Community

Council Discusses Public Safety Plan Amid Packed Chamber Room

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s City Council got their first chance Monday evening to discuss 10 proposed ordinance amendments to curb non-violent crimes in the city. It would make actions such as camping on city property, graffiti, and unlawful possession or firing of an airgun misdemeanors. An overflow crowd gathered in and near the council chamber’s room for a chance to…

MnDOT Crews to Repaint Route Arrows in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Lane closures and delays are expected along the crosswalks and intersections of Hwy 169 in Grand Rapids. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be refreshing turn arrows and crosswalks for easier viewability throughout the next week. Motorists are asked to use extra caution when traveling through work zones, seek alternate routes, and avoid left turns at…

Two Workforce Development Nonprofits Merge Providing Career Building Opportunities

DULUTH, Minn. – True North Goodwill and SOAR Career Solutions announced their plans for a merger. The two nonprofits both focus on workforce development in our region for decades. Through recent conversations between the Executive Director of SOAR, Emily Edison, and President & CEO of True North Goodwill, Dodie Brown, they found their companies visions aligned.  “This is an opportunity…

64th International Regatta Brings Together Rowing Community

DULUTH, Minn. — The 64th Annual Duluth Rowing Regatta took place on Saturday. Close to 100 Duluth Rowing Club members were joined by crews from around Minnesota, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. Regatta Chairman Eric Dott says much of the event’s success relies on outside factors. “The weather will affect how far we are able to complete all of the races,”…

Rose Fest 2024 Celebrates Duluth’s Summer Blooms

Visitors enjoyed the gardens and learned more about roses from the Lake Superior Rose Society

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday was Rose Fest at Duluth’s Rose Garden and people from all over came to celebrate. The free event featured guided tours, classes on selecting, growing, and arranging roses, and even a treasure hunt for kids. The Leif Erikson Rose Garden is maintained by the City of Duluth and the Lake Superior Rose Society, a volunteer organization…

Duluth Climbers Coalition Welcome Inexperienced Climbers to ‘Flock to the Rock’

DULUTH, Minn. — While Duluth offers a wide array of hiking trails to get outside UMD students and members of the Duluth Climbers Coalition offer another way to traverse some of Duluth’s rockiest trails. On Saturday, the climbers coalition offered community members out to Ely’s Peak to scale alongside the cliffside for their annual Flock to the Rock event. The…

1st Annual Duluth Summer Slam Pickleball Tournament Rallys Community

Picklers of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds entered this weekend's tournament

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Pickleball Association Summer Slam Tournament kicked off on Friday at Wheeler Athletic Complex and will continue throughout the weekend. One hundred forty five pickleball players from around Minnesota, as well as Canada, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan, and Florida are set to compete. Picklers from eight to eighty will compete in various events over the…

Two Harbors Heritage Days Brings Out Locals and Tourists Alike

The four day festival has plenty to explore for everyone

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Friday was the second day of Two Harbor Heritage Days, a summertime celebration for the North Shore community. Heritage Days is well underway in Two Harbors. The festival invites locals and tourists alike to enjoy an arts and crafts show, parades, entertainment, and dancing. With something for everyone, the four day celebration is a hit among…

Civic Center Farmers Market Filled With Local Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. — The 6th annual Civic Center Farmers Market is back in Duluth with local vendors. Eggs, meat, and homemade baked goods were among items there on Thursday. Plants, flowers, soaps, crafts, live music and food trucks, too. Superior Currents is an art business that features driftwood earrings and necklaces made with beach glass. The art is heavily inspired…

Major Affordable Housing Developments Underway in Harbor Highlands

DULUTH, Minn. – 40 new single-family detached additions of affordable housing units broke ground Thursday in the Harbor Highlands neighborhood. The Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Duluth held a ceremony which kickstarts Phase VI of the development project.  This phase is focused on the construction of 10 1-bedroom, 14 2-bedrooms, 12 3-bedrooms, and 4 4-bedroom units. 7 units of housing…

Passengers Board North Shore Scenic Railroad for Barbecue and Views

The North Shore Scenic Railroad is Offering Its Barbecue Dinner Train Once Again

DULUTH, Minn. — All aboard for barbecue! The North Shore Scenic Railroad is once again offering Summer BBQ in the SkyView. The trip up the North Shore offers Famous Dave’s barbecue with a side of lakeshore views. According to the railroad’s General Manager Ken Buehler, they have been offering this experience for a few years. It’s an important part of…

Union Gospel Mission Receives Outpouring Support For Summer Weekend Food Bag Program

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Union Gospel Mission is receiving a lot of support for their Summer Weekend Food Bag program. The program fills bags of food with easy to prepare items. The bags are then delivered to local youth organizations that distribute them to children who don’t have adequate food access over the weekends. Many local groups help fill the…

