Author: Jane Kim

Duluth Company Helps Medical Personnel with COVID-19

One Duluth company is taking measured steps towards combating COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn – One Duluth company is taking measured steps towards combating COVID-19. GeaCom produced a medical device called Phrazer-Kitsune. The device matches the language, culture and literacy levels of the patient to a virtual person who helps guide the patient through a series of medical-related questions. The device helps medical staff avoid exposure to contagious situations and creates a…

Grocery Stores Implement New Policies For Workers

New hours and new wages are being implemented in response to the impacts of the coronavirus.

DULUTH, Minn. – New hours and new wages are being implemented in response to the impacts of the coronavirus. Super One is one local grocery store that is changing up some of its policies. Miner’s Inc. Store Director Patrick Miner says grocery store workers are at the front lines and are working hard to meet the needs of those in…

Burrito Union Gives Free Burritos to Kids

One Duluth business is giving back to the community - one burrito at a time.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth business is giving back to the community, one burrito at a time. Burrito Union is hosting a free burrito giveaway, Monday through Friday from 11 to 1 for any kid that wants one. They even get a free cookie. “Rather than getting doom and gloom, I think we take this as an opportunity where we’re…

Gas Prices Fall During Coronavirus

Gas prices are dropping around the nation, and the Northland is no exception.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices are dropping around the nation, and the Northland is no exception. Around the local area, gas is falling. Demand is not meeting the amount of supply that is available. Duluthians say the gas prices are helpful, specifically for who are currently working. “They drive the company car, pay for the fixing of the car, and…

Hospitals and Medical Professionals Update on COVID-19

Area hospitals are busy preparing for the potential impact of coronavirus in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Area hospitals are busy preparing for the potential impact of coronavirus in the Northland. Earlier today, St. Luke’s and Essentia leaders came together to help address questions concerning the virus. Tests have been happening at both Essentia and St. Luke’s in Duluth for the past week. Hospital officials say they have enough equipment for medical personnel and…

Culver’s Gives Free Meals to Health Care Workers

Even during this uncertain time, businesses are helping out in the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even during this uncertain time, businesses are helping out the community. Culver’s locations in Duluth, Two Harbors, Ashland and Superior are providing value baskets free of charge to health care workers. This includes a choice of a free entree with fries and a beverage. All those who qualify have to do is show their ID badge at…

Flying During the Coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak has slowed down travel all over the world, but that doesn't mean everyone has stopped flying.

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus outbreak has slowed down travel all over the world, but that doesn’t mean everyone has stopped flying. Flyers we spoke with are traveling on planes with many more open seats, and they are taking precautions as much as possible. The seating areas are sparse at the Duluth International Airport. People are not sitting next to…

Liquor Stores Busy Amidst Coronavirus

While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two.

DULUTH, Minn. – While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two. Lake Aire Bottle Shoppe in Duluth is currently open. It says it’s having a steady stream of people coming into the business. The store says all kinds of hard liquor are currently being…

Salvation Army Provides Box Lunches to Area Residents

Instead of shutting down its lunch program, the Salvation Army is now providing box lunches for area residents.

DULUTH, Minn. – Instead of hosting lunch in a room with several dozen other people, the Salvation Army is now providing box lunches for area residents that they can now take on the go. The Salvation Army’s lunch box program provided meals at its Duluth location. For some people, it might be the only meal they can get all day….

Duluth Loves Local Group Helps Local Businesses Amidst Coronavirus

Duluth Loves Local is helping business combat the changes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The group Duluth Loves Local is helping city businesses stay afloat during coronavirus-related closures combat by letting them advertise on their Instagram page for free. Leaders from the group say it’s a good way to give back during a dire situation. “It is, it is because small businesses don’t have a lot to lean back on in…

Coronavirus Impacts on Local Real Estate

Despite the spread of coronavirus, there are still lots of listings and lots of real estate traffic in the Northland.

