Community

LSC Graduates and Families Celebrate Together

Ceremony important both for those crossing the stage and walking the stage.

DULUTH, Minn. — The parade of smiles, diplomas and tassels continued Monday in Duluth. This time it was the turn for graduates of Lake Superior College–752 to be exact. They were in 69 different program areas and every student had their own story. For Christy Cuppy it was the day to finally get her RN degree, after 15 years working…

Duluth Salvation Army Hoping To Sell More Tickets For Black And White Ball

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army is looking for more dance partners for their new event happening Thursday. The Black and White Ball will be taking place at the Clyde Malting Building. The organization hopes this fundraiser will be their new annual event which would replace the annual Civic Luncheon that happens in November. The event will feature…

Duluth’s Jesus Is Life Ministries Brings Aid Following Midwest Tornadoes

Two vans packed up earlier this week with supplies, leaving Duluth for Iowa

DULUTH, Minn. — A church in West Duluth continues its tradition of helping people at disaster sites across the country. This last week the Jesus is Life Ministries church from West Duluth decided to head to Minden, Iowa a small city in the southwestern part of that state. The decision to help this small town was largely made because tornadoes…

Bent Paddle to Host Annual Festiversary Block Party Next Weekend

Next Saturday is Bent Paddle Brewing Company's Festiversary celebration and this year will have a theme close to many Minnesotan's hearts

DULUTH, Minn. — This year, Festiversary will not only be celebrating Bent Paddle’s 11th anniversary, but also the 40th anniversary of Prince’s album Purple Rain. The two-block party Saturday afternoon will feature two stages of live music, family-friendly activities, and lots of options to drink and eat. And of course — Prince tribute band Chase and Ovation to close out…

“No” Voice Joins Discussion As Duluth School Referendum Approaches

Opponents say they have doubts and concerns over proposed tax levy.

The technology referendum for Duluth schools is just days away and as the final weekend unfolds, both those in favor and opposed are working hard to get their messages out. The referendum has been getting attention and signs of opposing voices are visible. Lawn signs with a “Vote No” message have been appearing. The Citizens Research Council is a local…

Duluth’s ‘Tourism Marketing Working Group’ To Hold Listening Sessions In May

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract is being guided by a working group at the request of Mayor Roger Reinert.  And later in May, there are opportunities for businesses and the public to weigh in. This comes after Reinert’s announcement in March that he believes next year’s marketing contract should be awarded to local…

Union Gospel Mission Receives $25,000 From Project Joy For Summer Food Program

DULUTH, Minn. — Union Gospel Mission has received a donation from Project Joy to help feed local children this summer. Thursday afternoon Project Joy gave the Mission a check for $25,000. The money will go towards filling up bags with easy-to-prepare food for kids in the northland. The bags will given to local organizations that have youth programs. It will…

Cloquet Outreach Center Annual Fundraiser May 17th

CLOQUET, Minn. — A fundraiser supporting a mental health and recovery services provider is taking place next Friday. The Cloquet Outreach Center Annual Fundraiser includes a lasagna dinner, silent auction, and raffle drawings. The event will take place at the Human Development Center. Funds raised goes toward supporting the center and its mission of helping those in need. The Outreach…

Work Continues on Downtown Duluth Safety

Approach is combination of outreach, education, and when necessary--enforcement.

Crime and safety in downtown Duluth have been a growing community concern, and the city has taken steps it says are slowly making a difference. That was the message inside the Greysolon Ballroom Wednesday, where Downtown Duluth members heard from the mayor, police chief and city attorney. The approach has involved a combination of education, persuasion and enforcement. It ranges…

Pro-Palestine Encampment Grows In Duluth Civic Center; Police Monitoring

DULUTH, Minn. — A few more tents have arrived at the pro-Palestine encampment in Duluth’s Civic Center courtyard six days after police said it was illegal to set up tents on the property. On Tuesday, May 7, there were at least five tents, instead of the original two, outside the Federal Building, St. Louis County Courthouse and City Hall. A…

Allete Sold to Partnership in $6.2 Billion Deal; Company Going Private

Announcement says headquarters to remain in Duluth.

