Community

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory prepares for Valentines Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is getting ready for Valentine’s Day. The local shop says its most popular treats during the holiday are chocolate-covered strawberries and handcrafted truffles. There are options for people who aren’t big fans of chocolate, including salted caramel and assorted candy bags. The shop will also offer dipped dog bones for those celebrating Valentine’s…

Governor Evers visits Ashland to address cost of living issues with community members

ASHLAND, Wis.– Governor Evers visited Ashland Thursday to address what he is calling a cost-of-living problem across the state. The governor met with numerous community members to talk about how it is becoming a growing issue. Attendees expressed the need for increasing k-12 school funding, and prioritizing safe, clean, drinking water. This follows a legislative agenda letter, urging legislators to…

Another scuffle at UMD Turning Point USA table leads to police call

Screen shot of Turning Point USA bottle throwing incident on UMD Campus 1/29/2026 DULUTH, Minn. — Two people have been ticketed for an incident that happened at a Turning Point USA table in the University of Minnesota – Duluth Kirby Student Union. On January 29, 2026, UMD police reports say student Lars Morris called one of the people sitting at…

College students prepare for upcoming career fair

DULUTH, Minn. — Fuse Duluth partnered with the UMD Career Center to host the second annual “Ready for the Real World Series.” The free event was open to all college students across the Twin Ports, not just UMD students. Local employers, including AMSOIL, Cirrus Aircraft, and Maurices, hosted roundtable discussions focused on interview skills, personal branding, and negotiation strategies. Students…

Skate for the Heart held at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Families, love birds, and community members of all ages celebrating Valentine’s Day with a night of skating at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. As skaters made laps around the rink, songs about love played throughout the arena, creating an enjoyable atmosphere. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, skaters were treated to a special gift, a night of free skating. “I…

Explore MN conference reflects on statewide tourism impact

DULUTH, Minn.– A two-day conference is underway, and it’s reflecting on how tourism has impacted the state. Over 500 tourism professionals are at the DECC to discuss how each county can shine. The focus is on marketing, AI and evolving the tourism industry. One representative said, getting together to network does wonders for smaller communities. “It’s exciting to welcome people…

Lakeside Early Learning advocates for emergency childcare plans

DULUTH, Minn.–A devastating pipe burst at a local childcare center has sparked a bigger conversation surrounding childcare operations in the region. Providers, senators and commissioners met today to discuss potential emergency plans, to prevent closures. The conference comes after the pipe burst at lakeside early learning, which happened late January and resulted in a 6-day closure. Lakeside Early Learning staff…

7 West TapHouse hosts fundraiser for victims of Hermantown house explosion

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly two weeks after an explosion at the Green Acres Townhomes killed two residents and affected others, 7 West TapHouse is serving up pints to help. The 7 West TapHouse on Maple Grove Rd is hosting a fundraiser to support residents impacted by the large blast. Proceeds of pint sales from Blacklist Brewing, Castle Danger Brewing and…

Many Rivers Montessori Middle Schoolers host Empty Bowl Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at Many Rivers Montessori Middle School held their annual “Empty Bowl” fundraiser. Throughout the school year, the students created handmade bowls for their student-run Empty Bowl event. Each piece was thrown on the wheel, glazed, and fired at the school. The students also planned and ran the event themselves, from start to finish. Every purchase included…

Hundreds gather at Duluth Curling Club to support Cory Thiesse and Kory Dropkin

DULUTH, Minn.– Two Duluthians made history Tuesday morning, by becoming the first USA duo to take home a medal in mixed doubles curling. And in their hometown of Duluth, hundreds gathered at the Duluth Curling Club to see it happen. “We knew it was just going to be explosive in here,” said Nicole Caldwell, Events Manager at the Duluth Curling…

Duluth political expert speaks on the weight of modern-day endorsements

DULUTH, Minn. — With caucuses around Duluth now complete, all eyes are turning towards the next steps in political campaigns across the state, but in an era of diverse and divisive politics, how much does an organization’s endorsement really mean? “The Republicans tend to stick to them a little more than the Democrats,” said Dr. Cindy Rugeley, an associate professor…

