Community

New Year Keeps Local Gyms Busy

Some Northlanders have been thinking about New Year's resolutions for at least a month. Several workout classes are already sold out.

While many may be hitting the gym in these first few days of the New Year, some Northlanders have already been thinking about their 2017 goals for at least a month. Impact Sports Training kicked off their first bootcamp of the year. The camp has actually been sold out since early December. They say consistency and creating a sense of…

School Board Elects New Officers

Duluth Public Schools ISD 709 voted in their new officers for 2017

ISD 709 voted David Kirby as their new chairperson. Rosie Loeffler-Kemp will serve as vice chairperson. Annie Harala will be the clerk and Nora Sandstad will serve as treasurer. “I hope we have a good year and remember our objective is to improve the learning opportunities and outcomes for the students and working conditions for the staff, that’s our main…

Volunteers Needed to Tear Down Bentleyville for the Season

Anybody is welcome to come help at Bayfron Park both Saturday and Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville saw a record breaking 292,000 people walk through the gates this year. This weekend, they’re asking for help from the community to help pack up the lights for the season. The official teardown takes place this Saturday and Sunday at Bayfront Park. Anybody is invited to show up between 8 and 4:30 p.m.  to help cut…

Duluth Hockey Company Keeping Skaters Sharp on the Ice

The business has been sharpening hundreds of skates over the last few weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – With hockey season in full swing, that means skates are starting to get a little worn down. The Duluth Hockey Company has been busy sharpening and profiling hundreds of skates the last few weeks. The store is one of the few places in the Duluth area that specializes in hockey equipment and sees business from customers all…

Conservation Corps Employs Hundreds this New Year

Conservation Corps Employs Hundreds

DULUTH, Minn.  – The Conservation Corps of Minnesota is offering 700 service opportunities this new year through a job training program. The only criteria is you must be between 15-25 years old. Jobs offered include conservation work as well as trail building and restoration. Chris Severson, the District Manager, said “It is a service to our state and in return…

Many Enroll for Classes at Lake Superior College

Enrollment Up at Local Colleges after New Years

  DULUTH, Minn. – Today in Duluth, 30 students were busy at Lake Superior College getting signed up for Spring classes. School leaders expect to see 340 new students walking through the halls next week when the new semester gets started. LSC has a number of short term programs that students can start in the Spring and finish as a…

St. Louis County Board Selects Chair

Board also introduces new members, sets meeting schedule

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board held its annual organizational meeting this morning in Duluth. Commissioner Frank Jewell was elected Board Chair for 2017 and commissioner Keith Nelson was elected Vice Chair. The board introduced newly–elected commissioners Beth Olson and Mike Jugovich. They also appointed committee members and approved their 2017 meeting schedule. Categories: Business, Community, News, News…

UWS Hopes for More State Funding

UW System asks State for $42.5 Million Budget Increase

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the last five years, the University of Wisconsin System has faced $362 million in funding cuts from the state government. Because of that decrease, the University of Wisconsin-Superior has had to make significant cuts of its own. But this year, UWS is hoping to see an increase in state funding. Earlier this year, the University of…

Wisconsin DNR Revenue Options Include Raising Hunting, Fishing Fees

Linking fees to inflation to generate more revenue for wildlife managment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing raising hunting and fishing fees or linking the fees to inflation as options for generating more revenue for wildlife management. The current state budget mandated the DNR report on dwindling revenue in the agency’s Fish and Wildlife Account. The account funds wildlife management efforts and DNR warden, and…

Dayton’s Budget Proposal Would Reduce Health Insurance Premiums for 125,000 Minnesotans

Could reduce premiums by up to 25 percent for some by March 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton released his first budget proposal, Tuesday, of the 2017 legislative session. He called for a 25-percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant increases in the individual market. “For more than two months, I have proposed this relief, so that 125,000 Minnesotans can better afford the health…

Train Timekeepers Featured at Lake Superior Railroad Museum

Northland Uncovered: Railroad Watch History

DULUTH, Minn – Railroad tracks cover thousands of miles throughout Minnesota including routes for freight rail, passenger rail and rail transit. Back in the day, railroad companies helped many industries throughout the area to grow and prosper. The trains are on time at the Duluth Depot thanks to a new exhibit featuring the watches responsible for railroad success. “It allows…

Four Seasons Supper Club

A Finland Staple Filling Up Hungry Snowmobilers For Nearly 50 Years

It’s no secret, Northlander’s love their four seasons. However, for residents of Finland Minnesota the feeling means something a little different. Owner Bonnie Tikkanen says, “I love winter just as much as summer, except for when it gets way too cold. Nobody likes that too much.” Instead of a winter freeze or summer heat, think sizzling burgers and cold drinks….

