Author: Katharine Huntley

Diocese of Duluth’s Bishop-Elect Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy's resignation comes just two months after his appointment by Pope Francis.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Diocese of Duluth’s Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in the 1980s. Mulloy’s resignation comes just two months after his appointment by Pope Francis. Mulloy was set to take over the post on October 1. Previously, he was a priest in the diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota…

DFL Hosts Drive-Through Chili Cook-Off in Cloquet

Normally the city hosts a Labor Day parade and picnic, but those were canceled in light of the pandemic.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The DFL party candidates participated in a Labor Day drive-through chili cook-off at Veterans Park on Monday. Normally the city hosts a Labor Day parade and picnic, but those were canceled in light of the pandemic. At the cook-off, people could also get the chili on a drive-through basis to stay as safe as possible. Sour cream…

Families Hunting for Agates on Chilly Day at Brighton Beach

Families traveled from around Minnesota to sit by the water, fish, and hunt for agates.

DULUTH, Minn. – At Brighton Beach on Monday, the cooler weather didn’t stop many people from enjoying summer’s last holiday weekend. Families traveled from around Minnesota to sit by the water, fish, and hunt for agates. “Winter is about to be here and we kind of hibernate at that point it’s right around the corner,” said Shayla Fruth who is…

Blacklist Serving Up Orange Whips on a Busy Labor Day Weekend

Employees at Blacklist say it's been a busy summer, a trend that has continued into Labor Day Weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – On a busy Labor Day Weekend the Blacklist Brewing Company has been serving up a special kind of drink called an orange whip. The drink is shot of beer with a splash of orange juice. Employees at Blacklist say it’s been a busy summer, a trend that has continued into Labor Day Weekend. Blacklist also has axe…

Fireworks Light up Two Harbors in Honor of First Responders

People from Two Harbors and neighboring communities gathered around Agate Bay on Saturday to take in the loud booms of fireworks over the water.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – After a summer where many events have been canceled, Two Harbors lit up the sky with fireworks on Saturday in honor of first responders. People from Two Harbors and neighboring communities gathered around Agate Bay on Saturday to take in the loud booms of fireworks over the water. “If you can get a little bit of…

Fireworks Light Up Two Harbors Sky

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The North Shore of Minnesota was aglow on Saturday evening during fireworks in Two Harbors. They blasted off over the Agate Bay and were one of the few fireworks that happened in the Northland this summer. They were done in honor of first responders and essential workers. For some people, it was a nice way to…

Hundreds Celebrate Opening of Iron River’s “Across the Pond” Veterans Park

Five years ago Ray Kangas, a veteran himself, had a dream to start a veterans' park in Iron River and Saturday, that dream started coming true as phase one of the Across the Pond Veterans' Park officially opened.

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Hundreds came out to see the cutting of the ribbon at the brand new Across the Pond Veterans Park on Saturday after five years in development. Five years ago Ray Kangas, a veteran himself, had a dream to start a veterans’ park in Iron River. Saturday, that dream started coming true as phase one of the…

Howie’s Mud Bog Coming to Finlayson This Weekend

The event attracts people with all different types of mega trucks and four-wheelers to jump through the mud bog.

FINLAYSON, Minn. – Howie’s Mud Bog is open and ready to get some vehicles dirty. The event attracts people with all different types of mega trucks and four-wheelers to jump through the mud bog. The whole event started 27 years ago when Howie and his friends hosted a party for people to go mudding. Normally, the event brings more than…

Duluth Mayor, Police Chief Address 14 Recent Shootings

As of Thursday, the Duluth Police Department has faced 24 shootings so far in 2020 with more than a dozen happening since July compared to the 22 shootings for all of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Police Chief Mike Tusken and Mayor Emily Larson addressed a concerning rise in violence at a press conference Thursday after 14 shooting incidents within the past two months resulting in injuries and a sense of fear for some. As of Thursday, the Duluth Police Department has faced 24 shootings so far in 2020 with more than a…

Duluth Drift-Toppers Raising Money to Replace 30-Year-Old Aging Groomer

On top of the $60,000 federal grant they've received, they need to raise around $30,000 more dollars to get a more reliable and up to date used groomer and drag.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Drift-Toppers snowmobile club has received a grant from the Department of Natural Resources after their nearly 30-year-old trail groomer broke down last year. The club thinks they can get through one more year with the aging groomer they have now. On top of the $60,000 federal grant they’ve received, they need to raise around $30,000…

Proctor Debuts Temporary Road Project to Test a Potential Permanent Future Design

The hope is to encourage traffic to slow down, reduce possible confusing traffic movements, and increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers to see each other.

