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Articles by Hunter Riley
Pitstop Pro Launches Free Lift Finder Tool, Expands Car Lift Pickup to 42 Warehouses
Authorized dealer for six major lift brands cuts freight cost and wait times by routing orders through 42 regional pickup warehouses nationwide.
Winter Wake-Up In Duluth With Duluth’s Salty Dog
gallery by Hunter Riley The community showed up in force at Bent Paddle Brewing Company every Monday in February for more original songs, and face-melting jams from the beloved local band Salty Dog. The energy brought to the stage by each member of the Salty Dogs is infectious. The longer you watch them, the more you feel it. And as the show goes on, the infection spreads. — Special thanks to the Salty Dogs.
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Pay cut may be coming for US Federal Wildland Firefighters
Skip to main content Jul 08, 2023 04:42AM ● By Editor Image: WDIO By Hunter Riley of WDIO - July 7, 2023 We’ve been dealing with poor air quality in the Northland for weeks now, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift South. And a looming September 30th deadline may mean Federal Wildland Firefighters could see a significant cut to their pay.
Pay cut may be coming for US Federal Wildland Firefighters
We’ve been dealing with poor air quality in the Northland for weeks now, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift South. And a looming September 30th deadline may mean Federal Wildland Firefighters could see a significant cut to their pay. Temporary measures taken by the Biden administration last November are set to expire on September 30th, unless Congress takes steps to secure pay for firefighters moving forward.
Stillwater Adventures: staying afloat amid drought conditions
Despite recent rainfall across the Northland, the Twin Ports is still dealing with severe drought conditions. Forcing businesses from lawncare to outdoor recreation to adapt. Swiftwater Recreation offers customers guided rafting tours and whitewater kayaking lessons. They’ve been dealing with dry conditions since they first opened in 2015, and they’re no strangers to finding unique ways to stay afloat.
Improvements to Duluth's Lakewalk moving forward
Planned improvements to Duluth’s Lakewalk are moving forward after over $8 million in federal grant funding was awarded to the city. The project, named The Lakewalk Interpretive Plan, aims to improve the safety, accessibility, and long-term resilience of the popular, multi-use trail. “There are about half a dozen major accessibility barriers at present that are prohibitive for the vast majority of people in wheelchairs,” said Duluth’s Director of Public Administration, Jim Filby-Williams.
Duluth residents share their favorite places to watch the fireworks
From on top of the hill to down on Park Point, everyone seems to have their favorite spot to watch the fireworks. Visit Duluth’s Rebekah Rush is an expert on places you can watch the fireworks in the Twin Ports. She’s been watching the fireworks in Duluth for as long as she can remember. “I grew up in Duluth,” said Rush. “My dad actually worked in the canal when I was a kid. So I’ve grown up watching the fireworks from the canal, which is always been fun.
Northlanders ready their 4th of July celebrations
Spending time outside is a big part of celebrating the 4th of July in the Northland; whether you’re heading out on the water, plan to see some fireworks, or keeping your own family tradition alive. “We’re going to be attending the Cloquet 4th of July Parade. I have grandkids that are going to be in the parade,” said SuperOne shopper Jim Kneeland. “So this will be the first year that they’re not on the sidelines catching candy. They’re going to be out the grid actually marching. So that’s the plan.
Legislative action: A look at new Minnesota laws taking effect this Saturday
Several new laws take effect across Minnesota this Saturday, July 1st; including a huge perk for college students, and a dramatic change to the way we feed public school students. Minnesota’s Education Finance Law is just one of the pieces of legislation taking effect and its provisions are vast. It includes a 10% bump in funding for public schools all across the state, and will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, K-12, across Minnesota.
4th of July: Without fireworks?
Due to continued elevated burning restrictions, residents outside city limits may be prohibited from lighting off fireworks this fourth of July. Fire danger has been declared low by the Minnesota DNR, but restrictions remain in place. “So right now we were kind of welcoming that rain that we saw in the last few days,” said Wildfire Prevention Specialist Karen Harrison, with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “And while it does help, unfortunately, it’s only providing a temporary relief.
