Author: Reece Lindquist

Wisconsin Expands Vaccine Eligibility

As of today, 34% of Douglas County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Today, Wisconsinites 16 years and older now are eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. With Governor Tony Evers making the announcement, Wisconsin residents now have an increased eligibility to get vaccinated. As of today, 34% of Douglas County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Health officials say they are prepared for more members…

‘Northern Lights Express’ Supporters Hopeful For Federal Funding

DULUTH, Minn. — Backers of high-speed rail service from Duluth to Minneapolis are hopeful President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure proposal could make the rail project finally happen. The Northern Lights Express project has stalled for years because of a lack of funding. It’ll cost $500 to $600 million to complete, and supporters hope $80 billion in funding for rail projects…

MnDOT Road Construction Ramps Up For Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Construction season is upon us and that means added congestion on some Northland roadways. One of the biggest construction projects is the Twin Ports Interchange. Southbound traffic on I-35 will be limited to one lane from 21st Avenue West to 27th Avenue West through Duluth during the current phase. MnDOT project managers are advising drivers to add…

Congdon Park Elementary Students Syrup Making Process

Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup.

DULUTH, Minn. —   Today Congdon park elementary students learned what it takes to make maple syrup. The instructional course took up the entire day and involved grades K-5. Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup. As students rotated through each of the stations, they recorded their reactions with teachers hoping they have…

Temporary Vaccine Clinic Held at Black Bear Casino

The next round of vaccines will take place in 28 days at the same venue in the casino.

CARLTON, Minn. — “The first word that comes to mind is excitement,” Public Health Nurse, Casey Johnson says. It was a joint effort to make the Moderna vaccine available for Carlton County residents. For the first time the vaccine was available to Fond Du Lac community members in a public setting. “It’s definitely part of our plan and our mitigation…

Hartley Nature Center Preparing for Spring

The center has begun planning eleven-week summer camps starting in mid-June.

DULUTH, Minn. — Northlanders are looking forward to the warmer temperatures on the horizon. Now, more and more people have begun to get outside. At Hartley Nature Center, although the building is closed their trails are still open to the public. The center has begun planning eleven week summer camps starting in mid-June. Community members have been eager to feel…

Lester Park Elementary Students Give Back

Lester Park Elementary has raised over 20 tons of food since they began participating in the food drive 14 years ago.

DULUTH, Minn. — As part of Minnesota FoodShare Month, Lester Park Elementary students made a major donation to the Union Gospel Mission Church. In total, the school raised over one and a half tons of food and over $2,000 in support of FoodShare Month. Organizers say that although fifth graders were helping load the bins of food, it’s never too…

St. Louis County Depot Set to Reopen

The depot will officially reopen on April 1st.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Depot is poised to open later this week with some new attractions for the public. The Veterans Memorial Hall in the depot has a new glass case exhibit dedicated to local airman Joe Gomer. The Duluth Art Institute is also hosting a new photography exhibit. With all of these new exhibits, members of…

20th Annual Polar Plunge Begins Saturday

Donations are expected to exceed $90,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizers and volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the setup for the upcoming Polar Plunge event on Saturday at noon. Due to the pandemic, the plunge was pushed back a month. Right now, just over 400 participants will be running into the chilly waters of Lake Superior. Donations are expected to exceed $90,000. All of the…

City of Superior to Host Traditional 4th of July Festivities

Mayor Jim Paine says, with the recent drop in cases in Douglas County and an increase in vaccinations, they should be able to have all of their events as scheduled. 

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The city of Superior will have more of a traditional 4th of July this year. Mayor Jim Paine says, with the recent drop in cases in Douglas County and an increase in vaccinations they should be able to have all of their events as scheduled. This includes a fireworks show on Barkers Island. He says, having all…

Blue Angels Preparing for 2021 Duluth Airshow

This year, the show will be bringing back fan favorites and also an updated version of the Blue Angel planes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow is back in 2021 after its cancellation last year due to the pandemic. The headliners, the U.S Navy Blue Angels, were in town on Thursday to talk about some of the different things they are doing this year. Now, both Grandmas Marathon and the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo will kick off back-to-back weekends…

Local Breeder Sees Career Best Litter

"Usually we expect to have eight to ten puppies per litter."

  DULUTH, Minn. – The local kennel Wolfe Den Retrievers is celebrating its most recent litter of American pointing lab puppies. “Usually we expect to have eight to ten puppies per litter,” Wolfe Den Retrievers Owner, Colette Wolfe Dickmeyer says. Lucy, the first-time mom, surprised her owners with sixteen. “This is a first for me. The biggest litter I ever…

Health Department Assists Rural Minnesota Town with Covid-19 Testing Site

East Range Communities and the city of Aurora are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

AURORA, Minn. – A temporary COVID testing site is now open at the Aurora Community and Senior Center. Due to the recent spike in cases in the area, the Minnesota Department of Health got the go-ahead to open up a facility in the East Range Area. “What we noticed over the last few weeks specifically in town here and kind…

Iron Range Businesses React to Capacity Increase

"I think that's an excellent win for restaurants and bars. I'm extremely happy to be at that capacity now," Sawmill Saloon Owner, Alyssa Horan says. 

