emergency room in Virginia. Right now, the emergency department has seven rooms to care for patients. But when all is completed within the next year, the facility will double to 14 rooms. The Virginia hospital has been operating for more than a decade. Officials say it’s all…

Range Legislators Introduce “Minnesota Miners Relief Act”

St. Paul, Minn.– It’s been less than two weeks since Cleveland-Cliffs announced the temporary closures of the Minorca Mine in Virginia and Hibbing Taconite. Following this, there’s an urgent plea to extend unemployment benefits for the nearly 600 miners who are laid off. The steelworker’s union and state lawmakers from the Iron Range calling for the passage of the “Minnesota…

‘Duluth Failed Poets Society’ Club Launches First Anthology Book

DULUTH, Minn.– A local writing club with the name ‘Duluth Failed Poets Society’, is currently celebrating quite the success. Since December, the group of around 70 writers collaborated on the book ‘Murder your Darlings’. It features a set of 33 works ranging from short stories, poetry, as well as art and illustrations. The Duluth Failed Poets Society meets every Monday…

Duluth Antique Marketplace Expands to Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.– The popular Duluth Antique Marketplace recently expanded to Cloquet, and today the community celebrated its opening day! After opening their first location in Duluth 8 years ago, the owner has been hoping to expand. The expansion only took a short two months. Owner Joanne Leland telling us, customers eagerly waited in their cars this morning before the doors…

Spring Equinox Craft Fair Happening in Cloquet This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.–Even with the weather looking to be less than spring-like this weekend, there’s no stopping the Spring Equinox craft fair! 32 vendors at the Cloquet Armory are putting finishing touches on their booths. Many of the vendors are looking forward to displaying their projects but also connecting with the community. The event began this afternoon at three and continues…

Duluth Healthcare Roundtable Discussing Future of Medicaid

DULUTH, Minn.– State healthcare leaders, providers, and advocates are holding a series of roundtables to discuss the future of Medicaid. Right now, changes are being proposed for Medicaid funding for the federal level. This would result in 880 billion dollars in cuts over the next ten years. In Minnesota specifically, it would mean the loss of 1.6 billion dollars annually….

Minnehaha Elementary School Unveils Renovations

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A $44-million renovation of Two Harbors’ Minnehaha Elementary is now complete. The project was all about helping modernize the school’s facilities and restructuring the building’s layout. Technology, furniture, floors, ceilings, and security have all gotten upgrades. The school’s library is now front and center and creative spaces are enhanced, like the new “cafetorium” for student performances….

‘Maurices’ Clothing Company Celebrates 94th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — ‘Maurices’ the popular clothing company with strong roots in Duluth is celebrating it’s 94th anniversary today. With nearly 100 years of business, the company is reflecting on both the hardships, and successes it’s brought. Maurices began in Duluth back in 1931 during the Great Depression. The company has opened 850 locations in the United States and Canada….

Judge Crawford Visits Superior for “Common Sense Justice Tour”

Judge Susan Crawford has embarked on a 10 day state-wide tour across Wisconsin for her “Common Sense Justice Tour.” With the election just six days away, Crawford was in Superior. Her campaign emphasizes voter rights, and believes in a justice system that highlights equality. “People really care about the Wisconsin Supreme Court both in the state of Wisconsin, and I’ve…

Iron Workers 512 Holding Informational Banner in Response to Kaski INC.

DULUTH, Minn. — Iron Workers Local 512 in Duluth has been holding an informational banner outside of a Kaski INC. project on Martin Road. Since last Friday, a large group of iron workers has been outside the construction site, displaying banners asking for better pay and working conditions. Kaski INC has it’s own separate union from Local 512, which is…

28th Annual Toothpick Bridge Competition

DULUTH, Minn.– For 28 years, the Duluth Section of the American Society of Engineers gathers students from schools in the Twin Ports area for this event. This year there were 45 teams of students from Superior, Cromwell Wright, Denfeld and Lakeview Christian Academy. They built bridges using toothpicks and glue. The projects were judged on aesthetics, and then, faced the…

KYN: ‘Miigwitches Brew’ Coffee Shop Fuels the Community

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. — Out in the middle of the of the Fond Du Lac Reservation, an idea was brewing for coffee shop owner Jackson Ripley. “We didn’t know what to expect. Neither my wife nor I am actual businesspeople, you know, so we weren’t sure what to expect. The summer was amazing, and people started to ask if…

‘Empty Bowl Fundraiser’ Raises $1,600 for Safe Haven Shelter

DULUTH, Minn.– A group of middle schoolers from Many Rivers Montessori School raised an impressive $1,600 for Safe Haven Shelter. Since 2022, the “Empty Bowl Fundraiser” has given students at Many Rivers Montessori a chance to help out the community. This year, the kids voted to help Safe Haven Shelters in Duluth. The 7th and 8th graders teamed up with…

2nd Annual ‘Cheerio Challenge’ Underway

  DULUTH, Minn.– After the success from last year’s ‘Cheerio Challenge’ in Duluth, the fundraiser is going back for seconds! Last year this fundraiser collected an impressive 800 boxes of cereal and 50-thousand dollars for the community. The idea sparked following negative comments from Kathy Cargill. She’s a billionaire who purchased multiple properties on Park Point, calling Duluth “small minded”….

