Author: Pat Brink

Online Scam Regarding Fake Employment Opportunities for Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. –Essentia Health has heard from multiple people recently who were contacted about fake employment opportunities by someone impersonating Essentia. In most instances, people reported receiving a job offer via social media. They were asked to provide personal information to advance the hiring process. It’s important to note that Essentia will never ask for personal information outside of our…

Three Arrested On Drug And Weapons Charges

  DULUTH, Minn — Drugs and weapons were seized and three people arrested when members of the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force served a warrant in the 14 hundred block of West 91st Avenue on Thursday. At the Morgan Park home, a 35-year-old man from Duluth, A 19-year-old from Chicago, and A 37-year-old person whose address is unknown, were…

Downtown Duluth’s Sidewalk Sale Returns

DULUTH, Minn — The summer weather on Wednesday was very appropriate for the kick-off of Downtown Duluth’s Sidewalk Days. Wednesday was the first of three days of Sidewalk Days sales taking place on Superior Street. On a day where the weather was beautiful, the crowds turned out in big numbers. They may have come for the sales, but they were…

Mont du Lac Celebrates the Fourth of July

Superior, Wisc — The Mont du Lac Resort is celebrating Independence Day with special events for its guests this weekend. It’s the 76th anniversary of Mont du Lac and the 16th year that It has been a four-season resort. Guests at the resort are enjoying the many activities…from music, swimming, and biking to a summer water park and a Bar…

Federal Help For Flooded Counties and Cities

DULUTH, Minn — Minnesota’s recent destructive flash flooding had Senator Amy Klobuchar touring hard-hit Cook and Biwabik.on Wednesday. But before that, Klobuchar made a stop in Duluth with Mayor Roger Reinert. They chose the press event to be held at the Lake Superior Zoo. You may remember how in 2012, flood waters tore through the Zoo’s grounds during the historic…

How Much Caffeine is Too Much?

DULUTH, Minn — For many people the mornings don’t start until you’ve had your first cup of coffee and the caffeine that’s in the coffee. But very often that is not the only caffeine you will have during your day. Now there are some questions about how safe caffeine is when taken in large amounts. If you need a little…

Grandma’s Marathon 2024 Recap

DULUTH, Minn. — The 48th annual Grandma’s Marathon is over and it’s one for the record books. It had the most combined runners ever. More than 17,500 total in the marathon, the half, and the 5K. The weekend went well although earlier in the week there was a good deal of concern about the forecast. There was quite a bit…

Minnesota Rural Health Conference Going on in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn — Health professionals from across the state are at the DECC for the Minnesota Rural Health Conference. The workforce shortage is one of the main topics during the two-day conference. The issue is not limited to doctors and nurses, but the whole spectrum of providers.This includes administrative workers who can help manage and keep costs in check. Alyssa…

Carrying the Torch for Special Olympics

DULUTH, MINN — The Special Olympics Minnesota Annual Torch Run across the state went through Duluth today. The Minnesota Special Olympic Games began last weekend and this weekend will be at Stillwater High School. In addition to officers from The Duluth Police Department, officers from UMD, Hermantown, and the 148th Fighter Wing Security were taking part in the torch run…

Quilters Honor K9’s With a Quilt of Honor.

DULUTH, Minn — What began as an effort to recognize the K9 that lived next door when he retired after 11 years serving the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department in Florida, is now spreading throughout the country and internationally. The creator and founder of ‘K9 Quilts of Honor’, Carolyn Bluhm was a novice quilter when she made her first Quilt…

New Equipment Boosts Superior Fire Department’s Water Rescue Capabilities

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A partnership between the Superior Fire Department and Cenovus Energy is making the water safer for everyone. The Superior Fire Department showed off its newest equipment: a jet ski, and a rescue board. These were purchased thanks to the partnership the Fire department has with Cenovus Energy. This partnership is very important, according to Cameron Vollbrecht, the…

Superior Mayor Delivers State Of The City Address

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Payne delivered his State of the City speech Thursday evening from the stage at the Douglas County Historical Society. Paine gave an upbeat take on the past year in the city, and encouraged residents to have a positive outlook, especially when talking with visitors to Superior. Among the highlights Paine mentioned were grants provided to…

