Author: Paige Hansen

New Sports Court Opens at Harbor Highlands Community Center

DULUTH, Minn. — A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday to celebrate the new sports court at the Harbor Highlands Community Center. The basketball court received a major upgrade, and is designed to bring neighbors together. The Duluth Area Family YMCA and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth (HRA) came together to make the court a reality. The court…

UWS Earns StormReady Designation Title

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin Superior has earned the title of StormReady designation by the National Weather Service. StormReady is a program that help communities develop plans to handle all types of extreme weather. Living in the snowy Northland, UWS has systems in place to notify students about severe weather warnings and forecasts. Those systems, earning the…

Lake Superior College First Day of Classes

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College welcomed new and returning IceHawks for the first day of the ’25-’26 school year. New this year, the college introduced the Program for Accessible College Education or PACE, for inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. It’s also the first official semester for new LSC President, Dr. Linda Kingston. Formerly Vice President, she…

Lakehead Harvest Show Returns for 64th Year

ESKO, Minn. — This weekend in Esko, people are going back in time to learn about some historic machinery. The 64th annual Lakehead Harvest Show kicked off Friday. The three day show highlights local farming, through various activities and demonstrations. The event allows visitors to see and understand real-world machinery like steam engines and a tractor powered sawmill, which are…

Tribute Fest Kicks Off, Supports Homeless Vets

DULUTH, Minn.– Bayfront Festival Park will be filled with the sounds of rock and roll this weekend Tribute Fest, put on by Campbell Productions is a two day event featuring around 20 bands. Starting Friday, tributes to hit bands such as Motley Crue and AC/DC rock the stage. The music festival raises awareness and funds for homeless veterans. Veterans, active…

Summit School Honors Duluth Murder Victim With Memorial Tree

DULUTH, Minn. — Summit School is honoring the life of a former beloved co-worker, MaeDean Davin, 74, who Duluth police said was killed by her 46-year-old son, Nathan, over the weekend. MaeDean worked at Summit School, an early childhood education facility in Duluth, from 2018 to 2022. After learning about her tragic passing, the team at Summit planted a memorial…

St. Louis County Depot to Receive $16.5 Million in Bond Sale

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board has authorized a $19.5 million dollar bond sale to fund county projects, including critical improvements to the St. Louis County Depot. The St. Louis County Depot has been authorized to receive $16.5 million dollars in bonds from the county. The funds will go towards a complete upgrade to the depots heating, ventilation…

Food-Conditioned Wolf Lethally Removed on Isle Royale

ISLE ROYALE, Mich. — Isle Royale officials have lethally removed a wolf that repeatedly obtained human food at campgrounds. Throughout June and July park managers closely monitored at least two wolves that were frequently sighted near campgrounds and developed areas. The wolves were seen seen dragging away food storage bags and backpacks at numerous campsites. Officials say that despite changes…

Rapids Are Flowing For Whitewater Rafting in Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. — For 12 years, Swiftwater Adventures in Carlton has been helping people cross an item off their bucket list. “We offer white water rafting trips on two different sections of the St Louis River,” Brian Pfeifer, Co-Owner of Swiftwater Adventures said. After water levels started off low this summer, rain has made for some fun times on the…

Essentia Health Foundation Hosts 24th Annual Legacy of Hope Golf Classic

DULUTH, Minn. — The Essentia Health Foundation hosted the 24th annual Legacy of Hope Golf Classic on Monday. The 18-hole scramble saw golfers at Northland Country Club teeing off for a good cause. The proceeds raised by the event go towards local health care programs and supports Essentia Health patients and their families The funds also help provide state of…

National Night Out to Take Place Tuesday, August 5

DULUTH, Minn. — Communities across the nation, including here in the Northland, are gearing for National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual event where communities host block parties and other gatherings to connect with local law enforcement and their neighbors. The mission of the campaign is to promote strong police-community partnerships. Across the Twin Ports, dozens of residents…

Staying Fit in the Northland During Poor Air Quality

DULUTH, Minn. — With summer wildfire smoke blanketing the region and triggering repeated air quality alerts, local gyms offer ways to stay active indoors. Northland Fitness, a 24/7-access gym in Lincoln Park says workout facilities are a great way to avoid the smoke and get your exercise in. While Duluth is known for its scenic trails and active outdoor lifestyle,…

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Urging Safe Driving in Work Zones

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With nearly 100 road projects scheduled across Northern Wisconsin this summer drivers are urged to reduce speeds and pay attention to ensure safe driving through work zones. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation joined Douglas County to hold a press conference, urging safe driving in road construction zones. Last year more than 2,00 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin…

Special Duluth City Council Meeting Held, Three Resolutions Approved

DULUTH, Minn. — A special meeting of the Duluth City Council was held today to discuss three proposed resolutions. The council heard two resolutions related to the Village Place Apartments, a mixed-income housing project in Duluth. Those resolutions are an agreement to extended a final loan payment with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by one year….

