Minnesota

Tips to Avoid Back-to-School Budget Busters

Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Offers Tips to Back-to-School Shopping

DULUTH, Minn. – Pens, pencils and notebooks are just the tip of the icebery for families stocking up on back-to-school supplies. Every year, surprise budget busters catch shoppers off guard and cost them cash. That’s why local financial professional Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial is offering tips to save on your back-to-school buys. 1. Technology • Parents are shelling…

What Are You Going to Do With All That Poo?

Animal Allies Humane Society is Looking for Community Input and Ideas When it Comes to Composting Animal Waste

DULUTH, Minn. – With the power of reasoning and a grant from the Northland Foundation, Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth could soon become more sustainable. Youth allies with the shelter recently noticed a big problem, and now, they’re looking to spread the news when it comes to composting “number two.” “They saw a problem and we decided that we…

Welcome to Duluth, UMD Students

Over 2,200 new students are moving into the University of Minnesota Duluth dorms for the first time.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth welcomes students who attend the University of Minnesota Duluth back to the Northland. Those students make a large impact on Duluth and their return is creating a lot of energy and excitement on campus. “It’s always been something that’s been so far away and now it’s here so it’s weird,” UMD freshman Riley Campion said. Over 2,200 new…

Educators and City Leaders Address Community Truancy Issue

The Student Attendance Review Board considers a student to be truant after missing seven class periods.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students skipping class or not going to school at all is something Duluth educators and community leaders want to end. With the start of the school year only weeks away a conversation about truancy is the first step in making it happen. School may be out, but the session on keeping students in the classroom is in….

Emergency Need for Blood Donations in the Northland

The American Red Cross is Now Calling for an Emergency Need of Blood Donations in the Twin Ports Region

DULUTH, Minn. – There is currently an emergency need for blood donations in the Northland. Officials with the American Red Cross say as summer comes to an end, they’re urging members in the community to give blood and platelets now to help end the emergency summer blood shortage that began in July. As many people take final summer vacations and…

Back-to-School Fashion, Community Engagement at Miller Hill Mall

On Saturday, August 25 the Miller Hill Mall is Looking for Community Suggestions Regarding Future Development at the Mall

DULUTH, Minn. – The Miller Hill Mall in Duluth is looking for your input and ideas. On Saturday, August 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. a back-to-school fashion show will be taking place at the Barnes & Noble Court. During the fashion show, folks will have the chance to write down a store they would like to see in the…

Duluth International Airport Receives $8.6 Million Grant

The Grant is for Infrastructure Improvements

DULUTH, Minn. – A grant for more than $8.6 million has been awarded to the Duluth International Airport for infrastructure improvements. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Tina Smith, and Representative Rick Nolan made the announcement today that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grant which will allow the airport to fund a major runway rehabilitation. “By investing in Duluth International…

Businesses Feel Impact of Flavored Tobacco Ordinance

The ordinance on flavored tobacco products has been in effect since June 12, four months after the council passed it.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has now restricted the sales of flavored tobacco products at some businesses for more than two months. It’s an ordinance that went into effect 120 days after the city voted to ban those products from grocery and convenience stores, limiting them to be sold at adult–only smoke shops. It’s business as usual at…

Blues, Bluegrass to Entertain Crowds in Gary New Duluth

The Gary New Duluth Recreation Center will Host a Blues & Bluegrass Concert Wednesday, August 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Fish Heads and Friends, an evening of blues to bluegrass, will entertain crowds Wednesday, August 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fish Heads and Friends will perform starting at 4:00 p.m. followed by Gina Lee at 5:45 p.m. The evening will close with the Holy Hottenanners from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and…

Kitten Caboodle at Animal Allies Humane Society

With the Recent Closure of one Local Shelter, Animal Allies Humane Society is Feeling the Impact

DULUTH, Minn. – Cats keep coming in to Animal Allies Humane Society at record numbers lately, according to shelter staff. As of Monday, more than 90 cats were in house at the Humane Society. Right now is known as “kitten season” in the Northland, but the recent closure of Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet isn’t helping matters this year….

