Community

Vigil Honors 66 Homeless and Advocates Who’ve Passed in 2024

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeless advocates and community members gathered to remember those who have passed away this year. The annual “Homeless Memorial Vigil” is held to celebrate the memories of people who have struggled with housing; and advocates who have fought to increase housing accessibility. Overdose deaths among the homeless population fell this year, according to advocates, but the struggle…

KYN: “Chicken and Whaat?!” Opens Up Shop

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite this restaurant’s name being a big question there’s no doubt about it, “Chicken and Whaaat?!” is attracting chicken lovers in West Duluth. “My wife has been eagerly anticipating the opening here for a long time so yeah, we had it on the calendar,” said customer Jack Beahler. What used to be Charley’s Cheesesteaks on North Central Ave,…

DECC Dir.: Managing Bayfront Again Ensures Non-Competing Events Among All DECC Venues

DULUTH, Minn. – DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman is pleased management at Bayfront Festival Park is coming back under the DECC’s control in a new five-year contract agreement beginning in January 2025. The council approved the RFP process Monday night lead by city staff who chose the DECC as Bayfront’s next manager. The contract is worth around $443,000 over five…

Mayor’s First Budget Goes to Council for Vote

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

CITY HALL – Mayor Roger Reinert’s first budget is up for a vote at the last city council meeting of the year. Mayor Reinert making an appearance at the final city council meeting of 2024, as the council considers his budget proposal. The 2025 budget is the first budget the mayor’s created since assuming office. Before Monday’s meeting, Mayor Reinert…

Mayor Wants ‘Visit Duluth’ Back In Control Of Tourism Marketing After Arizona Firm

DULUTH, Minn. – As the city of Duluth gets ready to welcome in its new tourism marketing agency, Madden Media of Arizona, for the next two years, Mayor Roger Reinert told FOX 21 Monday that the goal during this new contract is to build Visit Duluth back up to a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that will once again handle all…

Sen. Hauschild Asks President To Rescind Clemency Of Former Duluth Headshop Owner Jim Carlson

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) is calling on President Joe Biden to rescind his clemency ruling for former Last Place On Earth owner Jim Carlson. Carlson is among roughly 1,500 people whose sentences have been commuted by Biden — people who were “serving sentences in home confinement during the pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their…

Superior High School Students Create and Sell Christmas Wreaths

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior High School Northland Academy students are getting into the holiday spirit by crafting and selling wreaths. For the past 8 years, the Northland Program has been teaching kids all of the steps to creating wreaths. From mapping out a harvesting plan in spring, to putting the wreaths and swag together in the winter. The goal is to…

Essentia Health Strike at Standstill

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

DEER RIVER, Minn. – As workers strike for better pay, Essentia Health says some patient services may be suspended at their Deer River location. Workers with the Service Employees International Union held a picket line Friday, as their open-ended strike for wage increases drags on. Those who braved the cold claimed the wages at the Deer River facilities, are lower…

Truckers for Tots

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A toy drive aims to bring a truckload of toys for the local Salvation Army. Truckers for Tots has been partnering with the Toys for Tots Organization for years, working to fill truck trailers with toys for those in need. This year has seen drives hosted at four Wisconsin locations, and tonight, at the Hermantown Fleet Farm….

Photographers Capture the Deep Freeze

DULUTH, Minn.– The severe cold isn’t stopping photographers to emerge from the thick fog on the lake, just to get that perfect shot. Typically, in the summer, you can find people crowding around the harbor waiting for boats to come in. The boat enthusiasts aren’t letting the cold stop them. Some of the dedicated photographers, coming from out of state, and…

Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Products

DULUTH, Minn. – Young entrepreneurs bring their products public, at a showcase in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood. The Family Freedom Center hosted an event Monday, to allow local kids a chance to showcase their self-made products. Their families, friends, and the public could purchase hand-made jewelry, cosmetics, smoothies, sweet treats and more. Located at the Washington Center in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood,…

AFSCME Local 66 Takes Duluth Mayor To Task Over Contract Offer

DULUTH, Minn.– Following a vote Tuesday, AFSCME Local 66 overwhelmingly authorized a strike as early as mid-January if the city of Duluth does not come back with an offer that they feel is fair and equitable. Union members held a press conference Wednesday to voice their frustrations, calling the city’s latest offer “insulting, inadequate, and unacceptable.” “We are being asked…

