DULUTH, Minn. – It was last week when a six-year-old Duluth boy drowned while swimming in Wisconsin. Everett Eastvold had a big impact on many people during his short life and today, a big group of classmates from his kindergarten class came together to honor his memory. Students at Homecroft Elementary in Duluth are remembering Everett Eastvold this week. They…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local foundations are doing what they can to support nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis. The Ordean Foundation has been prioritizing non-profits hat are on the front lines that are working with vulnerable populations on issues including poverty, and basic needs such as food and shelter. “I would encourage folks who have the means that are continuing to…
DULUTH, Minn. – A potential project to create indigenous housing in Duluth has been withdrawn. The American Indian Community Housing Organization withdrew its plan to put together affordable housing in Duluth. Duluth city council members received a letter stating that AICHO made a decision to not apply for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency funding for this year. This came as…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some historical sites are getting ready to reopen after being closed for months due to the pandemic. Glensheen Mansion does not have an exact date for reopening but they plan on doing it in three phases. The first phase will be the opening up of the grounds only and eventually, the entire mansion will be opened in…
DULUTH, Minn. – White coats for black lives. Today, Northland healthcare workers knelt together in remembrance of George Floyd. While Duluth is a predominantly white community, there is diversity and doctors want people to know that it is important to honor minorities everywhere while also raising awareness for all the issues they face. “We want all of our friends, our…
DULUTH, Minn. – This July, Essentia’s Polinsky Rehabilitation will have a new home at the healthcare provider’s Miller Hill Mall hub. The center will be moving from its home on East Second Street to the old Younkers building, which already houses other Essentia services including their personal fitness and therapy center that moved to the mall last fall. Leaders from…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many restaurants across the region have begun outdoor seating per the Minnesota governor’s order including at Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. They have nine booths that can fit four people each along with a couple of tables out front. Owners say it’s a compromise between keeping people safe while having them enjoy their food on the patio….
SUPERIOR, Wis. – While the coronavirus pandemic continues, one local college is offering up more online degrees. UWS is providing two new undergraduate programs and master’s programs for this upcoming school year. The undergrad programs will be psychology and computer science while the master’s programs will focus on cybersecurity and school counseling. Officials want to make sure that people will…
DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say mask-wearing and keeping distance from others seems to be the best way to approach protesting during this pandemic. Doctors say that outbreaks are expected even without protesting. With more crowds of people gathering together, there’s a higher chance of the virus making a presence in the community. “So it’s likely and we are expecting to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A local farmers market is back open in Superior. Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market is now open every Wednesday until the end of October. They have lots of garden plants, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, flowers, and baked goods for everyone to enjoy. Organizers say this year there is a bit of a change because of the pandemic. “This is…
DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Auditor’s Service Center located on the backside of Miller Hill Mall has been quite busy since reopening this week. Right now, they are only allowing six people into the building at a time, making for a long line for those needing driver’s license renewals, tabs, or even paying your property taxes. “We have…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some local seniors at Denfeld High School are being recognized by their old elementary school. Those who went to Stowe Elementary and are now graduating have their names and pictures being displayed on an LED sign on Commonwealth Avenue as a way to honor and celebrate them. Organizers say that this year has been really tough on…
DULUTH, Minn. – With bars and restaurants being allowed to open using outdoor seating, some are expanding their patios like Duluth Cider in Lincoln Park. That business already has a smaller patio, but now they’ve built it to fit 50 guests in a seating area that’s comfortable. One of the owners told us that it’s nice to be open again…
DULUTH, Minn. – Owners of Anchors End Tattoo in downtown Duluth say that it’s exciting to finally open up the shop to the public. “We want to work,” said Joseph John, the owner of Anchors End Tattoo. “We don’t want an industry to shut right back down again so we’re just going to take every precaution. We want our clients…
DULUTH, Minn. – Hair and nail salons across the area are starting to breathe a sigh of relief as they are allowed to open again. At VP Nails & Hair and Duo Tones Salons in Duluth, the owners are excited to open up to the public. Those at VP Nails & Hair say the stream of customers has been steady…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth parks were busy today as families came out to enjoy the nice weather. Some were over at Enger Park where they went on a hike as they took a break from staying indoors. One family we spoke to says it’s also about getting a nice workout in while getting some vitamin D. “For both for mental…
