Community

Sip a Beer, Take a Dip in Lake Superior to Wrap Up Fitger’s Bock Fest

After a long winter, and with spring on its way, this old German tradition celebrates the transition of seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fitgers Bock Fest’s 3-day celebration continued this weekend, with some really chilled-out activities. People checked out the live outdoor music, food tents, and specialty Bock Beer, which is beer caramelized with a hot poker to make it sugary and foamy. There were also German cultural events like Volksmarch and stein races, and Saturday attendees even took a Big…

GB Schneider’s Closing and Mexico Lindo Moving In

The restaurant will officially be closing on May 5.

DULUTH, Minn.– A local restaurant is sadly closing after twelve years of serving the West Duluth community. While a Canal Park favorite plans to move in. GB Schneider and Company, a staple here in Duluth will be closing in just months. The owner Gary Schneider says he has worked in the restaurant industry since he was fifteen. Now, the 72-year…

Douglas County, Superior Officials Join CASDA to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, WI – April is Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Superior and Douglas County officials are joining with the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse to encourage the community to get involved in supporting survivors.  Last year, Douglas County received 1,034 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect affecting hundreds of children and families. Each of…

New Therapy at Yoga Studio Helps People Chill-Out in Lake Superior

The cold water immersion is modeled after the Wim Hof Method.

DULUTH, Minn.– A local yoga and fitness studio in Downtown Duluth is offering a new advanced form of yoga to really help you “Chill-out.” Evolve Yoga and Fitness Downtown is adding cold water immersion to their list of teachings. They tell us the practice has many health benefits and helps to gain mental strength. “We’re also offering these fun experiences…

Lake Superior Zoo Needs Help Naming New Pygmy Slow Loris Babies

The poll runs through April 7th at midnight, with the winning games announced the next morning.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo is asking the public for some ideas to name their Twin Pygmy Slow Loris Babies. The first-ever pair of lorises were born last month at the zoo. The lorises have been listed as endangered since 2020 and the two new parents, Colby and Giorgio, were brought here as part of a breeding program that…

Superior Addresses Child Care Issue with Relief Grant

Grant applications will begin April 1 and run through June of 2024.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– The city of Superior has created a grant program to target the issues surrounding the lack of child care in the area. The city has set aside 200-thousand dollars to provide existing child care facilities that can help with anything from remodeling and safety enhancement to training and recruitment of employees. Superior City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle says,…

Blue Rock Grill Grand Opening

The Restaurant features high quality spirits and fresh ingredients.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Blue Rock Grill located near the Miller Hill Mall is opening its doors again after making some changes from its original coffee and wine bar. The restaurant’s new revamped look focuses more on high quality spirits and craft cocktails, with shareable plates. Management tells us they think the new look helps make the spot the perfect date…

Pho Cali to Close at End of April

Pho Cali is located on the corner of Belknap Street and Hammond Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– A downtown Superior Vietnamese Restaurant is sadly closing its doors in just weeks. The owners of Pho Cali say they won’t be continuing their lease when it’s up at the end of the month. In a Facebook post they thanked their customers for the support over the past five years. Customers are encouraged to stop by the restaurant…

Superior Public Library to Hold Genealogy Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Public Library is holding their annual genealogy event April 1, this year called “Foolin’ Around With Your Family Tree.” It will feature information from Douglas County Register of Deeds Tracy Middleton and professional genealogist Marie Mattson.  It’s also a chance for people to learn more about what services the library can offer people who are researching…

AICHO Wraps Up Food Share Month

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Community Housing Organization or better known as AICHO, held their bi-weekly food distribution Wednesday to wrap up Food Share Month. For over the past year, AICHO along with Second Harvest Food Bank has been providing free bags of food for those who may be experiencing food insecurity. Bags include shelf foods and frozen meat…

Movies on Michigan Returns To The Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – After a two year hiatus, Movies on Michigan is returning to The Depot. What was supposed to be a series back in the spring of 2020 that was cancelled after one movie due to the pandemic, they will be showing “Miracle” inside the Great Hall April 1. Depot Director Mary Tennis says it coincides with an exhibit that…

Lincoln Park Art Walk Unveiled

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new way to experience the murals in Lincoln Park with the installation of an art walk. Info plates with a QR code on them are being set up next to each mural that the public can access.  When the code is scanned by a smartphone, it will open up a webpage that details the process for…

Superior Police Now Accepts Incident Reports Online

Citizens will receive a report case number and can print a copy of their police report for free.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior citizens can now file police incident reports that don’t require emergency response online, with the Citizens Online Reporting System. Citizens can find the system on the City of Superior website and use it to file online reports for many types of incidents that don’t require an emergency response. The reports will generally be reviewed within several hours…

