Author: Nachai Taylor

A Labor Agreement Implemented for Essentia’s Vision Northland Project

Vision Northland will create 5,600 on site construction jobs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction for Essentia Health’s historic $800 million  Vision Northland project is set to start later this year. A project labor agreement is the framework for collaboration between Essentia, McGough Construction, and the Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council. The PLA is used to ensure skilled labor and safe worker conditions. The agreement will also help keep the…

Superior Fifth Graders Learn How to Keep Lake Superior Clean

Tours are open to any group interested in learning about the process.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A group of fifth graders stopped by the city of superior’s waste water treatment plant for a tour to get an inside look at what it takes to keep Lake Superior clean. Over the last two weeks, the plant offered tours to nearly 300 local fifth graders. The students learned the process of cleaning water used in…

St. Luke’s Wound Care Center Receives Awards

The wound center also won a Center of Excellence Award and the President's Circle Award from Healogics.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beating out more than 600 wound care centers across the U.S., St. Luke’s Advance Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center is celebrating after being named the Wound Care Center of the Year. St. Luke’s center specializes in treating patients suffering from diabetic ulcers and other chronic wounds. The Hyperbaric chamber is used to build blood vessels by administering…

Minnow Shortage Hits the Northland Ahead of Fishing Opener

More than a half a million people are expected to go out on Minnesota waters for the fishing opener.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Many people are out getting supplies to prepare for this weekend’s fishing opener, but if minnows are on your list of items to pick up, they might be a little harder to get this year. Thanks to Mother Nature, the unanticipated weather is creating a shortage across the Northland. Some believe low oxygen levels and cold water…

North Homes Celebrates Grand Opening of New Location in Downtown Duluth

North Homes has been helping youth for over 25 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – North Homes Children and Family Services is celebrating the grand opening of their new location after expanding its reach to offer quality mental health care for youth in the Northland. The Grand Rapids based nonprofit started its service in Duluth in 2011. The organization provides counseling and therapy sessions to youth. They also offer families help with…

2019 Arrowhead Youth Games Opening Doors for Kids with Disabilities

Some kids competed in races and played parachute games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids with disabilities can often be bound by obstacles, but doors are opening to new opportunities thanks to the 2019 Arrowhead Youth Games. The annual day camp welcomes kids with disabilities from schools across the Northland to help them discover ways to keep an active lifestyle. Each year nearly 300 kids visit the University of Minnesota Duluth…

Wisconsin Tourism Department Visits Superior for National Travel and Tourism Week

Pattison State Park and Amnicon Falls State Park was also visited.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Wisconsin Tourism deputy secretary stopped in Superior to visit a few popular attractions First on the agenda, was Wisconsin point. The Superior Chamber of Commerce along with mayor Jim Paine accompanied the tourism department to show them the beauty and the new features of the visitor destination. The…

Gary-New Duluth Dog Park Named After Fallen K9 Haas

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary-New Duluth Dog Park is being renamed to honor fallen Duluth police K-9 Haas for his sacrifice. Haas was shot and killed during a domestic incident in January. The Gary-New Duluth Development Alliance is renaming the dog park to also show support for the Duluth Police Department. A plaque designed especially to recognize the fallen K-9 will…

Students Battle It Out At Lake Superior College’s 16th Annual Robot War Competition

Mesabi East, Cromwell/Wright, Proctor, and Wrenshall high school students also competed.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from both Lake Superior College and local high schools got the chance to battle it out today during the 16th Annual Robot War Competition. A total of 15 teams competed one on one in a tournament style battle at LSC’s downtown center. All of which were fighting to be the last robot standing. Over the last…

Juniper Network Trains Volunteers to Work with Chronic Pain Patients

The next workshop is August 6th through September 10th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Those suffering with chronic pain can face a difficult situations, especially when it comes to managing it. The Minnesota-based Juniper Network held a training session at the Mesabi building on West First Street in Duluth. They taught volunteers how to work with pain patients who face multiple issues including self empowerment and how to keep an active…

