Community

Volunteers Prepare for Hmong New Year Celebration

  DULUTH, Minn.– The annual Hmong New Year is right around the corner and volunteers are rolling out 800 egg rolls and purple rice for this celebration. Every year, the Northland has the opportunity to experience the Hmong New Year celebration. The event is described as a reunion, regulars will often return every year to experience the gathering. The Hmong…

Finishing Touches on the 8th Annual Winter Village at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the DECC, as they prepare for their 8th annual winter village weekend. Taking inspiration from European winter villages the DECC is excited to bring this back for another year. This year, they’re introducing their tinsel tavern, where you can immerse yourself in a Christmas wonderland. In addition, they’re featuring…

New $16.5M Snowmaking Operation At Giants Ridge

BIWABIK, Minn. — 74 new automated snow machines are now operating at Giants Ridge in Biwabik as part of a $16.5-million dollar investment there. A small ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, to celebrate. The new snow-making system is weather controlled turning on and off automatically for optimal snow production based on optimal air conditions. The 74 new snow…

Councilors’ Hands Tied in Tourism Agency Decision

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite an angry public, councilors will need to certify the city’s decision of tourism marketing firm or possibly face legal repercussions. At tonight’s committee of the whole meeting, council members heard from representatives of Madden Media, the Tuscon-based firm that is likely to secure the city’s tourism marketing contract. Madden Media came out on top of about…

Head of the Lakes United Way’s Winter Day of Caring

SUPERIOR Wis.– On Wednesday, hundreds of volunteers helped at 15 nonprofits across the Northland. To help celebrate Head of the Lakes United Ways Winter Day of Caring. One of those places is the Superior Douglas County YMCA. Volunteers were tasked with writing over 100 thank you letters to members of the YMCA, that helps things run smoothly. The fitness center…

Holiday Light Display Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn.– According to the National Fire Protection Association, December is the leading month of house fires. And the Duluth Fire Marshal is urging homeowners to decorate with caution. Whether you’re stringing lights outside, or putting up the tree, remembering fire safety is crucial. Preventing these fires is all about making sure your displays are not outdated and set up…

CHUM in Need of Winter Clothes

DULUTH, Minn.– The temps are getting cooler and organizations like CHUM needs help keeping families who use their shelter stay warm. With winter on the brink, more and more people are accessing the shelter. And with that, the demand for winter clothes is going up. CHUM specifically needs gloves to help avoid frost bite. Another thing they’re looking for, is…

Kmart Lot Still at Top of Spirit Valley Concerns

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – A meeting meant to generate ideas from the public, becomes joint calls to address vacant Kmart lot. The Spirt Valley Core Investment Plan held its first community meeting at City Center West Tuesday evening. City planners hoped that small group activities amongst residents would generate ideas and feedback, as to what those living in the area would…

‘Tinsel Tavern’ to Shine at Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — This year’s Duluth Winter Village at the DECC is expanding to include a Tinsel Tavern. The tavern includes 1,000 feet of tinsel, 600 feet of wrapping paper and 36 strings of lights.  As for the tavern, Vikre Distillery will be creating holiday cocktails and mocktails, like a Gingerbread Old Fashion. The Winter Village is Saturday and Sunday…

4th Annual Holiday Decor Sale at Boulder Lake ELC

DULUTH, Minn.– Boulder Lake is also taking advantage of holiday sales by using materials on their property. For 4 years now, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center has sold homemade wreathes, porch pots, and even kits to make your very own wreath. This is the largest fundraiser for that Boulder Lake hosts every year. They use freshly harvested material to create…

Family Trying to Rebuild After Suspected Arsons Destroy Everything

A GoFundMe page has been set up for a family who lost their home in suspected Sawyer County arsons

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local officials continue to investigate a string of suspected arsons that is now up to six, while one family tries to rebuild. Rick and Jean Clark’s home in southwest Sawyer County was one of the first in a string of recent fires in the area, that authorities suspect are the results of arson. Their home,…