Business Owner Reacts to Superior Shooting

New Year''s Day shooting hits close to home for area businesses.

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police continue to investigate a New Year’s day shooting. One victim was found dead in the alley behind the Third Base Bar in Superior on New Year’s morning. The other was found inside the bar with a gunshot wound to the chest. Police believe an altercation happened inside the bar which led to the shooting…

Bars Busy with Badger Fans

Winning Teams Means More Beer Sales

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Badger Fans cheered their team on in the Cotton Bowl, at Gronk’s Grill and Bar in Superior Gronk’s employees say game days are always exciting, and even more so when the favored team wins. It leads to customers buying more food, more beer, being louder, staying longer, and being friendlier. “When teams have a good season, we…

Great Lakes Aquarium Sees Record Attendance

144,000 People Visited the Aquarium in 2016

  DULUTH, Minn. – 2016 Brought a record number of visitors to A Popular Attraction in the Northland. Around 144,000 people visited the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth in 2016, a 5 percent increase since last year. It’s the highest number of visitors the Aquarium has seen since 2002.  Aquarium representatives believe the new exhibit, Unsalted seas, featuring the sturgeon…

Gloria Dei Plans to Remodel Church Damaged by Fire

The Project Could Cost Around $5 Million

Gloria Dei members have been holding Sunday services at the Old Faith Lutheran Church Building, since the fire that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage on the Gloria Dei building. But now the church members are preparing to rebuild and restore their space of worship. Ashes, dust, and burnt remains of chairs and pianos, are what’s left…

Life Coach Speaks on Making 2017 a Success

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, 2016, is now in the past and 2017 is underway. With a new year comes new resolutions from many folks across the Northland. While goals differ, the actions to make them stick are the same. This morning, Pam Solberg-Tapper, President of Coach for Success, visited FOX 21 to gives tips on the best way to…

Wisconsin Legislators Ask to Reinstate OWI Vehicle Seizure Law

The authority was taken away in 2009

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – State lawmakers have been asked to once again give Wisconsin circuit court judges the authority to order the seizure of vehicles owned by repeat drunken drivers. That authority was taken away from judges in 2009 and replaced with a law that emphasized the use of ignition-interlock devices. At the time, there were concerns about taking…

State Parks Begin 2017 Snowshoeing Tours

It's An Event Going On Across The Country

CARLTON, Minn.- Crunchy snow covered the trails of Jay Cooke State Park Sunday — where outdoor enthusiasts strapped on snowshoes to prepare for the first state park naturalist guided snowshoeing tour of the year. “My family was going and I thought it would be fun,” said Tori Goepferd, a visitor. “All states are doing a first-day hike, whether it’s on…

Children Ring in the New Year With Zoo Animals

Children Used Makeshift Passports to Travel Around the Zoo "World"

DULUTH, Minn.-Children looked on in awe as Lana the Tiger stalked around her enclosure. Many kids held makeshift passports in their hands. “They go around the zoo to collect their stamps from various countries and while they’re doing that they can find out what time it is here, if it’s midnight there and they also get to learn how some…

Musicians Celebrate New Year at Beaner’s

24 Musicians Are Performing at the Coffee Shop

DULUTH, Minn.-Musicians are ringing in the new years at Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse with Food, coffee, and of course Music. 24 Musicians shared their talents at the New Years Eve Bash that started at 7 Am.  Beaners offered Extended Brunch Hours so music lovers could enjoy a meal, while listening to some of their favorite local artists “Local beer is big,…

Northlanders Stock Up on Food for New Year’s

Grocery stores are busy with shoppers preparing for this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Thanksgiving and Christmas have well known meal traditions, but New Year’s is also a big food holiday. Grocery stores across the Northland are busy with people stocking up on their new year’s food, and unlike other holidays, people consume a wide variety of food to kick off the new year. “After the Christmas holiday, we have a…

Fire Department Reminds Public of New Year’s Safety Issues

Leave Room on Streets for Emergency Vehicles

DULUTH, Minn.-With the New Year’s Eve on the horizon, there can be an uptick in emergency calls to police and the fire department. Members of the Duluth Fire Department said a big factor in that is alcohol consumption. The amount of people parked outside of houses for parties is another important factor to consider. “It’s a concern for us where…

