Duluth Times Exclusive: The Duluth Public Library is donating 12 bicycles to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland.

► PREP SPORTS NOTEBOOK

By HOWIE HANSON

First-year Hermantown volleyball head coach Jessica Williams admits that she’s a bit surprised by her team’s explosive 14-1 start to the 2022 season.

“I knew we’d be good and that we’d play hard, but I didn’t expect this strong a start,” said Williams, who served as the Hawks' junior varsity head coach the previous three seasons. “We haven’t changed a lot of things and the transition has been smooth for everyone. We’re a senior-laden, high energy team and it’s carried us a long way. We’re all having a lot of fun.

“Elle Jokinen and Emilie Rish, our senior captains, are great all-around players and elite leaders.”

The Hawks will host defending Section 7AAA champion Grand Rapids (14-2) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The winner will have a clear path to the Lake Superior Conference title.

“(Grand) Rapids is always our biggest game of the year,” said Williams. “We defeated them in five sets during the regular season a year ago, when they advanced to state. They always have a solid team, very disciplined and consistent, and we’ll have to play one of our best matches of the season to defeat them.”

The Hawks’ 3-2, come-from-behind home victory against Esko on Aug. 30 was an early-season turning point for the team, Williams said.

“We lost the first two games and weren’t playing with any energy,” she said of the five-set victory. “But, wow, did we come firing back in the final three games to win it before a large, fired-up crowd. The come-from-behind win really kick-started us emotionally, when we proved that we can get down early and come back.”

After the Grand Rapids showdown, Hermantown’s final regular season matches are at Carlton (Oct. 10) and at Cloquet (Oct. 18).

The upcoming Section 7AAA post-season tournament will be highly competitive, Williams said.

“Rapids, Cloquet, us and about three other teams should be in the mix for the championship,” she added.

The Hawks are drawing near-record crowds for their home matches.

“Everyone seems to enjoy watching us win,” said Williams, who expects the largest crowd of the season for Tuesday’s match against Grand Rapids.

► SPORTS NOTEBOOK

Rookie defenseman Wyatt Aamodt of Hermantown skated a regular shift for the Colorado Avalanche in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. He did not score, was plus-0 and earned 18:36 of icetime.

. Duluth Times' top five regional high school boys hockey teams this season: 1. Hermantown, 2. Grand Rapids, 3. Cloquet, 4. Superior, 5. Rock Ridge. Player of the Year: Dallas Vieau, Hermantown. Coach of the Year: Pat Andrews, Hermantown.

► HEALTHCARE LEADERS

Essentia Health offering several convenient options for flu shots

By ANTHONY MATT

Essentia Health is offering several options for vaccination ahead of flu season.

Flu vaccines are recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older. They are covered by most insurance and are one of the best ways to protect yourself and loved ones from influenza. With COVID-19 continuing to stress health systems, it’s important to take every possible precaution against illness.

Through Essentia, you can get a flu shot in multiple ways, including:

. During an upcoming appointment that was already scheduled.

. At one of Essentia's many pharmacies, which offer walk-in availability.

. At one of Essentia's other walk-in flu shot locations — find the comprehensive list here.

. By making an appointment online or through your MyChart patient portal at the Essentia Health clinic nearest you.

. Or by calling (844) 663-1068.

To learn more about and better prepare for the upcoming influenza season, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Through Essentia, you’re able to receive your flu shot and COVID-19 or other needed vaccinations during the same visit. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has determined it safe to receive both a flu and COVID vaccination at the same time.

Dermatology specialist joins Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 

Kelsea Pearson Foster (pictured), a certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology, is looking forward to joining the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic.  

“Essentia has a reputation of providing excellent care in the Northland, and I have great respect for its commitment to fulfilling health care needs in the community I grew up loving,” said Pearson Foster. “I trust my own health care to Essentia and look forward to serving this wonderful community.”

Pearson Foster received her education from the College of St. Scholastica.

“Serving others through health care has been a dream of mine for most of my life,” she said. “I am committed to improving myself and my practice to best serve those who I have the honor of caring for.” 

To schedule an appointment with Pearson Foster, please call (218) 786-3434. To see her full profile, please visit EssentiaHealth.org and click on “Doctors & Providers.”

► A MESSAGE FROM DULUTH AGING SUPPORT

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults today!

If you or someone you know would like to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults in the Duluth community, Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer drivers every other Thursday and every Friday. All meals will be picked up at the Central Kitchen around 10 am, and the route will take an hour and a half to two hours. To learn more, contact Kirsten at 218-409-5991.

► A MESSAGE FROM URSHAN RETIREMENT GROUP

Urshan Retirement Group, Inc. strives in helping people achieve retirement goals. This is accomplished through education of the financial planning process, analyzing each individual's investment needs, as well as continuously reviewing and monitoring their personalized plan. Jordan Urshan (pictured) and Dan Urshan work as partners to ensure long-term consistency to your investment portfolio. They look forward to earning your business. Please give them a call to schedule your appointment. Call 218.625.7575 or stop by their office located at 5033 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Urshan Retirement Group and Securities America are separate entities.