Community

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…

1st Annual Hunger Bowl Twin Ports Raises $60k for Second Harvest Food Bank

Nearly 50 insurance agencies across town have been accepting food and cash donations the last few weeks.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The first-ever Hunger Bowl Twin Ports filled up the newly remodeled Superior Lanes. The food and fun drive raised about $60,000 and many pounds of food. Nearly 50 insurance agencies across town have been accepting food and cash donations the last few weeks. Those with the Food Bank say they were grateful to see the outpouring of community…

Evers Authorizes Pay Raises for Wisconsin Prison Workers

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers’ administration is giving prison workers a temporary pay raise. The governor announced Friday that prison guards, psychiatrists and supervisors will be getting a $3-an-hour raise beginning Sunday. The governor said the corrections system faces high vacancy rates and the pay increase will help retain and attract workers….

Gronk’s in Superior Busy for Fish Fry Fridays

Over at Gronks off Highway 53 in Superior, their fish fry includes deep-fried Alaskan cod and catfish along with sides of potatoes or coleslaw.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the second Friday of lent and many people are biting at local restaurants’ fish fry. Over at Gronks off Highway 53 in Superior, their fish fry includes deep-fried Alaskan cod and catfish along with sides of potatoes or coleslaw. Staff say the seasonal offering keeps them busy all day. “Especially being in Northern Wisconsin the Friday night…

Positively Third Street Bakery Cooking Up Pies for ‘Pi Day’

The pies cost 12 dollars and will only be available Monday so they suggest preordering one ahead of time.

DULUTH, Minn.- This coming Monday is 3-14 the shorthand for the number pi! So to celebrate Pi Day Positively 3rd Street Bakery in Duluth is offering up some delicious mini strawberry rhubarb pies. These will make the perfect treat for the math or pie enthusiast in your life. “I think it’s a fun opportunity for families and for math students,…

UW President Visits Site of Future One-Stop Business Site

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On his tour of the 13 UW schools system President Tommy Thompson stopped at UWS to visit the site of a future business center. The former post office on Tower Ave is becoming a one stop business center. Thompson expressed that economic development is a main priority for the state of Wisconsin, especially when sending new graduates…

Pain at the Pump Impacting Moving Trucks

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A moving company in Superior is feeling the pain at the pump and other places as gas prices continue to rise nationwide. A1 movers in Superior travels almost a million miles a year moving people both locally and nationwide. Owners say they’ve spent about a hundred thousand dollars more due to high gas prices. They began charging…

“Kirov By Night” Has One-Night-Only Performance To Mark Milestone Anniversary

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Thursday marked a big milestone for a local host, comedian, and FOX21 alum. Andrew Kirov held a one-night performance for the 10-year anniversary of the show he used to host and executive produce called “Kirov By Night.” It was a late-night sketch comedy and talk show that he launched with his friends at UW-Superior on March 10th,…

Councilor Hobbs: Reduce Speed Limits In Neighborhoods, Change Parking Requirements For Developers

DULUTH, Minn. – Newly appointed Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs is giving us an idea of what issues he’d like to tackle over the next two years of Derek Medved’s term.  Medved recently resigned to focus on his growing business. Hobbs said he’d like to lower the speed limit on residential streets from 30 miles an hour to 20 to…

Musical Bingo Fundraiser At ‘Spirit Room’ Helps Support Musicians, Outreach Programs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Live music was flowing Thursday evening at the Spirit Room in Superior for a fun Musical Bingo fundraiser. It’s all to support Siggy’s Musical Garden. The non-profit creates outreach programs that connects local musicians with elder care facilities, youth programs and community events. One of those events is Superior Porch Fest, where dozens of musicians pop up…

KornerStore Owner, Former Duluth City Councilor Purchases 7 Northland Minit Marts

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved, who owns the KornerStore gas stations in the Northland, says gas prices have been changing by the hour.  And it comes as he recently purchased multiple Minit Marts in the area. KornerStore in Gary Medved is a bit frustrated with rising gas prices, but in a different way than consumers. He…

North Star Academy Shows Ukraine Support Through Anthem

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at North Star Academy showed their support for Ukraine this morning through a performance of the country’s national anthem. Members of the combined eighth grade band, choir, and North Star Singers started learning the music and words last Thursday.  It is part of the school’s overall approach to teach students about what is happening in Eastern Europe….

