Community

Superior YMCA Whalers Swim Team Takes on AAU Junior Olympics

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven swimmers from the Superior YMCA Whalers Swim Team are taking on the AAU Junior Olympic National Games. The six-day competition began today in Houston, Texas, bringing together top youth swimmers from across the country and several other nations. The Whalers qualified after strong performances throughout the season and are representing Superior, Hermantown, and Esko at this…

City Council Tables Daycare Zoning Proposal for Further Review

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council decided to table the ordinance regarding daycare facilities. The Duluth City Council tabled a proposed zoning change that would make it easier to open daycare centers in residential areas without a special use permit. Councilors stated that they require additional time to ensure everything is finalized and ready before proceeding. “What we’re really…

City Council Approves to Extend Seasonal Closure Dates on Skyline Parkway

DUUTH, Minn. –  The Duluth City Council voted to extend the seasonal closure of Skyline Parkway. The sections of Skyline Parkway that normally close from December 1 to April 15 will now extend to May 15. Frequent weather-related delays, which have occurred in four out of the past five years, have added pressure to the Street Maintenance and Communications departments,…

Great Lakes Aquarium Celebrates 25 Years by Unveiling Time Capsule

DULUTH, Minn.– The Great Lakes Aquarium is making history today, as well as reflecting on it, by opening their time capsule from 25 years ago. The aquarium wasted no time diving into history to reminisce on the time they first opened. Inside the capsule, guests got to check out the unveiling of numerous news clippings and magazines highlighting the beginning….

Department of Public Safety creates tip program to help advance missing and murdered Indigenous relatives’ cases

Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office will announce the official opening of the state’s Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Tip Program. Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office logo Lawmakers established the state’s Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Account during the 22-23 legislative session. The purpose of the fund’s tip program is to bring…

“Visual Sound Bath” Art Installation at the Duluth International Airport

  DULUTH, Minn. — Visitors can listen to the new “visual sound bath” at the Duluth International Airport.  It’s a new art display by multi-media visual artist Leonarda Boughton. Boughton, a frequent traveler through the city of Duluth, designed the “Visual Sound Bath” in the walkway between the parking garage and the airport terminal. The installation changes with the movement…

The Isabella Section House Reimagined Project Seeks Public Input

ISABELLA, Minn. — The Isabella Section House Reimagined project is seeking public feedback on what the future of the historic building should be. Isabella Section House, Image courtesy of the United States Forest Service The project has people take a virtual tour and give their thoughts on what the building should be used for. Project leaders are looking for a…

I-35 Bridge Work Near 40th Avenue West Starting July 28th

  DULUTH, Minn.– Starting July 28th, bridge repair will begin on 40th Avenue West out in Duluth. The work will begin by constructing crossovers for the bridge. This will eventually prepare for a bridge repair above the freeway. Once the crossovers are complete, traffic will remain head-to-head through mid-August. This will be one of the last pieces before the I-35…

Chief Mike Ceynowa Appointed to Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa was appointed to the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. The board is responsible for licensing peace officers and part-time peace officers, establishes qualifications and standards of conduct, and regulates professional education and continuing education for peace officers. Chief Mike Ceynowa Chief Ceynowa’s term begins July 23rd and ends January 5th,…

Lumberjack World Championships Sees New World Record!

HAYWARD, Wisc. — Hayward was buzzing this past weekend with the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships. Over 100 competitors from 7 countries and 16 states came to compete. Timber sports athletes displayed their mastery of sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running, and axe throwing. Kate Witkowski, set record for Women’s Standing Log Competition. Courtesy of Lumberjack World Championships….

Lake Superior Day Brings Great Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Day brought the community together for a day of fun, learning, and appreciation of the world’s largest freshwater lake. People gathered at Barkers Island to celebrate Lake Superior through free Interactive learning activities, games, prizes, and paddle boarding. It was organized ‘Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve’ with support from other organizations like Friends of…

11th Annual Bike Duluth Festival Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Gears are turning at spirit mountain, because the 11th annual Bike Duluth Festival is about to take off. The festival itself draws in cyclists of all skill levels. Throughout the weekend, 9 different courses will take place, downhill, cross country, and chainless downhill just to name a few. In addition, a handful of vendors will be available to…

‘Good Trouble’ Protestors Rally in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians joined cities nationwide for the “Good Trouble” peaceful protest defending civil rights and honoring the late John Lewis, a former congressman and civil rights icon. The protest was centered around Lake Avenue and Superior Street, with 50 states and 50 cities participating in one mission. They held rallies, marches, teach-ins, and vigils, demanding voter protections, protesting…

