Author: Lena Takada

The Bad River Band’s Wild Ricing Season is Looking Promising

Despite the Storm in 2016, the Season is Going Well

BAD RIVER RESERVATION, Wis.- Stalks of Manoomin or wild rice peacefully wave back and forth in the waters surrounding the Bad River Reservation.  A healthy number of seeds can be seen on the plants. It is a welcome sight for Wild rice harvesters of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. “Manoomin or wild rice is a very finicky…

Bad River Youth Learn About Their Culture Through Summer Programs

Students Had the Chance to Try Out Things Like Testing Water and Making Ricing Sticks

BAD RIVER RESERVATION, Wis.- Madelyn Wiggins sits among a small group of fellow Bad River Band youth, all whittling 3 foot long pieces of wood. They’re making ricing sticks; Tools used when harvesting wild rice. “Ricing is so important to our people. It’s part of the reason we migrated to this area because we were told to look for the…

Kids Receive Free Backpacks for School

More Than 1000 Backpacks Were Prepared for the Kids

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM and the Union Gospel Mission have been working together to collect supplies like pencils, markers and notebooks from the community for the last couple of months. And today, more than 1000 backpacks stuffed with those supplies were given out to students in need. Susan Jordahl-Bubacz the Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission believes students having the…

SOAR Graduation Ceremony Marks New Era for Carpentry Students

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program Was 8 Weeks Long

  HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A graduation ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for soar students. Soar is a non-profit program that helps people who have faced challenges in their lives get back on their feet. The North Central Regional council of carpenters partnered with Soar to offer a pre-apprenticeship program, and today, 7 students celebrated their hard work with…

Superior Meats Renovations Helps Them Open Up to New Markets

The Business Can Now Sell to Restaurants

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Meats started remodeling in March. New floors were put in, new coolers were added, and an office space was demolished and put on a higher story. Now that the remodeling is coming to a close, business is USDA approved. This means Superior Meats can now sell to restaurants and convenience stores, opening up a whole new market…

Good Year For Superior Farmer’s Market Despite Weather

The Superior Farmer's Market is in a New Location This Year and Next

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Douglas County Farmers’ Market opens up every Wednesday in the Summer time so community members can buy fresh produce. The market was at the Superior Public Library for several years, but because of the Belknap reconstruction project, was moved to 1215 Banks Avenue in Superior for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. But the location change, and even…

Community Members Stuff Backpacks for Students

The New School Year is Around the Corner

DULUTH, Minn.- With the first day of school approaching, community members got together to stuff backpacks for school kids. In the last two months, people have donated things like crayons, pencils, markers and backpackers to the cause. And Monday, volunteers gathered together to put those supplies into the backpacks so they can give them away to students this Thursday. “We…

Lowell Elementary Prepares for New School Year

Teachers Prepare Classrooms and Halls for Students

DULUTH, Minn.- The new school year or grades schools is just around the corner, and schools in the Northland are getting ready for students to come pouring through their doors. Lowell Elementary school in Duluth has 2 language immersion programs, where students learn subjects like math, science and history all in Ojibwe or Spanish. So this year, school staff put…

Duluth School District Prepares for New School Year

They're Working to Get Attendance Up

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School district has been preparing for the new school year for the entire Summer, and now, the new school year is just around the corner. Research shows that students who are chronically absent are less likely to succeed in school, and this year, the Duluth School District is working on getting their student’s attendance numbers up….

HillFest Takes Over Hillside Neighborhood

The Festival Has Been Going on for 8 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Family friends and neighbors could be seen enjoying the day outside on what usually are busy roads, but Sunday, the intersection of 4th Street and 6th Avenue East in Duluth was closed to traffic. It’s all part of the 8th annual Hillfest, a neighborhood street festival for Duluth’s Hillside Neighborhood. “It’s a great way to bring the community together I…

Meeting Held to Discuss Clean Water in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- The Clean Water Council met for a monthly meeting to discuss projects going on in the area. Presenters talked about the St. Louis River area of concern and issues surrounding it, like aquatic habitat restoration, wild rice restoration, and community engagement.  The meeting also addressed progress made in removing the environmental pollution on the St. Louis River. “We…

MN DNR Is Auctioning Some of Their Items

More Than 200 Items will be For Sale

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is holding a public auction of some of their equipment. The sale is being held Saturday at 9 am. More than 200 items like cars, trucks ATVs and snowmobiles will be up for bid. There will be an on-site inspection held before the sale. “The public auctions are work very well…

