Community

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…

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…