Community

70 Duluth Locations Participate in National Night Out

DULUTH, Minn. – Communities across the Northland celebrated National Night Out to help strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and people of all ages. “Community partnerships is super important, you know, and a lot of times people are calling they need help for something bad happening, whereas this gives us opportunity to come out and meet people, make those connections in a…

The Nature Conservancy Plants 2.5 Million Trees in Minnesota in 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — 2.5 million seedlings were planted across six counties, including Cook, Lake, Saint Louis, Itasca, Cass and Carlton County. A TNC employee plants a tree in the area affected by wildfire. © Derek Montgomery It’s the second year they’ve planted more than 2 million seedlings and a record number for the organization. Over 5,000 of those trees were…

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Advises Families to Vaccinate Ahead of School Year

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released the vaccination data report from the previous school year The data shows 86.4% of students in Wisconsin met the minimum immunization requirements, which is below the national public health standard of 95%. DHS says a majority of Wisconsin families are getting their children vaccinated, but this level is not quite where…

Park Point Forestry Project Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting today, you may begin to notice a lot of noise and commotion over at park point. That’s because a new project aiming at preserving and landscaping park point has just started. The goal is to remove invasive species, trim down overpopulating trees, and eventually fill in space with white pine seeds. “There’s a strip running from the…

Xcel Energy Announces Ashland-Ironwood Transmission Rebuild Project

ASHLAND, Wisc. — Xcel Energy announced the start of construction on the Ashland-Ironwood Transmission Rebuild Project Over the course of a few years’ crews will be rebuilding two power transmission lines previously built in the 50’s and 70’s. The project will improve reliability and long-term growth across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The three main phases will be prepping…

Carl Crawford Appointed to Governers Council on MLK Jr. Holiday

Carl Crawford DULUTH, Minn. — A former Human Rights Officer for Duluth has been appointed to the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Governer Walz appointed Carl Crawford on Aug. 1st. Crawford currently serves as the Senior Accessibility & Engagement Coordinator for St. Louis County. The Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday helps plan celebrations…

Whoopsa Daisy Kicks off 5TH Annual Weekend Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – The Whoopsa Daisy Farm held its 5th annual weekend opening. The family-friendly farm welcomed visitors throughout the weekend, offering a wide variety of outdoor activities. The farm activities include an obstacle course, exploring fairy land and dino land, feeding donkeys, goats, and chickens, a corn pit for playing, and a 14-foot mushroom you can walk into. “We’re…

Duluth Coast Guard Station Celebrates 235th ‘Coast Guard Day’

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday afternoon on the Duluth harbor of Park Point, laughs, and yells can be heard across the bay. Because today, the Coast guard Station has something big to celebrate. “We’re celebrating the 235th year of the Coast Guard’s founding. So, we were found in 1790 this is just a day to celebrate that. So, we get all the…

40 Years Later, Leif Erickson Viking Ship To Become Housed Exhibit In Knife River

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — The day has finally arrived — 40 years in the making.  The Leif Erickson Viking Ship is fully restored, has a permanent home and will soon be fully protected from the weather with a roof and public exhibit. “One-of-a-kind ship. This is an antique that’s been restored,” said Neill Atkins, chair of the Leif Erickson Restoration…

Authority Elite Launches First Non-Profit Cheer Program

DULUTH, Minn. – A first-of-its-kind non-profit all-star cheerleading organization opened its doors last month over on West Third St. Authority Elite offers a variety of affordable youth cheer classes, including competitive and non-competitive teams, as well as skill classes. Their program prioritizes removing financial barriers, giving young athletes the chance to be part of a team while building confidence and…

Local Swimmer to Compete at World Aquatics Championship for Fifth Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Local competitive swimmer Amy Flessert has qualified for the upcoming world aquatics masters swimming championship. Flessert qualified for the 2025 Worlds swimming competition after meeting the time standard at Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo, Calif., last year. Throughout her 34 years of competitive swimming, this will be her fifth time competing at Worlds, which will he…

40th Annual ‘Finn Fest’ Returns to the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– For forty years now, the Finn Fest at the DECC has connected the northland with both old, and modern Finnish cultures and customs. Guests can immerse themselves with everything ranging from art & music, food, and simply language. “‘Fin Fest’ is all about celebrating all things Finnish and Finnish American, and bringing modern Finland with Finnish America and…

Two New Members and Officers Announced on Northland Foundation Board of Trustees

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees has two new members and announced its Board Officers for the coming year. The new Trustees are Rachel Hedlund of Ely and Dr. Rick Revoir of Duluth. Hedlund works for Friends of the Boundary Waters as the Ely Education and Outreach Manager. Rachel Hedlund She has spent a decade working for…

‘Force on Fifth Avenue’ Close to Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – “Force on Fifth Avenue,” the new housing development, is close to opening in downtown Duluth. “I’m proud of this particular project because it’s really the gateway to downtown Duluth and to our community. And as you can see, we’re doing work out there now to make sure it’s beautiful,” said Brian Forcier, president of Titanium Partners. That…