19th Annual Gobble Gallop

DULUTH, Minn.– For 19 years Duluth Running Company has put on the Gobble Gallop. And this year, they had quite the turn out! Over 1,700 runners took on the annual Thanksgiving run. This is the largest turn out they’ve had since 2019. The younger runners participated in the Gobble Giddy up kids run, There was also the Tough Turkey 1…

Bong Center Gives Thanks for Veterans

With crowds growing over the years, the meal continues to bring servicemembers together

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -The Bong Historical Center gives thanks to veterans with a 7th year of Thanksgiving meals. From 30 to a few hundred; the Richard I Bong Center in Superior has grown their annual Thanksgiving meal with each year. With more attendees, the center gained support in feeding the larger crowds from local businesses like the Manitou Inn, and local…

American Red Cross Partners with First Responders on Battle of the Badges Blood Drives

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Red Cross is partnering with first responders to help make a difference for those in need of life-saving blood. It’s called the Battle of the Badges blood drive. It is a 2-day event where Duluth and Superior Police and Fire and the St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Departments will be taking part. It’s all…

The DECC Preps for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.– With Thanksgiving being a day away, volunteers at the DECC is wasting no time with getting their meals squared away. After planning all year, the 1,540 Thanksgiving meals are being boxed up. They have quite the crew helping out this year, even booking out volunteer slots. The DECC has been feeding the Northland for 35 years. “We have…

Street into Morgan Park Still Closed After CN Rail Bridge Concerns

The road has been closed for nearly two months, after the CN bridge running over it was found to have "advanced deterioration"

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the only roads into the Morgan Park Neighborhood remains closed after a Canadian National-owned rail bridge was shut down due to “advanced deterioration” nearly two months ago. On October 4, city officials announced that an annual inspection of a CN-owned rail bridge of Idaho Street in West Duluth found “advanced deterioration” that made travel over…

CASDA Launches ‘Give the Gift of Healing’ Silent Auction

SUPERIOR, Wis.– In Superior, there’s an opportunity to help victims and survivors of abuse though the “Give the Gift of Healing” fundraiser. The virtual silent auction goes live on Black Friday. CASDA is a clinic in Superior that helps victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Funds raised through this event will help support the shelter’s operations as they…

Chester Bowl Announces New Donation Match Opportunity For Chalet Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has announced a donation match opportunity to help with the expansion and renovation of their Chalet. It’s part of the campaign Growing Up Chester. An anonymous donor who is looking to inspire giving in others, will now through January 15, 2025, match up to $50,000. That gives Chester 50 days to raise $50,000 through community…

AFSCME Rally Food and Fund Drive

DULUTH, Minn.– AFSCME union members collected food donations for Second Harvest Northland today outside Duluth city hall, while rallying for a fair contract with the city. AFSCME represents hundreds of City of Duluth employees. They have been calling for fair wages and better benefits and working conditions. Today’s rally came ahead of a meeting with city administration today. “You know…

Duluth Bridgeman’s Offering Thanksgiving Meals To-Go

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Bridgeman’s is once again offering Thanksgiving meals to go. A meal includes fresh baked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, a dinner roll, and dessert. All meals are fully cooked and ready to reheat at home. These meals are great for those who don’t have somewhere to go or just don’t feel like cooking a whole…

CHUM Distributes Thanksgiving Boxes

DULUTH, Minn.– For over a decade, CHUM has pitched in to help as many people as possible to make sure they have a Thanksgiving meal they deserve. For the season of giving, CHUM has prepared 100 Thanksgiving boxes filled with all of the essentials. There are favorites such as the turkey itself, stuffing, potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and even…

CAO: Arizona Firm’s Win For Duluth’s Tourism Marketing Is ‘Tremendously Fair’; Local Finalist Disagrees

In March, Mayor Roger Reinert said he believed Duluth talent was best to tell Duluth's story.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Chief Administrative Officer David Montgomery talked publicly Sunday for the first time since the Star Tribune broke the news Friday that a committee he appointed had chosen an Arizona firm to handle Duluth’s next multi-million-dollar tourism marketing contract – something Mayor Roger Reinert said earlier in the year should be handled by Duluth talent. “We feel…

