Author: Arman Rahman

DPD K-9 Receives Bulletproof Vest Embroidered with Tribute to Fallen K-9 Haas

It's made by the charity "Vested Interest in K-9's."

DULUTH, Minn.- Another K-9 with the Duluth Police Department has its own protective gear, carrying a special tribute to a Duluth K-9 shot and killed in the line of duty. K-9 Villi received a ballistic and stab protective vest. It’s made by the charity “Vested Interest in K-9’s.” with the help of tax-deductible donations from across the country the company…

Burst Pipe Sends Water Gushing Through Skywalk, Into Greysolon Plaza

According to Duluth Fire Crews, no one was injured or displaced from Greysolon.

DULUTH, Minn.- A scare at Duluth’s Greysolon plaza on East Superior Street downtown on Tuesday, after water came gushing into part of the building and out onto the alley behind, a burst water pipe in the Skywalk to blame. According to Duluth Fire Crews, no one was injured or displaced as a result of this. The recent extreme cold, coupled…

Betty’s Pies Busy on President’s Day, Excited for Better Weather to Bring More Customers

The owner says even with limited dine-in seating takeout orders have remained steady throughout the winter.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One popular restaurant along the North Shore, Betty’s Pies has adapted to the pandemic well. But owners say they’re ready for the spring and summer months to bring more traffic again. Betty’s was bumping Monday, staying open an extra day for the President’s Day Weekend. The owner says even with limited dine-in seating takeout orders have remained…

Warming House at Bayfront Ice Rink Opens for the Season

25 people are now allowed inside at a time, social distancing markers are on the benches.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Warming House at the Bayfront Park Ice Rink is back open for the season — with limited capacity. 25 people are now allowed inside at a time, social distancing markers are on the benches. The Parks and Rec. Department hopes the opening encourages more people to use the outdoor space. “The ice is usually very nice, and…

UW-Superior Reopens COVID-19 Testing Site

The state-funded nasal swab testing site has moved from the gymnasium to UWS' Marcovich Wellness Center.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A free COVID-19 testing site is back open on the campus of U-W Superior for anyone in the area. The state-funded nasal swab testing site has moved from the gymnasium to UWS’ Marcovich Wellness Center. The new location is away from student traffic, and makes room in the gym for basketball practice. According to campus staff, the smaller…

Extreme Cold Keeping Some Property Managers Busy with Repairs on Houses, Apartments

At ShipRock Management maintenance staff offers to check on homes when tenants are away, to catch cold weather damage before it escalates.

DULUTH, Minn.- The recent arctic weather has been harder on homes in the area, especially Duluth’s older, more heat-inefficient houses and apartments. And some property managers say they’re finding their hands full with maintenance. At ShipRock Management, maintenance staff says their 10 full-time crew members have been working around the clock to combat frozen water lines and drains. “This past…

Love, Much-Needed Business in the Air for Northland Restaurants on Valentine’s Day

Both Va Bene and New Scenic Cafe were open for limited dine-in options on the holiday.

DULUTH, Minn.- It seemed Valentine’s Day was the first, closest-to-normal holiday in almost a year, especially for restaurants in the Northland. For some, it was the first time opening up to dine-in customers during the pandemic. “Love is in the air and we’re happy to be a part of it,” said Patrick Moore, co-owner of Va Bene Caffe. The Italian…

Winterfest Medallion Hunt Canceled Due to Alleged Property Damage by Participants

Superior Mayor Jim Paine said some participants disturbed indigenous burial grounds on Wisconsin Point looking for the medallions.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 12th Annual Winterfest Medallion Hunt, hosted by Northland radio stations, has been canceled. According to organizers, it’s due to the alleged actions of some participants. A spokesperson from Midwest Communications said the Hunt was canceled because of alleged damage to public property by participants. According to a post on his Facebook Page, Superior Mayor Jim Paine said…

Former President Trump Acquitted of Inciting Violent Jan 6th Attack on Capitol

The Senate voted 57-43 that Trump is “not guilty” of incitement. Two thirds of the Senate, or 67 votes, was needed for conviction.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has acquitted Donald Trump of inciting the horrific Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, bringing his trial to a close and giving the former president a historic second victory in the court of impeachment. Trump is the first president to be impeached twice, and he is also now twice acquitted as the majority of…

