Author: Greg Chandler

Cloquet Color Run Dedicated to Enthusiast

Cole Drechsler Loved Color Runs, so Rotary Club Honored Him

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Rotary Club is ready for the city’s 4th annual Color Run. “It’s just a really fun event we do to raise money for community projects in the future,” said Junior Rotarian Holly McGinn. One of the Rotary Club’s three major fundraisers, Cloquet’s Color Run gets bigger every year. This year the Rotary Club decided to…

Swimmers Beat the Heat at Pinehurst

Public Beach Packed with Swimmers on Hot Day

CLOQUET, Minn. – A sunny day across the Northland left many looking for ways to beat the heat. Cloquet residents lined up before noon to get into the Pinehurst Beach swimming area. Officials there say on a day like Thursday as many as 500 people could stop by for a dip at what’s known as a Cloquet gem. “People love…

Water Safety Expo Draws a Crowd

Event on Park Point Featured a Sand Mondeling Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – Park Point Beach was packed for the city’s Water Safety Expo. Duluth Parks and Recreation teamed up with the YMCA, the National Weather Service and Minnesota Sea Grant for a day of fun at the beach, including a sand modeling contest. “I saw some cool stuff out there,” said Kraig Decker, Duluth Parks Permit Coordinator. “I’m a…

WWII Marine to be Laid to Rest Saturday

Sgt. James Hubert's Remains were Unaccounted for Since Battle of Tarawa

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth Marine missing since 1943 finally returns home Saturday. Sergeant James Hubert will be laid to rest 74 years after he was killed at the Battle of Tarawa in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Sgt. Hubert’s remains were discovered by a group called History Flight and recently identified. His sister, Mary Kay Hagen says…

WWII Veteran Awarded High School Diploma

Marine Sgt. James Hubert was Killed in the Battle of Tarawa

DULUTH, Minn. – Some 78 years after Marine Sgt. James Hubert should have graduated from Denfeld High School, the World War II veteran received his diploma. “This is just one small thing we as a district and as a community can do to honor the ultimate sacrifice the family and Sgt. Hubert made for our country,” said Amy Starzecki, Duluth…

Workshop Offers Genealogy Tips

First Genealogy Worshop Hosted Ten Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Historical Society offered a genealogy workshop at The Depot Thursday. In this Basic Genealogy class, people learned how to start their own family research using resources in their own backyard. The class’ instructor says genealogy teaches people about who they are. “I think it provides people with a sense of place,” said Kathleen…

Duluth Kennel Club Hosts Dog Shows

Nearly 800 Dogs Compete Over Four Days

DULUTH, Minn. – For the rest of this week, the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center has gone to the dogs. Through Sunday, the Duluth Kennel Club hosts its annual series of all–breed dog shows inside the DECC’s Pioneer Hall. Between 750 and 800 pure-bred dogs from across the United States and Canada take part in four days of competition for…

Historic Union Depot Needs Millions in Repairs

St. Louis Co. to Seek Funding During 2018 Application Process

DULUTH, Minn. – The more than century old Union Depot needs repairs.  About $8 million worth in the next five to seven years. “It’s time to make a significant investment back into this building to preserve it for the next 100–plus years,” said St. Louis Co. Property Management Director Tony Mancuso. One project though, needs immediate attention. “We need to…

City Testing New Bike Lanes

Test of Protected Lanes Runs Through July

DULUTH, Minn. – The city recently opened new bike lanes on Michigan Street downtown and leaders are looking for input. These protected bike lanes are the first of their kind in the city.  Traffic flows both east and west separated from vehicular traffic by pylons. The test runs throughout July, and the city encourages cyclists, drivers and businesses to give…

Tuesdays are Kids Days Downtown

Library, Depot Offer Summer Kids Activities

DULUTH, Minn. – The downtown Duluth Public Library kicked off its annual Kaleidoscope for Kids summer program Tuesday. The library has run the Kaleidoscope program for more than 35 years. Every Tuesday through early August, kids and their parents can take in a free show outside in the library’s plaza area. Some lucky kids might even get to be part…

DTA Unveils New Bus Routes

Four New Routes Start Service August 27th

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will soon offer more options for public transportation users. Starting August 27th, the DTA will expand Route 5 service to run from Gary New Duluth to the Miller Hill Mall. Also, three brand new routes will start on the 27th. Route 21 will go from Lakeside to the mall via UMD’s Kirby Student…

Deer Crashes into Motorcycle

Driver was Taken to Hospital with Minor Injuries

HIBBING, Minn. – A Missouri man was taken to the hospital after a deer hit his motorcycle. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. Saturday.  53 year old Troy McMahon of Kansas City was riding his motorcycle on Highway 73 near Sand Lake, when a deer ran into traffic and made contact with his bike….

