Community

St. Louis County Celebrates Achievements in Public Health

  DULUTH, Minn — Four individuals were recognized for their work in public health by St. Louis County today. Dr. Jan Baldwin, Christina Trok, Mel Alvar, and Nathan Kesti were each given a Public Health Achievement Award. Each has shown leadership and commitment as they worked to address a variety of public health concerns. Those include perinatal substance use, birth…

One Man Behind Bars After Making Threats of Violence to Ex-Wife & Kids

SUPERIOR, Wis. — One suspect is in custody after making threatening statements to his ex-wife and kids in Superior. The Superior Police Department received a call on Monday, April 14, right after 8:30 p.m. from a woman worried about the safety of herself and her kids. The woman told officers that her ex-husband was calling and texting her making threatening…

DPD Asking for Public Assistance in Identifying Shoplifting Suspect

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying an individual who shoplifted from JC Penny last week. This event happened last Tuesday, April 8. The shoplifting suspect is described as a white female with red hair wearing a black vest, blue sweatshirt, and black leggings. The DPD is encouraging the public to call 911…

Community Comes Together for Local Coach & Gymnasts Battling Breast Cancer

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The community of Grand Rapids is coming together to build a community garden for a beloved gym coach battling terminal breast cancer. Andrea Hassel started the Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy over 20 years ago. She helped many gymnasts grow and develop into competitive college athletes. The community is hoping to fundraise $35,000 for a memorial garden…

Wrenshall School District Closes 5th Grade Enrollment

WRENSHALL, Minn. — Wrenshall Public School District closes enrollment for their 5th grade class for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The school district has seen a rise in student enrollment in recent years. This school year, the district had to split up their kindergarten and 4th grade students into two separate classrooms. The Wrenshall Board of Education and teachers collaborated…

CSS Students Showcase New Innovations in Trade Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from the College of St. Scholastica held a trade show to showcase new inventions that students have been working on during the semester. Students from the college’s new product development and the integrated marketing communication courses team up for the trade show. The students were tasked to develop a plan and practice their sales-pitch it to…

St. Louis County Legacy Dump Damage Reversal Project in the Works

CANYON, Minn.– Around 250 closed dump and landfill sites across St. louis County is being addressed with a proposed project. These sites are unlined and ultimately contaminating ground water. To try and solve this, there’s a multi-million-dollar plan to help reverse the centuries-long damage at those sites. The project is called the “St. Louis County Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus.”…

Rhubarb Festival Moving To New Location

Chum’s 20th annual Rhubarb Festival is moving to a new location. After several years at First Lutheran Church and Holy Rosary School. it will be moving to at Asbury United Methodist Church. It’s located at 6822 Grand Avenue near the Lake Superior Zoo. The fest will take place Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In a news release Chum’s…

Egg-Splosion Event Held in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — With Easter right around the corner, the 10th annual Egg-Splosion event was held in Lincoln Park. Northern Expressions Arts Collective hosted Egg-Splosion at the Harrison Community Center on Saturday. The Easter event welcomed community members to have fun with games and crafts. With the rising price of eggs, this year the event was budget friendly as wooden…

True North Goodwill Saw Packed Grand Opening for New Hermantown Location

  HERMANTOWN, Minn. — True North Goodwill held a packed grand opening for their new Hermantown location . It was packed grand opening today for new Hermantown flagship location after construction for the store took 8 months. The 8000 square foot store front offers a wide selection of household items, clothes, books, toys at competitive prices. The new store was…

Wisconsin and Minnesota Spring Turkey Season Nears

  MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN — Spring turkey season is approaching fast, with both Wisconsin and Minnesota seasons starting on April 16. Historically, it would have been odd to see a turkey this far north in Minnesota as they’re usually more accustomed to agricultural land in the southern side of the state. With the uprise in turkeys in the north, the spring and…

National Weather Service & St. Louis County Work Closely Together

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — The National Weather Service (NWS) and St. Louis County work hand-in-hand together to give better response to severe weather events. The two agencies have a long history of working together. Last year, the NWS Duluth office received the second highest number of weather support requests for Search and Rescue Operations out of any NWS…

Governor Walz Visits Duluth to Address Numerous Infrastructure Projects

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited Duluth today to address two different infrastructure projects. The first stop was for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Sofidel paper plant in Duluth. The company announced a 200-million-dollar expansion for the facility. With this expansion it will allow the facility to not only produce and package products but ship them out under the…

Lack of Federal Funds Effects Spongy Moth Treatment

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — Federal funding delays is impacting the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and their response to limiting the spread of spongy moths. Spongy Moths are an destructive invasive species in our area that threaten our area’s forest. The MDA uses federal funding for their Btk (Bacilius thuringiensis var. kurstaki) treatment which slows the spread of spongy moth caterpillars in…

Superior Fire Department Holds Swearing In & Awards Ceremony

SUPERIOR, Wis.– There were lots to celebrate and recognize today at the Superior Fire Department for the swearing in and awards ceremony. The Superior Fire Hall welcomed friends and family to celebrate accomplishments from their loved ones. The ceremony swore in four new firefighters to join the Superior Fire Department team. It also acknowledged promotions to the Captain, Assistant Fire…