Hermantown residents asked to conserve water
The City of Hermantown is asking residents to conserve water Wednesday, June 28th, while maintenance is done on Duluth’s water system. “Ideally, residents can refrain from large uses, such as watering lawns and gardens and filling swimming pools, for the day so we can maximize the water in our two towers,” according to a post on the City of Hermantown’s Facebook page.
Affordable housing crisis: Duluth's City Council approves additional funding for Plover Place
At tonight’s meeting, the Duluth City Council voted to authorize $128,000 in additional funding for Plover Place; an affordable housing project meant to address the affordable housing crisis plaguing the Twin Ports. When completed Plover Place will offer 24, single-tenant, rent-free units, as well as on-site 24-hour support for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Critical cancer drugs in short supply: patients at risk as shortage continues
Two widely-used cancer drugs–carboplatin and cisplatin–continue to be in short supply, putting patients at risk. The FDA was first notified about the shortage of the two drugs back in February. “Carboplatin and cisplatin belong to the same family of drugs,” said Jessina Mohl, a Pharmacist with Essentia Health. “Meaning they work in generally the same way. And they do cover a broad range of cancer types. Some of those cancer types are curable and some of them are not.
Grandma's gives back: Area businesses feel race's economic impact
From 150 runners in 1977, to over 20,000 in 2023, Grandma’s Marathon has become an economic powerhouse for the Twin Ports, producing an economic impact of over $20 million every year. And for businesses like The Social House; a Hermantown business which opened its doors just in time for Grandma’s, it’s a huge weekend. “It was trial by fire in opening up Grandma’s week,” said Owner, Matt Berthiaume. It was a little crazy, but we got through it. Saturday was amazing. We were packed all day.
Majority of Minnesota wildfires caused by humans
Most wildfires in Minnesota are caused by humans. In fact, 98% of wildfires in 2019 were human-caused. Arson and incendiary fires make up one quarter of fires each year in Minnesota, and the DNR wants you to know; of you cause it, you pay for it. Wildfire damage to 40-acres of wildland will cost you more than one-thousand dollars, and if you start a fire that damages 320-acres it could cost you more than 60-thousand dollars.
'Business as usual' for Superior police ahead of marijuana legalization in MN
23 states across the country have made it legal to purchase, smoke and grow marijuana, and Minnesota will soon be the 24th. While commercial sales are at least a year away, will the change in Minnesota law cause problems for law enforcement in neighboring states? The Chief of police in Superior, Wisconsin, says no. “For the most part it’s still business as usual here in Wisconsin,” said Chief of Police in Superior, Wisconsin, Nicholas Alexander.
Poor air quality causes uptick in ER visits
As smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts South and lingers over the Northland, some have dealt with health complications and local emergency rooms are seeing more patients. “We are definitely seeing an uptick and respiratory presentations here in the emergency department because of this,” said Dr. Chris Delp, Emergency Medicine Physician with Saint Luke’s in Duluth.
Eskomos no more: Esko school board to abandon name
Sports teams in Esko, Minnesota, will no longer play under the moniker of the Eskomos, after school board members for Esko Public Schools voted to abandon the name on Monday night according to the Duluth News Tribune. In May, the Minnesota Senate passed the Education Finance bill, which includes a provision prohibiting the use of Native American symbols or names as mascots unless all 11 Minnesota tribal nations approve an exemption.
Richard I. Bong Airport Open house aims to inspire future pilots
The next generation of potential pilots took to the skies at the 3rd annual Richard I. Bong Airport open-house in Superior, hosted by the Commemorative Air Force’s Lake Superior Squadron in partnership with the Experimental Aviation Association and other local organizations. The event gives the public a chance to learn more about aviation history, get hands-on with the plans and even sit in the cockpit.
Uber and Lyft: Long rideshare waits due to high traffic
How long have you waited for a ride in Duluth? Summer is here and Duluth’s tourist season is underway, and that increased tourist traffic means finding a ride in the Twin Ports might be harder. “During the day it seems to be more of an issue because I think a lot of drivers just want to do that bar crowd and the late nights and stuff like that,” said Amanda Kane, an Uber driver in Duluth.
