Community

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…

4-H Hosts First Ever Puppet Camp at the Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Depot is hosting some puppet-masters in the making this week. 4-H Duluth, in collaboration with the Depot is holding its first ever puppet camp. It’s a week-long program that aims to teach 3rd through 6th graders the art of the puppet. From choosing the story to designing the characters, these students are in control of…

What You Need to Know About Minnesota’s New Child Passenger Safety Laws

DULUTH, Minn. — Starting August 1, there’s new ways for children to be safe while riding in vehicles. The new “5 Step Test” aims for child safety. Children must (1) sit flat against the back of the seat (2) without falling asleep consistently, (3) keeping knees at a 90-degree angle (4) with the seat belt resting across the hips and…

Grant Funded Shopping Spree for Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– School will be in full swing soon enough. And one local organization received a grant for that special time of year. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland paired up with Kohl’s to help them with school supplies this fall. Since 2019, Kohl’s has partnered up with the organization, supporting the youth across the nation. The Duluth…

17th Annual Reggae and World Music Festival Takes Place in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park was full of dancing, culture, and connecting on Saturday. It was all part of the 17th Annual Reggae and World Music Festival. More than a half-dozen artists shared their music with the crowd. Food trucks were there, too, offering Jamaican dishes and other food from different cultures. For some, reggae fest is about…

Chisholm Armory Hosts Open House For Community

CHISHOLM, Minn. — There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of the Army National Guard. On Saturday, Military members at the Chisholm Armory had the opportunity to show the community what they all do. People could check out the armory’s fleet of vehicles. Guests also had the chance to climb inside and look around. There was a lot…

10th Annual Bike Duluth Festival Brings Together Cycling Community

The 10th Annual Bike Duluth Festival is this weekend and the fun kicked off at Spirit Mountain Friday evening. The event brings together bikers from around the country, with all different specialties and skill levels. Organizers say this year, 700 riders are signed up over 12 races. Things kicked off on with the Chainless Downhill Race. Like the name implies,…

Kids Discover Fossils at the Minnesota Discovery Center

  CHISHOLM, Minn.– Kids experienced a day full of discoveries while hunting for fossils. “Paleo- Camp” gave kids the opportunity to find fossils that are around 90 million years old. Using a variety of tools, the campers combed through the Hill Annex State Park to make discoveries of their own. They were able to find things like snails, and shark…

Duluth Man Sells Architectural Salvage He Gathers From Churches and Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — One local man has made quite the collection of unique pieces over the years and this weekend he’s hosting a sale. For over 30 years Bob Swanson has been collecting architectural stone. He will go into churches or schools to disassemble the buildings. All to find those cool pieces. At the sale you can find limestone, brownstone,…

A Behind the Scenes Look At Train Track Inspections

DULUTH, Minn.– Being out on the railroad, there is so much to take in. Unexpected landscapes, and behind the scenes projects. The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad gives people the opportunity to experience the outdoors from a new perspective. All thanks to the help of volunteers. Before all of this happens, there are countless safety measures put in place. “The…

Hermantown Fire Department Launches New Program

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Fire Department has launched its new community connect program. This program is about supply first responders with vital information to better meet the needs of the community when they are called upon. Hermantown residents and businesses can voluntarily input any information that they think will aid responders. Users can outline their health or mobility issues,…