Author: Jane Kim

Tourism in Superior Rising Above the Pandemic

The pandemic hit the tourism industry hard throughout the region and Superior is not exempt. However, the industry itself is now rising above and is recovering better than expected.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The pandemic hit the tourism industry hard throughout the region and Superior is not exempt. However, the industry itself is now rising above and is recovering better than expected. With Superior and Duluth being neighboring cities, tourism that impacts one part of the region will also hit the other. “What’s going to happen?” said Taylor Pedersen, the…

UMD Associate Professor Continues Research on Climate Change

A professor at UMD is now part of research into climate change that's been published in an academic journal. 

DULUTH, Minn. – A professor at UMD is now part of research into climate change that’s been published in an academic journal. The professor is part of a study that shows how human actions, such as the burning of fossil fuels and the release of aerosols, have had a strong impact on global temperatures, rates of hurricane formation, and extreme…

Goodwill to Host Job Fair

Goodwill in Duluth is hosting its first hiring event on Friday since the pandemic began as they have a big need for workers. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Goodwill in Duluth is hosting its first hiring event on Friday since the pandemic began as they have a big need for workers. There will be hiring of many entry-level positions, including sales clerks and people in the production department. Entry-level wages will be $11 to $14 depending on the position across the board. “It feels good,”…

COVID Cases Continue in Itasca County

During the past couple of weeks, Itasca County has experienced four deaths due to COVID-19, including two females in their 60s and 70s and two males in their 60s and 90s. 

ITASCA COUNTY – During the past couple of weeks, Itasca County has experienced four deaths due to COVID-19, including two females in their 60s and 70s and two males in their 60s and 90s. Health experts say these recent ones have been a surprise had been going down but now they are seeing an uptick. Currently, there are 19 per…

Cases Climb in Some Portions of St. Louis County

St. Louis County has seen overall numbers of COVID-19 case rates creeping up a bit but they are fairly low compared to where they were in October and November.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County has seen overall numbers of COVID-19 case rates creeping up a bit but they are fairly low compared to where they were in October and November. According to officials in the Northern portion of the county, some rural areas have seen triple the case rates over the last couple of weeks, including Ely….

Food Boxes Distributed to People in Proctor

Whether it's chicken, hot dogs, onions, or even butter, these boxes had it all for those who needed them the most.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Whether it’s chicken, hot dogs, onions, or even butter, these boxes had it all for those who needed them the most. The pandemic has hit many Northlanders hard who may have lost their jobs so some Northland organizations came together to help during a food giveaway at the St. Luke’s Sport and Event Center in Proctor. “It’s…

Canal Park Brewing Stays Closed for Time Being

While businesses throughout the state are preparing to expand their services, some are choosing not to open.

DULUTH, Minn. – While businesses throughout the state are preparing to expand their services, some are choosing not to open. Management at Canal Park Brewing says their business model is designed for high volume, and they say right now, they’re losing less money by being closed than by being open. With January and February traditionally being their slower months, they…

Bulldog Pizza Excited to Get More Customers

The owner of Bulldog Pizza is happy about being allowed to have more Northlanders in their restaurant after dine-in services went down dramatically during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – We checked in with one local dining establishment to find out how they feel about the loosening of restrictions. The owner of Bulldog Pizza is happy about being allowed to have more Northlanders in their restaurant after dine-in services went down dramatically during the pandemic. The owner says this is an indication we are one step away…

Caravel Autism Facility Ready for Clients

A facility dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum will be ready to treat children starting next week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A facility dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum will be ready to treat children starting next week. The Caravel Autism Facility in Hermantown takes clients from 18 months to 18 years and provides evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of autism. According to management at Caravel, there is a higher rate of autism in Minnesota 1 in 44…

Duluth Salvation Army Participates in Minnesota FoodShare Month

This month is Minnesota FoodShare Month and the Duluth Salvation Army is hoping it will help drive up donations to their food shelf.