Downtown Duluth’s Sidewalk Sale Returns

DULUTH, Minn — The summer weather on Wednesday was very appropriate for the kick-off of Downtown Duluth’s Sidewalk Days. Wednesday was the first of three days of Sidewalk Days sales taking place on Superior Street. On a day where the weather was beautiful, the crowds turned out in big numbers. They may have come for the sales, but they were…

Spirit Lake Reopens as Part of St. Louis River Site Contaminant Free

After years of restoration, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency announced another larger portion of the St. Louis River Site to be cleared around Spirit Lake from pollution where former US Steel plants once stood in West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. — For decades now, the over 500-acre site commonly referred to as the St. Louis River Site contained pollutants from the former US Steel facilities. Today, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and members of US Steel confirmed the portion surrounding Spirit Lake is now contaminant free. Over the last three years, crews have worked on removing polycyclic aromatic…

Life House Welcomes New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. — A non-profit organization helping youth recently welcomed a new executive director to the team. Amber Sadowski worked at Life House from 2015 to 2022 and served as the Operations Director. Altogether she brings 9 years of non-profit experience to the team. She is looking forward to continuing her efforts in helping youth in need. Over time Life…

Duluth Mayor Proposes ‘Public Safety Ordinances’ For Non-Violent Crimes

DULUTH Minn.– Improving public safety is one of Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert’s top priorities. On Monday afternoon, he and his chiefs of police and fire announced a proposal to help cut down on non-violent crimes. The plan includes 10 city ordinances that will amend sections of the city code. This includes introducing misdemeanor-level offenses for problems such as burning, graffiti,…

Local Dog Training Business Takes Off

  DULUTH, Minn.– A dog training business is offering a unique approach when it comes to treating behavioral issues. Owning a dog can have its ups and downs. Unresolved issues in these animals can lead to dangerous interactions down the road. Northwood Dog Training is able to adapt to the needs of the specific dog. They take pride in their…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Local Reptile Business Seeks New Home

HERMANTOWN MN. — Tucked away in the basement of the World of Fish building, The Snake Pit is a hidden gem for reptile enthusiasts. Guests can get to know animals like snakes, geckos, skinks, tarantulas, tortoises, and even an alligator. Just to name a few. For Snake Pit owner Roger Hill, this hobby, and business, has been a lifelong passion…

Culture Summer Camp to Engage Children in Ojibwe Cultures

CLOQUET, Minn. – A summer camp in Cloquet looks to introduce and connect younger children to indigenous cultures. At Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, the two-day summer camp will teach children math, science, and art – all while exposing the youth to the Ojibwe language and culture. Children there will also learn traditional Ojibwe games and songs.  “Bringing…

Duluth Huskies Baseball Team Reads To Young Fans

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Duluth Huskies baseball team made a stop at the Cloquet Public Library Monday. Players read stories, answered questions and showed little leaders some of their stretches. Each kid got to go home with a free signed book. The book that was read was about how baseball is in Japan. Staff said everyone learned something from it….

New Healthcare Education Center Opens its Doors

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There’s a new opportunity for people to learn the ways of being a Certified Nursing Assistant. The Workforce Training Insitute, a nonprofit organization, kicked off their CNA education course Monday morning. The nonprofit is located in the Dove Healthcare center in Superior. It covers a wide range of students. They achieve hands on learning, labs, and even…

Bent Paddle Brewing Hosts Boundary Waters Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.– Folks paddled on down for this Boundary Waters fundraiser Friday Afternoon. There was a good turnout for the 2nd annual Paddlin’ For The Boundary Waters fundraiser in Duluth. Bent Paddle Brewing welcomed local food vendors, and businesses.  During the party, Dave Simonett’s band ‘Dead Man Winter’ put on a concert for guests. There was also a chance to…

I-35 Fencing Deter Homeless Encampments from Growing

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the past few years, homeless encampments between Railroad St. and I-35 have appeared causing numerous clean up projects in the tourists center of Duluth. Just last year MNDOT started the initiative to put up fencing along the interstate to prevent people from seeking shelter underneath.  In the past, homeless activity has caused scares for the overpass,…

103rd South St. Louis County Fair Back In Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. — The 103rd annual South St. Louis County Fair is back this week. The fun takes place at the Proctor Fair Grounds with each day full of activities for all ages. There is live entertainment, carnival rides, food, and plenty of animals to see. A big part of the fair is introducing people to agriculture. Fair organizers attend…

A New Mexican Restaurant Opens in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A new Mexican restaurant has already seen success in the two weeks that they’ve been open.  Located in the historic Duluth Herald Building, Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant has reported busy afternoons since their opening in June. Emiliano’s got their name from the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who was known for leading an army to fight for land reform…

Cloquet Celebrates Independence Day

CLOQUET, Minn. — While Fourth of July Festivities were happening around the Northland, Cloquet had its own festivities celebrating Independence Day. The fun kicked off with a parade and races in the morning and it kept on throughout the day as a July 4th Festival was held at Veterans Park. The festival had helicopters rides, trampolines, slides and food trucks….

