Community

Two New Exhibitions to Open at Duluth Art Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – This week two new exhibitions are opening at the Duluth Art Institute. The first is a solo exhibit by Jonathan Thunder. “Peripheral Vignettes” features all new paintings and will be accompanied by a color catalog, an animation screening, and an artist talk and book signing. The second, “Play,” showcases the work of three artists, Robert Dewitt Adams,…

New “Taste of Duluth” Festival to Provide Local Entertainment

Festival Encourages Family-Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Bayfront Festival Park. The Taste of Duluth is Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than 60 vendors of food, beer, crafts and more. There will also be live music throughout the entire festival. The event is aimed at highlighting all the great…

Dayton, Legislative Leaders Head to Court over Funding

(Photo: Newsfile)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature are headed to court in their dispute over the governor’s veto of the Legislature’s funding. Dayton’s veto following a special session was aimed at reopening negotiations on tax changes that he says favor the wealthy. Republican legislative leaders say his move is unconstitutional. Without the money, paychecks will eventually…

Neighborhood Youth Services Celebrates 25 Years in Hillside Neighborhood

The Program Sees 40 to 70 Students On a Daily Basis

DULUTH, Minn.- Seiquayia Morris was first introduced to the Neighborhood Youth Services around a decade ago, as a student. “My family was we were living in poverty, and it was just a place to come and get away from troubles and help get tutored with homework, I mean it was a great dynamic of culture here and sense of family,”…

Finnish Holiday Juhannus Celebrated in the Northland

Traditional Holiday Celebrates the Beginning of Summer

SAGINAW, Minn. – Juhannus is a traditional Finnish holiday that celebrates the beginning of summer. The festivities came to Minnesota, where the Finlandia Foundation Northland held their annual Juhannus celebration in Saginaw. This year, the holiday is especially big because Finland is celebrating one hundred years as a country on December 6th. Categories: Community, Features, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Far West Fest Invites People to Gary New Duluth

The Event Has Been Going on for 7 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- The Far West Fest continued today on the 1300 block of Commonwelath Avenue in Gary New Duluth. The festival has been going on for 7 years, with the goal of getting people out to enjoy the neighborhood, and meet their neighbors. The event draws around 5,000 attendees to the neighborhood each year. “You’ll be surprised at what we…

CHUM’s Rhubarb Festival Draws Big Crowd

It's One of the Organizations Biggest Fundraisers

DULUTH, Minn.- Churches United in Ministry or CHUM’s Rhubarb festival is a tradition that’s been going on for years, and has become a staple event in Duluth. Pie, Bratwursts, Burritos and lemonades were all served with a rhubarb twist. With Hundreds of people attending each year, the Rhubarb festival is one of CHUM’s biggest fundraisers held all year. Organizers say…

High School and Jr. High School Students Study Music at UMD Music Camp

The Students Held a Concert at the End of the Camp

DULUTH, Minn.- 140 High School and Jr. High School students developed their musical talents at the 23rd Annual North shore Summer Music Experience at UMD. It’s a music camp for students interested in pursuing a career or education in Music. The camp had 4 different categories like Piano, Choir, String instruments, and band. Saturday was the final day of the…

Belknap St. Closes as Construction Continues

Belknap Closed Between Hill and Catlin for Six Days

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The next phase in the Belknap Street construction project started Saturday. Belknap St. closed for six days at 6:00 a.m. Saturday between Hill Ave. and Catlin Ave. to allow workers to install new water lines and storm sewers. Officials say crews will work day and night to get Belknap open by 6:00 a.m. on June 30th. As…

Park Point Art Festival Is Back in Duluth

More Than 100 Artists Showcase Their Work

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a celebration of arts, community and the environment. More than 100 artists were down at Park Point for the Park Point Art Fair. The event started as a neighborhood gathering 48 years ago, that grew into the premiere outdoor visual showcase that it is today. Photographers, painters, sculptors and jewelry crafters showed off some of their work…

Kids Enjoy Puppet Show at the Duluth Public Library

It's Part Of the Kids Summer Reading Program

DULUTH, Minn.- Children enjoyed a puppet show at the Duluth Public Library Plaza, Friday. The traveling show was a one-time event for the library, and featured funny puppets, clowns, and original music and songs. It’s sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System, is part of the kids summer reading program. The library will have more children’s programs in the plaza starting…

