Author: Lauren Akabori

The Depot to Host Native American Heritage Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Historical Society and American Indian Advisory Committee is organizing the Depot’s 4th annual celebration of Native American Heritage Day Saturday. The free event includes an unveiling of a new exhibit, native food, and more. Organizers will be featuring native music, history, and art, welcoming guests of all ages. The event will be held in…

Duluth Fire Receives Large Donation from Affinity Plus Credit Union

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Firefighters Foundation received a $10,000 donation from Affinity Plus Credit Union to put towards new fire rescue equipment. Affinity Plus Credit Union has helped the Duluth Firefighters Foundation for eight years, providing donations for needed equipment. With the donation, The fire department will be getting a MultiForce Air Lifting Bag that will make fire rescues safer…

Superior Fire Department Gets a New Ladder Truck

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With the help of City Officials, the Superior Fire Equipment Committee, and local businesses, the Superior Fire Department got a new $1.3 million ladder truck. The new truck weighs 87,000 pounds and has a 101-foot aerial ladder, making it the largest rig at the Superior Fire Department. The new rig took almost two years to design and build…

New Aery Apartment Complex is Now Open Despite Supply Delays

DULUTH, Minn.- The Aery apartment complex in Hermantown opened up in October but is experiencing delays with construction due to supply chain shortages. The 147 unit complex belongs to P&R Properties and has been under construction for 14 months. Floors three, four, and five are occupied with tenants, but the second floor will not be finished until December as there…

Old World Meats Prepares for Thanksgiving Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn.- Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, and local meat suppliers are getting ready for grocery shoppers. Old World Meats in Duluth is preparing for the holiday with fresh turkeys, unique stuffing recipes, and more.  The local meat shop is expecting their shipment of turkeys to arrive in the next week, providing more than 600 fresh birds to…

Texas Roadhouse Honor Veterans with a Meal

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to the pandemic and supply chain issues, Texas Roadhouse off of Central Entrance is currently closed at lunchtime. Still, in honor of Veterans Day, the restaurant passed out vouchers offering a free meal to Veterans. This is the chain restaurant’s second year celebrating veterans with a free meal. The vouchers are valid for one of the many…

Fitger’s Brewhouse to Release a New Beer

DULUTH, Minn.- Fitger’s Brewhouse is releasing a new beer this Friday, bringing crisp and light flavors to tap. The new beer, “Fitger’s Natural,” is a German-American Lager, including the rich history of Fitger’s into every sip. Brewers worked on the new recipe for weeks, followed by a six-week lager. One main goal for crafters was to pay tribute to Fitgers’…

Local Bakeries are Getting Ready with Holiday Treats

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Not only is it National Vanilla Cupcake Day, but local bakeries are getting ready for the holiday season with fall and winter-themed treats. Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse in Superior has an assortment of cupcakes, using vanilla batter as a base in their recipes. Classic vanilla, lemon raspberry vanilla, and chocolate vanilla are all big hits for cupcake lovers. The…

National Weather Service Advancements Since the Sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald

DULUTH, Minn.- Today marks the 46th year since the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior amid a storm, taking 29 crew members down with the ship. Weighing more than 13,000 tons, the American Great Lakes freighter remains the largest ship sunk in Lake Superior. Officials from the National Weather Service say the deadly storm developed quickly, producing high winds….

Salvation Army is Looking for Bell Ringers

DULUTH, Minn.- As we near the holidays, Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers to work their 18 fund-ringing locations. The nonprofit organization is looking for people to fill more than 5,000 bell ringer hours throughout the holidays. Each shift can be from 2 to 4 hours, ringing bells outside and inside establishments to raise money for various food programs….