Superior Parade Kick Starts Twin Ports Fourth of July Festivities

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s summertime. Which means parade season is in full swing. There’s plenty of reasons to gather. From our nation’s heroes to your everyday local business just starting out. Like the Adventure Acres in Superior. “So, we are opening a tourism farm in August. So, we have goats, and chickens and bunnies. And then like a corn pit…

Fourth Fest is Popping at Bayfront Park

The 4th of July festivities continued, with local vendors and views of Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. — It was another day of music, food, and fun at Bayfront Festival Pak with Fourth Fest kicking off Thursday evening. Crowds gathered as soon as the gates opened, wandering around the vendors and scouting the best spots for their lawn chairs. Dozens of food trucks offered everything from corn to crepes. One of the popular items was…

Mont du Lac Celebrates the Fourth of July

Superior, Wisc — The Mont du Lac Resort is celebrating Independence Day with special events for its guests this weekend. It’s the 76th anniversary of Mont du Lac and the 16th year that It has been a four-season resort. Guests at the resort are enjoying the many activities…from music, swimming, and biking to a summer water park and a Bar…

It’s a Sweet 4th of July at Burlington Station

The North Shore candy store is treating the Two Harbors community to some Independence Day fun

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Up the shore in Two Harbors, you don’t have to wait for the firework show for the festivities to begin! Joining the Annual Children’s Festival and Dinghy Parade. Burlington Station was getting in on the fun for the first time. The Sweetest Store on the North Shore had a 4th of July Bonanza, with activities and…

4th of July Festivities Have Officially Begun In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The 4th of July festivities have officially started in Duluth. The fun happening Wednesday with Hairball rocking at Bayfront Festival Park. Then on Thursday Fourth Fest includes live music, fireworks, and plenty of food and drink options. The week ends with a sold out Trampled by Turtles show happening Saturday. Fourth Fest is a free and accessible…

DECC’s ‘Taco Fest’ Faces Criticism For Not Including Local Mexican Restaurants

DECC officials said its kitchen-prepared event will break even and support staff during slow summer months.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC’s first-ever Taco Festival is drawing some criticism because the event does not include any local Mexican restaurants. The DECC describes the event as “a festival-style taco extravaganza,” “a street party with tacos,” and “signature margaritas.” The Taco Fest is happening outside Pioneer Hall Saturday, July 6, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.  The DECC’s kitchen…

Downtown Duluth Looking to Get In on Outdoor Dining

Options are increasing for summer outdoor dining in the Waterfront District as a part of the ongoing effort to revitalize downtown

DULUTH, Minn. — In the summertime, tourists flock to Duluth for the Lake Superior views and endless outdoor activities. They also begin to fill up restaurant patios, milling around the popular Canal Park and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. The nonprofit Downtown Duluth is looking to get Superior Street and the rest of the Waterfront District in on the fun. “Much of…

Local SANE & Registered Nurse Wins International Award

DULUTH, Minn. — A well-deserved individual received an award for her 17 years of dedication towards helping others. Being named the heart and soul of PAVSA’s SANE, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, Alisha Blazevic has left quite the impact over the years. Blazevic is involved with numerous organizations including the Sexual Assault Response Team. Since 2007, she has completed…

Knowing Your Neighbor: ‘Mythical Minnesota Moose’ Comes to Life

DULUTH, Minn. — On the backside of Spirit Mountain just outside of Duluth city limits, a group of artists spent the waning days of June constructing a glowing homage to Minnesota’s largest native animal. The idea start to form in Dundee, Scottland, where Duluth All Souls Night Artistic Director Mary Plaster connected with Minnesota-born Puppeteer Andrew Kim. “And it was…

Stray Dog Rescued from Culvert in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. — A stray dog was rescued from a culvert in Ashland on Monday. The Chequamegon Humane Association posted photos of the rescue. According to the post, it took first responders multiple tries to rescue the stray dog as they kept being interrupted by other calls. But after a while, Ashland Firefighters were able to nudge the dog out….

52nd Park Point Art Fair Connects Community With Artists

Over 100 artists had booths on Park Point this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather could not have been better this weekend for the 52nd Park Point Art Fair. Crowds from the Northland and beyond gathered to see over 100 artists with an array of talents. The volunteer-run fair focuses on connecting ‘high-caliber artists directly with the community.’ They also gave out awards for different art styles. This year silk…

Blast From the Past: Earth Rider Hosts Tribute to 1967 Monterey Pop Festival

Twin Ports artists performed their own renditions of some 60's classics

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Things were getting groovy at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior on Sunday afternoon. Fans put on their best “Summer of Love” apparel for ‘Twin Ports Does The Monterey Pop Festival 1967.’ The concert was a tribute to the festival best known for performances by Jimi Hendrix and The Who. It also introduced Janis Joplin and Otis Redding…