Author: Emily Halling

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…

Inaugural Inclusivity Summit at College of Saint Scholastica

  DULUTH, Minn.– Enhancing inclusivity in both the workplace and the community was highlighted today in a gathering at Saint Scholastica. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Saint Scholastica and Lake Superior College for the Inaugural Inclusion Summit. The Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $190,000 grant to the Chamber of Commerce last summer. In a…

‘Superior Ramen’ Coming Soon to Superior

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior is cooking up a new ramen restaurant on East 2nd street next to Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts. ‘Superior Ramen’ will highlight ramen, but will also feature favorites such as curry, boba tea, and even cocktails. It will be the first ramen centered restaurant in the city of Superior. Right now, they’re working on bringing it…

Blatnik Bridge Replacement Construction Set For 2027

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– Transportation officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin say the nearly $2 billion-dollar Blatnik Bridge replacement project remains on track, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin D.O.T held a public informational meeting on the project today in Superior. State and federal funding remains secured, with roughly $1 billion from the federal…

UPDATE: Lake Superior Zoo SeaQuest Rescue

DULUTH, Minn. — Following the recent SeaQuest rescue the Lake Superior Zoo took part in, they were able to bring an impressive 200 animals to Duluth earlier this week. A press release says the enclosures at the Roseville SeaQuest were smaller than recommended according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The animals the Lake Superior Zoo took in includes…

‘Duluth Promise’ Promotes Workforce Partnerships with Local Students

DULUTH, Minn. — A new initiative in Duluth is planning to not only solve retention issues, but also fix a shrinking workforce. ‘The Duluth Promise’ is a new partnership between educational institutions and workforce partners to build a stronger local workforce. By linking the two, schools will be able to equip students with career paths, by teaching them in-demand skills…

“T Building” Welcomes in New Integrated Manufacturing Space at Lake Superior College

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College’s downtown location for welding, mechanics, and robotics students is now part of its main campus in Duluth. The space with the “Trades and Technology” portions of the campus has been remodeled for the additional students. The area will house classrooms for everything related to Fire and EMT, Carpentry and Welding alongside other trade opportunities. In…

Super One Round Up Donations Raises $46,000 for Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn.–Customers who shopped at 38 Super One Foods locations helped raise $46,387 for the Northern Lights Foundation. From January 31st through February 17th, Super One customers had the option to round up their total for the Northern Lights Foundation The “NLF” is a nonprofit based in Duluth, and their mission is to help out families with children facing life…

Lake Superior Zoo, Wildcat Sanctuary Aid in Roseville SeaQuest Rescue

DULUTH, Minn.– Hundreds of animals are in desperate need of a new home after their zoo in Roseville Minnesota shut down. Duluth’s Lake Superior Zoo is one of three Minnesota zoos stepping up to help. ‘SeaQuest’ is an aquarium and petting zoo that closed its doors in February. It’s a chain across the country that is shutting down after the…

“Tequila Town” Restaurant Name Sparks Controversy within Esko Community

ESKO, Minn.– A new Mexican restaurant in Esko is being forced to change the name of its business because the town board says it violates liquor license laws. “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar” opened last month across the street from Esko Schools. The owner told FOX 21 the name of the business was inspired by his hometown “Tequila, Mexico.”…

Minnesota Power Outlines Future Plans for Renewable Energy

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Power is striving to achieve 90% renewable energy by 2035. And to make this happen, they’re unveiling the next chapter of their “EnergyForward” plan. Minnesota Power is currently outlining its 2025 “Integrated Resource Plan” or “IRP” The plan looks 15 years into the future, and it focuses on providing reliable energy while reducing carbon emissions. If approved,…

Childcare Advocates Participating in “A Day Without Childcare” Rally

DULUTH, Minn.– The importance of prioritizing childcare centers and providers is being highlighted across the country today including in Duluth. Childcare providers, teachers and parents gathered at ‘Young Minds Learning Center’ to highlight the importance of properly funded childcare. A press conference, march, a rally, and multiple center closures happened in Duluth to drive the point home. The advocates are…

Local Instructors Meet for 12th Annual Lake Superior Summit on Teaching of Writing