Union Miners and Construction Workers Show Support for Mining Project Near Ely

The project was not on the agenda for discussion

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of building trades union workers voiced their support for the twin metals project during a Saint Louis County board meeting. those workers say the proposed copper nickel mine near Ely would allow for a different form of mining while being environmentally responsible. According to Twin Metals Mining, if the project is approved by regulators it…

Rehabilitation Construction Resumes between Eight and Ninth Street

"It gets 6,000 to 7,000 cars a day,"

DULUTH, Minn. – A nearly $2 million construction project to improve intersections and the public right of way is now resuming between Eighth and Ninth Street near Woodland Avenue The federally funded project, which began in 20–18, will include new street striping and sidewalk repairs. During the construction, there will be no parking in selected areas while crews are working…

Sale of Duluth Based Clothing Retailer Maurices is Finalized

The controlling stake is valued at about $300 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – The sale of Longtime Duluth Based clothing retailer Maurice’s is now complete. The buyer, OpCapita is an European investment firm. OpCapita will now hold majority equity of Maurice’s. The controlling stake is valued at about $300 million. This is the first U.S. investment for the European company, which also recently purchased a stake in a German clothing retailer….

CCU College of Hair Fire still Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – An investigation continues into the cause of a fire at the Cosmetology Careers Unlimited College of Hair on West Superior Street. Initial damage is estimated to cost $75,000. Authorities responded to a call of smoke coming from a door in an alley behind the school, Saturday afternoon. Upon entry they found a medium size fire burning on…

Contractors Remove 100 Year Old Pipes Under Superior Street Reconstruction Site

DULUTH, Minn. – Asbestos contractors were removing existing steam pipes, as part of phase two of the ongoing Superior Street reconstruction project. City officials tell us the asbestos contained pipes have been serving the downtown area for more than one hundred years. Environmental monitoring was performed to ensure worker and public safety during the removal Access to local businesses remained…

Mental Health Professional Address Teen Suicide and Prevention

Mobile Crisis Hotline 218-623-1800

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent studies show in Minnesota suicide is now the second leading cause of death for  10–24 years old. The collaborative includes mental health professionals from thirty agencies across the region. Throughout the year multiple trainings are held to provide strategies and ideas for teen suicide prevention. Panels of speakers are invited to share personal experiences to continue…

Junk Hunt in Full Swing at the DECC

The junk hunt continues tomorrow from 9 am to 4 pm.

DULUTH, Minn. – Vintage treasures are in full stock at the semi–annual Duluth Junk Hunt at the DECC. Nearly 150 vendors from around Minnesota are selling a variety of antique and repurposed items. Thousands of hard core “Junkers” rummaged through the aisle of vendors hoping to find the ultimate treasure. “My son is in second grade and learning to play…

Superior Promoting Boat Safety with “Kids Don’t Float” Program

There are now two Kids Don't Float Stations and the city of Superior is hoping to add more.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A life vest can be beneficial in preventing boating related drownings and the city of superior’s Kids Don’t Float program is an attempt at saving lives. A ribbon was cut to re–welcome the Kids Don’t Float program. The project through the city of Superior and the local Chamber of Commerce allows kids of all ages and sizes…

Duluth Children’s Museum Offers Free Admission for Community Day

The Duluth Children's Museum will debut a new exhibit May 4th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Families played at the Duluth Children’s Museum for free during its Community Day. The event is part of an initiative with the city of Duluth, which is aimed at highlighting local attractions. Museum staff say it’s a great time to get out and enjoy all that local draws have to offer. “so many people in our community…

Roadside Smelt Shops Pop Up in Wisconsin

The season lasts until May 25th.

ASHLAND, Wis. – A road side smelt shop has popped up in the old ace hardware parking lot in Ashland. Owners of Smelt the business say people travel from far and wide to buy the little fish with deep roots in this community. “The locals call the radio station because they get all excited. Everybody get so upset and say…

New Day Advocacy Center Almost Done with Renovations of New Location

New Day hopes to move in to the new facility by July 1st.

