Minnesota

West Duluth Kids Given the Gift of Backpacks

Backpack Drive Held in Memorial Park

WEST DULUTH, Minn.- Getting school supplies was a lot more fun for kids in West Duluth, as a Backpack Giveaway Event was held in Memorial Park on Sunday. Thanks to the Valley Youth Center, many kids got a backpack boost back into school, without breaking the bank. Since July the Center collected over 380 backpacks, and stuffed them with school…

Newly Funded Program Helping Families

The Healthy Families America Program provides services for at-risk families.

CLOQUET, Minn.-  A 2.1 million dollar award is helping families receive in-home help with pregnancy and parenting. The Healthy Families America Program provides services for first-time mothers, at-risk families such as parents dealing with domestic abuse, substance abuse or those dealing with mental illness.  Through the program, medical professionals visit family’ homes providing practical health services and parenting support. “It’s working…

Grant for Nurses in Training at St. Scholastica

Federal Grant Announced for Undergraduate Nurses

Duluth, Minn.- The Undergraduate School of Nursing at St. Scholastica was given a big gift. A nearly $3 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. The funding is meant to advance the college’s shifting focus to more quality care in rural and under-served areas. School officials say that fostering nurses to have broader, more intimate techniques in…

One Stop Shop for Veteran Services in the Twin Ports

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans has been hosting the Veteran Stand Down for over a decade

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans are looking to end homelessness for Veterans and the organization is hosting a one-stop spot for services. The annual Veteran Stand Down filled Bayfront Park with over 50 free services including medical help, higher education information, legal advice and free clothing. “Sometimes we don’t ask for help, sometimes we don’t know where to…

Cloquet Becoming More Pedestrian Friendly this Fall

Over half of the community will be more active if the sidewalks are widened according to a survey.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Do you walk or bike to work? Construction is underway for the city of Cloquet to become more pedestrian friendly. Right now work is being done to create sidewalk bump-outs making a wider path for pedestrians, other changes include bike lanes on a one-mile stretch downtown. “Just allowing people to get from point A to point B, we can’t plan…

Pharmacists Warns Patients of EpiPen Shortage

The FDA says the shortage is because of supply disruptions and manufacturer issues.

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the expiration dates on EpiPens after a nationwide shortage. Health officials in Duluth say any drug shortage is concerning but there is no need to be alarmed. The FDA says the shortage is because of supply disruptions and manufacturer issues. “Look at what they have at home if they’ve…

Man Accusing Duluth Priest of Sexual Abuse Goes Public

The Diocese of Duluth conducted their own investigation into Father Graham and he was placed on administrative leave.

DULUTH, Minn. – A man accusing a Duluth priest of sexual abuse is speaking out publicly for the first time, after a jury reached a verdict in lawsuit involving the case. The accuser says he was abused by Father William Graham three times when he was 15. The jury ruled that the man accusing Father Graham of sexual abuse interfered with…

St. Scholastica Awarded $2.76 Million Grant for RRNPC Project

This is the Largest Grant CSS has Ever Received

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica has been awarded a $2.76 million grant by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to prepare nurses in primary care. According to St. Scholastica leadership this is the largest grant the college has ever been awarded. The grant will be used to fund the Rural Registered Nurses in Primary Care…

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Sailing The Regatta

Active Adventures: Sail Boat Racing On Lake Superior With The Duluth Yacht Club & Meteorologist Brittney Merlot

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Sailboat racing on Lake Superior! The Duluth Yacht Club talked with Brittney Merlot about the options you have to get out sailing or participating in the Regatta on Lake Superior. Cast sail and let the wind take you away! Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Features, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Cast Sail,…

Salvation Army to Host “Grand Slam at the Wade” Tuesday

The Family-Fun Event will Take Place Tuesday, August 28 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Salvation Army is looking to hit it out of the ballpark on Tuesday, August 28 from 5 – 8 :00 p.m. This is the second-annual Grand Slam at the Wade fundraising event, featuring old-fashioned American fun and a wide range of activities for all ages. Activities include games, music from Todd Eckart, silent auction, best-dressed…

