Author: Ryan Compeau

Santa and Reindeer Arrive in Duluth

Some special guests have made their to the Northland Friday

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday, some very special guests made an appearance in Duluth, now that Christmas is less than a month away. Santa, and his two reindeer, Dasher and Dancer visited with families at Fitger’s in Duluth. Kids got to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, get pictures with the big man, and even receive a candy cane to take…

Black Friday Shoppers Take Over Stores

Eager shoppers filled their arms with items getting their biggest bang for their buck

DULUTH, Minn.- J.C. Penney was one of the first places to open this shopping season. The store opened Thursday afternoon, and it’s scheduled to stay open until Friday night at 10 p.m. Eager shoppers filled their arms with items, getting the biggest bang for their buck searching for holiday gifts for their loved ones. Even though Black Friday is just…

Thousands Pack the DECC for Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast

More than 5,000 Northlanders packed the DECC for the Twin Ports annual Thanksgiving buffet

DULUTH, Minn.- After preparing all week, the DECC opened its doors to more than 5,000 Northlanders on Thanksgiving. The annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving buffet put on by volunteers in the community, and the College of St. Scholastica celebrated 30 years Thursday. More than 4,000 meals were served up at the DECC Thursday, and more than 1,200 more were delivered throughout…

The Calm Before the Thanksgiving Feast

The DECC is preparing for hundreds for their annual Thanksgiving Day Feast

DULUTH, Minn.- For those who aren’t cooking Thursday, the DECC is getting prepared for their annual feast there. 20 volunteers were prepping 2,000 pounds of turkey, 1,800 pounds of potatoes, and 6,000 dinner rolls for the thousands of people expected. “So we are actually expecting more people this year. We have had a lot of people calling and emailing if…

Northlanders Pack Grocery Stores Ahead of Thanksgiving

The snowstorm didn't stop Northlanders from getting their last minute groceries for their Thanksgiving feasts

DULUTH, Minn.- The snowstorm didn’t stop Northlanders from getting their last minute groceries for their Thanksgiving feasts Thursday. The Super One on Central Avenue in Duluth saw hundreds scatter through the isles picking up their last second ingredients to complete their meals. The manager of Super One says a lot of preparation goes into making these days go as smooth…

Tow Truck Drivers Extremely Busy During Snowstorm

Tow truck drivers were seen all over the Northland Wednesday following the significant snowfall

DULUTH, Minn.- Road conditions were treacherous Wednesday which meant that not only snow plows were busy, but tow trucks were too. It’s a headache, but also the best time of the year for business for tow truck drivers across the Northland with significant amount of snowfall. Snow plow drivers have been extremely busy as the first widespread snowfall in Duluth…

Housing Shortage Affects on Native Americans

Northlanders got the chance to express their thoughts on ways to address the housing shortage

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s staff met with community members to talk about how the housing shortage is hurting Native Americans in the Northland. Northlanders got the chance to express their thoughts on ways to address the housing shortage including determining better ways on how to communicate with the public. “The senator understands that the policies are…

Avoiding a Fire on Thanksgiving

The Duluth Fire Department offered some tips to the public on ways to avoid fires on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- With Thanksgiving just two days away, it is a time for family and holiday traditions. For some, that includes deep frying a turkey. The Duluth Fire Department offered some tips to the public on ways to avoid fires on Thursday. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day here in…

UMD Journalism Students get Entrepreneurship Opportunity

UMD students got to meet with local entrepreneurs about business models they've been working on all semester

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students got the opportunity to meet with local entrepreneurs about business models they’ve been working on all semester. Students presented visuals involving the creating economy such as arts, crafts and the outdoors. One student believes this type of real-world access will be an advantage for her future in business. “One of the biggest things is they get…

Whole Foods Co-op Removes Lettuce from Shelves

The latest federal health warning has caused Whole Foods Co-op on Hillside to remove lettuce from its shelves