Iron Rangers React to Keetac Reopening

The Mines Will Bring Back Around 200 Mining Jobs Back to the Iron Range

KEEWATIN, Minn.- There’s a collective sigh of relief across the city of Keewatin,  after U.S. Steel reached agreements to supply iron ore pellets to third-party customers, and announced the Reopening of Keetac, and the return of around 200 mining jobs back to the Iron Range. “To hear that they’re going  back and to know that they’re going back is really…

Fire at Piedmont Avenue Home

Three Dogs Perish

DULUTH, Minn.-A fire broke at a home on the 2500 block of Piedmont Avenue in the late morning hours of Friday, December 30, 2016. Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke coming from the basement window of a one-story single family house. Crews attacked the fire from the front and rear of the house, as a heavy fire was found in…

Experts Offer Tips on How to Stick with New Year’s Resolutions.

Whether it's financial resolutions or losing weight, experts say to lay out specific goals.

The New Year is just around the corner and many in the Northland have been busy coming up with resolutions. Of course losing weight and being more healthy are always top resolutions, but many want to run the race to financial stability as well. The YMCA and other gyms have been busy with new members. New goals and resolutions haven’t…

Blood Drives Continue in Northland

Will be Held in Coming Months

DULUTH, Minn.- Many different locations throughout the Northland will be holding blood drives in the coming weeks run by the American Red Cross. One such location is at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard in Duluth, where student’s from Duluth East’s Key Club came to help run the event today. Members of that group saw this as an opportunity…

Production Set to Restart at Keetac Plant

United States Steel Announces Third-Party Iron Ore Pellet Sales Agreement

KEEWATIN, Minn.  – United States Steel Corporation announced today it has reached agreements to supply iron ore pellets to third-party customers. U.S. Steel will adjust its iron ore pellet production in order to take full advantage of these business opportunities. Within the adjustments, includes the restart of the Keetac Plant in Keewatin, Minnesota. The Keetac Plant, which has an annual…

Wisconsin DNR Removes Wording Saying Humans Cause Climate Change

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The State Department of Natural Resources has quietly removed language from its website that stated humans and greenhouse gases are the main cause of climate change. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the website now says the cause of climate change is debatable. Gone are sentences attributing global warming to human activities and rising carbon dioxide levels….

2016 Year in Review: October through December

The last months of the year saw headlines like Bob Dylan winning a Nobel prize to the close 8th district race between Nolan and Mills.

The last few months of the year saw Duluth’s first homicide of the year to Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen resigning to the extremely close 8th district race between Rick Nolan and Stewart Mills. Hibbing native and Duluth-born Bob Dylan received the Nobel prize in literature in October. Dylan is only the second Minnesotan to receive the award. In honor of…

Maintaining Sidewalks in Winter

Duluthians must clear snow from sidewalks in front of their properties

DULUTH, Minn. – Snow and ice have taken over most of the northland….and that means it’s shovel season. All over the region, people are shoveling and sprinkling salt to keep their sidewalks snow and ice free. “Year after year it always comes around and we know it’s coming,” says a Duluth shoveler. Sidewalks all over Duluth are covered with ice…

DTA Offering Free Rides on New Year’s Eve

Buses will run their normal Saturday routes, but will be free between 5 p.m. and 2:20 a.m.

The Duluth Transit Authority is bringing back free rides on New Year’s Eve on their buses in Duluth and Superior. The buses will run their normal Saturday routes and will be free from 5 p.m. to 2:20 a.m. “What we’re trying to do is promote safety for everybody. People can still go out and have a good time and take…

Shoveling Safety Tips

Local chiropractors busy with Northlanders shoveling snow and ice

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While you’re out shoveling snow this winter, make sure to do it safely so you don’t end up in a doctor’s or chiropractor’s office. As people work to break apart ice and lift and throw snow, it puts a lot of pressure on their backs. That’s why, after winter storms, local chiropractic offices are packed with people…

Explosive Device Located in Superior

Device was moved to disarm and preserve evidence

SUPERIOR, Wisc.-An explosive device was found yesterday by the Superior Police Department with the help of the Marathon County Bomb Squad. Superior responded to a suspicious package at the 2000 block of East Seventh Street at about 12 p.m. The packaged looked like it was either a backpack or duffel bag and had items sticking out of it. A perimeter…

