West Duluth

‘Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive’ Makes Sure Hundreds Have Presents to Open on Christmas

500 gifts went to families in the Twin Ports who may have been experiencing hardships before and because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- T’ was the weekend before Christmas, and all through Shake It juice shop were hundreds of toys, and just outside sat a line of rides for the Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. “I think holidays are hard for everybody and especially the last 2 years with COVID and hardships,” said Tara Aase, volunteering for her second year…

‘Fill The Tent’ Event Aimed at Helping Homeless Community

The 'Fill the Tent' event will take place at Memorial Park on grand avenue.

DULUTH, Minn. — The organization Guardian Angels of West Duluth is hosting an event on Saturday in the neighborhood to help the homeless community. The ‘Fill the Tent’ event will take place at Memorial Park on grand avenue. After noticing an increase in the homeless population and individuals impacted by fires in homeless encampments. The organization is looking to pitch…

Duluth Police: Standoff Suspect Surrenders After Attempted Bank Robbery, Car Theft, Vehicle Pursuit

According to authorities, there were no injuries reported during the call.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 30-year-old male suspect who kept Duluth Police in a standoff for hours in an apartment building on Central Avenue was finally taken into custody after committing multiple crimes, according to authorities. Police say at 8:30 p.m. the man eventually surrendered and was apprehended. He was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and then the St….

Ground Is Broken At Riverwest Development Site

DULUTH, Minn. — Ground was broken Wednesday on the Riverwest development in West Duluth across from Spirit Mountain. The work to get the permits for this project began in 2015 with the idea to have retail stores along Grand Avenue. The city of Duluth would also like to also eventually see development of multi-family and single-family housing on a portion…

Toy Drive Expecting Large Turnout, Still in Need of Monetary Donations

The toy drive will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Make Every Child Toy drive is still happening this year, but it will look a bit different. After previously holding the toy drive in other buildings, organizer Mike Letica almost called it quits this year until he reached out to the owner of Shake It. Letica was told he could use their facility in West Duluth across…

Keene Creek Dog Park Partially Reopens After Summer Construction

About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular dog park in West Duluth is now partially reopened to the public. Keene Creek Dog Park near Grand Avenue had been under construction during the summer season. About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. According to city officials a large part of the park remains closed to allow…

WLSSD Accepting Fall Leaves, Garden Debris to Turn into Compost

Any of your grass clippings, leaves, garden debris and even fresh-cut holiday trees can be dropped off for free and turn into compost to purchase for your gardening next year.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Fall leaves and garden debris pile up in your yard, WLSSD is accepting that yard waste to turn into compost. The drop-off site is on Courtland Street, off I-35 at 27th Avenue West. Any of your grass clippings, leaves, garden debris and even fresh-cut holiday trees can be dropped off for free and turn into compost to…

UMD Black Male Athletes Rally Hundreds to March Against Police Brutality, Racism

It's the first protest of its kind in the University's history, organized by a group called Black Men Serving Excellence (BMSE)

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of UMD students, staff, and community members organized by Black male athletes at the school marched nonviolently Wednesday, with a loud and clear message spanning the whole campus to end police brutality and racism. “We are gathered here today to come together as people, we are gathered here today to fight for equality,” said UMD Defensive Backs…

Trampoline Park Re-Opens Under New Name

After opening back up in 2017, the tramponline park has been undergoing some changes including its name.

DULUTH, Minn. – The entertainment venue known as Planet 3 is no more. After opening in 2017, the trampoline park has been undergoing some changes including its name after reopening in mid-June. “Anywhere hands can touch is being sanitized. We’re spraying down all the trampolines, pads. All of the hard surfaces are being wiped down every half an hour or…

A & Dubs Opens For Summer in West Duluth After COVID Delay

Customers excited to eat outside the neighborhood favorite again.

DULUTH, Minn.- A & Dubs, the drive in burger spot in West Duluth, opened to a parking lot full of excited customers Monday. A & Dubs normally opens the day after Mother’s Day but they delayed resuming business due to the Coronavirus. Customers said they were anxious to get back to the neighborhood staple they grew up with. “It’s just…

Bailey Builds Allows Customers to Shop from their Cars

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

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…

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.