The Making of a Christmas Tree

Christmas is 180 days away although you may think its too soon to start planning your holiday if you want the perfect balsam fir or the classic Charlie Brown tree, nows the time for trimming. 

PROCTOR, Minn.-  Christmas in July has passed and it’s not quite December but one family owned business thinks about decking the halls all year long. Christmas is 180 days away although you may think its too soon to start planning your holiday if you want the perfect balsam fir or the classic Charlie Brown tree, nows the time for trimming. “Just…

Entrepreneur Fund Gets Big Donation from GRE

Great River Energy Donates A Million Dollars

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland entrepreneurs now have more financial resources available. Great River Energy is donating a million dollars to the Entrepreneur Fund. That fund has been helping entrepreneurs with funding and business strategies for almost 30 years now. The million dollar check will help small business owners continue to have a big impact in their communities. “Entrepreneurs really bring a…

Future Doctors Earn Their White Coats

The class of 2022 has 65 students. It's the largest incoming class ever for the school.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus welcomed future doctors with a white coat ceremony. The class of 2022 has 65 students. It’s the largest incoming class ever for the school. Lauren Summers says when she first saw her white coat it was kind of surreal. “Me and all of my classmates have been working for…

Aretha Franklin’s Legacy Lives On In the Northland

The music legend passed away on Thursday from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Undisputed Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin passed away this week but her legacy continues to live on across the country and right here in Duluth. Staff from The Electric Fetus music store tell us anytime a legendary artist dies fans are rushing to buy their music. A lot of customers are now coming to Electric Fetus to…

Friends of Duluth Public Golf Host Save Lester Scramble

Duluth's two municipal golf courses are Lester and Enger Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Running a golf course can be expensive. In recent years, some Duluth city leaders have pushed for closing one or both city owned courses because of financial losses. The Friends of Duluth Public Golf hosted a fun scramble to promote saving the Lester Park Golf Course. This is the first “Save Lester  Scramble” and it’s meant to…

Minneapolis Police Department Implements Cameras on Guns

Farmington Police Also Started Using the Technology

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A police force in a Minneapolis suburb is outfitting its officers with cameras mounted on their handguns amid calls for more transparency in police shootings. The West Hennepin County Safety Department says the $7,200 cameras are significantly less expensive than body cameras. The Star Tribune reports that the department tested the weapon-mounted cameras over the past year…

Local Musician Todd Eckart to Release First Album Sunday

Eckart is Set to Host an Album Release Sunday, August 19 at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – After years of songwriting, singing and saving, local musician Todd Eckart is set to host his first official CD release concert on Sunday, August 19 at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Ticket sales for the event will begin at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. The album is called “Out of the Blue,” and…

Try Canyoneering Up Rivers & Waterfalls!

Active Adventures: Canyoneering On The North Shore With Meteorologist Brittney Merlot

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Canyoneering Through The North Shore Rivers Of Minnesota! Most of us see the beautiful rivers of the north shore from the trails but have you ever wanted to climb into the river and hike upstream? In this week’s active adventures Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us upstream, climbing waterfalls through beautiful canyons! Get tips on how to maneuver through…

Burial Ground Restoration Concerns Unaddressed

MnDot Meets with Frustrated Fond Du Lac Residents and Native Americans at Chambers Grove Park

Duluth, Minn.- There is growing anger from the Native American Community and people who live in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. They say they’ve got more questions than answers involving the ongoing restoration of a sacred Native American Burial Site, that was accidentally unearthed more than a year ago by MnDOT workers. On Thursday dozens of disgruntled Fond Du Lac…

Conversations Surrounding Aliens and UFOs

Chad Lewis has appeared on the Discovery Channel's A Haunting and ABC's World's Scariest Places.

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you ever heard any stories about aliens or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) encounters? Author, lecturer and researcher Chad Lewis made a trip to Duluth to share those type of stories. On Thursday he was at the St. Louis County Historical Society with his presentation called “UFO Minnesota, Watch the Sky.” The audience ranges from people who are…

UMD Opens Free Store For Students

The store hours are 1:00 -2:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – College life isn’t always cheap, but University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is stepping in to help. UMD opened a store for students to get essentials they need and it’s all free. There’s furniture, appliances and other things to furnish your home. The items were donated from students who moved out at the end of the last school year….

