Author: Jenna VanSickle

Superior High School’s Spartan Manufacturing Opens Doors to the Community

At the open house, Cenovus Energy donated $50,000 to the student-led business for the second time

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — After its inaugural year, Spartan Manufacturing at Superior High School hosted an open house to show the community their work. Spartan Manufacturing’s goal is to educate high school students about trade professions, through running a student-led business. At Wednesday’s open house, the program received a $50,000 donation from Cenovus Energy, one of many local businesses who have…

One Dog’s Love Inspires Disc Dog Seminar This Weekend

Lupine will share her love for chasing frisbees with other furry friends in Superior on Saturday and Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — One dog’s love for catching a frisbee has inspired a Disc Dog Seminar, which will take place this weekend in Superior. Lupine is a 5-year-old border collie. Her owner, Eve Graves, said Lupine has loved playing catch since they met. Lupine’s boundless energy inspired Graves to look for more structured opportunities for Lupine to hone her skills….

Superior Mayor, Council To ‘Intervene’ Proposed Rate Increase By SWL&P

Mayor Jim Paine proposed a resolution which was voted in favor of unanimously Tuesday evening

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — At tonight’s Superior City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Paine put forward a resolution to intervene with the proposed rate increase by Superior Water, Light, and Power starting in 2025. At the end of March, the ALLETE subsidiary Superior Water Light and Power submitted a request to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, or PSC, to increase rates….

Earth Ride Maker’s Market Features Twin Ports Artists, Music, and Beer

Vendors selling arts and crafts of all kinds lined up outside Cedar Lounge for the first market of the season

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Sunday marked the first Earth Rider Maker’s Market of the season at Cedar Lounge. The market took advantage of the outdoor space, with vendors set up selling all kinds of crafts. Booths offered everything from tie dye to crotchet to maple syrup to candles. Vendors were antsy for their first customers to arrive. “Super excited to start,…

Hoops Brewing Hosts ‘We’re Cutting You Off’ Homegrown Wrap-Up Party

Festival-goers could stop by and get a deal on beers by letting a bartender cut off their Homegrown wristband

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday was the last day of the Homegrown Music Festival in the Twin Ports. This year’s festival started with an official kick off party at Hoops Brewing in Canal Park and now music lovers can return to Hoops to be “cut off.” Hoops Brewing invited festival-goers for the “We’re Cutting You Off” Wrap Up Party. Anyone who…

‘Everyone Can Bird’ Event Series Makes Birdwatching Accessible for All

Birders met up at Chamber Grove Park for an accessible birdwatching event -- catching a firsthand glimpse of the spring migration

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday morning, dozens of people flocked to Chamber Grove Park for the Everyone Can Bird event. The morning was designed with accessibility in mind, making sure birders of all abilities could enjoy. The event had an American Sign Language interpreter on hand, as well as a track chair — an all-terrain wheelchair for hiking. Interested birders of…

Day 2: Pro-Palestine Demonstrations At Rose Garden, Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — At least 50 people arrived at the Duluth Rose Garden during the 7 o’clock hour Thursday evening. The pro-Palestine protesters were making their voices heard for the second day in a row there. The crowd Thursday was much larger than last night’s demonstration. Earlier in the day Thursday, the city of Duluth put out a warning that…

Bean Bag Toss Tournament Benefits Families of Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses

Adolfson & Peterson Construction Held Its Third Annual Tournament to Fundraise for the Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — This afternoon saw the Third Annual Charity Bean Bag Tournament at Clyde Iron Works, all to benefit families in need. Sixty four teams entered the bracket-style tournament today. The mission? To fundraise for the Northern Lights Foundation, an organization which provides grants to the families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Some previous grant recipients were even there…

Homegrown Music Festival Expands to Largest Venue to Date

AMSOIL Arena is the latest venue added to the festivals extensive lineup -- and the biggest

DULUTH, Minn. — The 26th Homegrown Music Festival is well underway! Tuesday night featured four musical acts at the festival’s largest venue yet — AMSOIL Arena. The festival features about 160 bands or artists at 35 venues spread across the Twin Ports. And while the event is no stranger to the DECC, this year is the first time Homegrown has…

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Reminds Both Drivers and Riders to Stay Alert