ASHLAND, Wis. – New Day Advocacy Center is halfway done with the more than $1 million  project, hoping to bring comfort and safety to the hundreds of victims using their services. For more than 30 years New Day has been a resource for men, women, and children involved in domestic violence and sexual assault situations. The current facility is based…

Duluth Set to Demolition Another Community Center

It could be very expensive to repair the recreational center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth residents could lose another recreational center as the city is planning to demolish the Merritt Park Community Center in West Duluth. The city says the center is not compliant with the federal disability building codes. The building is also in need of significant maintenance upgrades. Officials say it would be too expensive to keep up with…

Educators from Around the Region In Duluth for Annual Early Childhood Summit

The Northland foundation says this is the largest summit they have ever had.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 300 educators from more than twenty five school districts from around the area were in attendance to build a better understanding of working with young people. The summit is designed as an approach to offer training resources for rural and urban communities that may not have access to them. The educators learned techniques and strategies to…

Enger Park Golf Course Open for the Season

Enger Park gets up to about 35,000 golfers a year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Good news for the avid golfers Enger Park Golf Course is finally open for the season. Nine of the 18 holes are open for use. Some golfers were already at the course ready for a tee time. The golf season can be very uncertain thanks to winter conditions in the spring, but Enger Park Golf Director says…

Rescuer Remembered 52 Years After Attempting to Save the Lives of Three Teenagers

A brand new 150 foot Coast Guard cutter will be named after Ed Culbertson.

DULUTH, Minn. – April 30th 1967, is a day the Northland won’t forget, especially for those still heartbroken by the loss of a hero three teenagers and the hero who tried to save them. More than a half a century ago, Coast Guardsman Ed Culbertson died attempting to rescue three brothers, Nathan, Eric, and Arthur Halverson, from a pier in…

Water Treatment Plant in Carlton Making Headway

The project, which will cost about $5 million, will upgrade underground infrastructure and add a new supply well.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new water treatment plant in Carlton is making headway after the city broke ground in October to replace the previous one built in 1979, which is now deteriorating. The project, which will cost about $5 million, will upgrade underground infrastructure and add a new supply well. A water infrastructure fund grant from the Public Facilities Authority…

Carlton School Dist. Faced With Budget Cuts

  CARLTON, Minn. – The Carlton School District is undergoing some budget reductions due to possible declining enrollment and the uncertainty of state funding. More than 25 third-grade students are projected to be enrolled for the 2019–2020 school year at South Terrace Elementary. The third graders will now exist under one class instead of two to reduce costs. The district…

Minnesota DNR Restricts the Burning of Brush and Yard Waste for Over 40 Counties

Anyone who burns debris will be held financially responsible if the fire escapes and damages other property.

CARLTON, Minn. – It may have been a damp day today, but as warm and dry temperatures start to spread across Minnesota the Department of Natural Resources is expanding a burn restriction for multiple counties around the Northland. The burn restriction now bans the burning of brush and yard waste for more than 40 Minnesota counties until further notice. The…

Minnesota Viking C. J. Ham Receives An Honor of A Lifetime

"I just really hope they get out there and give everything into everything they do."

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Vikings player and Duluth native C. J. Ham received an honor of a lifetime today at Denfield High School. With little prior knowledge, Ham was joined by his parents for the unveiling of a mural dedicated to his time with the Vikings and as a student of Denfeld High School. Posted above the schools trophy display,…

On the One Year Anniversary Emergency Responders Reflect on the Husky Explosion

"That initial call we immediately knew it was something serious."