Young Boy Receives Deckhand For a Day Experience

The deckhand is the captain's right hand man and is responsible for tying the lines and letting them go and deck maintenance.

DULUTH, Minn, – We’ve all heard the saying if you really want something you have to work hard for it. One boy from Hayward, Wisconsin, dreams of being a ship captain someday. He wants it so bad that earlier this year he found a way to pay for his own lifetime membership to the Duluth Maritime Museum. Now he’s getting…

Nursing Home Residents Take a Field Trip to Gordy’s Warming House

The outing has been a tradition for nearly 15 years.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Residents from a nursing home at the Cloquet Memorial Hospital were treated to some free scoops of ice cream at Gordy’s Warming House in Cloquet. The residents were transported to the business in wheelchairs, something that’s becoming a tradition in that community. Live music filled the air as the patients enjoyed a free scoop of ice cream. One man told us…

Wells Fargo Employees Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity

Wells Fargo is donating $35,000 to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity

DULUTH, Minn.- Employees with Wells Fargo are helping build the community through a partnership with the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. Wells Fargo is donating $35,000 to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity and the bank’s employees are picking up their tool belts building a home in Lincoln Park. Employees we spoke with tell us they appreciate being…

Cooking Connection: Baked Omelettes With Vanilla Bean

Vanilla Bean Cooks Meteorologist Brittney Merlot A Quick And Easy Oven Baked Omelette You Can Make At Home!

VANILLA BEAN FAMOUS OVEN BAKED OMELETTES Grand Portage: Wild rice, spinach, mushrooms, green onions and Formaggio cheese – $10   LOCATIONS: DULUTH: 1608 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN 55803 (At the Mount Royal Center) PHONE: (218) 249-1957 HOURS: All Week 7am – 9pm   TWO HARBORS: PHONE: (218) 834-3714 HOURS: All Week 7am – 4pm, Open late Friday’s for Prime Rib…

Health Center Hoopla

Lake Superior Health Center Hosts Block Party

Duluth, Minn.- Lake Superior Health Center in Duluth is celebrating its accomplishments and its patients, while raising awareness for overall health in the community, during National Health Center Week. On Wednesday Aug 15, the Health Center held a block party, filled with live music, games, crafts, The Flash and his trusty sideckick Super Chicken, and free hotdogs. They even gave…

Blue-Green Algae Blots Lake Superior

UMD Researchers Look into Source of Algae

Duluth, Minn.- For years we’ve been warned to lookout for blue-green algae blooms in local lakes and rivers. But just a few days ago, it bloomed somewhere no one saw coming: Lake Superior. Patches of blooms were reportedly 50 miles long between the Twin Ports and Apostle Islands. Now researchers at UMD’s Large Lake Observatory are trying to figure out…

Former Carter Hotel Building To Be Demolished

DULUTH, Minn. – The rundown Carter Hotel building in downtown Duluth is now approved or demolition. The building is located behind the Fond-du-Luth Casino at 17 North 2nd Avenue East. The Fond du Lac Band owns the property. Officials say the building needs to go because the roof is caving in and mold is taking over. The Duluth Planning Commission…

Community Builds Relationships At Kids, Cops and Cars

Kids, Cars and Cops has been around for more than three years.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a busy day at Bayfront Festival Park. Hundreds of kids and their families turned out for the annual Kids, Cops and Cars event; where a big goal is connecting the community with members of law enforcement and other agencies. The formula being used to build positive community relationships involves kids, cops and cars. Police squad…

New Hermantown Market Space Hosts Groundbreaking

Once complete eight new buildings will be built on 12 acres of land available for small and large businesses to lease spaces.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- An exciting new development center is coming to Hermantown. The Hermantown Marketspace has been years in the making and broke ground on Wednesday. The Hermantown Marketspace is located on Miller Trunk Highway by Haines and Stebner road. Once complete eight new buildings will be built on 12 acres of land available for small and large businesses to lease…

Minnesota Voters Almost Set Record During Primary Election

Tuesday's primary turnout in Minnesota was at about 22 percent. 

