Education

S.S Meteor Hosts Evening Remembering “The Mighty Fitz”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior locals were invited to the S.S Meteor in order to honor the S.S Edmund Fitzgerald. The event was part of Superior Historic Properties’ “History Talks” series, with this evening’s showcase involving the history of the Fitzgerald. While this specific evening was all about the 50 years since the “The Mighty Fitz” sank, the series itself covers…

Boreal Waters Community Foundation gives out more than $1,000,000

Boreal Waters Community Foundation Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Boreal Waters Community Foundation (formerly Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation) has awarded $1.34 million in Community Opportunity Fund grants to 32 nonprofits. That’s the largest grant cycle in its 40+ year history. “We are stewards of these resources, and the best way to honor our donors’ vision is to make sure their…

UW-Superior’s Semi-Annual “Jacket Fest” Helps Students Connect

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s semi-annual “Jacket Fest” student event took place on campus again this Fall. The event is a regular at the college, with potential employers gathering to speak to students about a future outside of school. The school is welcoming in its highest volume of first-year students in the last three years, so events like…

Lake Superior College Holds 80th Birthday Open House

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College turned back the time in order to celebrate 80 years of education. Students, faculty, alumni, and curious community members were treated to a packed house at the campus, with dozens of booths lined up featuring various clubs and programs that the school has to offer. Much of the theme of the event centered around…

Duluth 1200 Fund Announces Childcare Grant Recipients

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth 1200 Fund has awarded $150,000 in grants to 21 local childcare facilities. On Sep. 17, Duluth 1200 Fund board members, funding partners, and City of Duluth staff gathered at the new Divine Konnections childcare center in West Duluth to announce their Tiny Steps Childcare Grant recipients. Together, they celebrated the expansion of not only the…

Great Lakes Elementary Adds Puppy Staff Member

SUPERIOR, Wiss. – Great Lakes Elementary School has added a fluffy new staff member making this the first dog to become a part of the Superior School District. The school brought in a five-month-old purebred Labrador Retriever named Libby as a therapy dog, whose main job is to help students feel calm and supported throughout the school day, making learning…

UW-Superior Hosts ‘Skills for Conversations about Public Policy and Race’ Workshop

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior hosted a workshop today in order to help people of differing political views connect. The workshop, hosted by the school’s Link Center, was an event for students and the local community to help build the skills that it takes to have productive conversations with people of other political beliefs. The event was a partnership with Braver…

Strike Over: Teamsters, U of M Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – A strike at the University of Minnesota campuses ended over the weekend involving 1,400 employees with Teamsters Local 320. At UMD, 185 employees were on strike. The union represents employees in custodial, maintenance and food service. While the university said they gave their “last, best and final offer” on Sept. 5, a new offer has been made…

Stowe Elementary hosts Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at Stowe Elementary took part in the annual Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Show Friday morning. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students had the chance to bring their fruit, flower, and vegetable creations for a chance at impressing the judges. A 5th grader at Stowe Elementary, Ruby, entered Gloria the potato person and her Beet dog, “Beet”hoven in this…

100 Employers Connect with Students at UMD STEM Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota Duluth students got a firsthand look at potential career opportunities in STEM. Whether there’s students getting a glimpse into their future, or upperclassman doing some job hunting, the STEM career fair is meant to give students an idea of potential out of college. Other than careers, many booths also honed in on recruiting for internships….

UW-Superior Music Begins 2025-2026 Recital Series

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS has begun its 2025-2026 recital series, starting a new season of music in Superior. The series began with a performance from a few UWS faculty and is always free for students to attend. While all the performances will feature classical music, the variety of performances is a big reason why the music department believes everyone should…

Dual Training Pipeline Offers New Opportunities to Employers

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown employers got together at the Chamber of Commerce to learn about the Minnesota Dual Training pipeline. This program helps employees to get on the job training while getting formal instruction to grow within the industry. Employers participating can apply for a grant to aid with related costs. The industries this program focuses on are high-growth industries,…

UMD Officially Welcomes 10th Chancellor

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s finally official. After a year on the job, the University of Minnesota-Duluth has sworn in their new chancellor. While it may not have been the first day on the job for UMD chancellor Charles Nies, the school’s official inauguration ceremony for the Hutchinson, MN native likely felt no less special. “Today, as we celebrate his leadership,…

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…