Author: Jason VanHorn

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth announces run for Governor

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth announced in a video online Sunday that she’s running for Governor of Minnesota. Demuth has become the biggest name in the republican primary, which also includes Rep. Kristin Robbins, former state senator Scott Jensen, and former MMA fighter Brad Kohler, among others. Another big name set to enter the…

Alworth Scholarship applications set to open November 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Applications for the Marshall H. & Nellie Alworth Memorial Funds Alworth scholarship are set to open tomorrow. Offering $24,000 per student, the scholarship is open to those pursuing a 4-year degree in math, science, engineering, or medicine or an approved homeschool curriculum. “Scholarships like the Alworth are transformational. My academic and professional career started with a scholarship just…

Gov. Evers signs bill banning cellphone use in schools

  MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed a bipartisan bill that would ban cellphone use in schools. The bill, signed into law on Friday, requires public school boards to adopt policies that generally prohibit students from using cellphones during school. Certain exemptions can be made, such as using school-issued devices,  an emergency, students’ healthcare needs, or an individualized…

Hermantown high schooler to play in Under-18 Women’s Hockey World Championship

HERMANTOWN, Minn. —  A Hermantown high schooler will make an appearance this January in the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Taylee Manion will play as a defenseman for the Under-18 Women’s National Team in their upcoming season. SEE PREVIOUS: Mirage Defender Taylee Manion Named to U.S Under-18 Roster SEE PREVIOUS: Mirage Forward Taylee Manion Invited to U.S….

Lake Superior Zoo hosts annual Boo at The Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo hosted its annual Boo at the Zoo Halloween-themed event. The family event featured trick-or-treating stations, a “Spooktacular” craft “Boo-tique”, Halloween treats, food trucks, and games. Held every year, the event provides opportunities for the community to engage with the animals and zookeepers in a fun and exciting way. “I think I would say…

Occupants escape Virginia house fire uninjured

(Credit: Northland FireWire) VIRGINIA, Minn. — The occupants of a home that caught fire late Thursday evening in Virginia escaped with no injuries. According to the Northland Firewire, the fire was reported around 11:10 p.m. in the 400 block of 2nd Avenue North. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to a room on the second floor while the occupants were…

Essentia and MNA reach agreement for Miller Hill Surgery Center nurses

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health and The Minnesota Nurses Association(MNA) have reached a tentative agreement on contracts for nurses at the Miller Hill Surgery Center. According to Essentia officials, they agreed to a contract for  23 nurses at the center that will be effective through March 31, 2026.  “This agreement reflects hours of conversation and hard work done at the…

Update in fatal wrong-way crash

HAWTHORNE TOWNSHIP, Wis. — Officials have named both victims of a fatal wrong-way crash. Officials have now identified Daniel W. Ohara, 77, of Duluth, along with Todd M. Eckart, 61, of Duluth as the victims. SEE PREVIOUS: Two dead in wrong way crash on Highway 53 in Amnicon. SEE PREVIOUS: Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash The…

UWS announces naming partnership for new sports fields

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior has announced its naming partnership for its new fields. National Bank of Commerce (NBC) was announced Thursday as the naming rights partner for the university’s new on-campus baseball and softball fields. This partnership with National Bank of Commerce reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunity and building community,” said Renée Wachter, chancellor of…

Two dead in wrong way crash on Highway 53 in Amnicon

UPDATE:  The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office say two people were killed in the head-on collision. It happened at 2:12pm on October 22, 2025. A vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes between Berg Park Rd. and Kent Rd. collided head-on with a southbound vehicle. The victims were the drivers and sole occupants of the vehicles. Identification is withheld pending notifications. AMNICON,…

Completion of LNPK Grocery delayed to early 2026

  DULUTH, Minn. — The completion of Ecolibrium3’s Lincoln Park Grocery store is experiencing delays, which resulted in a revised timeline that could extend into 2026. Ecolibrium3 (Eco3) officials say that, due to various snags in the construction process and bringing the building up to code, the store opening is being delayed. Located at the previous Eco3 office over on…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office warns of scam calls pretending to be law enforcement

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office is warning community members of potential scam calls. According to officials, they have become aware of scam calls where the caller claims to be a member of law enforcement. In some cases, these callers demand money for different reasons, such as missed court dates or failing to appear for witness testimony….

Twin Ports Interchange expected to fully open Friday

Twin Ports Interchange in July DULUTH, Minn. — According to DOT officials, the Twin Ports interchange project should be construction-free by Friday. The ramp connecting I-35 to the Blatnik Bridge is the last piece of the 5-year project still partly closed. A ribbon-cutting was earlier in October celebrated the completion of the project, which included I-35, the Hwy 53 bridges,…

Truck collides with school bus in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A truck collided with a school bus Tuesday morning in Hermantown. According to officials, at 8:15 a.m., they responded to the crash at the intersection of Stebner Road and Mpale Grove Road. A pickup truck traveling North on Stebner Road rear-ended the bus while they were approaching a red light at the intersection. Officials say the driver…

Minnesota Attorney General to run for re-election

Keith Ellison ST. PAUL, Minn. —  The Minnesota Attorney General has announced that he plans to run for re-election. Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Tuesday that he plans on running for a third term. “I’m running for re-election to keep Minnesota a fair place, where rule of law prevails over power and privilege,” said Ellison. “Since Minnesota elected me seven years…

2 injured in Aurora rollover

AURORA, Minn. — A serious single-vehicle rollover accident in St. Louis County left two injured. The crash sent a 38-year-old Eveleth man to the hospital and airlifted a 52-year-old Aurora woman to a hospital in Duluth. Officials say the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening in the 5800 block of Highway 100 south of Aurora. One of the victims…

