Author: Greg Chandler

Community Groups Team Up to Squash Hunger

35th Minnesota Food Share Runs Through March

DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th Minnesota Food Share kicks off March 1st, the start of a big month for CHUM. While donations are accepted and encouraged year round, the March Food Share is one of CHUM’s most important drives. And even more important than food, is money. With cash donations, CHUM has access to food sources only available to charitable…

Lake Superior College Celebrates Mardi Gras

Student Life Organization Held a Party in the Hallways

DULUTH, Minn. – Fat Tuesday celebrations found their way to Lake Superior College. LSC’s Student Life organization sponsored a Mardi Gras party on-campus Tuesday. The traditional festive sounds of New Orleans Jazz music filled the hallways, as students donned masks and played games. “People have had a really good time,” said Julia Summer of LSC Student Life.  “We’re giving out…

Students Test Toothpick Bridges

Competition at UMD was the 24th Annual

DULUTH, Minn. – High school students from across the Northland gathered at the University of Minnesota Duluth Tuesday for the 24th annual Toothpick Bridge Competition. The contest, hosted by UMD’s Civil Engineering department, challenged kids to build the strongest and most economical bridge possible, using only toothpicks and glue. “The kids love it,” said John Hinsman, one of the competition…

STEM Day at Lowell Elementary

St. Scholastica Students Helped Kids Learn About Science

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Duluth’s Lowell Elementary School had a hands–on day of science Tuesday. About a hundred students from the College of St. Scholastica brought a variety of experiments for the youngsters to try. The goal of STEM day at Lowell was to get more kids interested in science and related fields. “It is so much fun,” said…

Snowmobiler Crashes Through Thin Ice

Victim Was Pulled from Lake Vermillion by Neighbor

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sherrif’s Office helped a snowmobiler who went through the ice. It happened around 3:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Oak Narrows of Lake Vermillion in Greenwood Township. 70 year old Ronald Hautala of Eveleth was pulled from the water by a neighbor. He was taken to Cook Hospital and treated for minor…

President Trump to Skip Correspondents’ Dinner

President Announced Decision in Tweet

WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump says he won’t be attending the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner this spring. In a tweet on Saturday, the president doesn’t give a reason but says he wishes “everyone well and have a great evening!” The annual fundraiser for college scholarships mixes politicians, journalists and celebrities. Trump has long had an adversarial relationship with…

Kozy Development Projects Rejected

Dilapidated Building Has Been Vacant Since 2010

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s back to the drawing board for officials hoping to redevelop the Kozy Apartments. The City of Duluth and its review committee determined three proposed plans for the site weren’t good enough for the future of East 1st Street downtown. City officials want to find the right development to revitalize the area. “The ones that we received,…

St. Scholastica Day of Volunteering

CSS Students, Faculty and Staff Gave Back to the Community

DULUTH, Minn. – College St. Scholastica students and staff gave back to the community Wednesday. It was part of the college’s Day of Volunteering.  Every two years, hundreds of Saints volunteer at various organizations in the community. A small group of volunteers helped out at Duluth’s First Lutheran Church, making and canning jams for the upcoming Rhubarb Festival. Many CSS…

UMD Hosts 24th Annual Diversity Summit

Students Came Together at Summit on Equity, Diversity and Multiculturalism

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted a summit on equity, diversity and multiculturalism Wednesday. The all–day event included more than 40 interactive workshops, presentations and lectures. The keynote speaker was Debby Irving, author of “Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race.”  Irving believes events like Wednesday’s help students better understand classmates of different…

Spirit Mountain Closed Temporarily

Unseasonable Weather Forced Closure Until Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – February Should be peak ski season at Spirit Mountain, but warm temperatures and rain have temporarily closed the slopes. The mountain closed Monday with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees.  The closure couldn’t come at a worse time with Duluth Public Schools out for spring break. “We want to be their backyard playground,” said Brandy Ream, Spirit Mountain…