Coffee Conversation: ShamROCK the House with 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities

DULUTH, Minn.- March is here, and so are some favorite green seasonal treats. 225 McDonald’s Restaurants in the upper Midwest are back with the 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser, “ShamROCK THE HOUSE!” From March 7-17 McDonald’s owner/operators in MN, western WI, and Ironwood will donate 25 cents of every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry sold to Ronald McDonald House…

Community Pictures Of Duluth’s Lift Bridge, Other Structures Lit For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday marked the final night of the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower being lit blue and yellow for Ukraine after doing so for the past week.  Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be releasing an updated lighting policy for the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower in 60 days after the community spoke up in numbers to light the…

Gov. Walz Proclaims March 6 As ‘Ukrainian Solidarity Day’ In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed Sunday, Mar. 6 as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in the State of Minnesota to “honor the bravery and resilience of the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their country and their freedom,” Walz said in a statement. “I’m proud to declare today as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in Minnesota,” said Walz….

Northlanders, Hundreds Globally Bid For Railroad Items at Nordic Auction

Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online.

DULUTH, Minn.- Railroad enthusiasts got a chance to get their hands on some unique pieces of locomotive history. 300 items including signs and bells were up for bid at Nordic Auction. Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online from so many countries that they even had to bring in a translator for some exchanges. “Growing…

UMD Planetarium Sells Out First Weekend Back

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD Planetarium re-opened on Friday after 2 years of being closed, and it was obvious children and families were eager to be back inside, exploring the galaxies. The director tells us Friday night exceeded her expectations. She was nervous people wouldn’t buy tickets after being closed due to covid concerns, but they sold out for the…

Vision Northland Project 72% Complete, Crews Focus on Developing Interior

The Vision Northland Project is slated to be complete in the 1st quarter of 2023 and open to patients in the 3rd quarter.

DULUTH, Minn.- The interior of Essentia’s Vision Northland redevelopment is taking shape and we have got an inside look at the inside of the building. Last week contractors marked the milestone of the multi-million dollar project being fully-enclosed. This means the exterior was largely completed, and crews got started on casework, flooring, painting, and more. The project is now 72%…

Essentia Donates $35k for Boys and Girls Clubs Mental Health Program

In 2019 the Boys and Girls Clubs began providing mental health services to integrate mental health staff and create dialogues to remove the stigma attached to mental health related issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland received a generous donation to support the mental health access program. Essentia Health donated $35,000 thousand dollars to support the growing program. The grant helps with the costs of adding a full-time behavioral health coordinator position to oversee the program. “For outpatient services to come on-site and see the youth…

CSS Shows Support for Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Russian invasion continues to disrupt and destroy Ukraine, and kill or force out its citizens, the College Of Saint Scholastica decided to show their support with a prayer service. CSS’s international students, and students of different religious backgrounds came together Friday for one common reason, to show support for Ukraine. They held a prayer service…

Nordic Auction’s New Format Proving Popular With Railroad Collectors

DULUTH, Minn. — This weekend local locomotive lovers will be showcasing historic items from the Midwest and beyond at a railroad auction in Duluth. After the seven auctions last June that came from the Carr’s Hobby Shop closing, the owner of Nordic Auction began doing his sales half in person and half online which he says gained him more traction…

Duluth Public Schools Moving to “Optional” Masking Next Week

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth public schools will be moving to optional masking beginning next week. On Friday, Duluth superintendent John Magas released a weekly update statement where he announced the decision to move from required masking to optional masking. “Updated COVID-19 community levels released Thursday, March 3 shows community levels are low in St. Louis County….