DULUTH, Minn. – This month is Minnesota FoodShare Month and the Duluth Salvation Army is hoping it will help drive up donations to their food shelf. From now until April 11th, money and food given to the Duluth Salvation Army will be matched by the Minnesota FoodShare March campaign. The goal is to get $9,000 and 8,000 items of food…

Restrictions Loosened at Salons

With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business.

DULUTH, Minn. – With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business. At Rue 48 in Canal Park, owners say they’ve been taking extra precautions to help keep people safe and comfortable no matter how many people can be in the business…

Substitute Teachers Provide Sense of Support

At Duluth Public Schools, the district hired a pool of floating subs to support the schools, having ten people work the different buildings. They are currently stationed at the elementary schools but are flexible to support wherever the subs are needed.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many schools are back in form of in-person learning. Some districts are providing unique ways to use substitute teachers. At Duluth Public Schools, the district hired a pool of floating subs to support the schools, having ten people work the different buildings. They are currently stationed at the elementary schools but are flexible to support wherever the…

DECC Anticipating Hopeful Future

With restrictions loosening, management at places like the DECC is hopeful for the future, bringing in big events that can draw in more revenue to the site.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning April 1st, seated outdoor venues can allow up to 10,000 people at their venues while seated indoor venues can allow up to 3,000 people. With these restrictions loosening, management at places like the DECC is hopeful for the future, bringing in big events that can draw in more revenue to the site. “It’s exciting,” aid Roger…

Businesses Respond to Loosened Restrictions

As restrictions continue to be loosened, Duluth bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief.

DULUTH, Minn. – As restrictions continue to be loosened, Duluth bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief. Both Duluth Grill and Bent Paddle are businesses impacted by the recent announcement and they are excited and hopeful for what the future brings. Management at Duluth Grill says that the past year has been a rollercoaster of a ride due…

Pandemic Hits One Year Anniversary, Health Officials Update on Current Trends

On this pandemic anniversary, we caught up with a St. Louis County health leader to learn more about where the county sits right now.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – On this pandemic anniversary, we caught up with a St. Louis County health leader to learn more about where the county sits right now. Currently, cases are trending downward. In November, there were about 330 cases reported per day in St. Louis County while right now, there are about 15 to 22 cases reported per day….

More Business for Pizza Shops Because of Snow Storm

With the snowstorm, one local pizza place says it’s been busier for deliveries as more people want to stay home.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snowstorm, one local pizza place says it’s been busier for deliveries as more people want to stay home. Management at VIP Pizza says it’s not unusual as they usually see a higher call volume during bad weather. “People are pretty good about it,” said Mechelle Nelson, the manager at VIP Pizza. “So you know, they’re…

UMD Students Have Fun In Snow

Some UMD students had some fun today at the expense of the recent snowfall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some UMD students had some fun today at the expense of the recent snowfall. After moving the snow on their driveway, two roommates snowboarded down it. Kamie is a student at UMD and said she and her roommates didn’t expect the weather to turn out like this. “We all didn’t think it would snow this much and…

Snow Blankets Northland, Northland Residents Cleans It Up

Some Duluth residents woke up to a surprise this morning with more than seven inches of snow falling. This all comes less than two weeks from spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluth residents woke up to a surprise this morning with more than seven inches of snow falling. This all comes less than two weeks from spring. A winter storm hit the Northland last night going into this morning. Residents were stuck cleaning up the mess. Snow blanketed the Northland and people came out to clean it…

Instagram Account Highlights Duluth Businesses

One local travel Instagram account is giving away a Duluth spring vacation.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local travel Instagram account is giving away a Duluth spring vacation. Expedition Kristen is highlighting several local businesses in its giveaway, including Bridgeman’s, Vikre Distillery, and Inn on Lake Superior. Kristen, the owner of the Instagram account, hosts giveaways like these and has previously focused on places like St. Cloud and Minneapolis. However, for this week,…

Co-Presidents, CEOs named at St. Luke’s

We are learning that St. Luke’s has named its new co-presidents and CEOs.

