Author: Arman Rahman

Skiing, Skating and Snowshoeing by Candlelight

13th Annual Event Held in Cold Temps

DULUTH, Minn.- In true Northland fashion, families bundled up and took to the ice-cold outside at Hartley Nature Center. The Center hosted their 13th Annual Candlelight Ski, Skate and Snowshoe event. Families could enjoy fat biking and snowshoe hiking on a trail adorned with lights, skate on Hartley Pond, or share some hot chocolate at the yurt. Organizers say, when…

Curling into Team USA at US Curling Junior Nationals

Championship Held in Two Harbors for First Time

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Crowds packed the Two Harbors Curling Club, anxious to see their team move on, at the 2019 U.S. Curling Association Junior Nationals. These young men and women curlers battled it out not only to win the championship, but for the coveted place that comes with it. As curlers pull shots, their rocks striking with an ominous “CLACK,” sparking…

After 11 Years at Port Authority, Adele Yorde Retires

Retirement Party Held at Port Authority

DULUTH, Minn.-After 11 years serving the Twin Ports, Adele Yorde of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority is retiring. A party was thrown for Yorde as she said farewell to the workplace and colleagues she’s been with for over a decade. Yorde’s daughter even surprised her mom with a visit, who wasn’t expecting her until April. Now, Yorde has already got…

Students Get Taste of Marine Training at Mini Bootcamp

Real Training with Real Drill Instructors

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior YMCA was turned into a training camp on Friday, as students got a taste of what it’s like to be a Marine at Mini Bootcamp. The gym floor filled with young men and women planning to be, or interested in joining the United States Marine Corps. Organizers say, being a Marine has a lot to offer….

As Warming Center Opens, Concerns Arise

Homeless Persons Bill of Rights Coalition Writes Letter to City

DULUTH, Minn.-  Thursday night marked not only the beginning of extreme cold, but the opening of a new warming center in Duluth. Five people occupied warming center on the 5800 Block of Grand Avenue in West Duluth on Thursday. While the city and the Homeless Persons Bill of Rights coalition, or HPBR, both consider that a victory, HPBR wants to…

Northlanders Skate Before Temps Drop

Subzero Temps Mean Outdoor Rinks Close

DULUTH, Minn.- Lately the weather’s been great to get out on the ice. No, not the frozen parking lots and sidewalks. Ice skating rinks. But many outdoor rinks in the Northland close once the windchill drops to about –20 degrees. Even though outdoor rinks may close, in Duluth, Essentia Health provides open skating at their Heritage Sports Center every Wednesday….

Alleged Closs Murderer and Kidnapper Appears in Court

Criminal Complaint Released by Barron County

BARRON, Wis.- The man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs for 88 days and killing her parents could be sentenced to life in prison. He’s facing four serious charges including two counts of first degree homicide, and one count of kidnapping, and armed burglary. The press conference on Monday was vastly different than the one held last Friday when Closs escaped….

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Search Training

Native Lives Matter Holds Event at Building for Women

DULUTH, Minn.- A local group is working to bring awareness to missing and murdered indigenous women. The Native Lives Matter Coalition and PAVSA hosted search training and a community patrol today. The organization Shahnish Scouts provided training, and united multiple local organizations in the goal of bringing every missing woman home. “Opening their minds for a little bit more awareness,…

Ignite Studio Helps Unpaid Government Workers

Fitness Studio Offers All Classes Free To Workers and Family

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s day 23 of the partial government shutdown, about 800,000 employees are either working without pay, or furloughed. Businesses are stepping forward to help those workers with the financial difficulties. Ignite Studio in Duluth is trying to help ease the worries of those affected by the shutdown by offering free classes so they can exercise–improving moods, boosting energy,…

Iron Mug Works With Duluth Dodge To Help Federal Workers

Raise Funds for Those Affected by Shutdown

DULUTH, Minn.-Iron Mug owner Mike Letica is teaming up with Duluth Dodge, to give back to federal workers not being paid during the shutdown. 10% of Iron Mug sales are going to donations, and at Duluth Dodge they’ll donate $50 for every car or truck sold. Letica said he was inspired after hearing the story of one particular TSA worker….

