Entertainment

‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

The longtime quiz-show host died at his California home, surrounded by family and friends, “Jeopardy!” studio Sony said.

  Photo: “Jeopardy!” LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alex Trebek, who presided over the beloved quiz show “Jeopardy!” for more than 30 years with dapper charm and a touch of school-master strictness, died Sunday. He was 80. Trebek, who announced in 2019 that he had advanced pancreatic cancer, died at his California home, surrounded by family and friends, “Jeopardy!” studio Sony…

Minnesota Deer Season Opens Saturday

Hunters spent the day before the opener getting ready and stocking up so hopefully they can get their big buck this coming week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The 2020 Minnesota firearms deer season begins on Saturday and many Northlanders are preparing for the big day. Hunters spent the day before the opener getting ready and stocking up so hopefully they can get their big buck this coming week. “Just get out and have some fun it’s going to be a beautiful weekend,” says Scott…

Former Kozy Owner: Sunday’s Fire Won’t Stop Fight with City to Avoid Demolition

Fire happens one week after DEDA proposed $135,000 to maintain building.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday morning Duluth Fire crews found what has become a familiar scene on First Street — a fire at the historic Pastoret Terrace Building, old home of the Kozy Bar and Apartments. “I heard one of the firetrucks go by and I heard a big boom,” said nearby resident Shawn Carr. “You hear gunshots once in a while…

Fitger’s Celebrates Halloween with Socially Distant Storytelling, Candy

Only a few people at a time were allowed into the courtyard, masks were required and individual bags of candy were handed out. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Fitger’s Complex in Duluth also got in the Halloween spirit, hosting a socially distant event in their courtyard, decked out all spooky. Individual bags of candy were handed out, and a kids could listen into a Halloween story being read. Only a few people at a time were allowed into the courtyard, masks were required and individual bags…

Spirit Mountain, Mont du Lac Anticipate Adventurous Winter Season

Snowmaking Has Begun at Both Resorts, with Mont du Lac Already Opening One Run on Oct. 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland recently experienced its first blast of winter weather, and while many aren’t yet welcoming the change of season, it has ski and snowboard enthusiasts thrilled to hit the slopes. The cooler weather is also kick-starting the snowmaking season at two recreational areas in the Twin Ports. “Here we are in October and we’re already seeing…

Hundreds Gear Up at 49th Annual Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain

By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders got their gear at the 49th Annual Team Duluth Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain over the weekend, keeping a nearly 50-year tradition alive. By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet. According to the staff of active Team Duluth skiers…

Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth Helps Bentleyville Crews Deck the Halls

The Rotary Club members' job: putting up the "5th Avenue Tunnel" lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow’s not the only thing getting Duluth in the winter spirit –setup is continuing at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and they are continuing to receive help from the community. About 15 volunteers from the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth came ready to deck the halls at Bayfront Park. Normally they help out with other parts of the…

‘Snow’ Place Like Home: Early Big Blast of Winter Brings Northlanders Out

The few inches that fell Tuesday was enough to blanket cars, driveways, parks -- pretty much everything.

DULUTH, Minn.- Whether enjoying the freshly fallen snow, clearing it off or preparing for more to come, Northlanders were out and about after the first big snowfall of the season. It was beginning to look a lot like winter at Leif Erickson Park Tuesday evening, the falling snow obscuring the Aerial Lift Bridge in the distance. But that didn’t stop…

Working, Playing From Home? These Tech Gadgets Help Make Your Life Easier

Remote Work and Learning Habits - Making Life Easier for Parents and Kids Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you still working and playing mostly at home? Verizon Wireless has new tech for helping families who are doing all their daily tasks in one place. Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW If you want a 5G-powered phone for as little as $20 a month (with additional trade-in options) – check out the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW….

