Community

Large Turnout for MN State Fire Chiefs Association Conference

DULUTH, Minn.– The DECC is seeing quite a large turnout for its annual Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Conference. Over 540 fire chiefs from around the state are gathering to network and develop connections and strategies. It’s also an opportunity for the attendees to learn about new technology, leadership skills, and resiliency. With the conference, it gets all of the…

St. Louis County Launches Shutdown Update Webpage

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County has launched a website where you can track the impacts of the federal shutdown. The page also highlights resources for help. Currently, the page is updating for Snap, The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and WIC. Those programs help families and individuals access healthy food and other resources. For Snap and MFIP, funding for…

Essentia Health Mammogram Trucks Seeing Trend of Success

CLOQUET, Minn.– October is known as breast cancer awareness month. And Essentia Health has been bringing opportunities for testing in rural communities. For the past three years, Essentia health has introduced a fleet of trucks traveling to rural and tribal areas. It began with three locations, but now they have over twenty stops. Thursday alone, Cloquet’s stop was booked up…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Talks NDAs, Public Comments, Commissioner’s Words on Minneapolis’ FOX 9

St. Louis County Commissioner Chair Annie Harala responded to concerns Thursday over elected officials signing non-disclosure agreements regarding a proposed data center project in Hermantown. She also addressed a video that shows a confrontation between Commissioner Keith Nelson and the Duluth Monitor’s Publisher, John Ramos, who pressed the commissioner on the topic during Tuesday’s board meeting. Click the video above…

First Indigenous Coast Guard Unit Inducted in Grand Portage

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn.– A ceremony on Wednesday in Grand Portage celebrated a new beginning for the reservation and surrounding areas. They’ve been hard at work to bring in additional support for marine safety, patrol, and rescue. The first ever Indigenous Coast Guard unit was officially inducted in Grand Portage. After the Grand Marais coast guard unit discontinued back in 2022,…

Construction underway for Chum expansion project

DULUTH, Minn. — The Chum Shelter and Drop-in Center expansion project is officially underway. A brief ceremony was held Wednesday to mark the start of construction as keys to the building were handed over to Johnson Wilson Constructors, Inc. $10 million in funding from federal and state sources was secured in 2022, enabling the project. The shelter currently accommodates more…

City Council Considers Pause on new Short-Term Rental Permits

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council held a first reading on an ordinance proposing a 12-month pause to new short-term rental permits. City officials report that the number of vacation rentals has increased rapidly, resulting in the conversion of many single-family homes into short-term rentals. The proposed pause would give the city time to think about how these rentals…

Minnesotan Man Carves Giant Jack-O-Lanterns

DULUTH, Minn. — One man is carving up something spooky for the Halloween season at Pier B. Michael Rudolph, a giant pumpkin carver, was commissioned to carve two giant pumpkins for display at the resort. Using improvised tools and 17 years of experience, Rudolph spends several hours perfecting his creations. “The best part is seeing the faces of people and…

Fire Chief, Neighbors React To Hibbing House Explosion

HIBBING, Minn. – A house explosion in Hibbing Sunday night sent flames into the air and injured one person.  One day later, heavy equipment moved in, as the investigation into a cause of the blast continued. “All the neighbors were out, pajamas, bathrobes, whatever. People just came out. Everybody was chasing dogs every which way trying to, I suppose, when…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Annie Harala Talks Process Of Non-Disclosure Agreements

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala was one of three commissioners to sign a non-disclosure agreement involving a proposed data center in Hermantown.  Some members of the public have voiced frustration over what they call a lack of transparency involving the proposed project.  Commissioner Ashley Grimm responded to those concerns by calling for a ban on…

Topics Of Transparency, NDAs Take Over St. Louis County Board Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.– The topic of transparency boiled over Tuesday at the St. Louis County Board meeting in Duluth. What was supposed to be public comment about banning commissioners from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) turned into residents feeling silenced. The St. Louis County board meeting included a motion by Commissioner Ashley Grimm to prohibit commissioners from signing non-disclosure agreements going forward,…

Twin Ports Celebrates Indigenous People’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports residents celebrated Indigenous People’s Day at Duluth City Hall with a ceremony. Both Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and superior Mayor Jim Payne were on hand to officially proclaim October 13th as Indigenous People’s Day in both cities. Various Duluth and Superior schools and the Fond du Lac Honor Guard were in attendance as well, paying…

Trail Access Restricted Due to Crosby Fire

FINLAND, Minn.– When the Crosby Fire began last week, the DNR and Superior Hiking Trail officials wasted no time implementing safety measures. “We just got word of the fire, kind of beginning yesterday, kind of coordinated with the DNR. We didn’t hear until about 5:30 kind of in the evening, about looking to close a section of the Superior Hiking…