Warm weather means motorcyclists are already on Northland roads and beyond

DULUTH, Minn. — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, but warmer weather had motorcyclists on the roads as early as March. Minnesota has already seen four motorcyclist fatalities this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. However, both deaths and injuries to motorcyclists went down from 2022 to 2023 in the state. Wisconsin has also seen a decrease…

Insomnia Cookies Grand Opening Makes Late-Night Treats Available to UMD Students

The chain opened their fifth Minnesota location -- right across from UMD's campus

DULUTH, Minn. — Insomnia Cookies opened its first location in Duluth today, bringing late night treats to UMD students and the community. And it’s not too late to check out the grand opening and satisfy your cravings with a free cookie! The chain is open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 a.m. all other days. This afternoon, students…

UMD Students Create Tiny Study Buddies Ahead of Finals

'Make and Take' Air Clay Creations Just One of Many Activities During Stressless Week

DULUTH, Minn. — Finals season is fast approaching at UMD and the Kathryn A. Martin Library is once again holding Stressless Week for students. In the lead up to final exams, the library is looking to help students reduce stress and take a break. Tuesday afternoon, it partnered with the Graduate Student Association to hold a ‘Make and Take’ Study…

Family Of Duluth Domestic Homicide Victim Talk Anger, Grief, Hope

Allisa Vollan was 27 years old

DULUTH, Minn. — There is anger and grief from the family of a Duluth woman who has become Minnesota’s sixth homicide victim so far this year by, who authorities call, an intimate partner. In March, Allisa Vollan, 27, was killed by her boyfriend, Dale Howard, 25, according to the criminal complaint. Allisa was found dead in Howard’s apartment just nine…

UMD Senior Art Exhibit Focuses on the Falsely Incarcerated

The opening night of Holly Brown's exhibit also featured guest speaker Herman Lindsey

DULUTH, Minn. — A new exhibit has opened at UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art, focusing on wrongful convictions and the death penalty. Senior Holly Brown created the exhibit, “Exonerated,” to show the impact of wrongful convictions on people’s lives around the country. Brown is a non-traditional student at UMD, returning years later to finish her degree. She says one of…

‘Growing Duluth’ Offers Classes, Guidance For Plant Lovers

No Matter Your Skill Level, Growing Duluth Wants to Help You Grow

DULUTH, Minn. — Since opening last September, Growing Duluth has been growing their business to include house plants, produce, gardening supplies, cannabis seeds, and more. Co-owner Louise Kolthoff says Growing Duluth wants to make people confident in what they’re growing and be a resource for plant lovers new and old. The store offers a variety classes for different interests and…

Grand Rapids Artist Shares Passion for Norwegian Folk Art

Traditional rosemaling artist Michelle Carlson taught a class at the Duluth Folk School on Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — For six hours on Sunday, Grand Rapids-based artist Michelle Carlson was doing what she loves the most, sharing the Norwegian folk art style of rosemaling. She taught a class at the Duluth Folk School, taking beginner and novice rosemalers through the entire process. Carlson has spent thirty years on perfecting her craft, but the practice dates all…

Northland College Gives Itself Two More Weeks to Solve Financial Crisis and Avoid School Closure

A Thursday evening meeting left many in the NC community 'annoyed' with the uncertainty going forward after initial deadline is moved

ASHLAND, Wis. — Yesterday’s self-imposed deadline for the future of Northland College came and went. Today, college leaders said it will be another two weeks before they know for sure. The news came during a meeting in the gymnasium. The bleachers were filled with students, staff, and faculty, gathered to learn something about their future. They were there to hear…

Neighborhood Youth Services Staff Walk Out Over Frustrations

The Family Freedom Center says it has met with staff and will respond promptly.

DULUTH, Minn. — Staff from Neighborhood Youth Services in Duluth say they have walked out for the second time in less than a year. They say it’s due to ongoing frustrations with the organization’s operator, the Family Freedom Center. The mission of Neighborhood Youth Services, or NYS, is to create a “safe and prosperous space for children and families.” The…

‘Burns Harbor’ Gets Stuck At Superior Dock

Experts are still uncertain what caused the lake freighter to get stuck, but with a little help its headed out of the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — This was the scene for much of the weekend: two ships, side by side at BNSF Railway Dock 5 in Superior. On the left, the Burns Harbor. It arrived a week ago. The ship was fueled up and loaded with iron ore pellets, but remained at the dock. It wasn’t until the ship on the right, the…

The Easter Bunny Arrives in Duluth – As a Snow Sculpture!

