Community

Bemidji Schools Move To E-Learning Day Due To Threats

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji Schools are having an e-learning day Wednesday, due to a credible threat made to an ISD 31 school and a specific staff member. The Bemidji Police Department says Tuesday evening the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received several text-to-911 messages of a threat. They then recommended schools close for the day after not being able to…

Lake Superior College Art Show On Display

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of pieces of student-made artwork is on display at Lake Superior College. The show includes drawings, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, metal art, and graphic design all there. Many of the students are using the creativity to fulfill their fine arts and humanities. “The majority of our students are not art majors. Many of them like art. Some…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Morgan Music

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Whether you’re playing the Amsoil or just learning the chords, Morgan Music on Banks Avenue in Superior is here for you. “We employ friendly gear gurus,” said Tal Morgan, owner of Morgan Music. “Noncommissioned. They’re just here to help you on your journey.” Opening their doors in November they’ve already seen a healthy flow of local musicians….

Finally: Fall Graduation at Lake Superior College!

Many students with some fall classes remaining didn't have to wait for spring to celebrate.

When it comes to graduation, many of us think of spring and the end of the school year. But for some college students, it’s the fall when they finally take that last class. Celebrating that is what brought students and faculty together at Lake Superior College Monday afternoon. Although there was a spring graduation ceremony, many students still had a…

Julebyen, Centuries Old Traditions Still Celebrated

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — “It’s a small community. It started off as a fishing village. A lot of Scandinavian residents got it started and that trend has continued,” said Chair of Julebyen Helene Hedlund. Knife River celebrated ten years of Julebyen, an event which translate to “Christmas Village.” Both Scandinavian and German traditions kept alive in the community through the…

Be A Santa To A Senior A Success In The Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — A local organization is making sure seniors are not forgotten this holiday season. Home Instead is a supportive services home care provider for senior citizens. Every year they gather specialized requests from different facilities around Duluth and Superior to make the holidays a little brighter for seniors. It’s called Be a Santa to a Senior. Those requests…

Agreement Reached For Sale of KQDS-TV, FOX21

Duluth, MN – The owners of KQDS-TV, FOX21, have entered into an agreement for the sale of the station. Red River Broadcast Co., LLC has signed an asset purchase agreement with Coastal Television. Coastal Television operates ten television stations in seven states; Alaska, Wyoming, New York, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana. “We think Coastal will be a good fit for…

DECC Getting Ready For Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday, organizers are preparing to turn Harbor Drive into the Duluth Winter Village. The event takes place this Saturday and Sunday and will look like a German Christmas market. With 25 cabins decorated by local vendors, bonfires, music, festive beverages, llamas, and more. New this year is a children’s shopping adventure where for a flat fee kids…

Santa Claus Arrives At Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas! Santa Claus has officially arrived at the Miller Hill Mall. Families can now visit with Saint Nick as part of the Simon Santa Photo Experience. Santa says he’s met as many as 100 kids a day. He also gets many of questions about where his reindeer are when he visits, well they…

An Infectious Canine Respiratory Illness Spreads Throughout The Country

DULUTH, Min. –Dr. Scott Beeman, a veterinarian at Duluth Veterinary Hospital, has devoted his life to working with animals. He says it is important to remember that during this time of year any respiratory illness is common. However, he noted there is an increase in cases, along with some that are significantly more severe and long lasting. “This has been…

Ronald McDonald House Northland Provides Place To Stay For Families In Need

DULUTH, Minn. — A non-profit in Duluth is making sure families that are suddenly displaced feel comfortable during the holidays. The Ronald McDonald House Northland provides a home away from home for people whose children are having a medical crisis. They provide free overnight rooms, laundry services, meals, and hygiene products. Around the holidays they try to make it special…

Hermantown Fire Evolves Past Volunteer Model

The Department continued growth by hiring a fire inspector and training officer

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Fire Department is expanding its efforts to better serve the community. Over the past year, the City has been making changes to the volunteer firefighting model. That system has been in place for more than 70 years. But as Hermantown grows, the Fire Department is looking to not only increase efficiency, but support their firefighters….

Superior Fire Department’s Annual Toys for Tots Campaign Well Underway

Organizers are asking for early donations, especially for teenagers

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Christmas is coming early at the Superior Fire Department, and they are asking for the community’s help. Their annual Toys for Tots campaign is well underway. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, the department will spread holiday cheer early, on the weekend of December 16th and 17th. Superior Firefighter John Lundberg said people can help…

Twin Ports Grad Sharing Naval Academy Experience

Talks to students about his desire to serve his country, as well as the opportunities.

