duluth

Part of West First Street to be Changed to Two-Way Traffic

Hope is to eliminate wrong way drivers, reduce speeds, and have faster emergency response.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday a portion of West First Street in Duluth will begin to be changed to two-way traffic. The eight blocks between 22nd Avenue West and 30th Avenue West will be converted. The city believes two–way traffic will eliminate wrong–way drivers, reduce speeds and allow for quicker emergency response.   Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News,…

Railroad Street to Close in Preparation for Can of Worms Project

Project to complete by October 11th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday, a big portion of Railroad Street will be closed for the next two weeks to replace train crossings. The closure is between 5th Avenue West by the DECC, and Garfield Avenue. The new rail crossings are part of improvements to railroad street in preparation for increased traffic when the “Twin Ports Interchange Project” begins on the…

Duluth Airport Runway Construction Complete

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been over three years and 40 million dollars, but the Duluth International Airports runway project is finally complete. Friday morning, city and state officials got a first-hand look at the runway which encompasses about 60 acres of the airfield. For the aviation industries in the area, the benefits of this new runway go beyond the airport….

UMD Rock Climbing Students Scale West Duluth Rock Formation

Class climbs real rock for the first time off of First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- A normally bare rock formation off First Street by Piedmont Avenue is suddenly crawling with people climbing up and down the cliff. “Duluth is full of hidden wonders kind of, y’know, you’re finding new trails, finding new things to do everyday,” said Sierra Kooistra. “New formations to climb, it’s a big city so you’re always finding new things…

Mechanic Shops Prepare for Winterization Boom

They advise checking your tires, heater, fluids and battery before the cold sets in.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may be warm now, but winter will be here before you know it. Mechanics at shops like Automedics in Duluth told us people start coming in to winterize their vehicles when the temperatures drop. While testing your heater, and looking at your battery are all things you should do, they said checking your tires is a big…

Animal Allies Holds Free Microchip Clinic

Microchips can help get your lost pet home in minutes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders who need their pets microchipped got to do so for free thanks to animal allies and the Irving Country Club Tuesday. They hosted a free chip clinic at the Evergreen Senior Center on Grand Avenue in Duluth. Winter is a common time for animals to get chipped, because people bring in strays so they don’t get cold….

Love Creamery Looking for New ‘Champ’ UMD Flavor

30 submissions already received for new flavor ideas.

DULUTH, Minn.- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, and soon we could all be screaming for a UMD-inspired flavor of the cold treat from Love Creamery. The West Duluth ice cream shoppe is asking the community to help them come up with a new “Champ” flavor of ice cream. You can submit your idea online here…

Duluth Council Packed for 5-Cent Charge Ordinance for Single-Use Bags

Dozens speak in support of the ordinance, no one speaks against.

DULUTH, Minn.- A potential new ordinance in Duluth could mean that for every paper or plastic bag you use from a store, you’re charged an extra five cents. The proposal is got its first read at Monday night’s City Council meeting, with residents sharing how they feel about it during public comments. They could vote on the ordinance at their…

Council Reads Ordinance Charging 5 Cents Per Single-Use Bags

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are one step closer to being charged five cents for every single-use plastic or paper carryout bag used while shopping. The ordinance gets its first read at City Council Monday night. It would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists, and bags for produce and meats. The retailers would keep…

Blankets, Sleeping Bags Wanted for Homeless as Weather Cools

Donations can be dropped off at CHUM, Damiano Center, or Loaves and Fishes.

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s a strong need for donations to help keep the homeless in Duluth warm right now and into the winter. Besides hats and gloves, CHUM’s drop-in shelter on First Avenue West needs as many sleeping bags and blankets as possible. This comes especially with the up-and-down weather the Northland has been experiencing lately. “If we look over the…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Brings Autumn Fun

Rain pushes Festival back to Sunday, park still filled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s rain wasn’t enough to keep the 35th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest down. The event was rescheduled for Sunday, bringing thousands to the park. There were 130 vendors selling handcrafted items as well as 8 food vendors. The fresh caramel apples are one of the most popular treats, sold by the Duluth Lions club for more than…

Hundreds Muddied Up at Dirt Yard Dash

7th Annual Dirt Yard Dash brought all ages out to run through the mud,

DULUTH, Minn.- The sloshing of mud, followed by the cheers of fans, fills the air. “It’s more mental than it is physical,” said Peter Koering. No, these people jogging through the woods aren’t running from the law, they’re running through the mud for fun. “I don’t know it’s kinda fun for, I mean it’s nice, it’s what I do at…

UMD Walks a Mile to Support People with Disabilities

12th Annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes hopes to raise $50,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a sea of burgundy at the UMD Fieldhouse for Udac’s 12th Annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes event. UMD athletes and Band students walked a one mile journey to support those who journey through life with intellectual and developmental disabilities. UMD teams were encouraged to raise funds before enjoying the energetic morning on campus. “It…