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota salons now have the Governor’s ok to reopen with reduced capacity starting Monday after being shut down since March because of the pandemic. Leanaya Miller manages Rue 48 salon on South Lake Avenue in Canal Park. She’s busy getting the business ready to reopen next Wednesday and is definitely ready to see customers again. “Excited…talked to…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth is now open virtually to the public while keeping their brick and mortar store closed despite being able to. Management says it’s all about keeping the public safe as they try and keep their loyal customer base happy. “We feel a strong sense of responsibility to our community and to our…
DULUTH, Minn. – More than 60 recipients are getting checks from a variety of foundations to help them through this COVID-19 crisis. Organizers, which include those from the Northland – Ordean, Lloyd K. Johnson, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundations, along with United Way – focused on multiple areas of need with their main goal of helping vulnerable individuals. Funding will…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northland Goodwill is now open. So far, they have recalled about a quarter of their employees after laying off about 300. The business is now taking a phased approach in terms of calling people back to work after being closed for two months. “We need peoples’ donations more than ever,” said Scott Vezina, the communications and training…
DULUTH, Minn. – Two local organizations came together to treat St. Luke’s workers. Red Lobster and Napa Seafood Foundation joined forces to deliver meals to frontline workers. The anesthesia team benefited from the meals today, with a total of 25 meals delivered to say thank you. “We are just overall so appreciative of all the gifts that are coming forward,…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the pandemic continues, students across the country are getting hit hard financially, including over at UWS. The rapid transition to remote learning left some students struggling to meet financial obligations and secure the technology and living arrangements they needed. In response to this need, the financial aid office at UWS was able to provide funding through…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local high school had a unique graduation ceremony today. Hermantown High School had a walk-through event where every senior had the chance to come in with five family members. They got to pick up their diplomas and stop for pictures as well. Each student will be recorded in an individual video and the videos will be…
DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Land Lab is a research center located just five miles away from UMD’s campus. “It’s kind of a hub for student learning and community-based learning around sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and building a hub for food systems and local farming around here,” said Cole Grotting, a farm manager at UMD Land Lab. Students come and do hands-on…
TWIN PORTS – One after the other. While large events like the Minnesota state fair have been canceled due to COVID-19, others right here in the Northland are also being hit by the virus. The midwest’s largest outdoor blues festival at Bayfront Park that normally features international, national and regional music acts, will be silent for the first time in…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is asking kids to design masks in response to COVID-19. To normalize wearing masks, the city of Duluth has partnered with organizations like Essentia Health, St. Luke’s, the Duluth school district, and others to launch the Duluth youth mask project. Kids can submit friendly designs for masks by downloading a packet through the…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new business is coming to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District and is bringing gifts along the way. North Shore Federal Credit Union is providing mini-grants of up to $1,000 to help neighboring businesses in Lincoln Park. The grants will help offset some costs related to reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are available for locally-owned single…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Leadership says that in order for the fair to happen, they need to make sure that everything is as clean as possible. They say they’re going to have to work closely with the health department and Douglas County in order to make it work. The fair manager talked with the health department and said there might be…
DULUTH, Minn. – The airline and hospitality industries have suffered major blows as travel has dropped over the past few months. A travel agent in Duluth tells us that if you do get on a plane as this pandemic goes on, you should prepare for a different experience than you’re used to. Most airlines are now requiring fliers to wear…
DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz has not given a set date for when gyms and fitness studios can re-open, which is frustrating for some business owners in the industry. CrossFit Duluth in Hermantown is one gym that won’t be able to open up during this time. “Down the road, once we get going, things are going to be great,” said…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – More summer plans for families are crumbling as the St. Louis County fairs have been canceled this year. Representatives from the fairs in Chisholm and Proctor said concerns over COVID-19 led to the cancellations. It would have been the 100th anniversary of the fair in Proctor, and the 136th anniversary in Chisholm. “It’s very disappointing cause…
HAYWARD, Wis. – Hayward celebrated its grand reopening today of its historic main street after months of construction. Three months ago, the construction process began on Main Street and now, the community is celebrating their new street along with businesses reopening in the city. “It’s a great time to open because with the COVID-19, of course the state of supreme…
PROCTOR, Minn. – A retiring teacher was celebrated today at Proctor High School. Sheila Held joined the staff at Proctor High in 1986 and she’s retiring this year. Students and faculty drove by in cars today to send her off and even though it wasn’t a traditional retirement party, teachers say it was a way to show their appreciation. “We’ve…
