Author: Xavier Walt

Whistleblower Lawsuit filed against Hermantown School District

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A Whistleblower Lawsuit has been filed against the Hermantown School District on behalf of a former employee of the schools. According to the lawsuit which was filed on Nov. 2, Emily Bellamy, a former speech-language pathologist at the schools, was retaliated against by the district after she reported to the district that Individualized Education Program services for…

Local Law Enforcement Holds Multi-Jurisdictional Training Exercise At UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Police departments met on the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus to conduct a training exercise. They warned students and community members ahead of time that there would be a large police presence on site, as they simulated a hostage situation at the school. The exercise involved multiple agencies across Northwestern Wisconsin and Minesota working together in a controlled…

The Waging Peace Project Awards 2nd Annual “Duluth Peace Hero Award”

DULUTH, Minn. — Local heroes were being recognized as the “Duluth Peace Hero Award” was given out. The Waging Peace Project hosted the 2nd annual event, with the recipient of the award being given a $1,000 cash prize. The nominees are all local community members who are “making a positive change” in their community. To receive the award, nominees had…

UW-Superior Theatre Debuts “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior Theatre Program has begun showcasing its first production of the 2025-2026 season. The play is a familiar name for audiences, though this time there will be a twist. “It’s called ‘Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,’” said the show’s Assistant Director Andy Hill. “It’s kind of taking the original Dracula script, but it’s…

Superior Mayor Proposes Emergency Fund Plan During SNAP Pause

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The loss of SNAP funding because of the federal government shutdown has Superior Mayor Jim Paine proposing a plan to help residents who rely on the food-assistance program. With the city council’s approval, Mayor Paine wants to create a new $200,000 emergency fund. That money would come from the city’s Economic Development Fund and be used to…

“The Rambler” Food Truck Officially Retires

DULUTH, Minn. — After more than a decade in the Twin Ports, one of the area’s first-ever food trucks has officially retired. “The Rambler” and MidCoast Catering, the truck’s parent company, held a retirement party for the Twin Ports icon. Musical guests and free goodies supplied by MidCoast supported the main event, and with this being the final night to…

Breakfast for Heroes raises funds for first responders

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Locals flooded to Two Harbors in order to give back to some of the region’s most crucial community servants. The yearly event, brought to the Northland by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, raises funds for first responders, and welcomed various area public officials to Two Harbors, with nearly all expressing their appreciation for those they…

WIAA Begins New “Hear It? See It? Report It!” Initiative

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has begun rolling out a new initiative to help remove inappropriate behavior from sporting events. The “Hear It? See It? Report It!” Sportsmanship Initiative is the WIAA’s newest method tackling inappropriate behavior along the sidelines of high school sports. The reporting system, which will be quickly accessible through a QR code or…

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes Visitors For International Snow Leopard Day

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo celebrated International Snow Leopard Day, welcoming locals in to help share the love with the zoo’s resident big cat. The zoo’s guests were able to ring in the day by designing their own “enrichment item”, which would later be given to Kiran, the snow leopard. Guests were able to decorate a colorful…

Global Rising Coffee Prices Being Felt Locally Amid Tariffs

DULUTH, Minn. — Tariffs and global issues are forcing coffee houses, including local shops like Duluth Coffee Company, to raise their prices for your morning cup of joe. “Duluth Coffee Company is going through unprecedented times in the purchasing and selling of coffee, not only because of tariffs, but because all of the raw coffee that we buy is connected…

Hermantown Council Approves Rezone for Potential Data Center

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown City Council has voted 4-0 to rezone land for a potential data center, officially changing the property from residential to business and light manufacturing. While the vote marks a major step forward for the proposed project, city leaders say it’s a rezone only and does not approve the data center itself. The decision came just…

Blatnik Bridge Project Update Meeting Held In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation held a public meeting in Superior to present community members with updates on the Blatnik Bridge project. The presentation, which took place in front of a packed house at the Superior Public Library, gave Twin Ports residents the chance to hear some of the updates on the long awaited project and see…

Twin Ports Celebrates Indigenous People’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports residents celebrated Indigenous People’s Day at Duluth City Hall with a ceremony. Both Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and superior Mayor Jim Payne were on hand to officially proclaim October 13th as Indigenous People’s Day in both cities. Various Duluth and Superior schools and the Fond du Lac Honor Guard were in attendance as well, paying…

“No Man’s Land” Film Festival Arrives In Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — A traveling film festival has found its way to Duluth. The “No Man’s Land Film Festival” took place at Clyde Ironworks for the first time in the Twin Ports. The festival is dedicated to showcasing multi-sport films from “women and gender non-conforming athletes and storytellers”, and for Duluth’s outdoor community, bringing the film festival to town, was…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hosts First Official Tailgate

