Author: Mason Kroll

Estuary Extravaganza

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance held an Estuary Extravaganza to honor the designation of the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail. The St. Louis River Estuary was officially designated in 2020, but due to COVID concerns, an official ribbon cutting was held off until today. Up until its designation, people were unable to recreate freely on…

Lincoln Park Middle School Launches Weather Balloon

DULUTH, Minn. – “It was awesome, it was super fun. I got to go out of class and launch a balloon into outer space,” Lincoln Park Middle School 8th Grade Student, Zelalem Oestreich said. 8th graders in a pre-engineering class at Lincoln Park Middle School took part in a Weather Balloon project that teaches about temperature, humidity, pressure, and other…

Maurices Sport Court Ribbon Cutting

DULUTH, Minn. – The recreational sport court at Gary New Duluth Park has a new name. A ribbon cutting was held to inaugurate “Maurices Sport Court” after Maurices secured naming rights through their donation of 50 thousand dollars. This funding will go toward community programs run through GND Rec and to further advance community offerings. Staff at Maurices say the…

DECC talks about New Plans for Harbor Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – It was disappointing news to many that rising costs of the sea wall reconstruction project forced Duluth to scale back its original vision of a plaza behind the DECC. Now, the drawing of a new, scaled-down version has been released that still re-imagines what Harbor Drive will look like. The idea for the Harbor Plaza, was a…

UMD Homecoming Week Kickoff

  DULUTH, Minn. – It’s homecoming week at UMD, and festivities kicked off Monday. It was Merch Monday and the first 150 students to show up at the Kirby student center got a chance at what else? Free UMD merch. They could choose between a tote bag or a koozie, and between a pint glass or a baseball hat. Tuesday…

Forest Service Samples Hartley Pond

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the Forest Service visited Hartley Pond as part of a national lake study. Hartley is one of 250 lakes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that have been sampled this summer. The survey is being conducted to determine whether there are any stressors to the lakes as well as the differences between them. It’s been 40 years…

Hoops Brewing Hosts Pup Crawl

DULUTH, Minn. – Hoops Brewing hosted a pup crawl event as a way to connect dog owners with dog approved businesses in Canal Park. The self-guided walk started at the Hoops beer garden and made its way to businesses like Love Creamery, Duluth Pack, and Vitta Pizza. At the beer garden, dog related venders were in attendance like Minnesota Nice…

Ursa Minor Oktoberfest Wraps Up

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday was the final day of Ursa Minor Brewery’s Oktoberfest. The event started on Thursday and wrapped up today with a family day theme. Besides beer there was music, balloons, carnival games, and mini goats from Duluth Goat Yoga. Also in attendance was a calf for kids to pet. “This is a celebration of beer and it’s…

Juice Pharm House-Warming Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Juice Pharm held a house-warming event to celebrate buying the building on East 1st Street in Duluth. The event also served as a re-branding while the business rolled out its new winter menu, and showed appreciation toward their customers. The rebranding includes serving more healthy foods like medicinal hot drinks and adding the slogan: Sharing Nature’s Wisdom….

Lincoln Park Harvest Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park Farmers market held a harvest festival to celebrate the end of the season. There is still one more week left, but they decided to celebrate today due to the nice weather. Visitors could enjoy live music, free food, and face painting. There were about fifteen venders in attendance offering things such as veggies, bread…

Raleigh Academy Hosts Annual Block Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Raleigh Academy held its annual Block party as a kick off to the new school year. Students, staff, and families were all in attendance to enjoy games, food, and live music from performing act Woodblind. Activities include a bouncy house, face painting, and balloon animals. Kids also got a shot at dunking the principal in the dunk…

Superior Mayor Paine Announces Budget Proposal for 2023

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine announced his proposed 2023 General Fund Budget for the City of Superior on Thursday. “I want to begin by saying this was the most challenging budget I have ever worked on but in the end its also proven to be the most consequential,” said Mayor Jim Paine. He started by highlighting the challenges that…