DECC, Range Recreation Civic Center Among Minnesota Convention Centers Receiving State Grants

The DECC was given $500,000 and the RRCC, $105,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Convention Centers and Theaters across Minnesota received their own share of $13 million in grants from the state Monday, and two convention centers in the Northland say it is a much needed relief from the effects of the pandemic. The DECC was a recipient of the highest grant amount allowed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic…

More Ice Cover Good for Lake Superior, Experts Say

Experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant say more ice cover on the lake means cooler water in the summer months.

DULUTH, Minn.- While ice on the lake proved almost disastrous for those anglers Tuesday, local experts say even though it’s coming in slowly, the appearance of ice cover is good news for the health of Lake Superior. Experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant say more ice cover on the lake means cooler water in the summer months. “A two degree…

DECC, Local Theaters Land Thousands in State COVID Relief Grants

It's part of more than $13 million in COVID relief grants, being spread out to convention centers and movie theaters across the state.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center — hit hard by the pandemic — has finally landed some relief from the state in the amount of $500,000. The grant is coming from the Minnesota Department Of Employment And Economic Development (DEED). It’s part of more than $13 million in COVID relief grants from DEED, being spread out to convention centers…

St. Louis County Sees 900 Small Businesses Apply for Phase 3 Grants

The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute.

DULUTH, Minn.- 900 businesses in St. Louis County have sought relief through Phase 3 of the county’s small business relief grants. The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute. So 200 “first tier” businesses forced to close back in November that received no…

Extreme Cold Frightful for Humans, Delightful for Animals at Zoo

According to Lake Superior Zookeepers, their animals are no strangers to climates like this.

DULUTH, Minn.- While humans have to take extra safety measures in this extreme cold, many animals at the Lake Superior Zoo love to be outside – but with windchills this low, things like frostbite are a still a danger, regardless of species. “Most all of the animals that we have here if they’re outside this is gonna be similar to…

Day Out With Thomas to Return to Duluth in August

According to the Railroad's Facebook page, Day out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad announced Thomas the Tank Engine will be returning to the Northland this summer. According to the Railroad’s Facebook page, Day Out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15. Families can enjoy a ride with Thomas and his friend Percy, along with live music and other activities. Tickets are on-sale now,…

Two Arrested After Friday Night Shooting in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

Two males in their 20s were arrested, no injuries were reported and all parties were known to each other.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police officers arrested two suspects, responding to a shooting at an apartment in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Friday, and according to authorities those suspects are previous violent offenders. According to a spokesperson with the department, officers responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment in the 2400 Block of West 3rd Street around 7:45…

Erin Letzring Wins Closest Beargrease in History Against Ryan Redington

Seven seconds separated the top two finishers making Letzring the second female champion in marathon history. 

DULUTH, Minn.- History was made at Mineral Center in Grand Portage Tuesday evening. The 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ended with the first woman to ride away victorious in 23 years. Seven seconds separated the top two finishers. The closest race in Beargrease history made Erin Letzring the second female champion in marathon history. “Pretty cool,” said the…

Erin Letzring Wins Her First Beargrease Marathon, First Female Champion in 23 Years

Letzring beats previous champ Ryan Redington by just 7 seconds at the finish.

DULUTH, Minn.- After an epic finish-line battle Tuesday evening, the winner of the 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was first-time marathon musher Erin Letzring, beating out previous champ Ryan Redington by seconds in the final stretch. “Doing good. We’re all tired and could use a drink of water, but we’re all doing good,” said Letzring, panting with exhaustion…

Duluth Kids Dig Into History of Groundhog Day

At the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the holiday, and other fun facts.