Mayor Larson’s 2022 Focus: Economic Development, Public Safety, Connectivity, Sustainability

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was face-to-face with fellow leaders and supporters Tuesday evening for her first in-person State of the City Address in two years because of the pandemic. The theme of the speech was “lighting a path forward” to focus on economic development, public safety, connectivity and sustainability. As for economic development, Larson said the city…

Friends of ‘CODA’ Star Daniel Durant, Twin Ports Deaf Community Inspired by Oscars Win

The deaf studies minor at UMD has the second-largest enrollment in the school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The small town pride for Duluth actor Daniel Durant was amplified by his fellow members of the deaf and hard of hearing community here in town. The deaf studies minor at UMD has the second-largest enrollment in the school. Courses include Linguistics, Deaf Culture, and American Sign Language Skill Building Workshop. Coordinators at UMD’s American Sign Language Lab…

Fitger’s 5k Returns to Full Capacity

DULUTH, Minn.– Runners are gearing up to take part in the annual Fitger’s 5k race. This year, it will be returning completely back to its normal state. After two years of modified race operations due to the pandemic, the race is going back to its full capacity. And spectators are welcome to cheer on the runners from the sidelines, too….

Memorial Day Parade Saved By Duluth City Council, Fee Dispute Resolved

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council approved a resolution Monday to keep the longstanding Memorial Day Parade in West Duluth by dropping the event’s fee from thousands of dollars to just under $200. Council President Arik Forsman and Council Vice President Janet Kennedy were behind the resolution. The resolution changes the fee for the parade to $187.10, which is…

The annual Arrowhead Home and Builders Show Preps are Underway

Nearly four hundred exhibitors are setting up for the 54th annual show at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.–The 54th annual Arrowhead Home and Builders Show is back at the DECC beginning this Wednesday. Currently almost four hundred exhibitors are setting up for thousands of people to check out the five day event. The show is known as a one-stop destination for any home remodeling or garden project need. The Home and Builders Show Manager Christ Navratil…

Look Out for Litter as Spring Approaches

The city of Duluth encourages residents to pick up trash around their neighborhoods to help keep it out of waterways.

DULUTH, Minn.– As snow begins melting and flows into storm drains, it becomes increasingly important to keep litter off the streets and into trash cans. “Whatever is on the streets or parking lots is going to wash into storm sewers, and into our lakes and rivers,” says Utilities Operations Manager Chris Kleist, “Whatever folks can do to pick up trash,…

Lincoln Park to Undergo Much Needed Transformations

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s Ecolibrium3 has been awarded more than 800-thousand dollars to address economic, educational and health disparities in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. The money is coming from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. It’ll fund three construction projects including a small-footprint grocery store with fresh produce on W Superior St. This effort will help to close the gap…

33rd Annual Fitger’s 5K Back with Normal Course, Full Capacity in 2022

This year’s Fitger’s 5K field will be capped at 2,000 participants and is expected to sell out prior to race day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 33rd annual Fitger’s 5K will look and feel more like normal this April, with the iconic spring race returning to full capacity and a more traditional racecourse after two years of modifications. “Our events are meant to come with a sense of community,” Marketing & PR Director Zach Schneider said, in a press release Monday, “and that’s…

Celebration of Life for Local Music Legend Mark Anderson

DULUTH, Minn. — There was an outpouring of support at R.T. Quinlan’s on Sunday where musicians and the Twin Ports came together to honor and remember the life of Mark Anderson who passed in early March. “It’s wonderful. I wouldn’t miss it, I wouldn’t miss it,” that’s what Mark Anderson’s mother, Marolyn Martinson said, after seeing hundreds of people gather…

Monday’s City Council Meeting bringing Closure to the Table

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s a win for Duluth’s longstanding Memorial Day parade, if councilors pass a resolution Monday night, that drops the event’s fee from thousands of dollars, to just under $200. Council president Arik Forsman, and Council Vice President Janet Kennedy, are behind the resolution. They are requesting the city permanently change the fee for the Memorial Day parade…

Affordable Housing, Long Overlooked, Getting Federal Boost

BOSTON (AP) – States and localities are increasingly tapping federal funds to help finance efforts to build more affordable housing, repair dilapidated units or reduce their homeless numbers. Housing advocates believe the money from the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds could transform the way communities address the growing homelessness problem and a shortage of affordable housing….

Resale, Reuse, Recycling Outdoor Gear at 23rd UMD Swap

15 percent of the sales were used to promote the outdoor education club.

