Author: Jane Kim

Taste of Greece This Weekend

Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church is hosting Taste of Greece this Saturday where they will be serving up Greek food for takeout from noon to 5 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church is hosting Taste of Greece this Saturday along with the next one where they will be serving up Greek food for takeout from noon to 5 p.m. The church, located 632 E 2nd St, will have gyros, big greek salads and pastries including Baklava. “We’re going to be doing everything as…

Wrenshall School District Changes Plans for Younger Students

"Coming back to school, learning about what school is about. It’s just really important to able to be in person."

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Earlier this week, the Wrenshall School District announced students would not be returning to in-person classes until November 9th after a high number of staff and students felt sick with COVID-19 symptoms. But now, there’s been a change in plans and some students are returning to in-person learning much sooner. The Wrenshall School District had been doing…

Duluth Resident Hosts Concerts In Backyard

One local Duluth resident is hosting backyard concerts for her friends.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local Duluth resident is hosting backyard concerts for her friends. Wendy Ruhnke started hosting these concerts because she doesn’t watch television and she enjoys live music. She initially invited ten friends to partake in the concerts but after the guidelines changed, she increased the number. She says people have shown her much support to host the…

Great Pumpkin Train to be Held This Year

One annual fall tradition is not going to be canceled this year to the delight of locals and visitors.

DULUTH, Minn. – One annual fall tradition is not going to be canceled this year to the delight of locals and visitors. The Great Pumpkin Train through the North Shore Scenic railroad will still take place this year from October 15th to the 18th. Special accommodations will be in place to reduce capacity so there is a little extra space…

Halloween Precautions Due to COVID

With all these new recommendations from the CDC, does this mean this is the end of the Halloween celebrations? Health departments from both St. Louis County and Douglas County say not yet. 

NORTHLAND – The CDC recently released a set of guidelines concerning Halloween calling more toned down celebrations with fewer people while having more socially-distanced forms of trick-or-treating. With all these new recommendations from the CDC, does this mean this is the end of the Halloween celebrations? Health departments from both St. Louis County and Douglas County say not yet. Douglas…

Lake Superior Zoo Preschool Opens

The Lake Superior Zoo's Preschool is now open.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo’s Preschool is now open. The program, open to children from ages three to five, focuses on nature play along with the animals all around the zoo. Children at the zoo are also encouraged to practice conservation activities at an early age like recycling and turning the lights off when they leave a room….

St. Louis County Partners with Minnesota Organization to Deconstruct Properties in Duluth

St. Louis County has partnered with one Minnesota organization to help deconstruct tax-forfeited and blighted properties in the Duluth area. 

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has partnered with one Minnesota organization to help deconstruct tax-forfeited and blighted properties in the Duluth area. They are not only helping the environment but are also providing opportunities for those who need it. St. Louis County, along with Better Futures Minnesota, is working to deconstruct several properties in Duluth. The process will remove…

BoomTown to Open in Northland in 2021

The owners of BoomTown Woodfire Bar and Grill on the Iron Range will be setting up shop next year in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The owners of BoomTown Woodfire Bar and Grill on the Iron Range will be setting up shop next year in Duluth. The plans are in the works to open at the old Sunset Bar and Grill on Martin Road in January of 2021. The co-owners had purchased the bar and grill with the hopes of opening in…

Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open in Northland

The Duluth area will soon be getting its first medical cannabis dispensary.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth area will soon be getting its first medical cannabis dispensary. Vireo Health of Minnesota has four existing retail locations in Minnesota and will soon be adding a fifth in Hermantown. The locations will go by the name “Green Goods” on the 4900 block of Miller Trunk Highway. Management says they feel the store is very…

Duluth Woman Wins International Singing Competition

One singer based in the Northland recently won an international competition through an app called Uplive, which is a broadcasting streaming app.