DULUTH, Minn. – Unfortunately, there will be no jammin’ to songs at the annual reggae and world music festival this year. “We’ve had to make the very hard decision that we have to cancel just because we’ve been watching and monitoring what the governor and what the state guidelines are and we just don’t see that large groups are going…
DULUTH, Minn. – Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all through a recently constructed drive-thru window in the parking lot. The restaurant is serving its farm-to-table menu now. The business was closed since March for about six weeks and opened back up on May 7th. “What we decided is we want to adapt to…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local college is helping its students celebrate a milestone with a virtual ceremony. Lake Superior Colege hosted its Nursing Pinning Ceremony virtually today, honoring students who completed the nursing program. It’s an annual event, but because of the coronavirus, all Minnesota state schools, including LSC, had to cancel their in-person ceremonies. “It’s just the great fact…
DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods is now accepting animals, just in time for spring babies. The organization will only have scheduled drop-offs and no public hours. Leadership says not to bring animals to the facility unless you have spoken to staff members. They also say if you see an animal in need, to observe the animal from a distance and to…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local medical uniforms store is moving into a bigger location as the business continues to grow. Scrubs Direct moved into the Duluth area about two years ago. The owners already had stores in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Woodbury, Minnesota. They tell us their Duluth store in the Burning Tree Plaza has done so well, they’ve run…
DULUTH, Minn. – Tomorrow, a special auction is taking place in Duluth after a local hobby shop owner passed away, which leads to many treasures being uncovered. It was all about unique items for Jack Carr, the former owner of Carr’s Hobby Shop in Lincoln Park, who recently passed away. Whether it was toys, railroad items, or even antique clocks,…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – And after the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the state’s safer at home order this week, businesses across the region have opened their doors to customers, including salons. Over at Hair Tactics, they are now taking customers. Leadership says they are doing it in safe and sanitary ways. In order to space out customers, hairstylists are booking…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local business has been busy with customers for weeks due to be considered an essential business. Stewart Title is still closing refinances and purchasing and doing reporters for lenders. Leadership from that group says they have been swamped with customers, which indicates home sales are on the rise. “We’ve stayed very busy, the rates have gone…
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced yesterday that all retail businesses could open up Monday, allowing for 50% capacity. Many businesses in the Northland are excited to reopen for in-store customers after spending months being either closed up or only doing curbside and delivery services. The owners of Wild Birds Unlimited and Big Frog Custom T-Shirts over at…
DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s sidewalk chalk or bubbles for the kids or handsanitizer and masks for the parents, it’s all about giving for Duluth school’s porch drop event. Preschool teachers, family advocates, and paraprofessionals came together to build and deliver care packages to Duluth preschool families. Those involved say it’s great to see all the kids since school was…
DULUTH, Minn. – The third phase of the Sky Harbor Airport project has begun in Duluth. It’s the final phase for the project, which began in 2017. The main premise for the project is to protect the old growth forest at Park Point while also reconstructing the runway. “It’s pretty bittersweet,” said Brandon Twedt, a project manager and project engineer…
DULUTH, Minn. – One fast-food business provided free meals to healthcare workers across the region. Culvers donated more than 100 meals to St. Luke. The Two Harbors and Ashland locations will also be donating meals. Business owners say it’s a good way to show their gratitude. “I enjoy giving back,” said Beth Fritsche, owner of Culvers in Duluth. “I think…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – In-person elections have not been common during this pandemic, and polling places across Wisconsin are focusing on cleanliness protocols during the special election. For instance, at the government center in Superior, they are taking extra precautions with sanitizing and wearing protective gear when handling voters. “We have to make sure we sanitize everything after people vote,” said…
WRENSHALL, Minn. – One local egg farm say they have no been busy selling actual birds to their customers. Locally Laid Egg Company is letting people buy adolescent chickens, which are close to laying eggs. Experts say that by bringing the chickens to one’s home, you can guarantee that you have eggs. They have about 500 prepared to sell to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers with Fuse Duluth put on a special birthday for area kids who may have had their birthday plans put on hold due to the pandemic. The event, known as Project Party, which is an organized birthday party for the children and families living in the Steve O’Neil Apartments, looked a little different this month due to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Federal funds are being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters. More than $300,000 in funding is now available for emergency funding and shelter in Saint Louis, Itasca, and Douglas counties through a federal act, which couldn’t have come at a better time for struggling Northlanders. “Right now with so many people having…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is helping artists in the community. The Duluth Art Institute is connecting artists with the community in a special opportunity called Art in Bloom. The Institute posts artists’ names and shops on its website and Northlanders can then purchase the art. The art pieces range from $20 to $150. 100% of the proceeds go…