TWIN PORTS – The mass closures due to the coronavirus have not dampened the housing market in the Northland, according to real estate agents. Experts are calling it a seller’s market in this area, meaning demand is exceeding supply, whether it be in Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown or Proctor. Even in this market, the virus is unpredictable by the day, even…

Yarn Harbor Implements Curbside Pickup

As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers. The business has introduced a new curbside pickup. Customers can order and pay ahead of time before picking up their supplies in front of Yarn Harbor. Leadership from the business say this new business model will…

Daycares Serve Communities During Coronavirus

Governor Walz has ordered that schools provide childcare for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers...

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With schools and other institutions being shut down, daycare for young children is in high demand in the Northland. Laugh and Learn Childcare Center opened its Hermantown location in October, well before anything like the coronavirus was a concern. So far, the center is not experiencing much change from normal business. While the infant room is currently…

Lots for Tots Keeping Clean

Local used goods stores have already been taking precautions when it comes to cleanliness...

DULUTH, Minn. – Local used goods stores have already been taking precautions when it comes to cleanliness. Lots for Tots is a local shop where items like hats, shoes, and clothes are sold for resale. Store leadership says they personally wash every single item before the item is sold to prevent the spread of disease. “We take all the equipment…

Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Respond to COVID-19

Health experts say many of those with COVID-19 will have either no or mild symptoms, making testing important to identify cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Health experts say many of those with COVID-19 will have either no or mild symptoms, making testing important to identify cases. But testing itself is extremely limited in the state of Minnesota right now. It is done through the Minnesota Department of Health, and is reserved for those who are at high risk. Specifically those who have…

Friday the 13th Event Breaks Superstitions

Today is Friday the 13th ,a perfect day to break some superstitions

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland resident put those superstitions to the test, giving Northlanders the chance to smash mirrors, throw salt over their shoulders and walk under ladders during this special Friday the 13th event at the Radisson. The presentations showed that while superstitions are fun, they shouldn’t be taken literally. “We want to celebrate our reliance on science nowadays…

Local Assisted Living Facilities Take Precautionary Measures Against Coronavirus

The CDC says older adults and those with serious health conditions are at a higher risk of becoming sick from this virus.

DULUTH, Minn. – The CDC says older adults and those with serious health conditions are at a higher risk of becoming sick from this virus. This has many nursing homes and care facilities taking extra precautions…but COVID-19 is not the only concern. The flu season also continues to be a major focus. “We go through our own flu season anyway…

Great Lakes Aquarium Celebrates 20th Anniversary by Introducing 20 New Things This Year

And the Great Lakes Aquarium is celebrating its 20th anniversary by introducing 20 new things this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – And the Great Lakes Aquarium is celebrating its 20th anniversary by introducing 20 new things this year. Along with new animals, there will also be new exhibits, new programs and new events. Included in the newness is a North American opossum, which will be a feature animal in the origins exhibit. Socks the opossum was discovered orphaned…

Free Reusable Bags by Swim Creative

Duluth's single-use bag ordinance is taking affect on April 1st...

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth’s single-use bag ordinance is taking affect on April 1st. In response, marketing and advertising agency swim creative designed what they call the incredible grocery bag. It’s an all-cotton bag the company hopes consumers will use to break their dependence on one-time use bags that can be harmful to the environment. Consumers who don’t bring reusable bags…

Local Tech Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The electronics industry is among those now seeing the impact of coronavirus concerns.

DULUTH, Minn. – The electronics industry is among those now seeing the impact of coronavirus concerns. Colin Mackin of Tech Medics says he’s never experienced a shortage of supplies like this because of a virus in his 10 years of owning the business along London Road. One of Mackin’s specialties is iPhone repair, but parts to make the fixes are…

Local Shops Have Dresses Available During Coronavirus

While nationwide it's a big concern, local prom and bridal dress shops are not necessarily facing the impact of the virus...

