Community

Art Mural Gets Students Thinking and Asking Questions

Native artist combines tangible images with scenes intended to trigger imaginations.

Some Duluth students will now have a lot to ponder as they walk through their school and look up. What they are going to see is art. Not just any art, but a mural. It now adorns Raleigh Edison Charter School and was done by local native artist Jonathan Thunder. Thunder was on hand to talk to the kids Wednesday….

“Real” Author Offers Real Writing Inspiration

Superior Middle Schoolers hear from local author Erin Soderberg Downing

When reading a book, we know there is an author, but it’s sometimes hard to imagine them as a real flesh and blood person. Well, Tuesday, kids at Superior Middle School got a chance to meet a real-life author. Erin Soderberg Downing is from Duluth and has written dozens of books for kids. She met with sixth graders Tuesday and…

Volunteer “Brightens Days” and Honored at Benedictine

Terry Hellsvig has been volunteering and helping others since 1998.

DULUTH, Minn. — A man who has spent years volunteering to help others, received his own thanks and recognition Monday. In a room filled with people with whom he has helped, worked and volunteered; Terry Hellsvig was at center stage in his own quiet way. He has offered his time at Benedictine Living Community for twenty-five years. His dedication to…

Duluth Salvation Army Participates In Minnesota FoodShare Month By Hosting Food Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, and the Duluth Salvation Army is participating by hosting a food drive. The non-profit is calling it their March-ish Food Drive happening now through April 6. The goal is to raise $9,000 and 9,000 pounds of food. The Minnesota FoodShare Campaign is the largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state…

Twin Ports Donation Drive To Help ‘Hundreds Of Lives’

The community came out in a big way this weekend with piles of donations for local community outreach organizations. Donations including clothing, hygiene supplies, back packs and toys for children. Lenroot Maetzold and Downs-Lesage funeral homes organized the drive. All of the donations will help a list of local community outreach organizations like CHUM, CASDA, Ruth House, Harbor House, Salvation…

Superior’s Boulder Tap House To Open Wednesday

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Goodbye, Grizzly’s. Hello, Boulder Tap House. The countdown is on for the newest member of the Twin Ports dining scene. Finishing touches and staff training continue as Wednesday’s opening gets closer. On Tower Avenue in Superior, Boulder will sit – literally — on the site of the old Grizzly’s. That long-time favorite had been remodeled five times,…

Duluthians Celebrate Kalevala Day and Finnish Culture

Dozens spent the afternoon enjoying Finnish food, music, and presentations

DULUTH, Minn. — Today was all about celebrating Finnish culture at Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Duluth. Both Finnish Americans and non-Finns joined together for an early Kalevala Day celebration. The holiday is typically celebrated on February 28th is is named after the national epic of Finland. One of the organizers, Marjori Bottila, says its important for the…

The Pillars Of Hermantown, Senior Living Community Celebrates Grand Opening

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The newest senior living community had its opening celebration Thursday. The Pillars of Hermantown has 105 apartments for loved ones and family members who are getting older. It supports an active, independent lifestyle with a pickle ball court, pub, and game room. The location was chosen not only to add more senior living to the area but…

Drone Helps Find Missing Pine County Man

A new technology involving drones helped find the body of a missing Pine County man with dementia. The 86-year-old man was last seen near the Nemadji State Forest, which is a vast area over 92,000 acres. Earl Bakke is retired from law enforcement and started a drone business that helps to locate missing people. He reached out the Pine County…

Goal is to Coordinate Disaster Recovery and Response

Agencies come together to plan for floods, tornadoes and blizzards.

High flood waters caused several motorists to become stuck on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, in Flint, Mich. High water from storm flooding closed roads in Michigan. (Bronte Wittpenn/The Flint Journal-MLive.com via AP) Talk about preparing for a natural disaster can often be just that–talk. The Northland does not have hurricanes, but it does have its share of huge rainstorms, big…

No Madeline Island Ice Challenges “Mad Island”

Film crew adjusts and finds "winter" at Fish Lake.

So, you want to film a movie that requires lots of ice and snow. You grew up in Superior and spent lots of time on Madeline Island. So, why not schedule the shoot for February? Good plan, but Mother Nature had other plans. That’s why a film crew found itself on the shores of Fish Lake, north of the Duluth….

Community Action Duluth is Offering Free Tax Services

The organization aims to help 1,200 people each year with their taxes

DULUTH, Minn. — Doing your taxes can be stressful, especially if you’re filing for the first time. Community Action Duluth is looking to help. The Tax Site is offering free tax help for anyone with a household income of less than $64,000 a year. Each season, they aim to help 1,200 individuals and they’re currently on track to do so….