Park Point 5-Mile run and 2-Mile run Helped Raise Money for the Youth

DULUTH, Minn. – 650 participants took on the Park Point 5-mile run and 2-mile walk to help support the Young Athletes Foundation. Grandma’s Marathon held both of these races to raise money for the Young Athletes Foundation. This foundation offers the youth grants, scholarships, and free kids’ programming. “For me, personally, I have three kids myself that have benefited from…

Douglas County Humane Society Celebrates 50 Years of Rescuing and Adopting

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today’s ribbon cutting out in Superior didn’t highlight something brand new.  But instead, over 50 years of tail wagging, smiles, and connections to furry friends. “We’ve gone through a couple different buildings. At this point, we’ve had different animals and staff come through, but the whole mission has always been the same, and that is to care for…

Part of Munger State Trail washed out; Closed until winter

DULUTH, Minn. – A section of the Munger State Trail close to the Buffalo House restaurant is expected to be closed  until later this winter. It’s closed to replace a failing culvert. There is no designated detour available, so trail users should plan accordingly. Munger Trail Closed 07/17/25 Recent heavy rainfall has caused severe soil erosion around the culvert located at…

FDLTCC Celebrates 15th Annual Scholarship Event

Fond du Lac, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Tribal Community College didn’t let yesterday’s rain stop their event. And with some adjustments, it was all okay, in Cloquet. The community came together to help support student scholarships. Instead of the typical croquet event, the college switched gears to a taco lunch. The mission remained the same, helping raise money for…

Trump Administration Reverses Duluth Federal Prison Camp Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The deactivation of the Duluth Federal Prison Camp has been officially reversed, and it will remain open. After Congressman Pete Stauber pushed to overturn the decision to close the prison camp, the Federal Bureau of Prisons ‘ William Marshall visited the facility, ultimately leading to the Trump administration’s decision to keep the prison camp open. U.S. Senator…

Suspect Dead After Setting Fires and Shooting at First Responders

DULUTH, Minn. – One man is dead, after allegedly setting fire to multiple houses and shooting at first responders in Normanna Township, just north of Duluth. A 911 caller Tuesday morning reported a neighbor for spraying gas on a family member and setting the caller’s house on fire. Another neighboring home was set ablaze, and the suspect is believed to…

Spongy Moth Spraying begins in Northern Minnesota

DULUTHJ, Minn. — Spongy Moth spraying in Minnesota was planned to start July 16th. If the weather cooperates, spraying will occur over through the 22nd. Low flying planes will be spreading a non-toxic substance at 24 sites in Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine and St. Louis counties. The substance does not harm humans, animals, or other insects. It works by confusing…

Large-Scale Development Project Takes Shape in Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Economic Development Authority and NGP Development held an informational open house regarding a large development project. People were invited to the Proctor Area Community Center to learn about and discuss the huge proposed development on Kirkus Street. This was an opportunity for community members to view project details and speak with the development team and…

‘DAIP’ Proves Significant Efforts in Solving Violence

DULTUH, Minn.– For over 45 years, the ‘Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs’ has been a valuable resource for victims of domestic violence. The Deputy Director of DAIP said there is a critical need for resources, surrounding domestic violence treatment. A 24- hour record period was studied, for the entire country, and during that time, 66,000 people needed help. And 10,000…

Individuals Competition for Superior High Dive Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – The first-ever professional high dive competition on the Great Lakes takes place in the Duluth Harbor. As part of Duluth’s Festival of Sail activities behind the DECC, professional divers plunged from a 65-foot platform into the harbor. The individual portion of the Superior High Dive Challenge on Friday involved five men and five women performing dives of…

Two Harbors Heritage Days: 4 Days of Fun!

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–Two Harbors heritage days kicked off yesterday, and the party is scheduled to continue all weekend. Today is day two of the annual event. This festival boasts a four-day arts and crafts show, stage entertainment, a street dance, and two parades. With all the activities and events, there’s something for everyone. The fun brings in thousands of locals…

New Owners Same Passion: ‘Happy Critter Farms’ Opens Beloved Strawberry Fields

CARLTON, Minn.– As of last year, the beloved former ‘Finks Berry Farm’ out in Carlton took on new owners. They’re tasked to take care of 11 miles of strawberry fields. ‘Happy Critters Farms’ introduced a plethora of pollinator plants, and they stay away from insecticides. And with this new opportunity, they had big shoes to fill. “So last year we…