The company behind most of the northland’s power and energy has been bought. Allete announced the purchase Monday morning, and it will now become a private company. Allete is the parent company of Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power. It has been bought by a large partnership with hopes that deep pockets will fund future capital investments. The…

Earth Ride Maker’s Market Features Twin Ports Artists, Music, and Beer

Vendors selling arts and crafts of all kinds lined up outside Cedar Lounge for the first market of the season

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Sunday marked the first Earth Rider Maker’s Market of the season at Cedar Lounge. The market took advantage of the outdoor space, with vendors set up selling all kinds of crafts. Booths offered everything from tie dye to crotchet to maple syrup to candles. Vendors were antsy for their first customers to arrive. “Super excited to start,…

Hoops Brewing Hosts ‘We’re Cutting You Off’ Homegrown Wrap-Up Party

Festival-goers could stop by and get a deal on beers by letting a bartender cut off their Homegrown wristband

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday was the last day of the Homegrown Music Festival in the Twin Ports. This year’s festival started with an official kick off party at Hoops Brewing in Canal Park and now music lovers can return to Hoops to be “cut off.” Hoops Brewing invited festival-goers for the “We’re Cutting You Off” Wrap Up Party. Anyone who…

Day 2: Pro-Palestine Demonstrations At Rose Garden, Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — At least 50 people arrived at the Duluth Rose Garden during the 7 o’clock hour Thursday evening. The pro-Palestine protesters were making their voices heard for the second day in a row there. The crowd Thursday was much larger than last night’s demonstration. Earlier in the day Thursday, the city of Duluth put out a warning that…

Pancake Day — Pancakes for a Cause

DULUTH, Minn. — Come for the pancakes, but know that you’re helping a lot of people in the Duluth area. That’s the Lions Pancake Day at the DECC. 65 years of bringing people together. “I like Pancakes,” that was the sentiment of many people at Pancake Day. Jim Pratt has been a member of the Duluth Lions Club for 25…

Bean Bag Toss Tournament Benefits Families of Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses

Adolfson & Peterson Construction Held Its Third Annual Tournament to Fundraise for the Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — This afternoon saw the Third Annual Charity Bean Bag Tournament at Clyde Iron Works, all to benefit families in need. Sixty four teams entered the bracket-style tournament today. The mission? To fundraise for the Northern Lights Foundation, an organization which provides grants to the families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Some previous grant recipients were even there…

New Consulting Agency in Duluth Helping Community Unplug and Recharge

DULUTH, Minn. — A new agency is helping community members ditch the Wi-Fi and network face to face through a new series of events. Brico Works is a new consulting agency focused on helping non-profits and social change organizations. They consult for core services around development, fundraising, communications, and operations. The founder is hosting a co-working series at Lester Amity…

‘Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp’ Forms At Rose Garden

Courtesy: The Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp, as the group is calling themselves, set up an encampment at the Rose Garden Wednesday evening.   This encampment followed another encampment within the Duluth Civic Center, which police said was not legal. Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp’s purpose is to “demand city and state divestment and boycott…

Goal of Large Grant is Transformation

Family Freedom Center focusing on Black families receives $500,000 from Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

There is a hope Wednesday that big ideas combined with big money will produce big results. Four different organizations are working together to bring change to Black families in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The Family Freedom Center is receiving $500,000 from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. The center was founded six years ago with the specific goal of creating…

65th Annual Duluth Lions Pancake Day

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to find your pancake eatin’ pants and prepare for the 65th Annual Duluth Lions Pancake Day coming up Thursday May 3rd at the DECC. Wednesday was set-up day and the Duluth Lions Club has this process down to a science. This is the group’s 65th time preparing to feed thousands of people pancakes and sausages…

Homegrown Music Festival Expands to Largest Venue to Date

AMSOIL Arena is the latest venue added to the festivals extensive lineup -- and the biggest

DULUTH, Minn. — The 26th Homegrown Music Festival is well underway! Tuesday night featured four musical acts at the festival’s largest venue yet — AMSOIL Arena. The festival features about 160 bands or artists at 35 venues spread across the Twin Ports. And while the event is no stranger to the DECC, this year is the first time Homegrown has…

Update on Twin Ports Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn – The Twin Ports Interchange Project won’t be completed until the end of 2025 instead of the end of this year. MnDOT says the discovery of a jawbone in the construction zone last February is the main reason for the delay. In 2019, prior to construction starting the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council reviewed the site for potential impact…

Drowning of Three Teenage Brothers and Hero Remembered

57 years ago, Coast Guard member died trying to save three brothers.

Tuesday was quiet and peaceful on the waters of Lake Superior. But fifty-seven years ago, the winds were vicious and the swells high. Four would die. The annual ceremony to remember those who drowned took place Tuesday at the Duluth pier. It marks the 57th anniversary of the tragic drowning that took the lives of the three Halverson family teenage…

New Red Panda To Join Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo is preparing to welcome a new animal to the Northland. A brand-new Red Panda named Pip will be joining Zoozee, the 2-year-old Red Panda that came to the Zoo last year. Pip flew in from the New Bedford Zoo a couple days ago and is currently at the Zoo’s animal care center. The…

Ending of CSS Theater Program Draws Sit-in by Students and Supporters

DULUTH, Minn. – A decision announced by the College of St. Scholastica last Friday to cease offering theater productions this fall has shocked students, staff, alumni and the community.  A sit-in by students and others took place Monday. The all-day sit-in outside the school president’s office saw many people from the school and the community taking part. The students talked…

Longtime Hartley Nature Center Leader Moves to Next Adventure

Tom O'Rourke taking his passion for environment and nature to his next challenge.