VIRGINIA, Minn. –  Several local businesses on the Iron Range gathered at the Sawmill Saloon and Restaurant in Virginia to voice their concerns about how the pandemic has impacted their revenue. “Turning of the dials came as a surprise which is hard to plan for. Businesses have a plan. They have their own plan and Minnesota should have a plan…

Alder Begins Ice Breaking in Duluth Harbor

It's all to prepare Duluth and the surrounding waters for the upcoming shipping season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S Coast Guard began ice-breaking this morning in the Duluth Harbor. With the Sault-Ste. Marie Locks set to open March 25th, the Alder is gearing up to break more ice with roughly 31% more ice coverage this year than last year. It’s all to prepare Duluth and the surrounding waters for the upcoming shipping season. “The…

Grandma’s Kicking off Summer Racing Season with Saint Fennessy 4K

Right now, more than 500 people are already signed up with around 100 of them electing to run the race virtually.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Grandma’s is officially kicking off the summer racing season with the Saint Fennessy 4K this Saturday at the Hermantown High School. Right now, more than 500 people are already signed up with around 100 of them electing to run the race virtually. Although the St. Patrick’s Day-themed event will not have the same after party as years…

Hunters Park Residents Enjoying Final Days of ‘Snowhenge’ Fort

"By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone," Boucher says. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is beginning to take shape. “Unless we get a lot of snow I don’t anticipate rebuilding it again this year,” Hunters Park Resident, Norman Boucher says. This spells bad news for the hunters park neighborhood creation “Snowhenge.” “By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone,” Boucher says. During a winter…

KYN: Frame Up

The owners of the shop are thankful for these artists allowing them to stay busy in these difficult times.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local frame up shop in Grand Rapids has been thriving during the pandemic with owner Eric Mann taking it over nearly three years ago. “The majority of our work is custom framing. So people bring in their own artwork and pick out mats, pick out frames and make it look good,” Frame Up Owner, Eric Mann…

Duluth Students Near Full In-Person Learning

Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. 

DULUTH, Minn. –  6th, 9th, and 12th graders were in attendance today at Duluth area schools on Monday. Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. During the week, the freshman are getting tours and used to their surroundings while the seniors received help with classes they may have been struggling with…

Cohasset City Leaders Look to Expand Industrial Park

Cohasset city officials announced they've received over $4 million in funding

COHASSET, Minn. – The city of Cohasset will soon be building a brand new manufacturing facility with the hope of attracting new businesses. Last week Cohasset city officials announced they’ve received over $4 million in funding courtesy of a multi-million dollar grant from the economic development administration and other funds from the city of Cohasset economic development. “We’ve known we…

Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol Continues

This was the 24th annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland leaders gathered Thursday morning for a virtual event to discuss this years legislative session. The event hosted by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce was geared towards showing support for Northland projects in the 2021 legislative session. One of the focuses being on providing broadband internet access to all Minnesotans with many schools having more virtual options…

CHUM Looking to Capitalize on Minnesota’s Annual FoodShare Month

The organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is looking to capitalize on Minnesota’s annual FoodShare month. Because it is typically a slow time for the CHUM food shelf and over 300 other food shelves across the state, the organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors. They are also partnering with local farms…

GO: Pop-Up Snowshoeing

- As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities. “It’s basically a couple hours where people can take some snowshoes and get out and about in their communities,” Recreation Instructor, Julianna Langlois says. Providing a great way to get outside, with social distancing…

Multimedia Journalism Program Returning to UWS

Back it 2017 it was one of 25 programs suspended due to budget cuts.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Journalism program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior will be returning this coming fall. Back it 2017 it was one of 25 programs suspended due to budget cuts. Now, faculty is preparing for the 2021 fall semester by adding a series of electives such as digital writing, web design and photography courses to the re-imagined multimedia journalism…

GO: Gooseberry Falls

Two Harbors, Minn. – “It’s really beautiful in the winter time,” Nisswa Resident, Marcy Byrns says. The frozen upper and lower falls are just one of the many reasons people make a return trip to Gooseberry even in the colder months. “It’s really amazing how they are frozen over to a certain extent depending on when you come and we…

Duluth Organization Making Push for New Homeless Housing Option

"I love the space. It and peaceful. It's comfortable. But more importantly to live in here and prove its a viable housing option here in Duluth."