One Roof Community Housing Awarded 10k Grant

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing received a ten thousand dollar grant today. Members Cooperative Credit Union in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines awarded the grant from the Member Impact Fund. FHLB Des Moines created the fund to partner with not-for-profit organizations that focus on affordable housing and community development. Members has worked with One…

APP strike begins, bargaining stalled by legal review

  DULUTH, Minn. — Today, July 01, 2025, marks the start of the Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) striking at Essentia. APP’s joined the picket lines at the Duluth, Superior, and Virginia locations. Negotiations are currently off the table as Essentia awaits a legal review from the National Labor Relations Board. The MNA proposed creating the APP bargaining unit in a…

Acute Care Nurses Approve Agreement with Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. — Acute Care nurses at Essentia have voted to ratify the agreements made last week. Nurses voted on the agreement Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The agreement includes provisions that will give nurses more scheduling predictability and flexibility. It also provides a nearly ten percent increase in pay spread over the next three years. RELATED: Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses…

DNR K9 Team Demonstrates Zebra Mussel Detection

DULUTH, Minn. – The Two Harbors, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ newest K9 team gave a demonstration at McQuade Harbor, showcasing how they utilize a detection dog’s powerful sense of smell to locate invasive zebra mussels on boats. Conservation Officer Cassie Block was recently partnered with Jet, a specially trained four-year-old black lab. Jet is one of the Minnesota DNR’s…

Twin Ports Celebrates its First Disability Pride Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Across the state of Minnesota, numerous disability pride events have been celebrated. And now, advocates felt it was time for the Twin Ports to join in. “The reason we’re doing this, is we want to celebrate disabilities, their contributions to our community, we’re here to stay. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Amanda Crosby, Executive Director ‘Arc Northland’. Around the…

Minnesota State Fair Foods Announced!

ST. PAUL, Minn. — This year’s lineup of savory, sweet, and downright strange foods at the Minnesota State Fair have been announced. They’ve announced the lineup of new foods, as well as a list of new vendors. The Fair runs from August 21st through Labor Day. Afro Bean Pops Afro Deli Savory deep-fried bites of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños,…

Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota Slip Bridge to have special hours during Festival of Sail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota slip bridge will have special lift schedules during Festival of Sail. On Thursday, June 10, 2025 the Parade of Sail will travel under the Aerial Lift Bridge. The parade is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am and end around 1:00 pm. During the Parade of Sail, the public should expect longer…

LSC Awarded Grant to Develop Unique Program for Students with Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has received a significant grant to support the development of a new Program for Accessible College Education, called PACE for short. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded LSC over $185,000. LSC is one of only three grantees awarded funding statewide. According to the press release, this is the first program of its kind in…

Nonprofits Gather to Address Concerns Over Federal Funding Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. – 23 local nonprofits gathered for a press conference to address the potential impacts of federal budget cuts. Chum, Second Harvest Northland, Safe Haven, One Roof Community Housing, and 19 other local nonprofits outside Representative Pete Stauber’s office in Hermantown to address the concerns of potential federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other social safety net programs supported…

Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses at Essentia Health Begin to Strike

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning, at multiple locations around the Northland, more than 290 Essentia Health nurses and health care professionals with the Minnesota Nurses’ Association are making their voices heard. “Since issuing our strike notice, we have offered to meet every single day, and Essentia has declined every single time, only offering two meetings this month, we are here demanding…

St. Louis County waiving permit fees for wildfire rebuilding

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has voted to temporarily waive the fees associated with land use and septic permits for those trying to Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. rebuild after the 2025 spring wildfires. They are waiving permit fees through January 4, 2026. It’s specifically for replacement of structures and…

25th Annual Duluth Air Show Set Record Attendance

DULUTH, Minn. – The 25th annual Duluth Air Show brought a showstopping lineup, resulting in record-breaking crowds. The Air and Aviation Expo brought high-flying excitement to the Duluth International Airport over the Independence Day weekend, even setting a new record for attendance today. This year’s “Red, White and Blues” celebration featured performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Forces…

MNA Cancels Proposed Strike Against Aspirus St. Luke’s As Tentative Agreement Nears

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association has cancelled their proposed Unfair Labor Practice strike against Aspirus St. Luke’s as a tentative agreement for a new contract nears. On Thursday, the MNA said “significant movement was made across the bargaining table” following more than 30 hours of negotiations over the past week.  Minor details will still be finalized early next…