duluth Archives - Page 9 of 43

St. Scholastica Spring Commencement Goes Virtual, Seniors Look Back on Last Year

While disappointing, not having an in-person commencement doesn't change the fact that they completed four years of college, seniors say.

May 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Graduating seniors at the College of St. Scholastica are celebrating the end of their college lives a bit differently than they may have expected: with a virtual commencement ceremony. This time last year, there was a full gymnasium filled with caps and gowns. “I was homeschooled high school so I never had the ceremony so I was really…

Bailey Builds Allows Customers to Shop from their Cars

Car-side shopping is in addition to curbside pickup and an online store.

May 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An arts studio and store on Grand Avenue in Duluth is changing the way they bring handmade gifts to customers. You can now shop Bailey Builds from your car. One of the staff members will meet you at your vehicle with a mask and gloves to find out what you’re looking for, come back with gift ideas, and…

New Scenic Cafe Offering Mother’s Day Meal Kits

May 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – A popular Northland restaurant is offering some special meal kits for mothers this weekend. New Scenic Cafe is delivering and offering pickup for about 100 meal kits for Mother’s Day with brunch, dinner or a land and sea grill options in each kit. Owners say, the goal is to bring these popular items out to celebrate Northland…

Denfeld Staff Deliver Caps, Gowns to Seniors

On Friday, Denfeld staff showed their appreciation for the seniors by getting them the materials they would normally receive before a diploma.

May 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the 2020 class at Denfeld High School, their year has been different to say the least. “We’re really trying to add those special pieces that you’d think they would be missing out on but they are still getting to some degree,” Denfeld English Teacher, Mariah Macioce says. On Friday, Denfeld staff showed their appreciation for the…

Some Duluth Restaurants, Hotels Look Toward Uncertain Future

Hotels and restaurants try to stay afloat after decreased business for this long.

May 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As many local businesses in the hospitality industry make adjustments to continue staying open, for others that might not be an option. Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is changing their business model, offering delivery of growlers of their in-house brew, cider, wine, and food five days a week from 4pm-8pm. “People are looking for a reason,…

Duluthians Celebrate “Bike to Anywhere” Day

May 6, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Bike to School Day put on by MNDoT and Minnesota Safe Routes to School has been changed to “Bike to Anywhere” Day. It occurs on the first Wednesday of May every year, and the day gives parents and children the opportunity to tune up their bikes and find the safest routes…

Gov. Walz Allows Elective Surgeries Statewide; Essentia, St. Luke’s Say They’re Ready

The Governor signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries and procedures, reversing an order from March.

May 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An executive order from Governor Tim Walz gave the green light for healthcare providers to resume elective surgeries and procedures on May 11th. A move officials at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals in Duluth said they are ready for. Health systems statewide have lost about $1 billion a month since procedures and surgeries were banned in March,…

UMD To Hold Virtual Graduation Commencement

May 5, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD graduating seniors won’t be getting the traditional in-person commencement ceremony this year. However, a virtual ceremony will go live on the universities website at 11 a.m. on May 16th. Each of the five university of Minnesota campuses have this option for students with family and friends able to watch. There will be a series of recorded…

Duluth Trails Open After Freeze/Thaw, No Plans to Close Beaches So Far

Walkers, runners and bikers flock to their favorite trails.

May 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for the nice weather, Duluth Parks and Recreation announced that most of the city’s multi-use natural surface trails are now open after being closed due to wet conditions. “It’s been a long time coming this spring,” said Parks and Rec Trail Cooridinator Matt Andrews. “We’ve all been patiently waiting for these trails to open up….

Minnesota Anglers Gear Up For Opener

May 4, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Anglers are gearing up for this weekends upcoming fishing opener in Minnesota. Over at Marine General on London Road, they have stocked up on everything fishing. Management says, they are anticipating a busy opener with people itching to get out on the water. “We’ve bought extra rods and reels and tackle. And a lot more tubes and…

Crews Begin Removal Of Lake Avenue Steam Pipes

May 4, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Crews have begun removing a 100-year-old steam system on Lake Avenue during Phase 3 of the Superior Street project. With that comes the removal of pipes containing asbestos. The public is asked to stay within the marked pedestrian areas during this time. The first stage of phase three is scheduled to wrap up in July. Categories: Business,…

Hottest Weekend to Date Brings Many Outdoors

One family celebrated the nice weather by building their own teepee on Park Point Beach.