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…

CHUM Food Shelf Offering To-Go Meal Boxes

The food shelf was helped by a big donation from the Rosary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM Food Shelf at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Duluth is not letting the Coronavirus stop them from getting food to those in need. The food shelf is offering 20 to-go box meals everyday from 11-1:45 out of the West alley door. CHUM also received a large donation from the Holy Rosary School of 351 pints of…

West Duluth Businesses Get Holiday Boost with Winter West Market

Last year businesses saw doubled sales.

DULUTH, Minn.- The business community in West Duluth got into the holiday spirit for the first day of the second annual Winter West Market. 11 businesses participated in this year’s event. They offered special discounts as well as hot chocolate and cider. Bailey Builds on Grand Avenue saw 50 people come through their store Saturday morning. Last year all businesses…

Northlanders Pack Grocery Stores Ahead of Thanksgiving

The snowstorm didn't stop Northlanders from getting their last minute groceries for their Thanksgiving feasts

DULUTH, Minn.- The snowstorm didn’t stop Northlanders from getting their last minute groceries for their Thanksgiving feasts Thursday. The Super One on Central Avenue in Duluth saw hundreds scatter through the isles picking up their last second ingredients to complete their meals. The manager of Super One says a lot of preparation goes into making these days go as smooth…

Phase One of Lake Superior Zoo’s New Bear Country Exhibit Almost Complete

CEO Erik Simonson Says Phase One of Bear Country Should be Complete in Roughly Eight Weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – The new Bear Country Exhibit at the Lake Superior Zoo has been years in the making. Construction crews are currently on site, work is being completed as quickly as possible, and four of the zoo’s new animals have arrived. “Essentially, we have become the parents to our two new bears,” said Dave Thompson, Director of Animal Management…

Teen injured in West Duluth Shooting

17-year-old tranported to hospital with non-life threatening injury.

  DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday in reference to a shooting, Duluth Police responded to the area of 67th Avenue West and Sherburne Street. According to authorities it was reported a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The injury is non-life threatening. Police believe there is no risk to the…

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…

Two Theaters, One Stone: Historic Auditoriums Brought Back to Life in West Duluth

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The West Theater was an art deco movie palace when it was originally built in 1937.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s not your average movie theater, it has a lot of history! The West Theater is one of two historic theaters making a comeback in the Northland. “I said I would only be interested if I could turn it back into a theater,” Bob Boone said. This was the promise Boone made to the last owner of his…

Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Season Kicks Off

After delay due to mechanical issues, train leaves for first trip from West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad took its first trip of the year out of West Duluth Saturday. The train normally starts in June but due to some mechanical issues and rideaway issues with high water on the St. Louis River, the first departure was pushed back. The Railroad runs along the river to the St. Louis River…

Residents Rid Central Hillside of Needles and Trash

Natives Against Heroin and other groups pickup trash.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow melts, it’s revealing some of the effects of the opioid crisis we don’t always see during the winter. Discarded needles. So residents decided to do something about it. The group is called Natives Against Heroin, and a couple dozen people came out to help clean up trash and needles. They don’t want to see anyone…

Shredding into Spring with Urban Snowboarding and Skateboarding

Duluth thrillseekers make extreme fun out of the remaining snow

DULUTH, Minn.- Winter has now officially ended, but some Northlanders know how to make it last. Hills like Spirit Mountain or Chester Bowl are always a good time in winter. But these gnarly rippers get together, and get innovative to shred some powder closer to home, in the beginning of Spring. To your left, a skateboard seems to float off the…

Despite Cold, West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens

Walk-up, drive-thru store opens beginning of March.

DULUTH, Minn.- And out of the mounds of snow, DQ rises. This chillier start to March hasn’t stopped the Walk-Up/Drive-Thru Dairy Queen in West Duluth from opening. Just like years past, they opened during the first week of March. They say the cold and blizzards haven’t stopped people from getting blizzards. “The employees are so excited to come back,” said owner,…

Rummage Sale Has Audio Equipment and More

Sound Central in West Duluth holds rummage sale

DULUTH, Minn.- Sound Central Production Services on 59th Avenue West in West Duluth held a different kind of rummage sale on Sunday. They sold some of their newer, gently used and older items, and not just audio and production equipment. “There’s tires here,” said Tim Vener, Install Lead Technician for Sound Central. “Yeah, there’s some industrial equipment over there, a…

West Duluth Business Owner is Happy Snow Mounds Are Now Gone

"We're here too in West Duluth."

