Author: Reece Lindquist

Duluth Fire Department Responds to Monday Morning Fire

There were no injuries to report. 

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday morning, the Duluth Fire Department responded to the report of a fire and explosion in the 900 block of west 5th street. When crews arrived on the scene, they found the fire coming from the rear of the building in what appeared to be an attached garage beneath the house. Units were informed that a…

Final Portion of Superior Street Reconstruction Project to Reopen Today

The street will reopen at 6:30 p.m. on Friday

    DULUTH, Minn. – After four years of construction, the final portion of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project is reopening today, according to city officials. Work started on the $31.5 million project in 2018  to replace bricks on the street’s surface as well as replace utilities that dated back to the 1880s. “In the first phase of the project,…

Twin Ports Coastal Cleanup Aims to Keep Northland Shores Spotless

The event was part of a worldwide project called the International Coastal Cleanup.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — 5th Graders at Lake Superior Elementary School got together to pick up trash at the Arrowhead Boat Landing in Superior. The “Twin Ports Coastal Cleanup” brought the students together with Mayor Emily Larson and Superior Mayor Jim Paine in an effort help clean up our northland waterways. Organizers say you’re never too young to take care of…

Duluth Fire Department Participates in Hazmat Training

The training was funded by a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth fire department wrapped up a three-day hazmat training session today, one of three fire departments in the state to do so. It was the first time the department got a chance to participate in this type of training. Underneath the Blatnik bridge, they deployed a “boom” or a floating water barrier which in the event…

Busy Campground Season Winding Down

The Penmarallter Campgrounds will close for the season on October 3rd.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — As the summer winds down area campgrounds have had a busy season. Although expectations for the Labor Day weekend aren’t as high as other weekends in July and August, Penmarallter Campgrounds on the scenic drive just before Two Harbors is expecting another good crowd of people from all over the country to share their north shore…

Experts: Vegetation In and Around BWCA Fires Will Come Back Stronger

Experts also say that it's important to protect the soil in and around the fires which could be at risk for erosion.

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the few positives from the fire is that the burned plants and trees are poised to come back stronger than ever. Experts with UMD say that it’s important to remember that fires are a natural part of any ecosystem. Some of the vegetation will grow rapidly following the fire. Certain species like red and jack…

Demolition Continues on Hope City Church Steeple

Services are currently being held at Lilliput Park less than a block down from the church on 5th street.

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s day two of the Hope City Church steeple demolition after it was rocked by a lightning strike over the weekend. Although it’s been a slow process eventually a temporary roof will cover the steeple. This will allow people to check the structural integrity of where the strike happened as workers continue to assess the rest of the…

St. Luke’s Seeing More Young People get Vaccinated

With students getting ready to go back to class, northland hospitals are seeing an increase in youths coming in to get their covid-19 vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. —  With students getting ready to go back to class, northland hospitals are seeing an increase in youths coming in to get their covid-19 vaccine. Staff at St. Luke’s say that they have seen a significant amount of young people come in to get the vaccine as some area colleges and grade schools will be requiring vaccines for…

Great Northern Classic Rodeo Preps Begin

After having one of their biggest years in 2019, the rodeo was canceled last year due to Covid-19 concerns.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The 30th annual Superior Great Northern Classic Rodeo will kick off this Friday. After having one of their biggest years in 2019, the rodeo was canceled last year due to Covid-19 concerns. This year, organizers are expecting another large crowd throughout the weekend with people coming to enjoy some of the western flair and something new this…

Duluth Fire Department Cancels Annual Pinning Ceremony

The department isn't ruling out rescheduling the pinning ceremony later on this year.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth fire department will be recognizing 33 firefighters who have received a promotion or completed probation in a different way this year. Because of covid-19 concerns, the department officially canceled their pinning ceremony Tuesday night. It’s typically held at the DECC. Instead, there will be a smaller internal celebration while still allowing members of the department…

Several Northland Red Cross Volunteers Assisting in Hurricane Relief

Volunteers must be 18 years and older and 21 to drive a red cross vehicle.

DULUTH, Minn. — Hurricane Ida made landfall Sunday on the gulf coast, and one northland organization has sent people down to help. Seven volunteers from the Northern Minnesota Red cross have been dispatched to assist in the hurricane relief. Some volunteers will spend two weeks or more at a given location on a natural operation. “Initially we will expect to…

UMD Students Return to Campus

In the food court, there are some new signs up and even a new sushi restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a familiar sight at UMD Monday afternoon as thousands of students could be seen walking the halls of campus headed to class. We caught up with one student who says it’s great to be back, especially for the new students who finally get that college experience of being on campus. “Just to see a lot…

Bayfield Orchards Looking Forward to Apple Fest

Apple Fest will be the first weekend of October.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchard just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…

North Shore Businesses Going Strong Despite Air Quality Concerns

Resorts and campgrounds up the North Shore are continuing to feel the effects of the Greenwood fire.

