Community Archives - Page 267 of 296

“I’m a Tourist Too” Training Session Readies Businesses for Summer

Customer Service Workers Had a Chance to Brush Up on Their Skills Before Tourist Season

May 24, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth businesses got a chance to brush up on their customer service skills before kicking off the tourist season. Duluth has six to seven million visitors every year which makes the hospitality business vital to the local economy. Customer service workers got a special free training session today to help them get ready for summer. The Duluth…

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Celebrated at His Childhood Home

Fans Ate Birthday Cake and Listened to Dylan's Music

May 24, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is Bob Dylan’s 76th birthday and fans took the time to celebrate as part of Duluth Dylan Fest. A local artist performed some of Dylan’s music right on the porch of the legendary musician’s childhood home, while fans in attendance celebrated by eating birthday cake. “Lots of fabulous artists live in this region and we get…

Lincoln Park Students Walk to Promote Overall Health

Walk to School Wednesday Helps Students, Staff and Community Leaders Build a Stronger Community

May 24, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a beautiful Wednesday morning for a group of Duluth Lincoln Park Middle School students to hit the sidewalk and make their way to class as a group. It’s all part of a local campaign known as Walk to School Wednesdays. Organizers started the weekly routine at the beginning of May and say they’re seeing growth…

Volunteers Paint Game Room at Duluth Boys and Girls Club

May 24, 2017

William Seay,

DULUTH, Minn. — The game room at the Lincoln Park Boys and Girls Club is getting a spiffy makeover thanks to some hard-working volunteers. A team of volunteers came to the Duluth Boys and Girls Club branch to update the color scheme and breathe new life to this old gymnasium. The new colors will match the organization’s logo. It’s part…

Officials Unsure of Biwabik City Hall Future

City Council Recently Voted to Board the Nearly 110 Year Old Building

May 24, 2017

Greg Chandler,

BIWABIK, Minn. – Biwabik’s old City Hall was built in 1908 and on the outside the building looks to be in great shape. Since 2009 the building has housed a substation for the Gilbert Police Department. However, recent inspections turned up some dangerous conditions and the city council voted to board up the nearly 110 year old structure. “I understand…

Duluth Police Investigating Phone Scam Posing as Police Chief

May 24, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Chief’s secretary received a call from a Duluth resident who was being scammed over the phone, according to the Duluth Police Department. The report indicates that the caller was posing as Police Chief Mike Tusken and informed the person they had won $1,000,000 from Publisher’s Clearing House, but that someone had claimed their prize….

Gardeners Hoping for Warmer Planting Conditions

Bending Birches Greenhouses has seen some eager gardeners, but the cold, rainy weather has impacted sales

May 24, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average conditions around the Northland have led to a slow start to planting season. Bending Birches Greenhouses opened up May 1st and have seen some eager gardeners, but overall the weather has impacted sales. Jahn Hibbs, the greenhouse manager and grower at Bending Birches says it’s best to wait until the first week of June, when…

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

May 24, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…

Pet Insurance Increasing in Popularity

Local Farmers Insurance Agent Shares Importance of Pet Policies

May 24, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Health insurance has been a hot topic for months now as lawmakers look to improve our healthcare system. But, what about our furry friends? We often forget about the possibilities of dreaded medical bills when taking our pets to the veterinarian. “I don’t think people know about it yet,” said Patrick Shelton, Farmers Insurance Agent in Duluth, Minnesota….

Duluth Memorial Day Parade Struggles for Entrants

Parade Has Been Around Since the 1800's

May 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Memorial Day parade is a tradition dating back to 1871. But lately organizers struggle to fill the parade. “With the busy lifestyle of a lot of these younger couples, maybe they don’t have the time,” said Brenda Haase of the Northland Veterans Service Committee. “And it’s the Memorial Day weekend, and they don’t want…

Great Outdoors: Bike Rodeo

Kids Learned Bike Safety While Having a Lot of Fun

May 23, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…

Prince Fans Honor Music Legend By Roller Skating

World of Wheels in Superior Hosts Second Annual Prince Tribute

May 23, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Prince fans had a chance to honor the music legend by skating to some of his songs. World of Wheels in Superior held their annual Prince Tribute, featuring Prince-themed trivia, games, and prizes, while fans of all ages skated to his iconic music. “We plan on getting a whole bunch of people in here,” says Tyler Severin,…

Paddling Club Takes to the Water in Superior

Every Week Club Members Get Together to Practice Dragon Boat Paddling

May 23, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Dragon Boat Festival isn’t showing signs of disinterest. The group Blue Water Paddling meets every week on Barker’s Island to get their paddling on and practice for the Dragon Boat Festival in August. The group is always looking for new members and is open to people of all ages and skill levels. “This is my third season…