Health Care Providers share struggles with Rep. Zeleznikar

Rep. Zeleznikar at the listening session DULUTH, Minn. — Representative Natalie Zeleznikar visited Duluth to meet with local health care providers about challenges they are faces. The series of listening sessions were held at Ecumen Lakeshore. Representative Zeleznikar met with representatives from disability providers to home care, to assisted living and nursing home care. They discussed the complexities of meeting…

2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Tourism professionals became the tourists today at the DECC. Visit Duluth got to host the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. The conference is a learning and networking opportunity for tourism groups. It’s been about a decade since the last time Duluth got to host this conference. It brought about 600 visitors to the area. The Executive Director…

Applications open for Alworth Transfer Pathway Scholarship

DULUTH, Minn. — The Marshall H. & Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund is now seeking applicants for their Transfer Pathway Scholarship. The scholarship awards $12,000 to current college sophomores completing an associate’s degree and transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree in an approved math, science, or medical field. “The Transfer Pathway Scholarship is for students who chose the two-year school route…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Harry Welty

DULUTH, Minn. — Harry Welty has lived in Duluth for over 50 years, spending time on the school board, but he’s better known for his snow sculptures outside his house. Welty’s work can be seen, driving up 21st Ave. He’s been making snow sculptures for 38 years. Welty said that his mother was an artist and wanted him to be…

Duluth City Council discusses two ICE-related resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council discussed two ICE-related resolutions. One resolution sought to clarify the communication and enforcement relationship between Duluth and the federal government regarding civil immigration laws. Another, urging Governor Tim Walz to issue an emergency order creating temporary statewide housing protections for families affected by the metro surge. “This is an opportunity to us for…

City of Virginia first responders move into brand new Public Safety Building

VIRGINIA, Minn.– After more than 120 years, Virginia first responders finally have a new place to call home, and it’s filled with upgrades that were long overdue. “It’s just extremely surreal moving into a brand new, modern fire station. I honestly, when I started here, I didn’t know if that would happen in my career,” said Jonassen. Deputy Fire Chief…

Community Action Duluth’s plan to move forward after state’s enhanced monitoring

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth(CAD) has laid out its plan to move forward after the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) identified 15 “deficiencies.”  These were laid out in a late November letter to CAD.  They were mandated to turn in a planned document of the state by the end of January.  FOX…

Vacationland Peer Support nonprofit holding spaghetti feed fundraiser

POPLAR, Wis.– A non-profit dedicated to helping out first responders recover mentally from traumatic experiences is hosting a spaghetti feed, to expand their efforts, across Douglas County. Vacationland Peer Support got its start, two years ago when the founder, Randy Martin, found comfort in helping others, after his time as a fire chief. Since then, he has dedicated himself, to…

Hermantown woman shares her story after explosion damages her home

  HERMANTOWN, Minn.– Following the terrible explosion at ‘Green acres’ in Hermantown last Saturday night, one of the residents there is going back for the first time, and re-lived what she said, no one should ever go through. “I guess I just, in my whole life, never expected anything like this to happen. But I’m lucky, I’ve had many many…

Positively 3rd Street Bakery raises $17,000 for Minnesota Mutual Aid

DULUTH, Minn.– For a little over a week, Positively 3rd street bakery dedicated 100 percent of proceeds to helping out Minnesota Mutual Aid, to help families and refugees affected by the ICE occupation. Bakery staff says, they were blown away at the community support, following the decision to fundraise. They anticipated a goal of 5-7 thousand dollars but raised over…

St Louis River Alliance hosting winter safety event at Munger Landing

DULUTH, Minn.– A place that was once inhabitable for wildlife and recreation is now hosting a day of fun, safety, and learning. It will take place February 7th at Munger Landing, from 12-2 PM, will be a day dedicated to ice safety. The DNR alongside the St Louis River Alliance will educate attendees on surveying ice thickness, as well as rescuing…

NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown hosting free premiere of “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge”

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– A special premiere at the NorthStar Ford Arena is coming up to highlight a locally produced film. This Saturday, all are welcome to pack the new NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown for the first public showing of the movie. “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge” was shot in the longtime original hockey arena next door. It’s a story about a…

Duluth Chamber of Commerce and LSC hold Diversity Equity and Inclusion Summit

DULUTH, Minn.  — The topic of equity and inclusion took center stage Thursday in Duluth for business leaders, educators, and people in the community. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Superior College put on the summit. Experts talked about how noticing, listening, and engaging can create more value and inclusive workplaces and communities. Several speakers and panels went…

Downtown Duluth hosts 41st annual dinner

DULUTH, Minn. — 500-plus business and community leaders attended “Downtown Duluth’s” 41st Annual dinner. Speakers ranged from Mayor Roger Reinert to small business owners like Christie Erickson of Vitta Pizza. The gathering celebrated the community’s efforts to continue building a safe and welcoming waterfront, while supporting continued leadership and business development. “It’s an organization that brings power and people and…

Q & A with the lead attorney suing Homeland Security for Duluth Schools

June Hoidal DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District filed a lawsuit against Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, plus other people and agencies.  The lawsuit is trying to stop immigration enforcement actions near schools.  The suit was also in partnership with the Fridley School District and the Education Minnesota teachers’ union. Just hours after the…

Duluth City Council to consider resolution on federal immigration efforts in city

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is slated to discuss a “resolution clarifying the communication and enforcement relationship between the city and the federal government with respect to enforcement of federal civil immigration laws within the city of Duluth.” The resolution is now on the agenda for the February 9, 2026 City Council Meeting.  It is co-sponsored by city…

Families bundle up for Winter Walk to School Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth students of all ages were trudging through the snow this morning as a celebration of sorts. Wednesday February 4th was the state’s “Winter Walk to School Day”. The day promotes healthy exercise and making safe choices on the way to school. But mainly, it’s about teaching students’ safe routes to school. “The kids learn about safe…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office PAL Boxing Club hosts open house

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League Boxing Club hosted its first open house this evening. The boxing club is located in the former First Presbyterian Church on East 2nd Street. The program came together through community partnerships and donations. This included equipment and financial support that helped transform the once-empty space into a fully…

DFL Party holds annual Caucus meeting

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor party held its Caucus Night across Duluth. The meeting took place at five different locations, giving Duluth residents a chance to participate in political discussions regarding the parties’ priorities ahead of upcoming elections. Attendees debated resolutions on topics ranging from immigration enforcement and gun control to non-disclosure agreements. “It is so important to…

Travelers without “Real ID” required to pay 45-dollar fee

  DULUTH, Minn.–TSA now has a new 45-dollar fee for travelers without a Real ID. The 45-dollar fee covers the cost of an alternative identity verification system, called “TSA ConfirmID”. Officials with the Duluth Airport Authority said, that those without a Real ID can still travel, but they may face longer screening times. DAA officials said,  if you’re traveling soon…

UMD students make tie blankets for Aspirus patients

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD Students spent the evening making tie blankets for the St. Luke’s Foundation. The event was organized by the club known as ‘SERVE,’ or Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences. Organizers say the goal is to create up to 50 handmade blankets, which will be given to patients and families at Aspirus St. Luke’s to provide warmth…

Nurses lead Nightingale Walk honoring Alex Pretti

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered downtown Duluth for the Nightingale Walk honoring the life of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti. The candlelight vigil was organized by two local nurses. A brief ceremony was held by the Nurse Honor Guard before everyone began the walk along the lake. Participants carried candles during the walk as a symbol of remembrance, grief, and solidarity….