Residents Meet About Proposed Data Center Development In Hermantown

SOLWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Residents of Hermantown and the surrounding area attended a meeting Sunday evening at Solway Town Hall regarding a proposed plan to build a data center in Hermantown. The large project is being proposed as a 1.8 million-square-foot facility that could be situated near Midway Road and Morris Thomas Road on 403 acres. Sunday’s meeting provided an…

Tattoo Fundraiser Supports Family After Devastating House Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at Duluth Tattoo Company for a fundraiser in support of the Rosendahl family as they recover from a devastating house fire. The family is part of the tattoo community here in Northland, and multiple tattoo shops, including Duluth Tattoo Company, Benchmark, and Resurrection, came together, spending the last few weekends fundraising. The events brought people…

“No Man’s Land” Film Festival Arrives In Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — A traveling film festival has found its way to Duluth. The “No Man’s Land Film Festival” took place at Clyde Ironworks for the first time in the Twin Ports. The festival is dedicated to showcasing multi-sport films from “women and gender non-conforming athletes and storytellers”, and for Duluth’s outdoor community, bringing the film festival to town, was…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hosts First Official Tailgate

DULUTH, Minn. — University of Minnesota-Duluth Men’s Hockey hosted its first official tailgate ahead of their home opener, giving fans the chance to take in the gorgeous evening, before the night’s main event The festivities took place along Harbor Drive, behind Amsoil Arena, where fans were encouraged to hang out and enjoy food and drink, while the UMD Pep Band…

CASDA holds ‘Paw’sitive Project event, raising awareness for pets in domestic abuse situations

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse, also known as CASDA, held an event on Friday to raise awareness for pets in domestic abuse situations. The ‘Paw’sitive Project event raised awareness about the correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse, highlighting that a large percentage of victims report harm to their pets, which may prevent them from…

Safe Haven Hosts 20th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Haven hosted their 20th annual fall fundraiser at Clyde Ironworks. The powerful evening brought people from across the Twin Ports together to support survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence. The event program included a cocktail hour, live music, dinner, and a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting survivors of…

‘True McGregor Miracle’: Dog Lost In Plane Crash Found Safe Days Later

MCGREGOR, Minn. – Nearly a week after three people survived a small plane crash in McGregor on Sunday, another miracle was formed. Pilot Kaden Brazinsky reunites with his lost dog, Mako A yorkie named Mako, who was also on the plane, was finally found safe after running away from the crash scene. Kaden Brazinsky, 23, was the pilot of the…

Fall Career Fair Brings Potential Internship and job Opportunities

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The start of the school year brought in the opportunity to showcase some potential at UW-Superior. More than 77 booths gave students the scoop on what their future could look like. Each booth offered careers ranging from healthcare, business and even law enforcement. Students spent the day networking and seeing what the Twin Ports have to offer,…

Marine Corps Celebrates 250th Birthday in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The evening of Oct. 9, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center commemorated the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The department was established on Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, and this year marks its 250th birthday. The event centered on honoring that legacy and recognizing the Corps’ long-standing history of service and sacrifice. “Tonight,…

Senate Project Tour Highlights Need for State Matching Funds

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Senate members traveled across the state to discuss more than 20 proposed projects requesting state matching funds. For this tour, there were two projects discussed in St. Louis County. First, they discussed replacing a regional landfill leachate treatment system in Canyon, Minnesota. The 6 million dollar project aims to help protect ecosystem health, and remedy contamination….

Normanna Volunteer Fire Dept. Fundraising Event Returns Oct. 11

DULUTH, Minn. – The Normanna Volunteer Fire Department is getting ready for its third-annual Normanna Fire Squatch 5K fundraising event this Saturday, Oct. 11. 2024 Squatch 5K The fun starts at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by the 5K race and a baby Squatch 1K for the kids. Vendors will be on hand, a silent auction and activities…

Students Making Connections at Networking Night

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Students, faculty, and local businesses gather at UWS for the annual Networking Night inside the Yellowjacket Union. Networking Night allows students the opportunity to meet with employers in a low-stress environment, the evening before the Fall Career and Internship Fair. The event features theatre skits, tips, headshots, and employer tables to help students practice networking skills, gather…

Superior holds public meetings regarding changes to one-way roads

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Two public meetings were held in Superior on Wednesday to discuss the potential changes to multiple one-way roads. The meeting focused on addressing safety concerns in the midtown neighborhood, particularly on Banks, Ogden, and John Aves. The proposed solution is to convert the one-way streets to two-way streets, which are considered safer. Two-streets can increase driver awareness…

UW-Superior Hosts “Freedom of Speech” Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior invited the community in once again for a discussion on politics. The “Freedom of Speech” event, which featured a guest from the “Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression”, was part of the UW-Superior Link Center’s ongoing “Superior Dialogues” series. The 2nd year series is designed to help maintain healthy conversations and relationships for people with differing…