Carlton Voters to Decide School Future

Referendum Up for Vote August 8th

May 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

CARLTON, Minn. – The future of Carlton High school is up for a vote August 8th. That’s when voters in the school district cast ballots on a two question referendum. The first, to approve more than $23.5 million to renovate South Terrace Elementary and build a new high school on the site. The second would approve another $3.3 million for…

Caregivers Find Resources at Conference

Event at WITC Brought Back an Old Conference for Caregivers

May 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Indianhead Techinical College hosted a one–stop shop for caregivers Tuesday. At the Caregiver Conference, sponsored by the Caregivers Coalition, both professional and at–home caregivers could learn from speakers, vendors and other community resources. WITC used to hold an annual Caregiver Conference and organizers wanted to bring it back. “We had service providers come together, we haven’t…

Frozen Photographer Exhibit Opens in Grand Marais

Photos by Frozen Photographer Facebook Page Members Are Being Shown in the Exhibit

May 23, 2017

Lena Takada,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- A photo exhibit in Grand Marais showcases the work of 22 photographers from the Frozen Photographers Facebook page. The exhibit, “Be There or Be Square” opened Friday at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery. The exhibit features nature photography taken by people who brave the cold to find the perfect shot. “People come to this area because they…

Tourism Season Kicking Off in Grand Marais

Most Businesses Are Open by Memorial Weekend

May 23, 2017

Lena Takada,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- Grand Marais was recently named the Best Midwestern Small town by USA TODAY, and locals believe this award is drawing well deserved attention to the city. The Small Northern town is known for its proximity to the wilderness, bike and hike trails, and access to a wide range of outdoor activities, but that’s not all. “There’s a…

ADVISORY: Increased Military Aircraft Activity in Duluth Area

May 23, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Noticed more activity in the sky? The 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth is hosting and participating in a military training exercise May 22-24. During these few days, there will be an increased number of jets flying over Duluth and Northern Minnesota regions from approximately 9:30-11:30 a.m., as well as from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Increased noise and overhead aircraft…

Memorial Day Celebrations at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

May 23, 2017

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of Memorial Day, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center has planned several activities, as well as free admission for Veterans all weekend. 9:00 a.m.: The American Legion Post #435 will perform a memorial service at Calvary Cemetery 10:30 a.m.: Another memorial service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery 1:00 p.m. : The Superior Signers…

Free Summer Camps and Academies Offered at Lake Superior College

Educational Camps Feature Aviation, Nursing, Robotics and More

May 23, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer Lake Superior College is continuing their tradition of educating youth for free through summer academies. Registration is now open for the academies that are offered in several subjects. All exploration academies and camps are held in June and July. Summer Academy/Camp Subjects: Aviation Camp -A summer camp for young people ages 15-19 who are interested…

Class Offers Glimpse into Carlton County Past

Northland Uncovered: Carlton County Historical Society

May 23, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many people like to know how the area they live in came to be. Some folks in Cloquet are helping make that happen. The Carlton County Historical Society is hosting a five-week course on the history of the county. Museum Director Rachael Martin will conduct the classes based on archival materials from the historical society’s collection. This…

The Affordable Housing Coalition Releases Priorities for 2017

Some of the Priorities Include Programs to Help Get Former Felons Housing

May 22, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Affordable Housing Coalition released its priorities for this year. The coalition hopes to create a 3 million dollar affordable housing fund to mitigate cuts in federal housing dollars, and to get funding for tenant and landlord services, including money for an incentive program for landlords to rent to people convicted with felonies. “A majority of Duluthians particularly renters…

Art Show Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan

The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café

May 22, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café. Local artists paid tribute to the music icon with photos, paintings and other creative pieces of art centered around Dylan. Ed Newman helped curate the art show. He says it’s a great tribute to Duluth’s native son, who was has…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

May 22, 2017

Brett Scott,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Celebration for National Maritime Day Held in Duluth

It's a Day to Celebrate One of the Most Important Industries in Our Area

May 22, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members honored National Maritime Day in Duluth, Monday. Maritime Day honors one of the most important industries in our area, and the people who work in it. Matt Doss, Policy director for the Great Lakes Commission says the great lakes are a great economic asset to communities around them. Maritime commerce on the great lakes generates more…

Proposed Rule Would Require Landlords to Pave Backyard Parking Spaces

The Ordinance Won't Be Ready For a Vote Until June

May 22, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposal for changes in Duluth’s parking requirements for home owners and landlords will be considered by the city council. The proposed rules would require property owners with gravel parking lots in their backyards to pave the parking space instead. The proposal was made after city staff noticed and received complaints that some of the gravel is running…