Students Are Back in Duluth for Fall Semester

Welcome Week Has Activities Going Both On and Off Campus

DULUTH, Minn.- Kylie Cartwright unloaded some of her final items out of her parent’s car. It’s move in day at UMD, and Cartwight who is a freshman, is moving away from her parents for the first time in her life. “It’s sad. Really going to miss my family and stuff. Had to give my Turtle away yesterday so that was…

Thousands Turn Toward the Sky for Solar Eclipse

It Was Cloudy in Duluth But That Didn't Stop People From Trying

DULUTH, Minn.- A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and earth, temporarily blocking the light of the sun from reaching earth.  And during Monday’s eclipse people in the Northland were able to see an eclipse of around 80 percent. Thousands of people swarmed places like Grandma’s Sports Garden and the Duluth Public Library around noon to…

Gordy Turns 90 Years Old

He's Been Working at His Restaurant for Over 50 Years

CLOQUET, Minn.- Gordy’s Hi-Hat’s very own Gordy Lundquist turned 90 years old, Monday 3 Generations of Lundquist family members work side by side at the popular and seasonal restaurant that specializes in burgers, milkshakes, and fried fish sandwiches. “Secret to 90 years is probably the burgers. It’s the fountain of youth here. That’s what we’re serving up every day,” said…

Thousands Turn Out for Bubble Festival

Attendees Enjoyed Music, Fun, and of Course, Bubbles

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids and their families members had a bubbly good time at a festival hosted by the Duluth Children’s Museum. Around 25 community partners get together to put on the bubble festival, that includes fun like food, live music, climbing walls, ice skating, and of course, bubbles. Organizers say the bubble festival started as a way to teach kids…

Artists Showcase Their Work at Bayfront Festival Park

150 Artists Traveled from Across the Country for the Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Canvas bags with the pattern of Duluth’s iconic lift bridge printed on them hung in a booth at Bayfront Park.  The artist of the bags, Natalija Walbridge says it’s her second year showcasing her art at the Art in Bayfront Park festival. “Can’t resist doing a Duluth show because all my friends come down, and it’s close to…

Super Big Block Party Hits the Streets of Duluth

The Event is Back for a 3rd Year in a Row

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of people danced and sang to celebrate the Super Big Block Party. It’s the 3rd year of the event, where people can enjoy food, live music and drinks outside on the street in front of the Red Herring Lounge. “Everybody that I never get to hang out with is going to come, so it’s like, let’s all…

Thousands Turn Out for Hoghead Festival

It's The Biggest Fundraiser for the Proctor Lions Club

PROCTOR, Minn.- Thousands turned out for the Annual Hoghead Festival in Proctor. The community celebration is Proctor Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and includes food, games, live music and drinks for attendees to enjoy. Funds raised through vendor fees, button sales, and donations all go to benefit local non-profit organizations in the area. “Some of our key folks…

Golfers Play a Round for a Good Cause

Proceeds of the Event Went to Benefit the Honor Flight

CARLTON, Minn.- The Local 420 of the Superior Refinery took part in a Golf scramble, all for a good cause It was a fundraiser benefitting the honor flight, a program that takes veterans in the Northland to Washington DC to see Veteran memorials. It costs 600 dollars a veteran for the honor flight, and the Local 420 was able to…

LSC Preparing to Welcome Students Back to School

The School is Hosting an Early Bird Event Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Colleges and Universities in the Northland are preparing for school to start again. Lake Superior College is having an early bird event tomorrow, where students can step into the school a day early to find their classrooms, get acquainted with the school, and meet some of the faculty. The event helps take some of the stress off of…

Gloria Dei Moving Forward With Plans to Rebuild

The Goal is to be Back by End of 2018

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church have voted to move forward with an architectural plan for the Church building and the budget that goes with that. Church representatives are hoping they can start demolishing the interior like the floors and walls in September, so the rebuilding process can begin. The goal of the church is to be…

Businesses Sound Off About Walleye Woes On Lake Mille Lacs

Some Businesses Have Been Struggling With the Tough Regulations on Walleye Fishing

