Community

Lead Glensheen Investigator, Gary Waller, Dies at Age 72

JAN. 4, 1945 - AUG. 15, 2017

Gary WallerPhoto: St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Gary Waller, who led the investigation of the Glensheen murders in 1977, and later served as St. Louis County Sheriff has died, according to an obituary. Waller, 72, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at his home, according to the obituary. Waller dedicated his life to law enforcement. He…

Annual Bubble Festival Returns Sunday

Duluth Children's Museum Hosts 9th Annual Bubble Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend bubbles will be filling the air as the 9th Annual Bubble Festival Kicks off. It’s taking place on Sunday, August 20 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Clyde Park. Clyde Park is located at 29th Ave. W. and Michigan St. At the festival, there will be a bubble so large kids can stand inside it,…

Lucky’s 13 Pub Cooks up “Minnesota Extreme Burger”

Cooking Connection: Lucky's 13 Pub

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we’re heading into the kitchen with Lucky’s 13 Pub. The Minnesota Extreme Burger was cooked up by kitchen staff. The burger is made of beef and pork with blueberries, wild rice and maple syrup mixed in. The burger is topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a raspberry aoli. Lucky’s 13 Pub is located…

Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance Holds Fundraiser

Group Hopes to Raise Money to Expand Area Horse Trails

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance held a fundraiser Wednesday. The group hoped to raise at least $5,000 with a steak dinner, raffle, and silent auction that will go towards their goal of expanding horse trails in the area. “Most of us have to travel in order to get to any rideable horse trial,” says Jodi Johannessen,…

Proctor Hoghead Festival Begins

42nd Annual Festival Pays Tribute to the Community's Railroad Heritage

PROCTOR, Minn. – The 42nd Annual Hoghead Festival kicked off today in Proctor. It’s called “Hoghead” after the engineers who worked on trains, a way for the community to pay tribute to their railroad heritage. Today was the annual car show where a free meal was given to anyone showing off their cars. “You see people you haven’t seen in…

Duluth Workforce Development Center Hosts Fall Job Fair

More than 30 employers were on hand to talk with anybody looking for a new job or wanting a career change

DULUTH, Minn. – Job seekers had a chance to meet with potential employers in Duluth Wednesday. The city’s Workforce Development Center teamed up with the Minnesota Workforce Center to host its annual Gear Up for Fall Job Fair. More than 30 employers were on hand to talk with anybody looking for a new job or wanting a career change. The…

Men As Peacemakers Thanks Volunteers With Picnic

Organization Officials Say Their Programs Would Not Be Possible Without Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – Men As Peacemakers held a picnic today to celebrate all the work done by their volunteers. The organization serves over 1,000 community members every year through programs that promote equality and try to end violence against women and children. Men As Peacemakers officials say that work would not be possible without their volunteers. “Volunteers are really like…

Larson Holds Community Listening Session, Residents Express Concern Over Proposed Budget Cuts

The plan includes $700,000 in combined cuts to the Duluth’s fire and police departments

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson continued her community listening sessions this evening in West Duluth. Residents and city leaders came together at the Harrison Community Center to learn more about the Larson’s plan for improving Duluth’s streets. Earlier this week, the mayor also announced her proposed city budget for 2018. The plan includes $700,000 in combined cuts to…

Kids Cafe Employs Local Youth

Program Helps Disadvantaged Get Fresh Meals

DULUTH, Minn.  – Kids Café has been around for 15 years at the Damiano Center in Duluth but this year’s program has a little twist. This summer nine teenagers were employed through the program with the hopes they would build up job employment skills. During their stay with the program, the teens learned all about nutrition, gardening, cooking, and distributing…

A Moment of Solidarity in Downtown Duluth

Standing Up Amid The Violence In Virginia

DULUTH, Minn. – It was an overflow of solidarity at the Jackson, Clayton, McGee Memorial Tuesday night, as Duluth stood up against white supremacy and racism amid the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. People of all ages and backgrounds came out holding candles to honor the lives lost in the fight against racism and white supremacy. Categories: Community, Education, News, News…

