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Articles by Abigael Smith
St. Scholastica pushes ahead with new student center
DULUTH — The College of St. Scholastica plans to begin construction of a new two-story student center this spring. The Duluth Planning Commission unanimously lined up Tuesday in support of the project. The college intends to build the 17,050-square-foot structure as an addition to Mitchell Auditorium at an anticipated cost of about $17.5 million.
Duluth colleges plan in-person commencement Original
Shinsha Jonnalagadda, right, and her husband, Sravan Jonnalagadda, take a photo during the University of Minnesota Duluth's commencement in May 2018. UMD will return to in-person ceremonies this year after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Kuchera / File / Duluth News Tribune DULUTH — Colleges are transitioning back to in-person graduation ceremonies after hosting modified celebrations for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duluth international student raises awareness about war in her homeland of Ukraine Original
Daria Devko, a 15-year-old international student from Kyiv, Ukraine, smiles in the hallway at Marshall School in Duluth on Tuesday. Devko’s family has fled Kyiv and is seeking refuge in Poland. Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram DULUTH — Fifteen-year-old Daria Devko was on the phone with her parents in Ukraine one morning before her classes at Marshall School started a few weeks ago. Mid-conversation, Daria heard gunshots and bombs.
University of Minnesota proposes new scholarship program for students at regional campuses Original
TWIN CITIES — The University of Minnesota asked the state Legislature for $30 million to fund a new scholarship program, giving Minnesota residents enrolled at U of M regional campuses thousands of dollars each year.
University of Minnesota Duluth ‘co-conspirators’ target racist literature
Meghan Hesterman pulls a children’s book from a shelf in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Kathryn A. Martin Library on Thursday, March 17. Hesterman is active in the efforts of UMD’s Antiracist Literary Advisory Board to reduce racist representations in children's books.
University of Minnesota Duluth psychology students bring neuroscience lab to Cloquet Original
UMD graduate student Ashley Baumann teaches seventh graders about brain development with a model. Abigael Smith / Duluth News Tribune CLOQUET —University of Minnesota Duluth psychology students brought a mobile neuroscience lab to Cloquet Middle School for fun brain activities Friday. The resurgence of UMD’s neuroscience lab after a two-year hiatus brought more than just smiles to the table.
University of Minnesota Duluth to host discussion panel on Ukraine/Russia conflict
UMD's "Spotlight on the Ukraine/Russia Conflict" is on Monday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kathryn A. Martin Library. Contributed / University of Minnesota Duluth DULUTH — The University of Minnesota Duluth will host a panel discussion, “Spotlight on the Ukraine/Russia Conflict,” on Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Kathryn A. Martin Library Rotunda.
Sister of Eveleth native killed in Ukraine speaks out Original
Jimmy Hill seen posing next to a light post during his trip to Ukraine. Contributed / Katya Hill DULUTH — Jimmy Hill, 68, was killed in Ukraine earlier this week by a Russian bomb, not gunned down in a bread line, according to U.S. State Department information passed on by his sister Katya. Katya Hill discussed what she knew about the incident and her brother during a Zoom teleconference on Saturday. Jimmy, an Eveleth native, searched for buses to help people out of Chernihiv in a safe corridor.
Minnesota State approves Iron Range college merger
ST. PAUL — The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities approved a merger of the Northeast Higher Education District into a single institution, Minnesota North College, starting May 23. Hibbing Community College, Itasca Community College, Mesabi Range College, Rainy River College and Vermilion Community College will combine into a single accredited institution composed of six campuses, including two that make up Mesabi Range, according to a news release from Minnesota State.
Northwood tech gets new mascot: 'Blaze the Bear' Original
Blaze the Bear is the newest addition to Northwood Techincal College. The new mascot costume arrived early spring 2022. Contributed / Northwood Technical College RICE LAKE, Wis. — Northwood Technical College announced its new mascot, Blaze the Bear, this week. According to a news release, the bear represents four themes relatable to the student body. The name, Blaze, short for the term trailblazer, is intended to honor student determination and innovation.
University of Minnesota loosens mask requirements
DULUTH — The University of Minnesota announced it will lift some mask requirements for students, faculty and staff effective March 21. In a system-wide email announcement on Friday, university president Joan Gabel announced that masks won't be required at University of Minnesota entertainment or sports events. Masks also won't be required in common areas, university work spaces, dining settings, or at commencement.
Duluth souvenir shop owner sent to prison for tax evasion
DULUTH — Shimon Shaked, 57, former owner of multiple tourist shops in Canal Park, was sentenced Tuesday to 366 days in prison and owes $620,362 in restitution for evading taxes. According to the Minnesota district of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shaked failed to report his business revenue and income to the IRS. I Love Duluth, I Love Duluth 2, Up North-The Good Life and the Lake Life were all stores owned and operated by Shaked between June 2019 and April 2020.