Lawmakers Hold Community Conversation on Cannabis

Duluth is the first stop of 15 communities to give feedback.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth was the first stop on a list of 15 communities lawmakers are planning on visiting to get feedback from community members as they craft a marijuana legalization bill to present to the house when they reconvene in February. In a town hall format the five lawmakers heard thoughts and concerns about legalizing cannabis. From whether or not…

St. Luke’s Management, Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Strike vote withdrawn Monday, nurses to vote on the contract Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the early hours of Saturday morning, nurses at St. Luke’s reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management. The nurses’ negotiating team is recommending a “yes” vote to ratify. This comes after the nurses voted to strike last Monday. The nurses will withdraw the strike notice this Monday. The new contract addresses the staffing shortage at the…

UMD Students Simulate How to Immigrate for Constitution Day

"Immigration Simulation" takes kids through the struggles of our country's immigration process.

DULUTH, Minn.- September 17th is federally recognized as Constitution and Citzenship Day. Tuesday at UMD, some students had an experience that shows what it’s like when you’re trying to get into the United States as an immigrant. “A Mile in their Shoes, an Immigration Simulation” allowed students to mimic going through the immigration process both legally and illegally. Stations included…

OMC Owner Opening New Cocktail Lounge

What initially was an OMC expansion is now a separate business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The owner of Lincoln Park businesses OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill, Corktown Deli and Taco Arcada is opening up a new business right next door to OMC. “Noble Pour”, as it will be called, will be a craft cocktail lounge on West Superior Street featuring local craft beverages and beverages made in house. Owner Tom Hanson says the idea…

Duluth Airport Seeks Public Input on Vision 2040 Master Plan

Investments into Airport improvements through 2030 estimated at $70 million.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has kicked off the first phase of its Vision 2040 Master Plan, and officials want the public’s feedback on what the plan should address. They held an open house meeting at the airport on Tuesday, inviting members of the public, business leaders, government officials, and aviation workers to hear and share about the plan….

Service Center Provides One Stop Shop For Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. – “For the Vietnam veterans and those that lived through the draft, they answered the call,” Virginia Veteran Service Officer, Tyler Behnke says. There are just under 18,000 veterans in St. Louis County alone. Some of them may have variety of questions, and the service center has answers. “We’re just kind of like a clearing house or google…

Getting Eclectic about Electric Vehicles at Duluth’s First Show and Tell Event

Event showcased different electric vehicles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s first ever Electric Vehicle Show and Tell was held at the electric car charging lot near Endion Station. The event showcased a range of electric vehicles, including Teslas, Chevy Volts, electric motorcycles and more. Experts were on hand to help answer questions about electric vehicles. They say some people still have their doubts about this newer driving…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Strike, Hospital Says Could Cause Reduced Services

Strike set for October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth have voted to strike after months of failed negotiations with hospital administration. The strike is set for October 3rd, and in the meantime a contract can still be reached between the two sides, as they are still set to return to the negotiating table this Friday. The nurses have been calling…

Homeless Man Charged in Adas Israel Synagogue Fire

Charges do not include arson, still no evidence of it being a hate crime.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 36–year–old Duluth homeless man, is now charged with starting the fire that destroyed the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in downtown Duluth one week ago. The charges don’t involve arson as Duluth Police recommended. Matthew Amiot had his first court appearance on Monday, charged with one count of negligent fires, and one count of negligent fires resulting in…

Park Point Community Plays Ball Together

All ages gather to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Park Point community got outside for the last few days of the Summer before Fall moves in. Folks of all ages gathered at the Lafayette Community Center to play a friendly game of softball, broken into Bayside versus Lakeside teams. Organizers say it’s nice to have neighbors out and mingling together. “I think it’s great…

Man Arrested for Adas Israel Synagogue Fire, Not a Hate Crime Yet Police Say

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson in the first degree.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police announced that they have arrested a suspect for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue fire last Monday. 36–year–old Matthew Amiot was arrested for first degree arson on Friday, but right now police say there is no evidence that this was a hate crime. The suspect is being held at St. Louis County Jail. No formal charges have…

Arrest Made in Synagogue Fire, No Evidence of Hate Crime Yet

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference Sunday Duluth Police and Fire announced that a suspect has been arrested for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue Fire. 36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth was arrested for Arson Friday afternoon, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said. Charges are imminent, meanwhile authorities recommended charging Amiot with arson in the first degree. Despite being arrested…

Celebrating Sustainable Farming at UMD Farm Fest

7th Annual Farm Fest features fresh local music, fresh produce, and fresh conversation.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students, local food vendors, and community members turned out for UMD Land Lab’s 7th Annual Farm Fest Saturday. Families were invited to come hear live local music and shop freshly picked produce. They also joined the conversation about local farming and sustainability in Northland agriculture. “Just getting people to have a connection with their food system, I think…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Authorize Strike

Union can still negotiate a deal for 10 days before strike is implemented.