DULUTH, Minn. – One singer based in the Northland recently won an international competition through an app called Uplive, which is a broadcasting streaming app. It isn’t only Etta James who’s saying “At Last.” After a long journey, Duluth resident Zandra Tan who is also known by her stage name “Zandystorm” has finally, “at last,” won the first annual Singing…

Photographers Stay Busy During Pandemic

Maurissa McNellis added that she and the other photographers on her team all wear masks and stay distanced from customers during the shoots. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Some photography businesses are doing well during the pandemic, as it’s easy to stay socially distanced from their subjects. A Twin Cities-based business called Mind of Mo Photography held mini sessions today at Brighton Beach that were affordably priced. The business owner says she’s seen more customers signing up for sessions lately, adding that September has been…

Aqua Affair in the Garden Takes Place at Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium found a new way to hold their annual fundraiser during the pandemic today.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium found a new way to hold its annual fundraiser during the pandemic today. Aqua Affair in the Garden took place on the outdoor space of the aquarium due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks were encouraged at the free event and there was a limit of one household per table, which were all cleaned and…

Cruise for Cancer Takes off in the Northland

Today, gearheads and their rides from all over the Northland came together to raise money for those affected by cancer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, gearheads and their rides from all over the Northland came together to raise money for those affected by cancer. Cruise for Cancer is an event where participants pay a certain amount of money in the morning and go on a day-long scavenger hunt around 64 spots across the Northland. Every year 100% of the proceeds go…

Cause for the Paws 5K Kicks Off

Who let the dogs out? The Humane Society of Douglas County did today at their annual 5k walk and run in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Who let the dogs out? The Humane Society of Douglas County did today at their annual 5k walk and run in Superior. Even the coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stop some of the Northland’s furry friends from getting out and getting active for the 22nd annual 5k walk/run hosted by the Humane Society of Douglas County. “It’s kind of…

Superior Cluster Brings in Participants Despite Pandemic

As the pandemic continues, it still hasn't stopped one local dog show from happening in Superior albeit with some new protocols in place.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the pandemic continues, it still hasn’t stopped one local dog show from happening in Superior albeit with some new protocols in place. The Superior Cluster is bringing in people from all over the country to participate in its dog show happening all weekend at the Head of the Lakes fairgrounds. “I just think that when they’re…

Pumpkin Season Is Finally Here

As the air is feeling crisper, pumpkin season is finally here.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the air is feeling crisper, pumpkin season is finally here. DC’s Best Produce’s pumpkin patch on Central entrance is selling a variety of pumpkins, from jack o’ lanterns to white ghost pumpkins along with corn stalks and squash. One worker we talked to said it’s nice to be able to provide pumpkins, especially during the pandemic….

Shipping Season Update: Slow-Down in August

After a strong start to the summer, the port of Duluth-Superior experienced a slow-down in August.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a strong start to the summer, the port of Duluth-Superior experienced a slow-down in August. When compared to 2019, the total amounts of tonnage was down by 31%, specifically with dips in coal and iron. The pandemic also negatively impacted industrial facilities and reduced demand for electricity and steel. However, there were some bright spots in…

Mural Painted at Armory

Local artists are now contributing to a mural at the historic Duluth Armory.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local artists are now contributing to a mural at the historic Duluth Armory. The main portion is being painted by local artist and writer Ed Newman. The mural is inspired by a performance by Buddy Holly in Duluth in 1959 at the historic site and what makes the performance so unique is that Duluth native Bob Dylan…

Lake Superior Zoo Hosts Event During Pandemic

Boo at the Zoo. A family-friendly event that celebrates animals and families alike during the fall season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Boo at the Zoo. A family-friendly event that celebrates animals and families alike during the fall season. The event is held over two weekends and only one day per weekend. However, this year, Boo at the Zoo will be over three weekends, switching it to both Saturday and Sunday so six total days, and now there will…

City of Duluth Employee Celebrates 50 Years on the Job

An employee with the City of Duluth is being honored today after working for the city for 50 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – An employee with the City of Duluth is being honored today after working for the city for 50 years. Robert Asleson is the assistant city attorney for the city and has been working there since the early 1970s. He says he’s worked under seven mayors over the years and has worked on projects including the origination of…

North Shore Leaves Change For the Fall

From yellow and orange to red, leaves are slowly changing colors and people from all over are visiting the views the North Shore has to offer.

