Author: Xavier Walt

Founding partner of Duluth Folk School passes away

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the founders of the Duluth Folk School, Tim Bates, has passed away. Since the inception of the school Bates, along with those around him, worked hard to establish a comforting environment where people could learn new skills. Bates was also a long-time figure within the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s outdoor education program, where he taught students…

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show takes over DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoors people of the Twin Ports united at the DECC once again for the annual Arrowhead Ice fishing and Winter Show. With the venue packed to the gills with goods and activities, the yearly event, which is now a decade old, has been a favorite of fishing and outdoors community in the Northland, as attendees get a…

Wisconsin DHS to continue recommending Hepatitis B vaccine amid CDC reversal

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services have released a stated that they will continue to recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for children within the first 24 hours of being born. The statement coming in direct response to the CDC’s reversal of their own recommendation of the vaccine. The Wisconsin DHS says there is “no new evidence” to…

Wisconsin congressional candidate tours Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin congressional candidate Paul Wassgren visited Superior as the Republican continues on a tour through Wisconsin’s 7th district. The tour first hit Merrill, WI, on Dec. 10, before stopping in Chippewa Falls and Ace’s on 29th in Superior, with the final stop happening Dec. 12 in Balsam Lake, where he’ll once again speak on how he plans…

St. Louis River Alliance hold ‘River Appreciation’ party

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis River Alliance set up shop at Clyde Iron Works for a “River Appreciation” party. The party was free and open to the public, with cake served to the attendees before a presentation, recapping the organization’s 2025. A focus of the event and others like it for the alliance is the organization’s ongoing “Membership Drive,”…

’12 Hours of Giving’ Blood Drive nearing Twin Ports debut

DULUTH, Minn. — In continuing with Fox 21’s partnership with the Red Cross’ 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive, Fox 21 is taking the weeks leading up to the event to tell the stories of those whose lives have been affected for the better through blood donation. The event itself will be Dec. 18. and 19, at The Garden Event…

UW-Superior music celebrates annual “Season of Song” holiday concert

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A musical Twin Ports holiday tradition happened once again in Superior as UW-Superior’s “Season of Song” concert held its final performance of season. The performances all taking place at The Cathedral of Christ the King Church, with saw hundreds of people braving notable poor weather to make it to the annual event. The concert caps the Fall…

Lake Superior College hosts student art show for Fall ’25 semester

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College is treating Twin Ports residents to the artistic visions of their students with a campus-wide art show. The free-to-the-public art show runs through the college’s main campus building, showing off art produced by the school’s students during the Fall 2025 semester. With the art forms ranging from photography, to painting, to jewelry, the show…

Carlton County Animal Rescue hosts open house for interested families

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Carlton County Animal Rescue held an open house to showcase some cats and kittens who are looking for their future homes. Those in attendance were treated to some quality time with their potential forever friends, as well as a presentation in which they could learn more about the organization and the people behind it. Through donations…

Bentleyville welcomes “Zoo Crew” to tour of lights

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at Bentleyville for a visit from some fluffy friends known as the “Zoo Crew”. The annual tour of lights brought in animals from “Cook’s Country Connection” to help spark some holiday cheer, with goats, mini horses, and alpacas braving the chilly weather. If you missed the critters during their Bentleyville stay, they’ll be back out…

Duluth Armory receives largest ever donation amid restoration

DULUTH, Minn. — For over 20 years, the Duluth Armory has been looking for funds and donations wherever they could them. However, thanks to a very generous anonymous local, the finish line is in sight. “We are so appreciative,” said Michelle Miller, co-executive director of the Armory Arts and Music Center. “This is a local supporter of the project who…

American Red Cross celebrates holiday season with blood drives

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The American Red Cross is hosting a special double-edition blood drive with their “Battle of the Badges” events. The two-part blood drive, the second part of which taking place at First United Methodist Church in Duluth on Dec. 4, allows each person donating to vote for their favorite department of Twin Ports first responders, in a friendly…

UMD hosts Big Band Jazz Concert

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth UMD treated both students and community members to a night of jazz with their Big Band Jazz Concert The big band was joined by the school’s vocal jazz ensemble “Lake Effect”. Tickets were free for all Bulldog students at the event, as all types of musicians got into the holiday spirit. Categories: Community,…

UMD students hold ‘ICE Whistle Training Session’

DULUTH, Minn. — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement increases raids in cities across the country, the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America are taking action of their own. The student organization’s most recent event is what they dub an “ICE whistle training session.” The event welcomed community members to campus as well, with the organizers…

