Community

Memorial Day Parade Saved By Duluth City Council, Fee Dispute Resolved

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council approved a resolution Monday to keep the longstanding Memorial Day Parade in West Duluth by dropping the event’s fee from thousands of dollars to just under $200. Council President Arik Forsman and Council Vice President Janet Kennedy were behind the resolution. The resolution changes the fee for the parade to $187.10, which is…

The annual Arrowhead Home and Builders Show Preps are Underway

Nearly four hundred exhibitors are setting up for the 54th annual show at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.–The 54th annual Arrowhead Home and Builders Show is back at the DECC beginning this Wednesday. Currently almost four hundred exhibitors are setting up for thousands of people to check out the five day event. The show is known as a one-stop destination for any home remodeling or garden project need. The Home and Builders Show Manager Christ Navratil…

Look Out for Litter as Spring Approaches

The city of Duluth encourages residents to pick up trash around their neighborhoods to help keep it out of waterways.

DULUTH, Minn.– As snow begins melting and flows into storm drains, it becomes increasingly important to keep litter off the streets and into trash cans. “Whatever is on the streets or parking lots is going to wash into storm sewers, and into our lakes and rivers,” says Utilities Operations Manager Chris Kleist, “Whatever folks can do to pick up trash,…

Lincoln Park to Undergo Much Needed Transformations

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s Ecolibrium3 has been awarded more than 800-thousand dollars to address economic, educational and health disparities in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. The money is coming from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. It’ll fund three construction projects including a small-footprint grocery store with fresh produce on W Superior St. This effort will help to close the gap…

33rd Annual Fitger’s 5K Back with Normal Course, Full Capacity in 2022

This year’s Fitger’s 5K field will be capped at 2,000 participants and is expected to sell out prior to race day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 33rd annual Fitger’s 5K will look and feel more like normal this April, with the iconic spring race returning to full capacity and a more traditional racecourse after two years of modifications. “Our events are meant to come with a sense of community,” Marketing & PR Director Zach Schneider said, in a press release Monday, “and that’s…

Celebration of Life for Local Music Legend Mark Anderson

DULUTH, Minn. — There was an outpouring of support at R.T. Quinlan’s on Sunday where musicians and the Twin Ports came together to honor and remember the life of Mark Anderson who passed in early March. “It’s wonderful. I wouldn’t miss it, I wouldn’t miss it,” that’s what Mark Anderson’s mother, Marolyn Martinson said, after seeing hundreds of people gather…

Monday’s City Council Meeting bringing Closure to the Table

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s a win for Duluth’s longstanding Memorial Day parade, if councilors pass a resolution Monday night, that drops the event’s fee from thousands of dollars, to just under $200. Council president Arik Forsman, and Council Vice President Janet Kennedy, are behind the resolution. They are requesting the city permanently change the fee for the Memorial Day parade…

Affordable Housing, Long Overlooked, Getting Federal Boost

BOSTON (AP) – States and localities are increasingly tapping federal funds to help finance efforts to build more affordable housing, repair dilapidated units or reduce their homeless numbers. Housing advocates believe the money from the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds could transform the way communities address the growing homelessness problem and a shortage of affordable housing….

Resale, Reuse, Recycling Outdoor Gear at 23rd UMD Swap

15 percent of the sales were used to promote the outdoor education club.

DULUTH, Minn.- People were refreshing their winter gear or trading them in for summer stuff at UMD’s 23rd annual Outdoor Gear Swap. People lined up outside Malosky Stadium almost 2 hours early to browse thousands of used skis, snowboards, boots, camping gear, and more sold by students, community members, and local businesses. 15 percent of the sales were used to…

Commercial Space, Event Center for Rent Opens in Old Billings Park Cafe Building

Since mid-February businesses like the new Superior Roux restaurant have been renting out the commercial space which is registered with the Douglas County Department of Health.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New life is coming to the once vacant billings park cafe in Superior as one business owner hopes it’s the start of a new direction for the neighborhood. Craig Sutherland has turned the building into “Venue in the Park.” Since mid-February businesses like the new Superior Roux restaurant have been renting out the commercial space which is registered…

Drop Off Begins for 23rd Annual UMD Outdoor Gear Swap Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for a way to get outdoors but don’t feel like paying full price for equipment, you are just in time for the annual gear swap at UMD’s Malosky Stadium. Gear could be dropped off at UMD today. The exchange was unable to happen the past few years because of the pandemic, but now it…

City of Duluth Asks for the Community’s Help with Lake Superior Shoreline Resilience Survey

Officials seek the public's help by participating in an online survey about coastal resilience along Lake Superior

As part of the Advanced Assistance (AA) Coastal Resilience and Mitigation Study, the City of Duluth is asking for the public’s help to provide feedback through an online survey. Within the survey, citizens are asked questions about what coastal resilience concerns residents and visitors have in regards to Lake Superior’s coastline. The AA Coastal Resilience Mitigation Study is part of…