City Of Duluth’s Largest Employee Union Authorizes Strike Mid-January If Needed

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 66, voted Tuesday to authorize a strike, demanded “fair wages and dignity” and called on Mayor Roger Reinert to fix it. AFSCME called the city’s next contract offer “insulting, inadequate and unacceptable,” according to a news release. The union said the police and fire departments got 8% market…

Former Central HS Site to become $500 Million Housing Development

The groundbreaking of 'Incline Village' comes 13 years after the school's controversial closure, and a period of vacancy

DULUTH, Minn. – After sitting largely dormant for years, the wheels have begun turning on a development plan for the former Central High School site. Incline Village’s groundbreaking, today, at the former site of Central High School marks the beginning of the second-largest private development in the city’s history. Developers and city officials gathered at the site today to mark…

Sax Zim Bog Draws in Diverse Crowd

MEADOWLANDS, Minn.– When the temps drop in northern Minnesota, most of the time, you can expect people to stay inside where it’s nice and warm. But the bog is a different story, as it draws quite the crowd during the winter months. “It’s really fun, and we definitely get a lot of global attention from folks coming in. Last year,…

KYN: Cloquet Writer Embarks on a 6 Month Journey

DULUTH, Minn.– An ambition to travel the world, is something Cloquet writer Jess Waldbillig has felt for years. And just recently, she finally made it happen. “I think like a lot of people who got into the van life thing, I became kind of obsessed with it during college and during quarantine. And so, I like followed a ton of…

City Council Approves $3.6 Million Tourism Marketing Contract to Arizona Firm

Expressing uniform frustration with the selection process and lack of information, councilors still vote 8-1 to approve the multi-million-dollar contract

CITY HALL – Duluth City Councilors approve a $3.6 million tourism marketing contract to Arizona-based Madden Media, in an 8 to 1 vote at Monday’s meeting. Councilors made it known that they felt their “hands are tied” before voting on Duluth’s 2-year tourism marketing contract. Arizona-based Madden Media was the winner of the city’s request for proposal process earlier this…

‘Trains and Toddlers’ Program Returns to Lake Superior Railroad Museum

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is bringing back its ‘trains and toddlers’ program after it was derailed by COVID. The program at the Depot is all about getting youngsters up close and person with all types of trains. The fun begins with story time in the Zelda Theater followed by arts and crafts. Organizers say it’s a perfect…

Duluth Angel Of Hope Vigil Helps Parents Of Deceased Children Grieve

DULUTH, Minn. – Parents who have lost children gathered together by candle light in Duluth Friday evening. Duluth’s Angel of Hope statue in Leif Erickson Park is one of more than 100 identical statues that echo back to a book called “The Christmas Box.” In the book, an elderly woman visits her young daughter’s grave, adorned with an Angel Statue….

Volunteers Prepare for Hmong New Year Celebration

  DULUTH, Minn.– The annual Hmong New Year is right around the corner and volunteers are rolling out 800 egg rolls and purple rice for this celebration. Every year, the Northland has the opportunity to experience the Hmong New Year celebration. The event is described as a reunion, regulars will often return every year to experience the gathering. The Hmong…

Finishing Touches on the 8th Annual Winter Village at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the DECC, as they prepare for their 8th annual winter village weekend. Taking inspiration from European winter villages the DECC is excited to bring this back for another year. This year, they’re introducing their tinsel tavern, where you can immerse yourself in a Christmas wonderland. In addition, they’re featuring…

New $16.5M Snowmaking Operation At Giants Ridge

BIWABIK, Minn. — 74 new automated snow machines are now operating at Giants Ridge in Biwabik as part of a $16.5-million dollar investment there. A small ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, to celebrate. The new snow-making system is weather controlled turning on and off automatically for optimal snow production based on optimal air conditions. The 74 new snow…