Man Arrested in Connection to Submerged SUV

Vehicle was Part of Shipment Bound for North Dakota

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Kentucky man was arrested in connection to an SUV found in Superior Bay Friday. 38 year old Anthony Bowles of Louisville was arrested Caledonia, Wis. for Obstruction. According to the Douglas Co. Sheriff, Bowles dumped a GMC Yukon bound for a dealership in North Dakota, in the water near Conner’s Point. Bowles and another man were…

UW Regents to Meet Thursday

Board Set to Vote on 2017-18 Budget

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin system’ Board of Regents faces a big decision coming up on Thursday. That’s when the board meets in Madison to vote on the system’s budget for the next school year. The current proposal calls for a system–wide 2% increase on student fees and housing.  However, tuititon for in–state undergrads stays where it is…

Hilstrom Announces AG Bid

Anoka Co. Prosecutor has been in State Legislature Since 2000

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – Nine term DFL Representative and Anoka County prosecutor Debra hilstrom announced her bid to become Minnesota’s next Attorney General. Hilstrom is one of three Democrats running to replace Lori Swanson.  But only if Swanson, the current Attorney General, runs for Governor. Hilstrom, who was first elected to the state house in 2000, ran an unsuccesful campaign…

Theatre Company Plans “Fences” Production

Organizers Seek African-American Actors to Fill Cast

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Community Theatre is planning a production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, “Fences”. “Fences” is the story of the Maxsons, an African-American family in 1950’s Pittsburgh. The director, Paul Deaner, wants the production to be as authentic as possible, which means he needs an african american cast to fill the…

Duluth Celebrates Swedish Midsommer

Swedish Culutral Society Hosts Annual Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood hosted a celebration of Swedish culture Wednesday. The Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth hosted its annual Midsommer celebration.  Swedes traditionally celebrate midsommer on the Friday closest to the Summer Solstice as a way to get outside after a long dark Winter. Organizers say it’s important to them to keep these traditions alive. “We take…

DRCC Among State’s Best Employers

Duluth Firm Ranked Second in Survey by Star-Tribune

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Regional Care Center was recently recognized as one of the top places to work in Minnesota. DRCC ranked 2nd among the state’s largest employer when it comes to what workers think about their jobs. DRCC helps people with disabilities get the most out of life and runs several group homes and apartment programs across the…

Local Governments Get MnDOT Grant Information

Roughly $22 Million is Available Through the DOT and DEED

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Northland city and county governments were in Duluth Wednesday, to find out how they can get some of the more than $22 million in grant money the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Department of Employment and Economic Development are handing out this year. This money is awarded every two years through the state’s Transportation…

Boundary Ave. Property Won’t Be Re-Zoned

Kwik Trip Eyed Location Near Proctor Border

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, City Councilors voted 5–3 in favor of re–zoning a property on Boundary Avenue along the border with Proctor as mixed use residential and commercial.  However, re–zoning requires a super majority of six votes. “The ordinance as it is, is done and we can’t pass it in the form it was shot down,” said At-Large Councilor…

UMD Testing Police Cameras

Officers are Wearing Body Cameras During Two Month Test

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota is taking steps to make campuses safer. The three campuses with police forces; Twin Cities, Morris and here in Duluth are testing body cameras. Two UMD police officers have been wearing cameras for a couple weeks, and will continue to wear them  for a two month trial period.  If all goes well, all…

Belknap St. Closes as Construction Continues

Belknap Closed Between Hill and Catlin for Six Days

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The next phase in the Belknap Street construction project started Saturday. Belknap St. closed for six days at 6:00 a.m. Saturday between Hill Ave. and Catlin Ave. to allow workers to install new water lines and storm sewers. Officials say crews will work day and night to get Belknap open by 6:00 a.m. on June 30th. As…

Man Dies in Bessemer Twp. Crash

Authorities Don't Know How Car Went Off Road

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – One man is dead following an overnight crash on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Gogebic County Sheriffs say 63 year old Donald Houghton of Lake Villa, Ill. died when his car drove off South County Road 519 in Bessemer Township, hitting several trees. A passing driver found Houghton’s car and called police. Investigators don’t know when the crash…

SWL&P Employees Pitch In For Harbor House

Volunteers Took Part in United Way Day of Caring

SUPERIOR, Wis. – About 20 volunteers from Superior Water, Light and Power worked in the sunshine Wednesday to make the Harbor House Crisis Shelter a little homier. “The whole idea is to make it hospitable, more like a home,” said Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner, Executive Director of Harbor House, which is Douglas Co.’s only crisis shelter for homeless single women and…