Superior School District on New FDA Vaccine Approval

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Although the FDA recently approved Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, no COVID-19 protocols are changing just yet for the Superior School District. The school district will not require eligible students at the elementary level to get vaccinated until mandated by the state of Wisconsin. However, they will continue to practice safe social distancing protocols, including…

St. Louis County Dispatch Center is Hiring

DULUTH, Minn.- Like several other businesses, the St. Louis County 911 Dispatch Center is looking for employees. The dispatch center is currently training five newly hired dispatchers but is looking to hire more in December. With a complete 12 member team, the dispatch center will have 6-9 dispatchers working each shift. “I think a lot of people don’t remember what…

Local Fire Departments Talk National Crash Responder Safety Week

TWIN PORTS – Today kicks off National Crash Responder Safety week, and local fire departments are spreading awareness as there is a growing number of fatalities involving roadside first responders. A first responder is killed almost every week while trying to clear a roadway crash incident in the United States. 51 traffic and crash responders have been killed by ongoing…

CHUM’s Fresh Fridays Provides Fresh Food to Community

DULUTH, Minn.- Today marks CHUM’S third week of Fresh Fridays, and so far, it has been a success for the Duluth food bank. “Fresh Fridays” is the food bank’s new program, where they give out fresh food items like produce, milk, and more. Every Monday and Wednesday, CHUM gives out non-perishable food boxes, and on Tuesdays, they deliver food boxes…

City of Duluth to Offer Parking Alternatives During Snow Emergencies

DULUTH, Minn.- Although the Northland has only experienced hit or miss light snow showers, the city of Duluth is getting prepared for its very first snow emergency enforcement by creating parking alternatives for residents with their parking pilot lot program. Two thousand three hundred snow emergency signs were installed across Duluth earlier this year. So when it begins snowing hard,…

Miller Hill Subaru to Host Pet Adoption Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Miller Hill Subaru in Hermantown is hosting a pet adoption event this weekend collaborating with four animal shelters. Canal bark, Youth Allies, Riley Rue, and Animal Allies will be vendors at the dealership’s 13th annual Love-a-Pet event. Four humane organizations will be on-site Saturday with 75 cats and kittens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and five organizations…

Poplar Golf Course Staying Open Due to Snow-Free Weather

DULUTH, Minn.- Poplar Golf Course in Wisconsin encourages people to take advantage of the snow-free weather and come out for a round of golf this weekend. Golf courses in the Northland are usually closed this time of year due to the snow season. But with temperatures rising the next few days, the family-owned golf course is still open. Poplar is…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Swears in New Officers

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office hosted a ceremony Wednesday, swearing in Deputy and Corrections officers, along with recognizing additional staff. The Sheriff’s office hasn’t been able to do a swearing ceremony since July of 2019, so they recognized current and new officers from 2020 and 2021. Nineteen deputy officers and nine corrections officers took an oath during…

Duluth’s Snow Removal Assistance Program is Now Accepting Applications

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth’s snow removal assistance program is back for its third year, helping senior residents or people with disabilities remove the snow on their property. The snow removal assistance program only accepts 25 seniors or people with disabilities who need extra help this winter. To qualify for the assistance program, seniors must be 60 years or…

Two Dogs Die After Mobile Home Fire in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a mobile home in East Superior caught fire, leaving two dogs dead. Superior’s Station 3 fire crew responded to the scene on the 4900 block of Bay Drive, where flames were shooting out of the home’s windows. Eventually, all three stations were called to the scene and remained on site until 2 a.m….

Glensheen Mansion is in Decorating Mode for the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s about that time of year again. The historic Glensheen Mansion is decking the halls for the holiday season with Christmas trees, lights, ribbons, and more. The estate workers are decorating both the insides and outsides of the property. Twenty-five Christmas trees are spread throughout the inside of the mansion, coordinating colors with the theme of each room….

Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show Comes Back

DULUTH, Minn.- Local and national food vendors gathered at the DECC in Duluth this morning for the Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show. The event is back after taking a break for two years due to the pandemic, and hundreds of people attended to learn about the food industry, share tips, and network, all while sampling food. General Mills, Kemps,…

Thanksgiving Burrito is Back at Burrito Union

DULUTH, Minn.- Burrito Union in the East Hillside neighborhood has brought back its Thanksgiving burrito and sold 150 burritos in just one day Monday. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, and cranberry salsa in a tortilla make one of the Northland’s favorite seasonal menu items. The popular burrito spot came out with a burrito 13 years ago and returned as a…

Produce Prices on the Rise Due to Supply Chain Issues

DULUTH, Minn.- The current national supply chain issue is starting to affect grocery stores and shoppers in the Northland. Produce prices are rising as distribution delays and weather have played a considerable role in this year’s harvest season. Not only is there a shortage of product due to rough farming conditions, but with the lack of employees in larger distribution…

Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center Receives New Lung Cancer Detecting Technology

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth is making treatment advancements with new technology. The medical center received a new Monarch Platform machine that detects early lung cancer in patients this past September. Created in 2018, the new technology device helps the hospital catch cancer earlier than they’ve ever been able to do before. Doctors use the machine…

Northland Community Comes Out for Superior Spooktacular Parade

SUPERIOR, Minn.- Cartoon characters and candy brought the community to Hughitt Avenue in Superior for the 6th Annual Superior Spooktacular Parade. Crowds of people came together in costumes to join in on the fun. And organizers are glad for the parade’s return after not doing it last year due to the pandemic. The Superior Fire Department and Sterling Silver dancers,…

YMCA, Ursa Minor Brewing Host DiffeRUNce 5k

DULUTH, Minn.- Ursa Minor Brewing and the Duluth YMCA teamed up this morning for an extra spooky, family-fun activity. Kids, adults, and pets participated in the organization’s “DiffeRUNce” 5k and were all dressed in costumes. The Halloween-themed event brought people of all ages together to support increased food access and healthy living. Participant registration fees are going to the Duluth…

Eastridge Community Church is Back with 10th Annual Trunk or Treat

DULUTH, Minn.- Eastridge Community Church in Duluth hosted its 10th Annual Trunk or Treat event today. The free event included bounce houses, music, and more. Even a few popular food trucks came out for some of the annual festivities. People were eager to come out in Halloween costumes, going trunk-to-trunk for candy, after not having the event last year due…

City of Duluth Offers Date Night Childcare

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department offers a two-hour childcare service on November 5 as part of their new Date Night Childcare Program. The childcare program charges eight dollars for each child between the ages five and 12. The service will be held at the Portman Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The parks staff will conduct group…

The Duluth Fire Department is Hiring

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department is hiring for two different positions and encouraging people to apply now. The fire department has open positions for a traditional entry-level firefighter and lateral firefighter role. The traditional entry-level firefighter job listing requires applicants to pass the written entry exam held at Lake Superior College on December 3rd. The lateral positions are open…

Damiano Center Hosts Community Event

DULUTH, Minn.- The Damiano Center in Central Hillside hosts its annual Community Connect event, where they provide several different services to people in need. One main goal of the community event is to get people ready for the colder seasons with health services, winter clothing, and food. Various organizations provided vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and assisted-living services to homeless people or…

Local Dealership Says There’s A Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles

DULUTH, Minn.- More people are going electric in the Northland. Local car dealerships are noticing an uptick in customers looking for electric vehicles, especially with more auto suppliers coming out with electric models, increasing gas prices, and the environmental benefits. “Been over the last couple of years, but there’s been more and more interest in the electric car since companies…

Hermantown Haunted Trail Fundraiser for the Community and Former Teacher

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown High School Student Council and Civility Club are hosting the school’s 3rd annual Haunted Trails fundraiser this Saturday, and 40 percent of the proceeds will go to the Dobinson family. Former 9th-grade chemistry teacher, Tony Dobinson, was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer this past summer, preventing his return as a teacher this school year. Tony…

The DECC is Installing a New Ice Plant

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is making some changes to the North Pioneer Hall refrigeration room, not long after an ammonia leak shut down the facility for a couple of days this past summer. Home to the Duluth Curling Club, the facility began construction on Tuesday and plans to have the project completed in time for curling leagues…