May 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekend’s nice weather brought plenty of people outside, and some decided to erect a monument to the hottest weekend to date: a teepee. A family from Iron Mountain, Michigan made the most of the warm Sunday, constructing a large teepee out of logs of driftwood on Park Point Beach. “We figured we’d come on out here and…

Fuel Experts Weigh In On Oil Price Drop

April 29, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – With fuel prices at an all-time low, experts suggest now may be the best time to fill up your propane tanks. In the short term, consumers will benefit from the low crude oil costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there may be some negative effects in the long-term with this low price environment. “We are looking…

Duluth Council, Mayor’s Administration Discuss Budget Shortfall, Layoffs

City Council shared their thoughts and questions while the Mayor and her team outlined plans.

April 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Mayor Emily Larson made a rare appearance at Duluth’s virtual City Council meeting to give councilors a detailed outline, and uncertain look towards a grim future after she announced the city’s budget shortfall–which was unveiled to now be about $20.7-$38.2 million. According to city officials, due to the city’s “strong mayor system,” Larson can make any decisions she…

Volunteers Keep Duluth Clean for First Virtual Cleanup Day

City launches first ever virtual cleanup after spring lakewalk cleaning gets canceled.

April 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- In honor of Earth Day and the canceled spring lakewalk cleanup, the City of Duluth launched their first “Keep Duluth Clean Virtual Cleanup” Saturday. People are encouraged to grab an old bucket or bag, put on their gloves, and start picking up trash. They can share their progress with the hashtag #keepduluthclean. Volunteers cleaning up said they’re surprised…

Healthcare Heroes Celebrated with Handpainted Sign Outside St. Luke’s

Duluth Street Art Initiative Made a 4-ft by 8-ft sign in front of the St Luke's Clinic on East First Street.

April 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Healthcare workers looking out the windows of the buildings on the St. Luke’s Campus will now be treated to a big sign reading “Thank You Frontline Heroes,” put together by local artists and local officials. “When they’re laying down that kind of sacrifice, I think it’s important for them to know we’re here, and we care,” said Minnesota…

WLSSD to Re-Open Some Facilities

April 24, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The WLSSD yard compost site, hazardous waste facility and material recovery centers were all closed off during the governors stay at home order. Now, the waste compost site will open on the 30th, while the two other facilities will open next week with different regulations. “We will have limitations at our facilities only allowing a certain number…

Summer Events at Bayfront in Limbo due to Pandemic

Officials, event organizers and acts are all looking at other ways to hopefully bring their art to fans.

April 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The COVID-19 pandemic has left musical acts and festivals at Bayfront Festival Park in unprecedented uncertainty–forcing organizers and artists to explore different ways to give fans an experience if shows are a no-go. Bayfront has become synonymous with summer fun, filling up every season with concert-goers, food lovers, and fireworks. But the empty, bleak park you see right…

Duluth Library Foundation Raising Money During Second Annual “Giving Day”

April 23, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – After the city of Duluth laid off 25 library technicians on Wednesday, the Duluth Public Library has announced its second annual “Giving Day.” Although the library is temporarily closed, the Duluth Library Foundation is asking for donations. The staff said that they want to make sure the public still has the resources they need during the Covid-19…

Duluth City Council President, Tourist Attractions Prepare for Tough Times After Budget Shortfall

So far businesses are allowed to open early May, but there's weeks of preparation involved.