5 Year Old Uses Lemonade Stand To Give Back

Money Raised Will Go Towards Douglas County Humane Society

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – A young entrepreneur in Superior is learning the meaning of giving back. Braden, 5, decided to set up a lemonade stand, where he would give all of his proceeds to the Humane Society of Douglas County. “I think it’s great to give back to the community for the things that we do, and make sure that we…

Businesses Sound Off About Walleye Woes On Lake Mille Lacs

Some Businesses Have Been Struggling With the Tough Regulations on Walleye Fishing

MILLE LACS, Minn.- Lake Mille Lacs was a popular Walleye fishing destination, but after a plummet in the population of the fish, strict regulations have restricted fishing in the area. “The people in the upper midwest, you know take Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and Northern Iowa, walleye is their favorite fish and that’s not going to change,” says Terry Thurmer,…

Woman Pays Forward with Acts of Kindness

Debra Johnson Robnik Often Gives Gifts to Strangers on Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Debra Johnson Robnik can’t remember a time with so much negativity in the world. “I don’t remember, ever in my age, having so much and seeing so much hatred,” she says. “And that’s frightening.” As a way to fight that hatred Johnson Robnik tries to do nice things for strangers she meets on Duluth’s Lakewalk. “I just…

Minnesota Power Discusses Community Solar Gardens With Public

The next information session will be held Tuesday, August 22.

DULUTH, Minn. -Northlanders got the chance to learn a little bit about Minnesota Power’s community solar garden program. Customers are able to purchase a subscription to the solar power in exchange for a fixed utility rate. They are holding several information sessions in the area for people who may be interested. “It gives them a chance to ask me very…

Minnesota Officials Draft New School Achievement Plan

Duluth Public Schools plans to focus more on student attendance under the updated plan

DULUTH, Minn. – At the state and federal level schools current rely solely on test scores to measure student achievement. Minnesota officials have drafted a new plan that would look at more ways to assess performance in the classroom. The plan calls for evaluating schools based on state test scores, the number of students who move up a level on…

MnDOT Answers Questions Regarding Upcoming Mesaba Avenue Project

Next spring, construction will begin on an $8 million project along the Mesaba Avenue corridor near Interstate 35

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT officials met with the public Tuesday to discuss an upcoming project that will impact a busy stretch of Duluth roads. Next spring, construction will begin on an $8 million project along the Mesaba Avenue corridor near Interstate 35. One of the main issues that will be addressed is the dangerous weave situation between westbound Superior Street…

Most Renowned Bass Fishing Tournament Will be in Mille Lacs for Second Year

The 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tournament Will Take Place September 14-17

MILLE LACS, Minn.- The 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tournament is taking place at the lake on September 14th through the 17th. Last year the event brought more than 14,000 people to the area, where spectators had the chance to watch the nation’s top 50 anglers battle it out with the fish. “It’s gained the notoriety of it,…

New Mountain Biking Trail Coming to Spirit Mountain

It's Expected to be Completed by October

DULUTH, Minn.-A new mountain biking trail is coming to Spirit Mountain. The Duluth City Council has approved $72,000  to help fund the project, with Spirit Mountain matching that amount. The trail will be unique in a few ways, including being able to handle all sorts of weather. “This trail will allow us to bike if there’s been a rain shower…

Group Wants Hearing on Proposed Mine

Duluth for Clean Water Opposes Copper-Nickel Mining near Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of concerned citizens sent a message to Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday regarding PolyMet’s proposed copper–nickel mine. The group called Duluth for Clean Water wants an evidentiary hearing before a permit to mine is issued to PolyMet for its proposed site. Critics call the type of mining proposed the most toxic form of mining known in…

Kids, Cops & Cars Event Tomorrow

11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. IN BAYFRONT FESTIVAL PARK

