Community

Woodstock Bay Reopens as Superior’s Newest Waterfront

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Sunday’s warm weather brought many out to Superior’s remodeled Woodstock Bay. In a Facebook post, Superior’s Mayor Jim Paine welcomed the community to check the former gravel and dirt boat landing on Friday. Woodstock Bay now provides walking trails, a pavilion, a restroom, a bike repair station, and a place to dock kayaks. Since reopening, plenty of…

64th Annual Lumberjack World Championship Concludes

HAYWARD, Wis. — This weekend saw the return Lumberjack World Championships, this year entering in their 64th official year. Lumberjack World Championships has been apart of the Hayward culture since the 1890’s, but wasn’t recognized world-wide until 1960. This year saw 97 different athlete compete head to head in 10 different events like log chopping, speed climbing, boom running, sawing,…

VIDEO | Day of Mayhem at Proctor Speedway Bus Races

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor Speedway was filled with a destructive kind of enthusiasm as hundreds waited in the grandstand to watch buses and old vehicles crash into each other at this year’s Mid Summer Night of Mayhem. This year’s race was postponed due to Saturday’s rain, but crowds still roared as automotive mayhem endured on Sunday. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News,…

4th Annual Agate Festival Returns to Support Duluth MakerSpace

DULUTH, Minn. — Ursa Minor Brewing was the place to find agates this weekend for the 4th Annual Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival. Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor partnered, to host this year’s festival. People enjoyed food, beer, raffle drawings, and live music; all while shopping fort agate-based artwork created by vendors. All the artworks were made from agates found around the Lake…

Polish Student Makes Education Impact to Hibbing Community; Practicing Business Skills

HIBBING, Minn. — Poland may be over 4,000 miles away from Hibbing, but for one young man wanting to learn about business from Katowice, the similarities to home made it an easy journey. Maciek Marchaj is in Hibbing, Minn., for the summer but he grew up in near Krakow, the second largest city in Poland. His hometown of Katowice is…

City on the Hill Christian Music Festival Continues Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — City on the Hill music festival returned for its 9th year at Bayfront Festival Park.  The two-day Christian music festival is expected to see 10,000 spectators to attend over the weekend. This year spectators can watch local, national, and international Christian music artists like Derek Charles Johnson, Brennley Brown, Logan and Katie, Matt Maher, Ignescent, Matthew West and…

Fish Found Mysteriously Dead in Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — Under mysterious conditions, residents along Duluth’s Hunters Park neighborhood woke up Thursday morning to dozens and dozens of dead fish along Tischer Creek. According to the Duluth News Tribune, about 250 brook trout, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic bugs were dead. The DNR and Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency crews have taken samples of the aquatic creatures and water…

Spirit Valley Community Center Project Update

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth and community partners speaking on Thursday about the Spirit Valley Community Center Project. The goal is to create a place for indoor games, recreation and workforce development in West Duluth. It’s all still in the planning stages but the city is making it a priority because they believe the neighborhood has a lack…

Bryant Elementary PTO Rummage Sale This Weekend

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The annual Bryant Elementary PTO Rummage Sale is underway. The school is located on Central Avenue in Superior. The Parent Teacher Organization hosts the event receiving donated items from school families and the surrounding community. All proceeds go toward bus rides, school supplies, yearbooks, and free events for students. The PTO President says it is hard to…

Barbie Exhibition Coming Soon to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– The doll that has it all is being showcased in Duluth for the upcoming Barbie Exhibition. The upcoming event that highlights all things Barbie is right around the corner. There will be more than 300 vintage artifacts for guests to check out. In addition, there are plenty of photo opportunities to interact with. From the mirror pink Corvette,…

44th Annual Spirit Valley Days Begins

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Valley Days has kicked off in West Duluth. The jam-packed weekend through Saturday has all types of fun like a big parade, pancake breakfast and a car show. As for Thursday, the Italian American Club served up some brats and patties. “Being Italian, family is important. West Duluth is our family. And so, we come out…

Hibbing Public Library Hosts End of Summer Party

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing Public Library is celebrating books and the summer season. The library hosts an end of summer picnic every year. There are bounce houses, face painting, carnival games and food. Kids also get to take a few books home. It is a free event to bring community members together. The library hopes people see that it…