Anglers Take to the Ice for 3rd Annual Ice Fishing Contest

Anglers Compliment Weather, Fish Still Hiding

DULUTH, Minn.- Only in the Northland can you expect a frozen lake to be covered with ice houses and four-wheelers. On Saturday Anglers attacked the ice, trying to get themselves the next biggest cash to win the 3rd Annual Alpine Bar Winter Walleye Fishing Contest. The white blanket of snow on the frozen St. Louis River is peppered with different…

Thieves Strike Bentleyville Yet Again

Items Stolen and Damage as Display Comes Down

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the holiday season is over, that hasn’t stopped some more Grinches from stealing from Bentleyville Tour of Lights as the display is being taken down. Thursday night crooks sawed off a cable that was the major power supply of the light show, stole 150 gallons of diesel, a motor, and spotlights that lit up the “#Bentleyville2018”…

Second Homicide in Two Weeks Leaves Hibbing Anxious

Families Start Locking Doors, Looking After Kids Outside

HIBBING, Minn.- The city of Hibbing is on edge after Hibbing Police make three arrests in the suspected murder of 33-year-old Joshua Lavalley of Aurora. Formal charges are pending against two men, 18 and 20, as well as a 17-year-old female all from Hibbing. Meanwhile residents, especially those who exercise on the Mesabi Trail, are shaken up. “We go running…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Warming Up the Homeless

Ruth House Opens as Warming Center

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the frigid air of night sets in, the question of where to sleep enters the minds of the homeless in Duluth and Superior. Places like CHUM or Solid Rock often fill up quickly, leaving them with almost no options. Until now. The Ruth House in Superior is offering warmth, and care, to anyone who needs it during Northland…

Fourth Suspect in William Grahek Murder Sentenced to Jail

Judge to Davenport: You Deserve More Than a Life Sentence

DULUTH, Minn.- Another suspect has been sentenced in the homicide of UMD student William Grahek. 23-year-old Deandre Davenport was given a mandatory life sentence, with possibility of parole in 30 years. Last month, Davenport was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and one count of intentional second degree murder. Davenport took part in the fatal shooting of Grahek…

Dogs Wag in New Year at Doodle Dog Romp

Dozens of Pooches Play in Jean Duluth Dog Park

DULUTH, Minn.- Some dogs rang in the New Year on Sunday the only way they know how: sniffing butts and playing fetch with their buddies. The New Year’s Day Doodle Romp invited not just doodles, but all dogs of the Northland to have a giant doggy play-date in the Jean Duluth dog park. The organizer says it fosters more connections…

Feeling Unappreciated: Shutdown Hitting Northland Coast Guard Families

Many Working Without Pay

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this Cloquet house, dinner is becoming limited to a few options. “We have leftover Hamburger Helper, there’s pork chops. There’s hotdogs, mommy bought plenty of hotdogs,” the mother tells her children. “It’s pasta dishes, it’s things that you can get dirt cheap,” said Andrea Hawkins. “Y’know, it’s like living on a college kid’s income all over again.”…

Furry Photos Raise Funds to Help Puerto Rican Pets

Pet Photo Fundraiser Held at North Shore Veterinary Hospital

DULUTH, Minn.- Canine and Feline Supermodels took over North Shore Veterinary Hospital, as they held a Pet Photo Fundraiser. $20 got owners and their pets an exclusive photo shoot, complete with props and scenes. That is, of course, if they could get their pets to sit still in the first place. Many scramble, scooping up dogs and cats and plopping…

End of An Era: Marcia Hales Switches Off Lights After 20 Years

Final Night Sends Off 20 Year Legacy

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been over 10 days since Christmas, but the holidays haven’t left Park Point thanks to Marcia Hales’s light show. Until Saturday night, when she lit up Park Point for the last time. After over 20 years of bringing holiday cheer to generations, Hales said it has simply become too much. While she’s been approached by many who…

