Author: Paige Hansen

25th Black Woods Blizzard Tour Raises $2 Million

DULUTH, Minn. — The 25th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour raised a record-breaking $2 million, supporting people battling ALS. The snowmobiling portion was canceled because of the lack of snow this winter, and the three-day event became “The Games of the 25th.” Held at Skyline Social and Games and Curl Mesabi, people competed in indoor games, from duckpin bowling to…

Northland BIPOC Business Showcase Returns To Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — The 4th annual Northland BIPOC Business Showcase took place Saturday, featuring local artists and entrepreneurs. Over 30 vendors filled the great hall at the Duluth Depot. From BIPOC owned businesses, handmade crafts and even multiple food tables. The founder of the event, Kia Ronning, says it started with just 10 vendors the first year and has grown…

Proctor’s ‘Atlas Games’ Putting Plastic Waste To The Challenge

PROCTOR, Minn. — Atlas Games out of Proctor has been creating and publishing board and card games since the 90s. And within the past couple of years, the company has evolved to make games out of plastic waste. “You don’t realize it, that a lot of plastic you have that you think you are recycling properly, it just goes through…

Finnish Sliding Fest ‘Laskiainen’ Returns for 86th year

PALO, Minn.– The Finnish Sliding Festival, also known as ‘Laskiainen’ returned for its 86th year in Palo Minnesota this weekend. With sleds at the ready people from across the northland gathered to enjoy the annual event. The festival isn’t just about the outdoor sledding fun, it’s also about celebrating the Finnish heritage. Dozens of vendors displayed their crafts, and there was…

Cold Front Celebration Brings the Snow to Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn.– The 7th annual Cold Front brought the snow to Bayfront Festival Park amidst a warm spell this winter. Duluth Parks and Recreation started the winter event to get people outside during the cold months. Despite the odd weather in the northland, Cold Front continued, with a few changes. A few activities were canceled, but snow was brought into…

UMD Professor Talks on the Impacts of Mild Winters Has on Ice and Water

DULUTH, Minn. — A winter with warm temperatures and minimal snowfall has significant impacts on the environment. We talked to a specialist about how ice and water are affected during mild winters. UMD Professor Jay Austin works at the Large Lake Observatory at the college, he says the northland’s unusually warm temperatures can result in environmental and economic delays. Austin…

YWCA Duluth Looking for More Members in New Program

DULUTH, Minn. — YWCA Duluth is looking for more participants in a new program that’s dedicated to making changes. The Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota is a statewide program for young women and gender-expansive youth. YWCA introduced the program in Duluth and provides members with the tools and skills needed to make change. The program has kicked off, but the…

How do you use Road Salt in the Winter?– First-Ever Nationwide Winter Salt Awareness Week to take Place

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Next week, the first-ever nationwide Winter Salt Awareness Week will be taking place. The awareness effort originally began in Wisconsin and gained popularity. The week is dedicated to spreading knowledge on issues caused by road salt, and how the salt can significantly impact lakes, streams and vegetation. Throughout the week, professionals will be sharing tips and practices…

Surfers Catch a Wave Near Brighton Beach

DULUTH, Minn. — When there’s wind– there are waves, and on Lake Superior this weekend, surfers took the wind as an opportunity to make a splash. Multiple people got in the water near Brighton Beach and Lester River to catch a wave. With low water temps, the surfers geared up in wetsuits to stay warm. With high wind gusts, waves…

Anglers Hit the Ice in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– On one side of Lake Superior there’s open water, but in the Duluth Harbor anglers are taking advantage of the newly made ice. Around a dozen ice shacks were set up off of Park Point Saturday morning. Saturday also kicked off Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend in Minnesota, where residents can fish for free when accompanied by…

Portman Youth Hockey Hosts 2nd Annual Great Skate Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Portman Youth Hockey was finally able to hit the ice for their 2nd annual Great Skate Event. Skaters and parents gathered at the Portman Community Center for the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Last year the Great Skate raised over $10,000, helping fund the costs of equipment, facility management and tournaments. The lack of cold temps…

Opening Ceremony Held for Human Trafficking Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.– January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month, and the Duluth Trafficking Awareness Group is hosting events throughout the month to recognize the daunting issue. Monday AICHO hosted an opening ceremony that kicked off a series of events taking place in the Twin Ports. Including multiple information sessions surrounding human trafficking awareness. Monday’s ceremony featured the 2024 Brave…

148th Fighter Wing Holds Award and Retirement Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing held its annual awards and retirement ceremony at the DECC Sunday. Before awards were given this afternoon, the Fighter Wing looked back on its accomplished work during the past year, reflecting on its 75th anniversary of service. Awards were presented to multiple levels of service members –from a Pilot to Non-Commissioned Officers. The…

Locally Produced Documentary “Duluth For Mandela” Premiers at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — A locally produced documentary had its premiere at Zeitgeist yesterday and drew in a large crowd. The film “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration” is based on community events that took place in 2018, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, a South African liberation leader. Director and producer Gerri Williams wanted to include…

New TapHouse Opens in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — A Cloquet couple held a grand opening Wednesday for their new business venture– 218 TapHouse, which is now open and ready for customers. After 14 months of planning and construction, the taphouse is finally open in Cloquet. The owners also own Cold One Liquor which is a few doors down from their new business. The taphouse has…

Young Student Brings Joy to Kids During Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. — In the spirit of giving, one high school student is doing her part to spread some cheer to kids who are having difficult times during the holidays. Sophie Roazen, a high school freshman, is leading her second annual stuffed animal donation drive. Sophie’s mother, is an ER Doctor at St. Luke’s hospital, and found herself working during…