Wisconsin Attorney General Visits Superior

Visit was Part of AG's Tour of the State

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel’s 72 county tour of the state stopped in Douglas County Wednesday.  His message to local leaders: we know you exist, and we want to help. The A.G. held a round-table discussion where officials told him about Douglas County’s serious drug problem.  Douglas Co. is Wisconsin’s only county ranked in the top ten…

Fire Burns Railroad Tracks Near Osaugie Trail

Area Affected is Little Used Stretch of BNSF Track

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fire crews needed about 10 hours to battle an overnight fire by the Osaugie Trail. The fire started around 1:30 Wednesday morning on a little used stretch of track operated by the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad. Superior’s Battalion Chief Steve Edwards, says figuring out how the fire started won’t be easy. “Our fire investigator now will go…

Health Professionals Discuss Rural Care Options

More Than 600 Groups Attended Rural Health Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Quality health care can be tough to find for many rural Minnesotans.  So the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and the Minnesota Rural Health Association joined forces with the Duluth–based National Rural Health Resource Center to find solutions. “We’re working in approaches to provide resources for rural health communities and providers,” said Sally Buck, CEO,…

Students Get Hands-On Look at Firefighting

20 Kids are Attending LSC's Fire Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Local high school students are spending part of their summer learning what it takes to be a firefighter. Twenty kids are spending the week at Lake Superior College’s Fire Camp leaning from actual Duluth firefighters. Organizers hope the camp encourages kids to get into firefighting. “This is a great opportunity to get some hands-on experience and see…

Two Injured in Iron Range Crash

Car Hit Motorcycle on Highway 53

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Two people were injured following a crash on Highway 53 near Heikkila Lake Friday. The crash happened around 7 p.m. when a car hit a motorcycle as the bike was turning east towards Wilson Road. Both drivers were taken to nearby hospitals with minor injuries.

Duluth Celebrates Another Grandma’s Marathon

Kenyans Have Big Day, Winning Three of Four Major Championships

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of runners packed the city for the 41st annual Grandma’s Marathon. The marathon started a around 7:45 Saturday morning as more than 8,000 made the trek from Two Harbors to Canal Park. Grandma’s Marathon is the 11th largest marathon in the United States, and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Fox 21 had a few familiar…

Differing Opinions on School District Debt

School Board Member Wants Bonds Rebudgeted

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Public School District will pay $45 million out of its general fund over the next 15 years. The district took on the debt in the form of bonds which went to a variety of projects including construction of the new Duluth East and renovations at Denfeld High School. The city currently pays roughly $23 million a…

New Bridge Designed to Ease Marathon Traffic

Scaffold Bridge will Allow Spectators to Cross the Finish Line Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Park is taking shape ahead of this year’s Grandma’s Marathon. One of the new features in Canal Park is a scaffold bridge just past the finish line. Organizers say adding the bridge will ease foot traffic around Canal Park while keeping spectators and runners safe. “It’s for people so they don’t have to walk all the…

Citizen Groups Oppose Minnesota Power Rate Hikes

Increase Could Cost Customers $225 per Year

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power wants to raise your electric bill.  But citizen watchdog groups won’t let those hikes pass without a fight. Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, the Minnesota Citizens Federation NE and Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light voiced their concerns with the proposed hikes Wednesday. These increases average out to about $225 a year per…

Bong Museum Dedicates New Exhibit

M60A3 Tank in Museum's Latest Permanent Display

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center unveiled a new exhibit Wednesday more than a decade in the making. Officials dedicated a U.S. Army M60–A3 tank, displayed in front of the museum.  Mayor Jim Paine proclaimed Wednesday as M60 Tank Day in Superior. Members of Superior’s American Legion Post 435 lobbied for nearly a dozen years to bring…

Superior Farmers’ Market Open in New Location

Market had to Move Because of Belknap Rd. Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Belknap Rd. construction project forced the local farmers’ market to find a new home. The market moved to the 1200 block of Banks Ave., near the World of Wheels roller rink. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of vendors from produce to meats to crafts; and everything is made or grown in Douglas County. Organizers wanted…

Flower Baskets Add Color to Downtown

Downtown Duluth is Getting Spruced Up for Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – If you were downtown Wednesday, you may have noticed an extra splash of color. Members of the city’s Clean and Safe Team hung flower baskets on light poles throughout downtown. The Greater Downtown Council has done this for about 15 years and officials say the baskets help make downtown more hospitable just in time for Grandma’s Marathon….

Fire Destroys Shed in Lakewood Twp.

