Author: Nachai Taylor

Zeitgeist Zinema Hosts Virtual Short Film Festival

"Twin Ports Shorts" is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home.

DULUTH, Minn – Zeitgeist Zinema in Duluth is taking the virtual route to showcase films for its annual local film festival. “Twin Ports Shorts” is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home. Genres range from dramas to thrillers to comedies. Filmmakers will also give introductions to…

Payroll Protection Loan Program Helps Small Businesses Continue To Thrive

Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses amounting to more than $1 billion.

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of the CARES Act, the Payroll Protection Loan program was developed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. Minnesota-based Bremer Bank is one of many bank institutions authorized to issue those loans. Bank-wide, including branches in Duluth, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses…

An Assisted Living Facility Recognizes Volunteers

Nearly 50 people usually volunteer their time at the Villa Vista Senior Living facility in Cromwell every month.

CROMWELL, Minn. – A local assisted living facility is showing their appreciation for their volunteers that have been helping out on a regular basis to keep the facility running. As the coronavirus pandemic continues residents and staff are getting creative with how they are showing that appreciation by hosting a drive-thru gift pick up. Nearly 50 people usually volunteer their…

WI Businesses Take Precautions As Some Reopen To The Public

"We want to be open. We are excited to have people in here, but we just think you can't do it overnight," said Tavern 105 Manager Heather Wegner.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Even though the Wisconsin Stay-At-Home order has now been struck down by the state Supreme Court, many businesses in Superior are still keeping the health of the community in mind as they resume operations. Some businesses have already started welcoming customers, while others are still preparing to open their doors to the public. Their common focus is…

Fourth Of July Fireworks Postponed Until Labor Day Weekend

Fourth Fest brings nearly 10,000 people to Duluth to celebrate the holiday.

DULUTH, Minn – As the city continues to help slow the spread of the coronavirus Duluth city officials announced Wednesday the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Bayfront Park is being postponed until labor day weekend. Fourth Fest brings nearly 10,000 people to Duluth to celebrate the holiday. City officials say they have looked into other alternatives including possibly…

Duluth East Hosts Drive-Thru Cap & Gown Pickup

"I am really happy we have a school that would do this for us," said Quinn Clark.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students around the nation are missing out memorable events like graduation Duluth East High School leaders are giving their students something to remember as they participated in a special drive-thru event to pick up their caps and gowns. The Class of 2020 at Duluth East may not get the chance to physically walk across the stage to…

Hearing Wellness Center Reopens For In-Person Appointments

The center is taking a few precautions to allow for in-person visits including requiring patients to wait in their cars until their scheduled appointment begins.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now allowed some health providers including hearing treatment centers to reopen. These health providers are required to put safety precautions in place as the pandemic continues. The Hearing Wellness Center in Duluth has continued caring for patients during the Minnesota Stay-at-home order, but only through telehealth appointments. The organization is looking forward…

A New Type Of Restaurant Opens As Pandemic Continues

Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe is open seven days a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new type of restaurant is now open for business in Duluth. Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe made its debut on Monday. The restaurant serves specialty drinks such as smoothies and coffee from Duluth Coffee Company. The food spot also offers a wide array of items on the menu such as quiche and breakfast sandwiches, which…

WI Department Of Transportation Waives Road Test For Teen Drivers

Due to the pandemic, the DMV now has a backlog of more than 15,000 road test requests.

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently implemented a new pilot program allowing people under the age of 18 to get their license online during the pandemic. The organization is now waiving the road test for 16 and 17-year-olds who completed the required training such as driver education courses. Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles typically conducts more than 2,000…

A Local Jewelry Store Reopens For Curbside

Security Jewelers is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for curbside pick up and drop-off.

DULUTH, Minn. – Security Jewelers in Duluth has reopened for curbside pickup and drop-off as part of the guidelines put in place by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to allow many non-essential businesses to continue operations. Right now, the jewelry store is open for people to pick up jewelry orders that may have been in place before the shutdown of non-essential…

Concerns Grow As Domestic Violence Calls Gradually Decline During The Coronavirus Pandemic

As the pandemic continued through April, the number of calls began to gradually decline.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing pandemic is raising some concerns for the well-being of victims of domestic violence. Organizations, such as Safe Haven in Duluth, are seeing drastic changes in the number of calls for help since the coronavirus pandemic began. Now they are worried, what these changes could mean for the safety of those victims. A decline in the…

WLSSD Begins A Portion Of Its $2 Million Wastewater Pipe Maintenance Project

Residents should not expect any disruptions to their water services.