A private residence on 21st Avenue East is celebrating spring's arrival with a winter tradition

DULUTH, Minn. — If you were out in enjoying the sun in Duluth today, you might have come across a springtime snow sculpture! Those passing by on 21st Avenue East can enjoy the latest rendition of a snowy tradition. This year’s sculpture features the Easter bunny, a basket, and the Statue of Liberty. Colorful balloons make up the Easter eggs…

Twin Ports Community Doubles Support For ‘Musical Bingo’ & Local Artists

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bingo fanatics, roughly 170 of them, joined together Thursday night at Barker’s Island Inn to support free community music by playing Musical Bingo. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger called the song titles at Siggy’s Musical Garden, which is an organization that supports local music and artists behind it. Songs were provided by the Mackie Brothers, a rock group…

Duluth Parks & Recreation Groom Ski Trails for Final Hurrah of the Season

If you're thinking about getting some last-minute cross country skiing in, now's the time!

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation had teams out earlier today at ski trails around the area, grooming the snow. According to the City of Duluth website, five trails had crews working on them. Magney Snively, Piedmont, Chester, Hartley, and Lester Trails were listed as “fair,” meaning minimal bare or icy spots. Some trails were only packed for skate…

Proposed Increase to Duluth’s Water Utility Rates

Duluth Public Utilities Commission Unanimously Voted to Send Proposal to the City Council, Despite Concerns from Outside Duluth

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously at a public hearing on Tuesday evening to move forward with proposed variable increases to water utility bills. The resolution would raise charges by 9.25% per year, totaling 48% over five years. This would impact all customers, including those outside city limits. At the hearing, the commission took public…

UW-Superior Makes Room For Mental Health Discussion and Art

The university held a community conversation surrounding mental health and "Waiting for Beds"

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior is continuing to put an emphasis on mental health. Today, the Department of Social Work hosted a community discussion about mental health and the lack of options in Douglas County for people in crisis. The panel took place in the Kruk Gallery, which is the current home of “Waiting for Beds,” a collaborative art project between…

Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake Join Together for Annual State of the Cities

The three communities are focusing on working together and business growth

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake held their joint annual State of the Cities luncheon earlier today, bringing together the three communities. Over 100 people came to hear local government officials discuss the past, present, and future of their cities. Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Parmeter said this year brought the biggest turnout in…

Fire Victim Reunites With Superior Firefighters Who Saved His Life

Over two years after the housefire that changed his life, Henry Wentzel finally got to hug the firefighters who found him

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — It was a special day at the Superior Fire Department Thursday because after over two years, a fire victim was able to thank the firefighters who helped save his life. In the morning of October 21st, 2021, Henry Wentzel was asleep when a surge protector in his bedroom sparked and lit curtains on fire. Wentzel was found…

Duluth Art Institute Hosts Last Event at The Depot, Closing in on New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight was the Duluth Art Institute’s last event before they leave The Depot. Art lovers joined together for Art Night Out, a social event celebrating the closing of two exhibits, Allison Baker’s Tender Vignettes and Annelise Roseen’s Today I Am. People were not only able to enjoy the artwork, but talk to the artists about the creative…

Duluth Construction Career Night Offers Hands on Experience to Prospective Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight at the DECC, you could try your hand with some of the tools and skills needed to work in construction. Duluth Construction Career Night is an opportunity for anyone interested in building and construction trade careers to learn more about local apprenticeship programs and meet contractors looking for new employees. The event put on by Construct…

Northern Exposure Art Offers Northland-Inspired Painting Classes

Carly Jandl takes a step-by-step approach to sharing her creativity

DULUTH, Minn. — Today at Bent Paddle Brewing, people were able to enjoy not only a drink, but some painting too! The step-by-step painting class was one of many put on by Northern Exposure Art around Duluth. Founder Carly Jandl has been offering classes for around two years and says it’s special to help people tap into their artistic side….