Choice Unlimited Masquerade Ball Set for Thursday

"A Royal Affair" Celebrates People and the Art They Produce

DULUTH, Minn. – Dust off your best mask because there’s a masquerade ball Thursday night in Duluth. “A Royal Affair” is this year’s theme for Choice Unlimited’s 4th annual fundraising gala, celebrating the talents of people with disabilities and the art they produce. Organizers say the fundraiser helps bring people together. “People get to know people,” said Annie Roseen, Arts…

Sen. Franken Tours Denfeld Techology Department

Senator Addressed Concerns About High-Tech Education

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Senator Al Franken toured the Duluth Denfeld High School’s technology department Tuesday, to see how students here are learning to fill tomorrow’s high tech jobs. The was part of the Senator’s “Advancing Career Pathways Tour” across Minnesota.  America is facing a shortage of high-tech workers, something Sen. Franken wants to see addressed. “We have skills gaps…

Science and Engineering Night at UMD

Event Ran in Conjunction with Men's and Women's Basketball Games

DULUTH, Minn. – Fans at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Romano Gymnasium Saturday were treated to more than basketball. UMD’s Swenson School of Science and Engineering took over Romano’s lobby for an evening of fun and demonstrations. The event helped recognize how similar demands are on engineering students and student-athletes. Organizers say they were most encouraged by how many chidren…

Man Critical After Snowmobile Accident

The Crash Happened on Fish Lake

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is fighting for his life after a snowmobile accident Saturday afternoon. The crash happened on Fish Lake in Duluth.  A 22 year old Duluth man was flown to Essentia Health where he is listed in critical condition. According to investigators, alcohol and speed were factors in the crash. Authorities haven’t released the victim’s identity….

Man Hospitalized After Snowmobile Accident

Crash Happened Friday on Heikkila Lake

EVELETH, Minn. – A 20 year old man is in the hospital after a snowmobile accident Friday night. The crash happened on Heikkila Lake, south of Eveleth. The victim was flown unconscious to Essentia Health in Duluth.  The extent of his injuries aren’t known and authorities are waiting to identify him until the family is notified. Investigators say speed, alcohol,…

Twin Ports Colleges Renew Cross Registration

Students Can Attend Classes at Any of the Three Colleges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports’ trio of four–year colleges renewed their bonds of cooperation Friday. Chancellors from the University of Minnesota Duluth, College of St. Scholastica and Univeristy of Wisconsin-Superior renewed a cross registration agreement between the schools. The program allows students to take courses at any of the other campuses, which gives those students students more options when…

Duluth Community Leaders React to Recent Violence

Six Shootings Happened in City Since Mid-January

DULUTH, Minn. – So far, 2017 is shaping up as a violent year in Duluth. “This is not the norm of what we’ve seen,” said Mayor Emily Larson.  “There’s no question about it.” Despite six shootings in less than a month, Mayor Larson says the recent rash gun violence in Duluth isn’t unique to the city. “I think Duluth is…

Chisholm to Rename Court for McDonald

Legendary Coach Guided Bluestreaks for 53 Years

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Bob McDonald is in a class of his own when it comes to Minnesota Basketball Coaches. “He was here for 53 years, 59 total years of coaching in Minnesota,” said Chisholm Athletic Director Mark Morrison.  “He’s definitely an icon in this state, the only 1,000 win coach we have.” McDonald’s 1,012 wins are a state record, regardless…

New Basketball Award Named for Bob McDonald

Legendary Chisholm Coach Honored by MBCA Following Mr. Basketball Controversy

HIBBING, Minn. – The Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association announced it was naming a new award for legendary Chisholm High School coach Bob McDonald. The Bob McDonald Award will be given to the top senior boys basketball player in Minnesota, replacing the Mr. Basketball Award.  Many coaches sought to distance themselves from Mr. Basketball after award chairman Ken Lien posted racist…

Props Landing Opens in Hayward

New Restaurant Sits on Site of Original Famous Dave's

HAYWARD, Wis. – Props Landing isn’t a Bar–B–Que joint, but the new restaurant at the site of the original Famous Dave’s on Round Lake is open for business. Hayward lost a landmark when Famous Dave’s burned down in late 2014, but the owners of Props Landing hope to start a new tradition. Brian Weidendorf, and his wife Shari bought the…