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While nationwide it’s a big concern, local prom and bridal dress shops are not necessarily facing the impact of the virus. Local stores such as Angie’s Close in Superior are experiencing good business amidst the illness. The business says it does not buy dresses from factories from China. Rather, it buys from locals on consignment. “A lot…

School Board Meeting Determines Superintendent Final Candidates

The process continued to find Duluth Public Schools new superintendent.

DULUTH, Minn. – The process continued to find Duluth Public Schools new superintendent after current superintendent Bill Gronseth previously announced he will be leaving this summer. The Duluth School Board has partnered with a consulting group to find a match for the superintendent position. During today’s meeting, the candidates were spoken about anonymously, specifically about their work experiences and their…

Aerial Lift Bridge to Go Through Sidewalk Repair and Lighting Upgrades

Work continues today for a major renovation project on the aerial lift bridge...

DULUTH, Minn. – Work continues today for a major renovation project on the aerial lift bridge, which includes some lighting upgrades and sidewalk improvements. This will be the first time since 1980 that the lights will be upgraded. The new LED lights are expected to last for nearly 23 years. Officials say they are expected to increase lighting efficiency and…

27th Annual Toothpick Bridge Competition Takes Place at UMD

Many talented students came together to evaluate their engineering capabilities...

DULUTH, Minn. – Toothpicks, sand and more toothpicks. Many talented students came together to evaluate their engineering capabilities at the 27th Annual Toothpick Bridge Competition. 150 students from several area schools created 120 separate bridge projects. Rules have changed this year. The weight limit is now .1 pounds, half of what it used to be…while the bridge was shortened to…

Fond du Lac Reservation Reeling after Mother and Son were Victims of Homicide

The Fond du Lac Reservation is reeling after a mother and son were the victims of a homicide there over the weekend as a suspect is taken into custody. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – “We’re a really close knit community so if something happens to one of us, we all feel it in a really powerful way and even if you know, we have our little gripes with each other, we support each other, we build each other up, we help each other as a community,” said Cortnee DeFoe, older sister…

Fire Destroys Multiple Garage Units

A fire ripped through two garage units at the Highland Village Apartments just off Central Entrance.

DULUTH, Minn. – Just after 8 last night, a fire ripped through two garage units at the Highland Village Apartments just off Central Entrance. At this hour, authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which caused 90 thousand dollars in damages. There were no injuries reporting in all of this, as the apartments are detached from the garage. Categories:…

Duluth Tutor Focuses on Encouragement as She Teaches Kids in China

The coronavirus outbreak is having an impact on many types of businesses and workers...especially those who have jobs with direct connection to certain parts of the world. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus outbreak is having an impact on many types of businesses and workers…especially those who have jobs with direct connection to certain parts of the world. Kristina Winings has been teaching English online to kids in China for the past seven months through a program called VIPKid. She’s had a first-hand look at what children are…

St. Luke’s Partners with Duluth Airport Authority for Ways to Combat Sickness

Local organizations throughout the city are doing their best to combat the coronavirus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local organizations throughout the city are doing their best to combat the coronavirus… The Duluth Airport has partnered with St. Luke’s in providing handsanitizer and wipes to traveling customers… Those organizations are encouraging customers to clean their seating area with the wipes, along with arm rests, tray tables and seat pockets. They also want travelers to wash…

Lenten Organ Recitals Hosted in Duluth

Music lovers gather around...

DULUTH, Minn. – Music lovers gather around.. The Arrowhead Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is hosting recitals during the Lenten season. Samuel Black played for the first recital in the series. The performance took place at First Presbyterian Church in Duluth. Black has been playing the organ since 1966. He played pieces including those by Richard Horn and…

Surprise Turnout and a Surprise Result for Primary Election

Joe Biden's campaign did not have a strong presence in the state, making his victory largely unexpected, especially after Senator Bernie Sanders won the Minnesota caucus handily back in 2016...

DULUTH, Minn. – Joe Biden’s campaign did not have a strong presence in the state, making his victory largely unexpected, especially after Senator Bernie Sanders won the Minnesota caucus handily back in 2016. High voter turnout was a big part of the Minnesota primary. Turnout in Duluth was right around 35 percent of registered voters, but the biggest news was…

Minnesota Foodshare Month has Begun

Your dollars and donations are wanted to help combat hunger...

