Author: Haydee Clotter

Knowing Your Neighbors: The Gilby’s Acre

For one couple in Cloquet, team work makes their dream work through baking and making rugs.

CLOQUET, Minn. – For one couple in Cloquet, team work makes their dream work. They’ve turned their passion of baking and making handmade rugs into their purpose. After being downsized from a job Carolyn Warner Gilbertson found herself asking a question. “What can i do well that i can’t get fired from?” It sparked a lightbulb. “I started making cookies…

Community Connect Offering Services to Help People Experiencing Homelessness

The Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes also helped organize this year's event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year community connect helps people experiencing homelessness or poverty. The Damiano Center in Duluth was a one–stop shop for free resources like flu shots, free id’s, birth certificates and winter gear. Damiano staff say this can make a big difference for anyone dealing with homelessness. “It’s pretty incredibly for them to get them all in one place;…

St. Luke’s Northland Pharmacy Adds Medication Drop-Off Box

This Saturday the Public Safety Building will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m and accepting old medication for people to dispose of properly.

DULUTH, Minn. – National Prescription Drug Take Back day is this Saturday and several locations across the Northland are adding medication drop off boxes including Two Harbors and Duluth. One of the newest drop off boxes is located inside the St. Luke’s Northland Pharmacy. St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department, Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital are…

Essentia Health Receives Level 1 Trauma Verification

It's the Regions First and Only Hospital to Receive the Verification

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health-Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth is in a class of its own. It’s the first and only hospital in the region to receive verification as a Level I adult trauma center. Essentia Health is now one of 134 adult trauma centers in the country. The journey to earn this verification has taken six years, but…

Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat Keeps Evolving for Veterans and Their Families

As it grows the hope is to make it a popular destination for veterans and their families.

DANBURY, Wisc.- The Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat (DOVR) was created to give veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The retreat officially opened a few years ago and with the help of the Dairyland community it continues to make progress. The DOVR is about two years old and as it grows the hope is to make it…

Spartan Wellness Center Opens at Superior High School

The center will be open to students and athletes as part of their curriculum.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new weight room is now open at Superior High School. It’s one of many projects made possible after a district wide $92 million referendum passed in 2016. The Essentia Spartan Wellness Center has brand new weights for students to channel their inner Spartan. The space was once three classrooms before it became the Wellness Center. It…

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cleaning Up Minnesota Slip

DULUTH, Minn. – An update tonight on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It’s one of the largest projects of its kind and the goal is to clean up pollution in the St. Louis River. This multi-partner project includes the state, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the city of Duluth. These type of projects provide multiple benefits, like taking care of…

15th Annual Energy Awareness Expo

Guests could also apply for energy assistance and sign up for weatherization.

DULUTH, Minn. – As we’re entering the winter season the 15th Annual Energy Awareness Expo is helping customers prepare. The event is at the Salvation Army in Duluth where Northlander’s can learn about different resources in the community to help cut costs when it comes to energy use. “In terms of heating, now that it’s cold time of year, just making sure that…

Duluth NAACP Speaks Out After Council Riot Gear Vote

The Duluth City Council voted 6–2 to allow the purchase of riot gear for the police department on Monday night

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted 6–2 to allow the purchase of riot gear for the police department, and now some organizations are speaking out. Some members of the Duluth Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) say they are frustrated with the process, and what they see as the city’s lack of including…

KYN: Wings ‘n Willows Art Gallery and Custom Framing

Owner Linda Budrow specializes in custom framing and can frame just about anything.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids is home to an art gallery shop that can also take a piece of art to the next level with its custom framing. Wings ‘n Willows Art Gallery and Custom Framing is nestled in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. “We do custom framing,” said Owner Linda Burdow. “We sell a lot of local…

Lake Superior Zoo Receives Large Donation for Bear Country Exhibit

The construction phase for Bear Country will take about six to eight months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Next year Lake Superior Zoo hopes to open a new Bear Country Exhibit, and after a large donation from Irving Community Club, it’s now one step closer to that goal. Lions, tigers and soon to be bears oh my! Lake Superior Zoo employees tell me they want to make Bear Country a signature exhibit. “This is about trying…

Newspaper Starting Up In Cloquet: Pine Knot News

The weekly paper will have local news focused on northern Carlton County.

CLOQUET, Minn. – A new newspaper is starting up in the Northland. Pine Knot News is the third newspaper is moving into a historic office in Cloquet. Pine Knot News is paying tribute to an old town paper, which was called “The Pine Knot” by using its name. The weekly paper will have local news focused on northern Carlton County….