Duluth ESST Task Force Ready for Next Step

Task Force to Hold Informational Meetings Over the Next Two Months

DULUTH, Minn. – The city’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Task Force is ready for the next step towards its goal of a city ordinance requiring business to provide paid time off for employees. Eight public engagement meetings are scheduled between Feb. 17 and Apr. 19, so members can get feedback from the community. A little less than half of…

Organizers Gear Up for Birkebeiner Weekend

Weather is Becoming a Concern for the 44th Annual Nordic Ski Race

HAYWARD, Wis. – The countdown is on!  The 44th annual American Birkebeiner is only 12 days away. Organizers are hard at work gearing up for North America’s largest nordic ski race.  But weather is a concern. The trails are in great shape, for now but with temperatures above freezing and rain in the forecast, officials are worried this year’s Birkie…

Skate Bowl Opens at The Encounter

Skaters Celebrated the Opening with a Skate Jam

DULUTH, Minn. – The Encounter has a new attraction just for local skaters. A brand new skate bowl opened at the Encouter Friday, and skaters celebrated with a Skate Jam. The new bowl was paid for thanks to a donation by the Common Apparel clothing company, and it’s the only ramp of its kind in the Twin Ports. “To have…

Neighbors Lend a Hand in Time of Need

Family Who Lost Their Home Welcomed by Neighborhood

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Rhonda Manthey was coming home from dinner when she saw fire trucks in her neighborhood. “There was smoke coming out and I couldn’t determine who’s house it was,” said Manthey.  “I came right around and it’s Bob’s house.  Oh my gosh.” Bob is Bob Moniasque, who lived two doors down on Ogden Ave. “Bob cuts our lawn,…

Red Cross Offers Smoke Detector Replacement

Officials Say to Replace Smoke Detectors Every 10 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – With all the fires in the area lately officials remind everyone to make sure their smoke detectors are good to go. The American Red Cross and area fire departments teamed up as part of the Home Fire Campaign, to reduce deaths and injuries by 25%. The problem with most smoke detectors isn’t dead batteries, it’s age.  Smoke…

Boat Club Set to Open at Fitger’s

New Restaurant Replaces Midi on Lower Level

DULUTH, Minn – The newest addition to Duluth’s Fitger’s complex is set to open its doors. The Boat Club officially opens Saturday. They’re serving up fresh Lake Superior fish, seafood, steaks and pasta on the lower level of the Fitger’s mall. Fitger’s is excited to show off the new look. “This is beautiful, it’s a transformation,” says Tami Tanski-Sherman, mall…

Families in Need Get Gift of Transportation

Community Action Duluth Gave Three Cars to Needy Families

DULUTH, Minn. – Families in need got the gift of transportation thanks to Community Action Duluth and local NAPA Autocare Centers who partnered to give three worthy families a new car. The cars weren’t brand new, but thanks to generous donations, Community Action Duluth was able to give Corinthian Rutherford and two other single mothers, cars.  A grateful Rutherford calls…

Flu Cases on Rise in Duluth

Doctors Report Normal Surge in Cases for This Time of Year

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter may be winding down, but flu season is still going strong. Doctors at St. Luke’s in Duluth say they’ve seen an increase in flu cases over the last few weeks, which is normal for this time of year. Flu shots are still available. According to Dr. Andrew Thompson, M.D. of St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Clinic, now…

Lake Superior Surfers Hang Ten

Surfers Hit the Waves for a new Film

DULUTH, Minn. – Surfers were hanging ten on Lake Superior early Wednesday morning. About seven or eight surfers waxed their boards, and hit the water near Stoney Point.  They were there… making a film about winter surfing for an upcoming student film festival. “I just think it’s so interesting, especially in the winter,” said Brad Nordin, one of the filmmakers. …