DULUTH, Minn. — University of Minnesota-Duluth Men’s Hockey hosted its first official tailgate ahead of their home opener, giving fans the chance to take in the gorgeous evening, before the night’s main event The festivities took place along Harbor Drive, behind Amsoil Arena, where fans were encouraged to hang out and enjoy food and drink, while the UMD Pep Band…

UW-Superior Hosts “Freedom of Speech” Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior invited the community in once again for a discussion on politics. The “Freedom of Speech” event, which featured a guest from the “Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression”, was part of the UW-Superior Link Center’s ongoing “Superior Dialogues” series. The 2nd year series is designed to help maintain healthy conversations and relationships for people with differing…

2026 Budget Proposal Heads To Superior City Council

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine released his 2026 budget proposal, which is heavily focused on infrastructure and public safety. In addition, Paine says the budget will decrease the city’s property tax levy by 1.55%, while maintaining Superior’s spending levels for all city services. “This budget lowers the tax levy. We are one of the only municipalities, probably the only…

UW-Superior Alumni Host Scholarship Fundraiser “Soirée”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-Superior alumni came together to help raise scholarship funds for students. The event, which was dubbed a “Superior Soirée”, is an annual tradition from the “University of Wisconsin-Superior Alumni and Friends Foundation”, with the money being raised going towards various scholarships for current students. “Thank you for your generosity and your presence here tonight, for…

Northland lawmakers react to Social Security breach

SUPERIOR, Wis. — In the wake of the accidental release of thousands of social security numbers by the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office, two Wisconsin lawmakers have responded. SEE PREVIOUS: Superior resident receives thousands of Social Security Numbers from Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Wisconsin representative Angela Stroud of the state’s 73rd district released the following statement to FOX21: “We…

Ghost Tours Help Ring In Spooky Season In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Are you fascinated by the spooky, mysterious, and paranormal? If so, a new company in Duluth might have just what you’re looking for. US Ghost Adventures recently launched its new ghost tour location in Duluth. The company offers a one-hour, narrated tour that explores the city’s most haunted and eerie sites. The tour covers a variety of…

Superior Man Provides Update To Wisconsin Public Defenders Social Security Breach

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Fox 21 is able to provide an update the previously reported story about a large data breach of social security numbers by the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office. As Fox21 previously reported, a client of that office, Joe Eischens of Superior, was accidentally sent thousands of social security numbers during a personal data request he made with…

The Depot Hosts Fundraiser Ahead of 2025 Fall Arts Season

DULTUH, Minn. — The 2025 Depot United Campaign has kicked off as another season of arts in the Twin Ports is under way. The fundraising campaign supports 6 different organizations under the depot’s roof: The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, MN Ballet, Lyric Opera of the North, the St. Louis County Historical Society, and the Depot…

Superior resident receives thousands of Social Security Numbers from Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office has allegedly revealed thousands of Social Security Numbers of Wisconsin residents, sending the information via e-mail to a client. According to the client, identified as Joe Eischens of Superior, he made a public records request on a matter regarding his own case. The Wisconsin Office of Public Defender responded by…

“Shine For MAC” Event Raises Funds For Neurodivergent Community

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Funds were raised tonight in Hermantown as MAC’s “Shine for MAC” event welcomed members of the community On top of being used to raise funds for the organization, the event was all about providing a fun and sensory-safe space for kids and their families to come together and have fun, and when MAC reached out to partners…

Superior Fire Department Urges Caution Amid Rise In Falls

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Falls resulting in emergency response are on the rise in Wisconsin. According to a survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, emergency services across the state responded to over 140,000 falls in 2024. That number equates to over 20% of all 911-related ambulance runs during that calendar year and, over in Superior, these trends are…

S.S Meteor Hosts Evening Remembering “The Mighty Fitz”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior locals were invited to the S.S Meteor in order to honor the S.S Edmund Fitzgerald. The event was part of Superior Historic Properties’ “History Talks” series, with this evening’s showcase involving the history of the Fitzgerald. While this specific evening was all about the 50 years since the “The Mighty Fitz” sank, the series itself covers…

UW-Superior’s “Young Americans for Freedom” Hosts Kirk Vigil

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Members of the UW-Superior student body and surrounding community came together to mourn the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The event was hosted by the college’s “Young Americans for Freedom” student organization and despite being held on the college’s campus the night of prayer was meant to heal not just students, but anyone in the Twin Ports in…

Minnesota Power Reminds Customers of “Cold Weather Rule”

DULUTH, Minn. — With the seasons changing and cold air on the way, Minnesota Power is reminding customers about the state’s “Cold Weather Rule.” The rule prevents residential customers from getting their natural gas or electric service shut off for non-payment between Oct. 1, and Apr. 30. Minnesota Power encourages customers, who believe the higher winter bills will be too…

