Community

‘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…

Northland Gears Up for Juneteenth Celebrations

Organizers say knowing that the whole country is celebrating what many African Heritage people call their independence day makes it more special this year. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Juneteenth is just about 2 weeks away, and the Twin Ports and the Iron Range are planning celebrations that recognize when the last slaves in America learned they were free in 1865. President Biden made June 19th a federal holiday last year. Events are commemorating the day across the Northland: Thursday, June 16th- Mayor Emily will read a…

Sen. Klobuchar, Lawmakers Working to Get Federal Disaster Relief to Flooded International Falls Area

Sen. Klobuchar said her and fellow Senator Tina Smith will make the case to President Biden to declare it a federal disaster area.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said she’s working with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to get federal aid dollars to help the home and business owners struggling to stay afloat in the flood-submerged International Falls Area. The Senators joined Gov. Tim Walz in touring the area Saturday, seeing firsthand the damages to homes and businesses, and the thousands…

Historic Flooding Continues to Affect Residents Across the Minnesota/Canada Water Basin

INT’L FALLS/KABETOGAMA, MINN. –“Mother nature has not been kind to us this year so far at all. So every week it’s like it could come up another foot, every week it could come up another foot, and it has.” Northern Minnesota residents who border Canada continue to battle historic flooding. It has devastated the area and hindered the beginning of…

Gov. Walz, Senators Tour International Falls Flood Damage Saturday

The lawmakers toured the Emergency Operations Center, sandbagging sites, and various areas of flood damage.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- On Saturday Governor Tim Walz and U.S. senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith got a first-hand look at the damage historic flooding has caused in International Falls. The lawmakers toured the Emergency Operations Center, sandbagging sites, and various areas of flood damage. Back in April the governor authorized the national guard to support emergency flood operations in…

Batters Swing for Fences, Funds for Miracle League at Home Run Derby

Organizers hoped to raise around $6,000 at this year's derby.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday felt like summer’s finally starting, and that means the start of baseball season. And no one knows that better than the players on the Twin Ports Miracle League, kicking off the season with a home run derby at Harrison Park in West Duluth. There was only one thing on the minds of batters like Bailey Williams Sunday: “Smack…

Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival Rocks on in Lincoln Park

It was the vendors' 2nd year in a row showcasing how their art rocks.

DULUTH, Minn.– Well there was one Duluth summer market Saturday that you didn’t want to take for granite. Especially since it’s all about another rock, agates! The Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival highlighted Agate vendors and artisans at Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor Brewing in Lincoln Park. Food trucks, vendors, and Ursa Minor’s new Agate Hunter Sour beer were all featured…

Volunteers Rush To Save Items, Structures as Rainy Lake Waters Flood Mallard Island

Photo: Michael Reid, Mallard Island Board Treasurer. KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn.- The historic flooding of the Rainy River Basin near International Falls is soaking and filling buildings on Mallard Island, one of the 5 review islands used for wildlife research, education, and advocacy in Rainy Lake. According to posts on the Mallard Island Facebook Page, volunteers have been working the past…

Duluth City Leaders Mourn Passing of City Councilor Renee Van Nett

Longtime Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett lost her battle to cancer Friday morning, at 52.

DULUTH, Minn,- Longtime Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett lost her battle with cancer Friday morning, at 52. “The passion to help people ran deep within her,” City Council President Arik Forsman said. “And so yeah she’s an irreplaceable leader as far as the city council and that sort of thing goes, just really an irreplaceable friend.” Irreplaceable was just…

Protestors in Duluth Wear Orange Demanding Rep. Stauber Votes for Gun Reform

About 30 activists organized by the group the Northland Brady Chapter demanded Congressman Stauber vote yes on the Protecting Our Kids Act.