Northland K-9s Show Off At 10th Annual Operation K-9

SUPERIOR, Wis.–K-9 units from five law enforcement agencies were on full display in Superior Thursday for the 10th annual Operation K-9. Officers and their partners in crime demonstrated tasks for a big audience on the field next to Wessman Arena. Dozens of families, first responders, and supporters of the police packed the stands for a free series of demonstrations. Fox…

Duluth Fire, Police Duke It Out For Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire and Police Departments went head-to-head on the diamond Thursday night, all for a good cause. For the last 15 years, the two agencies have played a charity ball game at Wade Stadium to raise money for local families who have children with life-threatening illnesses through the Northern Lights Foundation.  The Northern Lights Foundation provides families,…

Lake Superior Zoo Introduces Sand Cats

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo has two of the cutest new critters! Their names are Tony and Pumpkin and they are male Sand Cats. Sand Cats are native to the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of central Asia. They make burrows in the sand where they shelter during extreme temperatures. They eat small rodents…

Pick Your Own Blueberries in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — Did you know you can pick blueberries right here in the Northland? Blackbirds and Blueberries is located in Cloquet, with 3 acres of bountiful berry bushes to pick from. Customers can pluck to their heart’s content, and owners say there’s no need to fear sticker shock when the day is done. “We’ll supply the buckets that you…

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center One Year Later

DULUTH, Minn. — Just one year ago on Wednesday, Essentia Health opened doors to its $900,000,000 St. Mary’s Medical Center, emptying patients out of their St. Mary’s Legacy Hospital. In its first year of operations, the Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center has delivered 1,600 babies, performed 14,000 surgeries, and admitted 17,000 patients. The hospital provides state of the art…

Canadian Snowbirds Launch Free ‘Air Spectacular’ Over Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Canadian Snowbirds swooped into Duluth Wednesday evening for a free show over Lake Superior — the Duluth Air Spectacular. People were able to watch the show from the Lakewalk, the Rose Garden, at Fitger’s, and in Canal Park. Nine aircraft from the Canadian Snowbirds showed off some impressive displays.  The city of Duluth was selected as…

Upcoming Pop Culture Convention Happening in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– A gathering encouraging self-expression, connecting, and bonding over similar hobbies and passions. That’s the goal for this upcoming event in the Northland. It is no secret there is a lack of pop culture conventions in Duluth. But soon enough, there will be one right in town. The second annual Teeb Con will be showcasing pop culture, comic, and…

Convention Gathers Community Bankers at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Community bankers from across the state become on Tuesday at the DECC. It’s part of the BankIn Minnesota Convention. The goal is to have a collective voice among community bankers to better engage lawmakers at the State Capitol among the others. “They are run independently with their local communities. They participate within their communities, a lot of…

Community Action Annual Training Conference Takes Place at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Community Action’s Annual Training Conference kicked off Tuesday at the DECC. “It’s my honor and pleasure to welcome and thank you Minnesota Community Action Partnership for hosting your 60th anniversary here in Duluth. The theme ‘Our Legacy, Our Future’ feels particularly fitting,” said Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert. “To work with people to address causes and conditions…

Wis. Farming Family’s Dog Killed By Wolves; Congressmen Tiffany, Stauber Talk Wolf Hunt

MASON, Wis. – Living up north means living with some of America’s most beautiful creatures, like gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list. But for a farming family in Mason, Wis., they say the growing wolf population has become a serious problem for their livestock and even their beloved pets, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. Growing up…

Temporary Plan Unveiled To Battle Overheating At DECC Arena

DULUTH, Minn. — After two recent weekends of unbearable heat inside the DECC Arena, Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman says he’s made the “tough decision” to rent a temporary AC unit until $2.8 million in state bonding money can be used to install a modern-day AC system for that side of the DECC. Hartman said the project could take up to…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn. — A quarter-century staple of Canal Park Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant is known for its fine dining atmosphere and superb wine. Since its opening in 1998, the restaurant has separated itself as a more higher-class dining experience. The restaurant brings in a welcoming northern Italian feel, that’s reminiscent of Duluth’s very own hillside. “Our owner at the time, 25…