Little Boat that Could: 2nd Grade Duluth Class Boat Survives 27 Years on Lake

An Ashland couple discovered the small wooden vessel on its journey to the ocean.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ships coming in off Lake Superior is a common sight on Northland shores. But a small wooden boat found on the Apostle Islands has a history as long as a barge, starting in Duluth in 1993. “We were just in the right place at the right time,” said Mike BeBeau Sunday. Mike and his wife Lynn happened upon…

Duluth Family’s Dog, Wild Deer Become Unlikely Furry Friends

Frank, a year-and-a-half-old Black Labrador, and a wandering doe have regular morning playdates.

DULUTH, Minn.- One family’s dog in Duluth is proving that man may not be dog’s only best friend — a deer has taken that spot. In a video recorded from the Miller house’s window, a black lab and a doe carefully watch each other, each rearing to go. But this was not a vicious hunting or attack video. The dog…

Bentleyville Christmas Tree Installed in Bayfront Park

Volunteers worked four hours to install the 128-foot tree in front of Bayfront Pavilion.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s apparently never too early to get into the Christmas spirit for Bayfront Park, as the Bentleyville Christmas Tree went up Saturday. Volunteers worked four hours to install the 128-foot tree in front of Bayfront Pavilion. The hardest part of installing the tree, crews said, was moving the bottom piece — weighing over 16,000 lbs — from its…

Earth Rider Brewery Brings German Culture to Superior with Annual Oktoberfest

The whole-day event included music, stein-holding and hammer-striking competitions, and of course plenty of beer. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The sounds of polka filled Earth Rider Brewery in Superior for their annual Oktoberfest celebration Sunday. The whole-day event included music, stein-holding and hammer-striking competitions, and of course plenty of beer. Some changes to this year’s festival included requiring masks in certain areas, and limiting attendance to only 200 advanced tickets. But staff at the brewery said it was…

Duluth Cider’s “Big Bad Apple Bash” Goes Virtual with Take-Home Celebration Boxes

Customers are encouraged to enjoy the boxes while watching the livestream on Duluth Cider's Facebook page Saturday at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular cider in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is celebrating its “Big Bad Apple Bash” anniversary with a virtual event Saturday. Last year’s Big Bad Apple Bash celebrated the first year Duluth Cider was open. This year, fans are encouraged to stop by the cidery on West Superior Street before Saturday to purchase a Big Bad Apple Bash…

Kids Learn to Skate for Free With Superior Amateur Hockey Association

At least 40 kids were out on the ice Wednesday, inching along behind their chairs. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The ice at the Superior Ice Arena is now open, but on Wednesday it was filled not only with skates, but chairs supporting small skaters, as the Superior Amateur Hockey Association (SAHA) taught kids how to skate. “I like skating,” said one 5-year-old beginner, Hillary Davis. SAHA delayed starting their free learn-to-skate program this year due to the…

Superior ‘National Night Out’ Event Celebrates Community, Local Organizations

Community fellowship is especially vital, organizers said, as many area businesses have been struggling in the pandemic. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With August’s National Night Out postponed to Tuesday, Sterling Silver Dance Studio at the Mariner Mall in Superior held their own event. Live music from local bands Born Too Late and Crescent Moon were featured, as well as hot dogs and prizes from local organizations like World of Wheels skating rink. According to the Director of Sterling Silver…

‘Night to Unite’ Aims to Bring Together Hibbing Police, Community

At Bennett Park in Hibbing, the police were on hand to connect with community members as well as share food drive-thru style. 

HIBBING, Minn.- This year due to the pandemic, August’s annual National Night Out event was postponed to Tuesday, and Hibbing celebrated with their own “Night to Unite” to bring Police and the community together. First introduced in 1984, the National Night Out organization aims to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. At Bennett Park in Hibbing, the police were on…

Plump Pumpkins, Unique Gourds Sold on Tower Ave in Superior

The stand looks more like a small pumpkin farm with all types of gourds and squashes available. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Fall is here, and so are the pumpkins! DC Farms set up their pumpkin and gourd stand on Tower Avenue in Superior, across from the fire station. The stand looks more like a small pumpkin farm with all types of gourds and squashes available. While it’s that variety that Tim W., the pumpkin farmer there said makes them…