St. Louis County Closer to Supporting National Forest Mining

Commission Approved Preliminary Resolution 4-3

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County commissioners are one step closer to approving a resolution in favor of copper mining in the Superior National Forest. Commissioners heard arguments both for and against the resolution, which calls on the Trump administration to reverse President Obama’s decision to block copper mining in more than 234,000 acres of the forest. Some, came from…

More People Celebrating Pet Birthdays

Matilda's Bakery in Duluth Specializes in Treats for any Occasion

DULUTH, Minn. – For many, dogs and cats are more than pets, they’re part of the family. More and more pet owners treat their furry friends as such.  Joanne Elliott, owner of Matilda’s Bakery in Duluth is one of those people, and her shop is packed with all kinds of tasty treats.  One of her most popular items is the…

Students Get College Preview at WITC Career Day

More than 400 Students from Nine Schools were on Campus

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College opened its doors to more than 400 high school students From nine Northland schools Tuesday. As part of Career Day, these kids could experience everything WITC has to offer.  From nursing, to early childhood education, to trade programs, students got to work with teachers and current students to find out what WITC is…

Officials Warn of Space Heater Dangers

Caution is Urged When Using Portable Heaters Because of Fire Risks

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire officials are reminding everyone to keep safety in mind this winter. Experts urge caution when using extra an heat source like a space heater.  These portable heaters will keep you warm, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. “If you’re using a space heater, make sure you’re using it in a flat area…

Protesters Oppose Mining in National Forest

Crowd Gathered Outside Congressman Nolan's Office Following Recent Announcement

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of protesters gathered in front of U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s downtown Duluth office Thursday. Earlier in the week, Rep. Nolan coming out in favor of reversing the Obama Administration decision which blocked mining in more than 234,000 acres of the Superior National Forest.  These acres are close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which has…

“Spike the Porcupine” Sees His Shadow

The Lake Superior Zoo Held its Annual Groundhog Day Event

DULUTH, Minn. – While “Punxsutawney Phil” made his predictions in Pennsylvania, Duluth’s unofficial forecaster is “Spike the Porcupine” Porcupines are closely related to groundhogs and every February 2nd, the Lake Superior Zoo coaxes Spike out of his home to take a peek for his shadow. This year’s verdict? “It looks like we’re going to have a long winter because he…

Local Grocery Stores Gearing Up for Super Sunday

Super One and Other Stores Have Options for Your Super Bowl Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Super Bowl 51 is only a couple days away, which leaves you with plenty of time, if you’re still planning your big game party. Super One stores across the Northland are cooking up plenty of eats for Super Sunday.  Meatballs and chicken wings are popular choices, but there are plenty of other options available. “We’re doing party…

United Healthcare to Hire 100 Workers

New Positions Available in Customer Service, Medicaid Enrollment

DULUTH, Minn. – There are new details on those 100 new jobs at United Healthcare in Duluth. Most of the available jobs are customer service positions, working with subscribers over the phone.  The rest are in Medicaid enrollment, working with people from across the country. If you’re a veteran looking for work, good news; United Healthcare wants you! “We’ve got…

Students Stage Protest at UMD

Demonstrations Against Immigration Policies Bring Students, Staff Together

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth students stood united Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policy. “America was founded on the dream of a better future,” said said Azrin Awal, a United States citizen who immigrated from Bengladesh when she was three years old. “The fact that a wall is going up, the fact that there’s a ban now,…

UMD Responds to Trump’s Travel Ban

University is Home to Students from Affected Countries

DULUTH, Minn. – Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order which banned refugees from entering the country for 120 days and immigrants from seven muslim majority countires for three months. While many support the executive order, it also sparked protests both in this country and across the globe. At first “Green Card” holders questioned whether they would be…

Charter School Students Visit Star Lab

Interactive Program Teaches About Stars and Constellations from Native Perspective

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at the Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy learned about stars and constellations from a Native perspective. The Dakota and Ojibwe Language Immersion Program brought its Star Lab, an inflatible, portable planetarium designed to teach the kids how something as simple as looking up at the night sky played such an important role in Native…