DULUTH, Minn. – We are learning that St. Luke’s has named its new co-presidents and CEOs. Eric Lohn and Nick Van Deelen have been named to fill the positions. Both began serving their roles on an interim basis in early December 2020. Lohn says that while things were difficult during the past year because of the pandemic, there is much…

Adverse Reactions to Vaccine Are Rare, Northland Health Officials Encourage People to Get the Vaccine

As more people are getting vaccinated, there have been a few rare cases where people have reported some adverse side effects. Northland health experts caution that side effects from the COVID vaccine are rare and they should not serve as a deterrent for getting the shot.

NORTHLAND – As more people are getting vaccinated, there have been a few rare cases where people have reported some adverse side effects. Northland health experts caution that side effects from the COVID vaccine are rare and they should not serve as a deterrent for getting the shot. In one situation, a patient was recommended not to take the second…

Restaurant Workers Can Now Get Vaccine

With Governor Walz’s recent announcement about expanding the eligible groups able to get the vaccine, foodservice workers are able to sign up.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Governor Walz’s recent announcement about expanding the eligible groups able to get the vaccine, foodservice workers are able to sign up. The owners of the Boat Club in Duluth say they are happy about the change as it’s a big step towards normalcy. “Our employees are really excited to be able to get in there and…

House GOP Asks for Loosening of Restrictions in Minnesota

On the heels of Governor Walz announcement today, Minnesota GOP leadership held their own news conference asking for the loosening of restrictions at a variety of businesses and for events like wedding receptions.

MINNESOTA – On the heels of Governor Walz announcement today, Minnesota GOP leadership held their own news conference asking for the loosening of restrictions at a variety of businesses and for events like wedding receptions. They argue Minnesota has tighter restrictions than other states around it like Wisconsin, which impacts business. “It’s time to announce the next phase of reopening…

Caregivers Can Now Get Vaccinated

Caregivers of people with complex medical needs are now able to get the COVID vaccine in St. Louis County

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Caregivers of people with complex medical needs are now able to get the COVID vaccine in St. Louis County. Complex medical needs mean that the person has one or more medical issues that require a higher level of direct care than is typical for someone of the same age. For instance, a caregiver could be a…

More Minnesotans Included in Vaccine Eligibility

Beginning Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Minnesotans will be eligible for the vaccine. Governor Walz says this shift comes after vaccinating 70% of the elderly population three weeks ahead of schedule.

MINNESOTA – Beginning Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Minnesotans will be eligible for the vaccine. Governor Walz says this shift comes after vaccinating 70% of the elderly population three weeks ahead of schedule. Now the vaccination process is opening up to those with specific underlying health conditions like sickle cell disease and down syndrome, food processing plant workers, and Minnesotans…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Receives Grants from MnDOT

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive two grants totaling $7.4 million from MnDOT to help improve and repair port infrastructure.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive two grants totaling $7.4 million from MnDOT to help improve and repair port infrastructure. $5 million will go to help repair 1,200 feet of dock wall at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth while another $2.4 million will be used to create a 112,000-square foot warehouse that will feature…

International Women’s Day Gives Reason to Celebrate Women in Business

Today is International Women's Day and people throughout the country are celebrating the importance of women-led organizations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is International Women’s Day and people throughout the country are celebrating the importance of women-led organizations. Reimagined by T. Underwood is a women-led business in Duluth, which sells things like paint, DIY projects and plants. The business is also run as a creative co-op, which means they sell products from other shops, which are mainly owned…

VFW Celebrates New Location in Light of Anniversary of Fire

It was one year ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1720 burned down in Grand Rapids. The loss of the VFW building hit area veterans hard. However, the brand new VFW Post is now complete.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – It was one year ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1720 burned down in Grand Rapids. The loss of the VFW building hit area veterans hard. However, the brand new VFW Post is now complete. After the fire happened, crews were able to enter the building and save important items, but much was lost…

