DULUTH, Minn. – There’s good news for the Lake Superior Zoo. The zoo’s accreditation was extended four years by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The AZA, which grants accreditation to less than 10% of the approximately 2,800 animal attractions licensed by the Department of Agriculture, praised the zoo for stabilizing its finances while developing a plan for sustainability. “We…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Representatives from two electricity suppliers met with residents Thursday to answer questions about the Nemadji Trail Energy Center natural gas power plant. These informal open houses gave residents a chance to learn what the plan will mean for the city. For Minnesota Power, using natural gas to create electricity is another step towards cleaner, renewable energy. In…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders’ response to Hurricane Harvey relief was overwhelming, but a local credit union reminds people there’s need at home as well. Throughout September, Superior Choice Credit Union is taking donations of household supplies for area emergency shelters. Each branch has shopping lists so members know what shelters need. Organizers say giving is important all year not just…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Democrat hoping to be Wisconsin’s next governor visited the city Thursday. 25 year-old Bob Harlow was actually the first Democrat in the 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race. His platform includes a state–run healthcare system, a high speed rail network, restoring union rights in the state, plus investment in infrastructure and education. Harlow says he’s also opposed to…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local woman is on her way to Texas with a van full of supplies for pets affected by Hurricane Harvey. Tina Marcella and Traci Scholler with Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue collected donations to take to Ft. Worth, Tex. where they will be distributed to areas affected by the hurricane. Marcella left Duluth Friday afternoon, her van…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local entrepreneur Mike Letica, like others around the country, saw the devastation Hurricane Harvey brought to South Texas and wanted to do something to help. “Anytime something happens, whether it’s in the city or something nationally, I always think about what I would want from people if this happened to me,” said Letica. “Prayers for Texas” was…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local American Red Cross volunteers headed south to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts received training before their trip. Thursday, at the Red Cross’ Duluth office, volunteers learned how to deploy, what to expect both in Texas and when they come home, as well as a class in sheltering fundamentals. The local Red Cross already has ten…
DULUTH, Minn. – Assistant Chief Erik Simonson is taking early retirement from the Duluth Fire Department in order to lead the Lake Superior Zoo. Simonson was introduced as the zoo’s new Chief Executive Officer Thursday morning. He takes over for Dave Benson, who’s been serving on an interim basis since former CEO Corey Leet resigned in May for family reasons…
DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council wants to make starting a small business in Duluth easier. Recently, the council approved a resolution creating a new Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The seven person task force will be charged with giving the council information and recommendations designed to streamline the permit process. The group will consist of an architect, developer and…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – An auction benefiting a local veterans group was so successful last year, they’re doing it again. Benna Ford and the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart teamed up to auction off a 1977 Ford F–150 pickup. Between now and September 8th, you can stop by Benna Ford’s dealership in Superior, check out the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Ordinary people became heroes Thursday with one simple act. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Zeitgiest Atrium in Downtown Duluth. The Red Cross has a critical need for donations and organizers were happy to see donors come in. “It feels really good to see people are so selfless and able to come in,…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved a proposal Wednesday to expand the city’s Skywalk system. Wednesday’s approval by DEDA Commissioners was the first step needed in expanding Skywalk. The plan will expand the Skywalk along the 100 block of E. Superior Street and down to the Historic Arts and Theatre District. DEDA will now contract local…
DULUTH, Minn. – Life could change in a big way for someone, somewhere. Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot was up to an estimated $700 million, the second largest jackpot in history. Across Duluth, Powerball players stocked up on tickets, in hopes Wednesday was their lucky day. Many had big dreams of what they’d buy if they were lucky enough to hit the…
CARLTON, Minn. – To wrap up his two-day visit to the Northland, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) stopped on the Fond du Lac Reservation Tuesday. Senator Franken serves on both the Senate Energy and Indian Affairs committees, so his visit to the reservation served multiple interests. Minnesota’s junior senator met with Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe officials to talk about…
CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College celebrated the start of a new school year Tuesday. The campus was buzzing with students making their way to and from classes. One student we spoke to says he loves FDLTCC’s sense of community. “Teachers are willing to help, along with classmates, even people you don’t know are willing to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Veterans headed to college recently saw changes to their G.I. Bill benefits, changes which really help National Guard and Reserves veterans. Under the Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, Guard and Reserve members will get $2,300 in additional G.I. Bill benefits, if they were on active duty less than a year. Plus, vets can now use their benefits…