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Foodshare Month has begun…and your dollars and donations are wanted to help combat hunger. The CHUM Food Shelf in Downtown Duluth is accepting food donations, but CHUM can do so much more with money. Every one dollar donating equals seven dollars of food through a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. Right now, CHUM provides 5-day…

17th Annual Mono Ski and Race Camp

The event is the largest adapted learning-how-to-ski event in the Midwest

DULUTH, Minn. – The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute hit the slopes last week for its 17th annual Mono Ski and Race Camp at Spirit Mountain. The event is the largest adapted learning-how-to-ski event in the Midwest. Participants learn how to improve on their mono-ski skills and gain extra confidence to become independent at the sport…and to have fun all at…

Pizza and Primaries Kicks Off

What's the best food pairing for Super Tuesday?

DULUTH, Minn. – What’s the best food pairing for Super Tuesday? For many people, the answer is pizza. Pizza and primaries kicked off at UMD today. It promoted two things: one, it encouraged college kids to vote in the student association election. Two, it got them to vote in the presidential primaries. “Inspiring other people. One of the most rewarding…

Veterinarian Says It’s Unlikely People Can Give Pets Coronavirus

If you do come down with the virus, you're encouraged to avoid contact with your pets because the virus can live on the surface of the animal just like the surface of a door handle, which could infect other people.

TWIN PORTS – Animal experts tell us it’s highly unlikely that your pet will catch the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus. Dr. Bob McClellan at Superior Animal Hospital says illnesses usually spread species to species. While there are some illnesses that spread from pet to human, you don’t have to worry about respiratory viruses like coronavirus doing that. “There’s lots…

Super Tuesday Voting Rules

If you voted early for one of the candidates, it's too late to change your vote.

DULUTH, Minn. – Those early voters for candidates like Amy Klobuchar or Pete Buttigieg will stand. Minnesota’s early voting starts 46 days before the primary election. People can change their vote up to 7 days before election, which this year was February 25th. At that point, officials start to count ballots. There was quite a bit of early voting but…

Deep-Winter Donation Drive Kicks Off

As the spring thaw nears, the need for those winter clothing continues with these chilly temperatures.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the spring thaw nears, the need for those winter clothing continues with these chilly temperatures. And now the deep-winter donation drive has kicked off! The drive helps Life House and CHUM with collecting items during a period of historically low donations. Locations for the donation boxes include the Greater Downtown Council/Chamber of Commerce, Fryberger Law Firm…

Student Comes Back from South Korea

She was expected to study at Korea University in Seoul for her spring semester, but her plans were cut short because of the coronavirus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sofia Mayo is a current pre-med junior at UMD. She was expected to study at Korea University in Seoul for her spring semester, but her plans were cut short because of the coronavirus. Sofia stayed in South Korea for two weeks being sent back to the United States because of safety reasons. “I’m disappointed that I’m back…

Free Cybersecurity Workshop at LSC

Are you prepared for potential cyberhacks?

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you prepared for potential cyberhacks? Instructors at Lake Superior College are making sure students have the skills to prepare themselves. 25 6th through 12th grade participated in a workshop today…learning how to defend themselves on their computers. LSC hosted the event since 2007. “Making yourself stronger at your house will stop whatever you get from getting…

Coronavirus Impacts Local Study Abroad Programs

Universities in the area have postponed study abroad programs because of the coronavirus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials say students are still interested in study abroad programs even as the virus spreads. “It’s kind of a mixed bag, so students are still inquiring about study abroad programs. I’m sure that a lot of students are re-calibrating where their student abroad destinations might take them,” said Karl Markgraf, the Chief International Officer and Director International…

Skiers with Disabilities Hit the Slopes

Hitting the slopes once again...