Duluth Fire Department Hosts Pinning Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time since 2019, the Duluth Fire Department held a pinning ceremony to honor staff and civilians. “This is a really big day. Three years in the making to celebrate your many recommendations, commendations, promotions, and your service and sacrifice,” Mayor Emily Larson said. Held at the DECC, the ceremony started with opening remarks from…

Duluth Parks and Rec Hosts ‘Edible Duluth’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Parks and Rec hosted an “Edible Duluth” event, which is an initiative that celebrates our edible landscape. Tuesday’s event was held at Merritt Park, one of the sixteen spaces throughout the Duluth park system that host apple trees and one cherry variety. The program started about a decade ago and now the trees are finally mature…

Cirrus Aircraft to Develop Innovation Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft announced its plans to expand the maintenance facility that it bought from the city last week for one dollar. The former AAR building at the Duluth International Airport will transform into Cirrus’ future center for innovation. The former AAR Corporation facility has been left vacant since May of 2020 due to the pandemic. This…

Haunted Shack Getting Ready for 29th Season

CARLTON, Minn. – The Haunted Shack in Carlton is getting ready for its 29th season. The Haunted Shack is a fundraiser for local Special Olympics and has resided at the RU Ridge Corn maze for the last four years. The Halloween themed event also features the haunted woods and haunted corn trail maze. Organizers are currently working on getting outdoor…

Duluth Wedding Show Fall Showcase

DULUTH, Minn. – Couples planning their upcoming wedding had a chance to talk with potential venders at the Duluth Wedding Show fall showcase. Hosted at the DECC, it is the sister event to the larger Duluth Wedding Show that takes place in January. There were over 50 different venders for folks to meet with and ask questions as well as…

Spaghetti Benefit held for Jim Saice

DULUTH, Minn. – Local bands gathered at “The Other Place” Sunday to fundraise money for a friend who is recovering from brain cancer. In July, Jim Saice underwent surgery for brain cancer and is currently receiving radiation therapy and chemo. Seven bands including Boomstick, The Fractals, and Virgil Caine volunteered performances as people sat down to enjoy their spaghetti dinner….

Spirit of the Times Fundraiser Returns In Person

DULUTH, Minn. – Zeitgeist’s first ever Spirit of the Times Fundraiser marked the first in-person event of this kind since 2019. It was a block party feel as the street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue East was shut down so they could put up a tent. The event featured an auction, food and drinks, and live music performed by Take…

Duluth Oktoberfestival Returns

DULUTH, Minn. – Wet weather didn’t stop the third annual Duluth Oktoberfestival from kicking off Friday at Bayfront Festival Park. You can find beer, Bavarian food, games, and more at this family friendly German celebration. This years event features new live music acts like Gasper Krek and Alpensterne. The Dachshund Derby will be taking place on Sunday, were 32 dachshunds…

DPD Finalist Mike Ceynowa Meet and Greet

DULUTH, Minn. – There was a public meet and greet for Duluth Police Chief Finalist Mike Ceynowa at Myers-Wilkins Elementary. Ceynowa has been with the Duluth Police Department for 24 years and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Patrol. He says his experience has taught him that it takes a team to improve public safety and recognizes the importance…

Mayor Jim Paine Announces Plans for Re-Election

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced his plans to run for re-election next spring. The mayor held a gathering of family and friends at Bucktales to make the announcement. He discussed what they mayor’s office has accomplished over the past five years as well as his vision going forward if re-elected. He said he plans to improve such…

Chief Buffalo Mural Unveiled

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration was held to honor the unveiling of the Chief Buffalo mural in Gichi-ode’ Akiing Park. Chief Buffalo was a respected figure of the Ojibwe people in the western Lake Superior region. The mural unveiled today has been in the works for the past three years and honors Chief Buffalo and indigionous people today. There were…