2026 Budget Proposal Heads To Superior City Council

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine released his 2026 budget proposal, which is heavily focused on infrastructure and public safety. In addition, Paine says the budget will decrease the city’s property tax levy by 1.55%, while maintaining Superior’s spending levels for all city services. “This budget lowers the tax levy. We are one of the only municipalities, probably the only…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Zoey Nicole

DULUTH, MINN-Zoey Nicole has been the lead makeup artist of the Haunted Ship for four years.  She was 16 when she started volunteering.  She said her first night volunteering was imitating.  “Here I am trying to imitate everybody next to me. I see three other artists and their awesome. They’re amazing! I was just blown out of my mind because…

Bookstore at Fitger’s Highlighting Banned Book Week

DULUTH, Minn.– The bookstore in Fitgers is showcasing novels that have been removed from schools, libraries, and other public spaces. Decorated with caution tape and explanation bookmarks, the bookstore is highlighting the growing trend of banned books, which has been happening since 1982. The bookstore manager told FOX 21 that last year alone 2,000 books joined the list. They’re included…

St Louis County Declaring October 9th as “Ageism Awareness Day”

DULUTH, Minn.–A proclamation involving the importance of a positive mindset with the aging population was highlighted in Duluth today. The St. Louis County will be recognizing October 9th as ‘Ageism Awareness Day’. City officials and the community alike is recognizing what they’re calling an ‘unnoticed societal issue’. That being said, this issue affects both older and younger people, giving each…

Restroom in Ely named “America’s Best Restroom 2025”

ELY, Min. – The best restroom in the country is in the Iron Range. A restroom in Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely has earned the title of America’s Best Restroom 2025. Jody Popesh, Assistant Manager of Bear Head Lake State Park was presented the award at an October 7, 2025 ceremony. The state park restrooms earned, “a Cintas…

Imagine Downtown Unveils 5 Year Plan

DULUTH, Minn — After a year of focus groups, surveys, tours and more the Imagine Downtown plan is finally unveiled. The 5-year plan addresses the pressing concerns of the downtown area. Those concerns included safety, housing, amenities and services, and infrastructure. MIG Consulting has been the firm spearheading this initiative. The plan involves enacting changes over the next 5 years,…

Duluth Preps For West Superior Street Reconstruction

DULUTH, Minn. — Another massive reconstruction project is on the horizon for Duluth as West Superior Street in Lincoln Park is in line for a rebuild. The nearly 2-mile stretch that will see the reconstruction begins at West Michigan Street and heads through Lincoln Park, past 27th Avenue W, and ends at the Carlton Street intersection. The construction will be much…

Ashland School District Impacted by Northland College’s Closure

ASHLAND, Wis.– The Ashland community is coming to terms with what they’re calling a significant loss after the Northland College closed its doors last spring. “We are definitely nervous about what it will do to our staffing and our entire community. About 15% of our staff is Northland College graduates, and over 20% of our staff is related to Northland…

Twin Ports Interchange Project Close to Fully Opening

DULUTH, Minn. –After five years of detours and construction, the long-anticipated Twin Ports Interchange Project will be fully open before the end of the month, and the long time nickname is a thing of the past. “The can of worms is officially no longer a thing, which is something to celebrate,” Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said. A ribbon-cutting was held…

“Haunted Ship” Celebrates 30 Years of Scares

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s favorite spooky attraction is celebrating 3 decades of frights. The William A. Irvin “Haunted Ship” pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion. “30 years is an amazing milestone to, every year, pull together 50 actors, dozens of set designers, a whole community of people are needed to create everything that you come and experience…

Twin Ports Interchange Project Wrapping Up

DULUTH, Minn. — Relief is in sight for drivers who travel along Minnesota I-35. After years of detours and construction, the long-anticipated “Can of Worms” project is nearing completion. On Monday, Oct. 6, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, joined by state and local leaders, will hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting beneath the newly constructed Highway 53 bridge, located on 20th Avenue…

Schedule for The Haunted Ship 2025

DULUTH, Min. – The Haunted Ship at the William A, Irvin is back for its 30th year. This year, you can look forward to more activity outside of the ship on Harbor Drive—picture strewn lights, bonfires, drinks and food available for purchase, and more. The Announced Schedule for The Haunted Ship: Friday, October 3 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday, October 4 4:00pm-10:30pm Thursday,…

Apple Cider Fest This Saturday!

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit of the Lake Community arts center is celebrating fall with their Apple Cider Fest tomorrow! From fresh pressed cider to puppet making, art and more, this event is all ages fun. The Orla’s and Jon Edwards will be providing live music throughout the event. There will also be soup and mac and cheese from Dovetail cafe’s…