Duluth Nordic Center Shares Culture Through Crafts

Liz Bucheit's 'Hand of the Huldra' Exhibition Inspires Crowns and Jewelry For All Generations

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Nordic Center is getting the whole family involved with its latest exhibition ‘Hand of the Huldra.’ The center hosts SunFunDays as a way to open up the gallery to families and let people of all ages get inspired. Currently, Liz Bucheit’s jewelry is on display, a collection inspired by the legend of the Huldrefolk or ‘hidden…

Chester Bowl Closing Day is ‘Bittersweet’ After Short Ski Season

Skiers and snowboarders took their final runs of the winter at Chester Bowl today

DULUTH, Minn. — It was closing day today at Chester Bowl and plenty of skiers and snowboarders were getting in their last runs of the season. It’s been a short season at Chester Bowl, but making and maintaining snow has been particularly difficult according to Programs and Operations Director Sam Luoma. The hill has two snow machines. In a typical…

Wild State Cider Serves Up Vermont-Style Ice Cream

Camp Creemee introduces a rotating menu of soft serve flavors to pair with cider -- or just enjoy!

DULUTH, Minn. — With spring and warm weather just around the corner, Camp Creemee says its the perfect time to enjoy their soft serve ice cream. Camp Creemee, located in Wild State Cider, specializes in Vermont-style soft serve or ‘creemees.’ They offer a classic salted maple syrup flavor year-round, as well as monthly special flavors. Throughout March, they’re offering ‘Shamrock…

Wildfire Season Starting Early DNR Advises Homeowners

Homes Near Undeveloped Wildlands or Open Spaces At Higher Risk According to MN DNR

DULUTH, Minn. — With warmer temperatures and little snow this winter, the DNR says the potential for wildfires will be high this year. In the last two and a half weeks, the DNR has responded to 77 wildfires covering over 4,500 acres. That’s over half the acres covered by wildfires in all of last year. Wildfire season typically starts in…

Renegade Comedy is Changing Things Up

The comedy club is introducing new shows and new time slots to get more people in the doors

DULUTH, Minn. — Renegade Comedy at Zeitgeist Teatro is making some ‘exciting’ changes and introducing new shows, all in an effort to make Duluthians laugh. Renegade just open their kid’s comedy show, The Sloppy Joe Adventure Crew, which they call ‘ a mystery for the whole family.’ This Friday, they’re starting introducing Renegade Game Night, an improv game show that…

Healing Paws Holds Adoption Event for Rescued Pups

The dog rescue holds monthly adoption event and today's resulted in at least one dog finding a new family

DULUTH, Minn. — Some furry friends found their forever homes today thanks to Healing Paws Rescue! The dog rescue puts on monthly events to help find families for the dogs in their care. Healing Paws said they just got a transport of thirty four puppies from Texas, where hundred of dogs are euthanized each day. At PetSmart in Duluth, customers…

Superior Mayor Meets With Royalton Manor Residents Over Health, Safety Concerns

Residents of the subsidized apartment building look to City and new ownership to fix issues, including fires

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Residents of Royalton Manor in Superior met with Mayor Jim Paine on Thursday evening to discuss the future of the subsidized apartment building. “People, this is their home,” said resident Carla Blair. “And I feel like nobody would live in a home with dripping pipes, mold, nasty carpets. I mean if that was your home, would you…

Hermantown High School Robotics Team Prepares for Competition

Hermantown Talons 5232 Robotics Has Just a Few Days to Finish Their Robot Before Regionals

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — It’s crunch time for the Hermantown High School Robotics team! Their first competition of the season, the Northern Lights Regional, is fast approaching. Hermantown will compete this weekend at the DECC against teams from across the Midwest. “It’s kind of the biggest event for Minnesota,” said Scouting & Strategy Captain Emma Klyn. “And it’s the first one,…

Duluthians Celebrate Kalevala Day and Finnish Culture

Dozens spent the afternoon enjoying Finnish food, music, and presentations

DULUTH, Minn. — Today was all about celebrating Finnish culture at Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Duluth. Both Finnish Americans and non-Finns joined together for an early Kalevala Day celebration. The holiday is typically celebrated on February 28th is is named after the national epic of Finland. One of the organizers, Marjori Bottila, says its important for the…

