minnesota Archives - Page 6 of 31

UMD Engineering Students Helping Make Esmond Building More Sustainable

Engineering students submitting recommendations to developer to redevelop the building to be more energy efficient.

March 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The redevelopment of the Esmond Building, also known as the former Seaway Hotel in Lincoln Park is getting some help from young college engineering students. Ecolibrium 3, the non-profit focused on improving sustainability in Lincoln Park, partnered with UMD’s Swenson College of Engineering. Students will look at the Esmond and develop recommendations to present to the developer to…

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

March 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…

Suspect in Cloquet Double Homicide Found, Arrested in ‘Wooded Area’

33-year-old Sheldon Thompson was arrested in Perch Lake Township in Carlton County.

March 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Authorities have arrested 33-year-old Sheldon Thompson of Cloquet, in connection to the deaths of a mother and her young son on the Fond Du Lac Reservation in Cloquet. At 8:43 pm Sunday, Thompson was arrested in a wooded area off Mission Road in Perch Lake Township in Carlton County on the Reservation, police said. He was taken into…

Aerial Lift Bridge Set to Be Repaired, Upgraded

Crews will repair the sidewalk and upgrade the lights.

March 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A heads up to drivers who use the Lift Bridge. Repairs begin on Monday, which include an upgrade. Crews will be repairing the bridge’s sidewalk on each side. Pedestrians won’t be able to use the bridge at times, and traffic will be down to one lane during the day. As for the upgrades, the city is installing new…

Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Reopens after Five Months Closed

Center officially opens March 21st.

March 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation in Duluth is opening later this month, and on Sunday they invited the public to an open house to see the facilities before animals start arriving. Wildwoods was closed for 5 months to renew its permit with the Minnesota DNR. Once open, it will continue to house and rehabilitate certain animals at their facility,…

Free Solar Energy Workshop Held in West Duluth

Families learned about renewable energy at the Family Freedom Center.

March 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Families learned more about renewable energy at a free Solar Workshop at the Family Freedom Center The workshop featured informational booths with training and job opportunities in renewable energy. There were also interactive solar-based games for kids. According to organizers, renewable energy is the right way to go in the Northland. “The interesting thing about renewable energy and…

New Hotel Could Come to East Hillside

Hotel would serve students, hospital workers, construction workers.

March 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A new short-term stay hotel could be coming to Duluth’s East Hillside Neighborhood. Developer Nick Christensen wants to convert the old commercial building at 808 Second Street into a 6-unit hotel for students, hospital employees, and construction workers to stay in, while they find a place to live nearby. “People will come form out of area to do…

Cougars Come to Lake Superior Zoo

Brothers and Sister Cougar Duo Raised by Zookeepers Get New Habitat

March 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo will open their first ever cougar exhibit Saturday. Two cougars, a brother named Tacoma and sister named Olympia who were orphaned last year and raised by Zookeepers will occupy the new habitat, right next to the upcoming Bear Country Exhibit. “These guys actually haven’t seen a whole lot of people come through, they’ve been…

Coronavirus Information Phone Line and Webpage Offered by St. Louis County

Public Health Nurses will be on hand to answer questions.

March 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid Coronavirus concerns spreading across the country, St. Louis County opened up an information phone line and a website for people to call or visit to get their Coronavirus concerns addressed. Public Health nurses will be at the ready Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new Coronavirus….

Bernie Sanders Super Tuesday Watch Party Held in Duluth

Supporters gathered to cheer Bernie on in Primary.

March 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Carmody’s Irish Pub was packed with Bernie Sanders supporters from across the Northland anxious to see their candidate win Super Tuesday. Sanders and Joe Biden were neck and neck for most of the night, but in the end Biden was declared the projected winner for Minnesota. The Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America have been meeting at the…

CHUM Food Shelf Getting Major Makeover Thanks to Leadership Duluth, Other Community Members

At no cost to CHUM, a large part of the building is being renovated.