DULUTH, Minn.- Enough is enough – that was the message from protestors near Representative Pete Stauber’s (R MN-08) office in Duluth Friday, sporting the color orange for Wear Orange, or National Gun Violence Awareness Day. They join the growing calls for gun reform across the nation. Signs protestors waved included “protect kids, not guns” and quotes from the parents of…

Sun Country Airlines Seasonal Flights out of Duluth International Returning this Year

DULUTH, Minn.- Sun Country Airlines will continue flying local travelers out of the Duluth International Airport during the winter and spring later this year. According to a spokesperson with DLH, beginning December 16th, 2022 through April 17th, 2023, Sun Country will once again offer seasonal air service direct from Duluth to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida. Flights will operate…

Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett Dies At Age 52

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth shared the heartbreaking news Friday that Fourth District City Councilor Renee Van Nett passed away peacefully during the morning hours after fighting a terminal illness. Van Nett was surrounded by her family and friends in Duluth.  She was 52 years old. Mayor Emily Larson released the following statement: “Renee Van Nett was an incredibly powerful woman who lived…

Production Crew Begins Filming New Movie In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Production began this week on a new movie called “Merry Kisscam,” where scenes are filming all over Duluth. Producer Mandy June Turpin originally became intrigued with Duluth while visiting the Catalyst Story Institute’s Content Festival four years ago. She met many community members and visited different local places, and she says that she knew they would be…

Free BBQ And Produce For The Community

DULUTH, Minn.– One Duluth resident loves grilling out so much, that he’s sharing what he makes with anyone who’s hungry. A husband and wife has been giving out free barbecue and produce for the community for around 60 years on the block of 12th avenue East on 3rd street They say that doing this is something they simply enjoy. “People…

Councilor Renee Van Nett Hospitalized With Terminal Illness; Leaders Share Her Impact on Duluth

Friends of Van Nett have started a GoFundMe to help her daughters and raise money for her expenses.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth and across the State of Minnesota are sending their thoughts, prayers, and support to Renee Van Nett and her family after it was announced she is in the hospital for a terminal illness. Now some of those community members are looking back at the impact she has made in her time as a public servant….

Builders and Backers Launching To Help Accelerate Duluth Entrepreneurs’ Ideas

DULUTH, Minn.- A new online program will be starting in Duluth to give aspiring entrepreneurs a place to share and build their ideas, and the deadline for an application is this week. In partnership with the city, Duluth Area Chamber Of Commerce, and Heartland Forward, Builders and Backers will launch their new Idea Accelerator program this summer. “We don’t want…

Red Cross Flooding Response

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – The flooding continues to get worse in Northeastern Minnesota, and THE Red Cross organization has been hard at work aiding those affected in the area. Red Cross was called into action on May 13th and has six of their members helping the community by providing hydration and snacks for sandbaggers as well as disaster health services….

Local Travel Agency Guides Cruise Ship Guests Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A local company called Jaybee Travel teamed up with Viking Cruises to provide passengers with local experiences on Duluth land. On May 30, 2022, the Viking Oasis became the first cruise ship to sail into the city since 2013. Cutting through heavy fog and rainy conditions, the cruise landed and guests departed to shore  where the Duluth…

Grandma’s Marathon Organizer Reacts to Races Selling Out for the First Time in Seven Years

DULUTH, Minn. — The 1977 tradition of Grandma’s Marathon will resume in full-capacity June of 2022. With all three races selling-out for the first time since 2016, the marathon organization, community members, and runners are excited to get back for this years event. In an interview with Zach Schneider, a member of Grandma’s Board of Directors, he stated that, “People…

Superior Middle Schooler in Custody After Threatening Students

According to officials the one who made the treat admitted he did so to scare the student he was showing the list to. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior Middle School student is in Police Custody Tuesday after school staff reported a list of other students the 12-year-old said he intended to harm. According to a spokesperson with the Superior Police Department, a Speak Up Speak Out tip was reported to SMS staff in the morning, indicating the student threatened others at the school. The…

Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett Battling Terminal Illness

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilor Renee Van Nett is battling a terminal illness. A GoFundMe has launched to help cover the costs, with a goal of raising $30,000. The fundraising page reads, “Renee Van Nett is currently in the hospital in Duluth, battling a terminal illness. Renee’s courage and bravery have inspired many, and it’s time to have her…

Viking Octantis Cruise Cuts through Fog to Deliver Visitors New to Duluth

7-9 ships will stop in Duluth monthly.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the fog making it a little hard to see early Monday morning, passengers on the first cruise ship to sail into Duluth since 2013 made landfall, ready for their daylong excursions throughout the city. The horn of the Viking Octantis was more of a signal of its arrival than anything else, as it moved through Monday’s murky…

Duluth Businesses Excited for Added Steady Cruise Ship Tourism

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month.