SILVER BAY, Minn. — Resorts and campgrounds up the North Shore are continuing to feel the effects of the Greenwood fire. “The majority of our guests come up here to go hiking and visit the state park. Split Rock and Tettegouche being the most popular,” Cove Point Lodge Director of Operations, Kyra Bremer says. For much of the summer, business…

Babbitt Community Giving Back To Men and Women Battling Greenwood Fire

On Thursday, departments fighting the Greenwood Fire received a big donation courtesy of the United way and D&D distributors. 

BABBITT, Minn. — As the Greenwood Fire rages on, community members and organizations in the town of Babbitt are doing their part to help the men and women on the front lines. “A lot of evacuation and setting up sprinklers on homes and stuff like that just to get people out of the way of danger,” Babbitt EMS Worker, Mike…

Firefighters Continue Battling Greenwood Fire

Firefighters are also monitoring areas of concern along the border of the fire.

ISABELLA, Minn. —  On Wednesday more than 400 firefighters on the ground were busy conducting several defensive operations with the help of air resources. One of the main goals is helping to reduce burnable natural fuel near homes and the edge of the fire. “We really gotta make sure highway one is closed to the public,” Greenwood Fire Public Information…

Army Corps Begin Vessel Yard Pier Repairs

The army corps will then continue repairs in the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Army Corps of Engineers began the repair of a portion of their Piers at the southern vessel yard Tuesday morning. Crews were mobilizing equipment to replace one of the old concrete walls built in THE 1940s which is worn down due to age. It will be replaced with steel sheet pile. People working on the project…

City of Duluth Hosts Back to School Event

There was also more than 1,400 backpacks handed out for free through Chum

DULUTH, Minn. — More than 500 people stopped by the DECC for a city-sponsored back-to-school event and community resource fair. The free event was all about getting community resources into the hands of kids and their families including different forms on transportation, housing and more. There was also more than 1,400 backpacks handed out for free through Chum, but the…

Ely Businesses Impacted by BWCA Closure

The recent closure of the boundary waters is bad news for some of the outfitters in Ely who equip campers with everything they need for the BWCA. 

ELY, Minn. — “We’re at a point right now where it’s just incendiary so we had to take this drastic action for the first time in almost 50 years,” Piragis Northwoods Company Owner, Steve Piragis says. The recent closure of the boundary waters is bad news for some of the outfitters in Ely who equip campers with everything they need…

Superior Accordion Museum Receives 350 Anique Accordions

The museum receives about 2,000 visitors every year.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The world of accordions museum in Superior recently welcomed some new members to its family. Located inside the Harrington Arts Center on Belknap Street in Superior, the non-profit recently received about 350 accordions courtesy of a well-regarded collector from Washington D.C. Joining 1,400 accordions already a part of the museum, staff at the largest accordion museum in…

Duluth Superior Film Fest Wraps Up Successful 2021 Season

The 11th annual festival made its comeback after having to cancel its event in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. — The short film, A Simple Mistake, was made by Chisholm residents Nathaniel Coward and Seraphia Gravelle during a nine-week course at the Minnesota Discovery Center. “We discussed how we would execute it. It took use about two takes. It was a pretty fluid process,” A Simple Mistake Director & Producer, Seraphia Gravelle says. It depicts one man’s…

Area Police Departments Raise Funds for Special Olympics

Law enforcement in the area are also part of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department was out in full force today helping support the Special Olympics. The Coffee of Champions event at Dunkin Donuts is geared towards raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics in Minnesota. It also helps families with costs for sporting events. Anyone who made a contribution received a free donut with the hopes of…

Hartley Nature Center Begins Building Expansion

DULUTH,  Minn. — One Duluth area park is receiving a big expansion. Hartley Nature Center broke ground Thursday morning on a $2.5 million expansion project. Much of the funding comes from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission Legacy Grant funds. Parks officials say this will give more people the chance to experience everything Hartley has to offer. “To…

UMD Hosts Environment Sustainability Day Camp

Area high school students went out to the UMD land lab today to learn about all things sustainable. 

DULUTH, Minn. — Area high school students went out to the UMD Land Lab today to learn about all things sustainable. Living skills and food systems were just some of the objectives students had. “As well as learning some sustainable living skills, getting outside and learning some hands-on experience. And learning through that hands-on experience about food systems and sustainability…

Highway 53 Bridge Dedicated to Late State Rep. Tom Rukavina

On Thursday, the bridge he fought so hard to build back in 2017 was officially dedicated to him.