Many Outside Enjoying Duluth’s Nice Day after Chilly Week

People made the most of the sixty-degree Monday, knowing old man winter is right around the corner.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday’s warmer temperatures made many in Duluth prepare for it to be the last nice-weather week before winter, as they got out on the city’s parks and trials enjoying a break from a chilly week. “Love it yes,” said Dave Tedlund. “Especially after last week hopefully we get more than just this week too.” Bike wheels and hiking…

Fundraiser Hopes to Educate About Pitbulls During Pitbull Awareness Month

One Northland Pitbull organization held a fundraiser Saturday to educate more people about the dog breed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- For this October’s Pitbull Awareness Month, one Northland Pitbull organization held a fundraiser Saturday to educate more people about the dog breed. PJ’s Rescue held a barbecue fundraiser outside of GB Schneider’s in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood. The group sold hot dogs and chips, as well as raffle tickets for gifts and local art, to raise money to help…

Annual Church Harvest Bazaar Brings Holiday, Halloween Goodies to Duluth’s Norton Park

Norton Park United Methodist Church's Harvest Bazaar was held outdoors this year. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday an annual Halloween and Holiday Bazaar in Duluth’s Norton Park neighborhood found a way to bring their goodies to the area during the pandemic. Norton Park United Methodist Church’s Harvest Bazaar was held outdoors this year. Fall and Scandinavian treats along with decorations for Halloween and Christmas — all homemade by church-goers — were on sale…

Customers Enjoy Spirit Room One Last Time Before Temporary Winter Closure

The owner says she simply can't provide a safe space inside the quaint social setting, but this is not a permanent closure. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A crowd of people in Superior gathered for one last hurrah at a popular cocktail bar that’s closing for the colder months due to the pandemic. The Spirit Room is closing for the fall and winter seasons after being in business in the old city hall building on Hammond Avenue for the past six years. The owner says…

Duluth City Council to Vote On Proposal Monday to Fund Spirit Mountain Through Winter

The proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system, snow-making equipment and alpine coaster over 2018, 2019, and 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit Mountain could see life this coming winter, if Duluth City Council approves a new proposal to use money from the city’s half-and-half tourism tax to cover operation costs. Heard at an agenda session Thursday, the proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system,…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Hosting Virtual 5K Fundraiser

The Fur-K Virtual Race is Happening Sept. 25 - 27, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Like many organizations this year, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is expecting to take a hit due to the ongoing financial effects COVID-19. To help raise funds, Beargrease board members have come up with the inaugural Fur-K ‘virtual 5K.’ The race will take place Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27 on your own time. Participants…

Visitors Look To State Parks For Fall Activities

Visitation is up compared to last fall.

CARLTON, Minn. – Fall is typically a busy time for many state parks and Jay Cooke State Park is already seeing a spike in visitors looking to enjoy the start of the fall season. Park staff say they have seen a jump in daily park and campground visits going into the fall. In the midst of the pandemic, staff also…

Pick Your Own Cream of the Crop at Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch

The Hoffbauer Farm is located at 3361 Lindahl Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Farmers battled against a dry growing season in the Northland, but it didn’t stop one local farm from producing a good quality yield of pumpkins this fall. “We know that sooner or later the frost is going to come for keeps,” said Doug Hoffbauer, owner of Hoffbauer Tree Farm. At Farmer Doug’s farm, Mother Nature gets the…

Vikings, Packers Start NFL Season With Border Battle, Northland Fans Excited

Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a canceled preseason.