DULUTH, Minn. – Hitting the slopes once again. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute hosted the 17th annual monoski and race camp. The event is the largest adapted learning how to ski event in the Midwest. Participants learn how to improve on their mono-ski skills and gain extra confidence to become independent at the sport. They also get to learn from Olympic…

6 Million Dollar Apartment Project in Lincoln Park Craft District

The Enger Lofts project is the third of three recent redevelopments of furniture stores in Lincoln Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some new apartments are coming to the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth. Deconstruction has already started on the $6 million project at an old furniture store. The Enger Lofts project is the third of three recent redevelopments of furniture stores in Lincoln Park. Deconstruction at the site on West Superior Street, which was most recently Furniture…

UMD and Duluth Transit Authority Celebrates 8 Millionth UPass Rider

A UMD student is crowned the 8 millionth UPass rider with the Duluth Transit Authority.

DULUTH, Minn. – A UMD student is crowned the 8 millionth UPass rider with the Duluth Transit Authority. The UPass partnership started in 2000. It allows full-time students to ride the bus to campus and around the Twin Ports for just 16 dollars a semester. The pass is funded in part through student fees. Sophomore Mahjur Ahmed is that lucky…

Needles Found in Area as Snow Melts

It's not about being fearful in the situation when encountering used needles in your community, but instead, taking proactive steps to carefully discard them.

TWIN PORTS – Fear and shame. Those are words experts want people to avoid using when talking about needles. They say proper education and protocol are needed when disposing of needles. It’s not about being fearful in the situation when encountering used needles in your community, but instead, taking proactive steps to carefully discard them…especially when the snow melts after…

Continuing Legal Education on Eviction Defense

A group of private attorneys came together in Duluth for a class to learn more about eviction law.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of private attorneys came together in Duluth for a class to learn more about eviction law. Thousands of tenants face eviction notices every year in the state of Minnesota and often times, they do not have a lawyer or understand what their rights are. Now local lawyers are working to fight back so their clients…

Boreal House Opens for Business

Boreal House is now open for Duluthians to enjoy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Boreal House is now open for Duluthians to enjoy. The bar features 16 craft beer taps and a full range of cocktails. The owners have big hopes for this new bar. “I hope that we’re your neighborhood bar. I hope that we’re the staple for people for that we’re gonna go down to the BoHo, we love…

Local Schools Combat Flu Season

As concerns about coronavirus keeps rising internationally, local school districts are staying busy combating more familiar sicknesses like the cold and the flu...

PROCTOR, Minn. – As concerns about coronavirus keeps rising internationally, local school districts are staying busy combating more familiar sicknesses like the cold and the flu. At Bayview Elementary School in Proctor, school leaders are making sure students take the right steps…coughing in their elbows, putting on hand sanitizer and staying home when sick. “You know, right now we’re just…

Random Acts of Flowers by Engwall

After having such a successful Valentine's Day, Engwall Florist and Gifts is donating flowers to different assisted living homes around the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – After having such a successful Valentine’s Day, Engwall Florist and Gifts is donating flowers to different assisted living homes around the area. Locations include Beehive Homes, Mount Royal Pines and Keystone Bluffs. Residents were excited to do activities with the flowers, like arranging the roses and carnations in vases. “I had one nursing home say that they…

Speech Club Encourages and Equips Duluth Residents

If you have a fear of talking in front of a group of people, you are not alone...

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have a fear of talking in front of a group of people, you are not alone…but a group called Toastmasters is here to help. Clapping…handshakes..and time cards…It’s a matter of taking steps out of your comfort zone to speak in front of an audience. “I wasn’t ever really comfortable speaking and I had a story…

City Employees Prepare for Warmer Temperatures

The temperatures are expected to climb into the 30's tomorrow

DULUTH, Minn. – The temperatures are expected to climb into the 30’s tomorrow, which will cause a lot of the snow and ice to melt. Duluth city employees have been preparing for months for the upcoming melt by clearing culverts and cleaning catch basins. They say without that preparation, the city could have to deal with some flooded streets. “We’ve…