Solar Co-op Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth and Arrowhead Solar Co-op held an event at Bent Paddle in celebration of their success over the past year. Organized by Solar United Neighbors and One Roof Community Housing, Solar Co-op is a group that gets together and uses their bulk power to get lower prices on solar installations. There are currently more than 60…

City Council Votes to Grant Demolition Permit for Hotel Astoria Building

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 2021, the owners of the historic Hotel Astoria requested permission to tear down the structure due to extensive deterioration. The owners also asked three local businesses within the building to leave and relocate last year. The permit to tear it down was put on hold as the Heritage Preservation Commission blocked the demolition. On Monday…

National Police Women Day

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Police Women Day, a day that celebrates Women who protect and serve our communities day in and day out. It’s a day that celebrates the progress made by women over the years for better representation. The DPD currently has 24 women on their force and have hired four more that will start September 26th. “When…

Mike Ceynowa Named Police Chief Finalist

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson announced the selection of Mike Ceynowa as the finalist for the next Police Chief of Duluth. Ceynowa has been with the Duluth Police Department for 24 years and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Patrol. The search for a new chief involved review panels of city staff, select city councilors, community members, and…

MNA Holds Rally Ahead of Monday’s Strike, Hospitals Prepare For Nursing Gap

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Monday at 7 a.m., approximately 15,000 nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association will go on strike, affecting many hospitals, including those in the twin ports. Earlier Sunday evening the MNA held a “Community Rally” at Duluth City Hall to raise awareness. Nurses, some medical students, and community members were part of the event. Speakers from the…

RU-Ridge Corn Maze Back Open for the Season

CARLTON, Minn. – With spooky season right around the corner, the RU-Ridge Corn Maze in Carlton is back open for its sixth season. Fun for the whole family, the venue features an 8 acre corn maze, horse and hay rides, as well as a petting zoo. New this year is a corn pit along with a barrel wagon train that…

A Touch of Plasch Celebrates 50 Years

Sunday, A Touch of Plasch held a celebration honoring 50 years of business. It was an open house over at the hair salon on East 9th street for family, friends, clients, and former employees of the business. The event included refreshments, food, games, and live music. Owner Harvey Plasch says he has seen many changes in the industry over the…

Elks Lodge #403 Open House

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Elk’s held an open house event today in Superior to bring awareness to what they can do for the community. Live music and people brought the Historic Brownstone Lodge to life as several booths had information about scholarships, veteran support programs, drug awareness, and more. Since 2010, the Elks organization has donated more than 75 thousand…

19th Annual Circle of Light Gala Celebrated back in Person

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Foundation celebrated their 19th Annual Circle of Light Gala, and the first time back in person since 2019. Held at the DECC, the event is put on to celebrate the care and service provided by staff over the past year. The night featured dinner, silent, live, and fund-a-need auctions, and awards. Awardees included physician, employee,…

3rd Annual North Country Electric Vehicle Show & Tell

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Country Electric Vehicle Show and Tell event returned to Duluth for its 3rd year. This is the first time the event was held at Bayfront Festival Park after previously being held at Canal Park Lodge. “The purpose behind this event is really education and just having fun. Bringing the community together, seeing what the future…

Second Annual Season Splash

DULUTH, Minn. – Community wide arts organizations got together at Wade Stadium for the second annual Season Splash. Thursday’s free event was a celebration of what these organizations have to offer for the coming year. From theater to opera and dance, seven performances were put on for the community to enjoy as well as sing along. “We’re here to celebrate….