Last Minute Pumpkin Picking

CLOQUET, Minn. – Pumpkin vendors around town tell us sales are steady this season, and those looking to do last minute pumpkin shopping still have time. Staff with DC Best Produce tell us customers are stopping by to pick up their pumpkin just in time for Halloween. They say even adults look forward to pumpkin picking, but the kids enjoy it the…

Cloquet Public Library Plans To Expand

The library is 12,000 square feet and an expansion would add 7,000 more, that would expand the children's area and meeting spaces and create a new space for youth.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Exciting things may be happening at the Cloquet Public Library if a million dollar grant is approved. The plans for expansion is something that began a few years ago after a study revealed there was a need for more space. Staff tell us the Cloquet Public Library is usually full of people every day, and new programs at…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Hearing On Proposed Natural Gas Plant

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) heard arguments from both sides regarding a natural gas power plant in Superior. Minnesota Power believes it’s the right time to build the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). No final decision is expected for a while, but that didn’t stop people from showing up to learn more about where this project stands….

Experts Not Ready to Call Polio-like Illness An Epidemic Yet

AFM is a polio-like disease with seven cases in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local health experts say Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is not considered an epidemic just yet. AFM is a polio-like disease with seven cases in Minnesota. The illnesses cause paralysis or limited mobility in children. Doctors from St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth say following steps like hand washing and staying home when you’re sick can help with prevention….

Protesters Demand Answers From Itasca County Officials On Spending of Taxpayer Funds

The protesters want answers from the Sheriff's Office and other county officials on how taxpayer money is being spent.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Protesters in Grand Rapids are calling out Itasca County on what they believe to be the misuse of funds. The protesters want answers from the Sheriff’s Office and other county officials on how taxpayer money is being spent. Dozens of protesters were in front of the Itasca County Courthouse braving the cold to get their point…

Duluth’s Downtown Holiday Center Welcomes New Tenants

There's been a $20 million investment into the Holiday Center within the last 15 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Holiday Center Market in downtown Duluth is on its way to full capacity as several new businesses are moving in. With more food and entertainment options, you’ll now have even more reasons to stop by and shop there. In November 2019, Townsquare Media will be home to four radio stations including B105, Mix 108, Sasquatch 106.5…

Superior City Councilors Make A Push To Hire More Firefighters

The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey want to fund three new firefighter positions to the department. They say it’s all about safety and restoring positions cut in past budgets. The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year, according to Mayor Jim Paine. Councilor Fennessey tells us a majority of the funding, $173,000 would come from the Oil Pipeline Terminal Tax…

UMD Plans Expansion With New Dorms and Dining Facilities

The facilities will be paid for with internal funding and a loan from the University of Minnesota system and not state funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has plans to build a new residence hall and dining facility. The school currently doesn’t have the space for all students who want to live on campus. Now they’re planning to build a $59 million dorm and dining facility to fill that void. The facilities will be paid for with internal…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission To Decide Fate of Proposed Gas Plant

This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power announced plans to build a $700 million natural gas plant in Superior just last year. This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant. But, not everyone is on board. A…

New Improvements at Ely Peak Trail

With these improvements, DAHTA hopes new members will get involved.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation is celebrating the completion of the Ely Peak Trail in the Magney Snively Natural Area. It’s a frequent hot spot for equestrians with the Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance (DAHTA). One of the upgrades includes a $240,000 investment to harden the trails for the horses. DAHTA hopes to further develop…

North End Days Celebration In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is getting ready for a good time. Friday kicks off North End Days. It’s two days full of fun, music and food. It starts with the Goin’ Postal Art and Music Festival and a drive-thru movie screening of Monster’s, Inc. It all leads up to the Spooktacular Parade on Saturday and other Halloween themed activities. Kids can…

UMD Inspired Electric Bus Rolls Onto Campus

Students ride for free as long as they show a student ID and school employees pay a small fee for the year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA)  recently added seven electric buses to its routes, and one of those buses will be seen around University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) giving rides and helping protect the environment. It took a few years for an electric bus displaying Bulldog pride to roll onto the UMD campus, but staff say its perfect timing….

Carlton County Historical Society Commemorates 1918 Fire

Events are planned through December to remember the 1918 Fire.

