DULUTH, Minn. – The zoo is asking for monetary donations as well as selling membership extension and advanced tickets. Because the zoo is a nonprofit, it relies on revenue to keep animals fed. “It’s pretty much business as usual for them,” said Emily Perala, Lead Zookeeper. “Some of them seem to really miss having a lot of the folks come…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department was recently awarded a big grant to help keep the community safe. The department awarded over $33,000 from the state for the safe neighborhood program. The funding will be used to organize a group to address repeat offenders, specifically with drug and violent crimes, and promote reentry for those criminals. The planning process…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Senior Linkage Line is helping older adults and caregivers with resources in their communities. Services include helping with personal care or help around the house, chore homemaker services, roundabout rides to the doctor, rides to other locations and help with Medicare. Officials say it’s a one-stop shop for those who are growing older and how they…
DULUTH, Minn. – As students continue to do their school work from home, local leaders are stepping in offering up a unique event. Recently the Duluth Public Library started it’s All-Star Storytime where leaders like Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj read a book to a public Facebook group. The fire chief told us it’s a good way to distract young…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Superior’s restaurant week is still on. 23 restaurants are offering special dining deals all the way through Sunday. The goal is to raise awareness about the unique variety of tastes offered by Superior restaurants. “I think this is an industry that needs it and I think that this is an…
DULUTH, Minn. – Have you been listening to the radio a lot lately? Some of your favorite on-air personalities are also working from home, including Jill Mikkelson, a radio host for Life 97.3. She uses her room as her personal studio where she researches content and records her material. She works remotely while living with roommates. She says that she…
DULUTH, Minn. – People of many different racial and ethnic backgrounds have been sickened by the virus all over the world, but studies are finding both the African American and the Native American communities seem to be especially susceptible. Many individuals from minority backgrounds work as essential workers, including grocery stores and public transportation. When it comes to obtaining information…
DULUTH, Minn. – This isn’t the first time Duluth has been under a city-wide lock down because of a virus. In 1918, the Spanish Flu swept across the globe and Duluth where 300 people died. Similar to today, public libraries, lodges, the YMCA and other gathering places were closed. Places such as Moose Hall in West Duluth were turned into…
DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods, which is the Northland’s only wildlife rehabilitation center, has online classes that they have available for any community clubs, such as churches or rotary clubs. Wildwoods cares for more than 1,800 animals every year on average. The center says that if you encounter an injured animal, to give Wildwoods a call before touching it. Wildwoods will…
DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses throughout the Northland are experiencing changes as they adjust to the demands of COVID-19. Makers Mercantile is a mobile store, which is a renovated camper that was flipped into a shop. The virus changed the store’s protocols. The store turned to online platforms to help bring more awareness to their content. Makers Mercantile carries handcrafted goods…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Duluth typically has around 350 people at the main Easter service, but this year, the pews will be empty. It’s what Rector Bill Van Oss calls loving your neighbor. “Most of the time that has to do with being together with our neighbor and interacting with them,” said Van Oss. “During this…
DULUTH, Minn. – While live musical performances are being put on hold, in the Northland, some local musicians are working to keep the music alive. While musicians are used to playing in a practice room for hours on end, they’re not necessary used to not being able to gather for concert performances. Local musicians, including those from the Duluth Symphony,…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Fatal traffic crashes in Minnesota have still jumped lately, despite the big drop in traffic volume. It’s a surprising trend. While the density of traffic has decreased a lot throughout the state, fatalities from traffic crashes have increased. Minnesota as a whole has seen a decrease in traffic by about 47 to 50 percent when compared…
GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – In the first time in Peace Corps history, more than 7,000 volunteers were evacuated from their respective countries. Grand Marais resident Bill Hansen was one volunteer and was evacuated from Uganda. Hansen was planning to be there for 27 months but his time was cut short and had to leave at 11 months into his stay….