Duluth Public Library Foundation Hosts 7th Annual Olga Walker Awards

The DPL Foundation celebrated three honorees and hosted Lakota author

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Library Foundation hosted the 7th Annual Olga Walker Awards on Sunday afternoon. The event honored three members of the Duluth community who have made significant contributions to the library system: former DPL board member Stephen P. Welsh, long-time volunteer Morgan Swingen, and public services supervisor David Ouse. The award ceremony is named in honor of Olga…

Community Action Duluth is Offering Free Tax Services

The organization aims to help 1,200 people each year with their taxes

DULUTH, Minn. — Doing your taxes can be stressful, especially if you’re filing for the first time. Community Action Duluth is looking to help. The Tax Site is offering free tax help for anyone with a household income of less than $64,000 a year. Each season, they aim to help 1,200 individuals and they’re currently on track to do so….

Community Forum Held on Potential Health Impacts of NTEC Project

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community forum against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) in Superior was held Tuesday evening focused on the potential health, environmental, and community impacts of the project. The speakers were made up of tribal leaders, scientists, and health professionals.  Dr. Brittany Keyes traveled from Beloit to present at the event in Superior. Keyes said she’s…

Lake Superior College Expansion Project Continues

LSC unveiled a precast concrete wall mock-up today, the next step in the construction project

DULUTH, Minn. — The expansion project at Lake Superior College is well underway. Once complete, the new T-building will add 9,000 square feet and provide a place for manufacturing students a place on the main campus. Currently, students studying welding, machine tool, and computer-aided design, attend classes at the temporary downtown campus. President Patricia Rogers said the expansion will benefit…

Dexter the Bipedal Dog Visits Duluth Sport Show

Dexter is taking it one step at a time and inspiring others to do the same

DULUTH, Minn — This weekend at the Duluth Sport Show you can meet a viral dog who has been taking the Internet by storm — on only two legs! Dexter the Brittany Spaniel has over a million followers on TikTok. What makes Dexter such a good boy? The pup from Ouray, Colorado gained fans around the world with his unique…

Duluth International Airport Receives $10 Million Grant to Replace Air Traffic Control Tower

Construction will begin in 2025 and DLH says there will be no major impact on travelers

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport is set to receive a $10 million dollar federal grant to relocate the air traffic control tower. The current tower is one of the oldest in the country. It was commissioned in 1963 and while it has had updates since then, the tower does not meet current FAA guidelines. Duluth Airport Executive Director…

After ‘Threat Complaint,’ Solon Springs School District Board Criticized For ‘Lack of Communication’

UPDATE Following 2/14 Story

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — Emotions were high Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting over safety and security procedures within the district. The meeting was called after a “threat complaint” by a student on Monday, February 5th. According to the district and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, they determined the threat was a misunderstanding. They say…

Lake Superior College Hosts Spring Student Success Day

LSC is taking the day to set their students up for success -- and not just in the classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — School was out at Lake Superior College today, but it wasn’t just a day for students to relax! Each semester, LSC’s Student Success Day is an opportunity for students to build community through networking and skill building. LSC President Patricia Rogers said the college is all about getting students ready for the next phase of their life,…

Superior’s The Strength Factory Makes Working Out ‘Safe and Inclusive’

Kelly Kellar's passion project promotes community and fitness for everyone

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…

St. Louis County Receives New Fire Suppression Tools

The Glen Avon and Euclid Masonic Lodges Donated 10 New Devices to the County

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received a new tool today that will help first responders who arrive at fires before firefighters. First responders will use be able to use to ten new fire suppression tools to quickly reduce the temperature by nearly one thousand degrees and flame activity. Once activated, they can throw the device into…

Superior’s NTEC Supporters Hold Rally As Mayor Paine Responds

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At least 100 people rallied outside Superior’s City Hall Tuesday evening in support of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The natural gas-powered electrical plant had unanimous support by the city council and Mayor Jim Paine in 2019, but over the last year, Mayor Paine and some council members have been working to stop the project….

Superior Boy’s Basketball Raises Over $6,500 For Pediatric Patients

The team presented a check to Amelia, a five-year-old basketball fan in cancer remission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior High School Boy’s Basketball Team presented a check to one of their biggest fans today. The donation was all a part of the team’s annual cancer awareness game. Through a silent auction, raffle, bake sale, and t-shirt sales, the team raised $6,594. That money went to local basketball fan Amelia and other pediatric patients in…