Ursa Minor Celebrates Oktoberfest and Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s all Lederhosen and beer steins as Ursa Minor Brewing is holding their annual Oktoberfest. The cultural celebration, which also doubles as the brewery’s 7th anniversary party, is a rain-or-shine event, with the weather not putting a damper on the festivities. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the best weather, but that’s all right, we have plenty of covered…

“Pints for a Purpose” Raises Funds at Wild State Cider

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth area YMCA partnered with Wild State Cider as the two came together to fundraise for a good cause. The partners’ “Pints for a Purpose” event raised funds for the YMCA, with a dollar from every cider bought being donated to the organization’s “Food Access Program,” which helps provide meals for locals who need them. “We…

Bentleyville Seeks Volunteers as Season Begins

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s “Tour of Lights” is looking for some Christmas helpers. Bentleyville is beginning its set-up for its 2025 season, and is looking for volunteers to help prepare and maintain the free attraction for the holidays. Set-up takes place on the weekends, with food provided for the folks setting up, and Wednesday evenings. The event has been…

UW-Superior’s Semi-Annual “Jacket Fest” Helps Students Connect

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s semi-annual “Jacket Fest” student event took place on campus again this Fall. The event is a regular at the college, with potential employers gathering to speak to students about a future outside of school. The school is welcoming in its highest volume of first-year students in the last three years, so events like…

Lake Superior College Holds 80th Birthday Open House

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College turned back the time in order to celebrate 80 years of education. Students, faculty, alumni, and curious community members were treated to a packed house at the campus, with dozens of booths lined up featuring various clubs and programs that the school has to offer. Much of the theme of the event centered around…

Blessings, Prayers as CHUM Begins Renovations and Residents Move to Damiano Center

DULUTH, Minn. — It was move-out day for chum and its residents on Sep. 18, as the organization prepares for significant renovations. The current, longtime facility on Duluth’s 1st Avenue West will be undergoing major renovations and an expansion to increase the size and improve the living conditions, as the temporary location for the residents will be at the nearby…

Duluth 1200 Fund Announces Childcare Grant Recipients

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth 1200 Fund has awarded $150,000 in grants to 21 local childcare facilities. On Sep. 17, Duluth 1200 Fund board members, funding partners, and City of Duluth staff gathered at the new Divine Konnections childcare center in West Duluth to announce their Tiny Steps Childcare Grant recipients. Together, they celebrated the expansion of not only the…

4:20 P.M.: Duluth’s ‘Legacy Cannabis’ Becomes State’s First Licensed Dispensary

DULUTH, Minn. — History was made in Duluth Tuesday when Legacy Cannabis expanded its operations to become the state’s first licensed dispensary of marijuana. Legacy Cannabis is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park Craft District, and the line was out the door Tuesday afternoon for people wanting to buy cannabis. The store was granted a license to sell…

UW-Superior Hosts ‘Skills for Conversations about Public Policy and Race’ Workshop

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior hosted a workshop today in order to help people of differing political views connect. The workshop, hosted by the school’s Link Center, was an event for students and the local community to help build the skills that it takes to have productive conversations with people of other political beliefs. The event was a partnership with Braver…

Vigil Held In Cloquet For Murdered Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

CLOQUET, Minn. — People from around the Northland gathered in Cloquet Friday evening to mourn the life of Charlie Kirk who was shot to death while speaking on a campus in Utah. The vigil, hosted at Veteran’s Park in Cloquet, saw dozens of people come together to honor the life and legacy of the political commentator. At the vigil, people…

Love Creamery Hosts Open House For Billings Park

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Over in Billings Park in Superior, local residents were offered a sweet treat on the house, courtesy of their newest neighbors. Love Creamery, the ice cream shoppe with two locations in Duluth, will be expanding into Superior shortly, and held an open house for Billings Park locals to introduce themselves, and their product, to the community. “I…

UW-Superior Music Begins 2025-2026 Recital Series

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS has begun its 2025-2026 recital series, starting a new season of music in Superior. The series began with a performance from a few UWS faculty and is always free for students to attend. While all the performances will feature classical music, the variety of performances is a big reason why the music department believes everyone should…

Duluth City Council Approves Transportation Commission

DULUTH, Minn. — After much waiting, the Duluth City Council has officially established its 34th commission. The Council voted unanimously on Sep. 8. to establish the Duluth Transportation Commission. The ordinance for the commission was first read back on Jun. 16, before being tabled until September. Members off the commission will be appointed by the mayor with approval from the…

UMD Officially Welcomes 10th Chancellor

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s finally official. After a year on the job, the University of Minnesota-Duluth has sworn in their new chancellor. While it may not have been the first day on the job for UMD chancellor Charles Nies, the school’s official inauguration ceremony for the Hutchinson, MN native likely felt no less special. “Today, as we celebrate his leadership,…