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids and their families will get the chance to hang out with members of the Duluth Police Department at the Kids, Cops & Cars event being held Wednesday, at Bayfront Festival Park. Numerous first responder vehicles will be on-hand including the department’s command post, tactical response team vehicle, and command post. Other responders will include a Coast…

Glensheen Introduces “The Best Damn Tour”

New Tour Includes Kayaking, Bonfire and Flashlight Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen officials are hoping to show guests their best time at the mansion yet with their new experience called “The Best Damn Tour.” This tour includes kayaking, a bonfire on the shore of Lake Superior, and a flashlight tour inside the mansion. It’s offered every Tuesday through the end of September. Each tour is open to just…

Living History Walk Returns to Superior

Northland Uncovered: Douglas County Historical Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Living History Walk is coming back to Superior to bring the city’s past back to life. A history tour will be conducted through Greenwood Cemetery. Several actors from the Twin Ports will portray prominant former community members at their gravesite. Tony Tracy, the Executive Director of the Douglas County Historical Society, says this is just another…

Two Harbors Campground Addition Named after Late Representative David Dill

Dill represented Disctrict 3A in Northeastern Minnestota

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A Two Harbors campground expansion officially got a new name on Monday in honor of a man who helped make it possible. The $1,000,000 expansion at the Burlington Bay Campground was named in honor of the late Minnesota representative, David Dill. The expansion was one of Dill’s projects. State and local representatives, along with Dill’s wife,…

Canadian Based Oil Company Buys Out Calumet

A Deal Worth Nearly 500 Million Dollars

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One of Superior’s largest employers, Calumet Oil Refinery, is being sold to a Canadian company. “This is a key wonderful addition to our asphalt business into our integrated corridor in North America.” Jerry Miller, U.S. Refining, Vice President The new owner, Husky Energy tells Fox 21 they plan to keep the roughly 180 workers at the refinery. “We’ll…

New Location of 7 West Taphouse Officially Opens

New Tap House Opens 3rd Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The new location of 7 West Taphouse has officially opened their doors. It’s the companies third location with the 7 West Taphouse name attached. The restaurant is located at 2510 Maple Grove Rd., which Duluthians may also recognize as the old Nevada Bob’s location near Miller Hill Mall. The owners also own Grizzly’s Steakhouse in both Superior…

Larson Budget Proposal: $2.1M In Cuts, $1M Increase In Streets With Levy Increase

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson has released her proposed city budget for 2018. It includes cuts to all departments, including $700,000 combined from the fire and police departments, as well as a heavy investment in city streets. Larson wants $2.1 million in cuts to city expenses, an $895,000 investment into a community solar garden and a $1 million increase…

Chisholm Pocket Park Making Downtown a Better Place to Be

The Park is the First Component of the Revitalization Project

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm’s downtown now has a pocket park  for community members to enjoy. The Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Committee received a grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation board to make the city’s downtown a better place to be. The Pocket park used to be an unused lot, but now has been developed into a space with benches designed…

Superior Working to Become a Better Place to Live

Leaders Are Working on Making Exposition District a Reality

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The business community in Superior has been working to grow the city for the last 4 years, and in the November 2016 election, citizens in superior voted to approve the Better City Superior Referendum. Now, local leaders in Superior are working to pass an advisory referendum asking legislators in Madison to allow Superior to make an exposition district….

Rainy Weather Hasn’t Stopped CSA Farms from Thriving

Sunny Weather Between Rainy Days Has Been the Saving Grace

WRENSHALL, Minn.- Despite the rainy weather and even storms that have hit the Northland this summer, Community Supported Agriculture farms are still thriving. Rick Dalen, the farmer at Northern Harvest Farm says a saving grace of the rainy weather has been the warm and sunny days that have followed the rain.  This season Northern Harvest Farm has also planted Almost…

Great Lakes Aquarium Announces Death of Retired River Otter

Anang was 20 years old, and died of natural causes related to her age

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium announced the death of its beloved, retired river otter, Anang. Anang was 20 years old, and the Aquarium says she died of natural causes related to her age. She was in an off-exhibit holding area, designed as her retirement quarters, where she passed away. “Anang has been with us for many years. We…