DULUTH, Minn. – “When you’re homeless you start feeling invisible,”AIM Twin Ports Chair, Kassie Standingbear Helgerson says. “People will turn their heads and look down. They don’t want to see you. If they see you, then they will acknowledge that there’s a problem.” Back in October of 2020, advocates pitched their tents outside of Duluth city hall to bring a…

KYN: Blue Rock Coffee & Wine Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – Although the cafe struggled shortly after opening, now they are becoming a Northland staple. “People are knowing our name and coming in,” Blue Rock Coffee & Wine Cafe Barista, Molly Henderson says. With the cafe split in two- half of the building for coffee and the other a wine bar, customers have different choices of scenery. “It’s…

Minnesota Senator to Lead Bipartisan Hearing on Capitol Hill

The hope is to continue to allow public access to the Capitol in the future.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is helping lead a bipartisan hearing on security issues surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot, along with the Department of Homeland Security. The hearing includes first-time testimonies from the former Capitol Police Chief and the current head of the Metropolitan Police Department. Senator Klobuchar says, the constructive hearing will focus on three areas…

Carlton Restaurants Continue To Adapt Amid Pandemic

CARLTON, Minn. – It was a roller coaster 2020 for restaurants like The Street Car in Carlton. “That’s when it really hit hard for us. That brought a whole different style of business. We had to essentially recreate how we do business,” Street Car Kitchen & Pub General Manager, Mike Walsh says. Going to only curbside the pandemic forced them…

Birkie Organizers Create More Virtual Race Options

Organizers say that in an effort to keep everything socially distanced, participants will start in waves.

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The 47th annual Birkie will be looking a lot different this year. Organizers say that in an effort to keep everything socially distanced, participants will start in waves throughout the week. With around thirty-thousand people in attendance in past years, this year spectators will be able to view the race virtually. Skiers will also be encouraged to…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Gearing Up For Reopen

"I think when people come back they will be surprised and very very happy with what we have done," Buehler says. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With plans to reopen April first, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is getting the chance to make some much-needed changes. “Right now when people come in they will be able to come to the brand new ticket window here in the lobby of the north shore scenic railroad. Be able to buy train tickets for the north…

Animal Allies Receives Wrapping on New Transport Van

The non-profit was able to raise $60,000 through their 2019 Fur Ball fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies Humane Society has just received wrapping on their brand new transport vehicle. The non-profit was able to raise $60,000 through their 2019 Fur Ball fundraiser and just received the new transport van in May of 2020. This past week, Animal Allies received new wrapping. The van will be used to take animals for vet appointments…

City Crew Respond to 6th Water Main Break in Duluth

Traffic has been limited to one lane during the fix. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Crews responded at 7:30 p.m. last night to the water main break on Grand and Seaver Ave in West Duluth. They were able to plug the small leak temporarily. Works continued the work at 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning to fix the break permanently. City officials are thankful that the break was so small. Water is not expected…

Walmart and Sams Club to Begin Offering Vaccines for Eligible Recipients

The two stores will begin administering the vaccinations in Minnesota starting on Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Walmart and Sams Club Pharmacies will be yet another location for people to get Covid-19 vaccinations. The two stores will begin administering the vaccinations in Minnesota starting on Friday as part of the U.S Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Any eligible customers are urged to schedule an appointment via the companies websites once they are available. For more…

Moose Lake Businesses Adapting During Pandemic

Managers are thankful that they don't have to rely on just dine-in during these times.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Dee Jirovec  and her husband have owned Gampers in Moose Lake for eight years and are grateful to be back open following a second shut down. “It’s wonderful to be open again and have the customers come in to be able and talk and have a good time with them,” Gampers Owner, Dee Jirovec says. And…

Bong Veterans Historical Center Unveils New Permanent Exhibit

The Bong Historical Center in Superior is putting the finishing touches on its new $50,000 exhibit on the Korean and Vietnam wars.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Bong Veterans Historical Center is on the home stretch of a nearly two-year project of a brand new exhibit about the Korean and Vietnam wars. Because of grant funds and private donations, the center was able to make this exhibit the largest built since it opened in 2002. “We had some veterans come to us and…

Sport and Recreational Vehicle Sales Growing

"They just wanted a place of their own where they could get away wherever they decided to go," Yost says. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – As winter continues, recreational vehicle dealers in the Northland are seeing a lot of people eager to hit the road for new adventures. It has been a wild year for RV dealers, like Bullyans in Hermantown as most of their inventory keeps selling out. “We’re just starting to get it trickled back in. After we sold it…

Laura MacArthur Elementary Receives P.E. Grant

The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from the local continental ski shop.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in the fall, Laura MacArthur Elementary in Duluth received a grant allowing the school to purchase skis for their Phys Ed class. On Thursday morning, 20 second graders got the chance to take their brand new skis out for the first time. The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from…

More Snow Sculptures Coming to Lincoln Park

Each sculpture takes roughly two days to complete.