DULUTH, Minn.- Passengers who arrived off the Viking Ostantis Cruise for the first time Monday wasted no time hitting up Duluth’s local businesses and attractions. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month — about 185 according to Executive Director Ken Buehler. He said it also helps that railroad…

30 Years Honoring the Fallen at Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial  

It started with one name in 1992, and grew to 136 fallen soldiers from across the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- This year marked a very special Memorial Day for the Northland Vietnam Veteran’s Association (NVVA). On Memorial Day 30 years ago, they dedicated the memorial along the lakewalk. It started with one name in 1992 and grew to include those of 136 fallen soldiers from across the Northland. This year Mark and Tony Rubin performed songs including the…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Sells Out For First Time Since 2016

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Marathon organizers said on Monday that all three of its June races have sold out for the first time since 2016. In total, there are more than 20,000 people signed up to participate. The sell-out is a healthy sign that the demand for the races never went away, after Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled because of the…

Proctor Memorial Day

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor held its annual Memorial Day observance and program Monday to honor those who have given their lives for country. Sherman Gonyea and James Verville, were two flyers who grew up in Proctor and died when their F-101 plane crashed 50 years ago. 58 other Procter area service members who gave their lives were also honored today…

Viking Cruise Ship Arrives In The Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn. – Early Monday morning the Duluth Harbor welcomed its first cruise ship in 10 years. Viking Cruise’s first expedition vessel, the 700-foot Viking Octantis, traveled under the Lift Bridge shortly after 6 a.m. Tender boats later transported the 400 guests and 200 crew members off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC.   This unloading process is…

The Band 311 Draws Large Crowd to Earth Rider

Earth Rider sold 900 tickets for the event.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A blast from the 90s in Superior ushered in an early start to summer concert season. The band 311 made a tour stop at Earth Rider brewery Saturday night. 311 is a larger-scale alternative rock band out of Omaha, Nebraska, with a mix of rock, rap, reggae and funk. Earth Rider sold over 900 tickets for the…

Veterans Get Ready to Celebrate, Mourn Fallen Soldiers Monday

Veterans gathered at cemeteries to pay respects and honor soldiers who have passed during war.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland enjoys the long weekend and prepares for Memorial Day parades, local veterans want to remind the public the holiday weekend is for remembering fallen men and women who fought for freedom in this country. Sunday, veterans gathered at war cemeteries to honor those fallen soldiers for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Some vets at the American…

1st Cruise Ship in 10 Years Pulling into Duluth Harbor Monday Morning  

Tender boats will be transporting the 400 guests off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- Early Monday the Duluth Harbor will welcome its first cruise ship in 10 years. Viking Cruise’s first expedition vessel, the 700-foot Viking Octantis, will travel under the Lift Bridge as it arrives between 6 and 7 in the morning. Tender boats will be transporting the 400 guests off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC. It’s…

Northland to Commemorate Memorial Day with Return of In-Person Parades, Ceremonies

Events throughout the Northland Monday are honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Memorial Day. Duluth’s Memorial Day Parade New this year, organizers with Duluth Women of Today say a flyover from the 148th Fighter Wing will kick off the parade at 12-30 on 59th Avenue West. It will go down Central, make a right, and…

Superior Family Builds Memorial for Victims of Uvalde School Shooting

Over 200 mass shooting have occurred so far this year, with 27 being on school grounds.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.-  Following the tragic events that occurred at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday resulting in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers, a Superior family, with the help of a local shop in town put together a memorial in their front yard. Along Highway 35, a memorial with 21 crosses stand in a row. The…

Traveling Train Art Exhibit Stops at The Depot

The artist Ted Rose did most of his work during the 40s and 50s.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new travelling art exhibit made a stop at the Depot’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum Saturday, getting people buzzing about locomotives and nature. The Summer Gallery car held the exhibit titled, “Railroad and the American Industrial Landscape.” The art, both a mixture of photographs and paintings by Ted Rose, an artist out of Milwaukee, features the evolving world…

After 10 Years, Waggoners Hand Duluth’s Breeze Inn Over to New Owners

Shaun and Kate Waggoner said goodbye to the Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth road Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A staple restaurant on the outskirts of Duluth famous for being some of the best views of the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is changing hands after a decade. Shaun and Kate Waggoner said goodbye to the Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth road Saturday night. The couple has owned the restaurant for 10 and a half years. Kate said…

All Church Rummage Sale Raises Money for Mission Work

Home décor, books, toys, knick-knacks, and more were available, with all proceeds going to the church's outreach work.