PROCTOR, Minn. – A temporary demonstration project was installed at two intersections in downtown Proctor to test a more permanent design for the future. The goal is to narrow the entire width of the drivable road at two intersections: 5th avenue and 2nd street leading to the high school, the other at Hwy. 2 and 2nd street. The temporary projects…

More than 100 Vehicles Cruise in Support of Boy Fighting Cancer

Nine-year-old Jeremiah Olson is a lover of classic cars and will be having surgery for a brain tumor later this week.

CLOQUET, Minn. – More than 100 classic cars and motorcycles cruised by a Saginaw boy on Thursday to wish him well before his upcoming surgery on a brain tumor. Nine-year-old Jeremiah Olson is a lover of classic cars. Earlier this summer he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He will be headed down to the cities this week to have…

South Superior Businesses Sidewalk Sale Attracts Many

Participating businesses include Shamrock Pizza, Shannon's Stained Glassery, Junk and Disorderly along with others.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – South Superior business owners got together and held a sidewalk sale to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses. Participating businesses include Shamrock Pizza, Shannon’s Stained Glassery, Junk and Disorderly along with others. Business owners say lots of people came out to shop back to school items for kids. After a summer of many canceled events, today was…

18-Year-Old Pilot Soaring Towards Career in Aviation

Anna Kapsner earned her pilot's license at 17 years old and paid for it working a job at Super One. She's now in college in hopes of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Many teenagers haven’t gotten their driver’s license by 17 years of age to drive a car, but Anna Kapsner has worked to get her pilot’s license by that age. She’s now 18 and can be found flying high above the Northland while many people in the Twin Ports go about their daily business. For the past few…

Esko Woman Personalizing Kids’ Face Masks

For three years now, Amy Feely has been turning her passion for crafting into a business called Esko Trails.

ESKO, Minn. – With some kids getting ready to head back to school around the region, many places are requiring parents to label their children’s masks. For three years now, Amy Feely has been turning her passion for crafting into a business called Esko Trails. She came up with an idea recently to personalize face masks for kids. It started…

Businesses and UMD Students React to Decision to Push Back Move-In Day by Two Weeks

Some local businesses that college kids go to say they won't see too much of a change with the push back of move-in.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at UMD were getting ready to move into the dorms this Wednesday and now that date has been pushed back until at least September 9. Some parents had already asked for the day off work to help their kids move in. One UMD senior says he isn’t really impacted by the decision but his freshman sister…

Athletes Participate in Cider Run 5K at Wild State

In a summer where many typical running events were canceled due to COVID-19, Sunday's Cider Run gave runners and walkers a chance to feel that race experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the fog and mugginess, athletes ran a Cider Run around the Lincoln Park Craft District on Sunday. The roughly 5 kilometers started and ended ad Wild State Cider on West Superior Street. In a summer where many typical running events were canceled due to COVID-19, Sunday’s Cider Run gave runners and walkers a chance to…

Lake Wood Designs’ Showroom Opens in Lincoln Park

Owner Devin Garrett takes reclaimed wood from buildings and crafts it into customized items for clients.

DULUTH, Minn. – A grand opening was held for the new Lake Wood Designs showroom in Lincoln Park displaying original wood designs. Owner Devin Garrett takes reclaimed wood from buildings and crafts it into customized items for clients. The new space allows Garrett to show off finished products. There’s also a special wall displaying the types and colors of wood…

University of Minnesota System’s President Suggesting Changes to Beginning of School Year

Nothing is set in stone yet, this proposal will be considered by the university's Board of Regents during a special meeting on Monday morning.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota system’s president is suggesting some changes to the beginning of the school year which would potentially impact the Duluth campus. In a letter from President Joan Gabel (found here), she is suggesting move-in dates at UMD and two other schools to be postponed for at least two weeks to provide additional time to…

Superior’s Sweet Streets Program Encourages Helmet Wearing

When Superior police see a youngster on a bike all geared up with a helmet, they hand them the so-called ticket that's good for a free scoop of ice cream at Sweeden Sweets on Tower Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kids in Superior who wear their helmets while riding their bikes are getting pulled over by police and written tickets for a good reason. The tickets are part of a reward program called Sweet Streets. When Superior police see a youngster on a bike all geared up with a helmet, they hand them the so-called ticket that’s…

Duluth’s BOLD-choice Theatre Receives Statewide Award for Enriching the Lives of People with Disabilities

The theater is part of CHOICE, unlimited, a nonprofit that services people with disabilities in all types of ways.

