North Shore Journal (2026)

06/01/2026

Two Harbors Dancers Take the Stage! The Two Harbors Just For Kix program held its Holly Jolly Winter Show on Saturday, December 20 at the Two Harbors High School gym. The event featured dancers from preschool through high school who participate in the local program.

Two Harbors teams will compete at three Together We Dance (TWD) events this year:
• Sauk Rapids TWD on February 28
• Brainerd TWD on March 21
• Nationals in Rochester, Minnesota, April 30– May 2

For more information about the Two Harbors Just For Kix program, contact twoharbors_mn@justforkix. com or 612‑570‑1072. Families can also visit justforkix.com or follow the Two Harbors program on Facebook for updates, class schedules, and future performances.

05/01/2026

University of Minnesota Extension and its partners are hosting the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference on March 13-14 at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Participants are invited to learn how to create action plans for the lands they steward, connect with local forestry professionals and build a support network of peers. Participants will learn about forest health, woodland management best practices, wildlife habitat — and about cost-sharing and other financial considerations. Extension Educator Anna Stockstad said attendees needn’t own a massive swath of forestland to attend. Cabin owners, naturalist volunteers or anyone who wants to learn how to care for forests are encouraged to attend.

Participants will be able to make direct connections with professionals who can help them meet their stewardship goals. Breakout sessions will include topics such as how to create your own at-home seedling nursery, forest health, wildlife, seed collection, forest resilience, oak savanna restoration, and more inspiring sessions meant to help land stewards turn goals into action.

Join Extension for a weekend of learning and connecting with fellow woodland stewards. Register early and receive an early bird discount at this affordable conference ($50- 60 for two days). For more information on the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference, visit: mfwc.umn.edu.

05/01/2026

The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. During the 12-day Akitu festival, people made promises to their gods to return borrowed items and pay off debts in exchange for favors in the coming year.

2026 promises to be a year of growth and celebration. The North Shore is filled with endless activities and entertainment. From snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing in the winter to hiking, fishing, camping, and events in the summer. 2026 will be full of memory making moments. Stay posted on all the North Shore has to offer. Happy New Year!

01/01/2026

✨ As we say goodbye to this year, we want to thank our incredible community for being part of the journey. Your support, conversations, and encouragement mean more than you know.

Here’s to new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and a year ahead filled with growth and good moments.

Happy New Year!

30/12/2025

The local hockey community gathered in force this past weekend as the “Ruk,” or more formally known as Rukavina Arena, transformed into a hub of competitive spirit and youth athleticism. On December 20 and 21, the arena hosted the 2025 Rocky Taconite Mite 1 and 2 Jamboree, marking the largest and most anticipated event on the program’s annual calendar.

The jamboree’s success also hinged on a small army of parent volunteers. These community members filled vital roles, from staffing the bustling concession stands and greeting visitors at the welcome table to meticulously tracking game play in the scorekeepers’ box.

“There are a great number of people that helped make the jamboree run smoothly,” said Engstrom, expressing deep gratitude for the volunteers who handled the “various odds and ends” that come with hosting dozens of teams.

As the 2025 Rocky Taconite Jamboree concluded, the focus remained on the mentorship of the players. Organizers closed the event with a final thank you to the coaching staff, whose countless hours of volunteer time provide the foundation for the area’s youth hockey success. With the largest jamboree of the year now in the books, the Silver Bay Mite program looks forward to continuing its momentum through the remainder of the hockey season.

To stay updated on local schedules or to support youth sports, visit the Silver Bay youth hockey website at www.silverbayhockey.com.

29/12/2025

Winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings, and icy condition warnings have been issued across portions of Minnesota.

Postal officials are asking for the public’s cooperation in keeping mailboxes, steps, and sidewalks clear of snow and ice, so letter carriers are able to provide the safest, most efficient delivery service possible.

The Postal Service is asking customers to help keep their letter carrier safe. Residents who receive delivery to roadside mailboxes also must keep the approach to, and exit from, the mailbox clear of snow or any other obstacles, like trash cans and other vehicles. The carrier needs to get in, and then out, without leaving the vehicle or backing up.

29/12/2025

Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) proudly presented the 2025 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award to Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) for his leadership on clean energy jobs, permitting reform, transmission and energy infrastructure, and policies that strengthen economic development in northern Minnesota.