Duluth’s Hartley Nature Center is a city treasure. And now the person who has helped lead it for over a decade is moving on to his next adventure. “Hartley is such a community gem, you know, and the staff are so amazing. The board, the supporters,” said outgoing Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke. “You know any time you tell people that…

Students Protest Ending of Theater Program at St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. — A late Friday afternoon announcement that the College of St. Scholastica is ending its theatre productions led to a protest Monday outside the school president’s office. Students from the theater program and others gathered for a sit-in to let school officials know they disagree with the decision. The CSS students were joined by UMD theatre students who…

Endion Station Inn Hosts ‘The Great Duluth Sweat Together’

DULUTH, Minn. – Hearty Duluthians came out Saturday for The Great Duluth Sweat Together at the Endion Station Inn in Canal Park. The fun included around a dozen mobile Wood Fire Saunas and an Endion Deck Sauna. People also got their cold plunge into Lake Superior or use cold plunge tubs. The event was described as a day full of…

Students To Protest College of St. Scholastica’s Decision To Cut Theatre Program

DULUTH, Minn. —  There was growing disappointment and sadness Sunday from current and former theatre students at the College of St. Scholastica after learning Friday that the college’s long-running theatre program will be dissolved.  Students plan to hold a sit-in protest at CSS during the day Monday to try to get the decision reversed. “These stories that everyone has, it…

$3 Million Secured In Senate Bonding Bill For New 148th Fighter Wing Hangar

Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Dist. 3) has announced $3 million for the 148th Fighter Wing has been secured in the Senate Capital Investment Bonding Bill. If a super majority approves the funding, it would assist in the construction of a new hangar for the Fighter Wing. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has been the lead advocate for the new hangar…

College Of St. Scholastica’s Decades-Long Theatre Productions To Shut Down

The decision was made as the college "navigates the challenging environment of higher education"

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports theater community will be losing one of its longest-running stages this fall when the College of St. Scholastica shuts down its decades-long theatre program. Students have been producing high-quality productions for the CSS campus and the general community since at least the 1970s, according to a former director of the program. The college released…

Duluth Pack Giving Back to the Outdoors with Arbor Day Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Pack has started up their annual campaign all about giving back to the great outdoors. It is the 7th annual Arbor Day Campaign, “Buy A Pack, We Give Back.” The business partners with the Minnesota DNR to plant tree saplings. They plant one sapling for every single one of Duluth Pack manufactured items sold. To date…

Duluth Junk Hunt Back At The DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — A 3-day indoor market filled with vintage items and handmade goods is taking place at the DECC starting Thursday. The Duluth Junk Hunt has over 150 vendors. Visitors can find furniture, home decor, clothing, bakery treats, artwork and more. The Junk Hunt happens twice a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Part of…

Duluth’s Best Bread Expands to Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Duluth’s Best Bread is officially expanding to Superior after a successful pop-up event there. This will be the company’s third location. It will be located at 1418 Tower Avenue in the same location where the pop-up shop was held. It will open May 28 and open Tuesdays through Sundays. The family-owned French-German bakery opened its first store…

Organ Donor’s Mother Urges Others To Do The Same

Part of the effort to raise awareness; 17 people die every day while waiting for an organ.

We often hear about the need for human organ donations, but we can sometimes get immune to the message. Every day across the country, seventeen people die while waiting for an organ. That is why a very special flag was raised Wednesday outside Duluth’s Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center. The flag read “Donate Life,” as part of national Donate Life…

Polka Legend Florian Chmielewski Dies at 97

DULUTH, Minn. — After a lifetime of Polka Music, governing at the Minnesota Legislature, and farming, 97-year-old Florian Chmielewski has passed away. He leaves behind a legion of fans who loved him and the polka music he played. Playing the accordion for decades with the Chmielewski Fun Time Band, Florian Chmielewski entertained thousands upon thousands of people in person throughout…

Northland College Receives Last-Minute ‘Transformative Donor Gifts’

ASHLAND, Wis. — Another sign of hope was reported Tuesday evening involving the future of Northland College. College officials they received “several transformative donor gifts” within the last 24 hours that has “considerably” impacted what is possible for the future of Northland College. Three weeks ago the Board issued a statement of financial crisis. Northland had a goal of raising…

FOX 21 Visits UWS Journalism Students At ‘The Promethean’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — FOX 21’s Dan Hanger was invited to visit UWS journalism students Tuesday to talk about the television news business, learn about UWS’s longstanding student-run newspaper, The Promethean, and watch the latest Promethean TV newscast.  Three UWS students currents work at FOX 21 and have been a great addition to our newsgathering operation!   Categories: Community, Education, News,…