Gold Medalists Guide Guppies of Superior YMCA

Jason Lezak and Breeja Larson Hold Swim Clinic

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Whalers of Superior Douglas County Family YMCA’s Swim Team got some helpful tips, from none other than two Olympic gold medalists. Almost 140 of the Superior Whalers throughout the day lined the natatorium pool at Superior High School. They all quiver with excitement, ready to receive some aquatic advice from America’s very own Aquaman and Aquawoman, Jason…

Bringing Missing Indigenous Women Home, Through Art

AICHO Exhibit Raises Awareness of MMIW

DULUTH, Minn.- The number of missing or murdered indigenous women is hard to pinpoint, as many cases go unreported. Friday, an exhibit at AICHO focused not on the statistics, but on bringing the stories of these women home. The Bring Her Home exhibit started last year in Minneapolis, and is now ending its tour in Duluth. The exhibit features artwork which, AICHO…

Lake Superior Estuarium Holds Open House

Staff Wants More to Learn About Lake and Estuary

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s much about Lake Superior and it’s surrounding water that the public isn’t aware of, according to the Lake Superior Reserve. On Friday, the National Estuarine Research Reserve had an open house to help educate more about our neighborly body of water. Staff said they have a variety of interactive educational tools and programs to help you learn…

Will the Shutdown be Shutting Down SNAP/Food Stamps?

The Effects Being Felt by Benefits Recipients in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.- With the government shutdown entering its third week, effects are already being seen in the Northland. The shutdown hasn’t reached SNAP benefit recipients just yet, but that safety only lasts this month. President Trump’s recent declaration that he is prepared to keep the shutdown going for months, or even years, spells out danger for SNAP Food Stamp recipients…

Kick 2019 Into High Gear at Swift Martial Arts Leadership

Boot Camp Helps People Set Fitness Goals for New Year

DULUTH, Minn.-Health and fitness are among the top of the list of resolutions almost every year. One Northland business is helping you kick that up a notch. For many, the moves of martial arts may seem impossible, or something only Bruce Lee can do. But Swift’s Leadership Martial Arts on Grand Avenue shows that Tae Kwon Do can help you…

Duluth Bethel Shines Beacon of Hope

Beacon Lighting Helps Ring in New Year for Recovering Addicts

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Bethel has been serving the Northland in different ways for 145 years. On New Years Eve, they honored that legacy by having a dinner celebrating the lighting of their green beacon. A small crowd of counselors, community members, and those being treated at the Bethel gathered for the small lighting ceremony. The biting wind and chilling cold…

MnDOT Says Prepare for Dangerous Roads

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

DULUTH, Minn.- On top of not driving under the influence, the freezing temperatures on the way spell double trouble for drivers late tonight. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has had their hands full with the new snow already, and officials said the extreme cold will make their job even harder. “The chemicals don’t work as well when it’s this cold, so…

Using Yoga to Reflect on the Past Year

Yoga North Helping Northlanders Meditate

DULUTH, Minn.- We all have our rituals to celebrate the fresh New Year. But how many of us take steps to reflect on the year that past? At Yoga North, they say this is another key part to having a successful year, that many overlook. Reflection is not something many of us consider day to day, but according to the yoga…

From Blacklist to Food Bank to Plate: A Business’s Contribution

Blacklist Accepting Donations for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.- The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank just got a helping hand from a Duluth business. Blacklist Artisan Ales hosted a food drive for the food bank, giving customers a dollar off a pint with their donation. The brewery says, they feel it’s important to give back to the community. “You look at a lot of the businesses…

10 Days Later, Cloquet House Fire Survivor Speaks Out

Still Recovering, Thankful to Be Alive

CLOQUET, Minn.-Firefighters worked three hours to put out a house fire in Cloquet 10 days ago. Now, the woman who survived it all shares her experience. Terri Cordell now lives in the Super 8 Motel in Cloquet. Scattered around her room are the belongings she salvaged from the flames. Unfortunately, her health did not make it out unscathed. Her breathing,…