One Dead After Crash on Highway 13 North of Bayfield

May 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

Bayfield Co Sheriff’s Dept. BAYFIELD, Wis. – A woman has died after a crash on State Highway 13, just north of Bayfield, Wisconsin. The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call of the accident around 11 a.m. Monday. A pickup truck heading south on State Highway 13 collided head-on with a car headed north. Evidence at the crash scene,…

Ashland Bus Crash Victim Identified

The incident happened on STH 112

May 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Around 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 19, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a car that had rear-ended a school bus on State Highway 112 approximately two miles south of Ashland. Ashland County Deputies and other agencies arrived on scene to find the driver of the car not breathing. David Hamann After preliminary investigations,…

Extra Seat Belt Enforcement Hits Minnesota Roads

Click it or Ticket campaign will run through June 4

May 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

MINNESOTA – Extra enforcement for more than 300 agencies will hit Minnesota roads today for the Click It or Ticket campaign run by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. Agencies will conduct extra seat belt violation enforcement, which will run for two weeks throughout the entire state. Minnesota law states that drivers and all passengers must…

Explosion Destroys Cabin near Solon Springs, Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized

Incident happened on Lake of the Woods near Solon Springs

May 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – A man is hospitalized after an explosion at a cabin on Lake of the Woods, just east of Solon Springs, Wisconsin. The man suffered burns and smoke inhalation, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was reported just after noon on Friday, May 19 at 10654S Lake of the Woods…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

May 22, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Safety and Preparedness Tips for Outdoor Activities

The Duluth Experience Starts New Tours for Summer Season

May 22, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – When venturing onto the water or onto a hiking trail, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO for The Duluth Experience, says you need to have the right tools when going in the woods or on the water in case something goes wrong. Grandmaison says the best thing you can do is…

Two Dead in Crash near Hibbing

Mountain Iron Resident Dies in Crash

May 22, 2017

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn.-One person was killed at 6:45 p.m. Sunday in a two-vehicle crash on the Iron Range. A car was traveling northbound on Spirit Lake Road when it pulled in front of an SUV going westbound on Highway 169 east of Hibbing. The car then struck the passenger side of the SUV. One of the passengers in the car, 73-year-old Carol Mattila,…

Summer Camps Educate Children as School Closes for Season

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children's Museum

May 22, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the school year is nearing and many children will soon be home for the summer. The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting several summer camps to keep children busy throughout the season. These camps aim to educate children without them realizing as they have fun with friends and activities. Topics will cover STEM, art, and history…

Local Businesses Hold “Duluth Made” Event

Pop-Up Market Hosted By Evolve Duluth Featured Local Vendors

May 21, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses were brightening up this gloomy day with what’s known as a “Duluth Made” event. Artists, creators, small business owners and more all showcased their talents at this unique pop-up market. The event was hosted by Evolve Duluth and spread out throughout the studio space in the old City Hall Building on East Superior Street. “Being…

Ground Broken for New Habitat for Humanity Home in Superior

Home Expected to Be Completed by the End of the Year

May 21, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ground was broken on a new house being built through the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The project is located at 710 Weeks Avenue in Superior. A grant from Thrivient Financial will cover much of the cost of building the three bedroom home, with volunteer labor and other community donations paying for the rest. “It feels…

Thousands Dance the Weekend Away at the International Polka Festival

The Festival Has Been Going On for 39 Years

May 21, 2017

Lena Takada,

HINCKLEY, Minn.- Florian Chmielewski picked up an accordion more than 70 years ago, and discovered his love for Polka Music. “I only knew 4 songs and my neighbor come over and asked if I could play for his wedding and I said, ‘no I only know 4 songs’ and he said ‘just play them over, that’s fine,’” remembers Florian. In fact,…

S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Offered Free Ship Tours on Opening Day

May 21, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It may feel like fall weather outside, but that didn’t stop a popular attraction in Superior from opening up for the summer season. And to celebrate, the S.S. Meteor Museum gave free tours. These innovative ships were called Whalebacks for their cigar-shaped steel hulls that rode low to the water when loaded with cargo. “It’s older than…

Old Firehouse and Police Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Houses Wisconsin Police and Fire Hall of Fame

May 21, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Old Firehouse Museum has opened its 1898 doors for the first time this season. The fire house is located on 23rd Avenue East. You can see historic firefighting equipment including the chief’s nineteenth century horse-drawn buggy, and Ahrens steam pumper. “Seeing the old machines, the trucks, they’re from different eras, it just has a magic feel…

