Author: Paige Hansen

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….

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…

City and County Officials Address Downtown Duluth Safety Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. — City and County officials met today to discuss the future of downtown Duluth, and what can be done to improve safety in the area. With summer right around the corner, a Downtown Public Safety Meeting was held Wednesday. Public safety leaders addressed concerns and questions on the safety of downtown. Some of the priorities for this summer…

Minnesota State Leaders Survey Damage From Wildfires

BRIMSON, Minn. –Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith visited the Camp House fire zone to take in the carnage firsthand. The group first visited the Incident Command Center at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors, and met with teams responding to the fires. Governor Walz thanked the crews and volunteers, and shared his…

Bait and Tackle Shops Busy for Minnesota Fishing Opener

FREDENBURG, Minn. –In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the fishing opener is like an unofficial holiday for Minnesotans. “It’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a tradition. It’s really kind of the kickoff to summer, it’s an essential part of being a Minnesotan,” Emily Manning, Fredenberg Minno-ette Inc. Store Manger said. Across the state, boaters hit the…

Duluth Farmers Market Opens for the Season

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the Northlands biggest signs of summer is here, and that’s the season opening of the Duluth Farmers Market. For over 100 years local farmers and crafters have been selling produce, plants, jewelry and much more at the market. Community members flocked to market for opening day, getting a taste of the produce to come throughout…

Anglers Hit the Water For 2025 Minnesota Fishing Opener

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday kicked off the Minnesota fishing opener, and anglers took to the water in hopes of reeling in a big one. The fishing opener is like an unofficial holiday across the state. Hundreds of boaters hit the water looking for some of Minnesota’s most popular fish including walleye, bass, and northern pike. During the fishing opener almost…

UMD Holds Commencement for 2025 Graduating Class

DULUTH, Minn. — As the school year wraps up, graduation season is upon us, and the University of Minnesota Duluth celebrated the class of 2025 at AMSOIL Arena on Saturday. Over 1,600 students attended this years commencements, there was two ceremonies on Saturday, in the morning and the afternoon. Bulldog students who earned their bachelor’s degree, doctoral degree, or master’s…

Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — The fire danger in the Northland has been rated as high, as a result the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued burn restrictions across the region. “This upcoming pattern that we’re going to be looking at as far as creating these possible critical fire weather conditions, especially Sunday and Monday, is something that we generally see,…

Volunteers Come Together to Clean Up Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers came together in Lincoln Park to clean up for Earth Week. Local organization Ecolibrium3 wrapped up it’s 5th annual Earth Week on Saturday.  The week consists of a series of events dedicated to bettering the environment. On Saturday Eco3 hosted a community clean up in Lincoln Park. Volunteers were provided gloves, garbage bags and grabbers. Last…

MadHouse Burgers Opens on Woodland Ave.

DULUTH, Minn. — A new burger joint opened up this weekend, seeing large crowds of hungry customers. MadHouse Burgers opened it’s doors on Saturday, offering the first 150 guests free burgers. MadHouse Burgers is a partner of Chilly Billy’s located on Woodland Ave, meaning smash burgers, frozen yogurt and craft beer are now served under one roof. The updated space…

Egg-Splosion Event Held in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — With Easter right around the corner, the 10th annual Egg-Splosion event was held in Lincoln Park. Northern Expressions Arts Collective hosted Egg-Splosion at the Harrison Community Center on Saturday. The Easter event welcomed community members to have fun with games and crafts. With the rising price of eggs, this year the event was budget friendly as wooden…

Model Railroad Returns to St. Louis County Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — All aboard!!! Minnesota’s largest model train set returned to the St. Louis County Depot this weekend. While the Depot is home to many large trains, this time they were scaled down. A dozen members of the Minnesota Free-Mo Modelers came together to create the miniature model. Small trains whistled through the varying landscapes of the model, from…

Chum Hopes to Reach March Food Drive Goal

DULUTH, Minn. — With less than a week left, Chum is looking to meet its goal for Minnesota’s March FoodShare Campaign. Chum is around halfway to its goal of filling the food shelf with 40,000lbs of non-perishable food items, as well as raising an additional $80,000 to purchase additional food. The March FoodShare is Chum’s biggest food drive of the…