Community

Grand Rapids Artist Shares Passion for Norwegian Folk Art

Traditional rosemaling artist Michelle Carlson taught a class at the Duluth Folk School on Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — For six hours on Sunday, Grand Rapids-based artist Michelle Carlson was doing what she loves the most, sharing the Norwegian folk art style of rosemaling. She taught a class at the Duluth Folk School, taking beginner and novice rosemalers through the entire process. Carlson has spent thirty years on perfecting her craft, but the practice dates all…

Minnesota Power ‘Disappointed’ With Superior City Council’s Denial Of NTEC Public Hearing

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Minnesota Power is “disappointed” with the city of Superior after the council voted down the opportunity for a public hearing on the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). On Wednesday night, five of the nine city councilors voted to hold a public hearing. But the motion to approve needed six votes. This comes after the Superior Plan…

Fitger’s Bockfest Kicks Off With Blessing Of The Bock

DULUTH, Minn. — The annual Fitger’s Bockfest kicked off Thursday evening with the blessing of the bock. It’s a traditional German-styled celebration of spring, and the fun goes all the way through Saturday evening in the Fitger’s Courtyard. On Friday beginning at 5 p.m., there’s a beer tent, entertainment and campfires. Then on Saturday, it’s the main event beginning at…

40 Additional Staff Laid Off Amid Superior School District’s $4M Budget Deficit

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More employees of the Superior School district have been let go as the district tackles a $4 million deficit for the next school year. Forty support staff members, mostly paraprofessionals, were notified this week about the layoffs, according to a district spokesperson. This comes after 25 teachers were told last month that their positions were being eliminated….

Road Contruction Season Beginning: Drivers Warned That Construction Zone Deaths Have Increased

Northeastern Minnesota will have 23 new or continuing projects and travel delays should be expected.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is ready for summer road construction, and officials say get ready for road closures, lane changes, orange cones and a summer of endless stop and go. Thursday, MNDOT revealed plans for 23 projects in Northeastern Minnesota, extending from Hinckley to the Canadian border. “Highway 2 near Floodwood gets a long-needed mill and overlay,” said Andy…

Superior Fire Department Celebrates New Hires and Promotions

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Fire Department hosted a swearing in and awards ceremony Thursday afternoon. The event was all about welcoming aboard new firefighters, celebrating promotions, and learning about the accomplishments firefighters have done this last year. It is a chance for fire crews to be in the spotlight and for the community to support the work that they…

Sexual Assault, Domestic and Child Abuse Getting Important Focus in April

Awareness effort started Monday in Superior with commitment to support and education.

Sexual assault and domestic and child abuse are issues that continue to plague communities. April is a month when advocates focus attention on the issue and the effort kicked off Wednesday at the Douglas County Government Center in Superior. It involved law enforcement, political leaders, educators, and those with the court system. The wide cross-section represented the message and the…

Local Filmmaker Shines at Minnesota Film Festival

The festival started as a way to make sure audiences heard those untold stories and features filmmakers from right here in Duluth, and around the world. Seed of Doubt is directed by William J. Cox. It tells the story of a young couple’s world turning into paranoia and delusion. Cox wanted to create a psychological drama about gaslighting which is…

Feds: Chicago Drug Operation Preying On Duluth Area Busted

DULUTH, Minn. – A Chicago-based drug trafficking ring that’s been targeting the Duluth area has been broken up with eight members indicted by the feds, according to the United States Attorney’s Office District of Minnesota. The announcement was made Tuesday in Duluth by U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and County…

Big, Sincere Welcome for Barbro G and Crew; First Saltie of 2024

Official "spring" for port community.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is a welcome that never gets old. Tuesday, the first ocean-going vessel of the season received heart-felt greetings on a windy, wet and gray day. Inside the ship’s bridge, it was warmth and smiles as the captain and crew of the Barbro G were presented with everything Duluth and Superior. That included an endless flow of…

Neighborhood Youth Services Staff Walk Out Over Frustrations

The Family Freedom Center says it has met with staff and will respond promptly.