DULUTH, Minn.- After weeks of negotiations, nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital authorized a strike for what they call unfair labor practices. The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) says staffing and scheduling is inefficient at the hospital. They say while they don’t want to strike, they see no other way of having their needs met. “Like we’ve been clear from the very…

Vigil Held for Missing Northland Woman Sheila St. Clair

Indigenous woman missing since 2015 still being looked for by Police, family.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been four years since 48-year-old Sheila St. Clair of Duluth went missing, and Duluth Police say the case is still open. Today the members of the indigenous community and the Duluth Police Department met for a press conference at One Roof Community Housing to hear any possible tips into the woman’s whereabouts. They also met to keep…

Ordean Building Sold for $1.2 Million, No Change for Tenants

Foundation Sells Building to Keep Focusing on Addressing Poverty

DULUTH, Minn.- The Ordean Building on Superior Street in Downtown Duluth is changing owners. The Ordean Foundation has sold the building to local professional real estate company Titanium Partners LLC. Officials with the Ordean Foundation say they sold the West Superior Street building because managing it was keeping them from their mission of addressing poverty issues in the area. The…

Grandma’s 44th Annual Oktoberfest Gets Underway

DULUTH, MN – Grandma’s 44th annual Oktoberfest kicked off this afternoon with a ceremonial keg tapping and live music. Grandma’s is also working with the Duluth Oktober Festival at Bayfront Park this weekend to give everyone a unique German experience. “It begins a longtime tradition with our company where we bring in authentic German fair, food, features and beer,” Grandma’s…

St. Luke’s Nurses Prepared to Strike After Failed Negotiations

Nurses say they need safer staffing. more consistent scheduling.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses at Saint Luke’s in Duluth are one step closer to a possible strike after negotiations stalled between the hospital and its union on Monday. It’s happening as nurses at Essentia Health are voting on their new contract. After negotiating for about 18 hours, Saint Luke’s nurses and management will return to the bargaining table again on Wednesday….

Authorities Still Not Ruling Out Crime in Adas Israel Fire, Investigation Continues

Police are interviewing two people of interest and those living around the synagogue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Police Chief Mike Tusken has ordered nearly two dozen officers and detectives with the Duluth Police Department to find out if anybody started the fire at the Adas Israel Synagogue, a place of worship for more than a century. The Chief said his department is following up interviews with two people of interest who were at the scene…

No Cause Known for Adas Israel Fire, Police Chief Not Ruling Out Arson

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The charred remains are all that stands of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. At a press conference at City Hall, officials said while it is early in the investigation, arson has not been ruled out, and they are interviewing people of interest. “We have today interviewed a couple of people of interest and we will see…

Take One Last Look Inside The Exchange

DULUTH, MN – Mark Edwards has been in the restaurant business for over 40 years. “I was at Spirit Mountain when they first opened and unpacked the plates from the straw back then,” Exchange Cafe and Bakery Owner, Mark Edwards says. The Exchange bakery and cafe first opened back in 1988, and after his tenure with Spirit Mountain, Edwards took…

Streets Around Adas Israel Synagogue Closed as Fire Crews Investigate Cause

Fire was the biggest they've seen in while, Fire Chief said.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference, the Duluth Fire Chief released an update on the fire that burned down the Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. The East Third Street building caught fire around 2:30 Monday morning, in a blaze the Fire Chief said is the biggest they’ve seen in a while. It took crews a few hours to get the…

Fans Celebrate Viking First Game Win at the Reef

Game ends 28-12 Vikings.

DULUTH, Minn.- An impressive win for the Minnesota Vikings in their first game of the season as the NFL celebrates its 100th year. “GO VIKINGS! Come on let’s hear it for the Vikings! Woohooo!” Purple was everywhere as Vikings fans flooded the Reef Bar on London Road as fans turned out for the first game of the season. They said…

First Habitat for Humanity Home Dedicated in Duluth in Years

Lincoln Park home dedicated for partner family.

DULUTH, Minn.- Habitat for Humanity dedicated a home in Duluth to a family in need, their first Duluth home in years. The home is located in Lincoln Park. It now belongs to the Witherspoon family who also does work in the community. The family will pay for the home with Habitat’s help. Lake Superior Colleges’ construction program and ISD 709…

Duluth Drag Races Tear Up Garfield Avenue

12th Annual Drag Races and Car Show draws over 200 drivers to Garfield.