DULUTH, Minn.- With the latest federal health warning about not to eat romaine lettuce of any kind from the Salinas Valley, Whole Foods Co-op on Hillside has now removed the product from the shelves. The reason for the removal is due to the romaine lettuce having a particularly dangerous type of E coli bacteria that has sickened 40 people in…

Grandmothers Looking to Provide Supplies for Young People

A group of grandmothers are looking to bring some happiness to young peoples lives this holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of grandmothers are looking to bring some happiness to young peoples lives this holiday season. The Northland Chapter of Grandmothers for Peace is asking for donations of new and gently used books and art supplies for young people. Donation boxes are in Superior at the library, and Agnie’s Closet and in Duluth boxes are located at…

College of St. Scholastica Hosts Health Management Forum

The College of St. Scholastica hosted 100 Health Informatics and Information Management professionals

DULUTH, Minn.- As clinics and hospitals switch over to electronic health records, ‘Health Informatics and Information Management is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. The College of St. Scholastica was the first program in the nation, and Thursday they hosted 100 H.I.I.M. professionals. Barbara Spurrier gave a presentation about her perspective on healthcare innovation and leadership sharing…

Get the Snowblower Fixed Before its too Late

One Duluth business is stressing to test your snowblower now, before a big storm happens and it doesn't work

DULUTH, Minn.- One Duluth business is stressing that you should test out your snowblower to make sure it works to avoid scrambling to fix it last minute. Denny’s Lawn and Garden in Duluth started snowblower repairs back in August, and are still way behind because of the grueling winter Northlanders faced last season. The owner says get the little problems…

Giving Thanks to Community Veterans

The Fon du Lac Tribal and Community College hosted veterans for their annual Thanksgiving Thursday night

CLOQUET, Minn.- As we are just one week away from Thanksgiving, the Fon du Lac Tribal and Community College hosted veterans for their annual Thanksgiving feast to honor all they have done for us. Before the feast began, an opening ceremony was held with an honor guard and song as well as traditional music played. The ‘Giving Thanks Feast’ started…

Northland Prepares for First Widespread Snowfall

Preparation began earlier than usual for the Minnesota Department of Transportation

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for its first widespread significant snowfall of the season, the preparation began earlier than usual fro the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MnDOT isn’t the only one preparing. Local businesses selling snow removal equipment have seen an up-tick in business. The day for MnDOT was spent preparing their trucks for what could be a long…

I Love You Pop-Up Event at UMD

UMD students offered some kind words to those in the Northland, with the help of a well-known Minnesota artist

DULUTH, Minn.- We tell people we love them all the time, but when was the last time you wrote a letter to someone, and ended it with “I love you”? Tuesday, UMD students offered some kind words to those in the Northland, with the help of a well-known Minnesota artist. It’s the season of giving, and UMD students are giving…

Duluth ISD 709 Tenured Teachers Celebrated

44 Duluth Public School Teachers were celebrated for three years on the job, all becoming tenured in the district.

DULUTH, Minn.- 44 Duluth Public School Teachers were celebrated for three years on the job, all becoming tenured in the district. Teachers from Duluth East, Congdon Park Elementary, and Denfeld were just some of those honored in front of friends and family members. For one teacher in particular, whose students from Denfeld catered the event says being with them on…

Raising Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer

In Minnesota alone, 780 deaths will occur from Pancreatic Cancer this year

DULUTH, Minn.- Every year, 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. There’s no exact cause known, other than smoking and obesity having a strong link to the disease. And on Monday night, one women affected by the disease hosted an event to raise awareness. In Minnesota alone, 780 deaths will occur from Pancreatic Cancer this year, which is one of…

City of Duluth Announces New Planning and Economic Development Director

Chris Fleege will be replacing Keith Hamre who recently retired after 22 years

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth has officially named a new ‘Planning and Economic Development Director’. Chris Fleege will be replacing Keith Hamre who retired after 22 years. Duluth native Chris Fleege brings in 27 years of work at various capacities in the Northland at place like Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power. Fleege is a UMD alum…