Coast Guard Cutter Arrives in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not the permanent ship, but the arrival of the Hollyhock means the start of ice cutting activities in the Duluth and Superior ports. This ship, along with the Neah Bay, will start cutting around the tugboats in the ports.  That will allow them to assist the five vessels that have been docked through winter get ready…

Visit Duluth’s New President A Native Of Italy, Ready To Move Forward ‘Like A Rocket’

DULUTH, Minn. – The newly configured Visit Duluth officially has a new president to lead its convention and visitor center operations. This comes as Twin Cities marketing firm Bellmont Partners now handles all marketing for the city. Daniele Villa was born and raised in Italy, most recently managed luxury shows and conventions in Dubai and has lived in Duluth the…

Duluth Sister Cities International Won’t Drop Sister City Petrozavodsk, Russia Amid War

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Sister Cities is speaking out in support of Petrozavodsk, Russia, which is one of Duluth’s sister cities, as that country’s leader continues to pummel Ukraine. In an email Tuesday to Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors, Sister Cities board members said they condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and they stand in solidarity of the people of…

Duluth’s Second Harvest Food Bank 41% Toward Fundraising Goal During FoodShare Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, a campaign through the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. From now until April 10th, donations made to food banks will be reported to the GMCC FoodShare program, which will turn around and match a portion of what they raised. The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth not only has its…

U of M Asks Lawmakers for $30M for Scholarships

Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their first year and $1,000 to $2,000 in each of their next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota officials are asking legislators to approve $30 million for scholarships for students who attend regional campuses. The Star Tribune reports the proposed Greater Minnesota Scholarship Program would go give money to Minnesota residents who enroll as freshmen at the university’s Duluth, Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses. Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their…

Comedian, Podcast Host Tom Segura Headed to DECC this September

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- In September, comedian and podcast host Tom Segura will be performing at the DECC, as part of the third leg of his world tour. According to a spokesperson with the DECC, Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business.  He recently performed to sold-out audiences on his 100+ city Take It Down Tour. He is best…

Family, Friends Remember Eveleth-Native Jimmy Hill, Killed While Caring for Sick Partner in Ukraine

68-year-old Jimmy Hill was confirmed to be one of ten people gunned down by Russian forces while waiting in line for bread in the city of Chernihiv.

The war between Russia and Ukraine hits closer to home as last week after Eveleth native Jimmy Hill was killed while waiting in line for bread – a harsh reminder of the far-reaching impacts of the conflict. “When I’d wake up the first thing I would do is check and his message would be ‘made it through the night, still…

UMD Students Root for Bulldog Women in Frozen Four with Gear from UMD Stores

Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the UMD Women’s Hockey Team lost to Ohio State after a hard-fought game, leading up to the championship excitement was bubbling on the UMD campus and merch was flying off the shelves at the school’s Store. Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four. And…

Saint Fennessey 4k Returns To Normal Operation

A record 728 runners took off Saturday morning for the first Grandma’s race of 2022.

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On a beautiful blue sky day, came a sea of green as a record number of racers came out for the annual Fennessey 4k “We are thrilled that we can be back here it’s been a long couple years for everybody,” Zach Schneider, Marketing and PR Director For Grandmas Marathon said. A record 728 runners took off…

Gearheads Rev Their Engines at DECC’s Motorhead Madness

The event featured 150 classic cars, trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, race cars, and more, which require lots of work and restoration.

DULUTH, Minn.- Gearheads gathered at the DECC for the return of Motorhead Madness — back for the first time since 2019. The event featured 150 classic cars, trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, race cars, and more, which require lots of work and restoration. One car owner worked on his dream car, a 1966 Pontiac GTO for three and a half years!…

Preservation Alliance Rallies to Save Former Hotel Astoria Building from Demolition After Businesses Forced Out

The Duluth Preservation Alliance said this is part of an attack on the Historic Arts and Theater, or HART District.

DULUTH, Minn.- Historic preservationists in Duluth met to call on the City not to demolish the former Hotel Astoria building months after the small businesses inside were forced out by a California-based developer. Hall Equities, a real estate investment, and development company announced plans to demolish the Hotel Astoria building on Superior Street across the street from the Duluth Candy…

UMD Grad Calls Eveleth-Native Killed in Ukraine ‘helpful guy, open-minded person’

Hill was staying in Ukraine to support his partner who was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

MINNESOTA- We’re learning more about the Eveleth native killed waiting in line for bread in Ukraine as his friend shares some of her memories. Jimmy Hill was identified Thursday as one of several people killed when Russian forces opened fire on civilians in Chernihiv. Hill was staying in Ukraine to support his partner who was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Sasha…

