DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camp is looking different this summer because of the pandemic. “We were really excited that we were able to still do this in any kind of capacity,” said Joel Sanderson, the assistant director for intermural sports and youth programs. There have been several changes made to the UMD KIDSROCK camp due to the coronavirus. The program…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local group hosted a barbecue for community members to enjoy. Duluth Harbor Mission on West Third Street hosted the event at Harrison Community Center. Dozens of people came to take in live music and free food, while also spending time getting to know others in their local neighborhoods. “We love people,” said Wendy Lane, the women’s…
DULUTH, Minn. – The weekend weather drew people from all over the state. The Canal Park Lakewalk area was busy with walkers and bikers. One Twin Cities family who has visited Duluth before said they’re here to explore the city and that the lake feels the warmest it has ever felt. “This is great,” said the Olson family, who came…
DULUTH, Minn. – This particular July 4th feels a bit different this year, but not just because of the pandemic. One community event brought together people in the spirit of unity and reconciliation. Local organizers hosted a barbecue to provide both free food and a safe space for connection. “You know, it’s a lot of work, but it’s worthy work…
DULUTH, Minn. – Grill sales are way up this summer season. London Road Rental in Duluth tells us pellet sales have been up 200% and grill sales are up 30% to 40%. They attribute it to more people eating at home than going out because of the pandemic. “Especially right now because you’re limited on where you can go in…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local distillery is coming up with fun ways to celebrate Independence Day. Vikre in Canal Park is putting together Fourth of July cocktail kits, including some patriotic ones like the Red, White and Blue Swizzle with a strawberry rock swizzle stick along with lemonade and blueberry syrup. Another kit is the Watermelon Limeade Cooler, which is…
DULUTH, Minn. – People are coming out to enjoy July 4th weekend despite the coronavirus pandemic. One best friend duo from Minneapolis is in Duluth on their last leg of a long road trip. “So we ended up going south going near Chicago near South Bend,” said Kelly Aherns, a visitor from Minneapolis. “We spent about three to four days…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local college is meeting the need for nursing assistants through some new courses. The program will give students the opportunity to become nursing assistants in as little as six weeks. Essentially, it puts together online and in-person training to create a hybrid experience for students. Leadership at CSS says that there is a big need that…
DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for three years, the Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club has finally reopened its property with a brand new addition for its guests to enjoy. The addition includes a renovated clubhouse from top to bottom. The brand new fully loaded kitchen opened Thursday night, and liquor is now being sold once again on the…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new webpage dedicated to housing has been introduced by the City of Duluth. The website was put together to make a more user-centric experience for housing developers and local residents. The page includes information about local, state, and federal funding opportunities and general housing market information. In addition, the City of Duluth is partnering with the…
DULUTH, Minn. – While the local maritime museum remains closed to guests, it now has staff stationed outside the visitor center to provide information for guests and visitors. It provides information about the shipping schedule along with brochures about the area. Those helping out say it’s important to get the word out about all the area has to offer. “This…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, local colleges are getting ready for the fall semester. Over at WITC, leadership says they are still figuring out what that looks like logistically. Students may or may not be required to wear a mask depending on how close in proximity they may be to other students in the classroom. They added they…
DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus pandemic stopped operations at the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth for many weeks, but a train finally left the depot today. It’s the first run of the season. After three and a half months of preparations, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is welcoming in passengers and guests. “Even though we’re delayed, we’re sold out…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are also continuing to prep for the fourth by buying up fireworks. The owners at one stand at Cub Foods in Duluth says sales are up 300 percent higher than they were last year. Owners attribute this to coronavirus, saying since many celebrations are canceled, Northlanders are celebrating in their own ways, while keeping safety in…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the Fourth of July approaches, you may be interested in getting a flag to celebrate. One local business is here to help. True North Flags and Flagpoles sells both flags and poles to companies and to individuals. The business started about one year ago. Leadership says that it’s important for a flag to not be torn,…
DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for months, the Duluth Children’s Museum is reopening Thursday. Since shutting down, leadership has had to come up with new ways for kids of all ages to enjoy the attractions, and now, safety precautions are in place, which should keep everyone comfortable. “Well, we’re so excited,” said Cameron Kruger, the president and CEO of…
DULUTH, Minn. – Looking for ways to get involved locally? Check out the City of Duluth’s boards and commissions. Right now, the city is in need to fill out some positions on their approximately 30 boards and commissions, which include everything from the African American Heritage Commission to the Spirit Mountain Task Force. “A lot of times, we have people…
DULUTH, Minn. – The fire was reported just before 1:00 a.m. this morning and it’s still unclear how it started. The shed where the fire happened is attached to Ursa Minor Brewing. But the flames did not reach the brewery’s building. The fire did destroy several items in the shed, including a forklift and a refrigeration unit. Damage is estimated…
DULUTH, Minn. – Researchers at UMD have been studying artificial intelligence to track developments related to COVID-19. One professor there is tracking hate speech connected to the virus. His research is just a small portion of how coronavirus can be studied using AI. For instance, other researchers are using AI to predict who most likely should and shouldn’t use intensive…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local historical site, popular with tourists, has reopened another portion of its facility to the public. Glensheen Mansion is now allowing self-guided full-mansion tours. Tour capacity has been reduced and to make sure people are spread out, it is also now a one-way tour route. “Soit’s this treasure upon a treasure of things for people to…
DULUTH, Minn. – After this Rhubarb Fest was canceled this year, CHUM has decided to go virtual for its rhubarb contest. The contest, which has been going on for the past 16 years, for whoever has the biggest leaf and the longest stalk, participants have to send in a picture to Molly Lyons, the director of communications for CHUM, to…
DULUTH, Minn . – Benedictine Living Community on Kenwood Avenue has at least nine new COVID-19 cases. Seven involve residents and the other two cases are staff members. The cases were diagnosed after a recent mass testing session done by the state and once the positive results came back, Benedictine leaders took quick action to try and prevent the virus…
DULUTH, Minn. – For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion. For weeks, Richard Smith and his wife Ronene have been regularly traveling more than 100 miles from their home on the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime. Over at Leif Erikson Park today, the library hosted an event where kids were able to come with their parents and read a book in a socially distanced manner as they strolled around the park. Participants were also able to take home craft…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them. For instance, one adult visitor is allowed for inpatient visitors, and for critically unstable inpatients, two visitors are allowed per day. “But at this time, things are going well,” said Kevin Nokels, the president and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Fathers were celebrated today, one swing at a time. Handfuls of families came to Enger Park Golf Course on West Skyline Parkway to enjoy the weather and to spend time hitting hole in ones with the ones they love. “This is my first time actually putting everywhere so it’s fun to put and to actually just do…
DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants were busy with families enjoying Father’s Day brunch. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe in Duluth, people had the option to eat inside or outside. Duluth resident Jordon Johnson’s parents are from Rosemount. They came up to Duluth for the special weekend celebration. “It’s critical to take time with your family and to celebrate these moments…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization received a large donation of water bottles for the city’s homeless population. Duluth Harbor Mission in Lincoln Park received more than 6,000 water bottles today. Donors included parents and staff from Jaime’s Daycare in West Duluth. About twelve volunteers helped out with shipping the bottles from Sam’s Club to the Duluth Harbor Mission using…
DULUTH, Minn. – Several dozen people gathered together at the Statue of Liberty replica near the DECC in solidarity and in support of refugees on World Refugee Day. The gathering drew people of all ages and faith backgrounds: Christian, Muslim and Jewish. Individuals offered support for asylum seekers, migrants and refugees throughout the world who are displaced and without homes….