MILLE LACS, Minn.- Lake Mille Lacs was a popular Walleye fishing destination, but after a plummet in the population of the fish, strict regulations have restricted fishing in the area. “The people in the upper midwest, you know take Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and Northern Iowa, walleye is their favorite fish and that’s not going to change,” says Terry Thurmer,…

Most Renowned Bass Fishing Tournament Will be in Mille Lacs for Second Year

The 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tournament Will Take Place September 14-17

MILLE LACS, Minn.- The 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tournament is taking place at the lake on September 14th through the 17th. Last year the event brought more than 14,000 people to the area, where spectators had the chance to watch the nation’s top 50 anglers battle it out with the fish. “It’s gained the notoriety of it,…

Chisholm Pocket Park Making Downtown a Better Place to Be

The Park is the First Component of the Revitalization Project

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm’s downtown now has a pocket park  for community members to enjoy. The Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Committee received a grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation board to make the city’s downtown a better place to be. The Pocket park used to be an unused lot, but now has been developed into a space with benches designed…

Superior Working to Become a Better Place to Live

Leaders Are Working on Making Exposition District a Reality

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The business community in Superior has been working to grow the city for the last 4 years, and in the November 2016 election, citizens in superior voted to approve the Better City Superior Referendum. Now, local leaders in Superior are working to pass an advisory referendum asking legislators in Madison to allow Superior to make an exposition district….

Rainy Weather Hasn’t Stopped CSA Farms from Thriving

Sunny Weather Between Rainy Days Has Been the Saving Grace

WRENSHALL, Minn.- Despite the rainy weather and even storms that have hit the Northland this summer, Community Supported Agriculture farms are still thriving. Rick Dalen, the farmer at Northern Harvest Farm says a saving grace of the rainy weather has been the warm and sunny days that have followed the rain.  This season Northern Harvest Farm has also planted Almost…

Bike Duluth Festival Wraps Up

Hundreds of People Raced in the Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of bike lovers were at Spirit Mountain for the weekend to race their hearts out, and enjoy other bike related events. The festival holds more than 20 different races over the course of 3 days. It’s a chance for people to show off their cycling skills for a good cause. It’s a non-profit event, with 50 percent…

Civilian and Military Car Show Held at Richard I Bong Center

Attendees Even Had the Chance to Get Inside a WW2 Tank

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Military vehicles like tanks, and civilian vehicles like mustangs lined the parking lot of the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center. It’s all part of a Military and Civilian Car show. “It’s awesome you got these really cool civilian cars with these big ol’ military vehicles here,” said Hayes Scriven, the Executive Director of the historical center. Community…

Art Lovers Enjoy the Lake Superior Art Festival

The Festival Has Been Going on for 4 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Art Festival drew hundreds of Art lovers to the shores of Lake Superior. People walked Brighton beach to check out the work of dozens of artists using a wide range of mediums like photography, watercolor, and glasswork. Festival goers used the opportunity to purchase handmade and original pieces by the local artists to take home….

UMD Invites Community to Tour Land Lab

The Lab Teaches Students About Sustainable Agriculture

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD invited community members to see their land lab for farm and field day. The UMD land lab teaches students how to grow organic produce, and sells the food they grow to the school. Employees of the land lab gave guided tours of the 15 acre organic farm, and showed people the projects they have been working on….

Children Enjoy St. Louis County Fair

There Were Animals, Games, and Rides for Families to Enjoy

Drew and Bryce Aune smiled as they reached out to pet a donkey inside a barn at the St. Louis County fair. It was children’s day at the county fair, that has been going on for 133 years. “There’s rides and animals that we get to see and pet,” said Drew. The boys were there with their mom Nikki Aune…

Carlton Residents Vote “No” On Referendum

CARLTON, Minn.- Carlton residents casted votes in a special election Tuesday. They voted “No” 1202 to 475 “Yes” votes not to approve the issuance of $23.6 million dollars in bonds to construct a grades 6-12 addition at the South Terrance site and make improvements to the existing building. By 11 a.m. Tuesday morning close to 300 people had turned out…

Carlton County Historical Society Invites Public to Watch Historical Movies

The Historical Society is Sorting Through What Movies to Keep

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Carlton County Historical Society is inviting you to join them in watching historical movies. The Historical Society has a few videos and film in their collection. But many of these old films are unmarked, or haven’t been watched in years. So historical society staff members are having a viewing of the movies to decide if they are going…