Forsman, Ellison enter race for Minnesota House 8B seat
Arik Forsman, left, and Breanna Ellison DULUTH — Two candidates have jumped into the race to fill the Minnesota House seat, District 7A Rep. Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth, will leave empty when she finishes her fourth term. She announced last week she will not seek reelection. Breanna Ellison and Arik Forsman both launched their campaigns Wednesday morning. Due to redistricting, the new designation of Schultz's seat will be District 8B.
Duluth city councilor to challenge state senator
DULUTH — City Councilor Reneee Van Nett announced early Monday that she’ll challenge Sen. Jen McEwen for the state Senate seat encompassing most of the city. Van Nett will hold a news conference at noon Monday outside Duluth City Hall to make a public announcement. Jen McEwen “Renee believes Duluth priorities are ‘nuts and bolts’ and accomplishes the priorities by building strong relationships,” a campaign news release said Monday.
First Ship contest welcomes shipping season
The Walter J. McCarthy Jr. entering the Duluth ship canal in 2018. Duluth News Tribune file photo DULUTH – Visit Duluth and Duluth Seaway Port Authority will host its 39th First Ship Contest to mark the start of spring in the Northland. The public is invited to submit a guess of the exact time and date the first ship or “saltie” will pass under the Lift Bridge to kick off shipping season. The winner will receive a Duluth getaway package including: One night stay at Pier B Resort Four William A.
DeNucci announces candidacy for new Minnesota Senate District 7 Original
Ben DeNucci Contributed / Ben DeNucci NASHWAUK — Ben DeNucci, former Nashwauk mayor, announced his DFL candidacy for the new Minnesota Senate District 7. The new Senate district includes parts of St. Louis, Itasca and Aitkin counties. “As a member of the business community, I know what I am talking about when it comes to issues like taxes, labor and the resources necessary to support our local economy,” DeNucci said in a news release Thursday.
University of Minnesota Duluth planetarium reopens after 2 years
The University of Minnesota Duluth's Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium will reopen Friday for in-person shows. Contributed / Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium DULUTH — The Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at the University of Minnesota Duluth is reopening Friday after being closed for two years. The immersive planetary experience will return to relatively normal operations with shows on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wednesday shows will be virtual, planetarium director Jessica Rogers said.
The Lake Superior College cyber security team posing together. The team placed third in the Minnesota State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. Contributed / Jeremy Simon DULUTH — Lake Superior College's cyber security team took third at the virtual Minnesota State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition on Feb. 5. This places the team in the Midwest Wildcard qualifier on Saturday, also virtual, where they compete for the chance to advance to the regional competition March 18-19.
University of Minnesota Duluth to host summit on diversity
The University of Minnesota Duluth's summit on equity, race and ethnicity will focus on the power of storytelling. Contributed / University of Minnesota Duluth DULUTH — The University of Minnesota Duluth will host its 19th annual Summit on Equity, Race and Ethnicity from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. The summit's theme, "The Power of Storytelling: Building Trust, Celebrating Humanity," will feature workshops on the danger of a single story, encouraging more voices to be heard.
UMD student works to merge outdoor learning with higher education
Janett Prev is a first-year graduate student in the Environmental Education Program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Contributed / Janett Prev DULUTH — University of Minnesota Duluth student Janett Prev is a multilingual secondary teacher from Estonia studying environmental education. The first-year graduate student has lived in four countries and traveled to 23 others as a professional basketball player for Martigues Sport Basket in France.
"Flying Solo" is a series of 15 one-person plays written and performed by University of Minnesota Duluth students. Contributed / University of Minnesota Duluth DULUTH — University of Minnesota Duluth Theatre will present one-person original and adapted plays March 3-5 and 16-19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. Five 15-minute "Flying Solo" plays will be performed each night at the Dudley Experimental Theater in the Marshall Performing Arts Center.
Beargrease Derby puts scout skills to the test
Members of Troop 342 of the Ashland area take a break during the Voyageurs Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America's Beargrease Derby 2022 event at the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center on Saturday. Dan Williamson / Duluth News Tribune CLOQUET – Scouts from across the Midwest gathered in an ultimate test of leadership and teamwork at the Beargrease Derby on Saturday.
Beargrease Derby puts scout skills to the test
Members of Troop 342 of the Ashland area take a break during the Voyageurs Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America's Beargrease Derby 2022 event at the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Dan Williamson / Duluth News Tribune DULUTH – Scouts from across the Midwest gathered in Cloquet in an ultimate test of leadership and teamwork at the Beargrease Derby Saturday.
Duluth city workers host picket, call for fair contract agreement
People stand on the front steps on the Duluth City Hall during a rally for AFSCME Local 66-City of Duluth workers on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Dan Williamson / Duluth News Tribune DULUTH — A group of 300 workers rallied on City Hall steps to protest current contract negotiations between Local 66, a part of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME), and the City of Duluth on Saturday.