Superior Meats Processing Deer for 2024 Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After hunting is over, the question of what to do with your deer harvest often comes to mind. Superior Meats is excited to cater to the hunters and help them produce venison products. Some of those products, you wouldn’t initially expect. “Make it into whatever you’re looking for. Whether it be bratwurst, summer sausage, bacon. We do a…

2024 Holiday Craft and Vendor Event in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — Community members are all set up for the 2024 Holiday Craft and Vendor Event in Cloquet this weekend. The event starts Friday at 9 a.m. at the Cloquet Armory and Pinetree Plaza. Attendees will find handmade items, crafts, holiday gifts from local artisans, and food trucks. There will be free shuttle service between each location. The same…

Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce Reflects on 2024

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– The Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce recognized and celebrated volunteers, members, and efforts of this year. Around 200 members gathered at today’s celebration got an overall look to the 2024 year — the successes from businesses in Hermantown, Proctor, Duluth, and Rice Lake. There are now 300 Chamber of Commerce members. A slide show recognized all of the…

Update: Duluth Tourism Marketing Finalist Chosen; Name Announced Dec. 5

DULUTH, Minn. (Nov. 21) — The city of Duluth announced Thursday that a special selection committee has determined its finalist for Duluth’s next two-year tourism marketing contract. The top-scoring finalist will be announced at a committee of the whole meeting on Dec. 5 before the council makes a vote to deny or approve during the council meeting Dec. 9. The…

Superior Meats Prepping for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s getting down to crunch time when it comes to getting ready for Thanksgiving, and Superior Meats is getting ready for the big day. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and staying on top of your turkey plan is key for a happier, stress-free holiday. Superior Meats will be rolling out the fresh turkeys on Thursday…

Brad Is Back! Sheep Safely Captured After Weeks-Long Getaway

The sightings of Brad over the past weeks even caught the attention of Twin Cities media.

A multi-county, multi-week search for Brad, the daring sheep on the run from city to city, came to a safe end Tuesday with one story to tell. Midway Township sighting Monday “Oh God. I don’t even feel like it’s real. I don’t think it’s real, but it is,” said Shana Roberts, a volunteer at the Lake County Humane Society in…

Grain Elevator Blast Cause Still Unknown

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Video from a Park Point home’s security camera Monday evening, captures the moment an explosion rocks a grain elevator across the bay. A press release from the Superior Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht, confirmed the location of the blast as the Viterra Grain Elevator on Connor’s Point. All three of the city’s fire engines responded to the blast…

First Bookstore in 17 Years Opens in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After nearly two decades, the first bookstore in Superior recently opened their doors. The lack of bookstores in the area sparked owner Maria Lockwood to take the leap and open up Foxes and Fireflies. The shop opened up back in October of this year and they’re located at the Superior Business Improvement building. Foxes and Fireflies is homing…

Wildcat Sanctuary Expands Both Acres and Residents

SANDSTONE, Minn.– Lately, there’s a lot to be excited about at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone. The Wildcat Sanctuary recently expanded from 80 acres to 200 acres, when they were able to buy 120 acres of additional land. The Wildcat Sanctuary does not have any plans for the new space. They are using the additional land as a buffer for…

Blue Angels Make Stop in Duluth Ahead of 25th Air Show

The Duluth Air Show celebrates its 25th year this summer, with the Blue Angels scheduled to headline

DULUTH, Minn. — This summer marks the 25th year of the Duluth Air Show, and the return of their star performers, the Navy’s Blue Angels. One of the team’s iconic F-18 Super Hornets flew into Duluth Monday afternoon, carrying two team members who are touring and conducting flyovers of future performance sites. A group including Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and…

Annual Make a Difference Conference Takes Place in Virginia this Year

VIRGINIA, Minn. — An event inspiring students to help make a change in their communities took place in Virginia on Monday. The Youth in Action group hosted its annual Make a Difference Conference. The mission of the event is all about educating young people to help through leadership, advocacy and service, all while making a positive change. Over 350 students…