DULUTH, Minn. – BOLD-choice Theatre, part of Duluth-based CHOICE, unlimited received a statewide award for enriching the lives of people with disabilities. CHOICE, unlimited is a nonprofit that services people with disabilities in all types of ways. Their outreach theater has 25 actors with disabilities. The group puts together original programs and performs for schools and organizations. Thursday, the Minnesota…

Annual Dredging Helping with Eroding Beach Along Park Point

The project benefits the shipping industry in the port and also helps restore storm-damaged portions of Park Point.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual dredging maintenance project has kicked off down by the Aerial Lift Bridge. The project benefits the shipping industry in the port and also helps restore storm-damaged portions of Park Point. Each year more than 100,000 cubic yards of material is dredged, but this year, 50,000 of those will be placed on the north side of…

Tettegouche State Park Busy with Summer Visitors

Tettegouche spans nearly 10 thousand acres on the North Shore and the hot summer has many people looking for a way to get outside and enjoy what Minnesota has to offer.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – With the warm summer weather this year, people have been heading up the shore to Tettegouche State Park. Tettegouche spans nearly 10 thousand acres on the North Shore and the hot summer has many people looking for a way to get outside and enjoy what Minnesota has to offer. “We thought we’d come here because it’s…

Duluth Police Department Now Hiring New Police Officers

The department is looking for candidates who have good character and will fully embrace the community policing model especially during the current national distrust involving police brutality.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is looking to hire four new officers to join the force after recent retirements. The job openings include first-time officers and officers with some experience. The department is looking for candidates who have good character and will fully embrace the community policing model especially during the current national distrust involving police brutality. “We…

School Supplies Given to the Community by Duluth Gospel Tabernacle

The supply bags are full of things like glue sticks, notebooks, and pencils.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, school supplies and free meals were handed out to the community down at Harrison Park in Duluth. The Duluth Gospel Tabernacle youth members do this every year. The youth members say the goal is to help bring hope to the community and to show the light of Jesus. The supply bags are full of things…

Minnesota Power Working to Turn Lights Back on to All Customers After Friday’s Storm

At the peak of the storm, 4,700 customers were without power on Friday night across the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota power crews have been working around the clock since Friday night’s storms to get the power back on to those who lost it. At the peak of the storm, 4,700 customers were without power on Friday night across the area. Crews worked to get 3,500 customers back on by Saturday morning. Some areas have proved more…

Line of Storms Brings Possible Tornado to Carlton

The National Weather Service is looking into a potential tornado near Scott's Corner.

CARLTON, Minn. – It was a wild night across the Northland and the city of Carlton was one of the hardest hit. The National Weather Service is looking into a potential tornado near Scott’s Corner. Around the county, trees snapped off during the high wind event which left a swath of damage. “Trees just blowing like crazy rain going sideways…

Palisade Head Attracting Climbers on Nice Days

Located just off Highway 61, the spot is popular for avid climbers.

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Climbers were taking in the views and the nice weather at Palisade Head up the North Shore. Located just off Highway 61, the spot is popular for avid climbers. They say it offers some of the longest climbs in the state. It also gives many different difficulties for athletes of all abilities. The 300-foot cliff also…

Superior’s A&W Having Busy Summer

After laying off several staff members, they were so busy they have been able to welcome everyone back, plus hire more staff to keep up with the rush.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The A&W restaurant in Superior is having a busy summer despite COVID-19. The restaurant offers drive-in service where they bring the food right to customers’ cars. At times this spring, the restaurant even had a hard time getting certain food, but people still keep coming. The owner says they weren’t sure what to expect when the dining…

Dry Cleaners Feeling Vast Impacts of COVID-19

Dee Independent Cleaners on East Superior Street in Duluth has been getting tough stains out of clothes for nearly 40 years, but the hurdle of COVID-19 is like nothing they've seen before.

DULUTH, Minn. – The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic can be crippling for many business sectors including local dry cleaners. Dee Independent Cleaners on East Superior Street in Duluth has been getting tough stains out of clothes for nearly 40 years, but the hurdle of COVID-19 is like nothing they’ve seen before. Owner Shari Swenson says the need for…

Spirit Mountain Excecutive Director and General Manager Resign, Interim Director Named

Spirit Mountain Executive Director Brandy Ream and her husband Jody who is the general manager will complete their employment at the end of the month as the attraction faces one of the most financially challenging times since it opened in 1974.