DULUTH, Minn- On Tuesday, we’ll find out if we get six more weeks of winter or an early spring on Groundhog Day — and on Monday some kids in Duluth learned more about the tradition. As part of the YMCA’s twice-a-week programming at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the…

Duluth Depot to Remain Closed To Public, Vaccinating Frontline Workers Until April

The vaccines are available to those specific group by appointment only. No walk-ins are allowed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Depot has transformed its Great Hall into a small-scale vaccination clinic for front-line healthcare workers – meaning it will remain closed to the general public until April, with no plans for shows or exhibits until then. “We feel like it’s very important that we really push forward with this vaccination effort,” said Mary Tennis,…

Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites Aim to Increase Accessibility Throughout Duluth

A mobile testing trailer will be in different Duluth neighborhoods twice a week throughout February.

DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 for free will be popping up around Duluth, part of St. Louis County Public Health’s plan to make testing more accessible for people who may have trouble getting to the DECC. Public Health Mobile Sites/Trailers will be at the following locations throughout the month: Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 2…

Mushers Takeoff For 37th Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Despite No Fans

The teams were wound up and ready to set out on the 300-mile journey to Grand Portage. 

DULUTH, Minn.-With a different starting line, warmer weather, and no spectators, the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon looked different. But to mushers and their dogs, the trail experience looks to be the same. “Having this race happen is huge not only for the mushers and the fans but for the dogs,” said returning champ Ryan Redington. “You hear how…

Beargrease Vets Examine Dogs On Race Day, One Last Time Before First Checkpoint

Last minute injuries can come from dogs getting antsy waiting, or even frostbitten tongues in colder weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- While mushers, handlers and the dog teams get blinded by excitement before they start on the trail, the Beargrease veterinarians were busy making sure the dogs were in race-shape Sunday. At Saturday’s final official vet check, mushers could get extra dogs checked and cleared, just in case one of them gets injured overnight or at the starting line….

UPDATE: Man Died Of Self-Inflicted Gunshot, Not Officer Gunfire in Shooting in Saginaw Friday, BCA Says

Scott Michael Jordon, 34, of Duluth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

  SAGINAW, Minn.- According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension the man who died Friday during an officer-involved shooting incident in Saginaw died of a self-inflicted gunshot, not a gunshot by authorities, as the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office previously reported. A spokesperson with the BCA said the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as Scott Michael…

Beargrease Silent Auction Goes Virtual Ahead of Sunday Race Start

Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and venues. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Preparations continue for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ahead of the start just days away. Normally the big auction and opening ceremony takes place the first week, but this year the auction is virtual. Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and…

148th Fighter Wing Returns Following Deployment to U.S. Capitol for Biden Inauguration

A total of 110 volunteers were deployed from the 148th, about 10% of their total force.

DULUTH, Minn,- Members of the 148th Fighter Wing have returned to the Twin Ports following their deployment to the Capitol. — part of the 25,000 National Guard troops sent there for President Joe Biden’s Inauguration, to watch out for threats following the violent Pro-Trump riot. “It was quite crazy to be honest with you,” said Master Sergeant Chris Simonson, Food…

Starks Academy After School Program Provides Homework Help, Place to Play During Pandemic

"Seal the Cracks" at the Encounter Youth Center features activities and games and help with schoolwork from tutors.

DULUTH, Minn.- As some elementary students across Duluth head back to the classrooms, some volunteers with the Northland Youth Basketball Alliance and Starks Academy are offering a place where kids of all ages can come to play, and get help with schoolwork. It’s called “Seal The Cracks.” For two hours after school at the Encounter Youth Center on First Street…

K-2nd Graders Welcomed Back Into Duluth Schools — With Precautions

While reassuring parents the school is taking many precautions, officials say a good portion of students have been kept at home by some moms and dads. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday, Kindergartners through 2nd Graders in the Duluth School District returned to their classrooms for the first time since November, after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially allowed elementary schools to reopen starting January 18th. “I am truly elated to be back at school,” said Homecroft Elementary Principal Tom Cawcutt. In Duluth, the rest of elementary schoolers Grades…

Fans Cheer on UMD Men’s Hockey at AMSOIL Arena for First Time in Months

In addition to family members, a limited number of tickets were available to students -- which reportedly sold out quickly.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the UMD Men’s Hockey Team returned from quarantine after a COVID situation postponed their series last week, cardboard cutouts weren’t the only ones cheering them on — fans welcomed the Bulldogs back to AMSOIL, for the first time since March. “It’s nice,” said young Noah Wise seeing the game with his dad Sunday. “We’ve been waiting for…

Dozens Protest Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement on Streets Near Backus, MN

Enbridge maintains Line 3 has been repeatedly approved "based on six years of fact and science based regulatory and permitting review."