DULUTH, Minn. – Father Michel Mulloy will now serve and lead the diocese in Duluth. Pope Francis appointed Father Mulloy to be the 10th Bishop of the Diocese and is succeeding Bishop Paul Sirba, who unexpectedly passed away on December 1st. Mulloy says Duluth is a city that he says has welcomed him with open arms. “I ask the good…
ITASCA COUNTY – Experts came together today virtually in Itasca County to talk about how they are handling COVID-19. When it comes to contact tracing, testing, and longterm care facilities, they said today, it’s tough to know what the future holds with all the uncertainty surrounding the virus. “The great wildcard is what does this fall and winter look like,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, rummage sales are still popping up in the Northland. Norton Park United Methodist Church hosted the five-day event from Wednesday to Saturday of last week and today. The church implemented social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks to keep people safe. The money raised would help the church. It had a tough past…
DULUTH, Minn. – In recent months, Northland restaurants have been incredibly busy as delivery orders have stayed pretty consistent during the pandemic. At Domino’s Pizza in West Duluth, there has been a 30% to 35% increase in deliveries. The lobby to the store is closed so guests have to either call ahead of time or order online to get their…
DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camps kicked off at the Duluth Playhouse this week. Kids ages 5 to 18 are taking acting and musical classes. Organizers prepared for these classes for about three weeks, specifically with health and safety in mind, including marking the floors so kids can be six feet apart. “So fun to see everybody,” said Amber Burns, the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 2017, Votan Henriquez and about 50 volunteers made their mark on Duluth by painting the massive mural on the outside of the AICHO building. The mural artist, who lives in New Mexico, is now back, adding more artistic treasures to the community. He is currently working on another piece as he paints a portrait of…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Courthouses have reopened for business today for customer service only. Court hearings will take place on a remote basis and will not take place inside of the courthouses themselves. Courthouse leadership says that although they are open, they still encourage people to try and do their business remotely if possible. “Making sure that…
DULUTH, Minn. – A segment of the lakewalk in Duluth is closed starting today and tomorrow due to construction. The portion of the lakewalk between the Sister Cities Park and the Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be closed. Contractors are there fixing up the shoreline that was damaged by a series of storms over the last few years. The construction…
ITASCA COUNTY – Local experts from Itasca County came together virtually today to talk about the importance of quality care and wellbeing for children during the pandemic. They say that socialization and having a routine structure are crucial to helping with youth development. They say some of the top programs, like 4-H and the Boy and Girls Club, are helpful…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local makeup shop is putting together workshops to help Northlanders in a variety of ways. This week, Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue is teaching people how to make green cleaning products with items like baking soda, vegetable soap, and vodka. Store staff says it’s about keeping people clean and sanitized especially during the pandemic. “I think…
DULUTH, Minn. – From lions and bears to lemurs and peacocks, the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth has finally reopened to animal lovers everywhere. With social distancing and masks for employees, Lake Superior Zoo is doing its best to keep the experience both fun and safe for visitors. “Being able to provide a park-like space and open air, safe space…
DULUTH, Minn. – Gardening continues to be a popular activity in the Northland as people look for new ways to spend their time. The Cook Home Community Garden on West Arrowhead Road has been going on for the past forty years. There are 92 plots at the garden and it is the largest garden community in the Duluth Community Garden…
DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camps are still happening at the Duluth Art Institute but in a virtual manner. The institute is having several camps for both youth and teens that will be hosted on Zoom with a focus being on multimedia art projects, which include photography, painting and sculpture. Each camp will culminate with an online art exhibition of the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges across the Northland are getting ready to start a new school year next fall but planning is much tougher than usual because of the pandemic. Coming this fall, area colleges are ready to offer more hybrid options for their students. Over at Lake Superior College in Duluth, both online and in-person classes are planned when the…
DULUTH, Minn. – For about three months, Minnesota restaurants were limited to only offering take out, delivery and curbside options. All of this has changed starting today. Minnesota restaurants are now able to have 50% capacity indoors. Duluth Grill on 27th Avenue West was bustling today at guests enjoyed meals inside the restaurant. “We’re going to be living in this…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local Northland organizations continue to prepare to reopen after many of the governor’s restrictions were lifted today. Leadership from the Duluth Area Family YMCA is opening up its downtown Duluth facility Monday as they work to keep their staff and guests safe. The organization is following strict hand-washing guidelines while also wearing face masks and keeping social…
DULUTH, Minn. – Last night the Duluth City Council approved a new city councilor after at-large councilor Barb Russ left her post due to health reasons. Terese Tomanek was voted unanimously by the council. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Tomanek says she is excited to focus on issues of equity…
DULUTH, Minn. – It has been an exceptionally busy spring for greenhouses. The weather has certainly cooperated in the month of May and in the first part of June. Over at Lilac Hill Greenhouse in Hermantown, workers tell us that with the pandemic, people are staying home and not traveling, which means they are working in their yards, beautifying their…
DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants and bars in Minnesota have been able to have outdoor seating for the past week but tomorrow is the first day customers will also be allowed inside. Duluth’s Bent Paddle, in the Lincoln Park Craft District, is having a safe and sanitary soft opening today with an open outdoor patio. All employees are wearing the required…
DULUTH, Minn. – More historic sites are opening up to the public in the Northland. Glensheen is now opening its historic grounds to the public after two months of closure. All staff is required to wear masks and disposable masks are available for guests when they come in. Tours are currently not available as today’s grounds opening is part of…
DULUTH, Minn. – A free breakfast and lunch program kicked off today for Duluth students. Students 18 years and younger can pick up free meals during the weekdays. The meals are something simple for them to bring home to heat up, along with the essentials, like a vegetable, fruit and milk. “A lot of parents…aren’t working right now, they haven’t…
