Education

College of St. Scholastica Alumni Welcome Freshman Class

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Scholastica welcomed its freshman class with a convocation on Tuesday. The ceremony was led by a group of Alumni who graduated over 50 years ago. It’s all about demonstrating community and comradery among students — new and from the past. Alumni this year happened to be all women, which school officials tell us demonstrates the school’s…

St. Scholastica’s $17M Student Center Opens

DULUTH, Minn. — A longtime dream has become a reality for the St. Scholastica community. On Tuesday, school officials, trustees, students and alumni gathered for the ribbon cutting of a new student center. The building is a culmination of years of fundraising and planning to ensure this center will serve the needs of students. “The student center is the dream…

Move Over, It’s the Law

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota State Patrol looks to crack down on motorists who don’t move over for emergency and maintenance vehicles with activated flashing lights. Beginning Aug. 31, the Minnesota State Patrol will put effort towards extra enforcement and education of the Mover Over Law. This Minnesota Law was created in honor of a fallen Minnesota State Trooper Ted…

Duluth Public Library Celebrates Pride

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library is working in conjunction with the Duluth Superior Pride Festival to offer some fun events. On Friday at the West Duluth Branch Library families got to attend a Drag Story Time. A guest performer came in and truly brought some books to life. The Library Manager says their mission is to be a…

UMD Hosts Student Activities Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD hosted an event Thursday allowing incoming students to learn more about where they’d like to fit in on campus. The Student Activities Fair had booths set up with information on different clubs and organizations. One sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma focuses on being out in the community and volunteering. A senior says they’re focus is on telling…

Duluth Public Schools Exceeds State Averages in 2024 Accountability Test Results

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools is showing great progress in its 2024 Accountability Test results. The data shows that in reading, math, and science, Duluth is above statewide trends. Superintendent John Magas says he believes the results are part of a strategic roadmap. That involves three focus areas which are supporting students, advancing equity and improving systems. Magas also…

Final First Day for LSC President

The LSC President is stepping down after what will be six years in the position.

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at Lake Superior College were back on campus Monday, greeted with food, root beer floats and Rock N’ Roll. But it marks the last ‘first day’ of classes for one member of the LSC community. After 5 years as the school’s president, Patricia Rogers announced she is stepping down at the end of this year. Rogers…

University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus Welcomes Newest Class of Students

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus welcomed its newest class of students to the program Friday. The White Coat Ceremony is a tradition for first year med students that aims to acknowledge the work these future doctors have already done, the long journey still ahead, and of course, presenting each student with their white coat….

UMD Welcomes Students Back To Campus

Duluth, Minn. — UMD’s Welcome Week kicked off with new and returning students beginning moving into on-campus accommodations. While the process can be chaotic, faculty and staff volunteers welcome students and their families. Joe Hazelton, UMD’s Director for Housing & Development, said the university is working to make the transition to campus life as seamless as possible. When asked what…

Stuff the Bus Campaign Sends Students to School with New School Supplies

DULUTH, Minn. — Northland students are receiving much needed school supplies thanks to a collaborative effort. In Duluth, over 250 backpacks were donated through the Stuff the Bus campaign, along with 1,200 items like crayons and calculators. It’s an effort lead by Head of the Lakes United Way. The initiative hopes to reduce the financial burden of attending school on…

Superior School Dist. Operating Referendum Approved For Nov. Ballot

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Superior School Board has approved an operating referendum question for the November ballot. This comes even after an elementary school was closed at the end of the last school year and more than 50 teachers, support staff and administration were laid off. The district says the loss of funding from the pandemic and declining enrollment are two…

Direct Admissions Introduced for Wisconsin Universities

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Getting a start in college can be easier than ever for Wisconsin high school seniors. Applying for universities can be a difficult, and expensive task. A new program called Direct Admit Wisconsin is giving high school seniors the option to be directly enrolled in 10 University of Wisconsin schools. After opting in, the nominees will receive an…

Polish Student Makes Education Impact to Hibbing Community; Practicing Business Skills

