Community

The Twin Ports sing Sea Shanties

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the Duluth Folk School to learn and sing sea shanties. Historically, sea shanties served as working songs, sung by sailors as they traveled across the sea. Throughout the event, multiple Shantymen and a few opera singers took turns leading a variety of tunes. Many people joined in whether they were beginners or experts, to…

Minnesota must provide documents to US government in child care fraud probe by Jan. 9

People gather for a news conference at the state capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Giovanna Dell’Orto) Minnesota officials have until the end of this week to hand over information on providers and parents who receive federal child care funds that the Trump administration contends have been used fraudulently or risk losing federal funding. State…

Hermantown Community Schools celebrates new hockey arena with ribbon-cutting ceremony

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown community members packed into the new arena for its grand opening. What began as a dream became a reality through the support of local businesses, community funding, and lawmakers. The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the new NorthStar Ford Arena, which is expected to serve generations of hockey players. “This…

Portman Hockey celebrates 3rd annual “Great Skate”

DULUTH, Minn. — Portman Hockey celebrated the kickoff to their outdoor hockey season with their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. Skaters both big and small gathered from around the Northland to help Portman raise funds for the organization’s programs, in order to keep the sport affordable for all interested kids. After the event was previously postponed from its original Dec. 17….

“Home Stories Art Show” illustrates youth housing crisis

DULUTH, Minn. — An art show with a special purpose took place in Downtown Duluth as the all-ages, “Home Stories Art Show” took over Studio Cafe. The artwork displayed was done by Twin Ports youth, all of whom are a part of youth programming with Lutheran Social Services, as a way to draw attention to the on-going youth housing crisis….

Local author to donate all profits to student food assistance program

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A local author and professor is bringing a lot of wisdom into the new year with the release of his newest book. ‘Wisdom from the Woods’ is a book designed to carry positivity and relaxation throughout the year. It’s filled with 52 nature inspired metaphors and short stories he’s gathered to give gentle guidance. Author Mark Langenfeld is…

PCA services affected by funding suspensions

DULUTH, Minn. — On Christmas Eve, Heartland PCA, a home care agency in northern Minnesota, received notice from the Department of Human Services that payments were being suspended under a new federal Medicaid pre-payment review process. Heartland PCA says their agency, along with 600 others, was impacted yesterday by an abrupt halt in payments, tied to fraud concerns, involving 14…

Wussow’s Concert Cafe celebrates New Year’s Eve with all day concert

DULUTH, Minn.– The New Year’s Eve celebrations at Wussow’s began bright and early this morning and sounds of local artists will be filling the room all day. For more than a decade, the concert cafe has made this all-day concert a tradition. Every forty minutes, artists will take turns taking the stage. Attendees of all ages will get to take in…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa explains what’s next after signing cannabis compact with Minnesota

Shane Drift DULUTH, Min. & NETT LAKE, Min. – The day after making it official and signing a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota, we’re learning more about what is next for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and cannabis. The agreement signed on December 30, 2025 provides a blueprint for a shared goal of safeguarding the health of Minnesotans regarding…

Lake Superior Zoo announces ‘Porcupine Pub’, and 21+ events

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is saying ‘cheers’ to the new year, by welcoming in some new 21+ opportunities. The ‘Porcupine Pub’ is debuting at the zoo, and it’s bringing along some new events. Starting in January, they will be hosting a trivia night every third Wednesday of the month. Attendees can take advantage of their selection of local…

Mesabi Humane Society halts new intake amid funding dispute

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Mesabi Humane Society decided it will no longer be accepting new animals from the City of Virginia following the city of Virginia’s decision to end the temporary per-animal payment structure that had been in place during negotiations. The 2025 contract called for $45,000, but MHS says it actually costs about $100,000 a year to care for…

Senator Amy Klobuchar speaks on potential hemp ban

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Wild State Cider in Duluth Tuesday to discuss the impacts of a potential hemp ban across the state. In less than a year, breweries and cideries could look a lot different. Many of them are currently selling drinks and gummies with THC and CBD and at the end of this year, things could…

Trump administration says it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemes

Jim O’Neill WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Tuesday that it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota after a series of fraud schemes in recent years. Acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jim O’Neill announced on the social platform X that the step is in response to “blatant fraud that appears to be…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa signs cannabis compact with Minnesota