DULUTH, Minn. – Three fires occurred last night in Duluth. Two of them were ruled as intentionally set. Authorities say the two arson cases happened around from about midnight to 1:30 A.M. One was on the 200 block of Mesaba Ave while the other was on South 16th Avenue East. The two buildings were vacant. The third fire, which was…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Election day in Wisconsin yesterday was much different than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic. In-person voting went forward after the Supreme Court stepped in to prevent Governor Evers from postponing the election until June. Whether to risk safety to show up at the polls was a big question facing Wisconsin residents as they turned out to…
DULUTH, Minn. – During this time of quarantine, people with addiction issues may have a harder time dealing with self-isolation. According to the co-founder of Recovery Alliance Duluth, technology has been a good resource with helping with recovery. Face-to-face contact has been replaced with a virtual world where clients are receiving counseling and outreach. Among the topics discussed with patients,…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has finalized the contract for several hotels in the region to temporarily house Northlanders who need to be quarantined but do not have a safe place to go. The hotels being offered up in the region will be for homeless people impacted by the coronavirus to use, including those who have tested positive for…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to spread across the region, the Minnesota Attorney General’s office says they are seeing a rise in hate crimes. Where it’s nasty comments online or someone posting a note on a windshield, Attorney General Keith Ellison says there have been more hate crimes against those who have ancestry connected with China, Hmong, Japanese…
DULUTH, Minn. – It all started back in 2018 for a project that includes a new street, underground utilities, sidewalks, and lighting. Now the project is nearing the finish line. The final phase of the Superior Street reconstruction project includes the busy intersection of Lake Avenue to 3rd Avenue West. Traffic will have no access to the site of the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Park Boys and Girls Club is partnering with Ecolibrium 3, a local non-profit in Duluth, to supply groceries for students who need them. The groceries are provided for kids 18 and under who have been using the school breakfast and lunch programs. “Together as a community, this is a crazy time,” said Mackenzie Foley, Americorps vista…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA is working with other local businesses and organizations to provide Grab & Go meals for kids along with personal hygiene items. Children ages 18 and under qualify for the meals for the event happening all this week. “I mean it’s really beneficial and I think it’s an important thing so yeah, I feel like…
DULUTH, Minn. – It was in her room in Duluth where Yana Stockman decided to record herself celebrating a unique birthday. “Celebrating birthday when you are under a stay at home order could determine a lot of elements and parts of celebration,” said Stockman. “But hey, at least it’s history.” Yana had planned to take a trip to the Netherlands…
DULUTH, Minn. – Need a way to escape the quarantine? The Duluth Public Library has a solution for you. The Duluth library is closed to the public. However, the library is now making its digital content accessible to the public. Through an E-access library card, there is temporary access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and databases. “It’s great because right now…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – There are usually 500 absentee ballots for an election like they have in Superior next week. But officials there say they have counted about 4,000 so far. Staff says that the coronavirus and its impact on the election was a surprise. They are glad people are staying safe. “We’re seeing more absentee ballots because of the virus,”…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – It isn’t all bad news for RV sales. There have been some cases where medical personnel and others are purchasing RVs in efforts to self-isolate. Not only do RVs provide a sense of distance from other campers, they also provide a sense of containment. RV companies like Bullyan RV are now turning to more digital methods to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Other local businesses are taking extra precautions against the coronavirus. Paul Davis Restoration in Superior, which helps with fire, water and mold damage for residential and commercial buildings, say if any cases of coronavirus are found in an area they are willing to help out with their cleaning experts who are well prepared. Make people feel more…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Local butchers like Superior Meats are also experiencing a surge in sales due to the coronavirus. Areas of the register are marked off so people don’t get too close. According to management, people are buying more than they usually do as they are trying to stock their freezers for quarantine. Customers have been calling in to order…
DULUTH, Minn. – If biking is one of your favorite ways to relieve stress, you are in luck as bike shops are considered an essential business. Stewart’s Bike Shop in Duluth specializes in mid-range bikes for the whole family. Management says people are still coming in to shop for a new bike, and their service departments are also still busy…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center is still serving meals to those in need in the Northland, but just in a different way. A tent is set up in their parking lot where they serve up meals every day except Tuesday and Thursday. More than 100 free meals are served per day. Leadership from the group say they hope these…
DULUTH, Minn. – With technology, interpreting services have been able to thrive. However, there is a limitation to how 3D communication is done in a 2D format. It’s about service deaf students in the local area and meeting their needs without meeting in person. “As far as education, that’s definitely an area that we don’t want to lose the kids…