Community Members Rally to Defend the BWCA

A Public Hearing Will Be Held July 25th in Virginia

DULUTH, Minn.- Congressman Rick Nolan was on the Iron Range on Tuesday to show his support for the Twin Metals lease renewal, and today, demonstrators rallied in front of Nolan’s office in Duluth, calling for the congressman to protect the BWCA. Many people at the rally believe pollution from the mines could have negative impacts on the boundary waters that…

Vacant Building Owners Could Face Harsher Penalties

Vacant Buildings Can Be Dangerous for Fire Fighters

DULUTH, Minn.- Vacant buildings can be a safety hazard to the public, according to Duluth City officials. That’s why a resolution is headed to the Duluth City Council, proposing harsher penalties to owners of those buildings. Vacant building registration fees are currently 500 dollars a year, but the new proposal would bump the registration fee up 500 dollars, every year…

Outdoor Writers Conference Brings Crowds From Out of State

The Conference Covers Topics Surrounding the Outdoor Industry

DULUTH, Minn.- The 90th Annual Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference kicked off in Duluth. The conference is an opportunity for outdoor writers and journalists to network, brainstorm, and discuss issues surrounding the Outdoor industry. The talks at the event cover everything from photography, writing, and outdoor media ethics, to more political topics like Public Lands, and the new administration….

Duluth Playhouse Presents One Act Festival

Festival Kicks Off in Duluth, Celebrates New Plays Written and Directed by Women Playwrights

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is inviting you to join in on the fun of their first ever One Act Festival. The festival is a celebration of new plays written by women playwrights from around the country and directed by women in Duluth. The goal of the event is to highlight women voices, while showcasing many short seven to…

Active Adventures: HART of Duluth Walking Tour

The Duluth Expereince Now Offers a Tour of Downtown Duluth's HART District

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Experience is inviting you to step into the vibrant downtown craft scene, meet local roasters, artisans, restauranteurs and brewers looking to revitalize the HART District. The walking tour offers behind-the-scenes historical facts and future plans for the Historic Arts & Theater District. Meteorologist William Seay followed along on a tour for this week’s Active Adventures with Kyle…

Emily’s Restaurant Reopening Along Scenic Highway

The popular Knife River restaurant is expected to open up in mid-July under new ownership

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – Nearly two years ago the popular Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River closed up its doors, but later this summer the restaurant along the North Shore will be opening back up under new management. Earlier this year, a group of investors decided to bring Emily’s back to the community and brought on a young, motivated couple…

SWL&P Employees Pitch In For Harbor House

Volunteers Took Part in United Way Day of Caring

SUPERIOR, Wis. – About 20 volunteers from Superior Water, Light and Power worked in the sunshine Wednesday to make the Harbor House Crisis Shelter a little homier. “The whole idea is to make it hospitable, more like a home,” said Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner, Executive Director of Harbor House, which is Douglas Co.’s only crisis shelter for homeless single women and…

Outdoor Writers Association of America Hosts Conference in Duluth

Outdoor Writers to Meet in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has endless terrain for outdoor lovers to enjoy and this weekend some writers will be taking advantage of that as well.   The 90th Annual Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference is June 24-26 in Duluth. This is the third time the conference has been held in Duluth. No other city has hosted the conference more…

Beatrice Ojakangas Displays Many Uses of Rhubarb Juice

Cooking Connection: CHUM Rhubarb Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend rhubarb will be filling Duluth for an annual festival. CHUM’s Rhubarb Festival is Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m There will be everything rhubarb from pies and jams to sausage and juice. There will also be games, crafts, music, auctions and stage shows. This is all taking place at 11th Ave. E….

Kids Celebrate Community with Random Acts of Kindness

The Superior Public Library hosted the event as part of its "Build A Better World" summer reading program

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Kids in Superior celebrated the community today by creating random acts of kindness. It’s all part of the public library’s goal of teaching children to build a better world. Children had the chance to make stress balls, which will be given to Harbor House. They also put together police officer appreciation bags filled with candy and even…

Praying For The Men And Women In Blue

Ashland's Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic Church Hosts Blue Mass

Ashland, Wis. So far this year in the United States 47 police officers have been killed in the line of duty. That’s up 34 percent from this time last year. It’s a scary rise in statistics that some Northlanders are hoping to pray away. Tonight was the 9th annual emergency services blue mass to bless current departments and especially the…

Seniors Celebrate National Selfie Day

Primrose Retirement Community Opened a Selfie Gallery for Staff and Residents

DULUTH, Minn. – At Primrose Retirement Community in Duluth, a special selfie gallery opened today to show the residents and staff some of the best selfies they had appeared in. It gave the residents a chance to look back on all the fun times and visitors they’ve enjoyed this year. “It’s kind of gotten them out of their shells,” says…