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses in West Duluth are finally happy the five foot snow banks hiding their store fronts are now gone after Duluth snow crews cleared them away. One local business owner has many reason to be happy the mounds are no longer there. “We’re here too in West Duluth,” said owner of West Duluth Sewing and Design Janette Dederling….

West Duluth Waits for City to Clear Snow Piles, More Snow Comes

Piles reaching 5 feet still obstruct businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- While the weather was pretty quiet in the Northland on Monday, recent storms still left large mounds of snow in areas around the city. One place where they’re especially high is West Duluth. While the city has promised to get to those piles this week, more snow on the way could change that. Ahead of their big Winter in…

West Duluth’s Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Shop

Two Loons Gallery and Boutique Showcases Local Artist for V-Day

DULUTH, Minn.- With Valentine’s Day coming up, Two Loons Gallery and Boutique in West Duluth set up a hot-spot for anyone still looking for a gift. They hosted their Valentine’s Artisan Pop–Up. 20 of the gallery’s artists shared their Valentine’s Day inspired works, to help spread the love, and local art. “I’m hoping to give a lot more exposure to…

Snowmobile Sales are Up During This Winter Season

The store has sold about 150 sleds.

DULUTH, Minn. – The cold snap is over for the moment, but tons of snow is still around for snowmobile riders to enjoy some fun. Today we stopped by Duluth Lawn and sport to see how sales are going. So far, the store has sold about 150 sleds, which is an improvement from last year’s sales. Duluth Lawn and Sport…

As Warming Center Opens, Concerns Arise

Homeless Persons Bill of Rights Coalition Writes Letter to City

DULUTH, Minn.-  Thursday night marked not only the beginning of extreme cold, but the opening of a new warming center in Duluth. Five people occupied warming center on the 5800 Block of Grand Avenue in West Duluth on Thursday. While the city and the Homeless Persons Bill of Rights coalition, or HPBR, both consider that a victory, HPBR wants to…

Winter West Market Showcases West Duluth Small Businesses

Shoppers Encouraged to Shop Local

DULUTH, Minn.- West Duluth was the place to be for holiday shoppers as small businesses put out some deals, to help keep money flowing through the community. Normally when one thinks of a market, they think of an open air collection of vendors in one spot. But the Winter West Market is a little different. “There are I think 8–10 vendors…

Inaugural Winter West Market Happening This Weekend in Duluth

Joy Herbert, Owner of Little Neetchers in West Duluth, Has Wanted to Organize the Winter West Market for Years; Now it's Becoming a Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – Joy Herbert, owner of Little Neetchers in West Duluth, has recognized that over the past few years, West Duluth has lacked a connected feeling among it’s businesses. Herbert now hopes the inaugural Winter West Market will help connect businesses in the Duluth neighborhood. Winter West Market will bring together 12 businesses that are all within walking distance of each…

New Store Brings Thrifty Prices to Lincoln Park

Thrifty Bowtique Opens in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- At the height of the holiday season, most stores and businesses look to make as much cash from their community as they can. But one thrift store is doing what it can to give back to the community. “The people love coming here, and they say I’m very chipper, and, y’know, nice.” The chipper owner, Bobbie Shevchuk, isn’t…

Small Business Booms After Small Business Saturday

Art in the Alley Among Stores Reporting Increase in Sales

DULUTH, Minn.- Shoppers across the country are fresh off a two-day shopping spree of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. More than 30 small businesses in Duluth participated on Saturday. Businesses like Art in the Alley, on East Superior Street. The store is known for its locally made Jewelry, clothing, accessories and other items. “It was gangbusters,” said Downtown Manager,…

West Duluth Dollar Tree Burglarized

Store Broken Into Sunday Morning

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth police are investigating after a business in West Duluth was burglarized. The crime happened around 8:30 Sunday morning at the Dollar Tree on Central Avenue. According to police, one or more burglars broke windows to gain access to the building. Police say roughly $5,000 worth of items was stolen. No arrests had been made as of late…

Rituals and Revelries at Rendezvous

Lester Park Rendezvous a Time Machine to the Fur Trade

WEST DULUTH, Minn.- “This man, he asked the chief one day: how are you, my friend? The chief said: my brother–friend, it’s like I have 2 wolves inside of me,” begins a storyteller. “The black one representing everything that I shouldn’t think, feel, do, desire. The white one representing everything that I should.” “The man asked him he said: my…