NORTH SHORE – From yellow and orange to red, leaves are slowly changing colors and people from all over are visiting the views the North Shore has to offer. Right now, the colors are starting to pop near Finland. We caught up with a few out-of-towners who say they love this part of Minnesota, especially during the fall. “This is…

Bakery Lends a Hand to Those In Need

One local bakery is providing free lunch kits for those in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local bakery is providing free lunch kits for those in need. Positively 3rd Street Bakery is giving back to the community by providing school lunch aid kits. As parents are having to make more meals with their kids staying at home for distance learning, some may feel the burden of having to provide extra food. The…

Denfeld Day Treatment Center Reopens

One local treatment center has reopened for the benefit of students.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local treatment center has reopened for the benefit of students. The Denfeld Day Treatment Center, located on Grand Avenue across the street from Denfeld High School, has seven open spots for students to participate in, specifically for those struggling with mental health. Sessions include two hours of social skills where students learn about things like confidence,…

Dumpster Turns Into Art

One local organization has turned an ordinary street item into a piece of art.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization has turned an ordinary street item into a piece of art. The Duluth Street Art Initiative has painted on Canal Park dumpster into a black and red Buffalo Plaid. The dumpster is located behind Duluth Pack on Canal Park Drive. The purpose of the project is to bring art into more public spaces. “It’s…

One Local Group Opposes Duluth School District’s Current Plans

With the first week of school coming to a close in Duluth, one local group of parents and students is advocating for a different model of learning, and is pushing back against the district's current standards. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With the first week of school coming to a close in Duluth, one local group of parents and students is advocating for a different model of learning, and is pushing back against the district’s current standards. With over 800 members, Kids FIRST! 709 is made up of both parents and students who are asking the district to…

Sky Harbor Airport Runway Project Completed

It's been a long 14 years in the making, but the Sky Harbor Airport runway realignment and environmental mitigation project has finally taken off.

DULUTH, Minn. – The process started all the way back in 2006 when the licensure for the airport was in jeopardy because of the old growth forest was influencing the flight approach to the runway. It’s been a long 14 years in the making, but the Sky Harbor Airport runway realignment and environmental mitigation project has finally taken off. “It’s…

Dino Hunt Begins at Glensheen

Two organizations have partnered together to start the great Dino Hunt for kids.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two organizations have partnered together to start the great Dino Hunt for kids. Glensheen Mansion and Duluth’s Children’s Museum have teamed up to celebrate the museum’s new dinosaurs exhibit called “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice.” During September, Dinosaurs will be hiding throughout Glensheen and guests have the opportunity to try and find all 15 dinosaurs. “Kids…

World Suicide Prevention Day Brings Awareness

According to the World Health Organization, about 800,000 people die every year to suicide.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the World Health Organization, about 800,000 people die every year to suicide. And now those statistics are taking center stage across the globe as it’s World Suicide Prevention Day. One local expert we spoke to says there has been an increase in social media awareness, which has helped raise awareness in general. She also emphasizes…

New Apartment Complex Coming to Hermantown

One local developer has begun work on an apartment project in Hermantown, which is set to open in 2021.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local developer has begun work on an apartment project in Hermantown, which is set to open in 2021. P&R Companies of Duluth has begun building a facility with 149 units at the corner of Ugstad Road and Highway 53. They will have a wide range of apartments, from studio to three bedrooms and some of the…

COVID Case Discovered at Esko High School

As schools continue to open across the Northland, we are learning one school has had a student test positive for the coronavirus.