Northland Brides Plan for the Perfect Wedding

Brides got to scout out the elements for the perfect wedding Sunday

DULUTH, Minn.- Before walking down the aisle Twin Ports brides walked down rows of vendors to scout out the elements for their perfect wedding. Dresses, cakes, and entertainment filled the Greysolon Ballroom Sunday as more than 40 vendors gave couples and brides some one-on-one time as they plan for their special days. “We have found that the peak engagement season…

St. Luke’s Employees Get Haircuts for a Cause

Northlanders donated their hair to "Children with Hair Loss"

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the season of giving, and for one group of Northlanders, they are giving this year in a unique way. St. Luke’s workers and their family members donated their precious hair Saturday for kids in need. “I love my hair so much so I just hope someone else can love it as much as I did”, said Sarah…

Holiday Fair Invades the DECC, Raises Money for the Junior League

Thousands filled the DECC for the annual Festival of Trees event

DULUTH, Minn.- Thousands of people filled the DECC for the annual Festival of Trees to get a head start on some Christmas shopping. The weekend fair is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Junior League of Duluth. It brings in more than $50,000 and all of it goes right back into the community. Young and old filled the DECC…

Kids Train to be Santa’s Elves

Northlanders learned first hand on what it takes to be one of Santa's elves

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids around the Northland strengthened their case to be on Santa’s nice list this year. The children learned first hand on what it takes to be one of Santa’s elves by doing hands-on activities, and decorating cookies to bring home. They even get a picture with Santa, and their favorite characters from the movie ‘Frozen’. Mall management says…

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Skis with Northland Kids

Kids under the age of 18 got a once in a lifetime opportunity Saturday afternoon

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland skiers under the age of 18 got a once in a lifetime opportunity to ski with an Olympic athlete Saturday. Kikkan Randall, a 2018 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist in Peyongchang spent some time with young skiers at Spirit Mountain. Randall, who is also a breast cancer survivor demonstrated for the kids in attendance some helpful tips on…

Applications Being Taken for Development of Affordable Housing

The process is part of Duluth Mayor Emily Larson's State of the City initiatives

DULUTH, Minn.- Applications are being taken for the development of more affordable housing options in Duluth. The process is part of Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s State of the City initiatives. The city and the Duluth Economic Development Authority have identified several vacant lots throughout the city for housing development. “This is not something that comes off of a template of…

Woodland Avenue Re-Opens

The road is re-open as the two year project reaches its halfway point

DULUTH, Minn.- Superior Street wasn’t the only road re-opening in Duluth on Friday. A two year project to reconstruct portions of Woodland Avenue and Calvary Road has reached its halfway point. The roads are now re-opened, and bus routes are back to normal following five month of work to install new utilities and reconstruct the the streets. Businesses in the…

Mont du Lac Resort Hills Open Earlier Than Ever Before

The early chill in the air has been the perfect recipe for snow making at Northland Resorts

DULUTH, Minn.- The early chill in the air has been the perfect recipe for snow making at Northland resorts, especially at Mont du Lac in Superior. The resort officially opened Thursday, the earliest on record. It may only be the middle of November, but it’s looking more like the middle of the ski and snowboarding season at Mont du Lac…

Small Fire at NorShor Theater Out

The building was evacuated just after noon Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- Just after noon Thursday, the NorShor Theatre in Duluth was evacuated. According to the theater, while construction crews were working on sealing the outside of the building from moisture for the street project, embers fell and landed on insulation lining the NorShor’s street front. Those embers began to smolder, smoke appeared, and the fire department was contacted. “The…

YMCA Offers Special First-Time Swimming to 12 Students

Those students are no longer fearful of swimming anymore

DULUTH, Minn.- 12 Elementary kids in Duluth aren’t fearful of swimming anymore, thanks to free lessons from the YMCA. The 6-week program for the kids was donated to Myers-Wilkins School. It allowed 4th and 5th students who had never swam before the training and skills to be basic swimmers. “Having these kids get this experience is absolutely amazing because at…

Being Prepared for Next Round of Snow

The chances of snow are increasing each day, and hardware stores are saying stock up before it's too late