DULUTH, Minn.- Garfield Avenue is the loudest road in town when the 12th Annual Duluth Drag Races rolls into town. The roar of engines, the scream of tires on asphalt, and the smoke rise off of Garfield Avenue. “It’s loud, there’s a lot of smoke from the tires,” said Ryan Kern, President of Kern and Kompany, who put on the…

26th Annual Harvest Festival Takes Over Bayfront Park

Farmers, local crafts and artists came out to meet their customers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Harvest Festival took over Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. Farmers and more than 30 local craftspeople and artists showed off their items. They also attended a renewable energy fair to learn more about making farming more sustainable. “This event is a really good time for people to meet their farmers face to face,” said Festival Director…

26th Annual Harvest Festival Bringing Together Local Farmers, Consumers

The 2019 Harvest Festival is Happening Saturday, September 7 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – For 26 years the Lake Superior Chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association has hosted the annual Harvest Festival. This year’s event is taking place on Saturday, September 7 at Bayfront Fetival Park in Duluth. Farmers and vendors will begin selling locally produced goods at 10:00 a.m. and wrap things up around 4:00 p.m. Event organizers refer to…

Duluth City Attorney Reacts to Court’s Decision to Reinstate Officer Shown Misusing Force

City still disagrees, may petition case to Minnesota Supreme Court.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson is speaking out about the Minnesota Court of Appeals’ decision saying a Duluth Police officer should get his job back after a use-of-force incident. Officer Adam Huot was terminated after the 2017 incident where he was caught on body cam video dragging a handcuffed man through the skywalk before the man hit his…

Big Changes on Horizon for Soo Locks

DULUTH, MN – “The impact of the Soo Locks is felt nationwide,” Congressman, Pete Stauber says. That statement was the theme of today’s press conference where future improvement plans for the locks were announced. It’s not unusual for more than seventy thousand tons of iron ore to be carried on a vessel using the locks. That is not even the…

Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Begins Thursday

Rotary Rose Sale Tickets are Available for Purchase Through Friday, October 4; Pickup October 11, 12

DULUTH, Minn. – Roses are red, and starting Thursday, September 5, you’re purchase of a dozen can help make a big impact in the Northland. The Duluth Rotary Club is hosting its 34th Annual Rose Sale, September 5 through October 4. Roses will be sold throughout the Duluth and Superior region for only $25 a dozen. Bouquets will be available…

Red Cross Seeks Northland Volunteers to Help with Dorian

Five volunteers sent already, more is always needed.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Dorian continues to threaten landfall on the east coast, the American Red Cross Serving Northern Minnesota is already sending volunteers down south to help with recovery efforts. The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross will have sent 5 volunteers by Wednesday, spread out between Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. They will help with medical and mental health…

Court of Appeals Rules Duluth Officer Fired for Misuse of Force Be Reinstated

Officer Adam Huot closer to returning to force after being fired back in May 2017.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Officer who was fired after dragging a handcuffed man through the skywalk system and hitting his head on a doorway back in May of 2017 could be reinstated. On Tuesday the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed an earlier ruling that an arbitrator’s decision to reinstate Officer Adam Huot does not violate public policy. The fate…

Step Inside New Phoholic Vietnamese Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn – After being in the restaurant business fifteen years ago, the Nguyen family are back in the game. Phoholic had a soft opening on Tuesday, August 27th, for friends and family. Yet people still filled up the seats. “It’s finally here and everybody seems like they are happy with their meals. So it makes us super excited,” Co-Owner,…

Set Sail with the St. Louis River Alliance this Thursday

The SLRA is Hosting the annual Vista Boat Tour Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is setting sail Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. aboard the Vista Fleet in Duluth. The SLRA is excited to be hosting the Vista Star Boat Tour for yet another year. Boarding will begin at 5:00 p.m. Departure at 5:30 p.m. Arrival back to docks by 7:00 p.m. Light…

Remembering Duluth Business Owner, Community Advocate Rick Boo

Co-owner of Carmody locations dies at 60.

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime Duluth business owner, son of a former mayor, and longtime LGBTQ community supporter Rick Boo has died. No cause of death has been released at this time. Carmody Irish Pub and Brewery was packed Wednesday with people reminiscing about his life. “He’s touched a lot of lives in this town, and helped a lot of deadbeat musicians…

AICHO Workshop Helps Grow Indigenous Economy

Series focuses on Indigenous Economy and Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization or AICHO is hosting a forum that gives the indigenous community the tools to build the Indigenous economy. The first of the three part series Indigenous Economy, Indigenous Entrepreneurs was held Wednesday. A business owner shared his story and how native people in Duluth can start their own businesses that can help…

3rd Annual Grand Slam Fundraiser Moves to Heritage Center, Still Draws Crowds

Fundraiser expected to raise $8,000-$10,000

DULUTH, Minn.- The Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center was packed for the Salvation Army’s Third Annual Grand Slam Festival Fundraiser. It was supposed to be held Wade Stadium like it has been before, but the rain changed those plans. The fundraiser raised money for the Salvation Army’s food program which organizers said served about 81,000 last year. It featured different…