Rising global tension has put a spotlight on armed forces around the world. Some of those currently training to serve were among college students who were home for the Thanksgiving weekend. Kai Braaten grew up in the Twin Ports and is now a Midshipman Third Class at the United States Naval Academy. He said a primary goal for him was…

‘Steam-Powered Christmas Tree Train’ Chugs Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — An old-fashioned, steam-powered Christmas Tree Train departed the Duluth Depot for Knife River over the weekend. When the locomotive arrived to its destination at the train station in Knife River, riders could pick out a tree, wreaths and garland, which was hauled back to the Depot by train car. The unique ride is made possible because the…

18th Annual Gobble Gallop 5K Fun On Thanksgiving Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Racers trotted through the streets earlier this Thanksgiving Day for the 18th annual Gobble Gallop 5K. Produced by the Duluth Running Company it is a tradition for many people to run before the big meal. Other race options also included the Tough Turkey one mile and the Gobble Giddy Up for kids. This year’s charity partner is…

Duluth Police And Firefighter Of The Year Recognized

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth police officer and firefighter were recognized for their efforts Wednesday. The Kiwanis Club of Duluth hosted the 2023 Duluth Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year Award Ceremony. The firefighter of the year is Josh Bade. He was selected by peers within his department for all of the hard work and dedication he puts into…

Goat Hill Marketplace In Duluth Has All Your Holiday Essentials

DULUTH, Minn. — One store in Duluth is making sure people are fully prepared for their Thanksgiving dinners. Goat Hill Marketplace, located in the Lincoln Park Craft District has all of the holiday essentials including potato mashers, roasting pans, butchers twine, turkey bags. There are even food ideas like stroopwaffel pie crust, cocktail mixers, and flavored sugars. The market’s general…

Glensheen Mansion Flips For Christmas; Santa, Reindeer Arrive At Fitger’s Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas has arrived at the historic Glensheen Mansion with candlelight tours! Marketing Manager Mike Mayou said visitors will experience the magic of Christmas and be taken back to the early 1900s when Glensheen was built. The rooms and hallways are full of Christmas lights, 27 trees and hundreds of feet of garland. There are even 25 elves…

Coast Guard Fries Turkeys For St. Scholastica’s Free Thanksgiving Buffet At DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanksgiving may be two days away, but a massive cooking operation is well underway at the DECC for the annual St. Scholastica free Thanksgiving Buffet. Volunteers from Minnesota Power took over the DECC’s big kitchen Tuesday to help prepare more than 6,000 cups of cranberry and help peel 1,800 pounds of potatoes. The turkeys weight in at…

Final Report Issued In Outside Investigation of Sexual Abuse Allegations at Duluth’s Vineyard Church

Report said church had a "dismissive response to concerns"; church moving toward a culture "more resistant to abuse and toxicity."

Duluth’s Vineyard Church says it fully accepts the findings of an investigation done by an outside organization, after sexual abuse allegations emerged at the church. The church says it vows to heal wounds, regain trust and make changes. Former youth leader, 35-year-old Jackson Gatlin, has been charged with ten criminal counts involving five females at the church. For its own…

Cruising Industry Brings $600k Of Economic Impact To Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The cruising industry created nearly $600,000 of economic impact in Duluth this year. The DECC announcing this Tuesday. In 2023 over 4,000 passengers visited Duluth aboard 4 different cruise ships. Regionally almost 25,000 people made 800 visits to Great Lakes ports, which is a 20% increase from last year. The cruise passenger spending supports shops, restaurants, transportation…

Clinton Fire Dept. Accepts 2,352 Cans Of Drinking Water From Anheuser-Busch

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Clinton Volunteer Fire Department & EMS received thousands of cans of drinking water from Anheuser-Busch. Fire Capt. Eric Monson said the 2,352 canned waters will help first responders stay hydrated when they battle wildfires and other disasters. “This generous donation will significantly enhance our emergency response capabilities and ensure that we can better serve and…

Chum Giving Away Thanksgiving Boxes To Those In Need

DULUTH, Minn. — This week, Chum is making sure the community is able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks to the community’s help, Chum is giving away 350 Thanksgiving boxes in total this year. And Monday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Duluth, was the first day of giving away 100 boxes. The boxes are a first-come, first-serve basis with…

Bentleyville Opens for 20th Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Santa landed at Bentleyille Saturday night in a helicopter. Then it was time to turn on the lights, all 5 million of them. Thousands of people young and old were waiting to get into this holiday tradition to enjoy the wonder that is the 20th Anniversary of Bentleyville. Bentleyville is open each night from 5 pm to…

Wisconsin Deer Firearms Season Starts Saturday

Minnesota's firearms season wraps up this weekend.