PROCTOR, Minn. – A local business in Proctor is hosting a community food table for those in need. Troy’s Service Center is hosting the program, which is open to anybody in the surrounding areas, as long as they are in need. The food table includes not just food. Kids can also borrow movies and books, and return them after using…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Even though the buildings are closed, the schools are still open. “We’re constantly trying to work with each other, meet with each other to figure out what the best ways to reach students to get them invested into their education and having some kind of accountability along the way,” said Trevor Sorensen, a high school math teacher…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s about maintaining a healthy routine and schedule during this time when normal routines are not always possible to help regulate weight and nutrition. Experts say getting too comfortable at home and not being able to go outside may result in inactivity. “When you are kind of trapped in your home or you’re not able to go…
DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA is taking precautions and is adjusting its protocols accordingly during the coronavirus. Ridership is down by almost 50 percent on fixed routes, which are all free. The fronts of the buses are also taped off and are used only for those with mobility impairments. Most customers are only allowed to get off and on the…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Despite most businesses shutting down, hardware stores, like Campbell Lumber in Superior, are still up and running as they are considered essential businesses. The president of the store tells us they are supplying construction crews for building projects around the community while other customers are coming in for home projects, like kitchen cabinetry, along with windows and…
DULUTH, Minn. – As everyone is being told to keep their distance from others, Duluth city leaders want to make that easier even while people are outside. The city is hoping to route people to three additional trails. The goal is to help cut down on unsafe crowding that has been happening on local trails. One option includes Seven…
DULUTH, Minn. – The shipping industry is yet another sector that is being impacted by the coronavirus. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority tells us that several precautions are being taken in the midst of the crisis. Approval to board the ships could be limited while all crew would be checked for symptoms of the virus. Ships coming to Lake Superior…
DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is one of 37 colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system resuming some classes this Monday on campus. While the vast majority of classes will be online, some of the students coming back will be back for classes that are more hands on learning including welding and medical lab technician, or MLT. LSC…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Ordean Foundation is helping combat the impact of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations. The organization is providing emergency grants this week to groups like CHUM, Life House and Safe Haven. Life House in Duluth provides meals each day and also gives out hygiene products, deodorant and shampoo, to those who need them. It’s not easy maintaining precautions…
DULUTH, Minn. – One organization is still paying it forward to senior citizens in need of meals. Even though the organization has lost some volunteers and dining sites are closed, Meals on Wheels is still operating. The group still drops off food to senior citizens in need of a hot meal, every day. “I love this program,” said Jacqueline Wacker,…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – One local club is raising money for healthcare workers serving on the front lines of this virus. Border Town Betties is a local pin-up social club, and is hosting the Healthcare Worker’s Meal Fund to provide meals for hospital staff at St. Luke’s and Essentia when they are hit with a surge of coronavirus patients. The group…
DULUTH, Minn. – The northern division of the Salvation Army, which includes all of North Dakota and Minnesota, is one of many organizations working to help people get through this pandemic. And now, it will be a little bit easier for them, as all donations they receive up to $500,000 will be matched. According to officials, the match donation will…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Car dealerships like Benna Ford in Superior are still open for business, but things have changed a bit. Different managers and different sales people are in the office ever day on a rotation. The business is doing the best it can to implement a 6-foot distance between salespeople and customers. There is also a Lysol spray on…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Two Harbors Culvers gave big donations to that city’s food shelf today. More than 650 pounds of food was donated, and experts say about 60 to 80 pounds of food lasts for a family of three for about two weeks. “This is immediate and this is wonderful. This is probably going to have a ripple…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A change in routine, a change in lifestyle…but how will this change impact North Shore tourism in the future? “It’s odd. It’s kind of awkward. Super quiet, kind of uncomfortable but you get used to it,” said Carl Ehlenz, owner of Betty’s Pies. With the change in policies, Betty’s Pies is taking extra precautions. The restaurant…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some businesses are still seeing a steady stream of customers during this time… While restaurants that bakeries serviced previously may not be ordering from them anymore, bakeries like Positively 3rd Street Bakery are experiencing business from cooperative grocers and from those in the community. “We also service a lot of cooperative grocers in the Midwest and they’re…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The cases of coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland. At this hour, we are learning three more people have been reported positive in Douglas County for a total of four – with one case in Superior. There remains one confirmed case in Bayfield County and a second person has tested positive in St. Louis County. Right…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses are partnering to raise money for healthcare workers, so they can get fresh coffee, baked goods and meals. The Rambler and Yellow Bike Coffee started out with a goal of raising $10,000 on a Go Fund Me page. They are now already passed $13,000. Those organizing the event says its nice to help those on…
DULUTH, Minn. – Two world wars, the Great Depression and the Spanish Flu: the Duluth area YMCA has been serving the community since 1870. “We owe a debt of gratitude to front-line healthcare workers and other types of essential workers every day, all year long, but especially in times like these, I think we realize how important those folks are,”…