DULUTH, Minn.– As the world continues evolving, so do the methods teachers use in the classrooms. For 12 years now The Lake Superior Summit on Teaching of Writing and English as Second Language has been gathering teachers from 6 different institutions for this collaborative event. The topics covered included teaching and learning with disabilities, communication, and workshops. Every year they…

Regional Psychology Clinic Networks to Enhance Mental Health Access in Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.– Regional psychologists spent the day networking and collaborating to broaden their resources. The event was held in response to what mental health professionals are calling a “pressing need for improved mental health services” Twin cities based Mental Health Systems partnered with H.P. Psychological Associates from Hermantown to gain insight to services like telehealth. The “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” training…

Duluth Salvation Army Food Drive Beginning Soon

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting March 1st, the Duluth Salvation Army donations will be proportionally matched by the Minnesota Food Share Program. They’re looking to collect the usual shelf stable items. The Duluth Salvation Army is the only location in the state that has a medical food shelf for special diets. During the drive, they’re hoping to get foods that are gluten free,…

New Condo Development Planned for Woodland Avenue

DULUTH, Minn.– A new condo development is in the works along Duluth’s Woodland neighborhood. The development will include two 30-unit buildings, and they will be located along Woodland Avenue adjacent to Hartley Nature Center. Developer Brian Forcier of Titanium Partners is behind the project, and he’s working alongside the City of Duluth to accomplish this. He told FOX 21 the…

‘Grace Sushi’ opens in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — There is finally a place to get your sushi fix in Virginia. It’s called ‘Grace Sushi.’ On the menu, alongside sushi, they also offer dumpling rice bowls. Some of their specialty rolls are inspired by the Northland, with names like “Lake of the Woods” and “The Big Pine.” Since this is the first sushi restaurant in the…

Government Services Center Unveils Century Old Time Capsule

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Excitement was on today in the city of Virginia for the unveiling of a 100-year-old time capsule. City leaders, the public, and even some school kids came out for the big reveal. The capsule was removed a few years back from the former century-old Northland Office Building. It was recovered when the building was demolished to make way for…

KYN: Coop’s Pizza Welcomes in Both Local and Global Regulars

HAYWARD, Wis. — Coop’s Pizza, down the road from Main Street is known to be a Hayward staple. The restaurant unsurprisingly specializes in pizza, alongside many other things. “So, pizza is our main thing. But then we have pasta and burgers and subs. A great salad bar. Appetizers, if you name it, we probably got it,” said Lora Hills, the…

Duluth City Councilors Share Mixed Opinions Regarding Pledge of Allegiance

DULUTH, Minn.– The opinions of two Duluth city councilors are coming into light, and it involves whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be part of city council meetings. The topic began after a member of the public spoke at a recent council meeting. The gentleman who stayed seated during the Pledge of Allegiance said removing the pledge from the council…

18th Annual Women’s Expo This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.– The Women’s Expo is returning to the DECC this weekend. And for the 18th year of this event, they’re bringing in some new exciting additions. The DECC will be filling up with over 150 vendors for the women’s expo happening this Saturday. The booths cover everything related to health, beauty, as well as shopping experiences. In addition, there…

Lake Superior Zoo Becomes a “ZANE” Partner

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is now getting a lot more accessible, since they’re the first facility in the state to partner up with the “Zane” Program. ‘ZANE’, or Zoos and Aquariums for Neurodiverse Ecosystem Program is a nonprofit that equips zoos with resources to better understand those needs. Earlier this week, it was announced the Lake Superior Zoo…

Beloved Birkebeiner Weekend Returns To Downtown Hayward

HAYWARD, Wis. — Hayward is home to one of the biggest ski races in the nation — the American Birkebeiner.  The week-long event welcomes in thousands of participants from at least seven different countries. And with last year’s race missing out on the Main Street grand finale because of weather, organizers are thankful for this year’s quick turnaround. “It’s such…

Small Business Brewery Perspectives on Potential Aluminum Tariffs

TWO HARBORS Minn.– Castle Danger Brewing is a larger facility in Two Harbors, producing nearly 25,000 cans of beer daily. And with that significance, the idea of a potential 25 percent tariff increase is on their radar. “So right now, immediate impact, we’re not experiencing immediate impact. It really depends on your supplier. Our aluminum supplier uses primarily U.S. steel,…