April 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After Mayor Emily Larson’s announcement of the City’s tremendous 2020 budget shortfall due to COVID-19, tourist attractions navigate uncertain times through the most important dollar-making months Duluth sees all year. While Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order right now says businesses can start opening up the first week of May, owners of attractions told us they can’t just throw open…

Great Outdoors: Marinas Set to Re-Open

April 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – As of Friday the 17th, Governor Tim Walz expanded Minnesota’s essential services allowing some outdoor recreational activities to fall under that category. “The first thing we did was get careful and serious about social distancing in the workplace and then we were preparing to shut down,” Barkers Island General Manager, Eric Thomas says. In Wisconsin, marinas…

Duluth Pastry Chef Spreading Sweetness, Safety with Delivery of Cakes, Masks

Sweet Exchange delivery is going contactless with orders of cakes and cupcakes, along with a free handmade mask.

April 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local pastry chef who was hoping to open a new storefront in Downtown Duluth is continuing to bring sweetness to people, with an added bonus. The owner of Sweet Exchange is taking phone orders for contactless delivery of cakes and cupcakes. Think Ding Dong Ditch with a cake waiting on your doorstep. She’s also handmaking cloth masks…

West Duluth Sewing and Design Selling Handmade Masks to Stay Afloat

The sewing and alterations business is selling masks for $6, the only business they are getting right now with proms and weddings cancelled.

April 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At first, West Duluth Sewing and Design’s foray into making masks started with a donation. Now it’s their only real income, with cancelled proms and weddings slowing business. A nursing home in Moose Lake asked the owners, Jeaneth and Harold Deterling, to make and donate about 50 masks a week, being paid just for materials. “She asked me…

Local Dancer Gives Others Virtual Platform to Shine

Worldwide Dance Challenge is uniting dancers across the world to connect, collaborate and compete.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people stay at home across the world due to the Coronavirus, artists like dancers become stifled at home. Professional dancer Jesse Paul Smith noticed this, and started the Worldwide Dance Challenge. “I really believe this is the next phase of dance competitions,” he said. The Superior native saw how quarantine was effecting dancers, who had put…

Pandemic Forces Wedding Planners to Adjust as Couples Wait to Tie the Knot

Both planners and couples are navigating new territory of rescheduling the big day.

April 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On a warm, sunny April day, many scenic outdoor spots in the Northland are normally packed with a bride, groom, and large crowd, gathered to witness the marriage. But just like other events, weddings now have to be drastically changed due to COVID-19. “This is definitely not something you imagine, you know?” said bride-to-be, Meghan Hagedon. “You plan…

Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center Offers Phone, Virtual Education Support Amid COVID-19

The center was originally scheduled to re-open on March 21st. Now, the limited staff are continuing to answer phone calls and have put together an online education program for the public

April 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth is taking a different approach to their teaching methods. “Wildwoods will not be accepting wild animals until at least through May 4 as we are trying to adhere to the Governors stay at home mandate,” Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center, Jessica LaBumbard says. The center was originally scheduled to re-open on March 21st. Now,…

Free Masks Bring Long Line to Vikre Distillery

Lake Superior Medical Equipment and Duluth Screen Printing team up to make 175 masks to distribute at Vikre.

April 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Center for Disease Control has updated its recommendations, advising people to wear masks while out in public. Now Vikre Distillery is partnering with local businesses to distribute free cloth masks to Northlanders, along with hand sanitizer. “Keeps us busy while we’re closed, and feels really nice to be able to help the community that way,” said Doug…

Rose Garden Maintenance Begins

April 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – City crews were out at Leif Erikson Park in the Rose Garden this afternoon getting rid of leaves they put on the roses last fall. Roses are not the most hearty plants so they need the bags of leaves for insulation during the colder months. Workers say, this is the time people should think about doing gardening…

Utility Providers Including Minnesota Power Suspend Disconnections, Late Fees

Citizens Utility Board and Minnesota Power Urge Customers to Call to arrange payment plan.

April 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People struggling to keep up with heat, water, or electric bills due to the Coronavirus pandemic may find some relief from many utility providers. The Citizens Utility Board, a non-profit representing energy customers in Minnesota, is urging Minnesotans to contact their utility providers like Minnesota Power to work out a payment plan to avoid being disconnected. Many providers…

Duluth Fire Department Battle Early Morning Fires

April 13, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly after 1 a.m. Monday morning Duluth firefighters responded to a duplex apartment fire at 313 N. 59th Avenue West. Flames could be seen from the back of the building. Two cats were rescued from the building but one is still missing. All five residents were able to escape the apartment and there were no injuries reported….