March 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting this weekend, the CHUM Food Shelf on First Avenue West is getting a makeover, thanks to some help from Leadership Duluth and other businesses in the community. “We’re really excited to give back to the community and there’s over 16,000 community members that walk through this door annually and it’s people just like you and me,” said…

Bringing Home the Bacon at Baconfest

Event raises money for church mission trips.

March 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown Community Church was packed with meat lovers for their 6th annual Baconfest. Baconfest raises money for mission trips form the church. Every year they go to California and Ireland, partnering with local churches in those areas. Baconfest included a bacon-eating contest, and People’s Choice Award for their favorite bacon-centered dish, which there were many according to organizers….

Northlanders Enjoy Warm First Day of Meteorological Spring Outside

Temps reach low 40s as people enjoy the lakeside in Canal Park.

March 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was the first day of Meteorological Spring, the three month period of March, April and May which meteorologists use to calculate seasonal statistics. It sure felt like Spring here in the Northland, as temperatures got as high as 42 degrees in Duluth. So people got outside in Canal Park enjoying the melting lake and sunshine, as we…

Four Babies Leap Out into World on Leap Day

Two babies out of St. Luke's and Two out of Essentia on this special day.

February 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was Leap Day which of course only happens every four years, and quite a few babies were born on this extra day of February in Duluth. Four babies were born on Leap Day in Duluth, two at Essentia Health and two at St.Luke’s. Now begins the process of deciding when to celebrate the baby’s birthday on non-Leap…

Northland Boy Scouts Practice Outdoor Skills in Beargrease Derby

Dog sled style race in Cloquet helps kids develop winter outdoor skills.

February 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Boy Scouts were out in the sunshine practicing their outdoor winter skills Saturday. The annual Beargrease Derby took place at the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center. The mile long course is named after John Beargrease, with 10 stations named after spots on the real Beargrease trail. Kids go to each station to perform different outdoor tasks….

Working Group Offers Recommendations to Reduce Police Deadly Force Situations

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin updated the County's Officer Deadly Force Encounters Policy as well.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A working group in the Twin Cities organized by Attorney General Keith Ellison unveiled a report with recommendations on how to reduce deadly force encounters with law enforcement, and Officer-Involved-Shootings across the state. The Working Group on Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters came up with 28 recommendations and 33 action steps. Those recommendations include training law enforcement in de-escalation…

Council Unanimously Approves New Police Protective Gear Policy

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a new policy for the use of newly purchased protective gear by the Duluth Police Department. This effectively puts an end to public discussions on the policy, which began back in 2017 when Police Chief Mike Tusken proposed purchasing the gear to replace outdated ones. Many councilors spoke on their reasons for…

Essentia Purchases Old Sears Space in Miller Hill Mall

It is now the second old storefront Essentia will own in the Mall.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders will soon see another Essentia Health marquee replacing a storefront at Miller Hill Mall. Essentia has announced the official purchase of the old Sears Space. According to Essentia officials, plans on what to do with the former Sears space are still being discussed. This comes one year after Essentia purchased the old Younkers space in the mall,…

Old and New Snowmobiles Ride at Vintage Classic Snowmobile Party

Snowmobiles from as far back as the 1970s were present.

February 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians were finding all kinds of ways to get outside, including on vintage snowmobiles at Blue Max Restaurant on Lavaque Road. The Vintage Classic Snowmobile Party was full of classic and new snowmobiles tearing it up on the frozen lake. The Party featured from snowmobiles from as far back as the 1970s, giving their owners a chance to…

Warm Temps Bring Dogs out to Dog Park

Jean Duluth Dog Park filled with happy canines.