HIBBING, Minn. — Poland may be over 4,000 miles away from Hibbing, but for one young man wanting to learn about business from Katowice, the similarities to home made it an easy journey. Maciek Marchaj is in Hibbing, Minn., for the summer but he grew up in near Krakow, the second largest city in Poland. His hometown of Katowice is…

Duluth Public Schools Partner with St. Louis County to Launch Pilot Program at Lowell Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools is coming up with a plan to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety at one of their growing elementary schools. Lowell Elementary School is located on Rice Lake Road and during pick up and drop off times gets very busy. Duluth Public Schools is partnering with St. Louis County to launch a comprehensive pilot…

Remembering Duluth’s Portia Johnson; Civil Rights Advocate, Educator, Mother

DULUTH, Minn. — Longtime Duluth activist Portia Johnson died over the weekend at the age of 88. Tuesday afternoon, family members, friends, and community members gathered for a special ribbon cutting extending Portia Johnson Drive down the hill from the Duluth Public School District’s administrative offices. “She listened to the people of Duluth, their feedback and gave voice to their…

Duluth Park & Recreational Staff Recognized for Engaging Youth Bike Program

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth youth bike program was recently recognized for their efforts of getting kids outdoors and enjoying the local parks and trails system. Duluth Parks and Recreation was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association. The parks and recreation staff started a youth and community bike program last year and have already…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Local Reptile Business Seeks New Home

HERMANTOWN MN. — Tucked away in the basement of the World of Fish building, The Snake Pit is a hidden gem for reptile enthusiasts. Guests can get to know animals like snakes, geckos, skinks, tarantulas, tortoises, and even an alligator. Just to name a few. For Snake Pit owner Roger Hill, this hobby, and business, has been a lifelong passion…

New Healthcare Education Center Opens its Doors

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There’s a new opportunity for people to learn the ways of being a Certified Nursing Assistant. The Workforce Training Insitute, a nonprofit organization, kicked off their CNA education course Monday morning. The nonprofit is located in the Dove Healthcare center in Superior. It covers a wide range of students. They achieve hands on learning, labs, and even…

FDLTCC Celebrates 2024 Law Enforcement Graduates

CLOQUET Minn.– Hard work and dedication is key for success in the law enforcement field. New recruits were recognized today at the FDLTCC graduation ceremony. A group of 22 students celebrated their law enforcement skills training. At the ceremony, they showed off their discipline with the uniform inspection to loved ones. Some of the students went above and beyond, and…

Lake Superior Zoo Kicks Off Pollinator Week

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is celebrating a special week. A week celebrating an important part of nature. Pollinators are responsible for keeping the ecosystem alive and thriving. The Lake Superior Zoo kicked off the week with pollinator day, where they highlighted the keystone species. “Coming to the zoo, you can learn about pollinators and learn about native and…

Spring Concert Caps Off Years of Duluth Catholic School Education

"Little people singing loudly and boldly" part of 140-year history.

There was a special concert and a big celebration Thursday in Duluth. There was music echoing across the grounds, and hand motions driving home the lyrics on the Holy Rosary campus. It was the spring concert for the Stella Maris Academy. The concert capped off the school year for children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Family, alumni and friends enjoyed…

2024 UWS Commencement Ceremony

SUPERIOR, Wis. — As graduation season continues, it was students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s turn to walk the stage for their commencement ceremony. Around 300 students attended the in-person commencement, with around 630 students graduating in total. Friends and family cheered on the Yellowjacket students at the ceremony. This year UWS saw more graduate degrees earned then ever before….

UMD Remodeling Main Kitchen, Among Other Campus Projects

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s 1971 kitchen, originally designed to serve 800 students is getting a multi-million-dollar makeover to better service the campus community. The main kitchen is located underground, and nearby offices will be converted for expansion needs. The new kitchen total costs are about $25 million. It is designed to be more efficient and include newer equipment. As for…

Duluth Public Schools Look to a Future Without Special Levy Money

Voters said "no" to referendum--round two.