Miner’s Inc. Presented $23,000 Check to Habitat for Humanity

DULUTH, Minn. — The Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity (WLSHFH) getting a big check, on Wednesday, thanks to customers at SuperOne Foods. During the month of March, over 34,000 people from SuperOne stores in Duluth and the surrounding area donated at the register. Now, over $23,000 will go towards the non-profit’s mission to build and finance new homes for…

Tornado Siren Tests Part of Severe Weather Week

MINNESOTA — With severe weather awareness week happening through Friday you may hear some warning sirens around 1:45 p.m. today. Participating counties and townships were asked to test their outdoor tornado sirens for Tornado Drill Day. The sirens are being tested twice, on Thursday, in the afternoon at 1:45 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m. Schools and the public are…

Duluth Depot Foundation Announces New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Depot Foundation announced a change in leadership with Jason Young being promoted as the executive director. Young started working at the Depot Foundation in March of 2023 as their development director. In the last two years, Young changed the Depot from a private foundation to a public charity. Young also had a history of working…

Tara Swenson Announced Reelection for Duluth City Council District 4 Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Tara Swenson announced bid for re-election for the Duluth City Council District 4 Seat back in March. Swenson tells FOX 21 that she would focus on ensuring residents and visitors feels safe, by supporting first responders. Continuing to invest in infrastructure is another goal, citing her work with turning West Skyline near Enger Park into a one…

Terese Tomanek Announces Reelection Plans for Duluth City Council at Large Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday, Duluth City Councilor at Large, Terese Tomanek, is seeking reelection this fall. The announcement coming at a press conference today at Duluth City Hall. There, Tomanek reflected on her efforts leading up to her current position. More specifically, her work involving the COVID-19 pandemic, as following her recognition for a Public Health Achievement Award. Tomanek also…

‘Library Passport Program’ Returns to Northern Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More than 30 Libraries across Wisconsin are partnering up again in a special challenge to promote each other. It’s called the ‘Northern Waters Library passport program.’ The goal is to encourage people to visit as many northern Wisconsin libraries as possible this summer. At each location, library-goers will receive a stamp. Once a person reaches ten locations,…

Students Learn Life Saving Skills at Red Cross Day

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — It’s Red Cross Day once again at the University of Wisconsin Superior! This event happens each semester. Students get a chance to learn hands-only CPR. What’s new is students could also learn to administer Narcan. This training gives people a chance to save lives. “It’s important for healthcare workers like Josh and myself as nursing students to…

Knowing Your Neighbor: ‘Kindred Heart’ Introduces Unique Community Outlet

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Tower Avenue in Superior is filled with traffic. And after listening around, one can quickly become overwhelmed with the sounds of everyday life. But since Kindred Heart has opened it’s doors, customers are able to hone in on a peaceful, quiet, and calm atmosphere. “I do astrology, tarot and chakra work. I’m a registered holistic therapist. But…

HDC Clinic Introduces ‘Queer Community Connections’

DULUTH, Minn. — The Human Development Center Clinic in Downtown Duluth is giving Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary members a space to connect. For three months now, HDC has been providing a weekly meeting to get queer clients together. The closed group is giving clients the chance to get back into the community, and hear each other’s stories and experiences. ‘Queer…

Duluth Fire Department Promotes Severe Weather Awareness for Spring

DULUTH, Minn. — This week, the Duluth Fire Department is educating the public for severe weather awareness week. Twice a year Homeland Security and Emergency Management collaborates with the National Weather Service to sponsor severe weather awareness weeks in Minnesota. With spring starting out on an unseasonal note, the DFD is informing the public on what to do during severe…

Superior Public Library Recognizes ‘National Library Week’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Public Library has branded itself as a welcoming communal space for hundreds of years and for National Library Week, the centuries long commitment has a spotlight. The gathering today featured numerous speakers recognizing the impact the library has brought since 1888. With the world of digital media, the Superior Public Library is still standing as…

Man Arrested After Duluth Apartment Building Burglaries, Firearm Discharges

DULUTH, Minn. — A burglar created quite the scare early Monday morning in a downtown Duluth apartment building that involved a firearm being discharged. The call for help came in around 12:30 a.m. at the Zenith Apartments on the 200 block of North 1st Avenue East, which is the former home to the Duluth Central High School. The caller said…

Students Protest Against UMD Cuts to Deaf Studies Minor

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD officials say the goal of removing the Deaf Studies Minor is all about restructuring curriculum with the potential of developing an ASL minor in the future. The Deaf Studies Minor has offered student the chance to learn ASL while gaining cultural knowledge while gaining cultural knowledge to work with or communicate effectively with deaf or hard…