New Commission to Fight Against Human Trafficking Created for City of Superior

On March 2nd, the Superior City Council voted to create a special city commission dedicated to combat and address the issue of human trafficking in the city.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On March 2nd, the Superior City Council voted to create a special city commission dedicated to combat and address the issue of human trafficking in the city. To fill the new Commercial Sexual Exploitation Commission, the city council president will appoint one councilor every year and the mayor will assign five members from the community. Members will…

Breweries Advocate for Drink Local Economic Recovery Package

A new "Drink Local" Economic recovery package introduced during yesterday's Minnesota legislative session is getting the support of small craft breweries in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new “Drink Local” Economic recovery package introduced during yesterday’s Minnesota legislative session is getting the support of small craft breweries in the Northland. Staff at Ursa Minor in the Lincoln Park Craft District says Minnesota liquor laws have remained unchanged for some time. Currently, the brewery is only allowed to see certain vessel sizes for off-sale….

Wisconsin Man Surpasses 1 Million Pushups for a Good Cause

A man in Wisconsin is working to break the record for the most push-ups done in a 12-month period and he's doing it for a good cause. 

WISCONSIN – A man in Wisconsin is working to break the record for the most push-ups done in a 12-month period and he’s doing it for a good cause. This past week, Nate Carroll completed his one-millionth push-up. He’s using the physical feat to raise money for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Home Program, which pays off…

Itasca County Receives Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine this week.

ITASCA COUNTY – Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine this week. Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital was the recipient of the vaccines and the shots are available for those who are 65 years of age and older. Health leaders say this new vaccine will push the community closer to being healthy. “And we’re so thankful…

Food Boxes Distributed to Northland People in Need

Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland to help those struggling their families during the pandemic. Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods. About 1,300 boxes with over 30,000 pounds of food were at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown or…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one shot vaccine after St. Luke's and Essentia received theirs yesterday.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine after St. Luke’s and Essentia received theirs yesterday. The county hasn’t received confirmation on when they will be getting it or how many doses they’ll be receiving. As multiple systems are getting out and receiving more vaccines in general, the issue…

Wessman Arena Vaccine Site to be Operational in April

The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April. According to Douglas County Health officials, they expect to offer later evening hours along with weekends. This is a regional site to increase capacity in the Northwest region of Wisconsin. To find out how to register for the vaccine, click here. Categories:…

Northland Organization Gives Energy Saving Tips

Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they're not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is working to promote more energy efficiency during all seasons. Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they’re not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic. The thermostats should be set at 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, and…

Douglas County Increases Vaccine Efforts

Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine. Previously, first responders, police and the elderly could get the vaccine but now it’s opened up more including for those working in the childcare and education fields. For schools, Essentia will be focusing on other public schools, private schools, and rural schools. There are close…

Women’s Workforce Hit Hard By the Pandemic

Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women's workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began.

MINNESOTA – The pandemic continues to have long-lasting impacts on employment in the Northland, including hitting the women’s workforce hard. Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women’s workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began. According to local workforce experts, several factors impeded the ability of women to stay and hold jobs. These…

NRRI Receives $2.1 Million Grant for Iron Production Research

The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet. Direct reduced iron pellets are items that are wanted for the electric arc furnace steel industry, which makes up 70% of the market. The funding is directed towards advancing production of…

Those with Alzheimer’s Impacted by Pandemic

In the state, there were 644 more deaths from that disease and dementia in 2020, which is an 11.6% increase compared with the previous five years.

MINNESOTA – COVID-19 has also impacted those living with Alzheimer’s including in Minnesota. In the state, there were 644 more deaths from that disease and dementia in 2020, which is an 11.6% increase compared with the previous five years. “The pandemic has certainly hurt all populations in their treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and a lot of that is because we’ve…

Medical Professionals Urge Public to Go to the Doctor for Appointments

As the pandemic continues, local hospitals say they are seeing more Northlanders delay treatment for other ailments due to fears related to COVID.