Protracted Minnesota Sex Offender Program Suit Comes to end

The Minnesota Sex Offender Program Currently Confines Over 720 sex Offenders

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A long-running class-action lawsuit over the constitutionality of Minnesota’s civil commitment program for sex offenders effectively ended Thursday when a federal judge dismissed the remaining claims but stood by his earlier statements that some revelations during the six-week trial shock his conscience. U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank cited a 2017 decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court…

CHUM Annual Back-to-School Backpack Distribution

Every year CHUM partners up with the Duluth School District to set the tone and start kids off right for the school year with a new backpack.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the first day of class students need pencils, notebooks and of course backpacks. Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) held its annual backpack distribution in Duluth to help those students. Every year CHUM partners up with the Duluth School District to set the tone and start kids off right for the school year with a new backpack. “Every…

Snacks, Swag and Smiles at Summer Carnival

9th Annual Summer Carnival Held at Viewcrest

Duluth, Minn.- Families were invited to Viewcrest Health Center  to join residents for a free, fun day filled with games, food, and goldfish prizes, at their 9th annual Summer Carnival. The senior living facility opened up their yard and their indoor park for the staff’s families and the community. There was plenty of cotton candy around. But most importantly, kids got…

Who Whacked Willy Wonka? Find Out on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

This Murder Mystery can be solved on the Disoriented Express train ride at the North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a Murder Mystery all aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad. While aboard the Disoriented Express, passengers must figure out Who Whacked Willy Wonka. A crew of actors aboard are interacting with the audience giving clues and playing part in the Murder Mystery. This adult night-out is a two and a half hour train ride, including a four-course…

Cloquet Mends Ordinance for Strays

The city of Cloquet was in contract with Animal Allies since April.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Weeks after the Friends of Animals Shelter in Cloquet closed its doors, the city says it doesn’t want to deal with the strays anymore. After a city council meeting Tuesday night, city leaders decided to end their contract agreement with Animal Allies in Duluth, where they had been sending the strays. Now the council hopes that a different option…

Senior Citizens Celebrate the End of Summer with a Side of Competition

This traditional Morgan Park Senior Picnic was put on hold for nearly 15 years, but it's back in full swing. 

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s a celebration of summer, but this exclusive party is reserved for senior citizens. “And a picnic always sounds good,” picnic attendee Barbara Beverage said. This traditional Morgan Park Senior Picnic was put on hold for nearly 15 years, but it’s back in full swing. “Well, our senior community is one of our most prized so to be able…

Cloquet Youth Run Journey Garden and Market

This farmers market will be open every Wednesday from 12:00-2:00 until all the food runs out.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s never too late to get your start in a farmers market. That’s the case for a group of young students in Cloquet who are also learning about business by selling their goods. The Journey Garden is a summer program for youth on the Fond du Lac Reservation. Each Tuesday they harvest the foods, Wednesdays are dedicated to…

School Board Chairman says November Referendum Vote is Crucial

The vote happens on November 6th.

DULUTH, Minn.- A three question levy referendum is in place that would add both teachers and new technology to the Duluth school district if approved by voters in November. The School Board Chairman calls this vote crucial. If passed question one would renew the current ten-year operating levy without increasing property taxes. The second question would add 25 teachers to help…

“Tornado Hunters” Storm Chaser Coming To Town!

Chris Chittick Brings Flash 2 Storm Chase Vehicle & Autograph Signing To Virginia, MN.

VIRGINIA, Minn. –Are you familiar with the Netflix show “Tornado Hunters”? If so, you’ll recognize this storm chaser that’s headed to the Northland tomorrow! Is he coming here to chase storms you ask? NOPE! He is arriving to the Iron Range tomorrow to celebrate the Tractor Store’s 80th anniversary and meet you! Bring the family out and stop by Thursday…

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…