February 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather Saturday was perfect for some pups and their people to hit the Jean Duluth Dog Park. The park was filled with furry four-legged friends frolicking in the sun, enjoying temperatures that reached the low 40s. One dog, a Newfoundland puppy named Boris, was the biggest kid on the playground. He’s 130 lbs now, and will grow…

Special Report: Suicidal Thoughts Resulting in “The Final Journey”

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

February 17, 2020

Brett Scott,

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – It’s one word surrounded by stigma and often never discussed — Suicide. Nationally, the number of people taking their lives continues to dramatically rise year-after-year. So how do the numbers break down locally? The number of suicides reported along the North Shore of Minnesota have spiked over the past ten years. Many people have come from…

Fatal Snowmobile Crash in St. Louis County

Authorities Say the Snowmobiler Veered Off the Trail, Eventually Hitting a Tree

February 14, 2020

Brett Scott,

TOWER, Minn. – A snowmobiler is dead after a crash in Northern St. Louis County. Authorities say 51-year-old Daniel Cottew of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, was on the Arrowhead Trail near Tower when he veered off the trail, eventually hitting a tree. Cottew was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders from Tower, Vermilion Lake, St. Louis County…

Group Makes Banners Empowering Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women March

Currently 20 unaccounted women are logged in urban parts.

February 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Native Lives Matter Coalition spent the day making banners for Friday’s fifth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Memorial March. According to data from the Urban Indian Health Institute, 20 indigenous women are murdered or missing from urban areas in Minnesota. A task force is working on determining numbers for the whole state. The banners empower family…

Delta to Offer Mainline Aircraft Flights from DLH to MSP and Back

New aircraft comes with new seats and new digs.

February 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders may find it easier to fly to the Twin Cities from Duluth International Airport, as Delta Airlines will be adding a new mainline plane to the route. Beginning in March Delta will operate a mainline aircraft out of DLH. The route will be the first flight out in the morning and last flight in from MSP Airport….

Volunteer Snowmobile Trail Groomer In Need of Repair or Replacement

The only groomer tackling trails in East Duluth and up the North Shore is out of service.

February 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The only snow groomer working on snowmobile trails in East Duluth is out of commission and in need of repair. While grooming the trails, the Duluth Drift-Toppers Snowmobile Club’s machine encountered an engine failure. Now the motor has to be redone, in order to keep the trails used by snowmobilers, fat-tire bikers, and hikers smooth and clean. The…

Beijing Restaurant Reopens to Chinese-Craving Customers

Restaurant opened nearly two years after fire shut it down.

February 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- London Road smelled a little more like Chinese food Tuesday as the popular Beijing restaurant finally opened after a fire shut it down in 2018. The place was pretty busy throughout the day. Beijing is known for its big portions at a reasonable price. Longtime customers were all smiles, anxious to try their favorite dishes. “Every two weeks…

The Ups and Downs of Unfrozen Lake Superior

Experts share different effects of the lake's low ice cover, while some Northlanders miss the ice.

February 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland has gone through an unseasonably warm winter, eliminating the chance for much ice to form on the surface of Lake Superior. “I was excited for the ice build up and it’s just not coming yet,” Lindsey Ruhnke said. Lapping waves is a surprising sound to hear by the lake at the beginning of February. “I think…

Boys and Girls Club Names Youth of the Year

Annual event highlights young people with exceptional character qualities.

February 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Four youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland competed to be named Youth of the Year Tuesday. The annual event highlights young people who exemplify the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, good character and citizenship, and academic success. It was established in 1947 to help more youth develop the skills they’ll use throughout life. “It’s…

Duluth Council Approves Grant to Continue Mental Health Officer Position

Officer helps build relationships and get people help from Mental Health Services.

February 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council approved a $206,793 grant that’ll allow the Duluth Police Department to continue dedicating an officer specifically for mental health calls. The officer is part of the Department’s Mental Health Unit based out of the DTA substation downtown. He works with people based on referrals from other officers and community members. Since the grant was…

Council Approves Demolition of Kozy; Former Owner Still Determined to Stop Wrecking Ball

Former owner Eric Ringsred didn't come up with the $50,000 bond court required to keep building up.

February 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is the closest its ever been to tearing down the condemned Kozy building on East First Street. DEDA owns the building, and the Council voted to approve DEDA’s decision to demolish the building that’s sat vacant for nearly a decade. The council voted unanimously, 8-0 with Councilor Russ absent, to demolish the structure. But…

Mike Bloomberg Opens Campaign Field Office in Duluth

Duluth office one of five in Minnesota.