Early Morning Break-In at Iron Mug Coffeehouse

Burglar Stole a Few Items from Mike Letica's Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn.- Mike Letica, owner of the Iron Mug, awoke to a startling call at 2am. His restaurant had been broken into, the side door glass smashed to pieces. Initially, both Letica and the police found nothing stolen. He posted his unfortunate morning on Facebook, and got over 500 shares by midday. The outpouring of support even led some to…

Candlelight Vigil Honors Memory of Shooting Victim

Victim Shot in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over two weeks have past since 35–year–old Kevin Weiss was shot outside a home in Gary-New Duluth. On Saturday night, the community turned out to honor Kevin with a candlelight vigil. After losing one of their own, the community as well as friends and family of Kevin John Weiss came out to celebrate his life, and bring awareness…

Minnesota Minimum Wage Hiking Up in 2019

Second Year Wage Goes Up With Inflation

DULUTH, Minn.- The New Year will bring some big changes for businesses, including an increase in the Minnesota minimum wage. Starting in January, the minimum wage will increase to $9.86 for large employers, and $8.04 for small employers. This will be the 4th year the wage has increased, but only the second where it has increased based on inflation, going…

Rock In the New Year at Silo’s Restaurant

Night of Live Music and Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Silo’s Restaurant at Pier B Resort is gearing up for a night of jams and joy this New Year’s Eve. They will be featuring live music by rock group G.B. Leighton, as well as Country singer Shane Martin. According to the staff, it’s sure to be a rockin’ night. “The atmosphere that we build there, as the night’s…

Duluth Library’s Winter Job: Part Time Movie Theater

Movies in the Library Caters to Kids Home on Break

DULUTH, Minn.- Not all families can make it to the slopes for skiing. Parents with jobs, or lack of ski-lodge money can make it difficult to entertain kids on Winter Break, so the Duluth Public Library has got a free solution. Movies at the Library allows kids of all ages to come and watch a family friendly movie with other…

Duluth Says Bye Bye to Bentleyville

Holiday Attraction Packs Its Bags, and Unplugs the Lights

DULUTH, Minn.-That’s a wrap! Well, time to wrap up a lot of Christmas lights that is. Christmas only comes once a year, and unfortunately, so does Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Another year in the books for Duluth’s largest holiday attraction, as it unplugs its lights, closed for the year. On Thursday crews were seen packing up supplies and taking down…

When Snow Falls and Piles, the Northland Skis and Snowboards

Spirit Mountain Hectic with Skiers and Snowboarders on Break

DULUTH, Minn.-The flakes are falling, which means winter has officially arrived in the Northland, and no one is happier about it than the skiers and snowboarders of Spirit Mountain. Hundreds flocked to the popular winter destination on Thursday. Left and right, the “crunch” of boots trudging through snow, and the “choom” of snowboards wedging into the snow create a winter…

Great Outdoors: UMD’s Allworth Planetarium

Take Stargazing to a Whole New Level

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever wanted to soar through the stars, the rocket ship is closer than you think. UMD’s Alworth Planetarium will boldly go with you, where no one has gone before. The sound of lightsabers clashing echo down the hall. No, this isn’t a Star Wars attraction at Disneyworld. This is the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium’s fan favorite…

What is Minnesota Nice?

An In-Depth Look into the Concept, Where It Came From, and its Effects

MINNESOTA – At stop signs, in lines, in traffic, everyone is kind. You may think Minnesota Nice is a *nice* quality to have, but could it have unwanted events, if taken to extremes? Moreover, what do non-Minnesota-locals think of our undying need to be friendly? “Somebody from outside of MN would be able to recognize it and be more sensitive…

Duluth Teacher Convicted of Sexual Misconduct Sentenced

Karla Winterfeld Sentenced to 12 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- A former, young Duluth Middle School teacher, sentenced to 12 years in prison. Karla Winterfeld was once a decorated educator. In 2016 she landed the Greg Irons Award for Exceptional Commitment to the Well–Being of Students. That same year she was also one of the recipients of the Duluth News Tribune’s “20 under 40” awards. But none of…