CLOQUET, Minn. – For six years the Carlton County Historical Society has had meetings once a month to plan activities for the 100th anniversary of the historic 1918 Fire that killed 450 people in northern Minnesota. The devastating  fire happened on Oct. 12, 1918. But, the society has been remembering those events all year long with different exhibits and selling books…

UMD Shows Support for National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is also a chance to inspire others to find their voice and speak their truth.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day and University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is showing its support to the LGBTQ community. It was a packed house at the Kirby Ballroom on campus as guests heard from speakers and were treated to a moving dance performance. Event organizers say the major goal is to create a…

All That Jazz! Tri-State Jazz Festival

Staff say they believe this festival may help encourage students to pursue their education in music at UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – High school students from across the Northland have an opportunity to learn and play with the best during the Tri-State Jazz Band Festival at University of Wisconson-Superior (UWS). Students spent the day rehearsing for a joint concert tonight with the UWS jazz band. The concert is at the Thorpe Langley Auditorium at UWS. Each year talented students…

City Conducts Snow Plow Training

About 50 to 70 employees participated in the two-day training.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the chance of snow quickly approaching the City of Duluth is planning ahead. On Wednesday, city workers took part in snow plow training at Wade Stadium. The course is set up to simulate what they’ll encounter as they try to clear snow off the streets. “Men and women have driven these trucks in the summertime, but…

Minnesota Power Working to Restore Outages

The Minnesota Power app updates the outage map every five minutes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since Tuesday night crews with Minnesota Power have been working to restore some of the power outages that have affected thousands of customers across the Northland. Gary New Duluth and West Duluth are some of the hard hit areas, because two of the main feeders are locked out. Additional crews from surrounding areas were called in to…

Brighton Beach Temporarily Closed

At this time it's not known when Brighton Beach will officially reopen.

DULUTH, Minn. – This morning the City of Duluth announced Brighton Beach will temporarily close because of the storm. Yet, that didn’t keep people away from the area. Many tourists are braving the cold and harsh winds. Some told us they want to soak it all in and share what they see with their family back home. “It’s a Great…

Storm May Delay Lakewalk Restoration

Project supervisors say the area is just too dangerous for that restoration to stay on schedule.

DULUTH, Minn. – Strong winds and big waves crashing is how you can describe what’s happening at the Lakewalk in Duluth from all of this heavy rain. It’s cold, windy and the rain is still pouring down, just look at the waves coming in. Staff at Fitger’s say they don’t usually experience heavy flood damage thanks to their location, but they know…

Workers Protest Cloquet Housing Project’s Choice of Contractors

You couldn't miss them with their signs and this big inflatable rat that represents non-union contractors.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Members of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council were also at the groundbreaking for White Pine Apartments. They were there to protest how they believe the Cloquet Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) hired contractors from out of state instead of choosing local workers. You couldn’t miss them with their signs and this big inflatable rat that…

New Affordable Housing Development Underway In Cloquet

City officials believe the 35-unit property will help fill the housing gap in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)  says it’s stepping out of the box with its latest project. A new housing development is coming to Cloquet after a study revealed the need for 80 new affordable housing units. The Cloquet HRA approached this project with the mindset of if not us then who to provide affordable housing…

Firefighters Spread Awareness During Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13.

CLOQUET, Minn. – This is Fire Prevention Week across the country, but the Cloquet Area Fire District is using the entire month of October to spread fire prevention awareness instead of just a week. Throughout the month members of the fire department are making their way to area schools to talk about fire safety. On Tuesday, the Cloquet Area Fire District…

St. Louis County Hosts Foster Family Open House

There are more than 700 children in out of home placement in St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn. – There are more than 700 children in out of home placement in St. Louis County. That’s why, “Find Foster Families Day” in Minnesota is so important. “First and foremost, it’s rewarding to the children coming into care,” said South St. Louis County Foster Care Licensor Hannah Checketts. “But, it’s also rewarding to families that are meeting the…

Next Phase of Lakewalk Restoration Begins

A part of the Lakewalk already has asphalt pavement collapsing, which is a concern, so the city is rushing this project just in case another storm comes.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday one of Duluth’s most popular tourist attractions is starting a new phase for repairs. It was almost a year ago when a massive storm hit the Duluth Lakewalk Trail and caused significant damage. The City of Duluth is behind the reconstruction process to repair this key asset to the city and the region. A part…

Duluth Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The City of Duluth proclaimed Oct. 8, 2018, as Indigenous Peoples' Day back in 2005.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Columbus Day, which has been recognized as a national holiday for more than 80 years. But the City of Duluth and other cities across the country celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This was the scene at Duluth City Hall. City leaders, and advocates saying they believe Columbus Day honors a man who caused harm to Native Americans. Part of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is…

Two Harbors High School Cancels Homecoming Court

A parent told us the rumor is homecoming court is cancelled this year because of "societal values."