Tweet Along to Ride Along with Minnesota Police

State's First Virtual Ride Along Takes Place

WEST DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota took ride alongs to a different level Friday, as anyone who wished to accompany officers could do so, via Twitter. The idea started at the West Duluth Police Department, but agencies participated from Ely to New Ulm, and many in between, using the #MNCopsVRA. Officers say it’s the perfect way to shed light on police activity, which…

Raleigh Academy Block Party Moved Fun Indoors

Annual Block Party Held in Celebration of National Award

DULUTH, Minn.- West Duluth kids were having a blast at Duluth Edison Raleigh Academy on Thursday. The Academy hosted their annual block party, and the rain didn’t stop ’em, as they moved the party inside the school. It was all run by teachers, volunteering their extra time outside of the school day. But they say it’s all worth it to…

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…

Duluth VFW Welcomes Home 148th Fighter Wing Members

Servicemen and women recently returned from Southwest Asia

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the 148th fighter wing were welcomed back to the area at the VFW in West Duluth. The servicemen and women were deployed in Southwest Asia and returned last month. The VFW gathering was the first time some of the airmen had seen their family and friends since returning. They say it’s good to know an…

Suspect Charged In Life-Threatening Assault Over Cigarette

Duluth, Minn.- What started as a dispute over a simple cigarette has ended in life-changing consequences for the suspect, and an uncertain recovery for the victim. 22-year-old Chazz Joseph Smith of Duluth has been charged with first-degree assault in St. Louis County Court. The criminal complaint states Smith and the 27 year-old victim had a verbal dispute over a cigarette….

Spirit Valley Days Parade Paints the Pavement

39th Annual Spirit Valley Days Continues

West Duluth, Minn- Spirit Valley Days continued with the Annual Parade down Central Avenue. The parade has been going on since 1979. Politicians, schools, and organizations all got to soak in the cheers going down Central Avenue The parade even featured some local royalty. “It’s just like the sense of community,” said Rachel Skwira-Brown, crowned Miss West Duluth this year. “And…

Jury Deliberating in Bedrock Bar Murder Trial

The judge ordered the jury, in this case, to be sequestered or isolated from the public after closing arguments on Wednesday, this point we are still waiting for a verdict.

DULUTH, Minn.- The jury is now deliberating the case of a Duluth man accused in a fatal shooting outside of the Bedrock Bar in West Duluth. 44–year old Aaron Demetrius Humphreys is charged in the second–degree murder of 47–year–old Eric Wayne Burns at the Bedrock Bar in West Duluth back in October 2016. A mistrial was declared twice before Humphreys third…

How to Celebrate Your Locally Owned Bookstore

National Independent Bookstore Day is the last Saturday of April.

DULUTH, Minn.- Communities across the nation are celebrating independent bookstores. Independent Bookstore Day is a chance for locally owned bookstores to through a party showing the community what makes their store unique. Every locally owned bookstore is filled with its own charm. The Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth wants everyone to feel welcome. The shelves are stacked full of the…

Dairy Queen Opening Day of the Season

Is spring in the air?

DULUTH, Minn.- The only blizzard dealt with on Thursday in Duluth was from ‘s first opening day of the season. Ice cream lovers say stopping by on the opening day is sweet treat. The drive thru Dairy Queen in West Duluth is open for business for the rest of the season. “With the drive thru people will just persevere,” owner Chuck…

Group Focuses on Bridging Gap Between East and West Duluth

Soup & Civility: Bridging Duluth's West-East Divide

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, some Duluthians will be working together to bring unity to the city. It’s all part of Speak Your Peace: The Civility Project. On October 18, from 5:45-7:45 p.m., the group will be addressing ways to bridge the gap between East and West Duluth. This will be a workshop to talk about issues and voice concerns…

Cleanup Begins at West Duluth Housing Complex

The Building's Roof on West Third Street in Duluth Collapsed June 5

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction work started Friday afternoon at a West Duluth housing complex just weeks after the roof collapsed, displacing residents. The Red Cross responded to the building on West Third Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood during the morning of June 5. Authorities say the building was vacant at the time of the incident. A neighboring building was…