DULUTH, Minn.- Today people shopped a hodge-podge of items in West Duluth while supporting a church’s mission work. Believer’s Church on 58th Avenue West held their All Church Rummage Sale. Home décor, books, toys, knick-knacks, and more were available, with all proceeds going to the church’s outreach work. “An opportunity for my church to come together and serve together. To…

UPDATE: Power Restored to Proctor’s Water Pump Station

he cause of the outage was unknown Saturday afternoon.

UPDATE:  DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth spokesperson announced that as of 5:21 p.m., Duluth City crews and a contractor restored power to the water pump station that serves the City of Proctor. Water service to Proctor residents has resumed normal operations. DULUTH, Minn.- Crews from the City of Duluth are on-scene at the Water Pump Station that serves the…

Hibbing Police Dept. Planning Volunteer Trip to Help Kabetogama Flooding Victims

According to the Chief, there will be a wide range of duties so anyone can help, regardless of physical restrictions.

Photo: Hibbing Police Department Facebook Page HIBBING, Minn.- Officials with the Hibbing Police Department plan to take a volunteer team Thursday to the Kabetogama area, as the floodwaters continue to claim more homes. According to the National Weather Service, the flooding in the Rainy River Basin is historic, and already exceeded the records set in 2014. It could break all-time…

Air Travelers Face Cancellations over Memorial Day Weekend

According to the website FlightAware, more than 1,200 flights were canceled as of 2 p.m EDT on Saturday. That followed more than 2,300 cancellations on Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) – Airline travelers are not only facing sticker shock this Memorial Day weekend.  They’re also dealing with a pileup of flight cancellations. According to the website FlightAware, more than 1,200 flights were canceled as of 2 p.m EDT on Saturday. That followed more than 2,300 cancellations on Friday. Delta Air Lines suffered the most, with more than…

Douglas County Service Office Prepares for Memorial Day Weekend at Cemeteries

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Douglas County Service office organized the laying of flags on each veteran’s headstone at local cemeteries. They opened up the opportunity to the community a couple of years ago. and organizers say the influx of volunteers was more than expected. They believe every veteran should have the American flag on their headstone for Memorial Day, and seeing…

Duluth Police: Alleged Threat to Lincoln Park Middle School was List of Peoples’ Names Student Felt ‘upset with and bullied by’

Investigators believe the list of names "are individuals the student expressed both being upset with and bullied by." 

DULUTH, Minn.- Investigators with the Duluth Police Department Friday determined the alleged school threat made by a Lincoln Park Middle School student was a written list of names several months old. According to a Department spokesperson, after the recent tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, students who knew about the list told the staff. Both Police and School Administration were…

Koochiching Co. Sheriff: Roads Closing Due to Rainy Lake Flooding; Some Int’l Falls Residents Should Evacuate

According to the Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the evacuation is currently voluntary, but anyone choosing to stay home must find other transportation.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office asked that International Falls residents prepare to evacuate, as historic flooding of Rainy Lake forced the closure of County Road 135 and Town Road 225 Friday. According to an alert from the Minnesota Integrated Alert and Warning System or IPAWS shared on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page, County Road 135 closed at…

Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken Releases Statement After Threat To Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken released a statement (see below) Friday afternoon involving school safety after a threat was made by a student toward the Lincoln Park Middle School and on the same week of a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The Duluth Police Department share the concerns of our community regarding the…

Duluth Police: Threat Made at Lincoln Park Middle School Not Credible, Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn.- A threat allegedly made by a student at Lincoln Park Middle School Thursday is under investigation by Duluth Police, but has been deemed not credible. According to a spokesperson with the Department, the threat was reported to a School Resource Officer, and the Police Department received concern from community members via social media. Investigators do not believe it…

Officials On Alert for Increased Driving Deaths, Grill Fires Memorial Day thru Labor Day

This Memorial Day comes after one of the deadliest summers on record for Minnesota Motorists.

DULUTH, Minn.- As many get ready to break out the grills and coolers this Memorial Day weekend, it comes in the shadow of one of the deadliest years on record for Minnesota roads last year. So officials are making sure everyone has a safe holiday, behind the wheel and at home. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the 100 most traveled…