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – During Homecoming Week at Two Harbors High School students and staff go all out. Thursday is Agate Day and people are decked out in their maroon. The homecoming dance and big game are still on for Friday night and the cheers and the beat of the drums could be heard from students at the Pep Fest. But,…

Fall Colors Brings In Business Boom

Last year Betty's Pies saw a big boost in traffic late into October and hopes are high for the same this year.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Many tourists are making their way to the North Shore in search of views of the fall colors. It also means phones are ringing off the hook and local hot spots like Betty’s Pies are seeing a constant flow of customers. Workers tell us once the Fall Colors are in the 50 percent range business starts…

Duluth Area Schools Receive Funding for Campus Safety Improvements

The MDE awarded schools in Minnesota $25 million to improve campus school security.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is investing millions of dollars to make schools safer. Ninety Minnesota public and charter school districts were awarded safety grants to help improve campus security. The funds will make safety improvements available at 123 building sites across the state, including 14 schools within the Duluth School District. The MDE awarded schools in…

Survey Reveals Duluth’s Growing Economic Impact From Industrial Jobs

Industry jobs contributed almost $4 billion to the local economy and provided nearly 10,000 jobs in 2016.

DULUTH, Minn. – The industrial sector of the Northland continues to have a big impact on the area economy and a recent survey shows just how important that impact is. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority initiated the survey along with the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City.” The survey is called “Foundations For Growth Shaping Duluth’s Industrial Economy.” One key finding…

Gubernatiorial Candidate Tim Walz Visits Duluth, Focused On Future of Healthcare

Walz is running against Republican Jeff Johnson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tim Walz, the Democratic Gubernatorial candidate for Minnesota Governor made a stop in Duluth on Wednesday. He was at Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse to have a discussion on the future of healthcare in Minnesota. Walz sat with a registered nurse, a first medical student and Rep. Jennifer Schultz  (MN-7A). He says Minnesota is better positioned than any other…

PAVSA Shares Impact of Senate Confirmation Hearings On Survivors

Experts say each survivor has their own pathway to healing and it may take years for that person to speak up because of fear and confusion.

DULUTH, Minn. – More and more survivors of sexual violence are learning to find their voice after watching testimony during nomination hearings from Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. In Duluth many people are reaching out to the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA). PAVSA staff tell us they’ve been busy with new people wanting to talk and…

Holiday Center Market Experiment Now Open

The Holiday Center Market is open until Dec.18 every Tuesday from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Downtown Farmers’ Market in Duluth is doing an experiment. As the winter season approaches the market is now moving indoors. Tuesday was the introduction to the Holiday Center Market. The plan is to have a variety of vendors each week. From cooking demonstrations to fresh produce, your options are on a wide scale. It’s a way…

Superior Kicks Off Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In 2017, the Douglas County Sheriff's Department and Superior Police received almost 500 domestic violence related calls and CASDA answered almost 2,000 help line calls.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) is sharing its message of nonviolence. In 2017, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department and Superior Police received nearly 500 domestic violence related calls and CASDA answered almost 2,000 help line calls. The latest Domestic Violence Homicide Report says 62 people died in Wisconsin alone,…

University Nursery School Expanding With New Location

The University Nursery School St. Marie location will close due to the expansion.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University Nursery School system in Duluth is expanding its daycare services. The nursery started almost 50 years ago and by Jan. 2, 2019, the center will expand with a new Jefferson Square location, which opened up about 60 new spots for those seeking daycare services. “Our new infant program will serve anywhere from 48-60 infants, which will be…

Duluth Grill Named Best Breakfast in the State

One reason Duluth Grill was recognized was for its Smoke Salmon Hash.

DULUTH, Minn. – Not many restaurants in the Northland can say they have the title of being one of the best breakfast restaurants in the state of Minnesota. But Duluth Grill received that honor from People Magazine.” Staff say it’s a team effort and it also has a lot to do with loyal customers. One reason Duluth Grill was recognized was…

Free Menstrual Supplies Machines Installed In UMD Restrooms

The free menstrual supplies are convenient for students during an emergency of if they don't have the money to purchase the products.

DULUTH, Minn. -Organizations at the University of Minnesota Duluth are collaborating to make getting menstrual products free and convenient for all. Last spring students at UMD wanted the Student Association to act on an idea. The idea that restrooms on campus would be equipped with free menstrual products. By the fall, that idea picked up steam. Now there are more…