Bois Forte Band Of Chippewa Seal ST. PAUL, Min. – The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has signed a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota. In a news release Secretary/Treasurer of the Bois Forte Band Tara Geshick said, “The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has done great things – one is entering the cannabis market…  Unlocking opportunities and seeking strategic alliances will…

Top baby names for 2025 at Essentia Duluth

DULUTH, Min.  – Entering the final week of 2025, 1,685 babies were born  at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Essentia has released the top baby names for the year in Duluth. TOP BABY BOY NAMES  Theodore or Theo and Oliver — 12 Rowan — 10 James — 9 TOP BABY GIRL NAMES Evelyn or Evelynn — 14 Harper — 10 Lucy, Nora and Hazel — 8 Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News –…

Bentleyville Wraps up 2025

DULUTH, Minn- Volunteers are in the process of tearing down Bentleyville after another successful year.  The heavy winds and yesterday’s snow storm didn’t stop them from taking down thousands of lights.  They get paid in soda and hot sandwiches, but it’s worth it to a lot of the volunteers. “For me it’s giving back to the community. Duluth is such…

Superior Fire Department shares important cold weather tips

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the cold weather bringing unexpected issues with heating the Superior Fire Department is reminding the community of some important tips. A Battalion Chief with Superior Fire said they see a significant increase with house fires December through march. This is largely related to improper heating techniques, such as poorly ventilated appliances. They said to keep space heaters…

Mesabi Humane Society to stop accepting animals from the City of Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Mesabi Humane Society says it is no longer accepting animals from the City of Virginia. MHS recently put out a statement on their Facebook page saying, “The Mesabi Humane Society values its long-standing partnership with the City of Virginia. However, effective immediately, MHS will no longer be accepting animals from the City of Virginia. This decision…

Bentleyville wraps up the holiday season

DULUTH, Minn. — Across the Twin Ports, people spent the past few days taking in the holiday lights, leading to Bentleyville wrapping up with volunteers helping to take down all the lights. Yesterday was the final night of the famous light show. It was accompanied by fireworks while onlookers said ‘goodbye’ to this year’s Christmas season. Today, “teardown” began and…

West Duluth Little League devastated by second fire of 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — On Christmas evening, the Western Duluth Little League suffered a structure fire that destroyed both the equipment shed and concession stand. This is the second time this year that a fire has affected the same structures. The league has released a statement on their Facebook stating, “We are devastated at this news, and moving forward will need…

Grand Marais stabbing incident under investigation

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — The Cook County Dispatch received a call regarding a stabbing inside the local Co-Op around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27. Upon arriving on scene, first responders performed emergency care,  and the victim was transported by ambulance to North Shore Health for further care. The suspect fled the scene; however, deputies were able to apprehend the…

Animal Allies shares successful adoption tips

DULUTH, Minn. — As the holidays come to a close, some people may realize that a well-intended gift came with more responsibility than expected. Those irresistible puppies and kittens can lead to impulsive decisions, especially during the holidays. Animal Allies in Duluth works year-round to promote successful pet adoptions and shared tips on surrender prevention. “So we, yeah, really discourage…

‘Hairball’ rocks their way into Kuwait to perform for service members

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve ever been to a Hairball show, you’ve seen their tributes to veterans, and active-duty service members and recently, they gave the ultimate tribute, overseas. The rock cover band, just returned from a trip to Kuwait, that they will never forget. During their visit, Hairball members got to spend time with different military departments, through educational tours,…

‘Merry and Bright’ holiday contest winners announced

SUPERIOR, WIS. — The Superior Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Merry and Bright Holiday Lighting Contest. In the spirit of the holiday season, homes and businesses participated in the contest, making for a festive and successful tour of lights. The awards included Best Residential Display, Best Business Display, Best Themed Display, and the Clark Griswold Award. To…

Actor with Twin Ports roots starring in bilingual children’s musical

DULUTH, Minn. — A former Twin Ports actor is taking his talent to the stage in the Twin Cities, for a show based on a classic children’s book. “Go, Dog Go!”, also known as “Ve Perro ¡Ve!”, is the latest production from the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, and is a musical adapted from the book of the same name…