As the weekend approached, the winds changed and the temperatures dropped just in time for the end of Minnesota’s firearms deer season, and the opening of the Wisconsin firearms season. In the Badger state’s Douglas County, deer stands have been checked out to make sure they’re still safe and make any needed repairs. Woods that have been quiet will soon…

Super One Foods Donation Provides 145,000 Meals To Families In Need

DULUTH, Minn. — In a generous donation from Super One Foods, over 145,000 meals will be provided to families, children, and seniors this holiday season. Super One donated $48,457.94 to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The effort in part of its Bag Hunger Campaign where customers at stores in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin rounded up or donated a…

Duluth Salvation Army In Need Of Bell Ringers And Donations For Red Kettle Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Season has officially started, and bell ringers and donations are badly needed. Red Kettle Queen and Director of Development Cyndi Lewis says they are already $3,000 short of where they were at last year. The goal for the holiday season is $225,000. To hope for more donations the Red Kettle Queen…

Carlton County Animal Rescue Raising Money As Dangerous Cold Conditions Approach

The Rescue joins organizations across Minnesota on the 15th Annual Give to the Max Day

Dozens of nonprofits and schools across the Northland are making an extra push for fundraising today. It’s the 15th Annual Give to the Max Day and thousands of organizations across Minnesota are looking for donations. These include the Duluth Children’s Museum, the Superior Hiking Trail Association, and Chum. One Northland organization is spreading awareness of the dangers of cold weather…

Utility Companies Warn Customers Of Payment Scammers

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power are working together to warn customers not to fall for payment scams. It is all part of Utilities United Against Scams Day. The most common scam is customers getting a phone call or email saying their power will be shut off due to unpaid bills. The utility companies recommend…

Bayfield District Attorney Named Wisconsin DA of the Year

Kimberly Lawton Recognized for Her Work in the Community

A Northland attorney got some major recognition today. Bayfield’s Kimberly Lawton was named Wisconsin District Attorney of the Year. In the last seven years, Lawton has handled over 1,000 criminal cases. Her prosecutions have led to numerous convictions of serious crimes, including homicide, sexual assault, and possession of child pornography. When nominating Lawton, her colleagues said: “in short: this woman…

Joel Sipress On Duluth Mayoral Race: ‘State DFL’s Hit Job On Roger Cost Emily Votes’

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a week since one of the most contentious mayoral races in Duluth’s history came to an end with Roger Reinert defeating incumbent Emily Larson. And now, leaders in the DFL Party who backed Larson are analyzing what went right and what went wrong. One of those people is Joel Sipress, former Duluth city councilor of…

Animal Allies Loses Lovebug To ‘Worst Case Of Abuse’

Lovebug was a dog whose story captured the hearts and minds of the Duluth community. Starving and emaciated, he was brought to Animal Allies late Friday afternoon. A team of staffers there kicked into emergency mode. Lovebug being comforted Nichole Facciotto, Humane Education Manager for Animal Allies said, “His body temperature was so low we couldn’t even get a reading…

UW-Superior Celebrates Red Cross Day

Students tried hands-only CPR and learned about AEDs

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Today was all about getting blood pumping and saving lives at UW-Superior! Community members were invited to celebrate Red Cross Day and learn about CPR. Students and staff tried their hands at doing chest compressions on manikins. Volunteer Brooke Defoe said her father, at the age of 35, passed away after going into cardiac arrest. She hopes…

Superior Mayor, Some Councilors Now Against Proposed Natural Gas Plant; Labor Not Happy

Mayor Jim Paine first supported the project in 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If Superior Mayor Jim Paine has it his way, Minnesota Power and its partners will not be allowed to build a natural gas plant (Nemadji Trail Energy Center) near the Enbridge Energy Terminal and Cenovus Energy. “All this project will do is raise our utility rates, pollute our city, and desecrate a cemetery. I don’t know who…

Lights, Curtain, Dice Roll; ‘She Kills Monsters’ Debuts at UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With a new theater professor, the University of Wisconsin-Superior nears opening day for “She Kills Monsters.” The stage is set for comedic and heartwarming dungeon crawler at UW-Superior’s Manion Theatre, as the curtain rises Friday, Nov. 10, for ‘She Kills Monsters.’ Making his directorial debut at UW-Superior, Director Sean Naughton was excited to bring a fresh playwright…