VIRGINIA, Minn. — “He often urged people to buy American-made products. In fact, he would tell you even his underwear was made in the U.S.A by union workers. If you didn’t believe him, he would volunteer to prove it to you,” District 6 Senator, David Tomassoni says. Former Minnesota House Representative Tom Rukavina passed away two years ago after a…

Annual Hoghead Festival Continues in Proctor

One of the bigger events of the festival is the classic car show where they are expecting almost 400 classic cars.

PROCTOR, Minn. — The 46th annual Hoghead Festival is underway in Proctor. One of the bigger events of the festival is the classic car show where they are expecting almost 400 classic cars. Organizers are also preparing for class reunions and street dances later on in the week all while celebrating the rich train history of Proctor with the title…

Duluth School Superintendent Given More Power Over District Regulations

This comes after the school board voted last night following a recommendation from the Minnesota School Board Association.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth School Superintendent John Magas will continue to have executive power over the Duluth School Board during the 2021-2022 school year when it comes to the safety of students related to Covid-19. This comes after the school board voted last night following a recommendation from the Minnesota School Board Association. Magas says, he is looking to maximize…

Bayfield County Fair Continues Annual Tradition

The fair runs until Sunday with different events going on each day. 

IRON RIVER, Wisc. — The Bayfield County Fair has been going strong for over 100 years. Even with the pandemic cancelling the fair in-person last summer, they were still able to host a virtual event. “They did video showing of the animals and sold online and did really well. We had really good participation with that and people were able…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Continuing Search for Missing Man on Sand Lake

The St. Louis County Rescue Squad is continuing to search the island and the lake for Philip.

BRITT AREA, Minn. – On Thursday around 4 p.m. the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Rescue Squad responded to Sand Lake in the Britt area just north of Virginia for a water emergency. A man identified as Philip Poulose, a Roseville resident, and a friend were canoeing on the lake when water started to flood their canoe due to…

Hibbing School Unveils New Playground

The playground will be open to the public after school hours. 

HIBBING, Minn. — Hibbing community members came together today to celebrate a new inclusive playground at the Greenhaven Elementary School. The K through second grade classes hosted the grand opening of their new playground on Thursday made possible by fundraising through the school’s non-profit parent teacher organization. Students got to test out the new equipment replacing the old playground built…

Bayfield Seeing Successful Summer Tourism Season

Apple Fest will take place the first weekend of October.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. —  Tourism in Bayfield has been up this summer. Hotels are being completely booked and businesses are seeing peak Apple Fest numbers. The weekly foot traffic throughout the summer has been due to events being back in session like the Point to LaPointe swim and weekly concerts by the lake held every Tuesday. This most recent concert was…

‘Bury The Board’ Fundraiser Aims to Help GND Rec Center Build Skatepark

The skatepark still needs an additional $600,000  to be completed.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Gary New Duluth Rec Center has a new fundraiser to help them build their new skatepark. It’s called ‘Bury the Board’ and it is being featured at the Damage Boardshop in Lincoln Park. The shop started it up just last week with the hope to continually raise enough funds to bury the skateboard with cash… moving…

Lake Superior Water Levels Remain Below Record Levels

The Corps does not expect water levels to go up the rest of the month.

DULUTH, Minn. — New data by the Army Corps of Engineers show that Lake Superior’s water level has fallen again after hitting a record high two years ago. This is due in part to the lack of rain this summer. While other Great Lakes have experienced a rise in their levels, Lake Superior is still twelve inches below its highest…

More Closures Beginning Wednesday on Twin Ports Interchange

Motorists are encouraged to check www.511mn.org before traveling for information on road conditions, closures and detour routes.

DULUTH, Minn. — Motorists traveling in and around the Twin Ports Interchange will encounter new closures and detours beginning Wednesday. Southbound Highway 53 to southbound I-535 will close. Detours will follow southbound Highway 53 to 21st Avenue West, to 1st Street, to lower Piedmont, to Garfield Avenue, and onto southbound I-535. In addition, southbound 53 to northbound I-35 will also…

Duluth Municipal Primary Voting Underway

Two at-large city council seats, second district and fourth district seats are up for grabs.

DULUTH, Minn. — Voting for Duluth’s primary is underway. Statistically, there’s usually a low voter turnout for Duluth’s municipal primaries. With the thick fog Tuesday morning people were coming out less frequently to the polls. Precinct judges anticipate more people would show up during the lunch and dinner hours. “Unfortunately, people don’t think that primaries are as important … but…

St. Luke’s Vaccine Clinic Open Multiple Days This Week

St. Luke's will also be providing shots for people on Sunday at Wade Stadium. 