DULUTH, Minn. – Several snow sculptures in the Lincoln Park craft district have recently been completed and more are on the way. Three more sculptures will appear on Superior Street in Lincoln Park after the idea to bring more joy to the area had been brewing for over a year. Now, it snowballed, bringing artists Minnesota and the Twin ports…

Starbase Program Inspiring STEM Students

Students are following a mission to mars story line.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was the programs first week back to in-person classes since November giving 5th grade students from Stella Maris Academy and Many Rivers Montessori a chance to get back to the books. “We take the math and science that students learn in their classrooms and kind of turn it on its head and deliver it in a…

Essentia Opens Temporary Skywalk

The skywalk will allow patients and staff easier access to Essentia Clinics first street building.

DULUTH, Minn. – A skywalk linking Essentia’s Duluth Clinic to a city parking ramp officially opened on Monday. The skywalk will allow patients and staff easier access to Essentia Clinic’s first street building. The temporary skywalk will make it safe to travel through the Vision Northland construction site. Patients and staff must be screened for Covid-19 in the clinics main…

Schouweiler Wins Beagrease Half Marathon

The mushers arrived at the Trestle Inn in Finland, Minnesota just before 6:30 a.m. Monday morning. 

FINLAND, Minn. – The John Beargrease Half Marathon officially has a winner. The mushers arrived at the Trestle Inn in Finland, Minnesota just before 6:30 a.m. Monday morning. Erin Schouweiler crossed the finish line first followed by Michael Bestgen in a close second. Rita Wehseler came in third. So far, ten total mushers have crossed the 120 finish line. Schouweiler…

Greenhouses Thinking Spring

The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Green houses in the area are already thinking Spring. The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January. The greenhouse will receive even more plants in the coming weeks. “We start out twelve in hanging baskets which is our petunias and the large big baskets you see that we have available…

GO: Positive Energy Outdoors

For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages.

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re all about people and animal powered recreation,” Positive Energy Outdoors Co-Founder, Blake Cazier says. For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages. “So we have sled dogs and Draft horses. We teach kayaking, have rock climbing adventures,” Cazier says. With the goal of educating their customers about the outdoors with every…

My Pillow CEO Banned from Twitter

It was not immediately clear which posts by Lindell on Twitter triggered the suspension of his account.

(AP) – Twitter has permanently banned My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell’s account after he continually perpetuated the baseless claim that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S. presidential election. A Twitter spokesperson said in a statement that it decided to ban Lindell, who founded bedding company My Pillow, due to “repeated violations” of its civic integrity policy. The policy was implemented…

Proctor Senior Awarded Medal of Honor Scholarship

DULUTH, Minn. – One lucky Proctor student received the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor scholarship on Monday. Senior Courtney Werner was presented with the $1,500 scholarship after writing an essay about her great grandfather, Thomas Werner, who served during World War II. Courtney said she was able to learn more about her roots through the writing process while keeping her…

Rural Wisconsin Town Welcomes Two New Businesses

Owners say their goal is to have the coffee and cones portion of the business open by March 1st.

WASCOTT, Wisc. –  “I just like people. I like to be around people,” Wascott Coffee, Cones and Cuts Co-Owner, Lynn Anderson says. She has 27 years of experience in the cosmetology industry. “Doing hair makes people feel good,” she says. Anderson saw a need to open a salon with other options being a thirty minute commute. “I thought it would…

Quilt Shops Seeing Boost in Business

The shop has a variety of local kits for sale, and owners say that people have also taken up mask making with fabrics flying off the shelves.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, one quilt shop in Cloquet is doing pretty well for themselves. The Quilted Dog Quilt Shop located on highway 33 in Cloquet has seen a boost in business thanks to people taking up sewing again during the pandemic. The shop has a variety of local kits for sale, and owners say that people have…

Duluth Parks Department Hosts Recreational Skating Program

With several sessions a week, the goal is to get people to enjoy skating with social distance in mind. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heritage Center along with the Duluth Parks Department have restarted their recreational skating program. The cost is $3 per session. With several sessions a week, the goal is to get people to enjoy skating while being socially distant. “Love having families out here to cruise around together, you know,” City of Duluth Recreation Specialist, Nick…

KYN: Sew with Me

Zoom courses are held four to five times a week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sew with Me brand name has been around for almost 10 years. “We started in Stillwater and expanded from there to meet the needs of sewers throughout the state,” said Laura Maki, owner of Sew with Me. Although the Piedmont neighborhood location has been open for several years, owners say fabric right now is a hot…