Author: Paige Hansen

Duluth Police Department Recognizes Staff Members for Their Service

DULUTH, Minn. — Friday the Duluth Police Department recognized staff for their impact on the community during a Commendation Ceremony. Police officers and department employees gathered for the ceremony as many were honored for their exceptional service. Some staff members were recognized for promotions and leadership work, and others were honored with special awards, including ‘Police Officer of the Year,’…

Boxes of Cereal Start to Pile up for the “Duluth Cheerio Challenge”

DULUTH, Minn. — The “Duluth Cheerio Challenge” is gaining traction as boxes of the cereal are starting to pile up at the drop-off site at the Duluth Labor Temple. The “Cheerio Challenge” is in response to billionaire Kathy Cargill’s recent insult on the city, including Mayor Roger Reinert. She told the Wall Street Journal last weekend that he “peed in…

Union Gospel Mission Asking for Blanket Donations

DULUTH, Minn. — The Union Gospel Mission is in urgent need of blankets and is requesting donations as snow hits the Northland. The Union Gospel Mission says its blanket stock completely ran out during the winter storm, and with the warming center and Chum being frequently full, many have to resort to sleeping outside. So, the Mission is asking for…

Duluth Playhouse Hosts 2024-2025 Season Reveal Party

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse hosted a season reveal party to announce the lineup of its upcoming 2024-2025 season. While the current season at the Duluth Playhouse is still carrying on, newcomers and theater enthusiasts could get a jump start on their watching plans for the playhouse’s 110th season. The Playhouse says input from audience members helped during the…

Craft Show Season Ramping up in the Northland

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — While the northland is seeing snow, it’s still Spring and that means the craft show season is ramping up. The Katz Meow Shows hosted its first event of the year on Saturday. Around 50 vendors packed the AAD Shrine building, showing off their crafts, from custom jewelry, handmade trinkets and even food products. One vendor says many…

Vehicles Gearing up Ahead of Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. — Vehicles were rolling into the DECC Friday ahead of Motorhead Madness this weekend. From classic to modern rides, 150 cars and trucks geared up for the show that starts Saturday. The event has fun for the whole family, from simulators, a RC track and even a robotics tournament. The car show will also be rewarding cash prizes,…

Duluth Pack Hosts 10th Annual Beer and Gear Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Pack held its 10th annual Beer and Gear event Friday at its retail flagship store, giving people a taste of Duluth. The event was filled with giveaways from Duluth Pack and free beer samples from Hoops Brewing. As the store gets ready for the upcoming tourist season, clearance items had an additional 10% off special during…

Combat Veteran Turned UMD Student Advocates for Support Towards Veterans Entering College Life

DULUTH, Minn. — A combat veteran turned UMD student shared his experience overseas and the hardships he has faced while transitioning into scholar life. Jacob Heytens gave a speech at the college as a part of its Perspective Speaker Series. His speech titled “From Combat to College” focused on the lack of research surrounding veterans transitioning into college. Before enrolling…

Students Get Hands-On Experience in Construction Trades at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Construct Tomorrow hosted a two-day event at the DECC this week. The event allowed local students to get hands-on experience and learn about new job opportunities. Students could lay bricks, set tiles and even use motion simulators as they went through stations. Many organizations also taught kids about apprenticeships and careers in construction. “I am passionate about…

West Duluth Library Branch Celebrates Upgrades

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Duluth Branch Library held a ribbon-cutting Monday to celebrate upgrades. The upgrades consisted of a new service desk, a new computer center, new shelving and a new layout. The Duluth Library Foundation raised $30,000 to fund upgrades to Duluth Library branches. The upgrades are centered around providing a welcoming space to library goers. Speakers at…

Gregorich and Matack Family Dental Opens New Practice In Duluth’s Intrepid Building

DULUTH, Minn.– A dental practice has officially opened on the first floor of Duluth’s Intrepid Building. Gregorich and Matack Family Dental has been providing dental care in Duluth since 2014. The dental team has moved locations and opened its new practice on Superior Street. The new facility was a long time in the making and has new “state-of-the-art” equipment, centered around…

Hermantown’s Cyndi Lewis Paves the Way for Others in the Community

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — There are only so many hours in a day, and one local woman likes to make the most of them as she finds herself giving back to the community through various organizations. Hermantown mom Cyndi Lewis wears many hats throughout her day-to-day life. One is her role as the Director of Development at Duluth’s Salvation Army. “When…

Competitive Eater Takes on Duluth Burger Challenge

DULUTH, Minn.– The record holder for worldwide food challenge wins visited Big Daddy’s Burgers in Duluth Monday to take on a burger challenge. Randy Santel has won over 1,200 food challenges in his career, including the one on Monday after he finished an eleven-patty burger with 22 slices of bacon, and 2lbs of fries on the side. While he didn’t…

Political and Community Leaders Encourage Minnesotans to Vote “Uncommitted”

DULUTH, Minn. — Democratic Duluth Elected Officials, local leaders and community members rallied together to call for an “uncommitted” vote in the DFL Presidential Primary. The gathering was held at the Lake Superior Plaza on Saturday. The group urged other Minnesotans to vote “uncommitted” in the DFL Presidential Primary, withholding their support for President Joe Biden in his reelection bid….

Warrior Brewing Hosts Fundraiser for Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Veteran Hockey Team

DULUTH, Minn. — Warrior Brewing Company hosted a fundraiser event Saturday for the Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Military Hockey Team. The Warriors team was founded in 2019, where military veterans can use hockey as a form of cognitive and physical therapy. The team also assists veterans with transitioning back into civilian life by creating a support system. The fundraiser had…

Local Celebrities Hit the Stage for the 2nd Annual Singing with the Stars

DULUTH, Minn. — 10 local celebrities took their talents to the stage Friday for Singing with the Stars at the NorShor Theatre. The Duluth Playhouse’s 2nd annual music-filled event brought in a large crowd of voters. Each person could vote for their favorite performer through donations. The person with the most donations was crowned the winner. Fox 21’s own Dan…

Young Student on a Mission to Give Back to Teachers

One young student has continued her mission to spread joy to her teachers through something many enjoy--snacks!

DULUTH, Minn. –It all started with a single dollar and a challenge from a teacher. How can you use that dollar to spread compassion? “In 3rd grade, my teacher gave us $1 and said do something great with it,” said Amelia Hanson, 5th Grade Student. “So, Amelia took that dollar and decided to use it to raise additional money, and…

Let’s Move Returns to the Depot and Gets Kids Active

DULUTH, Minn.– The St. Louis County Depot partnered with the Grandma’s Marathon Young Athletes Foundation to bring the second annual “Let’s Move” to kids in the area. Let’s Move is a day dedicated to getting kids moving, and the event was completely free. All kids K-5th grade were welcome. The event had various activities from baseball, soccer, biking and plenty…

Legacy Cannabis to Hold Grand Opening Saturday

  DULUTH, Minn. — Legacy Glassworks in downtown Duluth has rebranded to Legacy Cannabis and moved to Lincoln Park, and will now be hosting its grand opening Saturday. Legacy Cannabis has a full array of THC products, from edibles, to mints and chocolate bars. At Saturday’s opening, the shop will be launching a line of THC hard candy. The Minnesota…

One Roof Community Housing Constructing New Affordable Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing is in the process of constructing two new affordable housing buildings for people who have experienced homelessness. The building, deemed Plover Place, will hold 12 individuals for each apartment. The affordable housing project has been in development since 2020. One Roof says the priority was to construct cost-effective and efficient buildings. Plover Place…

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…