“I am honored to receive the Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award from CEEM,” said Sen. Hauschild. “Northern Minnesota has always powered the American economy, and our region’s workforce and natural resources will continue to be essential to building a clean energy economy. I am committed to supporting reliable, affordable energy while expanding economic growth and opportunity across the Northland.”

About Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM): CEEM is an industry-led 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit representing the business case for clean energy in Minnesota. CEEM provides a unified voice for clean energy business across the state. Our mission is to provide educational leadership, collaboration, and policy analysis that accelerates clean energy market growth and smart energy policies.

28/12/2025

The Two Harbors Youth Hockey Association hosted its annual Holiday Skate at Sonju Arena on December 21, and this year the event included a special guest who came dressed for joy and holiday cheer. Clad in green and gold with a pointed hat, the rink’s honorary elf bore a striking resemblance to Buddy from the movie Elf, bringing a playful, festive touch to the ice for everyone attending.

The Holiday Skate, which took place at 3:15 p.m., is part of the Two Harbors Youth Hockey Association’s ongoing effort to make hockey fun, accessible, and welcoming for skaters of all ages. This annual event offers participants a chance to enjoy skating in a relaxed, festive setting, and the addition of a familiar holiday character added a memorable touch to the afternoon’s activities.

Last year’s event brought the Grinch. This year brought Buddy. It will be fun to see who visits the Holiday Skate in Two Harbors next season!

28/12/2025

Residents of Silver Bay will soon have more time to browse the stacks and utilize local resources. Starting January 10, 2026, the Silver Bay Public Library will officially expand its operations to include Saturday hours.

The library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the academic year. This seasonal schedule begins the weekend following Labor Day and concludes the weekend prior to Memorial Day.

The expanded hours are intended to provide a flexible space for students needing weekend study time and working professionals who cannot visit during traditional weekday hours.

For further details regarding available services, community members can contact the library directly at 218-226-4331.

28/12/2025

On the eve of Christmas Eve’s eve, the Two Harbors Fire Department reported they were “on scene” at the local Super One. The crew wasn’t responding to an emergency this time. Instead, they were ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and judging from their faces, they seemed perfectly content to trade hoses for handbells for the evening.

The Red Kettle campaign runs almost entirely on volunteers, and that’s what keeps it going year after year. Every shift is filled by someone willing to stand outside in December, greet neighbors, and give a little of their time. Some volunteers sign up once, others return every season with family members, co-workers, or friends, making it a small but steady holiday tradition.

The money collected in those kettles stays right here in the community. Donations help fund emergency assistance, food programs, and other support for local families who find themselves stretched thin during the winter months, when heating bills rise, groceries cost more, and unexpected expenses hit harder.

The tradition behind the red kettles is older than any of us. It began in 1891, when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco needed money to feed people at Christmas. He set out a large iron pot on the wharf with a simple request for help. It worked, and the idea spread.

In a season that can feel rushed and noisy, the kettles remain a small, familiar presence outside local stores. It’s simple, it’s local, and it still works. Thank you to all those who volunteer to ring the bell, including the Two Harbors Fire Department!

27/12/2025

December in Lake County has been a whirlwind of holiday cheer, bringing the community together through a rich blend of Finnish heritage and North Shore charm. The festivities kicked off on December 4th in Finland, MN with Pikku Joulu, or “Little Christmas.” Hosted by the Finland Historical Society at the Clair Nelson Center, this annual celebration marks the start of the season with music, food, and a visit from Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa, traditionally known as the “Christmas Goat”).

Two Harbors was a hub of activity this month. Anderson’s Greenhouse hosted a successful Holiday Market and a series of popular seasonal classes. If you missed their events, be sure to follow their page for future workshops and upcoming events.

For those still seeking the perfect tree, Herb Sellin—better known as “Herb the Christmas Tree Guy”—remains a local legend. Operating his farm on Homestead Road, Herb has become a vital part of the holiday tradition for families across the region.

Along the Northshore throughout December, there were a wide variety of holiday markets. They provided a variety of special, unique gifts for people to purchase.

If you aren’t ready for the season to end, there is still time to catch the Vintage Christmas at Burlington Station, which runs through December 31st.

From the historic Finnish celebrations to the simple joy of a light tour, this December has been defined by the memories made along the North Shore. These moments of connection and community are truly what the season is all about.

North Shore Journal

06/01/2026

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

01/01/2026

30/12/2025

29/12/2025

29/12/2025

28/12/2025

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28/12/2025

27/12/2025

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