Duluth Middle School Students Return to Class

DULUTH, Minn. – It was the first day back to class for Duluth middle school students. Over at Lincoln Park Middle School, students were able to gather for grade level assemblies again with COVID restrictions being lifted. On the first day back, students were taught building wide expectations and given support from teachers. “Everyday as a teacher, as a principal,…

West Duluth Super One Liquor Craft Beer Festival

Wednesday, Super One Liquor in West Duluth will be hosting their first ever Craft Beer Festival. There will be around 20 venders in attendance, serving hundreds of samples of craft beer, ciders, and seltzers. The fest will also have food samples and prizes like guitars, grills, and bikes. Former Minnesota Vikings player Chad Greenway will also be in attendance representing…

All-Ages Pride Themed Drag Show Brings Supporters and Protestors to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Flame held an all-ages drag show to wrap up pride weekend. The show brought in both supporters and protestors. This is the second kid-friendly drag show the flame has put on and featured performances from kids, drag queens, and kings. Performers lip-synced to popular songs while dressed up in costumes such as Disney Princesses. Peter…

Superior Labor Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was more than Labor Day for Superior, as Fourth of July festivities postponed due to that holiday’s weather were brought back to Barkers Island Monday. Along with the car and motorcycle show and fireworks, Superior decided to extend pride weekend by adding a family-friendly drag show to the roster. Organizers say the show is put on…

Cheers to Chester

DULUTH, Minn.– Bent Paddle and Ski Hut teamed up Thursday night for the “Cheers to Chester” fundraising event supporting Chester bowl. Ski Hut has been a longtime support of Chester Bowl and donated 30 thousand dollars to the cause, adding to the total of what’s being raised this evening. The funds will be used to continue programming at the ski…

Overdose Remembrance and Awareness Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. – August 31st is international Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a day to remember and grieve those who have been lost to addiction and overdose. On Wednesday, the people of Superior came together at Billings Park to address addiction in the community. “As of August, we have lost 13 people, just here in Superior to overdose. We need to…

AICHO Backpack Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn. – With the school year right around the corner, AICHO held their first ever back to school drive. At 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, over 100 backpacks were distributed to the community. Due to the large turnout, the supply of backpacks ran out within the first nine minutes. Backpacks included such supplies as crayons, glue, markers, and binders. “To…

Fundraiser for WE Health Clinic

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thirsty Pagan Brewing hosted a fundraiser Tuesday for a clinic that offers reproductive and sexual health services, including abortions. The WE Health Clinic is based in Duluth, the city that has seen both pro-life and pro-choice demonstrations this summer after Roe v. Wade was overturned. While the WE Health Clinic also offers other services like breast and…

Neighborhood Youth Services Finds a New Home

DULUTH, Minn. – A barbeque and open house celebration was held in honor of Neighborhood Youth Services joining the Family Freedom Center. The Hills Youth and Family Services closed its doors in 2021 and since, Neighborhood Youth Services has been without a permanent home. The Family Freedom Center took over the Neighborhood Youth Services program on August 1st after months…

Duluth Public Schools ‘Back to School Bash’ at Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools has nine different elementary schools and on Monday, the entire district came together to prepare for this year’s school year. “I think it’s great to get the whole community together, all of the schools so kids can meet kids from other schools and just enjoy the whole community,” local parent, Reed Bergman says. Families…

Superior School Board Votes In Favor Of Keeping Gender Identity Curriculum

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thursday, the Superior School District’s Board of Education held a public session discussing whether gender identity topics should be taught in the middle school, with board members ultimately voting in favor to allow it. The vote was 5-2. Held at the Superior Middle School, the meeting started with public comments, followed by a presentation from a petitioner,…

DFD Participates in Fill a Boot Campaign

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Fire Department hit the streets to collect donations for the Fill a Boot campaign. Fill the Boot is a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Every year since 1954, fire departments across the nation have taken the time to hold boots on street corners in support of the cause. Dollars raised go toward finding effective treatments…

Amberwing Celebrates 10 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – “All of these folks lined up behind me are really the ones who make the magic happen here. I mean it’s a beautiful building, it’s a beautiful safe space, but it’s the people who work here that work with the kids and the families that are really making a difference in peoples lives,” Miller-Dwan Foundation President, Traci…