DULUTH, Minn. – A major leadership shake-up has been announced at the cash-strapped Spirit Mountain Resort in Duluth that’s been shut down since COVID-19 hit. Spirit Mountain Executive Director Brandy Ream and her husband Jody who is the general manager will complete their employment at the end of the month as the attraction faces one of the most financially challenging…

First Rendezvous “Behind the Badge” Golf Tournament Held in Duluth

Proceeds from the tournament go to supporting the significant others of Duluth police officers. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the wet weather on Sunday, the first-ever Rendezvous Behind the Badge Golf Tournament was held at Grand View Golf Links. Proceeds from the tournament go to supporting the significant others behind Duluth police officers. Around 100 community members, police officers, and their loved ones played the 18-hole tournament at Grand View and sponsored by Scanlon’s…

First Annual Bigfoot Convention Held in Grand Rapids

More than 50 eager people visited the Timberlake Lodge to learn more about others' experiences with Bigfoot.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Bigfoot enthusiasts from across the country gathered in Grand Rapids for the first annual Minnesota Bigfoot Convention to talk about their experiences with the infamous primate some say they’ve encountered. Some describe it as a smell, some describe a growling noise, and some have reportedly seen abnormally large prints. These are all stories that were told…

Superior’s First United Methodist Church Looking For People to Enjoy their Garden

Cucumbers, peas, herbs, beets, and pumpkins are just a few of the crops along with a whopping 86 tomato plants.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The First United Methodist Church of Superior is looking for people to come out and take advantage of their garden. The garden is blossoming next to the church and has 41 raised beds. Cucumbers, peas, herbs, beets, and pumpkins are just a few of the crops along with 86 tomato plants. The veggies are free to take,…

Sections of Can of Worms Project Pushed Until 2027

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the funding gap is too large right now to do everything at once and keep the project within the $343 million budget.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two sections of the multi-million dollar “Can of Worms” reconstruction project are being pushed back more than five years. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the funding gap is too large right now to do everything at once and keep the project within the $343 million budget. The Highway 53 portion down from Piedmont will be redone…

Lake Superior Zoo Names New CEO

Haley Cope was named to the position after being the marketing director since 2018.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo has officially named a new CEO, Haley Cope. Cope was named to the position after being the marketing director since 2018. She says she knows how difficult the pandemic has been for everyone and is so grateful for people coming out and supporting the zoo. She takes over after Minnesota State Senator Erik…

Duluth School Board Votes for Fully Hybrid Learning Model for All Students

School will open with enhanced distance learning on September 8 to learn how the new way of learning will work and the hybrid model then takes effect on September 21.

DULUTH, Minn. – After hours of discussions, the Duluth School Board has voted to begin the school year on a fully hybrid model for all students as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh heavily on the minds of the district and parents. With the hybrid model, Duluth elementary students will attend in-person learning two days a week with the rest…

Wheel Fun Bike Rentals Busy Despite Pandemic

The company rents out single and double surrey bikes complete with four wheels, a roof, and even steering wheel for riders to cruise around Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down in Canal Park, Sunday was a busy day for the Wheel Fun bike rentals. The company rents out single and double surrey bikes complete with four wheels, a roof, and even steering wheel for riders to cruise around Canal Park. This year, the manager says they are seeing a lot more out-of-state customers, but they continue…

Spirit Room Hosts Boozy Ice Cream Social

Patrons were encouraged to bring some lawn chairs and sit out and listen to music from the band Similar Dogs.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Spirit Room cocktail bar in Superior hosted a boozy ice cream social in their parking lot accompanied by live music. Patrons were encouraged to bring some lawn chairs and sit out and listen to music from the band Similar Dogs. Some of the creations include boozy cocktails, beer floats, and champagne with sherbert. The Spirit Room’s…

More than 100,000 Masks Being Handed out to St. Louis County Businesses

On Friday 50,000 masks alone were being distributed in Duluth, only a small porting of the 138,000 disposable masks sent by the state to be given out across Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce distributed thousands of masks on Friday outside the DECC. The masks were sent from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to make sure everyone can follow the new statewide mask requirement in Minnesota. On Friday 50,000 masks alone were being distributed in Duluth, only a small porting of the…