Northland gardeners battle drought
The northland has officially been placed into a formal drought status, as unrelenting dry conditions continue. “We are absolutely feeling the drought,” said Haley Diem, Education Outreach Coordinator for the Duluth Community Garden Project. “I planted the gardens maybe three weeks ago and I’ve been having to water constantly, weekends, all the time in order to keep the plants alive. I’ve actually stopped planting the gardens.
Fire danger forecast, poor air quality likely
It’s been a hazy spring in the Northland already, and Minnesota’s air quality trends thus far this year are on pace to be the worst on record. In 2023 we’ve already seen 12 days of ozone alerts, with particulate measurements over 71 parts per billion. In 2005–the current record year for ozone alerts–Minnesota saw 19 days with particulate measurements over 71 parts per billion all year.
Bad River Band Ojibwe call for shutdown of Enbridge's line 5
Enbridge’s line 5, built in 1953 carries crude oil and natural gas across 645 miles of Wisconsin and Michigan countryside. The aging pipeline is now 63, outliving its designed lifespan of forty to fifty years. “That pipeline is directly threatening Lake Superior at the Bad River,” said Carl Sack, with the Northwoods Socialist Collective, while attending a line 5 protest in Superior on Tuesday morning. “The river has eroded its banks to within ten feet of the pipe.
Minnesota Wildfire Academy kicks off
Over 400 student-firefighters will undergo training from everything from tactics and logistics, to fighting active wildfires at Itasca Community College this week. “We have students that are joining us today that will be entering into their wildland firefighting career profession,” said Leanne Langeberg, Public Information Officer with Minnesota’s DNR. “They learn about the dynamics of fighting fire. They will go out and practice skills within that course.
Duluth Monarch Festival aims to save Minnesota’s pollinators
Skip to main content Jun 04, 2023 04:53AM ● By Editor Image: WDIO By Hunter Riley of WDIO News - June 4, 2023 Summer has begun, and that means you may have already seen one of Minnesota’s most well-known insects flying around your backyard; the Monarch Butterfly. Enthusiasts, activists and volunteers gathered at United Methodist Church in Duluth for this year’s Duluth Monarch Festival.
Duluth Monarch Festival aims to save Minnesota's pollinators
Summer has begun, and that means you may have already seen one of Minnesota’s most well-known insects flying around your backyard; the Monarch Butterfly. Enthusiasts, activists and volunteers gathered at United Methodist Church in Duluth for this year’s Duluth Monarch Festival. “We couldn’t do it during the pandemic, so we had a smaller outdoor event,” said festival organizer Carolyn Schroeder. “But we are so excited to be back inside having a regular festival.
Northland families spend Memorial Day outside
Many think of Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer, and many Northlanders were outside enjoying today’s beautiful weather. Just a short drive South on Highway 53, the Brule River and the surrounding State Forest offer camping, canoeing and kayaking for the whole family. “You come into the office, we sign you up, and we tell you exactly what to do. We’re here to explain the process from start to get start to end,” said Aaron Carlson, owner of Brule River Canoe Rental.
Northlanders react to possible changes to rideshare bill
Back-and-forth moment at the state Capitol yesterday, after threats from Uber to cut off services outside the Twin Cities seemed to convince Governor Walz to veto a bill that established a minimum wage for rideshare drivers. Six years ago, Jeff Bushnell shut down the cab company in Duluth he owned and operated, and begin driving for Uber. “When I heard Uber and Lyft were coming to me,” said Jeff Bushnell, an Uber driver in Duluth. “It was a good thing.
Campsites at Minnesota state parks in high demand
Minnesota’s 76 state parks see over one million campers each year, and many northlanders will be loading up their camping gear and heading to the woods this Memorial Day. That means you might have some company at your favorite spot this weekend. “Expect it to be busy,” said Michaela Rice, Interpretive Naturalist at Goosberry Falls State Park. We have full campgrounds, and I think this is a pattern that most state parks are experiencing anywhere in Minnesota. It’s a great problem to have.