DULUTH, Minn.- Football fans in Minnesota and Wisconsin were pumped up for the first Football Sunday of the 2020 NFL season — a border battle between the Vikings and the Packers. The Reef Bar in Duluth was filled with purple and yellow for the first time since last year. Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a…

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

‘Tiger King’ Star Carole Baskin Joins ‘Dancing With the Stars’

(AP) – Like all cool cats and kittens, Carole Baskin is going to “Dancing With the Stars.” The reality TV star who became a pop culture sensation with Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King” is joining the new crop of celebrity dancers that includes TV and film actress Anne Heche, former NBA star Charles Oakley and Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean. The…

Learn Outer-Space Sword Fighting From Earth in Duluth

Seven Dragons Martial Arts teaches South Korean Sword Fighting with lightsaber-esque equipment.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wanna-be Jedis can now travel to a galaxy far far away right in Duluth, at the Sci-Fi Battle Arena class at Seven Dragons Martial Arts. “I never thought something like this would be in Duluth so that’s why I was so excited about it,” said first-time student CJ Luke. Fitness-friendly costumes are encouraged at the class, which started…

“Pilgrim” Tall Ship Attracts Many for Free Tours, Stories of Three-Year Journey

In three years the four-person crew made their way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Pilgrim tall ship that arrived to Duluth Monday on a three-year journey from Russia was full of Northlanders Tuesday touring the ship, getting a taste of the sea. The Pilgrim was built in Duluth’s Sister City of Petrozavodsk, Russia in 2015. It made its way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth with…

Onewheel Riders Express Passion For The Adventurous Activity

Learn More Information at Onewheel MN - Duluth Area on Facebook

From hiking to biking, Northlanders are doing all they can this summer to experience the great outdoors and keep somewhat sane amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One small group in the area is branching out with a need for speed, and a passion for sightseeing on one wheel. “If you’re ever bored, you’ll never be bored again,” said Eric Hester, a…

Sports Card Sales Going Up Throughout Pandemic

Record setting sales of high-profile sports cards illustrates the high demand.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just this month LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie baseball card sold for a record $3 million at auction. That’s on trend with a growing demand for sports cards according to local card shops. The manager at Collector’s Connection by the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth said Minnesota Twins and Vikings Players cards have typically been popular….

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Gift Shop Drops Anchor Outside

Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk, as there are no plans to reopen the museum yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…

Spirit Room in Superior Sets Up ‘Wine Stand’ Every Wednesday Outside

You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive plate and take it to-go or enjoy it at any of their outdoor tables. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One Superior cocktail bar is interacting with its neighborhood and selling products in a unique way every Wednesday. The Wine Stand outside the Spirit Room on Broadway Street is like a lemonade stand, but with something a bit stronger for adults. You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive…

Families Hit the Ice at Duluth Parks and Rec Open Skate

Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. 

DULUTH, Minn.-The rink at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center was alive with ice skaters at Duluth Parks and Recreation’s open skate Sunday. Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. At the door they are required to fill out a COVID-19…

Haunted Ridge Still Going On For Halloween

Opening night is October 9th.

CARLTON, Minn. – All of the ghouls and goblins at the Haunted Ridge in Carlton are gearing up to give Halloween lovers a good scare this year. Despite the pandemic, the terrors must go on, but in a different way. Instead of using live actors, there will be animations displayed to give a haunting experience. Anyone visiting must get their…

Pattison State Park Trails Busy During First Weekend Open After 2018 Flood Damage

Visitors from as far as Utah came to check out the waterfalls along the newly renovated trails.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hikers, families and nature lovers wasted no time getting back to Pattison State Park over the weekend as it reopened after two years, after flood waters tore through the trails on Father’s Day 2018. “Very, very excited not only to be on the trails but to be outside, to be around people,” said David Zander, a Minneapolis native…

Blacksmiths Forge Interest in Metalworking at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn.- Visitors at Glensheen Mansion Saturday got to learn about an old-fashioned trade — being a blacksmith. Forging Community’s blacksmiths were on the mansion grounds demonstrating metal working and smithing. Glensheen staff say they appreciate having them every year and they are an even more valuable attraction during the pandemic. “For the public it’s always kind of fun to…

Senator Amy Klobuchar Introduces Bill To Save Independent Live Music Venues

About 90% of venue owners in the nation have reported they are at risk of closing without extra financial support.