CLOQUET, Minn. – Carlton County residents lined up at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on a rainy Thursday morning, waiting for the county’s first mobile food pantry to open. “This is a great opportunity for people who need a little bit of food to come grab some,” said Rachel Johnston, who visited the pantry Thursday. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank…
BARNUM, Minn. – The 127th Carlton County fair is open. Between Thursday and Sunday, fair–goers can check out the best livestock the county has to offer, while also enjoying rides, and of course fair food. Organizers say this is the best time of year. “The only sad thing is it’s the end of summer,” said Allysha Sample, Fair Manager. “It’s…
CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is celebrating a new accreditation. FDLTCC was recently accredited by the World Indigenous Nations Higher Educatiuon Consortium (WINHEC). The accreditation lasts 10 years and makes the college a full voting member of the WINHEC. Fond du Lac is the only college in the United States accredited by the WINHEC. Categories:…
DULUTH, Minn. – Officials From Duluth’s aviation industry celebrated a decade of aviation’s economic impact on the city. They also announced the results of a study by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). According to DEED, aviation activity at and around the Duluth International Airport since 2007 is responsible for 3,451 direct jobs, 5,669 total jobs, $646,500,000…
DULUTH, Minn. – Debra Johnson Robnik can’t remember a time with so much negativity in the world. “I don’t remember, ever in my age, having so much and seeing so much hatred,” she says. “And that’s frightening.” As a way to fight that hatred Johnson Robnik tries to do nice things for strangers she meets on Duluth’s Lakewalk. “I just…
DULUTH, Minn. – A group of concerned citizens sent a message to Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday regarding PolyMet’s proposed copper–nickel mine. The group called Duluth for Clean Water wants an evidentiary hearing before a permit to mine is issued to PolyMet for its proposed site. Critics call the type of mining proposed the most toxic form of mining known in…
DULUTH, Minn. – Theresa Katzmark was sentenced to 48 months in prison Thursday for criminal vehicular homicide in Donna Estrem’s death last April. 6th Judicial District Judge Shaun Floreke admitted he struggled with the decision to send Katzmark to prision but in the end, prison was Floerke’s only choice. “I’m not here to say you are a bad person, I’m…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth held an emergency drill Thursday at the school’s Natural Resources Research Institute. The university staged an active shooter situation, UMD’s first ever active drill event. The exercise was paid for with a $12,000 grant involved several law enforcement agencies. UMD Police Chief Sean Huls says bringing in outside emergency responders made the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local kids beat the heat Wednesday by hitting the ice. The City of Duluth and the Essentia Health Heritage Sports Center hosted an open skate for kids of all ages. The session gave some parents a chance to teach their kid the basics, while others were keeping skills sharp for hockey season. “The only sad thing is…
DULUTH, Minn. – Mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine joined sexual assault survivors from Duluth and Superior, as well as their allies on Park point Wednesday to dedicate a day towards breaking silence. “Therefore, we, Jim Paine and Emily Larson, Mayors of the City of Superior and the City of Duluth, do officially proclaim August 16th, 2017 as Break the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth streets are a problem for virtually every driver. However Mayor Emily Larson thinks she has a solution. “I am announcing a referendum for voters this fall, for a 0.5% sales tax dedicated entirely to fund our Streets Improvement Program,” said Mayor Larson, while unveiling her new plan Wednesday. According to Mayor Larson the sales tax increase…
DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth Police Department is looking for a few new officers. The UMD P.D. has openings for three new officers right now, with another opening later this year. The department conducted a staffing study a year ago which concluded the current staff of 10 wasn’t enough. UMD’s police chief, Sean Huls, says more officers…
DULUTH, Minn. – Statistics say you or someone close to you battles some form of mental illness. One Duluth man wants to raise awareness. Steven Gold came up with the “Mental Illness Sucks” t–shirt as a way to get people talking about a difficult subject. Gold, who’s battled depression since the 10th grade, says getting people to talk about their…
BROOKSTON, Minn. – The search for Ron and Mary Tarnowski had a tragic ending. The couple, missing since July 29th, was found Saturday by a U.S. Border Patrol helicopter west of U.S. Highway 2 near Brookston. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, though foul play isn’t suspected. The Tarnowskis were last seen in Duluth July 29th at the…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) Former Democratic state Rep. Brett Hulsey, of Madison, has filed paperwork to run for governor. Hulsey registered a campaign committee for a potential second run for governor on Thursday. He did not immediately return messages seeking comments on his intentions Saturday. Hulsey served in the state Assembly from 2011 through 2014. He also ran for governor that…
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Muslim American Society of Minnesota says that someone threw an explosive device that started a fire in the imam’s office at a mosque near Minneapolis. The society said in a statement that attendees extinguished the fire at Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington. Police say the explosion was reported at about 5 a.m. Saturday and there…
DULUTH, Minn. – In an effort to help find Ronald and Mary Tarnowski, the Duluth Police Department has set up a tip line. Anyone who thinks they see the Tarnowskis or their vehicle, a pewter 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe with Minnesota license plate 852-JXG, are asked to call 1-877-888-3939. The Tarnowskis were last seen at the County Country Store on U.S….