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The husky explosion will go down in Northland history, especially for the many emergency responders who are now grateful for how things turned out. “That initial call we immediately knew it was something serious,” said Superior Fire Chief Steve Panger. Multiple police, fire and disaster response crews from both Minnesota and Wisconsin sprang into action moments after…

Superior Police Looking for Wade Bowl Park Vandals

Police also say it will possibly cost the city several hundred dollars.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police department is asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible for vandalism at Wade Bowl Park on Wednesday night. Authorities says all four sides of the warming shack at the park are covered in graffiti. Police also say it will possibly cost the city several hundred dollars to paint over and clean up…

Marketing Professionals From Around the World Stop in Duluth For Zenith Digital Marketing Conference

Proceeds from the conference's registration fees is being donated to the Duluth Chamber of Commerce's Fuse program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marketing professionals from around the world were in Duluth today for the Zenith Digital Marketing conference. Some of the most innovative minds gathered at Zeitgeist to discuss marketing strategies and latest trends to help companies make money. Local students even stopped by the conference to build on their knowledge. The professionals say the conference can be beneficial…

New Grant Could Help Fight the Child Care Shortage in the Region

More than 4,000 child care openings are still needed in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – The childcare shortage in the Northland continues to be a big topic of discussion. Thanks to a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Northland Foundation is making funding available for licensed or soon to be licensed child care centers in seven counties and tribal nations in Northeastern Minnesota. Those counties include Aitkin, Carlton, Cook,…

Big Cleanup Happens Across Duluth

Another cleanup in Lincoln Park is scheduled for this Saturday starting at 10 am.

DULUTH, Minn.- With trash bags and grabbers in hand local business leaders and volunteers are hoping to keep the integrity of local neighborhoods. The desire to clean up the community has spread across Duluth. Going from east to west different groups are removing litter and graffiti. Inspired by a national viral clean up challenge, a Lincoln Park group recognized the…

UMD Students Talk Income Inequality

Studies from the Department of Health and Human services show the average income to be considered poverty is about $12,000 a year for one person.

DULUTH, Minn. – Income inequality is a big issue across the nation . Today, a few UMD students took it upon themselves to educate others on the importance of how this issue impacts everyone. The leaders of the event used data to give other students the ideal of how tax brackets matter and the effects of income inequality. Students passing…

UMD Students Planning to Offer Electronic Scooters in Duluth

A city ordinance was recently passed to place certain restrictions on the use of electric scooters in the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new electric scooter sharing service could be on the way to Duluth thanks to a pair of junior business students at UMD. Latisha Forsberg and Jed Irvine, founders of Leaf,  are planning to introduce 50 electric scooters in popular tourist areas such as Canal Park and Downtown Duluth. A city ordinance was recently passed to place…

Council Makes Changes To Proposed Regulations of Massage Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council has had a first read on an ordinance to put stricter rules on massage businesses in Duluth with hopes of combating sex trafficking. The amended ordinance would now provide standard procedures across the board for massage therapists practicing in Duluth. Any massage practitioner will be required to have completed 500 hours of training,…

Shots Fired into a Home in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Police say there were residents inside the home at the time of the shooting, but no one was injured.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth police department is investigating a shooting that happened on the five hundred block of Winnipeg Avenue, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Authorities tell us they responded to call around 12:30 Tuesday morning of shots fired from a vehicle toward a home. Police say there were residents inside the home at the time of the shooting,…

College of St. Scholastic Students Hosts Senior Health Fair

"Its important for our seniors to know whats out there for them."

DULUTH, Minn. – College of St. Scholastica students are finishing out their last year strong by collaborating with the benedictine living community of Duluth to host the annual senior health fair. Derived from a senior project idea four years ago, students offer wellness checks such as blood pressure and strength tests to residents. Vendors were also available to provide information…

Know Your Neighbor: Ruth’s Gourmet Vegan and Vegetarian Frozen Food

"I couldn't go to the store and get the vegetarian food that I wanted, like my mom made. I knew I couldn't be the only one," said Bacon.

TWO HARBORS, Wis. – When you hear the word bacon some people think of the crispy slice of heaven. But ironically it is the last name of Two Harbors native and founder of Ruth’s Gourmet. “I grew up vegetarian,” said Bruce Bacon That’s right Ruth’s Gourmet is a Minnesota based vegan and vegetarian option specializing in faux meatballs and burger…

Man Running 100 Miles to Raise Money to Help Feed Northland Kids

Even Duluth Police chief Mike Tusken and Acting Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj stopped by the YMCA to hang with David.