Superior's Catholic Charities Bureau seeking exemption from state unemployment system
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to hear an upcoming case related to a religious exemption for Superior’s Catholic Charities Bureau, from paying into the Wisconsin state unemployment fund. “It’s really important for Catholic Charities Bureau to be able to pay into the Wisconsin Catholic bishops own unemployment Compensation fund,” said Nick Reaves, Council for Becket Law, which represents Superior’s Catholic Diocese and the Catholic Charities Bureau.
Homegrown kicks off at Hoops Brewing
Duluth’s annual Homegrown Music Festival kicks off this Sunday, with live performances from over 20 different acts on the first day alone. “It’s like throwing a party in our own house,” said Ingrid Johnson, Director of Marketing and Events at Hoops Brewing Company. “In our own community with all of our friends that we know.
Minnesota Senate passes cannabis bill, one step closer to legalizaton
Minnesotans are one stop closer to being able to purchase marijuana, after Senate lawmakers passed HF100, their plan for legalizing and regulating marijuana for adult use. Lawmakers voted along party lines and the bill passed narrowly 34-33. While a majority of Minnesotans are in support of marijuana legalization–61.4% according to an annual State Fair Poll by the state’s House of Representatives–many industry leaders argue we’re not ready.
Cloquet cannabis dispensary readies for legalization
Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota on Friday. While marijuana products derived from hemp have been nationally legal since Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, Minnesota Senators will decide whether or not to make more potent marijuana products derived from the feminized plant available to Minnesotans. The Minnesota House of Representatives passed its version of a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis on April 25th, 71 to 59.
Area creeks and rivers, fast-flowing and potentially dangerous
Skip to main content Apr 15, 2023 06:13AM ● By Editor Photo: WDIO By Hunter Riley of WDIO News - April 14, 2023 Traveling around our many area creeks and rivers are hard to miss, as their waters rage following several days of high temperatures and rapidly melting snow. “You may notice as you’re looking at the river is a lot of tree debris is coming down,” said Jay Cooke State Park’s Naturalist, Kristine Hiller.
Area creeks and rivers, fast-flowing and potentially dangerous
Traveling around our many area creeks and rivers are hard to miss, as their waters rage following several days of high temperatures and rapidly melting snow. We’ll continue to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding flooding around the Twin Ports. Flooding St. Louis River Twin Ports Duluth
Flood waters close Highway 169, Copper Falls State Park
Today as high temperatures continued to melt this season’s record snowfall, state highway officials closed highway 169, South of Mellen, Wisconsin. “The water has been rising for the last few days, the County and City officials have been putting up signage,” said Mellen Police Officer Larry Koivisto. “Obviously, safety is the number one priority for us. The winter ran late and there was a lot of snowfall, more than typically. So, we knew that we were going to have some issues to begin with.
Rapid snowmelt strains Washburn's wastewater infrastructure threatening Lake Superior
Washburn Wisconsin’s wastewater treatment facility has seen over 3.4 million gallons of incoming water over the last several days, exceeding the plant’s designed emergency capacity due to melting snow. “The treatment plant here is getting extra water right now because of warm temperatures and melting snow,” said Scott Kluver, Washburn’s City Administrator. “This [extra water] is coming largely from older sewer mains and laterals. We had very little frost this year, so the ground is very wet.
Waste water threatening Lake Superior
A storage basin containing waste water at the Waste Treatment Plant in Washburn, Wisconsin, is on track to overflow due to the fast melting of snow, that is threatening Lake Superior. At 7:40 AM Wednesday, Washburn City officials said that the basin made it through the night. Crews continue to monitor the situation. According to a post on the City of Washburn Government Facebook page, the storage basin at Washburn’s treatment plant typically takes in 175,000 to 200,000 gallons of water per day.
Safety and security top priority ahead of 2023 Grandma's Marathon
Representatives from almost a dozen state and local agencies came together to plan and prepare ahead of the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Duluth’s largest annual event draws as many as 20,000 participants and $21 million in spending to the local economy. “Today is a planning session for people to get together, and to understand what other agencies, cities or counties are doing,” said Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj.
