Education

Annual UMD Volunteer Fair Offers Students Opportunities

DULUTH, Minn. — The Kirby Ballroom was full of local organizations for a Volunteer Fair. Put on by University Honors Student Association, UMD Engage, and the United Way, this fair helps students learn more about our community and make connections. Students could meet with dozens of organizations to find the right volunteer opportunities for them. “The whole point is to…

Duluth Public Schools Increasing Bus Safety with Cameras

DULUTH, Minn.– School buses are back on the road, and a network of cameras is watching over drivers who break the law. All 30 Duluth school buses are equipped with surveillance cameras, ready to detect stop arm violation. That violation comes with a 500-dollar fine, and a misdemeanor on a driver’s record. Drivers could face a gross misdemeanor charge if…

Lake Superior Zoo Starts Campaign To Fund Rescued Animal Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — Since March, the Lake Superior Zoo has been home to a few new residents, and now, those residents are needing a little public support to ensure a comfortable future at the zoo. “We are trying to raise awareness for our “New Beginnings” campaign that is supporting our rescue.” said Lead Zookeeper Emily Perala. “Earlier this year, the…

Social Media and Kids

Duluth, Minn- Apps such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and X (formally known as Twitter) are examples of social media platforms we easily get lost in.  It’s easy to get distracted while doom scrolling for a couple of hours. Adults can tell the difference between skits and Artificial Intelligence, but young children may lack that skill.  Child psychology specialist, Lauren Browender says,…

Hurricane Katrina 20Year Anniversary

    DULUTH, MINN.- It’s been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina hit. Many lives were taken and changed forever; many more struggled just to survive.  West Duluth resident, Cooper Joseph says Katrina was a devastating storm.  He lived in Louisiana at the time, 75 miles from New Orleans. Joseph was a Fire Captain of the volunteer fire department.  He happened…

UWS unveils new branding and announces new sports complex

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The University of Wisconsin – Superior launched its new look. A new logo, looking like an Anchor with an ‘S’ has been unveiled. The design was made to be more representative of Superior. in addition to the logo, they announced the new brand campaign called “Arrive with Grit, Leave with Greatness.” Designed to capture the “determination, transformation…

President orders flags to be flown at half staff honoring victims of Annunciation Catholic School shooting

Flag lowered to half staff at White House after Annunciation School Shooting WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has ordered flag to be flown at half staff due to the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. His proclamation reads: As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by…

Stella Maris Academy releases statement following Annunciation Catholic School shooting

Stella Maris Academy Seal DULUTH, Min. – The Cathodic School in Duluth, Stella Maris Academy, released a statement following the deadly shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Our hearts are broken as we hold our brothers and sisters at Annunciation Catholic School and Parish in Minneapolis close in prayer after today’s tragic events. Catholic schools are so much…

‘The Wildcat Sanctuary’ Takes in Four Seized Big Cats

SANDSTONE, Back in May, the Wildcat Sanctuary out in Sandstone recently took in four cats in a seizure from ‘West Coast Game Park Safari’ in Oregon. The new additions at the sanctuary are just 4 of 315 total animals removed from the area. They welcomed in Louis the black jaguar, Bentley, a spotted leopard, Nasha, a lioness, and Lyla the…

Superior Welcomes Sister City Delegates and Students

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With it being an odd-numbered year, Superior is once again playing host to delegates from their sister city. Ami-Machi (AH-MEE MAH-CHEE), OR “Ami Town” is a Japanese city of about 47 thousand people and has been Superior’s sister city for nearly 30 years, with delegates from one city visiting the other depending on the year. Superior delegates…

Historic White Coat Ceremony at UMD Medical School

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota Medical School held their annual White Coat Ceremony for the class of 20-29 August 22nd. The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that welcomes new medical students to the profession 65 Students received their first white coat in front of family and friends, medical school administration and…

Back to school tax saving available for Minnesota families

DULUTH, Min. – Parents and caregivers in Minnesota can claim K-12 school supplies tax benefits at tax time next year. They’ll need to save back-to-school shopping receipts for purchases made this year. Two tax benefits can help Minnesota families. The refundable K-12 Education Credit (income limits apply) and the K-12 Education Subtraction (no income limits). Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart said,…

Governor Tim Walz Participates in Nashwauk-Keewatin School Ribbon Cutting

Nashwauk, Minn. – The community of Nashwauk came together back in 2022, approving $42 million to go towards building a new school and $5.7 million to build the community wellness center. “Many of you here today may recall with great, heartfelt memories our historic schools. 1000s of children received a top-notch education at those schools, and 1000s more will receive…

Gov. Evers Highlights Childcare Bridge Program While Touring a Childcare Facility in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers visited Superior today, touring a childcare and education facility. It was all about highlighting Wisconsin’s new childcare bridge program, which Evers says is helping childcare providers across the state. The new state funding for childcare providers is derived from an investment of over $360 million approved by the state legislature. This will help provide…

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Holds Reopening of Nursing Facilities