Third University of Minnesota President Finalist Knows Duluth and Smoked Fish

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham was third of three finalists visiting UMD as regents face state-wide president decision.

UMD had a chance to meet the last of three finalists for the University’s statewide top job. Dr. Rebecca Cunningham answered questions and spoke during a campus forum. She is currently the University of Michigan’s Vice President of Research and Innovation. Cunningham is a long-time faculty member at the school of Public Health and Medicine, after completing her residency in…

Community Forum Held on Potential Health Impacts of NTEC Project

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community forum against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) in Superior was held Tuesday evening focused on the potential health, environmental, and community impacts of the project. The speakers were made up of tribal leaders, scientists, and health professionals.  Dr. Brittany Keyes traveled from Beloit to present at the event in Superior. Keyes said she’s…

First Annual Energy Design Concepts Taking Place At The DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The first annual Energy Design Concepts is taking place at the DECC this week. The event formerly known as the Energy Design Conference is put on by Minnesota Power. It is for architects, contractors, homeowners and other professionals to get together and learn new things related to construction. They learn what is changing in the building industry,…

Martens, Owls, Ermine, the Unexpected

Sax-Zim Bog wildlife attracts amateurs and pros, big lenses and small.

“Not only are you able to actually see nature. There’s a lot of travels I do, and I don’t see any animals, hardly any birds, and to be able to have this in our backyard is awesome,” said local photographer, Amber Nichols. “There are people that come here from all over the world, to see owls in particular, and the…

The World’s Heaviest Ball of Twine Debuts at New Home

Marking a memorable roadside attraction into a memorial for the man who created it.

HIGHLAND, Wis. — There’s a debate between Minnesota and Kansas over who has the largest ball of twine, but across the bridge in Wisconsin, the heaviest ball of Twine just moved to its new home. Although the long-time creator of the world’s heaviest twine ball, James Frank Kotera, passed away over a year ago. The community that he was a…

Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Celebrates 218 Days

DULUTH, Minn. — 218 Days has returned this weekend and it’s all about highlighting what makes our area code a great place to live, work, and visit. Many local businesses are offering fun discounts and offerings hoping to draw the community in. Over at Bent Paddle Brewing Company there is live music all weekend, the Gumbo Guys making food, and…

After ‘Threat Complaint,’ Solon Springs School District Board Criticized For ‘Lack of Communication’

UPDATE Following 2/14 Story

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — Emotions were high Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting over safety and security procedures within the district. The meeting was called after a “threat complaint” by a student on Monday, February 5th. According to the district and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, they determined the threat was a misunderstanding. They say…

Mild Winter Still Finds People Seeking Shelter

Those working with people on the street say less snow and cold does not solve lack of permanent places to sleep.

The unusually mild and snowless winter has created challenges and problems for those who are counting on a real winter, but it has not necessarily meant a break for those who live on the street. The warming centers operated by CHUM provide relief and safety for those who need it, but this winter they have still been seeing sixty to…

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Honored In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday was a day to honor indigenous women and relatives who have been murdered or are missing. It is part of the 9th Annual Memorial March for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The event starts with an opening ceremony at the Robert Powless Cultural Center in Duluth, transitions to a march downtown, and ends with…

Newly elected Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy running for County Commissioner

DULUTH, MN – Newly elected Duluth City Councilor no longer wants the job. Three months in, Janet Kennedy has decided she will run for County Commissioner. Kennedy made the announcement standing on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. Kennedy, in explaining her reason for changing her mind and wanting to switch jobs, said with her two major initiatives focused on…

Emotions Erupt At Solon Springs School Board Meeting Over Recent ‘Threat Complaint’

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Emotions hit a breaking point Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting involving safety and security procedures within the district. Officials at the district said the meeting was about providing facts and dispelling rumors around what parents said was a gun threat by a student that wasn’t handled properly. The meeting started…

Island Lake Inn Hosting Valentine’s Dinner, Spots Still Open

Call 218-721-5000 to make a reservation between 5 and 9 p.m. Wednesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. — Island Lake Inn is busy preparing for their annual Valentine’s Dinner that’s happening Wednesday night. The dinner is Surf and Turf style and includes an 8-ounce lobster, 12-ounce ribeye steak, garlic mashed potatoes, a salad, popover, and special dessert. That’s all for $65. The marketing director says the restaurant has a comfy cozy atmosphere perfect for couples…

Injured Duluth Firefighter Cheered On As He Continues His Recovery

24-year-old Ray Skoglund left Monday for specialized hospital care.