City of Duluth Spent $1.6 Million on Water Main Breaks, Leaks In 2021

According to Duluth's Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Water main breaks in the City of Duluth this year have not only been gushing out water but they’ve been forcing the city to gush out money for repairs. According to Duluth’s Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks. The record…

Ruth Free Store Moving to New Location

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Ruth Free Store is in the process of moving to a new location, but it won’t be far as it’s just one door away. Still on Belknap street in Superior, the new space is much larger than the current space and will provide the area needed to store the growing number of donations. The new store…

Esko Schools Evacuated Over Anonymous Call Of A Bomb Threat

UPDATE – ESKO, Minn. –The evacuation on Thursday afternoon at Esko Public Schools was due to a bomb threat that was made by an anonymous caller, according to the school administration. The school district says that Carlton County 911 dispatchers received a call from an unknown person claiming that an explosive device was spotted inside one of the high school’s…

Motorhead Madness Returning to DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC is transforming into an automotive paradise as Motorhead Madness returns this weekend. People can see around 150 classic cars on display, along with vendors, RC racing, the crowning of Miss Motorhead, and door prizes. “We’re marking the floors (Thursday),” says show co-owner Mike Podgornik, “getting the location set up for the cars and vendors and everyone…

Essentia Health Creates “Education-To-Employment” Scholarships And Opportunities For Rock Ridge Students

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Essentia Health is teaming up with Rock Ridge Public Schools in Virginia to create what they call “education-to-employment student scholarships.” Essentia is setting aside $300,000 for scholarships for students who pursue education after high school for certain career opportunities in healthcare. Those jobs range from respiratory therapists to radiology, surgical, and medical lab technicians, and more. The…

Catalyst Story Institute Hires Anna Tanski For Leadership Role

DULUTH, Minn. — The Catalyst Story Institute has hired the former president and CEO of Visit Duluth, Anna Tanski, as the new Head of Festivals And Events for its organizations. It also hired four other women for leadership roles in New York and Los Angeles. The Institute’s headquarters are in Duluth, and is known for holding its Catalyst Content Festival…

Saint Fennessy 4K Kicks-Off Racing Season in Hermantown This Weekend

You can sign up online for the race through Thursday night. In-person sign up will be at Skyline from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, as well as the morning of the race on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is finally here and the timing is perfect as a local race is scheduled to take place this weekend. The 8th annual Saint Fennessy 4K will kick off the racing season for Grandma’s Marathon. The start line will be at Hermantown High School and the finish and post-race party will take place at Skyline Social and…

Damiano Center Recreates First Meal for 40th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – The community kitchen at Damiano Center celebrated its 40th anniversary Tuesday. It recreated its first meal, served March 15, 1982, by offering the same hamburger soup recipe to everyone who attended.  In addition, the meal offered side such as a salad and mixed fruit, and pie ala mode for dessert. Kitchen manager Flora Woodfork helped with the first…

Minnesota-Native Musher Brent Sass Wins his 1st Iditarod Race Across Alaska

Photo: Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News via AP ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Musher Brent Sass won the arduous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska on Tuesday as his team of 11 dogs dashed off the Bering Sea ice through a crowd of fans in downtown Nome. Sass mushed down Front Street and across the finish line just before 6 a.m….

Duluth Cider To Host ‘Stand With Ukraine’ Benefit Concert Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Cider is getting ready to host a “Stand with Ukraine” benefit concert this Saturday for Ukrainian refugees. Charlie Parr and the Black-Eyed Snakes will be taking the stage starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door with an option to donate more. And Duluth Cider will donate $1 for every pint sold. The proceeds…

Veteran, Councilors Speak About Reaching Deal To Continue Duluth’s Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. — A veteran and two city councilors spoke with FOX21 about reaching a deal last Friday to keep the Memorial Day parade in West Duluth. The Memorial Day parade has been a long-standing tradition in the city, but there was a chance this year that it would move to Proctor or Rice Lake. This, after the veterans who…

Chum Food Distribution to Pause Until April for Interior Work

The food shelf's "Refresh' project which started in 2019 was delayed due to supply chain issues and the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM is hitting pause on its food distribution program as its Duluth building undergoes interior renovations. Starting this Thursday, distribution out of Downtown and West Duluth locations, the mobile food drops, and the CHUM2GO program will stop. CHUM expects this to go until April 1st. The food shelf’s “Refresh’ project which started in 2019 was delayed due to…

Duluth Improving Seawall, Preparing Harbor Drive Behind DECC for Cruise Ships this May

The global supply chain crisis drove up the cost of the seawall reconstruction, the head of the DECC said.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for Duluth to welcome 7 Viking Cruise Ships beginning this May, the city has secured $5 million in federal CARES Act funding for the $8 million reconstruction of the aging seawall behind the DECC. “It’ll be ADA accessible, it’ll have, the whole plaza will be more pedestrian-friendly,” said Chris Fleege, Planning and Economic Development Director…