DULUTH, Minn. — Staff from Neighborhood Youth Services in Duluth say they have walked out for the second time in less than a year. They say it’s due to ongoing frustrations with the organization’s operator, the Family Freedom Center. The mission of Neighborhood Youth Services, or NYS, is to create a “safe and prosperous space for children and families.” The…

Duluth Food Shelves Pack Up Donations From ‘Duluth Cheerios Challenge’

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a successful “Duluth Cheerios Challenge” over the past week. The challenge was dreamed up by locals in response to billionaire Kathy Cargill’s crude remarks to the Wall Street Journal that said Mayor Roger Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he questioned her intentions about a slew of park point land purchases. Organized said the idea behind…

‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Hosting Canal Park/Lakewalk Cleanup Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports Trailer Trash is calling on volunteers to give back Monday by cleaning up Canal Park. The event is happening at 11 a.m.  Volunteers are asked to meet at the parking lot by Canal Park Drive and Morse Street, which is across from Grandma’s Restaurant. The goal is to also clean up the Lakewalk. For every…

The Easter Bunny Arrives in Duluth – As a Snow Sculpture!

A private residence on 21st Avenue East is celebrating spring's arrival with a winter tradition

DULUTH, Minn. — If you were out in enjoying the sun in Duluth today, you might have come across a springtime snow sculpture! Those passing by on 21st Avenue East can enjoy the latest rendition of a snowy tradition. This year’s sculpture features the Easter bunny, a basket, and the Statue of Liberty. Colorful balloons make up the Easter eggs…

Supporters of Missing Man Push Tribal Police to Ask FBI For Help

Protesters say Fond du Lac police should ask for outside help; Chief says he has "full confidence" in his department.

People frustrated about the search effort for a missing man gathered outside Duluth’s FBI office Friday. Ironically, the group was not protesting the FBI–but rather–pushing the Fond du Lac tribal police department. Friends and supporters of 31-year-old Peter Martin say they want the tribal police department to ask for the FBI’s help in finding him. Friday marked three weeks since…

Twin Ports Community Doubles Support For ‘Musical Bingo’ & Local Artists

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bingo fanatics, roughly 170 of them, joined together Thursday night at Barker’s Island Inn to support free community music by playing Musical Bingo. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger called the song titles at Siggy’s Musical Garden, which is an organization that supports local music and artists behind it. Songs were provided by the Mackie Brothers, a rock group…

Duluth Salvation Army Surpasses March Food Drive Goal with Help from Rotary Club Of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanks to a generous donation the Duluth Salvation Army has exceeded their March Food Drive Goal. The Rotary Club of Duluth donated a check of $14,890. That will help provide food to those in need in the community. The Salvation Army’s goal was $9,000 and 9,000 pounds of food, which they say they almost didn’t reach. But…

27th Annual Taste At Fitger’s Will Once Again Benefit Second Harvest Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — The 27th annual Taste at Fitger’s event coming up this Friday evening. Every year, local restaurants and breweries come together in one place for people to sample their fine food and drinks and it is all for a good cause.  The tickets are $50, but all net proceeds benefit Second Harvest Northland. Over the years, Taste at…

Howard’s Que Prepares for Easter Brunch

DULUTH, Minn. — Preparations to make the upcoming holiday weekend special are getting started at a local southern style restaurant in Lincoln Park. Howard’s Que is offering an Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. This is the third Easter that the restaurant has put together for the community. And on the menu is a variety of…

Mayor Wants “Authentic Duluth” After City’s Tourism Marketing Contract Ends With Twin Cities Firm

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract with a Twin Cities-based firm will expire at the end of the year.  And now, newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert says he believes the contract should come back home. “I fundamentally believe as a Duluthian that we have the creative talents in our community to tell our own…