NORTHLAND – As the pandemic continues, local hospitals say they are seeing more Northlanders delay treatment for other ailments due to fears related to COVID. Medical professionals from both St. Luke’s and Essentia say that their offices are among the safest places you can go and while delaying an annual exam might not seem like a bad thing right now,…

Bridge Work Begins in Duluth

Two Duluth bridges are undergoing some routine winter maintenance.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Duluth bridges are undergoing some routine winter maintenance.  Lester Creek Stone Arch bridge and Tischer Creek walking bridge on Superior Street may be closed, which could affect access to some trails and parks. Maintenance could take several weeks so plan to take an alternate road if you need to. Categories: Coronavirus, News, News – Latest News

Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships at LSC

Three students in the Machine Tech Program at LSC were awarded special scholarships that gave them the equipment needed to succeed in their work.

DULUTH, Minn. – Three students in the Machine Tech Program at LSC were awarded special scholarships that gave them the equipment needed to succeed in their work. The LSC Foundation gave each student a new toolbox, which included equipment that is worth nearly $2,000. One of the students we spoke to was overjoyed for being selected. “It means the world…

Ely Schools to Begin Renovation Project

Ely Public Schools will be going through their own $20 million expansion.

ELY, Minn. – Ely Public Schools will be going through their own $20 million expansion. It will include a new structure that connects their schools, along with a renovation of the existing buildings including building a new gym, cafeteria, media center, and classrooms. “Really exciting for our community and it’s something that again we really needed for a number of…

Duluth Fire Department Receives Donation of Tools from Home Depot

The Duluth Fire Department received a big donation today of tools that will help them when responding to emergencies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department received a big donation today of tools that will help them when responding to emergencies. $2,500 worth of equipment was donated to the fire department and officials say they are grateful for the support. The tools will be going out to all of the stations throughout the city, specifically being used on fire…

Vaccination Help for Minority Communities

St. Louis County Public Health along with Essentia and Healthy Alliances for All reached out to the West Duluth neighborhood today and offered a vaccine clinic, specifically targeting minority communities.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health along with Essentia and Healthy Alliances for All reached out to the West Duluth neighborhood today and offered a vaccine clinic, specifically targeting minority communities. Up to 50 people were expected to attend today and management say they wanted to make sure the vaccine was available to all kinds of people. “Black…

Resident Glass Blower Comes to Northland

In order to bring awareness to new art to the Duluth community, the Lake Superior Art Glass has a new resident artist glass blower.

DULUTH, Minn. – In order to bring awareness to new art to the Duluth community, the Lake Superior Art Glass has a new resident artist glass blower. Dante Germain has been doing glass blowing for the past seven years and says being able to come to the studio and experience with his work is a great opportunity. “By being able…

Major Funding Comes to Wisconsin to Help Those Hit by the Pandemic

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced a $300 million federal program that provides funding to Wisconsin residents hit hard by the pandemic pay rent and utilities.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced a $300 million federal program that provides funding to Wisconsin residents hit hard by the pandemic pay rent and utilities. So far, the Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency has helped 600 since the pandemic started. Leadership from this group says this new funding should help the community a great deal. “They’ve lost…

Ordinance Changes Incorporates Waived Conversion Fee, Encourages Increase of Affordable Housing Options

The City of Duluth will now be waiving a fee that’s been in place for years. It’s part of an effort to help promote affordable housing in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will now be waiving a fee that’s been in place for years. It’s part of an effort to help promote affordable housing in the area. The Duluth City Council has changed an ordinance to help encourage people to invest in condemned properties and turn them into rentals. The city has been charging a $1,500…

Bent Paddle Festiversary for 2021 Canceled

For the second year in a row, Festiversary will be canceled at Bent Paddle due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second year in a row, Festiversary will be canceled at Bent Paddle due to the pandemic. The celebration usually takes place in May around the anniversary of the brewery where they celebrate with plenty of music and of course, beer. Organizers are hopeful next year’s event will go off without a hitch. “It’s just such…