Summer Solstice Celebrated With Yoga

Special Class Honored the Longest Day of the Year with 108 Sun Salutations

DULUTH, Minn. – To celebrate the summer solstice, one local yoga studio took their mats outside and welcomed the return of the sun to Duluth. Evolve Fitness Studios offered a special session to observe the longest day of the year with 108 sun salutations, or yoga sequences honoring the sun. The class is taught outside to help participants feel at…

Special Olympics Torch Passes Through the Northland

Law Enforcement Officers Are Escorting the Flame of Hope to the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games

DULUTH, Minn. – The Flame of Hope is on its way to the Minnesota Special Olympic Games. As it travels from Thunder Bay, Canada to Apple Valley, Minnesota, the torch made some stops in the Northland. Law enforcement officers from across Minnesota are escorting the torch through the state to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. “Communities have…

Contented Critters Continues Despite Loss of Founder

After Nearly Four Decades, Founder Faye Walters Passed Away in April; Friends Rally to Continue Legacy

MAKINEN, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers we took a trip to the Iron Range to a place looking to cater to Contented Critters. After a devastating loss just months ago, one woman’s life is now helping to create an ongoing legacy. Animal shelters are common commodities in cities across the Northland. Along Highway 16 in Makinen, Minnesota, you’ll…

Health Professionals Discuss Rural Care Options

More Than 600 Groups Attended Rural Health Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Quality health care can be tough to find for many rural Minnesotans.  So the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and the Minnesota Rural Health Association joined forces with the Duluth–based National Rural Health Resource Center to find solutions. “We’re working in approaches to provide resources for rural health communities and providers,” said Sally Buck, CEO,…

It’s ‘Yappy Hour’ At The Boat Club

Enjoy Food Or Drinks With Your Four Legged Friend

Happy hour with your best friend might be a great way to end your Tuesday. Now there’s an option to do that, even if your best friend has four legs. “Yappy Hour” at the Boat Club in the Fitger’s courtyard is a partnership with A Place For Fido, which is a pet boutique. They even have a special doggie menu with…

Moving Parts Within The School District

Some Parents Aren't Happy; Duluth School Board Believes It's The Right Move

Duluth, Minn. Tonight’s school board meeting in Duluth highlighted multiple topics drawing a big crowd. One of those topics included the move of a successful principal from one school to another sparking concern for West Duluth parents and staff. It’s a move that happens sometimes often in school districts around the country. Districts making moves with highly respected personnel. For…

Superior Business Will Temporarily Close During Belknap Construction

Once Again Used & New will close up for about two weeks because of the road closure

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Construction along a portion of Belknap Street in Superior is about to be shut off later this week, leaving some local businesses with some difficult decisions. Store owners have known for years this road construction project would affect them this summer and for some, they’re now facing the reality of what it will mean for their future…

Safety Updates Coming to Barker’s Island Marina

Electrical Feed Upgrades and New Life Rings Will Be Added to the Docks

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Safety improvements are in the works at the popular Barker’s Island Marina. The Superior City Council voted to approve electrical feed upgrades to the docks and new life rings within the marina. “This is on the water. Safety is one of our biggest concerns down there and, again, this is one of several projects that we’ve done…

Minnesota Boating Safety Law Delayed

Sophia's Law Will Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors on Certain Boats

DULUTH, Minn. – A new boating safety law was expected to be in effect right now in Minnesota, but there’s been a hold up. Sophia’s Law was passed last year by the Minnesota legislature. The law is named after a seven-year-old girl who died in 2015 from carbon monoxide poisoning while napping on her family’s boat on Lake Minnetonka, near the Twin…

Teenagers Learn About Aviation at a Special Summer Camp

The Camp Encourages More Women Into Aviation

DULUTH, Minn.- Fifteen to 19 year old students are trying their hand at operating a flight simulator, building propellers, and even experiencing a flight in one of Lake Superior College’s aircraft, at the aviation summer camp held each year. Women make up only 2-percent of aviation engineers, and this camp aims to change that by offering two different options. A…

It’s the Summer Solstice

It's the Longest Day of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.- The summer solstice is Tuesday and while many people are celebrating the longest day of the year, the solstice is a special day for Wiccans and pagans. For pagans, the summer solstice is a celebration of fire, and centuries ago, was also a time to celebrate the ripeness and fullness of growing crops. Lady Ocalat of the Lady Ocalat’s…