30 Years Later: Musical Event To Honor Victims Of Duluth Triple Murder

The public event happens Thursday, March 28 at Zeigeist's Teatro Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, March 28, marks 30 years since a triple murder took the lives of three young men during a house party in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood. And Thursday evening, a live public musical storytelling will happen at Zeitgeist’s Teatro Theatre to talk about the history, the music, the lives, the loss and the healing since that 1994…

Students Enjoy Snow Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids are enjoying the snows day in Duluth. Students from Duluth East High School gathered at a park near the Holy Rosary campus, that’s part of Stella Maris Academy. They said they watched a few movies inside at home but wanted to enjoy this surprising weather. So, they brought some younger siblings out and made snowmen and…

Criminal Charges Dropped Against Duluth Edison Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault of Student

His attorney said, "This matter underscores the importance of the presumption of innocence."

Duluth, MN–Criminal charges have been dropped against a Duluth Edison elementary school teacher who had been accused of sexually assaulting a female student. His attorney said the allegations “were fake” and that he “never sexually assaulted anyone.” John Paul Horgeshimer, age 49, had been charged after a female student at Duluth Edison Charter Schools’ Raleigh Academy told her teacher that…

Duluth City Councilors, Residents Express Raw Emotion Over Gaza Resolution Debate

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilors faced a full house at Monday night’s council meeting, with raw emotions pouring out from elected officials and residents for nearly three hours. At issue, was whether to pass a resolution supporting a quote “permanent ceasefire to prevent loss of human life in the Middle East.” Some councilors felt strongly to pass the resolution,…

Winter Not Letting Go Just Yet

DULUTH, Minn. — It was just two weeks ago that we were enjoying 60-degree weather, and on Monday morning, Duluthians woke up to another round of 7-10 inches of snow across the city. It was a reminder of what winter is typically like having to get outside and clear sidewalks and driveways. After only having to get the shovels out…

8 A.M. Tuesday Winter Storm Update From City Of Duluth

  DULUTH, MN–The following is the latest storm update from the offices of the City of Duluth: Due to continued inclement weather conditions, Duluth Workforce Center/CareerForce will be closed to the public today, with staff working remotely. All other City of Duluth facilities are open to the public today with some staff working remotely. The National Weather Service in Duluth…

Some Have to Work on Snow Days

DULUTH, Minn. — Isaac Kasper oversees maintenance operations on UMD’s campus. He was up at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Just last week, he and his team were preparing for Spring. Now they’re back to shoveling snow. “We were cleaning up planting beds, mulching, picking up brush and leaves and doing spring type work last week. Putting seed and soil down…

“Duluth Cheerio Challenge” Launches, Mayor Gets Cheeky After Kathy Cargill’s Insults On City

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians, including Mayor Roger Reinert, are responding in creative and humorous ways to billionaire Kathy Cargill, who told the Wall Street Journal over the weekend that Duluth is a “small-minded community” and that Mayor Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he sent her a letter wanting to know her plans for 20 properties she recently purchased on…

Billionaire Kathy Cargill Calls Duluth ‘Small-Minded Community’ In WSJ Report

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth is a “small-minded community.” That’s what billionaire Kathy Cargill told the Wall Street Journal this weekend, and she went on to say Mayor Roger Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he sent a letter to her asking what her plans are for 20 properties she recently purchased on Park Point. Cargill told the WSJ she still…

Snow Is Just a Bonus For Amsoil Snocross Finals

Popular event on track for first weekend in April

This winter many outdoors lovers had to delay, change or cancel their plans. But one event was determined to go on, and the coming snow will just be frosting on the cake. For years the competitive snowmobile Snocross season kicked off in Duluth over Thanksgiving weekend. This spring, after a several year hiatus, the Snocross will be back–but this time…

Duluth’s Best Bread Hosting Successful Pop-Ups In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Duluth’s Best Bread has turned into Superior’s Best Bread as they’ve been hosting pop-ups there this week. The French-German bakery had been wanting to do a pop-up in Superior with thoughts to open a permanent location there. The success has been outstanding. The pop-ups have been taking place since Wednesday and every day they have sold out…