Superior Fire Department Receives Grant for Hazmat Equipment

Grant Comes from Wisconsin Emergency Management

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior firefighters took on the Globe grain elevator fire with some new gear. After last year’s Husky Refinery explosion, the Superior Fire Department received a $62,000 to be better equipped for large–scale emergencies and hazmat situations. The grant came from Wisconsin Emergency Management. With the new equipment the department can better monitor and understand flammability, oxygen levels, carbon…

School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Public School Board approved a 2019 levy which was voted on by the public in the November elections. The public voted on raising an existing 2013 levy by about $8,000,000 due to updated pupil counts, facilities maintenance project approvals, and a change in unemployment adjustment, among other reasons. The board met tonight, hearing a presentation titled Truth…

Cloquet Cops Spread Christmas Cheer with Stuff the Squad

Cloquet Police Department Holds Stuff the Squad Toy Drive and Shop with a Cop

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Police Department spread some Holiday Cheer with their annual “Stuff the Squad” Toy Drive. Officers parked outside the Walmart, and L&M stores with their squad cars, ready to be stuffed with toys to be distributed by the Salvation Army. Last year, the department loaded up three squad cars: a Dodge Charger, Ford Explorer, and a pickup…

Trump Administration’s Bump Stock Ban Doesn’t Effect Superior Gun Store

Superior Shooters Supply Never Sold Bump Stocks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Trump Administration has officially banned bump stocks in the U.S. It’s an equipment which allows semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. Meanwhile, the owner of Superior Shooters Supply in Superior tells us this ban really doesn’t affect her business. She’s never sold bump stocks, and said they are barely effective, hurt accuracy, and are limited…

Council Passes TIF Agreement for High Rise Apartments in Downtown Duluth

2 Councilors Vote Against, One Absent

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed a TIF increment financing package for developers, who plan to build a luxury apartment complex downtown. $6.2 million of the $70.4 million cost will come through public financing. A packed city hall Monday night illustrates the urgency presented by this issue. The developers for the high rise presented their plans for the construction. The…

Iron Mug Arranges Gifts for Christmas Giveaway

Mike Letica Hosting Toy Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays fast approach, many families are forced to sit with the realization that they can’t afford to buy Christmas presents. Well, Mike Letica and his team at Iron Mug Coffehouse is trying to change that again this year. They’re currently sorting through $10,000 worth of toys, to hand out to families in need this Christmas. The…

Marcia Hales’ Holiday Lights Up Till 31st

Hales Says, It Must Come to an End

DULUTH, Minn- As you are out enjoying the warm weather, you might consider stopping for some holiday cheer at Park Point. Marcia Hales’s Holiday Spirit in the Lights display opened on the 14th, and runs through the 31st. Families can take a tour of the different lights and head down to the beach, where even the sand is dressed in…

NAACP Holds Election, First Meeting

Elections Uncontested

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth branch of the NAACP hosted elections on Sunday. Members voted on a new President, first and second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 24 executive board members. The elections ran uncontested. But leaders say that is no reason to not get out, and vote. “When it’s uncontested, I think it’s still important that folks engage…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Duluth Outside

High Temps Mean Comfortable Outdoor Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite how the song goes, it’s beginning to look anything but like a White Christmas. Unseasonably warm weather is gripping the Northland, with temperatures reaching nearly 50  degrees today. Quite a few spots around Duluth were bustling with folks living it up in the hot winter sun. If you took a look at the thermometer in your car,…

Twas the Night Before Zoomas…

Celebrating the Holidays at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.- Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the zoo, every creature was stirring & excited to meet you at today’s “Zoomas” event at Lake Superior Zoo. The zoo staff says it’s important for them to celebrate the holidays with the community. “Not only are they able to experience the zoo and get that conservation message in there,…