Pat Cadigan Remembered at International Polka Festival

Cadigan Was a Close Friend of the Chmielewski Family

May 21, 2017

Lena Takada,

HINCKLEY, Minn.- Legendary Duluth radio host Pat Cadigan, who passed away about a week ago, was remembered at the International Polka Festival in Hinckley over the weekend. Cadigan is a member of the Polka Hall of Fame, was heavily involved in the International Polka Festival and was close friends with the Chmielewski family, who puts on the Polka festival. “Pat…

First Responders Get Hands on Training at a Staged Bus Crash

The Training Comes Just After 2 Bus Crashes in Wisconsin

May 20, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- Fire fighters and emergency responders are the first ones on the scene when a crisis happens. Today, many agencies like midway first responders, St. Louis County Rescue, and the Proctor fire department were in Proctor getting hands on training on what to do in the case of an automobile accident. First responders arrived at the staged scene of…

Athletes Compete in the Special Olympics in Cloquet

It's a Chance for Competitors to Make Friends While Exercising

May 20, 2017

Lena Takada,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The cold weather didn’t stop athletes from competing in the Special Olympics held at Cloquet high school, Saturday. Organizers say the goal of the event is to help people get out and exercise, while socializing with friends. Events held included field events and 10 meter, 200 meter and even up to 1500 meter races. “Pretty much everybody needs…

Duluth Public Library Celebrates Arbor Day

May is Arbor Month in Minnesota

May 20, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- Children and tree lovers celebrated Arbor Day at the Duluth Public Library. The celebration included a reading of the Lorax, live music, and talks on why trees are important to people and the community. Louise Levy from Levy tree care was recognized as thee local Lorax at the event, for her efforts in educating people about trees. “I…

$5 Book Sale At Gabriel’s Book Store

Shoppers Fill Their Bag With As Many Books As They Can

May 20, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – A unique sale had books flying off shelves at Duluth’s Gabriel’s Book Store. For just 5 dollars shoppers could cram as many books as possible into a large paper bag. All the money raised goes to St. Michael’s Church. Gabriel’s specializes in old and used books. Plus there are plenty of kids’ books and records at affordable…

Barker’s Island Farmers Market Opens

Farmers Sell Their Fresh Goods

May 20, 2017

Joey Norton,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County farmers have a new spot to sell their wares. Barker’s Island’s Farmers Market opened today. Shoppers can find all variety of locally grown produce and other products. One farmer we talked to says today’s weather didn’t help sales but a little rain won’t keep the farmers away. “No matter what the weather is like the…

SLRA Volunteers Team Up To Clean Portion In Superior

St. Louis River Cleanup

May 20, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. – Volunteers from the St. Louis River alliance spent the day cleaning up the river. Decade’s worth of trash that had been dumped alongside the St. Louis River continues to be a problem for the St. Louis River alliance. “We find TV’s and other electronics down in there and those certainly are hazardous,” says Bill Majewski, Chair of…

Hakes Considers Congressional Run

Former Cook Co. Commissioner May Run for the 8th District Seat

May 20, 2017

Greg Chandler,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Former Cook County Commissioner Sue Hakes announced she formed a Congressional Exploratory Committee to look into running for Minnesota’s 8th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. “When I think about Minnesota’s 8th District, I think people first” Hakes said in a press release. “I want to fight the current administration’s budgetary goals which chip…

UWS Multicultural Awards

Three Individuals Who Are Committed And Passionate

May 19, 2017

Joey Norton,

Superior, Wis. Community diversity is a big part of what makes UWS, UWS. The University of Wisconsin Superior Office of Multicultural Affairs awarded students and community members for the role they played in their commitment to increasing the opportunities to diverse communities. The community diversity award is presented to three individuals who are committed and passionate about making the world…

Jan Swanson Commits To Council Run

Jan Swanson Kicked Off Her Campaign Tonight

May 19, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. An at large candidate has put her name on the ballot to possibly become part of the Duluth City Council. Jan Swanson kicked off her campaign tonight at the Incline Station. There she met with residents and shared what would be her platform. She plans to focus on three things. Lowering taxes to drive more businesses to the…

Eighties dance party supports Choice, Unlimited.

An 80s themed party supports individuals with disabilities

May 19, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s Ignite Studio invited people for a party – 1980’s style. Eighties music, 80s hair, and 80s workout gear was everywhere as folks got “physical” for a good cause. The whole thing was a fundraiser for Choice, Unlimited, an organization which helps people with disabilities lead a more active life. “We think it’s key to be out and be…