DULUTH, Minn. – Every summer, kids in the Northland lose access to meals that are provided during the school year. Now a local man is running 100 miles at the Duluth YMCA to raise $10,000 to help feed kids while their out on summer break. Northshore Inline Marathon’s Vice Chair David Hyopponen has run more than thirty thousand miles since…

UMD Wants Youth to Join Efforts to Protect the Environment

The symposium runs from May 16th through the 19th

DULUTH, Minn. – Environmental protection has become a big priority for UMD and now they want area youth to join their cause. Registration is now open for area 7th through 12th graders to learn more on how to protect the environment during the lake superior youth symposium. The four day event will feature hands on workshops and presentations from UMD…

Duluth Firefighters Get Another Set of Turnout Gear to Protect from Carcinogens

Turnout gear is the special protection Duluth firefighters wear while battling fires.

DULUTH, Minn. – While on the job firefighters are exposed to many cancer causing agents. Thanks to union contract negotiations with the city, every firefighter in the Duluth Fire Department will get a backup set of turnout gear, which they say will be beneficial to their health. Turnout gear is the special protection Duluth firefighters wear while battling fires. Department…

UMD Highlights Research Conducted by Students

Slots are still open in the UROP program and students are encouraged to apply.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 50 students conducted research of their choice with the help of UMD’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Students shared the findings of their research at showcase Thursday afternoon. Aisles of posters showed the hard work students put in to creating these projects. The UROP awards students with a scholarship twice a year to conduct research. The…

Toddlers Celebrate Easter Early

little neetchers welcomes toddlers and their families to stop by and hangout at the play space.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not officially Easter until this weekend, but some tiny tots are celebrating early at Little Neetchers in West Duluth. one through five year olds made crafts and got to have an Easter egg hunt. The owner is a mom of four and says it’s important to provide a safe space for the younger kids. “We cater…

Political Experts React to Recent Release of Robert Mueller Report

Some don't believe voters will change opinions.

DULUTH, Minn. – The recent release of  special counsel Robert Mueller’s report has sparked a lot of reactions. It might have some people wondering will this impact future elections? Here in Minnesota, one political expert we spoke with believes the report won’t change the minds of voters. “Are Minnesota voters are going to go all out to change their point…

City of Duluth Asking for Citizens’ Help With Cleaning Up Excess Road Sand

The city is hoping to catch all the debris before the spring showers to prevent harm to the environment.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is setting up several drop–off collection sites for residents to help them clean up any excess road sand from sidewalks and streets. Officials say street sweepers are attempting to collect the road sand as quickly as possible, but any extra help is appreciated. Residents can sweep up sand and even chunks of black…

Officially the Last Day to File Taxes

Those who cannot file by today's deadline, they are urged to file for an extension with the IRS.

DULUTH, Minn.- Today is officially the last day to file your taxes for most states in the U.S. Many tax preparers in the northland are really busy helping those last minute filers. Tax preparers say filing past the deadline can have many consequences such paying penalties fees. Those who cannot file by today’s deadline, they are urged to file for…

UWS Spreads Awareness for Sexual Assault with Red Flags

3,500 red flags are spread out across the center of the UWS Campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS is once again hosting an annual red flag campaign hoping to decrease rape culture know which has become far too common on some college campuses. 3,500 red flags are spread out across the center of the UWS Campus. The flags signify the opportunity to make students more aware sexual assault. The university is hoping this red…

Snow Storm Leaves Damage Behind in Carlton County

"I would have been absolutely devastated."

CLOQUET, Minn. – Thursday’s snow storm ran its course on the Northland, but some people in Carlton County in particular are picking up the pieces of damage left behind. About five inches of snow fell in Carlton County during the storm which is something most people can handle. The rough, high winds that came along with it, is causing a…