New Vietnamese Restaurant Opens in Superior

Restaurant Features Pho

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Pho Cali Vietnamese Noodles Restaurant has been jam packed in Superior ever since it opened Dec. 17. The restaurant specializes in the Vietnamese noodle soup which can be filled with everything from beef to seafood. Owner Andy Tran, originally from Vietnam, saw a need in the area for restaurant. “Mostly I see only Chinese restaurants, so OK so…

St. Louis River Alliance to Celebrate Year of Accomplishments

St. Louis River Alliance Looks Toward Bright Future in 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) will be hosting their annual Clean Water Open House and Celebration on Thursday, December 29, from 5:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. at Valentini’s Vicino Lago, located at 1400 London Road in Duluth. The SLRA works to restore, protect, and to enhance the St. Louis River. The celebration will recognize SLRA members and supporters…

Salvation Army Surpasses Donation Goal

Superior Salvation Army Bings in Almost $63,000 in Red Kettle Campaign

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Duluth Fire Department aren’t the only ones ready to help those in need this holiday season. The Superior Salvation Army is too, as they topped their fund–raising goal this year. The salvation army raised almost $63,000 through their red kettle campaign, shattering their goal of $50,000 for this season. They think good weather was a factor…

Animal Answers: Bright Future for Friends of Animals

Friends of Animals Humane Society Named Best Animal Rescue Shelter in Minnesota

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet was named Best Animal Rescue Shelter in Minnesota. The award is given out from the producers of the Hollywood, California based Official Best Of production company. Numerous volunteers along with kind-hearted employees help keep the shelter running. Friends of Animals will be moving in May of 2017, to their new…

Suspicious Device Found in Superior

Duffel Bag Contained Possible Explosives

Superior Police Department officers were dispatched to a suspicious package in the 2000 block of E 7th Street Tuesday afternoon. Someone had left a duffel bag with items sticking out of it. The object was later determined to be an explosive device or made to look like an explosive device. Officers called out for a bomb squad, the Marathon County…

Busiest Day of the Year for Marcus Theatre

The company offers five dollar movies on Tuesdays.

DULUTH, Minn.- The holidays can be a busy time for movie theaters but over at Marcus theatre the Tuesday after Christmas and before New Years is their biggest of the entire year. People heading to the movie theater to see all different kinds of films including the newest Star Wars movie. “This is the movie I’m looking forward to most…

Bentleyville Begins Long Tear-Down Process

Monday was the final day Bentleyville was open this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another Christmas season has ended and that means it is time to pack away the lights of Bentleyville. The last day to visit the Christmas town was Monday. On Tuesday a small group of volunteers started the long process of tearing it down. After another Christmas, Mayor of Bentleyville, Nathan Bentley is welcoming the tear-down this year. “Thinking…

Salvation Army Short of Reaching Fundraising Goal

The Group is Looking to Raise $42,000 More

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle and Bell Ringing is Iconic to Christmas time, and the Holiday Fundraiser is crucial to fund many of the programs ran by the Salvation Army throughout the year, and is their biggest source of money. This year, the Salvation Army had the goal of raising $625,000 but are currently around $42,000 short of reaching that goal….

Hartley Offers Nature Camps for Children

The Kids are Excited to Play Outside After Being Cooped Up

Children are playing in and learning about nature, at the Winter Camps at Hartley Nature Center. It’s a chance for children to get outside with other kids, even in the cold. Programs include activities like tracking animals, sledding, and exploring the park. The campers range from ages 4 to 9 years old. “It gives them an opportunity to be active,…

Lutheran Social Services Still Looking for Diapers

The Diapers Will Go to Families in Need

The Lutheran Social Services have been hosting a diaper drive through December, but as the year comes to a close, they’re still looking for more donations. LSS had the goal of raising 25,000 diapers to stockpile a year’s worth of diapers for families in need, but they are around 13,000 short of reaching their goals. LSS is especially in need…

Kids Learn to Ski at Spirit Mountain Holiday Camp

Participants Range from Ages 5 to 16

Some Kids got their new skis and boards out, or even learned how to ski for the first time at Spirit Mountain. The Ski Hill teamed up with Team Duluth for a Holiday Camp to get kids outside. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from first timers to advanced, are practicing their skills on the hill and the terrain park…

Snowmobile Season Begins in Minnesota

Northlanders Can Finally Hit The Trails

FINLAND, Minn.- Snowmobiling is one of Minnesota’s favorite recreational sports, and this season has lacked a little luster. However, now that the temperatures are down and the snow is finally here, its time to hit the trails. Avid snowmobiler Scott Rose says, “It’s ahead of schedule compared to last year. I think last year we really didn’t get out until…