DULUTH, Minn.- With the chances for significant snowfall growing every day, hardware stores are saying stock up on your snow removal tools before the big one hits. Shovels, snow blowers and salt are just some of the tools getting on the minds of Northlanders now that the first accumulating snowfall of the season has hit the Twin Ports. The General…

Adding Some Color to Your House

Flora North is offering demonstrations on how to make Windowboxes this weekend

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re looking to add some color to your home, for the winter season, then a Windowbox may be for you. Flora North is now offering demonstrations on how to make Windowboxes. They are filled with plants using a bohemian design, with a holiday flare that includes white washed greenery. The whole process aims to make your house…

Vaping Awareness from Former X-Ray Technician

Cloquet students and parents learned more about vaping and it's effects on the bodies lungs

DULUTH, Minn.- Parents of students in Cloquet came together to learn more about vaping from a former X-Ray technician. Rob Holladay, has been speaking across the country, talking about the effects vaping has on a person’s body especially their lungs. The goal of Thursday’s nights presentation was to make parents aware of the latest nicotine trends involving our youth. “Kids…

City Working to Tackle Flooding Problems on Park Point

The City of Duluth is jumping in to relieve some of the problems by improving sanitary and sewer issues

DULUTH, Minn.- When it rains it pour for residents on Park Point who are increasingly dealing with flooding outside and inside their homes. Now the city is jumping in to relieve some of the problems by improving sanitary and sewer issues in the area. High lake levels and storms often threaten water damage to Park Point homes, but now property…

Red Kettle Kick-Off Begins

Northlanders got a sneak peak of Bentleyville USA Wednesday, while donating to a good cause

DULUTH, Minn.- Folks got a sneak peak at Bentleyville USA before their official opening. It was also the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle season kickoff and toy and food giveaway. People of all ages bundled up and got to witness America’s largest free walk through lighting display. It was also a night of getting into the holiday spirit. Roasting marsh mellows,…

Janet Kennedy Becomes First African American Council Member

History was made Tuesday night during the Duluth Election

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday night, history was made as Janet Kennedy became the first African American to be elected to the Duluth City Council. The third time was the charm for Kennedy as she had run for the District 5 seat the past two elections. Kennedy tells us, she hopes last night’s win serves as an example for young people. “As…

Voter Turnout at 34 Percent

Duluth voter turnout was pretty much the same four years ago

DULUTH, Minn.- Meanwhile, the Duluth City Clerk tells us voter turnout was pretty much the same as four years ago – at about 34%. Turnout in 2015 for the mayoral election was about 33%. City Clerk Chelsea Helmer was hoping for closer to forty. She says her office and city officials are committed to continuing to get as many voters…

UMD Students get Networking Opportunity

UMD students applying for jobs and internships met leaders in the field they're pursuing.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students applying for jobs and internships met leaders in the field they’re pursuing. Some students tell us they’re interested in working in music industry, with another saying they want to start their own biochemistry company. Networking with professionals to prepare for post-college careers can help students launch into the next chapter of their lives. “Networking is so…

Oswald, Kirby, Sandholm Elected Duluth School Board Members

Alanna Oswald, and David Kirby were re-elected while newcomer Paul Sandholm picked up Election night wins

DULUTH, Minn.- Alanna Oswald and David Kirby have been re-elected on the Duluth School Board, while Paul Sandholm also was victorious Tuesday night. In the At-Large race, Oswald received 10,528 votes or 54.4% defeated challenger John Schwetman who picked up 8,667 votes or 44.8%. Over in District 2, David Kirby was re-elected after knocking off Harry Welty. Kirby would receive…

Duluth Police Adding Additional Help at Bentleyville

Duluth Police Department are adding some extra patrols to the Bayfront Park area

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday night we told you about vandalism once again happening at Bentleyville, this time in the form of graffiti. And now, as Duluth Police continue investigating they are adding some extra patrols to the Bayfront Park area. To make sure the park stays protected, and Bentleyville has a great show this year, more security measures are being added….