Lake Superior Zoo Needs Volunteers

Positions are Available in a Number of Departments

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo needs help for the upcoming season. The zoo is looking for volunteers to help out in the barnyard, teach guests about the animals, even some gardening.  These positions are filled entirely by volunteers, and no experience is necessary. “We will do all the training they need, we just ask that they really like…

Minnesotans Encouraged to Swap Older Stoves

Project Stove Swap Offers Homeowners an Incentive to Replace Wood-Burning Stoves

DULUTH, Minn. – You’ve likely heard of “Cash for Clunkers”; well, there’s now a similar program for wood–burning stoves. Project Stove Swap gives Northern Minnesotans an incentive to replace their older, inefficient wood–burning stoves with a newer more environmentally friendly model. The project is a partnership between Minnesota Power and the non–profit Environmental Initiative.  Organizers say swapping out an old…

Trio Charged in Duluth Drug Bust

Suspects Were Arrested Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Three of the four people arrested in Wednesday’s drug bust in Duluth Were charged Friday. 37 year old Courtney Prude and 25 year old Antonio Johnson of Illinois, as well as 43 year old Joanne Smith of Duluth face felony drug charges. The trio were arrested Wednesday in the 400 block of Mesaba Ave. after a police…

MNSure Enrollment Extension

Minnesotans Have Until Feb. 8th to Buy Health Insurance

ST. PAUL, Minn. – There’s good news for Minnesotans who need health insurance. MNSure, the state–run insurance exchange announced a special one–week enrollment period. This extension gives Minnesotans extra time to take advantage of a new law which provides relief from rising premiums. The current enrollment now runs through February 8th, instead of January 31st.  All state residents are eligible,…

Duluth Shooting Update

17 Year Old Victim Remains Hospitalized

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s new information in Thursday’s shooting in Duluth. Police tell FOX 21, the victim, a 17–year–old male, is still in the hospital, though his injuries aren’t considered serious. The hospital actually called police after the victim checked in to the emergency room with a gunshot wound. Later, a crime scene was set up at an apartment at…

Barker’s Island Readies for Ice Festival

Festival Opens Friday with Events Planned for the Whole Family

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is ready for another Lake Superior Ice Festival. “The community has really pulled together,” said Linda Cadotte; Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director for the City of Superior.  “Non–profits, businesses, partners, to put on a festival to showcase the coolest aspects of our region and have something for everybody.” Unlike the past couple of years, which centered…

Irving Community Club Makes Donation

Club Donated Over $85,000 to Local Non-Profits, Police

DULUTH, Minn. – The Irving Community Club continued its tradition of giving back to the community Wednesday. The club donated more than $85,000 to non–profits and police. Among the donations, $60,000 to Valley Youth Centers for a new teen building, and $15,000 each to the Duluth Police Department’s K–9 unit and to the West Duluth Little League. The club raises…

Two Harbors Ready for Another Beargrease

Local Businesses Look Forward to Annual Boom from Sled-Dog Race

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Already a popular winter destination, this week there’s a little more excitement in the air in Two Harbors. “It’s exciting because it brings businesses some more business, it brings in people,” said Marsha Snowdon.  “It’s exciting to see all the mushers.” The week of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon also means booming business for Snowdon,…

Ice Rescue in Ashland

This is the Second Incident on Chequamegon Bay in Less Than a Month

ASHLAND, Wis. – A scary situation Friday night as car went through the ice on Chequamegon Bay. The Ashland Fire Department was called in to make the rescue shortly after 6:30 p.m. Friday. The driver was not from the area and drove over an area that was once an ore dock.  Most know that ice conditions near the dock raise…

Police Respond to Shooting in Duluth

Three Suspects Were Detained for Questioning

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to a shooting Saturday evening. The shooting happened at the Lake Superior Bottle Shop on the corner of 1st Avenue East and 1st Street. A 28 year old man was taken to a local hospital with undisclosed injuries.  Three suspects were detained and questioned in connection with the shooting. An investigation is continuing. Categories:…