DULUTH, Minn. – When a Duluth 148th Fighter jet flew overhead Monday morning, it was offering a greeting of sorts to a young man below. Under the roar of the engines was the message, “We love you, Ray. Go get ’em!” The Duluth International Airport was the scene of a large, extended family gathering. They were there to send off…

Final Live Q&A Update On Birkie Monday Night

HAYWARD, Wis. — A final live Q&A will take place regarding the status of the Birkie Monday night at 7. The 50th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner is happening February 24th in Hayward, Wisconsin. Organizers hoping the event will be pulled off in some form. The last Q&A session focused on four contingencies. Monday night’s update will share which option was…

Celebrating 3 Years of Duluth Ronald McDonald House Helping Families

Anniversary a time to reflect and be thankful.

There is nothing like an anniversary party to brighten up a gray February day. And Friday people were celebrating a place that has brightened up the day of many families. The Ronald McDonald House in Duluth has been a welcome landing place for three years. Friday, Essentia Health medical staff and others gathered to think about the resource it has…

ALS Black Woods Blizzard Tour Does Not “Surrender” to Lack of Snow

25th Anniversary fundraiser adjusts and pushes forward.

Snowmobile trails across the area are closed or have limited amounts of snow, making tough sledding impossible sledding. For some people it is just an inconvenience, but if you are putting together a snowmobile tour fundraiser, it could be a backbreaker. But, not so, say those putting on one of the area’s biggest annual events. Thursday, the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour…

Superior’s The Strength Factory Makes Working Out ‘Safe and Inclusive’

Kelly Kellar's passion project promotes community and fitness for everyone

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…

UMD Indigenous Student Organization Raising Funds For Spring Powwow

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s Indigenous Student Organization is raising funds for their spring Powwow by selling grilled cheese and tomato soup. The organization focuses on different indigenous cultures that surround the college encouraging students to embrace their backgrounds and feel more comfortable doing so. The second annual Spring Powwow is happening March 23rd and donations from the grilled cheese fundraiser…

Outdoor Hockey Rinks Struggling To Keep Up This Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The Executive Director of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association or DAHA is calling it a tough year for outdoor hockey rinks. DAHA has over 70 years of history managing outdoor rinks across the Duluth area. Outdoor rinks are where U8 hockey players spend most of their time practicing and playing. And also, where families go to skate…

Florian, of Chmielewski Funtime Band, Going Strong at 97

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Chmielewski Funtime Band has been performing for six generations. Florian Chmielewski, one of 15 Chmielewski kids, continues leading the band and playing polka music to adoring fans. Even on his 97th birthday, he was in Cloquet, busy playing his accordion with his band. “It’s so much fun,” said Florian. “I bring happiness to wherever I go…

Zoo Animals Entertained by Duluth Fire Hoses

Firefighters reuse old hoses to create fun and challenge for the critters.

Many of us have kicked around in the garage and found that old garden hose that isn’t any good anymore. But what if you’re in the local fire station and it’s fire hose you’re talking about? Well, you take it to the zoo–of course! At least that’s what Duluth firefighters were doing Wednesday. Unique items and play toys–often known in…

Superior’s NTEC Supporters Hold Rally As Mayor Paine Responds

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At least 100 people rallied outside Superior’s City Hall Tuesday evening in support of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The natural gas-powered electrical plant had unanimous support by the city council and Mayor Jim Paine in 2019, but over the last year, Mayor Paine and some council members have been working to stop the project….

With Fire, Lutsen Lodge Gone in Hours; But Determination to Rebuild Already in Its Place

Fire engulfing the structure from the 1950s was too much to stop.

Under the February gray skies of Lake Superior’s North Shore, was the black and white aftermath of what once was. Volunteer firefighters from every small community we’ve driven through along that shore were still at the fire scene in the morning. But shortly after midnight, by the time they had arrived from up and down the shore, the wood and…

Lutsen Mountains General Manager Reacts To Lutsen Lodge Fire

The general manager of Lutsen Mountains, Jim Vick, was sympathizing with the staff at the nearby Lutsen Lodge Tuesday as they deal with the loss of the structure to fire. Vick dealt with a massive fire in June of 2023 when Lutsen Mountains’ Papa Charlie’s restaurant went up in flames. The memories at the beloved restaurant hangout turned into ashes….

Lutsen Lodge’s History Runs Deep Into the 1880s

The Lutsen Lodge, Minnesota’s oldest resort, was established in 1885 when Swedish immigrant Charles Nelson opened his small fishing camp and lodge. Business continued to grow through the years, but it was not always a smooth ride. Photos from the Cook County Historical Society show Lutsen in its very early stages. The lodge was destroyed by fire twice before.  The…