  MINNESOTA – Independent live music and entertainment venues across the nation are continuing to feel the devastating effects of the global pandemic. As a result, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Texas Senator John Cornyn are introducing a bill to help keep those venues from going under. About 90% of venue owners in the nation have reported they are at…

Cloquet’s County Seat Theater to Perform Play in August

Theater will have 47 of its 140 seats available for production of 'The Boys Next Door'

CLOQUET, Minn. – Arts organizations around the Northland have shut down for months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Live theater has been especially difficult to restart because cast, crew, and audiences are all needed in venues at the same time. But now, Cloquet’s County Seat Theater is planning to perform a live show in August. Actors are back onstage for rehearsals,…

Pandemic, Rainy Weather Cause Smaller Turnout at Head of Lakes Fair

Organizers say a couple hundred people attended this year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the Head of the Lakes Fair in Superior comes to a close, organizers said fears of the pandemic and some nasty weather kept a lot of people from coming during their six-day run. Normally attracting thousands to the Fairgrounds on Tower Avenue over the course of the fair, the director of the Head of the Lakes Fair…

Thousands Attend Effie, MN Rodeo Protesting Governor Walz’s COVID-19 Restrictions

Billed as largest longest running rodeo in country, many protested what they called Government overreach.

EFFIE, Minn.-  As Minnesota’s mask mandate takes effect, Governor Tim Walz reminded the state that it’s important for people to follow his directives to slow the spread of COVID-19 — but at a small town rodeo, some do not believe government intervention is necessary. Thousands of people packed the stands at the 65th Annual North Star Stampede Rodeo in Effie…

Duluth Hotel Industry Slowly Picking Up, Hoping to Reach Last Summer Numbers

According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their lowest point. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest hotel in Duluth, Holiday Inn and Suites on First Street Downtown says while business doesn’t look like last summer, it is picking up. The staff at Holiday Inn say occupancy is down 50%  from what it was last summer. According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their…

Live Music, Lake Shore Views Back for Wednesday Night at Glensheen

The weekly celebration is back through August at 250 person capacity.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday nights are busy at Glensheen Mansion once again, as their “Wednesday Night at Glensheen” weekly celebrations are on now through August. Attendees can come for free and sit outside and enjoy some drinks and music every Wednesday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year only 250 people are allowed anywhere on the grounds at a…

Live Music, Food Enjoyed While Social Distanced at Earth Rider Brewery

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some people spent the warm Sunday outside listening to live music — socially distanced of course — at Earth Rider Brewery. At the outdoor space at Earth Rider’s Cedar Lounge, customers enjoyed a few drinks, some live music, and Thai-fusion cuisine from the “One Night in Bangkok” Food Truck. Staff at Earth Rider say they are happy their…

Pandemic Doesn’t Erase ‘Chalk.a.Lot’ Festival in Two Harbors

The festival continued this year, albeit downsized due to COVID-19.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Artist hard at work could be spotted throughout Two Harbors Saturday, and their canvas — the sidewalks. The 9th Annual “Chalk.a.Lot” Festival carried on. “Everybody’s so excited to be here and they’re happy to be creating art,” said Carrie Coan, President of the Two Harbors Area Arts and Events Board. “This is our 9th year and everybody…

Classic, Custom Cars on Display at Airport Auto Sales Car Show

Hundreds of car owners showed off their machines.

DULUTH, Minn,- Classic cars were on display in Duluth at Airport Auto Sale’s annual Wednesday Nighter Car Show. For about 14 years the used car and truck dealer has had hundreds of hot rods, vintage and custom car owners from across the Northland in their lot to show off their machines. According to organizers, the variety of vehicles on display…

Head of Lakes Fair Still Happening with Extra Safety Precautions, Modified Activities

Along with hand sanitizing stations and staff monitoring people for social distancing, certain rides will not be there.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Setup is underway for the only fair that seems to still be moving forward in the Northland — and perhaps the only event of the summer. The Head of the Lakes Fair on Tower Avenue is set to happen, open to the public next Tuesday at 4 p.m. Organizers say they are confident working with county health officials…