Community

Spooner Rodeo Prepares for 68th Year

SPOONER, Wis. – A Spooner tradition since 1954 is getting ready for its 68th year. The Spooner Rodeo will see competitors doing their best bull riding, cattle roping, barrel racing, and other events July 7th, 8th, and 9th.  Also scheduled to perform are Charro and Rope Artist Tomas Garcilazo and Rodeo Clown Trent McFarland. This year’s royalty are Rodeo Queen Baylee…

Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance Social

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance got together Tuesday at Earth Rider Brewery. The group is built up of people from different clubs around town that are based on outdoor recreation. Such groups include COGGS Mountain Bike Club, Superior Hiking Trail, and Horse Club. These events are a way for the group to get together socially to make…

Enger Park Hosts Junior Golf School

The session had around 60 kids out on the course Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday at Enger Park kids developed their skills and love for the game on the green. Enger park held a junior golf school Tuesday, that gave golfers of all levels the opportunity to prefect long shots at the driving range, as well as putting and chipping techniques on the course, but most importantly having fun with the game….

UMD Volleyball Hosts Large Youth Camp

Romano gym held around 140 campers Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Volleyball team held their first camp of the summer and had quite the turn out of future volleyball stars. Romano gym held around 140 campers Tuesday, with girls ranging from fifth to eighth grade and traveling to Duluth from across the Midwest and even parts of Canada. Head Coach Jim Boos says the sport is growing…

Wisconsin Food Truck Serves Produce Straight from the Cattle

GRANTSBURG, WI. — A Wisconsin food truck brings farm-grown produce to the forks of the Grantsburg community. Brickfield Market is a family-owned food truck featuring menu items with beef and dairy from their own ‘Four Cubs Farm.’ Members of the Peterson family opened the food truck in April of this year. They serve sandwiches, tacos, burgers and more. In a…

Northwood Technical College Received Donations For New Mobile Welding Lab

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Northwood Technical College received a total of $90,000 in donations for their new mobile welding lab predicted to be up and running in early 2023. Cenovus Superior Refinery donated $50,000, while Enbridge Energy donated $40,000 for the campus to buy a generator that will fuel the welding lab. The college was able to buy the trailer for…

New Mental Health Clinic With Variety Of Therapists Opens In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A new therapy clinic called Two Rivers Counseling opened in downtown Duluth Thursday morning. It’s located on West Superior Street and offers a wide variety of specialized help, including treatment for depression, anxiety, issues with families and relationships, trauma, abuse, and more. Therapists are available for in-person and virtual appointments. All types of clients are welcome, including…

Duluth’s ‘Stepping On Up’ Supports ‘Safe Zones’ For Homeless

DULUTH, Minn. – Anyone who lives or travels in Duluth can see the signs of homelessness. “People are camping all over the city,” says Deb Holman, a Street Outreach Coordinator for CHUM and Human Development Center.  “It’s not just one area, it’s like everywhere.” St. Louis County’s latest count on homelessness found 606 people experiencing it.  That number has grown over…

Project Joy Gives $30,000 to Help Feed Kids This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Project Joy Northland has given out one of their largest one-time lump sum donations. Union Gospel Mission, the Duluth Area Family YMCA, and CHUM each received 10-thousand dollars, which will go towards their efforts to feeding kids this summer. The donations came about after CHUM announced last week they were limiting the number of boxes they could hand…

Coffee Conversation: Folk Rock Musician Gina Lee

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth musician Gina Lee performed two covers on the morning show Thursday — “Black Water” by The Doobie Brothers and “Long Cool Woman” by the Hollies.  For more on her music career, click here.  Part 1: Part 2:     Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: ‘Project Joy’ Donates $30K To Feed Kids Through CHUM, YMCA, Gospel Mission

DULUTH, Minn. – Laura Plys, the co-founder of Project Joy Northland, which is a charity with a goal of ending childhood hunger, stopped by the morning show Thursday to talk about the non-profit and its latest donations to CHUM, YMCA and the Union Gospel Mission worth $10,000 each to help feed local children. Project Joy Northland was started in 2012…

Grains to Glass: How a Farm Helps a Grantsburg Brewery Thrive

GRANTSBURG, Wis. – What role can a dairy farm play to help a small town brewery thrive?  Once can figure that out in Grantsburg, Wisconsin.  The largest village in Burnett County has been the home to Brickfield Brewery since 2018. “Our welcoming staff will serve you up a pint, a 10-ounce, a flight of four,” says owner Nicki Peterson.  “We also…