Community Boards ‘Blue Heron’ Research Vessel for “Freshwater Discovery Day”

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the community got a front row seat to discover what student scientists at the ‘Blue Heron’ research vessel participates in. The Large Lakes Observatory is a research group that is in connection with UMD. It brings an opportunity for both undergraduate, and graduate students to receive hands on experience. “It is the only research-intensive campus that sits…

New Housing Data Shows Duluth Has Much More Work To Do

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re having trouble finding somewhere to live in Duluth, you’re not alone. And a recent study confirms the problem. The local vacancy rate for rentals is only at 1.8 percent, and only around 58 percent of people living in Duluth actually own the roof over their head, according to Maxfield Research and Consulting, who was hired by the…

The ‘Federal Budget Bill’ impacts on SNAP in Minnesota

Who Currently Receives Benefits MINNESOTA — The Federal Budget Bill also called Trumps “Big, Beautiful Bill” has significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 440,000 Minnesotans currently participate in SNAP in an average month. Most of those utilizing SNAP are children, adults with children, seniors, and those with a disability. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families…

‘Mango’ the Lion Cub Has Successful Surgeries

Mango the Lion Cub’s surgery 7/28/25 SANDSTONE, Minn.– The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone rescued an 8-week-old lion cub last week. On Monday, July 28, 2025 she had to undergo surgery to correct some genetic complications. Mango the lion cub at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone was gearing up for surgery. She had a herniated umbilical cord that caused her intestines…

‘Head of the Lakes United Way’ Launches Free Babysitting Classes

  DULUTH, Minn.– ‘Head of the Lakes United Way’ teamed up with the American Red Cross to give kids the opportunity for a valuable childcare class. The babysitting classes caters to kids aged 11 to 17 who are interested in seeing what it’s all about. The free 1-day course covers everything from basic first aid, to fun activities while babysitting….

New Rice Lake Mayor

Jayme Heim RICE LAKE, Min. – Council Woman Jayme Heim has been appointed mayor of Rice Lake by council after Mayor Suzanne Herstad resigned. “It makes me feel proud that rest of the council trust me with this position.” says Mayor Heim. While, Mayor Heim says reasons for the resignation are not clear; she states Herstad said in a letter,…

Duluth Council to Review Revised Child Care Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will discuss the amendments made regarding daycare facilities and definitions tomorrow. The proposed ordinance will allow childcare facilities to operate in residential areas by modifying zoning rules and definitions, and was tabled last Monday. This delay was decided on by the council, allowing time for revisions that clarify the language and ensure the rules align…

City Council to Revisit Transportation Commission

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will be discussing the ordinance regarding establishing a Duluth Transportation Commission tomorrow. This proposed ordinance was tabled last Monday due to staff edits that still needed to be put together and reviewed before proceeding further. At last Thursday’s meeting, the City Administrator said it will be a few more weeks before the…

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Small Lion Family from Canadian Roadside Zoo

SANDSTONE, Meet Mango, a feisty ambitious 8-week-old lion cub. She is just one of three recent rescues the Wildcat Sanctuary took on just two days ago. They were saved from a Canadian roadside show. “This is a really unique rescue, not only because it was international and we had so many permits and so much process to get through, to…

Gov. Evers Grants 204 Pardons, for a total of more than 1,600 Pardons as Governer

WISCONSIN — Governer Evers granted 204 pardons today, July 25th, bringing his total pardons during his tenure to 1,640. The pardons are described as an act of forgiveness. Individuals pardoned have completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges. Most of those pardoned did the crime in their late teens and 20s, and these…

Katie Sandstrom 2nd woman Promoted to Captain in Duluth Fire History

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department has promoted Katie Sandstrom to Captain. She is the second female to be promoted to captain in DFD history. She has been with the Department for over 8 years, recently serving as a fire fighter on Tower 1 out of Headquarters. Captain Sandstrom receiving her Red Helmet, Courtesy of Duluth Fire Department Facebook…

DLH Debuts Visual Sound Bath

DULUTH, Minn.- The Visual Sound Bath art installation officially opened at the Duluth Airport. For many, traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to flying, and over the years, airports have turned to public art to create a welcoming and calming environment for passengers. “The airport has a long-standing history of the public display of art and…

‘Duluth Whiskey Project’ Opens its Doors

DULUTH, Minn.– Lincoln Park is ‘uncorking’ its latest addition to the craft district today. Nestled onto superior street near brewery neighbors, ‘Duluth Whiskey Project’ was undergoing construction since last August. But this opportunity has been a dream for owner Kevin Evans for over a decade. The building features seating for 124 guests at the bar, and taproom. They’re offering a…

MN E-Bike Rebate Program Opening for Applications July 30th

Minnesota’s E-bike rebate program opens for applications soon. Residents under a certain income level or have a disability are eligible to apply. The rebate is worth 75%, or up to $750, off of the cost of a new e-bike. Approved accessories such as helmets, luggage racks, and reflective clothing can be included in the rebate. The online application opens July…