CLOQUET, Minn. — Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College held its grand reopening of its nursing facilities after an extensive renovation on Aug. 13, this coming just in time for students to return to school this Fall. While other schools continue to see enrollment dropping, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is welcoming an even larger crop of…

UW-Superior hosts “Paddle and Pause” Community Mindfulness Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Cloudy conditions and poor air quality couldn’t put a damper on UW-Superior’s latest community event. The college hosted their “Paddle and Pause” event recently on Woodstock Bay in Superior on Aug. 5, welcoming members of the local community to a day of mindfulness on the water. While the multi-department event was targeted at the senior community of…

Duluth Public Schools and Duluth Climate Club Nearing Completion of Solar Panel Instillation

DULTUH, Minn. — Four years after lobbying with politicians for the ability to make a difference, Duluth area students have finally gotten their wish. Very soon, a brand-new solar panel field will line the roof of the Duluth Public Schools District Office, completing a major project that some students have worked on for their entire high school tenure. “I’ve been…

Community Boards ‘Blue Heron’ Research Vessel for “Freshwater Discovery Day”

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the community got a front row seat to discover what student scientists at the ‘Blue Heron’ research vessel participates in. The Large Lakes Observatory is a research group that is in connection with UMD. It brings an opportunity for both undergraduate, and graduate students to receive hands on experience. “It is the only research-intensive campus that sits…

St. Scholastica & Mankato State Launches Engineering Dual Degree Pathway

  DULUTH, Minn.– The College of Saint Scholastica is partnering with Minnesota State Mankato to launch a new engineering program partnership. This dual pathway program is giving students the chance to earn a degree in both natural science and also integrated engineering. This is the first dual degree pathway of its kind. The five year long degree covers two and…

Founders of Hibbing-based non-profit removed after settlement with Minnesota Attorney General

HIBBING, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has worked to remove George and Georgia Andria from the Borealis Art Guild’s board and bank accounts. The Attorney General’s Office announced July 23, 2025 they reached separate settlements with both the Borealis Art Guild, and its founders, George and Georgia Andria. There have been allegations that the nonprofit’s…

FDLTCC Celebrates 15th Annual Scholarship Event

Fond du Lac, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Tribal Community College didn’t let yesterday’s rain stop their event. And with some adjustments, it was all okay, in Cloquet. The community came together to help support student scholarships. Instead of the typical croquet event, the college switched gears to a taco lunch. The mission remained the same, helping raise money for…

LSC Awarded Grant to Develop Unique Program for Students with Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has received a significant grant to support the development of a new Program for Accessible College Education, called PACE for short. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded LSC over $185,000. LSC is one of only three grantees awarded funding statewide. According to the press release, this is the first program of its kind in…

UW System Proposes Tuition Increase for 25-26 School Year

WISCONSIN — Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman today announced a proposal to increase tuition for undergraduates by up to 5%. The proposal would see a 4% increase at all universities, and an optional 1% additional increase. All universities except UW-Green Bay intends to take the optional increase. UW-River Falls is seeking an additional increase to support student success initiatives,…

Free Museum Admission in Minnesota This Saturday

MINN. — Select museums across Minnesota will have free admission this Saturday. The area museums with free admission include Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, and Snake River Fur Post in Pine City. The Free Admission Day will be held four times a year, with the next dates including September 20th, January 10th,…

Patty Salo Downs retiring from Alworth Memorial Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Patty Salo Downs is retiring as executive director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund. She had held the role for nearly 19 years. Salo Downs helped the organization grant more than $26 million in scholarships to over 1,400 northern Minnesota high school students. She said, “Whether they’re participating in study abroad, installing a water distribution…

Cross City Trail Tour Teaches Locals about the St. Louis River

DULUTH, Minn. – Locals strapped on their helmets and toured the St. Louis River this evening. Community members were invited to participate in biking the Cross-City Trail, which consisted of a 4-mile round-trip tour put on by the St. Louis River Alliance. The bike tour showcased the natural beauty of the St. Louis River while teaching locals about the areas…

Hundreds of Wildfire Firefighter Students Learn the Ropes

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– More than 400 students are attending the Wildfire Academy this year. It’s located at Minnesota North College Itasca Campus. As for the drive to join this line of work, it’s different for everybody. “Well, living in northeastern Minnesota, there’s a lot of fire, and there’s a need for support. I work for Superior National Forest, and I’ve…

Duluth Children’s Museum Honored for Outstanding Practice in the Field

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Children’s Museum was honored for Outstanding Practice in the field. The Association of Children’s Museums chose Duluth Children’s Museum because of its ‘Discovery for All’ initiative. That initiative provides free access to the museum for those one EBT, WIC, or Medical Assistance. The award helps them to continue funding and expanding on their outreach to…

Burke Center Moves from Northland College Under New Name

ASHLAND, Wis. — After the closure of Northland College, the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation found a new home under a new identity. The Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation has now transformed into the Burke Center for Ecosystem Research. The non-profit research facility has expanded to allow non-water research, allowing some Northland faculty to join the…