Duluth Planning Commission to discuss transfer of Lester Park Golf Course

  DULUTH, Minn. — The closed Lester Park golf course will be brought up at Wednesday’s Duluth planning commission meeting, with a recommendation to transfer the property to the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA). A 268-acre property that used to be a fully operational golf course until 2020, when it shut down due to COVID and financial struggles. Although some…

Crosby Fire nearly fully contained, Superior Hiking Trail set to reopen

Crosby Fire 10/11/2025 TOFTE, Minn. — In an update Wednesday, fire officials said the Crosby Fire is nearly fully contained. According to officials, the fire in the area of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park remains at 300 acres and is now 95% contained. SEE PREVIOUS: Crosby Fire now 85% contained The portion of the Superior Hiking Trail that was…

3 injured in Sawyer car crash

SAWYER, Minn. —  Three people were seriously injured in a car crash in Sawyer. Officials say they responded to reports that a car had hit a tree Wednesday morning on the 3200 block of West Moorehead Road. Upon arrival, officials found three people in the car, all of which were injured. Two were airlifted via Life Link, and the third was…

Portion of Michigan Street closed for construction

DULUTH, Minn. — A portion of Michigan Street will close for construction starting on Wednesday. The closed portion is between Glen Place and Mesaba Ave. Officials say the closure is due to the replacement of communications lines in preparation for the MNDOT pedestrian bridge replacement project. The closure should last one week. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Road…

GoFundMe accounts set up for victims of Hibbing house explosion

Missy, her husband Dave, and grandson Jax. (Credit: GoFundMe) HIBBING, Minn. — Multiple GoFundMe pages have been set up for those affected after a home exploded in Hibbing. Gizmo and Mojito (Credit: GofundMe) SEE PREVIOUS: Fire Departments Respond To House Explosion In Hibbing Missy and Dave lost their longtime home in the explosion, displacing their 5-year-old grandson, Jax, just days…

Students grow giant pumpkins in honor of researchers late husband

  DULUTH, Minn. — Seniors at UMD grew giant pumpkins in honor of a researcher’s late husband. The pumpkins were grown to honor University researcher, Val Brady’s husband, Danny Tanner, who died in February. He loved growing pumpkins, so in his memory, Brady got her students together to grow pumpkins. The student manager of the UMD land lab, Justin Cilenti,…

Sara Rodriguez visits Superior during Governor campaign tour

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez met with Superior residents Monday during her tour across Wisconsin as she runs for Governor. After working closely with Governor Tony Evers, Rodriguez says she is running for Governor to help better the lives of those in Wisconsin. Rodriguez’s journey began with a tour, taking the time to visit counties across the…

Crosby Fire now 85% contained

Crosby Fire 10/11/2025 TOFTE, Minn. — Officials released an update regarding the status of The Crosby Fire on Tuesday morning According to officials, the fire remains at around 300 acres and has been 85% contained. A portion of the Superior Hiking Trail remains closed. SEE PREVIOUS: Trail Access Restricted Due to Crosby Fire SEE PREVIOUS: Crosby Fire grows to 300…

Man arrested in connection to multiple Sawyer County fires

  SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. — A man has been arrested in connection with multiple fires in Sawyer County. According to authorities, the arrest of a 30-year-old man from Birchwood, Wisconsin, follows a nearly year-long investigation into a series of building fires that began in November of 2024. He was arrested on multiple felony counts of Arson of Buildings. Officials say…

1 dead in overnight Duluth shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — One person is dead after a shooting in Duluth early Friday morning. According to officials, at 12:25 a.m., they responded to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of West 3rd Street. When they arrived, they found a man dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Officials are asking people in the area to check their surveillance…

New airport terminal opens in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Thursday marked the opening of a new airport terminal in Two Harbors. The Richard B. Hegleson Airport unveiled its newly constructed terminal in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In an over $1 million investment that was funded through a federal grant, the Two Harbors location was one of the few selected. The original terminal, built in 1976, was…

Crosby Fire grows to 50 acres

TOFTE, Minn. — Overnight, the Crosby Fire has grown to 50 acres. Officials say that the fire in the area of  George H. Crosby Manitou State Park has almost doubled in size. SEE PREVIOUS: Crews respond to fire near Crosby Manitou State Park The Park and the Superior Hiking Trail remain open to the public, but visitors are advised to…

1 injured in Central Hillside shooting

DULUTH, Minn. —  One person is injured after a shooting in Duluth. According to officials,  at around 12:55 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 600 block of North 3rd Avenue East. When they arrived, they found a 47-year-old man with gunshot wounds. The man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials…

Semi rolls over on Hibbing roundabout

  (Credit: Northland Firewire) HIBBING, Minn —  A semi-truck rolled over on a roundabout in Hibbing Wednesday morning. According to Friends of the Northland Fire Wire, authorities responded around 10 a.m. to a report of a semi-truck hauling demolition materials that had tipped on its side. The rollover happened at the  Highway 37/169 roundabout in Hibbing. No injuries have been…

State Senator Grant Hauschild says he will not run for the 8th Congressional District

  HERMANTOWN, Minn — Minnesota State Senator Grant Hauschild announced Wednesday that he will not run for the 8th Congressional District. Hauschild currently represents Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District. After months of encouragement from people around him to run for the seat, Hauschaild says he wants to keep his focus on serving his senate district and his family. “I’ve been grateful…