ESKO, Minn. – As schools continue to open across the Northland, we are learning one school has had a student test positive for the coronavirus. Esko had its first day of school on Tuesday and with it, came the news that a student at the secondary school has tested positive for coronavirus. Esko schools were still open Wednesday and the…

Democrats Respond to Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit

As the Trump campaign continues to ramp up across Minnesota, local DFL leaders are responding.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Trump campaign continues to ramp up across Minnesota, local DFL leaders are responding. Earlier today, they held a virtual conference to address Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to the Northland. With the frequent number of visits by the Trump campaign to Duluth, they expressed concerns over President Trump’s leadership when it comes to a variety of…

CSS Students Start Class

Over at St. Scholastica, students also started their in-person, virtual and hybrid classes today.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over at St. Scholastica, students also started their in-person, virtual and hybrid classes today. Students on campus say it’s great to be there because they have the opportunity to connect with faculty and other students face to face. “It’s super exciting,” said Julia Moder, a sophomore at CSS. “I live in Superior right now so it’s been…

UMD Senior Moves Back Home

One student we spoke to decided to move back home to the Iron Range for her last year on campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – One student we spoke to decided to move back home to the Iron Range for her last year on campus. Senior Lynda Williams is an education major and because all of her classes were online, she decided to move back home to Virginia. She says that not only did she save money through the move, it is…

Hermantown High School Starts Hybrid Learning

From distance learning to starting in-person classes, Hermantown High School has landed on a hybrid model for students as they opened their doors for the first time. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Schools all across the Northland have prepared extensively for the new year. From distance learning to starting in-person classes, Hermantown High School has landed on a hybrid model for students as they opened their doors for the first time. Half of the students entered classrooms today, being in the gold group. The other half, the blue group,…

Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Held Virtually

Labor Day weekend is also traditionally the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival and while it wasn't in person this year because of the pandemic, celebrations did happen virtually.

DULUTH, Minn. – Labor Day weekend is also traditionally the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival and while it wasn’t in person this year because of the pandemic, celebrations did happen virtually. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, Superior Mayor Jim Paine and even Minnesota Senator Tina Smith were among the politicians who recorded messages of acceptance and inclusivity that were posted on Pride’s Facebook…

People Spend Time Outdoors on Labor Day

Whether it was hopping on bikes, hitting the tennis courts, or simply enjoying the weather, families and friends came together to spend some quality time this Labor Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it was hopping on bikes, hitting the tennis courts, or simply enjoying the weather, families and friends came together to spend some quality time this Labor Day. Some families tell us that they went outside to take advantage of the weather, especially since school is just around the corner for some. “School’s coming up, it’s starting…

Lyft and Taxi Drivers Face the Pandemic

Transportation has changed dramatically because of the pandemic, and this doesn't exclude ride-sharing apps like Lyft and taxi companies. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Transportation has changed dramatically because of the pandemic, and this doesn’t exclude ride-sharing apps like Lyft and taxi companies. From one destination to the next, the way people have traveled has changed in light of the pandemic. Kyle Arndt is one local Lyft driver who has been driving in the Duluth area for his part-time job. He…

DECC Gets Ready For Donald Trump Jr. Visit

The president's son Donald Trump Jr. is coming to the DECC next Wednesday for a "Make America Great Again" event.

DULUTH, Minn. – The president’s son Donald Trump Jr. is coming to the DECC next Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. The facility is preparing to make sure everyone is safe while attending the event. The DECC will allow a maximum of 250 people inside the building including campaign staff and people participating in the vent. Masks will…

UMD Freshman Reacts to Delays with Move-in

Colleges are implementing different procedures to establish safety and freshmen are responding with their thoughts.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges are implementing different procedures to establish safety and freshmen are responding with their thoughts. At UMD, students’ move-in day has been pushed back two weeks from the original date until September 9th. Some freshmen expressed frustration over the inability to move in on time. One student from the Twin Cities said he wished he could have…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Launches Fudge For Troops

The Duluth branches of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are now working to make sure troops have some sweet treats overseas.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth branches of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are now working to make sure troops have some sweet treats overseas. Both the Canal Park and Miller Hill Mall locations are doing a match donation. For every pound of fudge purchased, one pound of fudge will be sent overseas to troops. Workers say it’s rewarding to be…

School Bus Preparations For School Year

With school getting underway around the area, bus drivers are focusing on the safety of their young riders.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With school getting underway around the area, bus drivers are focusing on the safety of their young riders. As the start of the school year arrives, bus drivers are ready to see students on board once again. “People are excited to get back to work,” said Dean Wargin, the transportation director of Hermantown schools. “Excited to see…

Senator Klobuchar, Mayor Larson Speak in Support of U.S. Postal Service

As controversy continues to swirl around the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson today to show their support for postal workers during a press conference. 