Blatnik Bridge Public Meeting

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation held a public forum Tuesday to discuss plans for the Blatnik Bridge project. Held at the Superior Public Library, the meeting presented the latest plans and allowed the public to ask questions and share feedback. Right now the project is in its first phase with documents and planning. Designs will be drawn…

DTA Needs 15 New Drivers to Resume All Routes

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority wants to hire 15 more bus drivers so they can operate all their routes. “We’ve struggled with this for the last several years,” says General Manager Rob Fournier.  “Keeping in mind that we really want to just provide the best, most reliable service that we can.” A shortage due to retirements and other reasons…

Hiccup Helps Grandma’s Marathon Reach Sustainability Goal with Reusable Cups

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon is trying to make itself more sustainable and reach a net-zero greenhouse gas emission goal by 2040.  This year’s race saw a relatively new company step up to help reduce the trash that quickly piles up with any race. A company called Hiccup provided 26,000 silicone cups at one of the mile marker stations.   All…

Coffee Conversation: CHUM Rhubarb Festival June 15

DULUTH,  Minn. – The CHUM Rhubarb Festival is Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Stella Maris Academy – Holy Rosary Campus (2802 E. 4th St.) in Duluth. The free family festival includes all things Rhubarb, along with live entertainment from local and regional bands. The festival is CHUM’s biggest fundraiser of the year to support its…

NAACP’s Duluth Chapter Hosts Juneteenth Jubilee

DULUTH, Minn. — June 19th is recognized as Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday last year, and for the second year, the Twin Ports hosted multiple celebrations recognizing it. One event was put on by the local chapter of the NAACP at the Central Hillside Community Center on Sunday. The Juneteenth Jubilee featured music, activities, food, and local businesses, all…

Renovated Motorsports Park Host Car Show, Helps Lions Club

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two groups near Pattison State Park came together Saturday to bring more attention to their organizations.  For one of them, it was a chance to introduce themselves to the larger community. Black River Motorsports Park teamed up with the Pattison State Park Lions Club to put on a concert and car show. All kinds of cars were present…

DECC Prepares for All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner

DULUTH, Minn. – There are many traditions to Grandma’s Marathon, and one of them is tastier than others. The kitchen staff at the DECC is getting ready for their annual Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner. A 10-person crew is preparing 2,400 pounds of spaghetti, 5,000 pounds of sauce, 2,500 pounds of meatballs, 360 pounds of lettuce, and 25 pounds of basil. “I…

Park Point Beach To Have Full Lifeguard Crew This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Park Point Beach will have a full lifeguard crew through the summer season. “We’re starting with a clean slate,” says Cheryl Podtburg, Risk and Safety Manager for the Duluth Area Family YMCA. There were concerns if there would be any lifeguards in early April when the YMCA announced no one had applied. This changed after additional searching was…

Remembering A Dark Day in Duluth’s History: The Clayton, Jackson, McGhie Lynching

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday marks the 102th anniversary of the only known lynching of African-Americans in Minnesota, which took place in downtown Duluth. It was on the corner of East First Street and North Second Avenue East where Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Issac McGhie, all Black men part of a traveling circus, were beaten and hung from a lamppost by…

Coffee Conversation: Grandma’s Marathon Excitement, Festival For Kids, Rock The Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn. — Excitement is building for the full and sold-out return of Grandma’s Marathon.  The race’s spokesperson, Zach Schneider, stopped by the morning show Wednesday to talk all about it ahead of the Thursday’s Health and Fitness Expo, Friday’s Spaghetti Dinner and Festival for Kids, and Rock the Bayfront both Friday and Saturday.  For a full list of weekend…

Chester Creek Concert Series Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. – The 39th annual Chester Creek Concert Series kicked off Tuesday, sparking the summer season. The family-friendly concert series, held at Chester Park, is free for anyone to enjoy. The sets performed by local artists last for 90 minutes, and attendees can pick up dinner there too, as there is a rotating food truck every week. Tuesday’s performers…

Central Hillside Farmers Market Begins for Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, The Central Hillside Farmers Market kicked off for summer. Organized by Community Action Duluth with partners Essentia and Hunger Solutions, the market welcomes all venders and is a way to provide food access. The farmers market contains products like canned foods, flowers, and soups. Those who attend can also expect giveaways, art projects, and live music….