Two Residences Displaced After Fire on Piedmont Avenue

DULUTH, Minn. — A fire on Duluth’s Piedmont Ave. displaced two residents on Sunday night. The Duluth Fire Department responded to the call around 8:59 p.m. Sunday night. Upon arrival, fire crews arrived to find a visible smoke coming from the second floor of a commercial space with an  apartment above it. The tenants in the apartment safely self-evacuated with…

“Hands Off” Protests Take Place Across Northland

NORTHLAND – A number of Northland communities were part of the hundreds across the United States taking part in the “Hands Off” protests Saturday. The largest was likely in Duluth.  Organizers say over 2,500 people gathered outside Duluth City Hall to protest the actions taken by the Trump administration to reduce the federal government through the ending of grants, programs,…

2025 AMSOIL Championship Snocross Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Engines are revving at Spirit Mountain this weekend, as the highly anticipated Amsoil Snocross Tournament began today. Spirit Mountain has welcomed snowmobile racers from around the globe for three decades now. But this year, instead of having the race in November, they’re ending the biggest snocross event in the world this weekend. Nearly 700 racers of all ages…

‘Heyday Home Solutions’ Holding ‘Roof of Hope’ Replacement Contest

DULUTH, Minn.– A local roofing company is gearing up to help out a family in need with a brand-new roof replacement. After being in business for several years, the Twin Ports based roofing company is excited to give back to the community. ‘Heyday Home Solutions’ is giving away a free roof repair for one family in need. The company has…

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kicks Off

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The month of April symbolizes Sexual Assault Awareness month. It was recognized today through stories shared by the Superior community. The press conference at the Government Building gave community members the opportunity to bring their stories to light. Professors, Mayor Jim Paine and representatives at CASDA shared their outlook as to why it’s important to stay informed. Being…

Two Northland Chefs Compete for Colossal’s Favorite Chef

NORTHLAND — Two Chefs from the Northland are competing against dozens of other chefs in their groups for a chance to win $25,000 and to be considered ‘Taste of Home’ magazine’s Colossal’s favorite chef with a chance to cook alongside Chef Carla Hall. Mama T’s Smokin’ Eats and Johnny B’s Food Truck are both competing to bring home the bacon…

Virginia Essentia Health Announces Emergency Department Expansion

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Essentia Health has announced a 14-million-dollar expansion and renovation of its emergency room in Virginia. Right now, the emergency department has seven rooms to care for patients. But when all is completed within the next year, the facility will double to 14 rooms. The Virginia hospital has been operating for more than a decade. Officials say it’s all…

Zenith Digital Marketing Conference Coming To Duluth April 10

DULUTH, Minn. — A big digital marketing conference is on its way to Duluth next week with experts from around the world sharing their knowledge. The 12th annual Zenith Digital Marketing Conference is happening April 10. It’s put on by Duluth marketing agency AIMCLEAR and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is full of the best marketing minds…

DECC Seawall Reconstruction Nearly Done

  DULUTH, Minn. — The DECC Seawall reconstruction is getting close to completion! The 18-million-dollar project is on its final steps. This project aimed to make the seawall more stable and better able to accommodate the large cruise ships. Some of the visions for the seawall plaza behind the DECC include an outdoor concert space, more ‘winter village’ style events…

Ashland School District Passes Referendum, Maintaining Current Programs

ASHLAND, Wis. — After a failed vote in November, the Ashland School District approved of a referendum which looks to increase funding by $10 million over the next 5 years avoiding looming staff cuts. According to the school district’s superintendent, Rob Prater, the referendum passed unofficially. The referendum will give the school district $2 million per year until the 2030-31…

Bemidji Man Sentenced to Over 21 in Prison for Child Sex Abuse Charges

BEMIDJI, Minn. — On Tuesday, a Bemidji man was sentenced to over 21 years in prison after advertising and distributing child sexual abuse images on the dark web. According to court documents and evidence presented in trail, Craig James Myran, age 47 of Bemidji, used an account on the dark web to distribute over one-thousand images of child sexual abuse…

‘Duluth Failed Poets Society’ Club Launches First Anthology Book

DULUTH, Minn.– A local writing club with the name ‘Duluth Failed Poets Society’, is currently celebrating quite the success. Since December, the group of around 70 writers collaborated on the book ‘Murder your Darlings’. It features a set of 33 works ranging from short stories, poetry, as well as art and illustrations. The Duluth Failed Poets Society meets every Monday…

Duluth Antique Marketplace Expands to Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.– The popular Duluth Antique Marketplace recently expanded to Cloquet, and today the community celebrated its opening day! After opening their first location in Duluth 8 years ago, the owner has been hoping to expand. The expansion only took a short two months. Owner Joanne Leland telling us, customers eagerly waited in their cars this morning before the doors…

Chum Hopes to Reach March Food Drive Goal

DULUTH, Minn. — With less than a week left, Chum is looking to meet its goal for Minnesota’s March FoodShare Campaign. Chum is around halfway to its goal of filling the food shelf with 40,000lbs of non-perishable food items, as well as raising an additional $80,000 to purchase additional food. The March FoodShare is Chum’s biggest food drive of the…