DULUTH, Minn.- People were refreshing their winter gear or trading them in for summer stuff at UMD’s 23rd annual Outdoor Gear Swap. People lined up outside Malosky Stadium almost 2 hours early to browse thousands of used skis, snowboards, boots, camping gear, and more sold by students, community members, and local businesses. 15 percent of the sales were used to…

Commercial Space, Event Center for Rent Opens in Old Billings Park Cafe Building

Since mid-February businesses like the new Superior Roux restaurant have been renting out the commercial space which is registered with the Douglas County Department of Health.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New life is coming to the once vacant billings park cafe in Superior as one business owner hopes it’s the start of a new direction for the neighborhood. Craig Sutherland has turned the building into “Venue in the Park.” Since mid-February businesses like the new Superior Roux restaurant have been renting out the commercial space which is registered…

Drop Off Begins for 23rd Annual UMD Outdoor Gear Swap Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for a way to get outdoors but don’t feel like paying full price for equipment, you are just in time for the annual gear swap at UMD’s Malosky Stadium. Gear could be dropped off at UMD today. The exchange was unable to happen the past few years because of the pandemic, but now it…

City of Duluth Asks for the Community’s Help with Lake Superior Shoreline Resilience Survey

Officials seek the public's help by participating in an online survey about coastal resilience along Lake Superior

As part of the Advanced Assistance (AA) Coastal Resilience and Mitigation Study, the City of Duluth is asking for the public’s help to provide feedback through an online survey. Within the survey, citizens are asked questions about what coastal resilience concerns residents and visitors have in regards to Lake Superior’s coastline. The AA Coastal Resilience Mitigation Study is part of…

Coast Guard Cutter Arrives in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not the permanent ship, but the arrival of the Hollyhock means the start of ice cutting activities in the Duluth and Superior ports. This ship, along with the Neah Bay, will start cutting around the tugboats in the ports.  That will allow them to assist the five vessels that have been docked through winter get ready…

Visit Duluth’s New President A Native Of Italy, Ready To Move Forward ‘Like A Rocket’

DULUTH, Minn. – The newly configured Visit Duluth officially has a new president to lead its convention and visitor center operations. This comes as Twin Cities marketing firm Bellmont Partners now handles all marketing for the city. Daniele Villa was born and raised in Italy, most recently managed luxury shows and conventions in Dubai and has lived in Duluth the…

Duluth Sister Cities International Won’t Drop Sister City Petrozavodsk, Russia Amid War

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Sister Cities is speaking out in support of Petrozavodsk, Russia, which is one of Duluth’s sister cities, as that country’s leader continues to pummel Ukraine. In an email Tuesday to Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors, Sister Cities board members said they condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and they stand in solidarity of the people of…

Duluth’s Second Harvest Food Bank 41% Toward Fundraising Goal During FoodShare Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, a campaign through the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. From now until April 10th, donations made to food banks will be reported to the GMCC FoodShare program, which will turn around and match a portion of what they raised. The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth not only has its…

U of M Asks Lawmakers for $30M for Scholarships

Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their first year and $1,000 to $2,000 in each of their next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota officials are asking legislators to approve $30 million for scholarships for students who attend regional campuses. The Star Tribune reports the proposed Greater Minnesota Scholarship Program would go give money to Minnesota residents who enroll as freshmen at the university’s Duluth, Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses. Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their…

Comedian, Podcast Host Tom Segura Headed to DECC this September

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- In September, comedian and podcast host Tom Segura will be performing at the DECC, as part of the third leg of his world tour. According to a spokesperson with the DECC, Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business.  He recently performed to sold-out audiences on his 100+ city Take It Down Tour. He is best…

Family, Friends Remember Eveleth-Native Jimmy Hill, Killed While Caring for Sick Partner in Ukraine

68-year-old Jimmy Hill was confirmed to be one of ten people gunned down by Russian forces while waiting in line for bread in the city of Chernihiv.

The war between Russia and Ukraine hits closer to home as last week after Eveleth native Jimmy Hill was killed while waiting in line for bread – a harsh reminder of the far-reaching impacts of the conflict. “When I’d wake up the first thing I would do is check and his message would be ‘made it through the night, still…

UMD Students Root for Bulldog Women in Frozen Four with Gear from UMD Stores

Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the UMD Women’s Hockey Team lost to Ohio State after a hard-fought game, leading up to the championship excitement was bubbling on the UMD campus and merch was flying off the shelves at the school’s Store. Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four. And…

Saint Fennessey 4k Returns To Normal Operation

A record 728 runners took off Saturday morning for the first Grandma’s race of 2022.

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On a beautiful blue sky day, came a sea of green as a record number of racers came out for the annual Fennessey 4k “We are thrilled that we can be back here it’s been a long couple years for everybody,” Zach Schneider, Marketing and PR Director For Grandmas Marathon said. A record 728 runners took off…