Superior Nets Awarded in Honor of National Disability Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation presented an award to Superior Nets in honor of National Disability Awareness Month and their theme, “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” After being nominated by Udac, Superior Nets was named the 2021 Outstanding Disability Employer by MOHR. The local netting company is gaining recognition for employee and business success by creating an…

Superior Meats Prepares for Thanksgiving Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn.- The Thanksgiving season is approaching quickly, and local grocers prepare for holiday food shoppers. Superior Meats should be receiving their holiday season turkeys and hams any week now, encouraging people to come in early for their thanksgiving needs. There may not be a meat shortage, but the country is currently facing a supply chain disruption that may delay…

Minnesota Fire Chiefs Gather for Conference at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association hosts a conference at the DECC with about 545 fire chiefs and crew members in attendance. The conference’s primary goal is to bring Minnesota fire chiefs and trainees together to network, learn, and improve their tactics. “This is a great turnout to see all of our chief officer colleagues and firefighters and…

City of Duluth Encourages Residents to Sign Up for Northland Alert

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Officials encourage residents to sign up for Northland Alert. This automated messaging system will notify people of snow emergencies and other hazardous events occurring in designated areas. The alert system services Duluth, Hermantown, Virginia, and more. The service allows residents to receive a text message, phone call, or email about a nearby incident. The city will…

Mayor Emily Larson Talks Proposed 2022 Tourism Tax Allocations

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Mayor Emily Larson talked about the proposed 2022 Tourism Tax allocations and why those numbers changed compared to last year. One of the most significant changes involves funding for Visit Duluth. In August, Mayor Larson announced Bellmont Partners as Duluth’s new tourism marketing firm for the next three years. Last year Visit Duluth received $1.5 million from…

It’s Time to Prep Your Gardens for Winter

DULUTH, Minn.- As we move into the colder months, freezing temperatures are here, and local garden experts have advice on how to prep your plants. A Resident Urban Farmer at the Duluth Community garden recommends preserving your harvest by drying your plants and removing any that may attract pests. Experts say prepping your garden with mulch and compost will help…

CHUM Announces “Fresh Fridays” Food Boxes

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM food bank in Downtown Duluth is making a new addition to its battle against hunger in the city. Starting tomorrow, they will be distributing produce as part of their new “Fresh Fridays” food box giveaway. They were struggling to find fresh food items for the community, but they could offer lettuce, milk, potatoes, and more with a…

Union Gospel Mission Hosts Jacket Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Union Gospel Mission held their annual jacket giveaway earlier today. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the food shelf closed off their indoor rooms from the public but continued to serve hot meals and more, using a window to provide service. A table was set up outside the facility, filled with clothing and food, while people lined…

The Depot Welcomes Kids to Ojibwe Storytime

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Historical Society began its weekly Ojibwe storytime today at the Depot in Duluth. The museum’s Ojibwe gallery is currently closed for renovations, and Depot organizers want to continue educating people about the indigenous culture. Museum assistant Abby Johnson reads Ojibwe children’s books to kids every Wednesday to teach them about Native American history. “Hoping…

Duluth Firefighters Train in Old Seaway Hotel

DULUTH, Minn.- For several months, the Duluth Fire Department used the old Seaway Hotel building in Lincoln Park to conduct hands-on training. Multiple fire grounds survival training sessions were held in the old Esmund building this past summer, but today’s fire training included a realistic and hazardous situation involving special effects. “The idea of this training is teaching every individual…

Hartley Park Pond Clean-Up

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of Duluth Public Works and Utilities are cleaning up the Hartley Park pond just in time for winter. As a part of routine maintenance, crew members began clearing out tree debris and cattail plants from the pond’s dam Tuesday morning. The pond will be undergoing its annual dam inspection before we move into colder temperatures. “Right now,…

General Election Day is Around the Corner

DULUTH, Minn.- We are only weeks away from Duluth’s 2021 general election on November 2, and officials encourage people to vote early. The city’s general election ballot includes two City Councilors-at-Large positions, two district city council seats, and multiple school board positions. This Friday is the last day to request mail-in ballots. After Friday, voters can come into City Hall…