DULUTH, Minn. – When Minnesota voters headed to the polls for Tuesday’s primary it was the biggest estimated in 24 years. In Duluth almost 30 percent of registered voters showed up. City leaders say it was exciting to see people engaging in the Democratic process and they are hopeful this will set the tone leading up to the general election in…

Get Bubbly for the 10th Annual Duluth Bubble Festival

The 10th Annual Duluth Bubble Festival is Happening Sunday, August 19 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Clyde Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Families in the Northland will have the chance to get bubbly this Sunday, August 19! This marks the 10th year for the Duluth Children’s Museum’s Bubble Festival. Organizers say the event is the perfect way to end summer vacation with a pop. The event will happen from noon to 4:00 p.m. at 29th Avenue West and Michigan…

Hot Weather Worries: Tips for Keeping Pets Cool

In this Week's Animal Answers, Dr. Justin Dahl Offers Tips to Keeping Animals Safe When Weather Warms

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re tackling the topic of hot weather worries when it comes to pets. With temperatures soaring into the 80s and lower 90s, it’s important for us all to remember we’re not the ones wearing a fur coat. Dr. Justin Dahl with Happy Tails Animal Hospital in Superior offers two important tips to…

Minnesota Primary Turnout Estimated Highest in 24 Years

Best Since 1994

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s long list of big races in Tuesday’s primary sparked the biggest turnout in more than 20 years. A spokesman for the secretary of state’s office tweeted late Tuesday that it was about 21.5 percent. The spokesman, Ben Petok, said that was the best since 1994. Turnout in midterm primary elections in recent cycles has been more…

Housley Wins GOP Primary for Minnesota Senate Seat; to Faceoff with Tina Smith

Minnesota state Sen. Karin Housley has easily won the state's Republican primary in a race to finish the last two years of Al Franken's Senate term.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota state Sen. Karin Housley has easily won the state’s Republican primary in a race to finish the last two years of Al Franken’s Senate term. Housley faced no major challengers when launching her campaign in the days after Franken announced his resignation over allegations of sexual misconduct. His departure unexpectedly put a Democrat-held seat in play, complicating…

At Rest, At Last

Sgt. Rufus Ketchum Buried in Calvary Cemetery

Superior, WI- The bugle plays, mourning for this long overdue military funeral. Sergeant Rufus Lloyd Ketchum, being laid to rest 68 years after his death. Full military honors for this army veteran, surrounded by a crowd, who’s size is a testament to the sacrifice he made. ‘I’ve seen military funerals before, but never one of this magnitude,” said Sgt. Jeremy Walworth,…

Reaction From 8th Congressional District Candidate Michelle Lee’s Watch Party

PROCTOR, Minn. – Another DFL candidate hoping to fill the seat for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is former Duluth tv news personality Michelle Lee. Supporters and volunteers for Michelle Lee want to celebrate what they’re calling the people’s campaign. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: 8th Congressional District, Michelle Lee

UMD Political Science Professor Weighs in on Tuesday’s Primary Election

Primary Elections are Taking Place in Minnesota and Wisconsin Tuesday, August 14; Polls Close at 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, August 14, residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin have the chance to make their voice heard during the 2018 Primary Election. Tuesday morning, Cindy Rugeley, UMD Associate Professor of Political Science, gave her insight on the importance of the primary election. Races up for grabs include Governor, Congress, Senate, Attorney General and many more local races….

Summertime Fun at Pinehurst Park

On average anywhere from about 300–500 guests are at Pinehurst Park daily.