Voters said ‘no’ to a tax increase, and now the Duluth Public School system will be looking at what to cut and how much. This follows Tuesday’s referendum, which failed by an unofficial tally of about 450 votes–5,007 to 5,460. Superintendent John Magas said the results were disappointing, but that he appreciated all the hard-work and support from citizens, parents…

Voters Reject Duluth School District’s Technology Referendum For Second Time

DULUTH, Minn. — For a second time, voters have rejected a proposed technology referendum Tuesday for the Duluth School District. The levy would have provided $5.2 million annually over the next decade for learning technology, digital curriculum and security, according to the district. Below is a press release sent out by the district Tuesday night: Residents of Duluth Public Schools…

Fit-N-Fun Run Gets Duluth Students Active and Outside

ISD 709 elementary school students raced around the track at UMD's Malosky Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday morning was an opportunity to get outside and get active for students from Duluth Public Elementary Schools. The Essentia Health Fit-N-Fun Run took over Malosky Stadium at UMD. More than 1,500 students from third to fifth grade raced around the track to celebrate the approaching end of the school year. Kids ran 400 meters, or one…

LSC Graduates and Families Celebrate Together

Ceremony important both for those crossing the stage and walking the stage.

DULUTH, Minn. — The parade of smiles, diplomas and tassels continued Monday in Duluth. This time it was the turn for graduates of Lake Superior College–752 to be exact. They were in 69 different program areas and every student had their own story. For Christy Cuppy it was the day to finally get her RN degree, after 15 years working…

“No” Voice Joins Discussion As Duluth School Referendum Approaches

Opponents say they have doubts and concerns over proposed tax levy.

The technology referendum for Duluth schools is just days away and as the final weekend unfolds, both those in favor and opposed are working hard to get their messages out. The referendum has been getting attention and signs of opposing voices are visible. Lawn signs with a “Vote No” message have been appearing. The Citizens Research Council is a local…

Lowell And Marshall Elementary Students Plant Over A Thousand Trees

DULUTH, Minn. — Some elementary students in Duluth made quite the impact on Friday. Kids were able to show off their green thumbs when they took on quite the project. Thanks to the efforts from both Lowell and Marshall schools, third through fifth graders planted over one thousand trees. This was led by UMD graduate Gavin Buersken. The end goal…

Minnesota’s April Distracted Driving Citations ‘Extremely Frustrating’

Disturbing, unacceptable and extremely frustrating — those are the words from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety when describing the number of distracted driving citations in April. “The number of citations issued is disturbing, unacceptable and extremely frustrating,” said Mike Hanson, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “Getting distracted behind the wheel for even a couple seconds can end with…

Northland High Schools Compete in a Burger Cook Off

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a day filled with flipping burgers for four high school culinary classes on Friday. There was some friendly competition between northland schools today as they competed in the first annual Northeast Minnesota High School Cook Off. Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld, Rock Ridge and Cook County schools participating in the burger cook off. The cook-off focused…

5th Graders Learn What It Takes To Keep Lake Superior Clean

SUPERIOR, Wis. — 5th grade students from the Superior School District are learning what it takes to keep Lake Superior clean. The City of Superior Environmental Services Division has been providing tours of the Wastewater Treatment Plant for 28 years. The tour includes an indoor lesson, then an outdoor tour. The plant treats about 4-million gallons of wastewater a day….

Superior High School’s Spartan Manufacturing Opens Doors to the Community

At the open house, Cenovus Energy donated $50,000 to the student-led business for the second time

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — After its inaugural year, Spartan Manufacturing at Superior High School hosted an open house to show the community their work. Spartan Manufacturing’s goal is to educate high school students about trade professions, through running a student-led business. At Wednesday’s open house, the program received a $50,000 donation from Cenovus Energy, one of many local businesses who have…

Robot Wars Bring College and High School Students Together Through Competition

DULUTH, Minn. — Machines took over Lake Superior College’s main campus Thursday to put some robots to the test. Robot Wars is an annual competition and end of the year project for first year students in the Integrated Manufacturing Program. Students spent the last semester building and getting creative with their robots. The college also invites high schools to join…

Northland College To Remain Open Under New Model

ASHLAND, Wis. –The Northland College Board of Trustees has approved a “refocused model” for the college that will allow the school to remain open. The school will cut some of its majors. “The college will have eight high demand, mission-aligned majors and focused offerings,” according to a news release Wednesday. The release also stated significant changes to its operation budget…