February 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A Democratic Presidential candidate set up a remote office in Duluth. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign held a grand opening on Sunday. The office opened up on First Street Downtown, in the Duluth Athletic Club building. It’s one of five field offices in Minnesota for Bloomberg to boost his presence across the Super Tuesday state. According…

Valentini’s Moving from Duluth to Hermantown; Restaurant Assoc. Pres. Concerned Why

Association President says high taxes and fees is making it harder to run a restaurant in Duluth, one of the reasons why Valentini's moved.

February 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn- Valentini’s Restaurant is preparing to move from its location on London Road to a permanent spot off Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown. Valentini’s operated on London Road for the past 13 years, and will remain open through September. But one reason for leaving is what the owner called the increased financial difficulty of running a restaurant in the…

Soul and Soul Food Served to Hundreds at UMD

At 240 people the event was sold out.

February 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Great smells, great company, and of course great tastes packed the Kirby Ballroom for the Black Student Association’s annual Soul Food dinner. “It signifies black people and unity, honestly,” Black Student Association Treasurer Trina Kwamboka said. “Being brought together to eat by your Grandma, to eat some soul food. It’s a really big thing in the black culture.”…

Celebrating Winter and Community at Carlton Winterfest

25th annual Winterfest featured activities indoors and outdoors.

February 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CARLTON, Minn.- The weather was just right in Carlton for the annual Winterfest. Families enjoyed face painting, animals from Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile, and a chili cookoff. Meanwhile outside they enjoyed “Mini Hook and Slice”: minigolf in the snow with tennis balls. The perfect way to spend a winter day. “People are, at this time of year in Minnesota winters…

Wild State Cider Releases New Cider with Zero Added Sugar

Classic dry cider has already had a good reception.

February 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wild State Cider has released a new beverage: Classic Dry cider. This cider has zero added sugar, and is made with champagne yeast. The cidery owner said they released it now, as people are trying to eat and drink healthier this time of year. “We joke that we think this is the future of cider that not all…

City of Duluth Launches New MuniciPals Podcast

First episode received 100 downloads in a day.

February 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is distributing information in a new way with a monthly podcast. The “MuniciPals” podcast started out as a joke according to officials, but has now turned into a new way to give people a behind the scenes look at the city, and distribute information on a wider scale. Following a peaceful guitar riff, Phil…

Mix Cosmetiques Opens New Location in Duluth

Store specializes in handmade, custom cosmetics.

February 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cosmetic store specializing in natural makeup that’s handmade has just opened up in a new storefront. Mix Cosmetiques had it’s grand opening today with a ribbon cutting at its new spot. It was formerly located downtown and in a kiosk at Miller Hill Mall. The store specializes in cosmetics made from natural ingredients, that customers can…

Lake Superior Nearly Ice-Free this Warm Winter

Ice coverage at less than 5% as temps are higher than normal.

February 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter’s unseasonably warm temperatures have left Lake Superior almost entirely without ice. According to experts at the National Weather Service, less than 5% of the lake is covered so far, while at this time last year 40% of the lake was covered. While less ice may make the water seem warmer, experts said that it’s still icy…

Meeting on Refugee Resettlement Turns Contentious

Both sides of the refugee issue clashed outside of meeting.

February 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A presentation on refugee resettlement at the Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College sparked a bit of controversy Thursday. The presentation focused on explaining “all the facts” about refugee resettlement, while some people in attendance said what they’re doing is wrong. The meeting at the college Thursday was not a part of any established group, but was…

Officials Present New Protective Gear Policy with Police Chief, Community

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

February 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After 10 months of 12 meetings, the Duluth Police Policy Working Group presented its Protective Gear Policy to Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken, with the public having the chance to share their questions and concerns. The Policy Working Group consisted of 20 members from groups including the Duluth Citizen Review Board, Duluth NAACP, Homeless Persons Bill of Rights,…

Apply Now! Chester Creek Concert Series Seeks Local Musicians

The 2020 Chester Creek Concert Series Begins Tuesday, June 9; Musician Applications Now Open

February 3, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders are dreaming of warm weather, green grass, and live music in the park. Registration is now open, inviting local musicians to apply to be part of the 38th annual Chester Creek Concert Series. The application process is open until Friday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m. Interested musicians are encouraged to submit an audio or video…

300 Mile North Shore Journey Ends at Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Reddington, Keith Aili, Ryan Anderson first three to cross finish line.