General Manager of Duluth Transit Authority to Retire After 38 Years With Company

DULUTH, Minn. — After nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Duluth Transit Authority, General Manager Rod Fournier is set to retire in the upcoming weeks.  As he leads up to the last days, he is reflecting on his time at the DTA. His career started out behind the wheel 38 years ago.  “I took a pretty non-traditional path to…

Harbor City International School Wins Innovation Award

  DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s own Harbor City International School has won an award that recognizes its learning approach. The school won the 2025 Minnesota Charter School Innovation Award. The award highlights the hands-on learning approach that Harbor City prides themselves on. Three times a year, students are offered immersive sessions, ranging from sailing, to winter survival skills. Last year…

Temporary Wildfire Waste Collection Site Now Open in Brimson

BRIMSON, Minn. — St. Louis Environmental Services has opened a temporary solid waste collection site in the Brimson area for residents to dispose of fire damaged materials. The temporary transfer station is expected to handle scrap metal, burn debris, wood structures, shingles, brick and concrete. Those items will be accepted free of charge. Liquids, trees and brush will not be…

Blue Heron Research Vessel Invites Public On Board

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, members of the community got a chance to explore the Blue Heron research vessel. Every summer the Large lakes Observatory hosts Science on Deck events. The events invite the public to explore and learn about the vessel, as well as interact with scientists and crew members. The Blue Heron assists scientists in various research activities,…

New Cannabis Dispensary Coming to Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– A new cannabis company is in the process of converting the old Gardner Hotel into a dispensary. The building on Lake Avenue was built in 1893 and has been vacant for the past 20 years. Now a business venture is looking to bring the building back to life. The dispensary, Duluth Cannabis Co., looks to prioritize delivery services…

Hayward Musky Fest Returns for 75th Year

HAYWARD, Wis. — The Musky Fest returned to Hayward, Wisconsin this past weekend, for its 75th year. The festival was started 75 years ago as a way to celebrate the town of Hayward’s fishing history, which includes the world record musky that inspired the name of the event. The multi-day festival draws in people from across the region. “I mean,…

Fairlawn Mansion Releases Coloring Book, Proceeds Supporting Restoration Efforts

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A coloring book is now available at Fairlawn Mansion, featuring its historic beauty. Bella Olson, a tour guide at Fairlawn, created the coloring book inspired by the historic items in the mansion. The project was over a year in the making, involving taking pictures, drawing and designing the book. Proceeds from the $10 book will fund restoration…

43rd Annual Park Point Rummage Sale Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Friday was the first day of the Park Point Rummage Sale, returning for the 43rd year. The annual event sees four miles of sales throughout the Park Point neighborhood. The sales allow residents to declutter and kick off the busy summer season, which includes Grandma’s Marathon and the Park Point Art Fair. While some people shop for…

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $20,000 to Chum

DULUTH, Minn. — Harbor Pointe Credit Union presented Chum with a check donation on Wednesday. Each year the Credit Union gives back thousands of dollars to support local organizations and programs. Through the Member Impact Fund offered by an affiliate bank, the donation to Chum was matched three times, making the total $20,000. The donation will go towards supporting everyday…

Family of Duluth Murder Victim Keeping His Memory Alive Through Memorial 5k

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly one year after the tragic loss of 25 year old Maxton Gudowski, his family, loved ones and community members are continuing to keep his memory alive. “It’s been definitely an up and down roller coaster of emotions. We’re so thankful. We have so much family and friends with support that’s truly what gets us through,” Maxton’s…

Summer Lineup at Bayfront Festival Park Sees Fan Favorites Return

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Festival Park will be filled with music and energy this summer as a busy lineup sees classic favorites return. As the management of Bayfront returned to the DECC this year, the entertainment venue will continue its legacy of concerts, festivals and craft shows. It will be a busy summer as Bayfront will be hosting events almost…

25th Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference Held at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of health care professionals from across the state are at the DECC this week for the annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference. The two-day conference aims to improve care efficiency and access. The event features keynote addresses, breakout sessions and a variety of vendors. Around 500 hundred health care professionals attend the event each year. The theme…

First Lottery Held for Cannabis License Applicants in Minnesota

MINNESOTA.–The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management held its first cannabis license lottery on Thursday. The lottery determines which applicants can move forward in the states adult-use cannabis licensing process. Nearly 800 applicants were vying for 249 licenses in Thursdays lottery. The license types include cultivator, manufacturer, mezzobusiness and retailer. The competition was high as the lottery saw general applicants and…

Minnesota Nurses Push for Safer Staffing as Contracts Near Expiration

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association, the union representing around 15,000 nurses across the state are pushing to ensure safe staffing. This push comes as the current contracts between the MNA and seven hospital systems across the state come to end, including those of Aspirus St. Luke’s and Essentia Health nurses. “In 2022 nurses fought hard to win some…

Union Gospel Mission Continuing Plans to Relocate Facility

DULUTH, Minn. — Union Gospel Mission is in the process of a three year plan that aims to transition its services to a new space. The future Mission Engagement Center would be constructed across from the St. Louis County Government Center. The new location would include hygiene and laundry facilities and a much larger dining hall and kitchen. Currently the mission…

Essentia Health to Take Over Ownership of Virginia Location from City

VIRGINIA, Minn. — After a vote by the city council, Essentia Health will officially take over ownership of the Essentia clinic building in Virginia. The facility was previously only leased by Essentia, but the City of Virginia will eventually transfer its ownership. Essentia will be committing around $8 million towards repairs of the building over two years. The agreement includes…

Senator Tammy Baldwin Continues “Hands Off Medicaid” Tour in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — As US Senator Tammy Baldwin continues her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour,” she made a stop in Superior to talk with community members who could be affected. Senator Baldwin is pushing back against the plan to slash Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, which is backed by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. Medicaid, widely known…

State and City Officials Visit New C. Reiss Shipping Dock in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — After relocating to across the bridge, C. Reiss Company’s new Superior shipping facility getting in the swing of things. Wednesday state and local officials, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, got a glimpse of the work that has been done since the opening of the dock earlier this year. Increasing water levels promoted the move from Duluth to…

102nd Annual Memorial Day Observance Held in Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. — Over in Proctor, the 102nd American Legion Memorial Day Observance honored and recognized those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Family, friends and members of the public gathered at the Community Center to remember and honor our nations heroes. The Proctor American Legion Honor Guard read off the names of local vets who lost their…