AAD Shriners Hosts Breakfast With Santa

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas! Saturday those at AAD Shriners were getting in some last minute holiday cheer by having breakfast with Santa himself! AAD Shriners had a day filled with Christmas fun, starting with a breakfast with Santa, then private photography sessions and even hot cocoa with Santa. Families were able to visit with Saint Nick…

Fire Destroys Home in Cherry Township

CHERRY, Minn. — A vacant home went up in flames Friday Night. Around 8:30 P.M. a house fire was reported just North of Cherry. The house was on the 9700 block of Iron Junction Road. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire. The house was empty at the time, and deemed a total loss. There were no…

Lack of Snowfall Gives Plows a Break

DULUTH, Minn. — By this time last year, the ground was covered with snow and plows were out in full force, this year is a much different story. With a lack of snow in the northland, Duluth’s Street Maintenance Department says this time serves as a way to catch up on much needed repairs and staffing issues. After a record…

Knowing Your Neighbor: 20 Years of Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — Nathan Bentley, the founder and Mayor of Bentleyville, says, looking back, he never would’ve imagined his creation would grow to today’s size. It all started at his home in Esko Minnesota, after a few years of decorating for passing cars, Bentley decided to make it a walkthrough experience in 2003. “With Bentleyville never actually being a planned…

Shoppers Get Last Minute Gifts at Great Hall Marketplace

DULUTH, Minn. — With Christmas just over a week away, people were getting in some last minute gift shopping at the Great Hall Marketplace at the Duluth Depot Saturday. Over 60 local vendors filled the great hall, from bakers to painters, and even Christmas ornaments to finish your decorating. The annual marketplace sees large crowds each year, with shoppers looking to…

Minnesota State Cemetery in Saginaw Honors Veterans Through Wreaths Across America

Saturday the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw Minnesota, took place in the annual tradition of Wreaths Across the Nation. Dozens of family members and volunteers placed wreaths to honor and remember our veterans.

SAGINAW, Minn. — Every year millions of people across the nation gather to place a wreath at the final resting place of American veterans. For its fifth time, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw Minnesota participated in the event. Wreaths across America started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992, and has grown rapidly ever since. “Over time it expanded…

One Roof Community Housing To Receive $50 Million in Funding

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing has been recommended to receive over 50 million dollars in funding for building and renovation– which should help the current housing shortage in the northland. The funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency will be the largest amount One Roof has ever received. The funds will go towards providing affordable single family homes…

Santas Cross the Finish Line in Wild Santa Run

DULUTH, Minn. — Well, Santa Claus came to town Saturday, actually hundreds of Santas—for the annual Wild Santa Run at Wild State Cider. The Santas took over the Lincoln Park Craft District for the annual 5k that sees hundreds of runners every year, each one dressed as good ole’ Saint nick. Despite it raining during the last leg of the…

Duluth Library Kicking Off Winter Fun

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library is kicking off it’s winter fun with various events and a reading program. Saturday the library hosted an event based off an Icelandic tradition, where kids and family could enjoy crafts, gift wrapping and of course book reading. The winter reading program also kicked off. The program promotes reading by letting anyone track…

Hmong New Year Celebrated in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –Duluth community members gathered Saturday to celebrate the Hmong New Year at Coppertop Church. It has been nearly 50 years since Hmong in Minnesota began resettling in the United States after being refugees from the Vietnam War. Now a Hmong New Year celebration is hosted each year in Duluth. The event was free and open to the public….

Bentleyville Stays Open Late for Special “After Hours” Event

DULUTH, Minn. — For its 20th season, Bentleyville is changing things up to celebrate the holidays. For the first time ever, Bentleyville is hosted a special “After Hours” event Friday night. Everyone ages 21 and older could purchase a wristband and take a walk through the “Tour of Lights” while enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Different artists will be taking stage…

Duluth Police Department Welcomes Nine New Officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department welcomed nine new police officers, aiding the departments current officer shortage. The recruits were sworn in during a ceremony this afternoon. Family and friends pinned each new officers badge onto their uniforms. Duluth Chief of Police, Mike Ceynowa says since Fall of 2022, the department has added 18 officers to its staff, which…

Proctor High School Drama Club Talks Upcoming Production: ‘The Canterville Ghost’ 

PROCTOR, Minn. — Every day after school the Proctor High School Drama Club meets to practice their skills and rehearse their upcoming production. With a group of young students, the Drama Club have created their own family. “It is a family, it’s nice to come here and just relax and to have fun and just kind of forget about all…

Native American Heritage Day Celebrated in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Historical Society hosted a Native American Heritage Day Event to celebrate native authors. November is Native American Heritage Month, and the St. Louis Historical Society partnered with other groups to celebrate the month. One of those groups was the 1854 Treaty Authority, an organization that protects off-reservation hunting and fishing. Native American authors…

Hoffbauer Farm Has Trees Ready for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. — At the Duluth Farmers Market the Holiday Spirit is in full swing, as the Hoffbauer Tree Farm is selling Christmas trees. Hoffbauer Farm has been selling trees at the Farmers Market for close to 20 years every holiday season. Trees aren’t the only Christmas greenery available, there is also wreaths and spruce pots. This year is also…

Duluth Depot Displaying Bentleyville History Exhibit

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Depot is reminiscing on the history of Bentleyville as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. For the first time, the Depot will be displaying an exhibit dedicated to the history of Bentleyville. Old lights and artifacts are on display, including Santa’s original sleigh. The exhibit is free and will be open from 10 A.M.  to 5 P.M….