BACKUS, Minn.- A large protest near Backus, Minnesota Saturday called on President Joe Biden to stop Enbridge from constructing the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement, protesters said, just as he did the Keystone Pipeline this week. According to organizers, approximately 200 people gathered on the streets near Backus. This comes just a day after a protester was safely removed from a…

Larry King, Broadcasting Giant for Half-Century, Dies at 87

Larry King arrives at Trump Tower in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Larry King, the suspenders-sporting everyman whose broadcast interviews with world leaders, movie stars and ordinary Joes helped define American conversation for a half-century, died Saturday. He was 87. King died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his production company, Ora Media, tweeted. No cause…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

First Responders Advise Caution As Sledding Injuries Increase

Duluth Firefighters say be careful before sledding as recent warming and freezing cycles have made snow extra slick. 

DULUTH, Minn.-Many people are pent up at home and want to get outside and enjoy the winter, but our fluffy snow has gotten a little slick and hard, causing some kids and adults to get hurt while sledding around Duluth. According to officials with the City of Duluth, emergency personnel have responded to more than a dozen sledding injuries recently,…

Duluth, Proctor Superintendents Disappointed in Slow Federal Vaccine Rollout

Duluth School District is only getting 32 vaccines to start, and Proctor is only getting 10.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn.- While Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday the state will open up vaccines to the elderly, education and child care workers in the coming weeks, Northland school leaders said they feel disheartened that the vaccines they’re getting to start barely scratch the surface. “Quite honestly I was really hopeful that it would be broader,” said Duluth Schools Superintendent John…

Pandemic Forces ‘Art in the Alley’ to Leave Downtown Duluth, Focus on Miller Hill Mall

The owner says the pandemic is pushing more people to the mall, and therefore her business.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime retailer in Duluth, Art in the Alley was forced out of their location on East Superior Street by the pandemic. The owner, now focusing her attention on sales at the Miller Hill Mall — where she says business is booming. “The thing about being a small business owner, 13 years in may we’ve been through a…

Superior Councilor Raises Ethical Concerns Over Marriage of Mayor Paine, Councilor Van Sickle 

In a letter to City Attorney Frog Prell, Sutherland worried votes by Van Sickle could inappropriately benefit Mayor Paine. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland is raising conflict-of-interest concerns with the City Attorney’s office over the recent marriage between Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Letter from Councilor Craig Sutherland to City Attorney Frog Prell “I strongly believe we need some guidance on what to do moving forward,” Councilor Sutherland said. In a letter to City…

Wis. Gov. Tony Evers Promises $200M for Broadband Access in State of the State Speech

After the pandemic was "unrelenting" in 2020 according to the Governor, he said to the people of Wisconsin "we aren't defeated." 

MADISON, Wis.- In his virtual State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers called on an increased focus on expanding broadband access statewide in the next biennial budget. After the pandemic was “unrelenting” in 2020 according to the Governor, he said to the people of Wisconsin “we aren’t defeated.” However he did highlight how, for distance learning, doctor tele-health…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose.

MINNESOTA- The Minnesota Department of Health has launched an online dashboard, to stay up to date on the state’s vaccination rollout. The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose. It will be updated daily. “It provides Minnesotans with confidence…

Eased Restrictions Allow Duluth Bars, Indoor Entertainment to Welcome People Back In

The Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park and Incline Station Downtown said they're excited to reopen for the first time since November.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota bars and restaurants are allowed to open with a limited indoor capacity, businesses with entertainment features said they’re looking forward to have people inside again safely. “Being able to open the bar is equal parts exciting and, I think we’re a bit wary,” said Katherine LaFleur of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The Caddy…

Bent Paddle Reopens Indoor Seating While Unveiling Heated Outdoor ‘Patio Camp’

In addition to the roughly 120 people they can safely have inside the brewery, management said the patio is a big help for those who not be ready to sit indoors yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- While reopening their indoor seating per Gov. Tim Walz’s loosened restrictions Monday, Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood also unveiled their new patio seating. “Patio Camp” as they call it is a pet-friendly, heated patio covered in a tent from Frost River down the street. Heat lamps warm the 20-24 people that can sit socially distanced….

