It appears an aggressive tourism campaign after the devastating June floods in northeastern Minnesota helped boost tourism in Duluth. The News Tribune reports tourism tax receipts show a 10 percent surge in local hotel and motel revenues in July compared with the same month last year. Figures for August and September are still being calculated.

Two groups against the upcoming wolf hunt in Minnesota, Duluth-based Northwoods Wolf Alliance and Twin Cities-based Howling for Wolves, organized an event dubbed the "Wolf Walk" in Duluth on Saturday, the WDIO reports. Minnesota's first wolf hunt in nearly 40 years is set to begin on Nov. 3rd.

Administrators at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth have decided to stop selling sugary drinks at its main campus and all of its clinics. The director of hospitality told the News Tribune, “What we’re learning from data that’s out there is that sugar-sweetened beverages are a significant contributor to obesity." St. Luke's is reportedly the first hospital in Minnesota to ban the beverages. The hospital will offer diet sodas, flavored water and juices with no added sugar.

Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific's hardboard manufacturing plant in Duluth will permanently shut down on Aug. 31, the Duluth News Tribune. A company spokesman said, "The employees are welcome to apply for any other jobs we have” at other facilities. The closure leaves 140 employees looking for work. They will be paid and receive benefits for 60 days.

Someone hung an effigy of President Barack Obama with what appeared to be a noose from an electronic billboard in Duluth on Election Day, the News Tribune reports. Police are holding the scarecrow, which had a mask of Obama, as possible evidence.

The 36-axle Schnabel car is on its way to New Castle, Pennsylvania. Duluth News Tribune reports it will be modified to transport parts for nuclear plants.