Annual Jefferson Street Block Party on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Jefferson Street Block Party will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the 1600 block of Jefferson Street. The party is a family friendly celebration that brings the Endion neighborhood together. The party will feature live music, including traditional Anishinaabe music and American folk; food; and a vast array…

Wisconsin Regulators Approve SWL&P Rate Increases

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has authorized base utility rate changes for Superior Water, Light & Power’s electric, gas, and water utilities. The rate adjustments will help to pay for upgrades to electric substations and transmission lines, a portion of water infrastructure along Belknap Street and other areas of Superior, as well as gas utility infrastructure…

Local, Regional Artists to Show Work at Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Art in Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend art will be filling a park in Duluth. The 7th Annual Art in Bayfront Park Festival starts up Saturday, August 18 and runs through Sunday, August 19. The art fair features local and regional artists. Work includes jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metal work, glass and more. The event is free. Saturday, the festival is open…

Bike Duluth Festival Wraps Up

Hundreds of People Raced in the Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of bike lovers were at Spirit Mountain for the weekend to race their hearts out, and enjoy other bike related events. The festival holds more than 20 different races over the course of 3 days. It’s a chance for people to show off their cycling skills for a good cause. It’s a non-profit event, with 50 percent…

Civilian and Military Car Show Held at Richard I Bong Center

Attendees Even Had the Chance to Get Inside a WW2 Tank

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Military vehicles like tanks, and civilian vehicles like mustangs lined the parking lot of the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center. It’s all part of a Military and Civilian Car show. “It’s awesome you got these really cool civilian cars with these big ol’ military vehicles here,” said Hayes Scriven, the Executive Director of the historical center. Community…

Art Lovers Enjoy the Lake Superior Art Festival

The Festival Has Been Going on for 4 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Art Festival drew hundreds of Art lovers to the shores of Lake Superior. People walked Brighton beach to check out the work of dozens of artists using a wide range of mediums like photography, watercolor, and glasswork. Festival goers used the opportunity to purchase handmade and original pieces by the local artists to take home….

UMD Invites Community to Tour Land Lab

The Lab Teaches Students About Sustainable Agriculture

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD invited community members to see their land lab for farm and field day. The UMD land lab teaches students how to grow organic produce, and sells the food they grow to the school. Employees of the land lab gave guided tours of the 15 acre organic farm, and showed people the projects they have been working on….

Children Enjoy St. Louis County Fair

There Were Animals, Games, and Rides for Families to Enjoy

Drew and Bryce Aune smiled as they reached out to pet a donkey inside a barn at the St. Louis County fair. It was children’s day at the county fair, that has been going on for 133 years. “There’s rides and animals that we get to see and pet,” said Drew. The boys were there with their mom Nikki Aune…

Blue Skies Clear the Way for Start of Bayfront Blues Festival

The annual festival is one of the largest outdoor music events in the upper Midwest

DULUTH, Minn. – It was nothing but blue skies for the start of the 29TH Annual Bayfront Blues Festival Friday night. The event features more than 30 different blues acts from acoustic to gospel. The festival draws more than 20,000 fans each year who take in live music from two different stages through the weekend. Many people make the trip…

Agencies Work Together to Prepare for Water Rescues on Lake Superior

Thursday’s incident on Park Point also has agencies discussing more joint training

DULUTH, Minn. – Several agencies helped the Saint Louis County Rescue Squad search for the Fuglies. One of those agencies, the Duluth Fire Department, regularly trains for these types of situations. The department also trains with groups like the U.S. Coast Guard and the county rescue squad. Those sessions give each agency a sense of who does what well. “It…

Military and Civilian Vehicle Show is Saturday in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you like cars and learning about big vehicles, we know just where you should go this weekend. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting their Annual Military and Civilian Vehicle Show. Older military vehicles will be on display, along with a 30 foot Coast Guard boat and an operations M4 Sherman Tanks. “You’ll be…