Minnesota Schools Win Grants to Build Homes, Train Future Construction Workers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – A new program is helping students learn valuable construction skills — while also tackling Minnesota’s housing shortage. Minnesota Housing has awarded over half a million dollars to six school districts for affordable housing projects across Greater Minnesota. The $560,000 in funding comes from the newly launched Housing Challenge Funds for Schools. The grants support school-led initiatives…

Company in charge of old Central High School development gets warning letter

DULUTH, Minn. – The group in charge of Incline Village, a proposed complex with apartments, condos and retail on the site of the old Central High School, has received a warning letter saying it is not lived up to some of its agreements with Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA). DEDA Executive Director Tricia Hobbs sent the letter to Luzy Ostreicher…

‘Project Search’ graduates celebrate 9 months of impactful internship experience

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A handful of graduates are walking the stage today, celebrating 9 months of hard work and ton of impactful job experience. The internship caters to members of the working force with disabilities. And it gives them the opportunity to experience rotations throughout the Superior Essentia. It was there they got to learn how to be a good coworker,…

Hibbing School Board Pursues a $2.6 Million Referendum

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing School District is addressing a $2.6 million shortfall, which the school board has approved a motion to pursue a referendum. The Superintendent of Hibbing Schools Richard Aldrich says that the increasing costs and lowering enrollment numbers has led the district to this shortfall. This year to address the $2.6 million in reductions Hibbing Schools had…

Duluth East Students Fundraise for National History Day Competition

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East students held a project showcase to help raise funds for their trip to Nationals On Wednesday, May 28, local high school students hosted a fundraiser at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, showcasing their state and national history day projects. The event aimed to raise money to support their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where they will compete…

Northland College Students and Staff Share Reflections Ahead of Closure

ASHLAND, Wis.–A lot of emotions are being felt at the Northland College, because tomorrow will be their final commencement after being open for 133 years. “It’s honestly been kind of a rollercoaster. Because before my freshman year last year, and then obviously we didn’t, and then we found out in February this year again, that we would officially be closing….

Sexual assault case under investigation at Hibbing High School

  HIBBING, Minn. — Numerous juveniles at Hibbing High School were interviewed by Hibbing Police Officers in regards to a sexual assault case at the school. The police department and the school are currently investigating the incident. There are no criminal charges at this time. Hibbing Police confirmed that all parties involved are juveniles that attend Hibbing High School. The…

Lake Superior College Selects New President

Linda Kingston DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College announced their next president in a press release on Wednesday. Dr. Linda Kingston will take over as president on July 1, 2025, as current president Dr. Patricia Rogers retires at the end of this academic school year. Dr. Kingston is currently the acting Vice President for academic and student affairs and brings…

Students Race in Fit-N-Fun Run

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Students raced in the annual Essentia health Fit N Fun Run. Students between third and fifth grade ran the quarter-mile race. Each student received a ribbon and commemorative T-shirt. Families and other students were also able to cheer classmates on. “I think it’s really great to have kids be part of this race style atmosphere, especially…

UMD Holds Commencement for 2025 Graduating Class

DULUTH, Minn. — As the school year wraps up, graduation season is upon us, and the University of Minnesota Duluth celebrated the class of 2025 at AMSOIL Arena on Saturday. Over 1,600 students attended this years commencements, there was two ceremonies on Saturday, in the morning and the afternoon. Bulldog students who earned their bachelor’s degree, doctoral degree, or master’s…

National Bike to School Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – Keep an eye out for small cyclists. Tomorrow is National Bike to School Day. Students all over the northland are encouraged to bike to school tomorrow. Bike to school day helps raise awareness of pedestrian and cyclist safety and promotes healthy outdoor exercise. If your kids are biking to school, ensure they have a properly fitted helmet…

Scholarships Awarded to 97 Northern Minnesota Math and Science Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund has awarded its 2025 scholarships to 97 northern Minnesota students. Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund Crest They students are all pursuing bachelor’s degrees in fields of study related to mathematics, engineering, the sciences, medicine and scientific research. Scholarships for $24,000 each were awarded to 91 seniors from 33 high…

Denfeld Robotics Team’s Season Isn’t Over Yet

DULUTH, Minn. — The Denfeld Robotics team still has some life left because the Denfeld Nation Automation (DNA) team is nominated to participate in the Minnesota State Tournament. Recently, Denfeld competed in the WORLDS robotics championship down in Houston Texas. There they were joined by 27 different Minnesotan teams, and they excelled in the competition. Following this, they were able…

Finalists Named for New Lake Superior College President

DULUTH, MN – Minnesota State has named three finalists in the search for the next president of Lake Superior College. The candidates are David Clickner, Barbara Embacher, and Linda Kingston. Dr. Patricia Rogers has lead Lake Superior College as president since 2019.  Dr. Rodgers announced her impending retirement in August of 2024. The candidates were recommended by a search advisory…