Changes Coming To The Clyde Iron Works Complex

DULUTH, Minn. — Alessandro Giuliani is proud of what his team has accomplished with the Clyde Iron Works Restaurant and meeting space. But now the owner and developer of the entire Clyde Park area says it’s time to make changes to ensure that Clyde remains relevant. “You can’t stay. You can’t stay in the past, there’s very few restaurants, centers…

New, Greener Pellet Plant Opens In Keewatin

KEEWATIN, Minn. — There’s a new $150-million pellet production plant In Keewatin. The new pellets contain less silica and more iron ore than traditional iron-ore pellets. Work began on the new U.S. Steel plant in 2022 and was completed last month on time and within budget. During its construction phase, 250 construction jobs were created. Now in its operational phase,…

‘Toward Zero Deaths’ Reminds Drivers to Slow Down and Drive More Safely

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the last two decades, the number of traffic-related deaths in Minnesota has declined by 37 percent through 2023. The Toward Zero Deaths program in that same period has brought many different groups together to work on making roads safer and changing people’s driving behaviors and habits to reduce crashes. On Tuesday, more than 80 regional traffic…

Superior Woman Receives Electric Shock At Edgewater Hotel

DULUTH, Minn. — An enjoyable day swimming at the Edgewater Hotel ended badly for a Superior mom and her daughter. The family says the two received an electric shock, hospitaliizing the mother. The family says the mother, Heather Paquette, reached to open the gate to the outside whirlpool area and received a strong electric shock. According to her mother, Melissa…

Duluth’s Jesus Is Life Ministries Brings Aid Following Midwest Tornadoes

Two vans packed up earlier this week with supplies, leaving Duluth for Iowa

DULUTH, Minn. — A church in West Duluth continues its tradition of helping people at disaster sites across the country. This last week the Jesus is Life Ministries church from West Duluth decided to head to Minden, Iowa a small city in the southwestern part of that state. The decision to help this small town was largely made because tornadoes…

“No” Voice Joins Discussion As Duluth School Referendum Approaches

Opponents say they have doubts and concerns over proposed tax levy.

The technology referendum for Duluth schools is just days away and as the final weekend unfolds, both those in favor and opposed are working hard to get their messages out. The referendum has been getting attention and signs of opposing voices are visible. Lawn signs with a “Vote No” message have been appearing. The Citizens Research Council is a local…

Problems Identified in Post Offices in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn – You count on your mail being delivered promptly, and that is the goal of the Postal Service. However, in audits conducted by the Inspector General of the Postal Service, prompt delivery has not been happening. We talked with Senator Tina Smith who has been working to understand the problems with the mail system. Recently, the issues facing…

Day 2: Pro-Palestine Demonstrations At Rose Garden, Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — At least 50 people arrived at the Duluth Rose Garden during the 7 o’clock hour Thursday evening. The pro-Palestine protesters were making their voices heard for the second day in a row there. The crowd Thursday was much larger than last night’s demonstration. Earlier in the day Thursday, the city of Duluth put out a warning that…

Pancake Day — Pancakes for a Cause

DULUTH, Minn. — Come for the pancakes, but know that you’re helping a lot of people in the Duluth area. That’s the Lions Pancake Day at the DECC. 65 years of bringing people together. “I like Pancakes,” that was the sentiment of many people at Pancake Day. Jim Pratt has been a member of the Duluth Lions Club for 25…

65th Annual Duluth Lions Pancake Day

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to find your pancake eatin’ pants and prepare for the 65th Annual Duluth Lions Pancake Day coming up Thursday May 3rd at the DECC. Wednesday was set-up day and the Duluth Lions Club has this process down to a science. This is the group’s 65th time preparing to feed thousands of people pancakes and sausages…

Update on Twin Ports Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn – The Twin Ports Interchange Project won’t be completed until the end of 2025 instead of the end of this year. MnDOT says the discovery of a jawbone in the construction zone last February is the main reason for the delay. In 2019, prior to construction starting the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council reviewed the site for potential impact…