Cloquet Middle School Getting New Building

The Old School was Around 100 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn.- The old Cloquet Middle School building was almost 100 years old, and was in dire need for an upgrade. After the 50 million dollar referendum was passed and construction began, students are now only weeks away from stepping into the new building. The school has an upgraded pool facility, gymnasium, classrooms, and open learning spaces. The new school…

NE BBQ and Smokehouse Open in Cloquet

BBQ Lovers Have Been Waiting for 2 Years

CLOQUET, Minn.- The North East Barbecue and Smoke House in Cloquet is finally open. BBQ lovers in the area have been waiting for almost 2 years for the restaurant to open, and earlier this month, their wishes were answered. The menu includes smoked meats, burgers, sandwiches, and even offers vegetarian options like black bean burgers. “We’re really determined to make…

Carlton Residents Voting in a Special Election Tuesday

Community Residents Will Vote on Carlton School District Referendum

CARLTON, Minn.- Carlton residents will be casting votes in a special election Tuesday. There will be two questions on the ballot. One is for renovating South Terrace Elementary School and building a new High school. The second question is for building an auditorium, outdoor spaces, and other improvements for those schools. “Carlton high school was built in 1916, and South…

It’s National Purple Heart Day

It's an Honor Given to Soldiers Wounded or Killed in Battle

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Purple Heart is a medal awarded to members of the United States Military who are wounded or killed in combat. Bradley Bennett of Duluth served our country during the Vietnam War. While at war, Bennett was hit by shrapnel through his arm and ankle during a battle. He says the wounds were relatively minor, and after…

Students with Autism Attend Creative Workshop

The Event Has Been Going on for 2 Years in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.0- Students on the autism spectrum and members of the creative community worked together for an art workshop. Islands of Brilliance, a non-profit organization, is using the Hailey Sault office in the Dewitt Seitz building in Duluth to help people with autism use their creativity to make art. The students are paired one on one with art mentors to…

Kids on the Autism Spectrum Take a Ride on Thomas

The Event is the First of its Kind

DULUTH, Minn.- Children on the autism spectrum had a chance to enjoy a Day out With Thomas. Children with autism can be sensitive to loud noises, big crowds, and too much going on all at once. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in collaboration with other organizations is offering a Sensory Friendly Day Out with Thomas. Children with Autism had the…

Families Enjoy St. Luke’s Family Summer Bash

The Event is Sponsored by St. Lukes

DULUTH, Minn.- Families enjoyed quality time together at the St. Luke’s Family Summer Bash The event, held at Bayfront Park, had fun for people of all ages including yard games and water activities, princess and superhero appearances, and family races. “It’s a great chance for families to get out, be active and do fun activities together. Make some memories and…

Duluthians Meet with Students from Sister City in Japan

It's Part of a 2 Year Student Exchange Program

DULUTH, Minnl.- It was a reunion for Hinano Kurokawa of Ohara and Emma Stottleman of Duluth. Emma visited Ohara Isumi city in Chiba Japan last year, where she stayed with Hinano’s family. Now, Emma’s and other families in Duluth have the opportunity to host students from Duluth’s sister city for a few days. “Their hospitality was incredible and they were thrilled…

Kids Try on Fall’s Newest Fashions at Fashion Show Parade in Younkers

The Children Had the Chance to Choose Their Own Outfits for the Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids and parents had the chance to get a look at this year’s fall fashion at the Annual Back to School fashion Show at Younkers in Duluth. Children tried on some of the newest looks at the department store and participated in the fashion show as models, walking around the store in outfits they picked out for themselves….

Superior High School Senior Puts on Car Show at Billings Park Days for Senior Project

Money Raised During the Show Will be Donated to Charity

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Celebrations for Billings Park Days started Friday, and continued on Saturday. Friends and Neighbors enjoyed chalk art on the streets, rummage sales, and food stands in Billings Park. but today’s celebrations also included a car show, organized by Brenden Penney  a Senior from Superior High School, as part of his senior project. “My family has been involved in…

Former Clyde Iron Works Employees Come Together for Reunion

Some of the People Hadn't Seen Each Other in 30 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Clyde Iron Works had some special visitors come through the restaurant Saturday. It’s been 30 years since the employees of Clyde shut down operations in the Lincoln Park Building, and Saturday, some of the employees came back for a reunion. “It’s amazing how many people you look at, and you haven’t seen them in 30 years and you…