UW-Superior Makes Room For Mental Health Discussion and Art

The university held a community conversation surrounding mental health and "Waiting for Beds"

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior is continuing to put an emphasis on mental health. Today, the Department of Social Work hosted a community discussion about mental health and the lack of options in Douglas County for people in crisis. The panel took place in the Kruk Gallery, which is the current home of “Waiting for Beds,” a collaborative art project between…

Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake Join Together for Annual State of the Cities

The three communities are focusing on working together and business growth

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake held their joint annual State of the Cities luncheon earlier today, bringing together the three communities. Over 100 people came to hear local government officials discuss the past, present, and future of their cities. Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Parmeter said this year brought the biggest turnout in…

Snowmobile Trails in the Area Will Not Open Despite Predicted Snow

Open water, wet areas, or swamps could be left underneath snow, making riding a safety concern.

Regardless of how much snow is predicted this weekend and early next week snowmobile trails in the area will not open. Bayfield County in Wisconsin announcing that the snowmobile season was officially over on March 11th. That’s when all trails closed, and gates were locked. They also mention that swamps and wet areas will not be frozen enough to ride…

City Releases Statement On Downtown Safety After Alleged Sexual Assault In Skywalk

In the skywalk off the downtown Transportation Center, victim says it only stopped when other people were walking toward them.

DULUTH, Minn. — An alleged sexual assault in the Duluth Skywalk system has resulted in felony charges against a Duluth man. The report came in Sunday afternoon, March 10, when police responded to a report of a sexual assault at the downtown Duluth Transportation Center. The criminal charges became public Tuesday, March 19, when first reported by the Duluth News…

Superior Plan Commission Makes No Recommendation On Road and Rezoning Requests for NTEC

Issues now go to the City Council regarding proposed natural gas-powered electricity plant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It was standing-room only Wednesday evening as the Superior Plan Commission met to vote on issues involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The commission was considering a request by Minnesota Power to vacate a street and rezone a piece of property at the proposed NTEC site. The meeting ended after nearly four hours of comments. …

Historic Paintings on Tour for Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

DULUTH, Minn. — Historic paintings are on tour in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The Superior National Forest is hosting the 19 paintings at their Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. Smokey Bear’s story came about after a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire; he was saved but badly burned so, they ended up naming him Smokey. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Damage Boardshop

DULUTH, Minn. — The hill that Duluth is built on provides a natural landscape for a variety of downhill sports. Once local shop that has been around for nearly 20 years has been watching and helping two sports in particular grow in popularity. “We carry snowboards, the snowboarding boots, bindings, jackets, snow pants, goggles, helmets, mittens, beanies, you name it,”…

Superior Public Library Offers Free Resource Help

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Public Library is offering help to community members in need. The Community Resource Connection event is hosted twice a week for people to stop in and ask questions. Questions can be about getting connected with employment opportunities, housing, food, and clothing. The specialist will provide free information and support. Everyone is welcome to stop in….

Political Sign Alert: Careful Where You Plant Them

Superior is being proactive in getting the word out with spring election campaigns underway.

If November brings the general election season, what does April bring? Wisconsin’s spring election season of course! And what is a political campaign without political campaign signs? This spring the signs have sprouted out of the ground–not the snow.  Superior is being proactive on political sign etiquette, and says you’ll be just fine with a couple basic rules in mind….

Finnish Soup-Off Fundraises for Carlton County Historical Society

  CLOQUET, Minn. — While the majority of folks spent this weekend drinking, a handful of individuals were perfecting their soups for the 18th annual Mojakka Cook-off. Mojakka is Finnish-American slang for soup, originally consisting of fish, beef, and vegetables. Sunday 15 contestants brought their variations of the dish to be judged for glory. Mojakka dishes ranged from the more…