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior Street between 44th and 45th Avenue East is closing this week to allow the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth to begin the first stages of restoring an existing sewer pipeline in Lakeside. This is part of WLSSD’s two million dollar wastewater pipe maintenance project. The pipeline services communities between Knife River and Duluth. It…

Big Kahuna Water Park Set to Open at Mont Du Lac Resort

The Big Kahuna Water Park Is slated to make its debut Memorial Day weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Big Kahuna Water Park has finally arrived at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior and expecting to make its debut Memorial Day weekend. The waterpark, which will reside in the pond on the Mont Du Lac RV resort. The latest addition is filled with exciting fun for everyone. It features a slide, rock climbing wall, and…

Hospitality Industry Hit Hard By Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent survey conducted by Hospitality Minnesota shows more than half of businesses in the hospitality industry across the state including hotels, restaurants, and bars will likely shut down permanently as a result of financial impacts of Covid-19. With each passing day, it is getting more difficult for businesses to keep up with mounting obligations such as…

Duluth Community Walks To Honor An Unarmed Man Shot & Killed in Georgia

"I'm terrified as a mom. I can't sleep at night. I can't eat. It's a thing as a parent all you want to do is keep your kids safe," said Diana Oestreich.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, the Duluth community came together to walk in honor of the life of an unarmed black man from Georgia who was tragically shot and killed while jogging back in February. Instead of celebrating what would have been his 26th birthday, the family of Ahmaud Arbery will now be mourning his death. Communities around the nation,…

The “No Poop Fairy” Returns To Give People A Reminder To Pick Up After Their Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – The “No Poop Fairy” has returned. The unmagical being visited Hartley Nature Center in Duluth to remind residents to do their “civic dooty” of picking up after their pets. Last year, the Regional Stormwater Protection Team debuted a PSA starring the “No Poop Fairy” to help people be mindful when they are out with their pets. This…

UMD Receives Grant To Examine Climate Change Around The Great Lakes

Researchers will examine increasing water levels, changes in algae growth, and storm patterns.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth recently received a grant for half a million dollars to look more into how climate-driven disturbances are impacting the Great Lakes including lake superior. For the next three years, this grant will give UMD the opportunity to bring together more than 30 scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers to gain a better understanding of…

Crime Rates Go Down As Opioid Overdoses Increase

This is the second spike in opioid overdoses this year. In February there was a total of 25.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since the Minnesota Stay-at-home order first took effect back in march, crime rates have gone down drastically in the city of Duluth. However, opioid overdoses are still happening during the pandemic. Duluth police say they have seen a rise in cases in the month of April. As many people are practicing social distancing and staying home during…

Limo Company Offers The Community A “Family Night Out”

Only six to eight people are allowed at a time on the buses to help follow CDC guidelines.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Social distancing and Stay-at-home orders have been keeping many people from experiencing life outside the comforts of their own home. Road Trip limo in Superior is now offering a “family night out” special. For three hours, families can rent one of the company’s sanitized party buses to go anywhere they choose. The buses are equipped with TVs…

A New Bill Could Extend Off-Sale Purchases For Breweries And Distilleries

The bill would relax restrictions for 60 days.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries and distilleries have been significantly impacted by Covid-19. A new bill could give them some relief in restrictions preventing the sale of their products. Minnesota Representatives Liz Olson and Sydney Jordan recently introduced a bill to help Minnesota craft breweries and distilleries to recover from the loss of business. The bill creates an economic opportunity…

CSS Students Make Masks While Getting Paid For On-Campus Jobs

One student has made about 100 masks, which she has already distributed to homeless shelters, grocery stores, and hospitals in her hometown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many students at the College of St. Scholastica are no longer working their jobs on-campus as the college has moved to online teaching to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. But nearly 30 of those student employees are now getting a chance to get paid, while helping to make masks for essential employees and medical workers. Many…

Cinco De Mayo Celebrations Improvised Due To Covid-19

"This is sad, but in the meantime, it is good for our customers. We want everybody to be safe and healthy," said Co-owner Rebeca Marta.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People may not be able to celebrate Cinco De Mayo the way they normally would… but Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Superior mad sure everyone could still enjoy the Mexican holiday. Customers ordering their favorite Mexican dishes were given a little something special to help them celebrate. Some customers received a sombrero and a Mexican family game called…

Bridgeman’s Restaurant Sells Sundae Kits

The restaurant has already sold hundreds of kits.

DULUTH, Minn – Good news for all the ice cream lovers. Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Duluth is now selling sundae kits as a way to help add some fun while you get through the coronavirus pandemic. Each kit comes with two pints of Bridgeman’s ice cream of your choosing, four homemade waffle bowls, five assorted toppings, and your very own Bridgeman’s souvenir…

Retail And Non-Essential Businesses Reopen For Curbside

"I think small businesses are a big part economy. The more small businesses we can get up and running, I think it will be a big help for everyone," said Top Knots to Tails Co-owner Karla Wirtz.