Councilors’ Hands Tied in Tourism Agency Decision

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite an angry public, councilors will need to certify the city’s decision of tourism marketing firm or possibly face legal repercussions. At tonight’s committee of the whole meeting, council members heard from representatives of Madden Media, the Tuscon-based firm that is likely to secure the city’s tourism marketing contract. Madden Media came out on top of about…

Head of the Lakes United Way’s Winter Day of Caring

SUPERIOR Wis.– On Wednesday, hundreds of volunteers helped at 15 nonprofits across the Northland. To help celebrate Head of the Lakes United Ways Winter Day of Caring. One of those places is the Superior Douglas County YMCA. Volunteers were tasked with writing over 100 thank you letters to members of the YMCA, that helps things run smoothly. The fitness center…

Holiday Light Display Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn.– According to the National Fire Protection Association, December is the leading month of house fires. And the Duluth Fire Marshal is urging homeowners to decorate with caution. Whether you’re stringing lights outside, or putting up the tree, remembering fire safety is crucial. Preventing these fires is all about making sure your displays are not outdated and set up…

CHUM in Need of Winter Clothes

DULUTH, Minn.– The temps are getting cooler and organizations like CHUM needs help keeping families who use their shelter stay warm. With winter on the brink, more and more people are accessing the shelter. And with that, the demand for winter clothes is going up. CHUM specifically needs gloves to help avoid frost bite. Another thing they’re looking for, is…

Kmart Lot Still at Top of Spirit Valley Concerns

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – A meeting meant to generate ideas from the public, becomes joint calls to address vacant Kmart lot. The Spirt Valley Core Investment Plan held its first community meeting at City Center West Tuesday evening. City planners hoped that small group activities amongst residents would generate ideas and feedback, as to what those living in the area would…

‘Tinsel Tavern’ to Shine at Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — This year’s Duluth Winter Village at the DECC is expanding to include a Tinsel Tavern. The tavern includes 1,000 feet of tinsel, 600 feet of wrapping paper and 36 strings of lights.  As for the tavern, Vikre Distillery will be creating holiday cocktails and mocktails, like a Gingerbread Old Fashion. The Winter Village is Saturday and Sunday…

4th Annual Holiday Decor Sale at Boulder Lake ELC

DULUTH, Minn.– Boulder Lake is also taking advantage of holiday sales by using materials on their property. For 4 years now, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center has sold homemade wreathes, porch pots, and even kits to make your very own wreath. This is the largest fundraiser for that Boulder Lake hosts every year. They use freshly harvested material to create…

Family Trying to Rebuild After Suspected Arsons Destroy Everything

A GoFundMe page has been set up for a family who lost their home in suspected Sawyer County arsons

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local officials continue to investigate a string of suspected arsons that is now up to six, while one family tries to rebuild. Rick and Jean Clark’s home in southwest Sawyer County was one of the first in a string of recent fires in the area, that authorities suspect are the results of arson. Their home,…

19th Annual Gobble Gallop

DULUTH, Minn.– For 19 years Duluth Running Company has put on the Gobble Gallop. And this year, they had quite the turn out! Over 1,700 runners took on the annual Thanksgiving run. This is the largest turn out they’ve had since 2019. The younger runners participated in the Gobble Giddy up kids run, There was also the Tough Turkey 1…

Bong Center Gives Thanks for Veterans

With crowds growing over the years, the meal continues to bring servicemembers together

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -The Bong Historical Center gives thanks to veterans with a 7th year of Thanksgiving meals. From 30 to a few hundred; the Richard I Bong Center in Superior has grown their annual Thanksgiving meal with each year. With more attendees, the center gained support in feeding the larger crowds from local businesses like the Manitou Inn, and local…

American Red Cross Partners with First Responders on Battle of the Badges Blood Drives

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Red Cross is partnering with first responders to help make a difference for those in need of life-saving blood. It’s called the Battle of the Badges blood drive. It is a 2-day event where Duluth and Superior Police and Fire and the St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Departments will be taking part. It’s all…

The DECC Preps for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.– With Thanksgiving being a day away, volunteers at the DECC is wasting no time with getting their meals squared away. After planning all year, the 1,540 Thanksgiving meals are being boxed up. They have quite the crew helping out this year, even booking out volunteer slots. The DECC has been feeding the Northland for 35 years. “We have…