Duluth Police, Fire Hold Surprise Easter Parade in Harbor Highlands

Kids ran out to wave as the firetrucks and police cars drove past.

April 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The sounds of sirens, some very excited kids, filled the Harbor Highlands neighborhood Sunday. Members of the Duluth Police and Fire Departments pulled together a surprise Easter Parade for everyone there. “Break up the monotony for all the ids up here, probably have had their routines with what they’re used to doing: playing with their friends, going to…

Boating, Biking, Even Dancing in Sunshine at Leif Erikson Park

Two dancers turned the stage in the center of the park into their own dance floor.

April 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s above average temperatures brought tons of people out to Leif Erikson Park to enjoy the sunshine. The park was alive with people taking advantage of the nice day in their own way–boating in the lake, biking and jogging along the walkways. Now, a new outdoor park activity: dancing on the stage in the center of the grass….

OMC Smokehouse Opens Back Up For Online Pre-Orders

On the first day open, the restaurant received 200 online orders.

April 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid the many local restaurants forced to close under Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order, OMC Smokehouse in Lincoln Park decided to get cooking again, doing takeout in an unconventional way for them. The restaurant opened up to online pre-orders only on Saturday, with food prepped and ready 5-10 mins before scheduled pickup. “I’ve been doing this 40 years,…

National Weather Service Issues First Ever Snow “Squall” Warning

April 9, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – This morning, some of you may have received a “squall” warning issued by the National Weather Service in Duluth. A squall is an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall usually accompanied by gusts of winds and low visibility. Members of the National Weather Service say, that although these events are rare, they are usually associated with a…

COVID-19 Outbreaks at Assisted Living in Duluth, Moose Lake Prison

Cases in St. Louis County now stand at 28, 14 in Carlton County.

April 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA,- An assisted living facility in Duluth and Moose Lake Prison in Carlton County is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 28 cases in St. Louis County, and 14 cases in Carlton County. On Wednesday St. Louis County saw a jump in cases of 11, a large percentage linked to St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth….

Duluth Fire Marshall Investigating Three Separate Fires, Arson Suspected

April 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews in Duluth were busy Tuesday night responding to three fires- all of which could be linked to arson. Crews responded to a structure fire of a vacant two-story home at 213 Mesaba avenue. There was no one inside the structure. The damage is estimated at $25,000. While firefighters were working to contain the Mesaba Avenue…

Local Liquor Stores Taking Extreme Measures to Keep Customers Social Distancing, Avoid Closing

If customers crowd liquor stores as time goes on, they could be forced to close.

April 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

Many people stuck at home in both Minnesota and Wisconsin are heading to liquor stores. But when those stores become crowded, business owners have to choose between serving customers, an following the law of public health by maintaining social distance. One sign in front of Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood says it best: “Do not rush into the…

Home Healthcare Service Accepting More Patients to Decrease Need for Hospitalization

Recover Health hopes to eliminate patients' need to go back to the hospital.

April 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A home health service in Duluth is doing its part to treat more people at home, while also lifting the burden off of local hospitals. Recover Health on Grand Avenue in Denfeld is currently accepting new patients at about 8 beds a week. They offer services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and help with medications. The service…

Six-Year-Old’s Birthday Party Becomes Personal Birthday Parade Thanks to Community

Josie Ulvestad was surprised with a parade filled with her friends, and Duluth Police and Fire Department.

April 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As gatherings and parties have to be cancelled to maintain social distance, one Duluth community couldn’t let one six-year-old birthday girl go without having some type of celebration. Car honks, sirens, and waves greeted a very happy Josie Ulvestad, as she got her own personal birthday parade. Her mother told the other parents of her classmates over social…

Dogs, Anglers Enjoy Sunny Warm Day on Park Point Beach

Humans, dogs, and anglers out enjoying the weather.