DULUTH, Minn- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently gave the green light for retail and some non-essential businesses to reopen, but only for curbside pickup and delivery. And Monday was the first day shops re-open with those restrictions. Thousands of retail and other non-essential businesses have been closed for more than a month due to the Stay-at-Home executive order. For many…

True North AmeriCorps Launches Emergency Response Initiative

Members can receive plenty of benefits including living stipends and free health insurance.

DULUTH, Minn. – In light of COVID-19 and the effects it has brought upon the community True North AmeriCorps is launching the Minnesota Americorps Emergency Response Initiative. This initiative is in partnership with the Duluth YMCA. It is designed to help communities better respond to their needs during this time of crisis by placing nearly 20 AmeriCorps members at non-profits…

A Medical Equipment Company Helps A Local Food Bank By Giving Out Neck Gaiters

Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck gaiters.

UTH, Minn – Lake Superior Medical Equipment is looking to give back to a good cause while also trying to help protect the community from harm during the coronavirus pandemic. With face masks in short supply, a neck gaiter is another form of protection to help limit the spread of Covid-19. Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck…

DECC Officials Are Worried About The Future

The DECC only has enough cash in its reserves to last until February. 

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center has already lost over $1 million in revenue due to the pandemic. DECC officials say they are concerned about what the future may hold if the coronavirus pandemic lasts longer than they anticipate. All recent and many upcoming events at the DECC have either been canceled or postponed as a result of…

Little Free Seed Libraries Pop Up Around Duluth

"Food security is definitely threatened for a lot of our community members. People have less income because of financial constraints because of Covid-19," said Program Director Megan Wilder.

Duluthians can now get free seeds to grow fruits and vegetables during the pandemic. The Duluth Community Garden Program has set up little free seed libraries around town as a way to give away seeds without social interactions. Each seed library is stocked with a variety of seed packets such as pumpkin and radishes. The Duluth Community Garden Program director…

Northland College Offers A Virtual Pandemic Class

About 80 Northland College students and 200 community participants are registered for the class.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College in Ashland is offering a virtual course examining the ongoing coronavirus global pandemic. The four-week course is being taught by 15 faculty members. The class will go over the history of pandemics, public health principles, and the biology of the virus. The goal is not only to think outside of the box in the course…

Neighborhood Youth Services Reopens To The Community

NYS can accommodate about 30 kids to keep up with social distancing.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Neighborhood Youth Services at the Washington Center in Duluth reopened to the community this week. NYS is a free program geared towards providing after school care. The program also provides enrichment activities and educational resources to kids ages six through eighteen. in march, the program was forced to shut its doors as part of Governor Tim…

The 1200 Fund’s Fast Grant Won’t Be Enough To Bailout All Business Applying For The Funding

More than 350 businesses applied for the fast grant, but the non-profit is only able to help 100 businesses.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced fast grant funding through the 1200 Fund to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of Covid-19, With limited funds, the number of businesses applying for the grant exceeds the number that can be helped. More than 350 businesses applied for the fast grant, but the non-profit is only able to help…

Financial Risk Prompted The City’s Decision To Close Lester Park Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn – Last week, Mayor Emily Larson announced Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth will be closed for the rest of the year. Loyal golfers weren’t too happy about the closing. Duluth city officials are speaking out further about the reasoning behind the decision. City officials took a closer look at the financial risk of opening both courses this…

A New Child Care Center Is Coming To Duluth

Hope for Kids Child Care Center is expected to open in July.

DULUTH, Minn- A new daycare center is coming to Duluth. Hope for Kids Child Care Center is expected to open this summer at the Hope United Methodist Church in Duluth. A long-standing child care shortage has been a big concern in the Northland for quite a while. As the pandemic continues, Hope for Kids Child Care Center is hopeful to…

Oasis Del Norte Serves Up For Taco Tuesday At Duluth Cider

"I think through the food it shows how our culture is," said Owner Eduardo Sandoval-Luna.