UKRAINE INVASION
Pro-Russian activists react on a street as fireworks explode in the sky Monday, after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognising two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent entities, in the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine. Reuters / Alexander Ermochenko
University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor awarded $10,000 for equity efforts
University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor Allen Mensinger received the JEDI Award for his equity efforts in the sciences. Contributed / University of Minnesota Duluth DULUTH — A University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor, Allen Mensinger, was awarded $10,000 to further his equity efforts for higher education STEM students. Mensinger will take two diverse students to the marine biology lab in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, for three months in the summer.
University of Minnesota Duluth students advocate for historical representation
University of Minnesota Duluth students Abayomi Olowosago, right, and Cameron Safack check out an information table hosted by the Black Student Association on Feb. 16, at the Kirby Student Center. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune DULUTH — “I think it’s a cliche saying: 'Black history is American history,'" Nana Kwarteng, president of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Black Student Association, said.
Planned behavioral health center finds location in Duluth Original
Essentia Health's Peerless Building, 532 E. First St., Duluth, with the Essentia Health Duluth Clinic building in the background, as seen Thursday. Dan Williamson / Duluth News Tribune DULUTH — A multimillion-dollar solution to mental health and addiction problems facing the Northland has found a home. The long-planned Clarity Project, which will center service providers and telehealth in a single place, will be located at Essentia Health’s Peerless Building, 532 E.
University of Wisconsin-Superior to end mask requirements at spring break Original
Social distancing signs hang in the Yellowjacket Union on the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus in April. The university lifts masking requirements starting March 12. File / Duluth News Tribune SUPERIOR — The University of Wisconsin-Superior will end masking requirements on campus starting March 12.
Listen: Storm could drop over a foot of snow on the Northland
Subscribe and listen to this Twin Ports area news and weather podcast on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts. February 21, 2022 08:18 AM Here is your Duluth News Tribune Minute podcast for Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. The Duluth News Tribune Minute is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune, Superior Telegram and Cloquet Pine Journal. Find more news throughout the day at duluthnewstribune.com.
DOJ: Victim in critical condition after being struck by Superior police car
SUPERIOR — A person is in critical condition after a Superior Police Officer allegedly ran them over with a squad car Saturday, Feb. 19. The officer responded to a 911 call near Tower Avenue and North Eighth Street around 9:37 p.m. regarding an injured person in the road, the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation said in a news release Sunday.
Fire temporarily closes Fourth Avenue East in downtown Duluth
The Duluth Fire Department is asking the public to avoid Fourth Avenue East between Second and Superior streets while crews battle the flames. With driver and passenger wearing masks, Duluth Fire Department’s Engine 1 leaves headquarters. Steve Kuchera / 2020 file / Duluth News Tribune By Duluth News Tribune February 20, 2022 02:56 PM DULUTH — The city is asking the public to avoid Fourth Avenue East between Second and Superior street in downtown Duluth due to a large house fire.
Tomassoni announces retirement from Minnesota Senate
State Sen. David Tomassoni in 2021. Clint Austin / File / Duluth News Tribune DULUTH — Minnesota Sen. David Tomassoni, I-Chisholm, announced Friday that he will not be seeking reelection at the end of this year after a 30-year legislative career. Tomassoni, 69, has been in the Minnesota Legislature since 1992, when he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. He has been in the Senate since 2000, representing District 6. His term ends Jan. 3, 2023.
Photos and video: Traveling the trail with the "Ikidarod" teams at North Shore Community School
Second grade, and some third grade, students at North Shore Community School near Duluth have been learning about dog sledding over the last month and their lesson culminated on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 with the 15th year of the "Ikidarod." The students pretended to be sled dog teams and raced on the school's nature trail, stopping at checkpoints as family and fellow students cheered them on.
Saginaw man killed in pick-up truck fire
Photo illustration, Shutterstock, Inc. SAGINAW — A 61-year-old Saginaw man died in a pick-up truck fire around 11 p.m. Friday on the 8000 block of Highway 2. According to a news release, a woman reported a pick-up truck was on fire with a burnt body next to it. Once crews were on-scene, the 61-year-old was pronounced dead. The truck had burned itself out, the release said. It belonged to the deceased individual.
New University of Minnesota Duluth director aims for inclusivity
Jody O'Connor has worked at the University of Minnesota Duluth for 32 years. O'Connor starts as director of the American Indian Learning Resource Center on Monday. Contributed / Lissa Maki DULUTH — The University of Minnesota Duluth welcomed a new American Indian Learning Resource Center director, Jody O'Connor, to serve the Indigenous student population Feb.10. O'Connor is a UMD alumna and a first-generation graduate.