Second Harvest Northland celebrates a successful 2025

DULUTH, Minn.– Second Harvest Northland in Duluth is calling the previous year a success, despite roadblocks such as program cuts, and snap benefit pauses. Shaye Morris, the CEO of Second Harvest Northland said, 11 million meals were distributed across the 15-county region. Morris said, this year brought along challenges with economic uncertainty. Factors such as the government shut down did…

Northland father seeks community support for daughter’s unexpected illness

  DULUTH, Minn.– A northland family is hoping for community assistance, after their daughter needed unexpected brain surgery. Her father, Jakell Ross said, the 10-year-old was airlifted to the children’s hospital in St Paul last week for emergency surgery. Ross said his daughter, Ahlyna Stamps, had been struggling headaches, which turned out to be a sinus infection. The infection quickly…

Cold conditions bring hot competition to Barkers Island

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Engines roared across the ice as racing enthusiasts gathered for a winter competition on a track far from traditional. From bikes, to quads, and side-by-sides, the competition welcomed a variety of racers taking to the ice in front of Barkers Island. The event, hosted by the nonprofit group Midwest Ice Racing Association, takes place during the Lake…

Zenith Bookstore sees increased sales in the dystopian genre

DULUTH, Minn. — A local bookstore has seen an uptick in sales for one particular genre. As many Minnesotans express uncertainties about the state’s future, many readers are gravitating toward dystopian novels. Zenith Bookstore in Duluth has noticed the trend, spanning everything from the classics to new releases. Store manager, Sarah Brown said, “history repeats itself, and what these books…

Lake Superior Ice Festival kicks off for weekend of fun

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Lake Superior Ice Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From hockey to disc golf, a tubing hill, arts, crafts, food trucks and so much more – there is something for everyone at this fun family friendly event. It’s not all out in the cold either. There is an escape room, bonfires, warming tents, and other indoor…

Rep. Stauber ducks out of Teamsters meeting, dodging blocked media and protesters

FOX 21 confirmed two Duluth police officers were contracted by U.S. Capitol Police to be at the union hall; Non-local law enforcement were also there

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber’s office responded to FOX 21’s request for more information Thursday involving a Wednesday night protest outside the Teamsters Local 346 building in Duluth involving the congressman. The spokesperson said Stauber was invited to the private gathering inside the union hall with the Teamsters to give an update on the Faster Labor Contracts Act….

“No NDA’s in the DFL” meeting held at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — The topic of non-disclosure agreements took center stage at a public meeting at Zeitgeist. Elected officials and community members alike gathered to discuss NDA’s ahead of an upcoming caucus. The focus was on how NDA’s have been used by officials, but an update was also provided on the Hermantown data center. Small groups broke out for discussions…

ISMA hosts 136th Grand Lodge Convention

DULUTH, Minn. — A gathering was held for the 136th annual Grand Lodge Convention hosted by the International Ship Masters’ Association. Founded in 1886, the organization represents licensed Great Lakes mariners. Its mission focuses on education, safety, and environmental stewardship from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. That mission will be reflected throughout this weekend-long convention. The event…

Brightwater Health reveals re-branding

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest mental health and addiction services provider has officially re-branded. Brightwater Health, formerly known as the Human Development Center, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included remarks from Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce president Matt Baumgartner and guided tours of the space. “Most people in our community, at some point, will have…

St. Louis County welcomes new deputies and corrections officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office swore in new sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Nine deputies and seven corrections officers were sworn in by Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and pinned by friends and family. The event also recognized new civilian staff hires, promotions, and the swearing-in of the department’s newest K-9, Ollie. Among the new deputies is retired…

Protestors gather outside Rep. Pete Sauber’s meeting with Teamsters

DULUTH, Minn. — A protest was held outside the Teamsters Local 346 union hall in Lincoln Park, where Congressman Pete Stauber was believed to be attending a private gathering. People outside said they showed up looking to share their concerns with proposed legislation easing federal restrictions on mining near the Boundary Waters, and the current unrest in Minneapolis involving ICE…