Ending of CSS Theater Program Draws Sit-in by Students and Supporters

DULUTH, Minn. – A decision announced by the College of St. Scholastica last Friday to cease offering theater productions this fall has shocked students, staff, alumni and the community.  A sit-in by students and others took place Monday. The all-day sit-in outside the school president’s office saw many people from the school and the community taking part. The students talked…

Students Protest Ending of Theater Program at St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. — A late Friday afternoon announcement that the College of St. Scholastica is ending its theatre productions led to a protest Monday outside the school president’s office. Students from the theater program and others gathered for a sit-in to let school officials know they disagree with the decision. The CSS students were joined by UMD theatre students who…

May Day Observance In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – In the United States and Canada, workers celebrate Labor Day. While around the world people celebrate May 1st as the day to honor workers. Union members in the United States also observe May Day. They take time out to look back and look forward to what’s been accomplished and what remains to be done. At the Duluth…

‘One Pill Can Kill’ — The Fentanyl Crisis

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa was one of four Minnesota law enforcement officers to appear with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) who spoke about the fentanyl crisis.  The online event was designed to raise awareness of the increasing dangers of fentanyl. It has been involved in 92 percent of overdose deaths in Minnesota. Fentanyl is increasingly becoming known…

Esports Comes to Boys & Girls Club of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –The growth of Esports is continuing in both high schools and colleges as well as with younger audiences.  The acceptance and growth of gaming are evidenced by the new Esports lounge at the Boys and Girls Club in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Wednesday afternoon saw the grand opening of the Esports Lounge at the club. For the past…

Polka Legend Florian Chmielewski Dies at 97

DULUTH, Minn. — After a lifetime of Polka Music, governing at the Minnesota Legislature, and farming, 97-year-old Florian Chmielewski has passed away. He leaves behind a legion of fans who loved him and the polka music he played. Playing the accordion for decades with the Chmielewski Fun Time Band, Florian Chmielewski entertained thousands upon thousands of people in person throughout…

Superior Students Clean Park on Earth Day, Learn Dangers of Tobacco Products

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Students in Superior got their hands dirty with a clean-up and education effort on Monday. The Northwestern Wisconsin Lung Health Alliance led the Earth Day efforts. The fourth and fifth-grade students from Lake Superior Elementary and Northwest Middle School got their buckets out and their eyes wide for trash at Wade Bowl Park. The main focus was…

Spring Allergies In Full Force This Season

DULUTH, Minn – Are you spending more time in the allergy relief aisles at your pharmacy?  It’s that time of year, the spring allergy season. A local allergist says allergy seasons are lasting longer and the pollen is becoming more potent. The lack of snow this past season and warmer temperatures had minimal impact on allergies. Dr. Minto Porter an…

Partially Collapsed Apartment Building Update

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Following the partial building collapse and gas leak Thursday at the Franklin Apartments in Superior, nearly all tenants have been allowed to return to their apartments. However, a building engineer reported that the collapse may have damaged the support structure under two apartments, and now a third apartment has been added. The collapsed section needs to be…

Superior Firefighters Respond To Partial Building Collapse, Natural Gas Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A partial building collapse and natural gas leak in Superior Thursday afternoon caused some tense times at the Franklin Apartments and the Happy Hearts Childcare center located next door. The incident started when a small section on the outside of the apartment building collapsed. The debris fell into the area where the apartment’s boilers were located as…

Law Enforcement Agencies Visit Fond du Lac Tribal and Commmunity College Looking for Applicants

CLOQUET, Minn – It’s a story affecting police and sheriff’s offices across the state. More than 50% of police departments in Minnesota are short-staffed. The Duluth Police Department is more than 20 officers short of its allotted officer slots. The Peace Officer and Criminal Justice Expo was held at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. At the Expo more…

Duluth Students to Compete in Minnesota History Day Event

DULUTH, Minn. -Some Duluth East students will be headed to the Minnesota State History Day competition next Saturday in Minneapolis. Students from Denfeld, Stella Maris Academy, and Junior High Schools have also qualified for the state competition. The theme of this year’s History Day is ‘Turning Points in History.’ Some of the topics students from Duluth East will be presenting…