Pets of the Week: Hershey and Wyde
Learn more about these pets looking for a permanent home. Hershey is available for adoption from Warm Fuzzies Animal Rescue Inc. Contributed photo By Duluth News Tribune February 18, 2022 11:30 AM Hershey is a very sweet bunny. She has been in foster care and raised around other pets. She is snuggly and very social. She is a super-soft, mini-rex rabbit, otter-brown in color. Hershey has been spayed and is litter-box trained. She is an indoor rabbit.
Rachel Clarissa Laaksonen
Rachel Laaksonen, 76, died on February 12th, 2022. Rachel Clarissa Sapp was born to Wallace and Eula (Bender) Sapp on February 22, 1945 in Richland Center, WI. Other than a few early years in various Wisconsin cities and a number of years in St. Paul, Rachel was a resident of Duluth, MN. She graduated from Central High School in Duluth and attended the University of MN, Augsburg College, and University of MN Duluth for her degree and teaching certificates.
Kay Schlichting
Kay J. (Bissell) Schlichting was born August 4, 1949 in Duluth, MN to Clarence & Lois (DeChambeau) Bissell. She was a life-long resident of Duluth until the last year of her life and died on February 8, 2022 in Grand Rapids, MN with family at her side. After graduating in 1967 from Duluth Denfeld High School, Kay worked at ABEX/ABC Rail as a machinist for 13 years, aided her brother Bob in managing the Duluth Tent & Trailer Camp for 19 years, and also worked doing home health care before retiring.
Theodore Paul Hunt
Theodore Paul Hunt, 84, of Pengilly passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helga; brothers, Lester, Bob and Fred Hunt; and sister Margaret Burns.
Duane Alan Ramfjord
Feb 10, 1932 - Jan 18, 2022 Duane Ramfjord of Palo, MN, was almost 90. Born in Duluth, MN, to Julius and Emma Ramfjord, he graduated in 1950 from Duluth Central High School and from UMD in 1954. Duane married Carley Lucas on August 6, 1956. Photo of Duane slalom racing 1948.
Robert (Bob) V. Bloom
Robert (Bob) V. Bloom, 92, of Duluth, passed away February 15, 2022 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living. Bob was born on July 12, 1929 in Duluth to John and Agnes Bloom. Bob was a graduate of Denfeld High School and served in the Navy during the Korean War. He married Marion Tronsdal on December 15, 1951. Bob was an Engineer and retired from the DM & IR Railroad 1991. He was an active member of Spirit of God Lutheran Church.
Things to do: Superior church serving up 'garbage omelets;' film screening benefits Lake Lakes Observatory
The former Club Saratoga Jazz Quartet will perform live, trackside in the Train Museum, 3-6 pm. every Saturday through April, 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth. Admission: $6 and includes a $2 off coupon good for discounts on all concessions including the cash bar. Screening of the feature-length documentary film, "Freshwater," about the importance of protecting freshwater from the threat of climate change, offered Saturday, Feb. 19, NorShor Theatre , 211 E. Superior St., Duluth.
Robert M. Levy
June 30, 1930 - Feb. 15, 2022 DULUTH, Minn. - Robert M. Levy, 91, Duluth, Minn., died Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Essentia Health Duluth- Miller Dwan. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home and Cemetery in Hermantown, Minn.
Readings & Writers: Stegers to give virtual presentation on new cookbook Original
Events Storytimes, 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays at the Duluth Main Library and West Duluth branch as well as 10:15 a.m. Thursdays at the Mount Royal branch. Go to duluthlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar . The Duluth Public Library is offering in-person book clubs at the main Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St. To see the four book clubs, what book they are reading and a list a questions for each book, go to the calendar at duluthlibrary.org .
Virginia M. “Toots” Davidson
Virginia M. “Toots” Davidson, 94 of Duluth, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 12th in the comfort of her home. Her husband Harry preceded her just 22 days before. Toots was born June 12, 1927, in Grand Forks, ND. As a young girl she moved to Duluth with her parents, Melvin and Agnes (Ell) Cauchon. In 1946, she met Harry and they were married on Feb. 28, 1947. They celebrated 74 years on marriage. She worked at the former Ridgeview Bowling Lanes.
Joan Carlson
Aug. 27, 1925 - Feb. 16, 2022 NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Joan Carlson, 96, formerly of Duluth, Minn., died Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Northfield. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements by Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Cremation in Northfield.
Mary Jane Jensen
Passed away on 2/15/2022 at the age of 95 surrounded by family. She attended Central High School. She worked as an operator and clerk in the Plant Dept. at Northwestern Bell. She retired after 40 years. She enjoyed sewing, golf, bowling, volunteering and travel. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway Nortun #16, and Duluth Telephone Pioneers. Many thanks to Accra Homecare.
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