Children Learn About Science at Discovery Camp

The Camp Goes On All Summer

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting their Discovery Camp. The camp helps teach kids about science, math, and the arts in fun and engaging ways. The camp also makes time to get the kids outdoors for a little while. The goal of the camp is to help the kids continue learning while they’re out of school. “When kids…

The Duluth Experience Offers Bus Tour Highlighting Historic Areas in the City

The Bus Tour Goes to Places Like Glensheen and the Depot

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Experience is offering a city tour highlighting the history of the city. One study done last year shows that the second biggest reason tourists visit the city of Duluth is for its historic charm. So the Duluth experience is offering a bus tour that takes people to see historic areas of Duluth like the Glensheen mansion,…

Students Get Hands-On Look at Firefighting

20 Kids are Attending LSC's Fire Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Local high school students are spending part of their summer learning what it takes to be a firefighter. Twenty kids are spending the week at Lake Superior College’s Fire Camp leaning from actual Duluth firefighters. Organizers hope the camp encourages kids to get into firefighting. “This is a great opportunity to get some hands-on experience and see…

Duluth Huskies Partner with The Duluth Experience for “Pre-game Pourtage”

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer the Duluth Huskies are partnering with The Duluth Experience for a new kind of pre-game experience. For every Wednesday home game, they’ll host the Pre-game Pourtage. This tour begins at 3:30 p.m. with a history tour of Wade Stadium. That is followed by transportation to Bent Paddle at 4:00 p.m. with the opportunity to try…

Railroad Museum to Celebrate Locomotive #28 with “Steam Weekend”

Northland Uncovered: Lake Superior Railroad Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders and tourists will have the chance to hit the rails of the North Shore Scenic Railroad with a very special locomotive in charge. Steam power is back in the Northland with the restoration of locomotive #28. The train will take passengers to Two Harbors and will stay in town for about two hours. Passengers will…

Duluth Residents Still Rebuilding After 2012 Flood

DULUTH, Minn.- Perry Vitullo woke up around midnight five years ago when she noticed the river next to her house in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood was flooding. “I was sitting in the living room, looking out the window, thinking I was watching the discovery channel,” said Perry. Firefighters came by to evacuate families, but Perry and her husband Dick…

New Walking Tour Showcases Duluth’s Historic Arts & Theater District

The tour will make stops at the Duluth Coffee Company, Lake Superior Art Glass, Blacklist and Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. – A new guided tour is giving visitors a behind the scenes look at Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theater District. The HART of Duluth walking tour was created by The Duluth Experience with hopes to educate visitors and residents about the history of this downtown area and connect them with local businesses. The tour will make stops at…

Neighborhood Remembers Extreme Aftermath of Floodwater

The damage was so severe, Governor Mark Dayton even came to talk with neighbors

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth neighborhood was severely damaged by the power of the flood five years ago. People who lived along Vermillion Road woke up to the sound of water gushing through the streets, and witnessed an aftermath that looked more like an earthquake. The road, warped and destroyed from the amount of water that came down the hill…

Grandma’s Restaurant Still Recovering from Record Flood

The restaurant took on nearly three feet of water from nearby Miller Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Five years ago, relentless rain clogged pipes, overflowed sewers and blew manholes into the air. Miles of roads and streets crumbled and washed out, leaving some stranded and others forced to evacuate. History was made by mother nature on June 19, 2012. Grandma’s restaurant took on nearly three feet of water from nearby Miller Creek, surrounding the…

Grandma’s Marathon Celebrates Another Successful Year

DULUTH, Minn.-After bringing thousands of runners together for all the Grandma’s Festivities this weekend, plans for next year are already coming forth. Registration for all of next year’s races begins October 1, with the full marathon being held on June 16. Event organizers told us today the event could have gone any better, as the volunteers really stepped up again….

It’s Been 5 Years Since the Flood of 2012

The Flood Cause 47 Million Dollars Worth of Damages

  DULUTH ,Minn.- Monday marks 5 years since the flood of 2012 that caused damage to thousands of households in the Northland. Experts say a few days before the flood, there had been a couple inches of rain that had saturated the soil, so when the next round of rain came on June 19th the soil couldn’t hold anymore rain. …

DTA Introduces More Trolleys

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Transit Authority Port Town Trolley is back on the streets of Duluth this summer with an expanded route as they now have two trolleys along with a backup. The new route will go along Superior Street from 10th Avenue East to Sixth Avenue West. It will then go from Bayfront to Canal Park. The trolley is also…