Duluth’s Best Bread Speaks on Incline Village Fallout

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The owner of Duluth’s Best Bread expressed disappointment after hearing a business fallout involving the proposed Incline Village Development in Duluth. The popular bakery planned to be the first retail tenant for the development on the old Central High School property off of central entrance. But just this week, the project’s construction development company, ICS, terminated its contract…

Minnesota Department of Safety Launches MMIR Tip Program

  ST. PAUL, Minn.– Today during a press conference, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new tip program. This was established to bring closure and justice for families impacted by Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives. State officials, as well as law enforcement joined together to launch this powerful tool. A reward fund is being opened on the behalf of…

Duluth East Freshman Qualifies for Figure Skating National Showcase

DULUTH, Minn.– a Duluth east freshman is gearing up to compete in a national level competition for a figure skating showcase. Since age 7, Brynn Sterling of Duluth has been learning and growing with this sport. And next week, she will represent Duluth for the U.S. Figure skating National Showcase. When it comes to figure skating, there’s a lot of…

Founders of Hibbing-based non-profit removed after settlement with Minnesota Attorney General

HIBBING, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has worked to remove George and Georgia Andria from the Borealis Art Guild’s board and bank accounts. The Attorney General’s Office announced July 23, 2025 they reached separate settlements with both the Borealis Art Guild, and its founders, George and Georgia Andria. There have been allegations that the nonprofit’s…

Emerald Ash Borer discovered for first time in Itasca County; Emergency quarantine in place

Itasca County EAB Emergency Quarantine 07/23/2025 ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Itasca County for the first time. A suspected EAB infestation was reported by a homeowner on Pokegama Lake, south of Grand Rapids. Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Itasca County, the Minnesota Department of…

‘Coolest Thing in Minnesota’ Contest Nominations Open Until Aug. 15th

Minn. — Time is running out to nominate products for the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota’ Contest. The nomination window closes August 15th. The first bracket will be announced September 2nd. Products will be voted on in head-to-head matchups until October 5th, and the winner announced October 7th. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce holds this contest to highlight the creativity…

Superior YMCA Whalers Swim Team Takes on AAU Junior Olympics

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven swimmers from the Superior YMCA Whalers Swim Team are taking on the AAU Junior Olympic National Games. The six-day competition began today in Houston, Texas, bringing together top youth swimmers from across the country and several other nations. The Whalers qualified after strong performances throughout the season and are representing Superior, Hermantown, and Esko at this…

City Council Tables Daycare Zoning Proposal for Further Review

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council decided to table the ordinance regarding daycare facilities. The Duluth City Council tabled a proposed zoning change that would make it easier to open daycare centers in residential areas without a special use permit. Councilors stated that they require additional time to ensure everything is finalized and ready before proceeding. “What we’re really…

City Council Approves to Extend Seasonal Closure Dates on Skyline Parkway

DUUTH, Minn. –  The Duluth City Council voted to extend the seasonal closure of Skyline Parkway. The sections of Skyline Parkway that normally close from December 1 to April 15 will now extend to May 15. Frequent weather-related delays, which have occurred in four out of the past five years, have added pressure to the Street Maintenance and Communications departments,…

Great Lakes Aquarium Celebrates 25 Years by Unveiling Time Capsule

DULUTH, Minn.– The Great Lakes Aquarium is making history today, as well as reflecting on it, by opening their time capsule from 25 years ago. The aquarium wasted no time diving into history to reminisce on the time they first opened. Inside the capsule, guests got to check out the unveiling of numerous news clippings and magazines highlighting the beginning….

Department of Public Safety creates tip program to help advance missing and murdered Indigenous relatives’ cases

Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office will announce the official opening of the state’s Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Tip Program. Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office logo Lawmakers established the state’s Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Account during the 22-23 legislative session. The purpose of the fund’s tip program is to bring…

“Visual Sound Bath” Art Installation at the Duluth International Airport

  DULUTH, Minn. — Visitors can listen to the new “visual sound bath” at the Duluth International Airport.  It’s a new art display by multi-media visual artist Leonarda Boughton. Boughton, a frequent traveler through the city of Duluth, designed the “Visual Sound Bath” in the walkway between the parking garage and the airport terminal. The installation changes with the movement…

The Isabella Section House Reimagined Project Seeks Public Input

ISABELLA, Minn. — The Isabella Section House Reimagined project is seeking public feedback on what the future of the historic building should be. Isabella Section House, Image courtesy of the United States Forest Service The project has people take a virtual tour and give their thoughts on what the building should be used for. Project leaders are looking for a…

I-35 Bridge Work Near 40th Avenue West Starting July 28th

  DULUTH, Minn.– Starting July 28th, bridge repair will begin on 40th Avenue West out in Duluth. The work will begin by constructing crossovers for the bridge. This will eventually prepare for a bridge repair above the freeway. Once the crossovers are complete, traffic will remain head-to-head through mid-August. This will be one of the last pieces before the I-35…