Farmers market vendors say they are still waiting on payments from Community Action Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — During the ongoing tensions between Community Action Duluth and its employees, Twin Ports vendors with the Duluth Farmers Markets are still yet to be paid their promised fee by the organization. According to one of the vendors, many sellers attending these markets have yet to receive compensation from Community Action Duluth, as part of the non-profit’s EBT…

City of Duluth snowplow drivers say they’re ready for first major snowfall

DULUTH, Minn. — With snowplows officially out on Duluth roads assisting Twin Ports commuters, there’s some interesting science that goes along with the first plowable snowfall. While the snow has been few and far between so far during the season, the noticeable lack of snowfall has helped plow drivers be extra ready for whatever comes their way. “The city takes…

Duluth Art Institute hosts parade watch party 4 floors above route

DULUTH, Minn. — While the Northland’s favorite holiday tradition travels along Superior St, the Duluth Art Institute, used the parade of lights next door to help raise money for the non-profit. The institute offered cozy, aerial views of the Christmas City of the North Parade, welcoming guests in for a fundraising watch party. The evening serves as a major fundraiser for…

Community Action Duluth employees host press conference amid management complaints

DULUTH, Minn. — Community Action Duluth, a non-profit since 1982, prides itself on empowering and engaging the community to eliminate poverty, however that pride is currently being clouded by controversy. On Nov. 20, AFSCME and some of the organization’s employees held a press conference in front of the Community Action building protesting Executive director Classie Dudley. Employees both present and…

Lakewood Township hosts discussion on potential St. Louis County zoning transfer

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Lakewood Township’s supervising board hosted a meeting in order to engage with residents about the potential zoning change that the board is considering. The singular item on the agenda for the evening’s meeting was the discussing of the possibility of transferring the town’s local zoning control over to St. Louis County, with many of the town’s…

Indigenous winter market kicks off holiday shopping season

CLOQUET, Minn. — An indigenous winter craft market at the Cloquet Community Center helped kick off the local holiday shopping season. The market showcased pieces from a number of the area’s indigenous artists, each showing off their creations from blankets to bead work. According to one of the event’s organizers, markets like these help local artists get a headstart on…

Grand View Golf Course reopens for final weekend of season

DULUTH, Minn. — Northland golfers are sneaking in one last round at Grand View Golf Course before colder weather strikes. The course, which had previously closed down for the winter, opened back up for one final weekend of golf. Dozens of golfers have been coming out to celebrate the end of the fall season, but the owner of the course…

CURE hosts educational event surrounding data centers

DULUTH, Minn. — Zeitgeist has welcomed Twin Ports residents in for a conversation about data centers. The evening, which was hosted by CURE, was meant educate locals interested in the topic on the different impacts data centers have on communities. The organizers say that when data centers are discussed, it’s important to have all the facts before conversations are had….

Chester Bowl preparing for upcoming winter season

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has begun it’s preparing for the upcoming winter season. The preparations kicked off with ski fittings for young skiers and their families who will be renting the equipment during the season. With events like these featuring well over 100 athletes a night, it’s the work of volunteers that helps Chester get ready for the big…

Minnesota governor candidate Kristin Robbins visits Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Representative Kristin Robbins visited the Northland for a second time as her campaign for governor continues. Robbins is one of a number of Republican candidates running for the seat currently occupied by Tim Walz, who is seeking his 3rd term as Governor. As the Chair of the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, Robbins…

Local businesses host free dinner for veterans in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Armed forces veterans celebrated Veterans Day with a free dinner in Superior. The evening, hosted by Superior Elks Lodge #403, was filled with ceremonies to help bring those in attendance together, and honor those who could not attend, or never made it home. For veterans young and old, it’s events like these that help make each Veterans…

Safe Haven partners with Northland Essentia locations for phone drive

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Essentia Health employees have come together to donate their old cellphones for a good cause. The old phones were donated to Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth, a center for survivors of domestic abuse, where the devices can be repurposed in order to help bring safety to those in need. “These cell phones will…

UMD hosts “Gales of November” in honor of Edmund Fitzgerald

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth played host to a special night of remembrance in honor of Lake Superior’s most famous ship. The production “Gales of November” took the stage at the school’s Marshall Performing Arts Center for a 1-night-only performance to relive the tale of the sinking of the S.S Edmund Fitsgerald. Just like the Fitzgerald, the show’s…

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…