Christmas Assistance for those in Need

The holiday season can be tough for some, but the Salvation Army is offering some assistance

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday season can be tough for some around the Northland, but the Salvation Army is offering some assistance for those in need. Those who need some help for holidays can now apply for Christmas dinner and gifts for families and children ages sixteen and under. When you apply, you must bring your photo ID, proof of current…

Bentleyville Vandalized Again

Bentleyville Tour of Lights founder asking for extra eyes to help patrol the Northland's biggest festival of lights

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are investigating vandalism at Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Park. One of the trailers was spray painted over the weekend with graffiti. And after theft and vandalism last year, too, Bentleyville’s founder is asking for extra eyes to help patrol the Northland’s biggest festival of lights. Unfortunately the Grinch has struck again at Bentleyville, as…

Expanding Your Underwater Knowledge

The Gales of November brought those together Saturday to learn more about the Great Lakes

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gales of November occur when cold, dry air from northern Canada converges with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico over the Great Lakes. The name is inspired by the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and with that comes an educational event here in Duluth. People filled the DECC Saturday afternoon to bring the Lake…

Fire Destroys $500,000 of Logging Equipment

St. Louis County is investigating a possible arson at a logging operation just north of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is investigating a possible arson at a logging operation just north of Duluth. The fire destroyed $500,000 worth of equipment and is considered a total loss. The destroyed piece of equipment, the Caterpillar 521B Feller Buncher is a type of harvester used in logging. It is a motorized vehicle with an attachment that can rapidly…

Northlanders Get Spooky Indoors

Families Thursday afternoon got a head start on trick-or-treating indoors at Superior's Business District

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In Superior, families got a head start on trick-or-treating in the city’s Business District. The cold windy day forced many trick-or-treaters indoors, but that didn’t stop them from having just as much fun. Young and old filled the Superior Business District for some daytime trick-or-treating. From skeletons, to spider-man, and even dressing up as their favorite music artist,…

Pizza Luce Celebrates Co-Owner’s Birthday, Fight Against ALS

It was a night to celebrate Scott Nelson, and give to those affected by the disease

DULUTH, Minn.- ALS affects as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. And while survival rates are slim, there is hope for people with the disease. One of those people, happens to be the co-owner of Pizza Luce Restaurants. Back in 2017, Scott Nelson was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou…

Kwik Trip Opens High-Tech Car Wash in Superior

The car wash will cut your time spent in it, in half

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new state-of-the-art car wash has opened in Superior that cuts time spent in it, in half. The new car wash is just the second of three of these new advanced car washes in the Northland. The new car wash features dual flat belts which allows four cars to be carried through the wash without stopping, which will…

William A. Irvin Undergoes a Paint Job

DULUTH, Minn.- Meanwhile, the newly refurbished William A. Irvin is looking a little shinier and brighter. DECC employees and a handful of sea cadets spent Tuesday and Wednesday giving the popular ship museum, a fresh coat of paint. The nearby anchors also got a paint job. More will will be done on the ship in the spring before a grand…

Learning More About our Planet with a Twist

Kids got a head start on trick-or-treating, while also learning more about our planet Wednesday night

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids and families in the Northland got a head start on trick-or-treating while also learning more about our planet. Displays were all over the Planetarium over at UMD for all ages to interact with. It included alien slime, stomp rockets, and even cockroaches that people got to hold. “One of the things we always hope to show with…

Prep Work Begins for Taco Bell on London Road

After sitting vacant for more than a year, the former BP Gas Station on London Road is moving to become a Taco Bell

DULUTH, Minn.- After sitting vacant for more than a year, the former BP Gas Station on London Road in Duluth is moving closer to becoming a Taco Bell. Bulldozers could be seen digging on the site at the corner of London Road and 21st Avenue West. The City of Duluth says full construction hasn’t been given the all-clear just yet,…

Quilting for a Good Cause

Members of the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild are giving to those in need this holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.- Since April, members of the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild brought a quilt block they never finished to their monthly meeting, and since then everyone has taken one home to work on. Fast forward to Tuesday, and those blocks have now become pillows, blankets, and even bags for everyday use that members of the Guild bid on for…