Coffee Conversation: Superior Porchfest Sounds Off Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Porchfest’s pop-up event is Thursday, June 16, in Superior’s Central Park Neighborhood from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Click the video above to learn more about the music event and watch a live performance from Sonofmel. List of performances. Sonofmel  723 7th Avenue East Janie and the Spokes  609 8th Avenue East Similar Dogs.  602 East 5th Street Andy Peterson…

Public Hearing Held for Hotel Astoria Demolition

DULUTH, Minn. — Five Duluth residents spoke out during a public meeting today in hopes of preserving the historic Hotel Astoria on East Superior Street. Back in 2021, the owners requested for the structure to be torn-down due to its immense deterioration. Three local businesses within the building were also asked to leave and relocate last year. The owners say…

Tourism Picking Up In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– The sun is finally shining for the city of Duluth! People are making their way outside, catching some rays and enjoying the seasonal tourism. One family from Pine City came to visit for the weekend, to enjoy all that the city as to offer. “Well we can out to enjoy the summer weather. I think Duluth is just…

Ski Hut Opens Clinic For Women In Mountain Biking

DULUTH, Minn.– Ski Hut and Ursa Minor Brewing have partnered together to bring women into the sport of Mountain Biking. The two businesses hosted their 3rd basic mountain bike clinic for women in the community. Trying to make a space for women to get more involved in the male dominated sport. They feel empowered as they work together to get…

Duluth Monarch Buddies Host Workshop

DULUTH, Minn. – A community event was held today in support of pollinators and helping to increase their numbers in the northland. The Duluth Monarch Buddies hosted a marketplace at First United Methodist Church in Duluth. Several booths offered information and plants for sale that will help attract butterflies and other species that help pollinate them. The group was formed in…

Coffee Conversation: AICHO Hosts Indigenous Solo Art Exhibition June 10 – Sept. 16

DULUTH, Minn. — American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) is hosting and Indigenous solo art exhibition June 10 to Sept. 16 by Shaun Chosa. There is an artist reception Friday, June 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at AICHO’s Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center locate at 212 W. 2nd Street in Duluth.  It’s free, but a $10 donation is…

One-On-One: Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken Talks Retirement, Family, What’s Next

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after announcing his retirement from the Duluth Police Department, Chief Mike Tusken stopped by the morning show to talk to Dan Hanger about his 30 years with the department. Tusken reminisced about his early days on the job as a patrol officer, his support from his wife, Kathy, over the years, and about his next…

Summer Season Takes Action at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Park is coming alive as the weather warms up, just in time for big events like festivals and performances that will be taking place. Bayfront will feature different events every weekend of the summer and on some weeknights too. Some of the most popular ones that draw in the big crowds from all over the Northland…

Fill-A-Truck, Feed a Family Food and Fund Drive Underway

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth-Superior Transportation Association is running their “Fill-a-Truck, Feed a Family” Food and Fund Drive. Richie Rochel, Vice President of DSTA, says it’s the first time this is taking place since 2019 due to COVID.  “We’re hoping to make it the biggest year yet.  In the past we’ve raised $9,000 and 9,000 pounds of food.  We’re hoping to…

Volunteers Began Streetscape Planting Efforts in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers began planting on superior street this morning, for the 19th annual “dig in for the downtown waterfront,” tradition. Each year, the event is put on by Duluth’s Greater Downtown Council. Kristi stokes, the Downtown Council President, said that the planting event is a way for community members to be a part of beautifying the area. If…

London Road Pedestrian Demonstration Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has set up a temporary pedestrian demonstration project along London Road. These pedestrian crossings are put in to demonstrate how people can cross the street easier, feel safer, and slow traffic. Part of a bigger project set for 2025, these temporary crossings show what permanent enhancements will look like. They are set…

‘Her love for everyone, it was always so equal’: Family Remembers Renee Van Nett as Services Continue at DECC

Sunday started the 4 days of wakes and ceremonies, all beside the water of Lake Superior at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- While Duluth lost a city leader in Renee Van Nett this week, Frankie Graves lost a sister to whom he owes so much. “Her love for everyone, it was always so equal. Always so equal. And never with any conditions, it was just, here I am, there you are, let’s work together,” he said. An adopted one, a…