Duluth Encampment Told To Vacate After Explosion, Overdose, Defecating In Fountain

DULUTH, Minn. — A three-month-old encampment outside Duluth City Hall was declared a serious health and safety risk Tuesday morning. The city’s Life Safety Team informed those camping on the property to vacate within seven days. The camping tents first popped up in May as a pro-Palestine demonstration and have since grown to include people who are homeless. The city…

Sixth Annual Vets on the Lake Fishing Event

Superior, WI- Boat motors ran early on Saturday for the 6th annual Vets on the Lake fishing event. The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, The Douglas County Veterans Service Office, and the Western Lake Superior Trolling Association host this event. A total of 120 veterans, 60 from Minnesota and 60 from Wisconsin went out on Lake Superior for a day…

Art Fair Features Women-Made Crafts

DULUTH, Minn. — Local artists gathered at the Peace United Church of Christ for the 15th annual Woman-Made art and gift fair organized by Wendy Up North. Over 20 local women artists had booths at the fair. Customers had an opportunity to purchase items like Stained glass art, jewelry, pottery, baked goods, and more. Customers could also connect with the…

Falastin Temporarily Closes Due to Graffiti Threats Found on Property

DULUTH, Minn. — A local Palestinian market and deli closed its doors temporarily on Friday after threatening graffiti was found on the property. The Duluth Police Department says it was a “derogatory anti-Palestinian” message occurring at Falastin on the 4700 block of East Superior Street. Authorities say it appeared to have occurred sometime between 3 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m….

Summer of Service Clean-Up Event in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday people from radio station Life 97.9 paired up with Twin Ports Trailer Trash to get Duluth a little cleaner. Through the radio, they encouraged listeners to get outside and help keep the community clean. Volunteers hit the park point beach to pick up trash along the shoreline. They say, they had their work cut out…

Bellisio’s Recognized for Superb Wine Selection for Last 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Since opening 25-years ago, Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant has been selected “Best of Award of Excellence” for their superb dining experience by Wine Spectator. Every year Wine Spectator carefully selects the best of the best when it comes to a fine wine and dining experience. This year, 25 restaurants in Minnesota were up for the prestigious title and…

Community Celebration for 34th Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An event in Superior showed how our community helps individuals with disabilities. There were lots to celebrate Tuesday afternoon with the 34th Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary. Guests had the opportunity to become more informed about the disability community. It was an environment for learning, connecting, and growing. There were booths that brought awareness to topics ranging…

FinnFest Kicks Off Festivities With Floorball

DULUTH, Minn.– FinnFest began by introducing an exciting sport to their lineup of activities. Duluth is gearing up for a weekend filled with making connections, learning and teaching about the Nordic culture, and lots of Floorball. For the first time, the popular Finnish sport is being highlighted for this year’s FinnFest. Floorball is similar to hockey, and it features five…

Remembering Duluth’s Portia Johnson; Civil Rights Advocate, Educator, Mother

DULUTH, Minn. — Longtime Duluth activist Portia Johnson died over the weekend at the age of 88. Tuesday afternoon, family members, friends, and community members gathered for a special ribbon cutting extending Portia Johnson Drive down the hill from the Duluth Public School District’s administrative offices. “She listened to the people of Duluth, their feedback and gave voice to their…

Duluth Park & Recreational Staff Recognized for Engaging Youth Bike Program

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth youth bike program was recently recognized for their efforts of getting kids outdoors and enjoying the local parks and trails system. Duluth Parks and Recreation was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association. The parks and recreation staff started a youth and community bike program last year and have already…

FinnFest Back at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — A 5-day event showcasing the Finnish culture starts Wednesday in Duluth. FinnFest is all about bringing people together and celebrating the Nordic heritage. The event features cultural food such as salmon soup and Finnish pancakes. As well as music, language seminars, and foreign affairs topics. One highlight is an up-and-coming sport in Finland called Floorball. “So, floorball…

Stuff the Bus Offers a Busload of Support for Students

DULUTH, Minn. — Students are getting a busload of support from local businesses and the public through the annual Stuff the Bus project. The goal is to gather school supplies to ease the financial burden on families. Each year, they’re able to hand out hundreds of backpacks filled with supplies to students in need throughout the Northland. This year, one…