CLOQUET, Minn. – A  lot of area families and young swimmers are still heading outdoors even with these record breaking temperatures. Some people spent their day on the beach at Pinehurst Park in Cloquet. On such a hot day like this it only makes sense to spend it in the water. As this heat wave continues across the Northland we found…

Seaway Port Authority Names First Female Director

Deb DeLuca Appointed as Chief Executive Director

Duluth, Minn.- The Duluth Seaway Port Authority is celebrating its first–ever female Executive Director, in the port’s 60-year history. On Monday, Deb DeLuca was officially appointed to the position, starting this Thursday, Aug 16th. She’s not new to the Port Authority. DeLuca previously held the title of Government and Environmental Affairs Director since 2014. “The biggest task in front of us…

Knocking Doors for Voting Youth

Local Youth Organizaiton Encourages Peers to Vote

Duluth, Minn- This is the first year where millennial voters are projected to outnumber baby boomers in the state’s November general election. Some young Minnesotans are taking to the streets to get their peers to vote. Members of the Minnesota Youth Power Collective didn’t let the heat stop them, as they hit the houses of West Duluth, rallying fellow young…

What to Know before the Primary Election

More information on poll locations and times.

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s primary election Tuesday, as candidates in many big races will be finalized for the general election in November. With several major statewide races in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, voter turnout is expected to be higher than a typical primary election. Along with the highly contested races a high number of young voters could help push turnout up. This…

Immigrations Audits Affect Dozens of Minnesota Businesses

ICE Audited 34 Minnesota Companies

(Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A St. Paul baking company that shuttered after an immigration audit is among nearly three dozen Minnesota businesses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has targeted since President Donald Trump took office. ICE audited as least 34 Minnesota companies from January 2017 through April 2018 as part of the…

Getting Groovy with Ely’s Spiritwood “Forget Me Not” Foundation

The Spiritwood Foundation is set to Host Their Next Performance, "Remember When, A Musical Happening," August 17, 18

ELY, Minn. – The Spiritwood ‘Forget Me Not’ Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that enhance the quality of life of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Their efforts are aimed at the many concerns and worries of family members and caregivers, and their focus is on the dignity of each individual. From their popular “Remember…

Duluth to Host All City Senior Picnic Once Again

The All City Senior Picnic was Forced to Take a Ten Year Break Due to Budget Cuts; Will Return on Wednesday, August 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is now open for seniors in the City of Duluth to sign up for the All City Senior Picnic. The event was last held in 2008. Due to budget cuts, the event was forced to be put off year after year until now. Seniors are invited to attend the All City Senior Picnic at the Morgan…

Paws, Pins and Pints Parades Pooches

Duluth Dogs and Owners Out at Country Lanes North

Duluth, Minn.- The dogs took over Duluth to bowl and have a few drinks –at least their owners did. It’s all part of the “Paws, Pins and Pints” fundraising event at Country Lanes North. Where proceeds help out Animal Allies Humane Society. “Fun. And that’s what we want,” said co-organizer Cheryl Brandt. “Everyone’s having a good time. People love taking pictures of…

Sami Soiree of Culture and Fun

North American Sami Gathering held in Park Point

Duluth, Minn.- Duluth was the center of a cultural congregation this weekend. The Sami Cultural center of North America hosted a gathering for North American Sami at the Lafayette Community Center. Sami from as far away as Alaska and Canada came out for the event. According to organizers, Duluth is full of Sami. “Because we are a gathering for Scandinavian…

Bustin Out the Blues at Bayfront Park

30th Annual Blues Fest Takes Place

Duluth, Minn.- It’s time to get out your guitars and harmonicas, ’cause Duluth is crying the blues this weekend. The 30th Annual Blues Festival took over Bayfront Festival Park. Hardened men hunch over pianos, or cradle guitars, playfully hopping along notes on the stage at Bayfront. The music commands the crowd to move and sway. And Duluth crowds are known to…

Bikers Band Against Bullies

Syd's Angel Bikers Against Bullies

Superior, WI- Northland kids that suffer from bullying are got some help, but the helpers may not be who you expect. On Saturday Aug 11th, the Syd’s Angels Bikers Against Bullies rally started at the Powerhouse Bar in Proctor in the morning, and later stopped at the World of Wheels skate rink in Superior. If you think it’s weird that burly…