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have been a rainy day but the Oasis Del Norte food truck found time to stop by Duluth cider for Taco Tuesday. The food truck is in its first year of business and so far the reaction has been great. The truck sells real authentic street tacos and a variety of other traditional Mexican dishes,…

A Local Church Donates Food And Art Supplies To Students

The large donation is going to help feed about 45 families.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community School Collaborative is a non-profit that serves students in the community impacted by economic barriers. The group recently received a large donation from a local church to help them during the ongoing pandemic. DCSC supports students at Meyers-Wilkens Elementary, Lincoln Park Middle, and Denfeld High Schools. The non-profit is hoping this large donation will…

Coronavirus Is Creating A Growing Need For Plasma Donations

New donors could earn up to $400 a month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Right now as people stay home, there is a growing need for more plasma donations. Plasma is the clear liquid portion of our blood, which can be used to treat people with illnesses such as an autoimmune disorder. According to experts it could even be used to help fight the coronavirus. “We have a special project now…

WI Reports Its Largest Single-Day Rise In Covid-19 Cases

Statewide deaths are now up to 266.

Health officials in Wisconsin are reporting the largest single-day rise in Coronavirus cases since the outbreak started. In the last 24 hours, 361 tests came back positive. Also, an additional four people have died. The update raises the total number of cases to 5,687. Statewide deaths are also now up to 266. Health officials believe the actual number of infections…

Minnesota Student Will Be Continuing Distance Learning For The Rest Of The Year

It's already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms.

DULUTH, Minn. – All Minnesota k-12 schools are remaining closed for the rest of the academic school year. Governor Tim Walz made the announcement earlier today as a further precaution to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms. Most academic school years in the state…

Pike Lake Elementary School Teachers Create A “We Miss You” Video For Students

"It really does touch them and help them to see our faces, It helps them to see that we really do care."

DULUTH, Minn – Nothing says I miss you like a video filled with heartfelt messages, right? Well, teachers and staff at Pike Lake Elementary did just that to share with their students while being apart during the pandemic. The video is a combination of pictures of the teachers and staff with messages expressing how much they miss their students. The…

Duluth Offers Emergency Grant Funding To Support Small Businesses During The Pandemic

Each business could receive 10,000 to support operations during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in Duluth affected by the Coronavirus pandemic have one more day to apply for a special grant program. The Duluth 1200 Fund is handing out thousands of dollars in fast grants to provide immediate financial assistance to businesses being negatively impacted. The goal is to help preserve more than 1,000 jobs in the City of…

UW-Superior “Strongly” Considering Furloughing All Employees

"We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact and hardship on our employees," said Director of Strategic Communicatons Jordan Milan.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is one of many higher education institutions suffering from the impacts of Covid-19. Due to substantial revenue loss, the university is “strongly” considering furloughing all faculty and staff beginning in July. University administration is looking into a phased approach to this furlough proposal. If it goes into effect for the institution, furloughs would…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project Update

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than two weeks since phase three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project began in downtown Duluth. So far, city officials tell us the project is right on schedule. Phase three is taking place between Lake Avenue and Third Avenue West. The project is being worked on in two different stages. Right now, construction teams…

Hermantown Businesses Can Now Sell To-Go Liquor

All alcohol can only be sold if accompanied by takeout or delivery orders.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown area businesses are now being allowed to sell takeout liquor for the duration of the pandemic. The Hermantown City Council recently approved an ordinance allowing businesses with a liquor license to apply for a temporary license to offer to-go liquor. The governor already approved a similar measure… for beer and wine, but this ordinance allows for…

Lester Park Golf Course Closed For The Season

Recent numbers show both city-operated golf courses lose about $150,000 every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – After announcing a series of budget shortcomings amid the Coronivirus pandemic, the City of Duluth is closing the Lester Park Golf Course. Friends of Duluth Public Golf works in collaboration with the City of Duluth. But the organization wasn’t included as part of the decision-making process to close Lester Park Golf Course. Duluth city officials recently released…

First Ever Virtual Beer Fest Happening This Weekend

About 20 Minnesota breweries are participating in the event.

DULUTH, Minn. – For all the beer lovers out there, here’s your chance to have an experience of a lifetime right in the comfort of your home. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is hosting the first-ever virtual beer fest this weekend. About 20 Minnesota breweries, including Bent Paddle, Blacklist Brewing, and Hoops Brewing in Duluth, are participating in the virtual…

St. Ann’s Residence Covid-19 Update

20 cases of the Coronavirus has been confirmed at the senior living facility.

DULUTH, Minn. – Its been one week since a Coronavirus outbreak has hit St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth. So far, a total of 20 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at the senior living facility, five of those have died. St. Ann’s Executive Director tells us they have already tested nearly 80 of their residents for Covid-19. Only about eight…

City Of Superior Gets Some Economic Relief Amid Pandemic

Nearly $700,000 is being allocated to offer financial relief.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior is responding to the economic impact on its community. Superior Mayor Jim Paine recently announced proposals for the Superior Coronavirus Relief package. The package is a nearly $700,000 investment to help bring back some economic stability to the city. More than $400,000 from the package is being proposed to fund the Community Development Block…