Bentleyville celebrating arrival of Christmas as season nears end

DULUTH, Minn. — Many Twin Ports residents marking a Christmas tradition by visiting the Northland’s famous “tour of lights” on Christmas Eve, as folks made their journey to Bentleyville for what may be their final time this season. This year marked 22 years of the iconic Twin Ports light show, with the last 17 of those years being spent in…

Shoppers hunt for holiday gifts one book at a time at Fitgers Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn. — As Christmas inches closer, many Americans are scrambling to pick up last-minute gifts. One Duluth store staying busy this holiday season is the Fitger’s Bookstore. Aside from books, their most popular item this year is gift cards. Which they say gives shoppers an easy way to support local businesses and give back to the community. “We love…

Minnesota Power presents grant to Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power showed their support for the Hartley Nature Center with the presentation of a new grant for the center. The gift is for $6,000, and will be used to help build classroom enhancements, which will help support the center’s outdoor education for thousands of area students and their families, many of which have their own roots…

Treecycling drop-off sites are open

DULUTH, Minn. — Resource Renew’s Treecycling program opened up over the past weekend. Drop-off locations have been set up around the area. People can just drop off their Christmas trees free of charge for composting. Because they can only process organic material, the tree must be real and not flocked. Wreaths, garlands and other evergreen decorations made with wire cannot…

Residents at Ecumen Lakeshore meet and greet with Santa Claus

DULUTH, Minn.– Santa made a special early visit in Duluth today to cap off a month full of holiday celebrations. The residents at Ecumen Lakeshore were clearly on the nice list, because Santa came prepared with treats and a chance to meet and greet. But before that, the month has been filled with laughter, sing-alongs, and musical performances. Staff said…

Reward offered for information on pelican shooting

WISCONSIN.  — A cash reward is being offered for information related to Pelicans being shot in Wisconsin, including one in Ashland that survived lead poisoning from being shot. ‘Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy’ is offering $2,500 in this case. SEE PREVIOUS:Resident pelican rescued in Ashland SEE PREVIOUS: Rescued Pelican in Ashland was shot, rehabilitator says That…

Nominations open for the Good Neighbor Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth wants to know about your neighbor that goes above and beyond to make our community great! Online nominations are now open for Duluth’s 2nd annual Good Neighbor Awards. From picking up litter, to lending a hand, this award recognizes neighbors that show they care. Nominations must be submitted by midnight on December 31….

Hibbing Police Dept. raises over $4,000 for local cancer patients

Angel Fund Members Kari Kilen and Nicole Freeman, Commander Tim Stauty, Chief Steve Estey, Pink Patch Project Organizer Officer Brittany Dillinger and Angel Fund Executive Director Kelly Grinsteinner. HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing Police Department (HPD) raised $4,160 for local cancer patients through its Pink Patch Project. The Pink Patch project ran throughout the month of October and raised money…

Duluth Police Dept. sees significant spike in applications to join force

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa is celebrating a significant increase in applications to become Duluth police officers. The winter application process recently closed with 41 applicants, which Ceynowa said is unheard of. He said the department usually gets around 10 to 12 applicants. And on top of that, there is an increase in interest from lateral officers…

Players compete for final roster spots during World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series

DULUTH, Minn. — Hockey fans from across the world gathered at the Amsoil Arena this weekend to watch the U.S. take on Germany in the World Juniors pre-Tournament Series. The 3-game series provides players with the opportunity to compete for final roster spots on their respective World Juniors team, with the final rosters expected to be announced on Dec. 24….

Strikepoint handbell ensemble rings in the holiday spirit

DULUTH, Minn. –Strikepoint is recognized as one of the world’s top handbell ensembles. The group continues to share their music globally and locally, using concerts like their annual Christmas one at First United Methodist Church to help fund their concerts across the globe. The funding, much of which comes from generous donations, means the world to the ensemble. “Through our…

Lake Superior “Zoo Lights” in final weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The last weekend before Christmas marks the final time this holiday season that the Lake Superior Zoo’s “Zoo Lights” will be up for visitors to the zoo. The annual holiday tradition lets zoo-goers walk around the complex to see the “larger than life” critters along the paths, then head inside the zoo’s “Primate Conservation Center” to warm…