Formalities, Election of New Officers for First Duluth City Council of 2021 Monday

Councilor Renee Van Nett is set to be elected the first indigenous woman Council President.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 2020 brought more resolutions and ordinances for relief and safety to Duluth City Council’s docket, councilors say they are starting 2021 on a quieter note. The first council meeting Monday, according to Councilor Joel Sipress, will be focused on beginning-of-the-year formalities. Still, after a year of passing ordinances like the mask mandate and COVID-19 related relief to…

Rapid Fire Hockey Holds Tryouts for Girls Team at Superior Ice Arena

The Rapid Fire Hockey Association held tryouts for what they call 10U and 12U girls

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Young girl hockey players in Superior got to try out Sunday for a local hockey organization at the Superior Ice Arena. The Rapid Fire Hockey Association held tryouts for what they call 10U and 12U girls, those born between the years of 2008 and 2011. Owners of the association said that pandemic or not, boys and girls that…

Duluth Six-Year-Old Gets Big-Rig Birthday Parade with Fire, Tow Trucks

The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of Fenix's house.

DULUTH, Minn.- One young boy in Duluth got a special surprise his birthday Sunday — a parade full of trucks. The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of young Fenix’s house on Second Street and 18th Avenue West in the Endion Neighborhood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, Fenix couldn’t have a…

CHUM Food Shelf Sees Record Demand in 2020, Year Ahead Looks No Better

The food shelf served more than 16,000 people in 2020, and staff expects the need to go up as much as 20% in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic left more than 15,000 people in the Twin Ports to rely on CHUM’s Food Shelf to put food on the table — an increased demand they haven’t seen in more than a decade. “In my tenure it was a pretty big record setting year on my terms,” Distributive Services Director Scott Van…

Seats Open on Many City of Duluth Boards, Commissions

Those needing seats filled include the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Civil Service Board.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth has openings for citizens to be a part of decision-making on many of their boards and commissions this year. More than a dozen of the City’s boards and commissions have open seats such as the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Civil Service Board and more. According to City officials, it’s a…

Birkie Drops Enbridge Energy Sponsorship, Says Relationship Doesn’t Align with Race’s Values

The dissolving of this agreement comes months after Enbridge started its controversial Line 3 Pipeline replacement project.

HAYWARD, Wis.- The largest cross-country ski race in the country, the American Birkebeiner or “Birkie” is taking a stand against what they see as environmental concerns with Enbridge Energy — dropping the corporation as a sponsor for this year’s race. According to a letter on the Birkie website, they are dissolving their previous agreement, after “we heard from some in…

Small Crowd of Trump Supporters Gather at Minnesota Capitol

The rally comes as tensions are high following Wednesday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump rioters.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State Patrol officers guarded the steps of the Minnesota Capitol on Saturday, as roughly 100 supporters of President Donald Trump gathered to protest the results of the 2020 election. The rally comes as tensions are high following Wednesday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump rioters. Several people in Saturday’s crowd held…

Gov. Evers, Health Officials Ask for Patience During Wisconsin Vaccine Distribution

Health officials said the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while.

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Governor and health leaders addressed obstacles and delays in the state’s vaccine distribution Tuesday. So far 85,609 vaccines have been administered and as of Monday 266,675 doses had been shipped to Wisconsin. According to health officials, the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while. Gov. Tony Evers emphasized that focus should not divert…

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northland Gets Big Donation to Start New Year

Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local consulting firm has raised more than $11,000 to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland for this new year. Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event. The crew at RSM said they hope the extra money will help during these tougher…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…