Abortion, voting rights and gerrymandering: key progressive issues for Wisconsin's new Supreme Court Majority
For the first time in 15 years, liberals hold the majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court after Janet Protasiewicz beat out Dan Kelly for the open seat. “Well Wisconsin,” said Protasiewicz. “Guess what? We did it!” Protasiewicz ran a campaign based on “fairness” and “common sense.” Telling supporters she would bring impartiality to a court that she said has made too many decisions based on partisan politics and not the law.
Changes to downtown I-35 may bring new jobs, revenue, investments
A report released by the University of Minnesota, in partnership with several local organizations suggests that changes to the downtown corridor of I-35 in could yield a significant boost for Duluth’s economy. “Through some of our early research we did find out that the economic impact would be sizeable. There would be a great number of jobs that would be created during the construction process,” said John Bennett, with the Center for Community Vitality, a contributor to the University’s report.
Northern Exposure Arts Collective's 'Egg-splosion' event returns
‘Egg-splosion,’ the annual egg-dying event hosted by Northern Exposure Arts Collective is returning after a 2-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizers say the event, which features egg-based crafts and games, usually draws between 300 and 400 people. This year the event’s theme is “Budget Friendly,” with less emphasis on egg-dying and launching due to rising prices for eggs and other groceries.
Superior High School celebrates significant increase in graduation rate
Two years after a global pandemic forced schools across the nation to close their doors and attempt to transition to online learning, many students are still struggling to return to academic normalcy. However, the Superior School District, in Superior, Wisconsin, may be setting an example for other districts to follow. This comes after official state of Wisconsin graduation data was released, indicating that Superior High School’s graduation rate made a jump by almost 10%.
Learning to cope with stress and trauma at the 2023 Resiliency Summit
Community members gathered at the 2023 Duluth Thrives Resiliency Summit, to hear from experts about causes of trauma, and effective ways to cope with it. Sponsored by Duluth Thrives and the Junior League of Duluth, the event is a follow up to a 2022 summit focused on adverse childhood experiences. Organizers say those who may benefit most from this training include those who have experienced adversity and trauma, and those working in social and human services, education and healthcare.
On probation or parole? You may now cast a ballot in Minnesota
On March 3rd, Governor Tim Walz signed HF 28 into law, restoring the right to vote to 55,000 people on probation and parole. A move the administration is calling “the largest expansion of voting rights in Minnesota in half a century.” “The big change here is that there are a bunch of people who are out in the community that aren’t able to engage with the civic process,” said Jason Beckman, Program Director at SOAR Career Opportunities.
Ice dams: where they come from, and how to fix them
This winter season has now become Duluth’s 9th snowiest on record. While you get those sidewalks, driveways and fire hydrants clear, don’t forget about your roof. “Ice dams form when snow melts off your roof,” said Henry Jungbauer, a Design Specialist with DBS Residential Solutions. “And then when it gets to the edge, instead of dripping off, it freezes.
Duluth residents digging out after last weekend's snowfall
This winter season is now the 9th snowiest in Duluth’s history and some residents are still digging out after some areas saw as much as 13 inches this past weekend. RELATED STORY: Snowfall totals for March 11-12 storm “Oh yeah we had to dig out,” said Braedon Otto, a Kenwood neighborhood resident. “The snowplows came through and piled it up at the end of our driveway.
Iron Mosquitoes headed to Robotics World Championship
The Iron Mosquitoes, a robotics team based in Babbitt, Minnesota, is headed to the World Robotics Championship in Houston, Texas, after winning the Impact Award at the Lake Superior Regional Robotics Competition. “We were all kind of like, ‘Guys, guys, I think this is us, I think this is us!’ said Hailey Lindquist, member of the Iron Mosquitoes. “And they finally said, ‘Team 5653!’ and we were all screaming and crying.
Hermantown Hawks fans gather in support for Wednesday's quarterfinal
As the Hawks took to the ice in their quarterfinal match-up, fans here in Duluth came together to show their support. “I graduated in 1975,” said Pam Carlson. “I am Hawk alumni. My brother played, my two nephews played, my sister was a cheerleader and I’m an old Hawk.” For fans that couldn’t make it to the game, their favorite local sports bar provides a comfortable place, close to home to cheer their team.
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