DULUTH, Minn. – Ronald and Mary Tarnowski were last seen Saturday, July 29th. On Wednesday, their son asked for the public’s help. “Any help to get my Mom and Dad home would be more than welcome,” saind Karl Tarnowski. For Karl, his wife Bev, his brother Kurt, and the rest of their family, not knowing where Ron and Mary are…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new restaurant is planned for the old Superior Street Coney Island. The space is undergoing extensive renovations to soon become Martha’s Daughter. The new owner moved in about a month ago. She says Martha’s Daughter will serve globally inspired food sourced locally. “Having a local connection is very important to me,” said Nyanika Banda. “I know…
DULUTH, Minn. – Before you know it fall and winter will be here and many in the Northland will head to warmer weather. Mexico is a popular destination. But in light of recent stories of tainted alcohol and rape at all inclusive resorts, some may think wice about a Mexican holiday. According to one Duluth travel agent, incidents do happen,…
WRENSHALL, Minn. – Locally Laid is known for its eggs but did you know the company started producing raspberries last year? The recent heatwave sped up this year’s berry crop at Farm LoLa. In fact, farmers say now is the time to pick the best of the best. As neighboring patches ditch the berry business, the business of picking berries…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools, CHUM, and the Union Gospel Mission want to send kids back to school prepared. These groups have partnered for another ‘Adopt a Backpack’ drive. Between now and August 15th you can drop off school supplies at CHUM’s food shelf in Downtown Duluth to help families in need. Organizers say going back to school on…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local officials helped groups land grant money through the Department of Housing & Urban Development. The city has about $3 million for community revitalization through the Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. Representatives from the community planning office were on hand at the Duluth Public Library Tuesday to answer any questions. “This is a…
ALBORN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Cotton man was hospitalized after an All-Terrain Vehicle crash Saturday afternoon. The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. 21 year old Dakota Voight was seriously injured when his ATV rolled over as voight climbed a steep hill on a trail in Alborn Township. Voight was airlifted to st. Luke’s Hosiptal in Duluth where he’s in stable…
CARLTON, Minn. – A man accused of a murder on the Fond du Lac Reservation says he’s guilty. 33 year old Wayne Bosto pled guilty to second degree murder charges in Carlton County court Friday. Bosto was accused of killing John Korby last December. Bosto was also charged with being a felon in possesion of a firearm. Bosto will be…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Jim Paine knew the job wouldn’t be easy. But 100 days into his first term as Superior’s Mayor, Paine feels as if he and his city are moving in the right direction. “The first 100 days are not the whole term, but they certainly set the pace,” said Paine, who defeated Brent Fennessey in April to succeed…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse is looking for golfers with a strong short game and a strong sock game. Friday CASDA hosts its 5th annual ‘Socks for Survivors’ golf tournament at Nemadji Golf Club. Golfers are encouraged to wear their wildest socks for a day on the links while raising money to help CASDA support…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians who’ve made significant donations to the Duluth Public Library were honored at the 2nd annual Olga Walker Memorial Award ceremony Wednesday. The Olga Walker Award is named for a Duluthian who left her entire estate to the library when she passed in 1964. This year, the library honored six donors, including Ruth Ann Eaton and her…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Local advocates aren’t happy with President Trump’s suggestion he’d ban transgender people from serving in the military. “It’s another step of making people that are very important in our community not exist anymore,” said Bob Jansen, LGBTQ advocate and owner of the Main Club in Superior. “If they aren’t around, if we don’t see them we don’t…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and Drug Enforcement Agency announced a new partnership to help fight the city’s opioid problem. As part of this partnership, the DEA will give the city $18,000 to pay for overtime hours during drug raids. Plus, the city now has access to DEA labs and intelligence databases. “This is an opportunity for us…
DULUTH, Minn. – Statistics say 1 in 10 children will be a victim of sexual abuse before they turn 18. That’s why a number of groups who support victims gathered at the DECC to discuss how to treat those victims. At Tuesday’s Stand Against Child Abuse conference, representatives from police, child protective services and medical professions learned from speakers, as…
DULUTH, Minn. – Researchers and forest managers from Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Northeast are in Duluth this week to develop a game plan for battling the emerald ash borer. The workshop opened Tuesday at the Inn on Lake Superior with lectures discussing the borer’s effect on ash forests. The highlight of the workshop comes Wednesday as participants will get their…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Girls from local high schools wrapped up a couple days of learning about space travel Tuesday at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. This aeronautics and space camp hosted by UWS’ Transportation and Logisitics Research Center taught the kids about opportunities for women in the space program. They even took time to launch homemade rockets Tuesday. And State Senator…
ASHLAND, Wis. – An Ashland man died Friday while fishing on Lake Superior. According to Ashland County Sheriffs, the man, 62m went fishing by himself Friday and was supposed to return by 1:00 p.m. His truck and boat trailer were still parked at the Kreher Park boat landing. Around 5:00 p.m., a resident on Lake Park Road called 911…