Wellness Center Hosts Prayer Service For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. – A local wellness center gathered to hold a prayer service Thursday night to express their compassion for Ukraine and the world. In Harmony Reiki and Inner Wellness held a non-denominational prayer to give people a voice to their inter peace. The owner, Debbie Merrick, said she thinks the community needed a place to meditate and draw positive…

UMD Honors Student Association Donates Thousands to CHUM

DULUTH, Minn. — The Honor Student Association has been in partnership with CHUM for about 8 years, and they presented a special donation to CHUM on Wednesday at the Steve O’Neil Apartments on Fourth Street. Central Hillside, where the Steve O’Neil Apartments are located in, does not have immediate access to any grocery stores, playgrounds or athletic facilities, eespecially if…

Politicians, Students, And Supporters React To President Biden’s UWS Visit

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Yellowjacket Union welcomed President Joe Biden on Wednesday afternoon, along with a number of politicians, students, and supporters who were ecstatic that the commander-in-chief chose Superior as his first stop the day after the State of the Union address. “It’s not too often you get an email saying the president of the United States is coming…

Pres. Biden Stops at UWS to Talk Bolstering Blatnik Bridge, Other Northland Infrastructure Needs

On his way to UWS President Biden stopped under the Blatnik Bridge to get an up-close look at the shape it was in.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Bridges were front and center of President Biden’s speech as he made Yellowjacket Union at UWS his first stop after the State of the Union Address Tuesday. “Hello Wisconsin, the President said to cheers, “and if you’re hearing me across the river hello Minnesota.” On his way to UWS President Biden stopped under the Blatnik Bridge near the…

Power of Storytelling at UMD’S Equity, Race, Ethnicity Summit

More than 400 people were set to participate in the event held both in person and through zoom.

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the BIPOC community hoped to build more bridges with the power of their stories at UMD’s annual Summit on Equity, Race and Ethnicity. More than 400 people were set to participate in the event held both in person and through zoom. Workshops focused on community leaders sharing personal stories accounts of events and more around a…

Duluth Ukrainians Relieved, Thankful City Changed Course To Light Lift Bridge

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s iconic Lift Bridge shined blue and yellow in support of Ukraine for the first time Tuesday evening, adding to the slew of iconic structures across the country and world lit to support the freedom we American’s sometimes take for granted. Tuesday morning’s update The moment came Tuesday after an overwhelming stand Duluthians took since the weekend…

Volunteers Coming to Spirit Mountain to Help with 18th Great Lake Mono Ski Madness Camp

With over forty volunteers helping out, some specialized clinicians will be coming from as far as the Rocky Mountains.

DULUTH, Minn.- After missing last year, the Great Lake Mono Ski Madness Camp is back for its 18th year. The camp is specialized for those with a lower extremity disability that use a mono-ski. The goal of the camp is to help those who are skiing at a beginner level to become independent skiers. Spots are already filled up as…

Bob Tavani House Receives Grant to Expand Services

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization that helps homeless people recovering from acute medical conditions in the Twin Ports is planning on how it can sustain and expand its services in the future. Bob Tavani House, located next to First Covenant Church in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, has been around since 2018.  They converted the church’s old parsonage into a space where…

Mayor Larson Changes Tune, Will Light Lift Bridge Through Sunday in Support of Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. – Yesterday, Mayor Larson doubled down on her decision to not light the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in support of Ukraine. Today, she seems to have had a change of heart. On Tuesday morning, Mayor Larson released yet another statement on lighting Duluth landmarks. The full statement reads: Good Morning, Sometimes you make a decision based on important…

Douglas County Courthouse Shines For Ukraine; Duluth Mayor Doubles Down, Won’t Light Lift Bridge

DULUTH-SUPERIOR — Support for Ukraine shined blue and yellow Monday night outside the Douglas County Courthouse in Superior following other city, county and state buildings glowing for Ukraine in recent days across the country, but not necessarily in the Northland. Douglas County Courthouse lights up for Ukraine Monday evening. One of those examples is Duluth’s most iconic structure, the Aerial…

Veteran Community Upset Over Increasing Fees For Duluth Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. — Some veterans and community members are concerned that they are losing some city funding for the annual Memorial Day parade. Organizers say the city of Duluth used to cover the costs of the Memorial Day parade for free. Then from 2008 on, there was a “gentleman’s agreement” that the vets would pay $400 for it every year….