No People or Animals Were in Shed at the Time

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A fire destroyed a barn in Lakewood Township Saturday afternoon. Crews responded to the blaze in the 5100 block of Lester River Rd. around 4:30 p.m. and found a half moon shaped shed on fire. There were no people or livestock inside the shed and there were no injuries reported, but the shed was destroyed. Officials…

AMBER Alert Issued in Wisconsin

Authorities Looking for 8 Year Old Jaiden Hunt

UPDATE: Jaiden was found safe! (KQDS FOX 21) – An AMBER Alert was issued Saturday afternoon in Wisconsin, looking for a missing 8 year old boy. Jaiden Hunt was last seen in Knowlton with his father, Jamie Hunt.   Jaiden is 4 feet talL, weighs 45 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.  He was wearing a white tank top and…

Sands Soldiers On Despite Setback

Boxer Had Another Title Fight in Europe Fall Through

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have heard, ‘The Haitian Temptation’ Al Sands had another fight in Europe fall through. Last week Sands’ representatives at Sunshines Promotions announced Sands wouldn’t be going to Moscow, Russia to face Ruslan Fayfer for the IBF International and WBA Asia Cruiserweight titles. Despite another setback, Sands is staying focused. “I always make it a point…

Couple Found Dead in Camper

Authorities Believe Cabon Monoxoide Poisoning was to Blame

BROOKSTON, Minn. – A Cloquet couple Was found dead Saturday morning, apparent victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. St. Louis County Sheriffs found 67 year old Richard Smith and 65 year old Pamela Smith unresponsive inside their camper near Brookston, Minn. Investigators say an improperly placed generator in an unvented storage space below the camper’s living area is likely to blame….

UPDATE: Wrong Way Driver Causes Multiple Crashes on I-35

State Police Say the Driver was Killed in Bong Bridge Accident

DULUTH, Minn. – A Centerville, Minn. man, traveling against traffic on I-35, caused two crashes in Duluth Friday afternoon according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The first crash happened around 5:15 p.m., when a Kia OSX, Land Rover Discovery and Dodge Avenger tried to avoid a Hyundai Sonata, driven by 77 year-old Dennis Edlund of Centerville, Minn. on I-35 North near the 27th…

Jack Link’s Crew Excited for “Hometown” Show

The Screamin' Sasquatch Performs at Shows Across the Country

DULUTH, Minn. – To John Klatt, Summer is air show season.  But this week, this pilot is on cloud nine. “I feel like I’m home when  I come back to Duluth,” Klatt said. Klatt flew F–16’s for the 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth for 14 years.  Now he flies the Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch, a one of a kind…

Blue Angels Arrive in Duluth

Navy Demonstration Squadron to Appear at Duluth Air and Aviation Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – If you heard loud noises coming from the sky Thursday afternoon, it was likely the Blue Angels. The U.S. Navy’s demonstration squadron arrived for this year’s Duluth Air and Aviation Expo. The Blue Angels started in the 1940’s and appear at air shows across the country from March to November.  Pilots and flight crews rotate regularly, but…

Downtown Engwalls Location Closes Its Doors

Florist Still Open in Hermantown and Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth shoppers may have noticed the Engwall’s Flowers on Superior Street is closed. The downtown shop actually closed last week, but both the Superior and Hermantown locations are still open. Engwall’s owner says closing downtown doesn’t mean his business is struggling. “It’s just an acknowledgment of how things are changing in the marketplace, especially I think…

School Board Approves Funding for Repairs

District will Borrow $4.3 Million Through Bonds

DULUTH, Minn. – At Tuesday’s meeting, the Duluth School Board approved a new long term maintenance plan. Two projects were added; repairs at Rockridge Elementary to prepare for Woodland Hills moving in, and replacing rubber mulch on school playgrounds. To pay for the projects, the district needs to borrow $4.3 million through bonds to be paid back in five years. …

Duluth’s Affordable Housing Market Addressed

Housing for All Summit Brought Community Leaders Together

DULUTH, Minn. – Elected officials, landlords and community groups discussed issues regarding the city’s affordable housing market at the 5th annual Housing for All Summit. Organizers call the summit a grassroots effort to bring people together to work on housing issues in Duluth. Topics on Wednesday’s agenda included landlord incentive programs, the affordable housing trust fund, and the quality of…

Workshop Continues Work “Toward Zero Deaths”

State Agencies Want to Eliminate Crash Fatalities

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s Departments of Public Safety, Health and Transportation are working toward zero deaths on state highways. On Wednesday, officials from eight counties met at Northland Country Club to examine crash trends and come up with ways to reduce traffic deaths. Wednesday’s workshop came after a number of fatal and injury crashes in recent weeks.  Organizers say Summer…