DULUTH, Minn. – As controversy continues to swirl around the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson today to show their support for postal workers during a press conference. In recent months, some changes have slowly popped up at post offices across the country, including cuts to retail hours along with the removal of…

Organization Helps With Making Friends

One Minnesota organization has a new Duluth branch to help people make relationships.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Minnesota organization has a new Duluth branch to help people make relationships. Bridging Hearts is a group that helps those with developmental disabilities or autism to make friends. The Duluth Branch’s first meeting was this past Saturday. Teresa Johnson is the director of the new branch and her own daughter has made friends through the organization….

Parks Department Offering Many Fall Programs

Fall is just around the corner, and the City of Duluth Parks Department is providing ways for residents to enjoy the outdoors.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall is just around the corner, and the City of Duluth Parks Department is providing ways for residents to enjoy the outdoors. There are a variety of options for people to take part in, including an outdoor dance class at Bayfront Festival Park, guided tours, lawn games at Wade Stadium, and a women’s hiking group. Organizers say…

COVID Impacts: Dorm Life Changes

Dorm life has transformed because of the pandemic, and students are having to adjust to the differences.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dorm life has transformed because of the pandemic, and students are having to adjust to the differences. One UWS hall manager says there are different protocols implemented at the school to stay safe. Every piece of furniture has been socially distanced in the residence hall while all of the lounges have been shut down and every table…

Protest in Response to Pence’s Arrival

Dozens of people came together today at the Duluth Civic Center, bringing their own signs and protesting in response to Pence's arrival in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of people came together today at the Duluth Civic Center, bringing their own signs and protesting in response to Pence’s arrival in the Northland. People gathered today to peacefully protest for a variety of issues, whether it be fighting for the post office and for the need and the right to vote. “We’re gathering here today…

Rice Lake Road Construction Complete

One local road is now open after being closed for construction.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local road is now open after being closed for construction. Rice Lake Road reopened at the top of the hour after more than three months of construction. The construction re-did more than half a mile of the road, widened the intersection of Arlington Avenue and Arrowhead Road, and improved Technology Drive. The project will improve traffic…

Duluth and Superior Partner for Virtual Cleanup

Two cities in the Northland are partnering together to host a virtual clean-up. The effort is encouraging people to take care of their surroundings for the sake of cleanliness.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two cities in the Northland are partnering together to host a virtual clean-up. The effort is encouraging people to take care of their surroundings for the sake of cleanliness. Duluth and Superior: two neighboring cities working together to keep the Lake Superior watershed litter-free. On Saturday, September 26th, you can pick up litter at your favorite waterway,…

Superior Sammy’s Closed

The Sammy's on Tower Avenue in Superior has closed permanently.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Sammy’s on Tower Avenue in Superior has closed permanently because of health concerns with leadership and the impacts of COVID on the business. The local business made the announcement yesterday on Facebook in a message to its current patrons. There are Sammy’s locations throughout the Northland, including in Duluth, Hermantown and Cloquet. Categories: Coronavirus, News, News…

Duluth Library’s Curbside Pickup Gains Popularity

The main Duluth library's curbside pickup program has doubled its amount of users since the start of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The main Duluth library’s curbside pickup program has doubled its amount of users since the start of the pandemic. The Duluth Public Library system has been shut down since mid-March for in-person service. But they are still finding a way to serve their patrons through their curbside pickup program. Adam and Alex Albright came to the library…