Lake Avenue Restaurant Offering Unique Lent Specials

  DULUTH, Minn.– With lent in full swing, many customers are seeking out “fin-tastic” specials local restaurants are offering. Lake Avenue Restaurant in Duluth, is pursuing a non-traditional route with fish specials. For lent, the focus is moving away from fried fish, and honing in on fresh red snapper, and salmon. The menus change twice a year and are always…

Kenwood Goodwill Celebrates Grand-Reopening and Expansion

  DULUTH, Minn.– After closing down earlier this year for renovations, the Kenwood Goodwill store held its grand re-opening today. Customers today wasted no time to check out the new and improved Goodwill store. With the remodel, the store expanded two-thousand square feet and added a new drive-up window for donations. The Goodwill also received a paint job, and a…

20th Annual State of Cities Luncheon

PROCTOR, Minn. — Over 100 people attended the 20th Annual State of Cities luncheon, hosted by the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce. Business leaders got the chance to hear from the mayors Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake. In total, they represent 18 thousand residents. There were discussions surrounding what’s new, exciting, and what’s in store for the season’s legislative session….

New Solar Power Co-op for Northeast Minnesota

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — A nonprofit is launching a new co-op for anyone interested in learning more about solar energy, or even getting involved with it. Solar United Neighbors, or “SUN” is a national nonprofit, and their new opportunity was launched last week. The goal of the co-op is to help homeowners, farmers, and small business owners learn about this option….

Duluth Witnesses Federal Funding Challenges; Mayor Remains “Cautiously Optimistic”

DULUTH, Minn. — “It really is what we’re expecting to be a tough budget year,” said Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert. “We had already planned for the city of Duluth to have a challenging budget ahead of us, normally we start that process in June, we’re starting it this week.” This year is what Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is calling a…

Proctor Middle & Highschool Transforms Library Space

  PROCTOR, Minn.– For over a decade, what is now the Cultural Event Center and Library was dormant. But now, Proctor Schools is finally unveiling a brand-new space for students and staff to enjoy. The new library was a two-year long project, and it solves issues related to spacing. Community members, staff and faculty pitched in both money and hundreds…

U.S. Coast Guard Wraps Up Ice Cutting in Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.– 48 Coast Guard members boarded the SPAR in Duluth Tuesday.  The 235-foot buoy-tender vessel is able to slice through the 15 ft. deep ice like butter. This eventful adventure began right here in the Twin Ports, and it was managed by Lieutenant Commander Don Rudnickas. “We’re underway in Duluth Harbor. Our main job here is to make sure…

‘Heart Berry’ Partners with Cloquet Community to Paint a Mural

  CLOQUET, Minn.– The city of Cloquet is about to get a lot more colorful. Because the community is banding together to help paint a mural. The mural itself was designed by artist and owner of ‘Heart Berry’ Sarah Agaton Howes It will be a permanent piece in the Pinehurst Park, and it’ll feature Ojibwe motifs. They wasted no time…

Volkswagen Bringing Back Pre-Covid Deals

  DULUTH, Minn.– One of Duluth’s top dealerships is getting ready for the prime-time car buying season. And for this year, they’re finally bringing back some classic deals. Despite the pandemic hitting its five-year anniversary, businesses such as Volkswagen is still feeling the effects. They’re excited to announce a turnaround, by bringing back their spring deals. The last time they…

28th Annual Cloquet Home and Sports Show

  CLOQUET, Minn.– The popular Cloquet Sports and Home Show kicked off this afternoon. For nearly three decades, Cloquet has hosted its annual sports show. 125 booths showcasing all things Cloquet are setting up shop at the Black Bear Casino. The show will highlight everything from saunas, jet skis, as well as small local crafters and vendors. In addition, they…

Community Members Learn about Pruning Apple Trees

  DULUTH, Minn.– With the weather turning warmer, it was perfect timing for people to learn everything about pruning apple trees. Around 20 community members got their hands dirty while learning how to prune apple trees. The group got to help out one of the public orchards in Morgan Park that’s sponsored by ‘Edible Duluth’, The pruning class was put…