January 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An exciting night in Grand Portage, as crowds gathered at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon finish line to welcome the mushers with cheers and support as they completed their nearly 300 mile journey. “The dogs know when they’re getting close to the end they can smell the smoke in the air,” said Race Marshall Stan Passananti. Around…

Giving Life to Old Stuff by Recycling, Repurposing and Restyling

Showing how to use old fabric items to make something new.

January 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- If your New Year’s Resolution involved using more of the stuff you have lying around, you could try using the items to make something new. On Monday Mt. Royal Library hosted a “Recycle, Repurpose, and Restyle” class. Presenter Mary Mulari showcased different projects she’s crafted out of old fabric items. For example, doilies can become table runners, and…

Lake Superior Zoo First in State to Be Sensory Inclusive

Zoo received certification, and sensory bags to help special needs children.

January 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Those with sensory needs can now enjoy all the sights and sounds of Lake Superior Zoo, without being overwhelmed by the senses. The Zoo is now the first zoo in Minnesota to be certified sensory inclusive. KultureCity certifies more than 350 locations across the nation as sensory inclusive, to help children with special needs who may be sensitive…

Duluth School District Asks for Public’s Help in Finding New Superintendent

Focus group meeting held to build a leadership profile for the position.

January 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The public was invited to meet with the consulting firm searching for Duluth Schools’ new Superintendent Monday night, to discuss what kind of person they want to see fill the position. The focus group aimed to develop a leadership profile describing district strengths, challenges, and goals along with the characteristics, abilities, and experiences they want in a new…

Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Wife to Death in Front of Daughter

Ryan Jazdzewski could spend nearly 37 years in prison.

January 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his wife in front of their younger daughter back in June. Now 40-year-old Ryan Jazdzewski could face a prison term of nearly 37 years, a longer sentence than presumed under Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. According to the criminal complaint, Jazdzewski’s 41-year-old wife Nicole had asked for a divorce. The two…

Beargrease Broadcast Internationally for First Time

Over 100 countries can view the race this year.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Beargrease is making history this year, as it is the first year the race is being broadcast internationally. This year the race will be seen in over 100 countries. Mushers on the North Shore trail are competing with mushers in Norway, Russia, and the Iditarod not only with racing, but by the health of their dogs as…

Beargrease Vets on Alert with Warm Temperatures

Dogs more prone to overheating, dehydration in the heat.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- All the dogs taking mushers along the Beargrease trail, which is softer than usual due to warmer weather, calls for a big team of trained veterinarians. 11 vets and 7 veterinary technicians are stationed at each checkpoint, along with one EMT to check on the human mushers. Vets say while they’re there for medical attention, mushers are usually…

Dogs, Spectators Energetic at Beargrease Starting Line

Mushers prepare for a longer and softer trail, thanks to unseasonably warm temperatures.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The excitement was in the air at the starting line of the 40th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. “These dogs were meant to run, they were born to run, they’re trained to run,” said Race Spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, the yip of excited race dogs behind her. The dogs’ howls light a flame in everyone’s hearts. “Everything about…

County Commissioner Patrick Boyle Announces Run for Reelection

Boyle has served as County Commissioner for the past 6 years.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- County Commissioner Patrick Boyle announced his campaign for re-election to the St. Louis County Board Sunday. “It’s been an honor to represent the citizens of eastern Duluth…I will be asking again for their vote this fall,” Boyle said in a press release. Boyle has served as Commissioner for the past 6 years, with the last year as chair….