April 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The sands of Park Point beaches were covered with some fur on Sunday, dog fur that is. Temperatures in the high 40s called dogs and their owners out of the house. “She’s been locked up for a while along with myself, with everything going on,” said Patrick Bittinger, playing fetch with his dog Bella. “So just trying to…

All Natural Surface Trails in Duluth Closed due to Wet Conditions

Temporarily closure done regularly.

April 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- All surface trails in Duluth have been closed for a few weeks by the city due to trail conditions. Trails like Superior Hiking Trail are routinely closed this time of year when conditions are too wet for foot or bike traffic. According to city staff, this ensures good quality for the trails once things dry out. “What we’re…

LSC Donates PPE to City of Duluth to Distribute

College donated 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves.

April 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Emergency Management has received a large donation of Personal Protective Equipment from Lake Superior College. Officials picked up about 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves, gowns, sharps containers and more. The smaller places that do nursing home or adult care, or even child care needs,” Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said. “I think this partnership is going…

Whole Foods Co-Op Implements “Safe Shopping” Protocols

April 2, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – With many local businesses closing, Whole Foods Co-op has remained opened during the Covid-19 pandemic and staff are practicing safe ways to shop. Plexiglass shields have been installed to enforce social distancing. Signs, and red tape on the floor also indicate no standing zones which is essential for safety of all shoppers. There are a couple other…

Getting Out of House to Clean Up North Shore

Two friends spend their time without a job picking up garbage along Brighton Beach all the way to Two Harbors.

April 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people are enjoying activities outdoors, two folks decided to show the environment some love, and pick up trash along the North Shore. After losing their jobs at Duluth Woman’s Club, Lane Prekker and Karina Bite decided to get out of the house and head to Brighton Beach. “We came up here to get out in the…

Wal-Mart To Take Employees’ Temperatures Before Shifts

The company will also supply masks and gloves for employees.

March 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Businesses that have been deemed essential are trying to find the balance between protecting its workers while staying open for customers. Wal-Mart announced it’s going to start taking employees’ temperatures at stores and warehouses everyday before their shifts start. Any employee with a temperature over 100 degrees will be sent home. Wal-mart will supply face masks and gloves…

Minnesota National Guard Delivers Cots to St. Louis County for Potential COVID-19 Shelter

250 cots from Camp Ripley will be stocked and distributed on a need-basis.

March 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota National Guard arrived in St. Louis County Tuesday morning to deliver hundreds of cots for a potential COVID-19 shelter. According to officials, while they’ve planned for pandemics in the past, none come close to the magnitude of planning required for Coronavirus. The Minnesota National Guard assisted St. Louis County by delivering 250 cots, bringing their total…

Electric Fetus, Pizza Luce Businesses Damaged In Isolated Incident

March 31, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday night Duluth police responded to a report of criminal damage to property to two superior street businesses. Officers arrested a twenty-six-year-old individual for breaking windows at the Electric Fetus and Pizza Luce. Although this is considered an isolated incident, members of the department say during this pandemic they have responded to fewer calls for…

Duluth ‘State of the City’ Address Cancelled, No Rescheduled Date Set

March 31, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was supposed to have her State of the City address on Monday night at the West Theatre. In a Facebook post last week, Mayor Larson cancelled the event in an effort to adhere to new guidelines of social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. The city is now focussing on providing resources for businesses…

Sen. Klobuchar Discusses Ways To Prevent Covid-19 Spread in Duluth

March 30, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city leaders and Minnesota Government officials held a conference call to discuss updates on how to support areas affected by the coronavirus and what Duluth is doing to stop the spread. Mayor Emily Larson, along with county board members joined Senator Amy Klobuchar to speak about stabilizing the local economy during this crisis. A bill has…

Five New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis County Confirmed in One Day

Unlike the past five cases, the way these individuals were infected is not known at this time.

March 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County saw a jump in COVID-19 cases over the weekend. Five new presumptive cases were confirmed, doubling the total number of cases to 10 in the county, in just one day. The newest cases include a woman in her early 60s who is being hospitalized for treatment–the first case severe enough to require hospitalization in the…