DULUTH, Minn. — Vaccinations have been up in the Northland as of late and St. Luke’s is trying to get the word out for people twelve and up to get their shot. With the new guidelines for St. Luke’s and Essentia employees put in place requiring them to get vaccinated, St. Luke’s is opening up their clinic for a few…

Annual Sensory Day Out With Thomas Allows All Guests to Enjoy Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine will be back again this coming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. — Thomas the Tank Engine had an extended weekend on Monday with a sensory friendly day. Tickets for the event were free for kids with autism and a family member. With no loud music and crowds, the smaller event ensured all kids have access to Thomas the Tank Engine at their comfort level. “To know that all kids…

Bayfield Orchards Looking Forward to Apple Fest

Over at Erickson Orchards they are currently finishing up their new processing facility which will help streamline their cider business.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchards just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…

Billings Park Days Kicks Off With Rummage Sales

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The annual Billings Park Days kicked off on Friday in Superior with dozens of rummage sales. People in Billings took the time today to find hidden treasures, while sellers got the chance to declutter their homes and garages. We caught up with one Superior resident who specialized in selling record players and board games. He says, this…

Ground Is Broken At Riverwest Development Site

DULUTH, Minn. — Ground was broken Wednesday on the Riverwest development in West Duluth across from Spirit Mountain. The work to get the permits for this project began in 2015 with the idea to have retail stores along Grand Avenue. The city of Duluth would also like to also eventually see development of multi-family and single-family housing on a portion…

Duluth Fire Department Begins Training at Esmond Building

Normally, Duluth fire crews would do this type of training at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center out in Gary-New Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. — The abandoned Esmond building in Lincoln Park has now become the newest training grounds for the Duluth Fire Department. Formerly the Seaway Hotel, the vacant building is set to be torn down in one month. Until then the department will be using the structure for hands-on training in a realistic environment. Firefighters say, the 80 rooms on…

Iron Ore Trade Up in July on Great Lakes

Iron ore shipments are 5.2 percent above their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year.

CLEVELAND, OH – Great Lakes iron ore trade was up 61.8% in July. Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.7 million tons in July, an increase of 61.8 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments were also 3.2 percent above the month’s 5-year average. Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 26.4 million tons, an increase of 27.6 percent compared to…

Blue Arrow Boutique Expansion ‘SPACES’ Holds Grand Opening

SPACES will also have a gathering area in the back of the store available for rent in the next few weeks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A new gift shop in Superior held its grand opening late July on Tower Avenue. While the Blue Arrow Boutique primarily sells women’s clothing and accessories, SPACES is a one-stop shop. “If you have a gift that you need for your sister or your mom or your friend and there’s just not something you like to find…

City Leaders Hoping for Larger Voter Turnout in Municipal Primary

The municipal primary will be held Tuesday, August 10th.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s municipal primary is just a few weeks away and city leaders are pushing for a larger turnout. The city council at large, city council second district and city council fourth district seats are up for grabs come November. With early voting now open at city hall, officials say in a comparable election back in 2017, they…

Fire Crews Respond to Several Weather Related Calls Monday Night

Fire department crews were responding to storm related calls for several hours Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department responded to several calls Monday night due to the storms. In addition to responding to their normal medical calls, departments also responded to several calls regarding down trees and power lines. Officials want to remind the public to steer clear of debris during inclement weather. “It’s really imperative to make sure that there’s…

South St. Louis County Fair in Need of Volunteers

The fair starts Wednesday and goes through Sunday.

PROCTOR, Minn. — The annual South Saint Louis County and Proctor Fair is coming back for its 100th year. This year they will have an inflatable carnival, several food and carnival venders along with monster trucks and racing on the weekend. Organizers are still looking for volunteers throughout the fair to help keep the tradition going. “We always need volunteers,”…

Shipping Industry Rebounding after Rough 2020 Year

This year, shipping is now making a comeback and iron ore is leading the resurgence.

DULUTH, Minn. — The shipping industry is picking up after a rough 2020. With the total tonnage received last year being the lowest the Port Authority has seen since 1983. This year, shipping is now making a comeback and iron ore is leading the resurgence. So far there have been 2.3 million short tons going through the Twin Ports in…

Skyline Social & Games Offering Free Weekly Bowling For Kids

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Skyline Social & Games in Hermantown is now offering free bowling for kids Monday through Thursday. The program was previously offered on Tuesdays only. Now with their venue at full capacity, managers wanted people to finally get the full experience of Skyline and its new renovations after having to close multiple times due to the pandemic. “We’ve…

State Parks Closely Monitoring Dry Conditions

Campers are urged to keep fires small and under watch.

ESKO, Minn. — As campgrounds around the area continue their busy summer, state parks in the area are keeping a close eye on the dry conditions. Park staff are asking people to be careful with their campfires as they don’t have any burning restrictions. Campers are urged to keep fires small and under watch. “There is of course the fire…