Author: KQDS Staff

Some Information Emerging in Cloquet Shooting Deaths, But Most Questions Remain

At Tuesday morning's press conference, the Chief said they still don't know if there were any connections between two victims and shooter.

Law enforcement investigators spent the night at the crime scene in Cloquet. Investigators say a man shot and killed a female desk clerk, and then shot another man who was sitting in a car.  The gunman then shot himself. Tuesday morning, Chief Derek Randall said investigators were still looking for answers for what happened at the Super 8 motel. He…

One Dead After House Fire In Ashland County

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. — A house fire in Ashland County resulted in in the death of one person. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office says the call came in around 5:30 p.m. Monday of a fully engulfed structure fire on Salo Road, in the Township of White River. Authorities say when deputies arrived on scene the homeowner was unaccounted for. When…

Bong Bridge Open Again After Crash

Duluth-bound lanes were shut down for part of Monday.

A crash on the Bong Bridge closed lanes headed to Duluth from Superior on Monday. The lanes were closed late morning, and according to the Superior Police Department the lanes opened back up at 1:25 p.m. The crash included a semi-truck whose cab ended up bent to the driver’s side. There is no word on any injuries. The closed lanes…

Essentia Health And Marshfield Clinic Health System Decide Not To Move Forward With Merger

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System have decided not to move forward with a merger. The decision announced Friday morning from Essentia saying that after 2 years of discussions, the organizations have decided that a combination at this time is not the right path forward. Essentia also mentioned Marshfield’s financial situation was the primary factor as…

Essentia Health Welcomes Twins as First “First Babies” in New Medical Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia health-St. Mary’s Medical Center welcomed a set of twins for the first born in 2024. Elle Ustipak and Jason Traver of Duluth welcomed Addison Evonne Traver at 11:22 a.m. Addison’s twin sister, Brinley Eve Traver, arrived shortly after. Addison weighed 5 pounds, 4.3 ounces, while Brinley weighed at 4 pounds, 3.7 ounces. The twins became the…

Upper Red Lake Restricts Vehicle Access After Continued Incidents

Upper Red Lake, Beltrami County, Minn. — According to a press release from Beltrami County, vehicle access will be restricted on Upper Red Lake effective at sunset on December 30. The lake has seen continued incidents of fishermen being stranded on and breaking through the ice. Including Friday, December 29, when The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office rescued 122 fisherman after…

One Seriously Injured After Head-On Crash in Balkan Township

BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Saturday, December 30, St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash around 6:00 a.m. in Balkan Township. The Sheriff’s Office reports that one vehicle was traveling northbound on Hwy 5 and lost control on the ice-covered road. The northbound vehicle struck an oncoming vehicle. The northbound vehicle rolled and ejected the driver, who…

Former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl Dies at 88

Former U.S. Senator and Milwaukee Bucks Owner Herb Kohl has died. Kohl, who was also known as a retail shopping magnate, died Wednesday (12/27) after a brief illness. The son of Jewish immigrants from Russia and Poland, Kohl entered politics in 1988 at the age of 53 after becoming a household name with his family’s chain of Kohl supermarkets and…

Duluth Salvation Army Receives Christmas “Miracle.”

Anonymous donor to step up with $25,000 donation.

It was a long, steady march, but the Duluth Salvation Army says they had another Christmas miracle. The organization said Tuesday that it had reached their kettle goal for this holiday season. During the past couple of weeks, they were far behind their goal as the end of the campaign approached. But the day before Christmas Eve, they heard from…

Chester Bowl Closed Tuesday; Waiting For End to Rain

The recreation area says it hopes to preserve the snow it has until temperatures drop and rain stops

The rain has forced a change in plans for Chester Bowl in Duluth. The ski hill was going to start its annual Holiday Ski and Snowboard lessons Tuesday. But the endless rain has changed that, and the hill was closed. Chester Bowl says it is disappointed to be closing, but felt that the best chance to preserve the snow they…

Effort To Remember Veterans At Christmas Could Use Help

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Collecting Gifts for Silver Bay Veterans Home.

During the holidays there are many people who are surrounded by friends and family members. But there are also those who may not be remembered by a lot of people. That’s why the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has had a gift drive every year since 2012 to remember veterans during this season. They collect and accept…

Salvation Army Hoping and Praying For Deadline Giving

The agency is thankful for generous giving so far, but is tens of thousands of dollars behind in its fundraising goal, with program cuts a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re making a push to the Christmas finish line, you are not alone. For some it means serious shopping down the stretch. For others it means serious giving. The kettles were ready for every sixpence they could get Thursday. To reach its funding goal, the Salvation Army needs $22,000 a day through Saturday. It is a…

“Made In Chisholm Film Screening” At The Minnesota Discovery Center Thursday

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A celebration of films and television programming, all produced in the city, is taking place Thursday. The pilot for the comedy Canusa Street was among those filmed in Chisholm. Things kick off at the Minnesota Discovery Center. It is billed as the first-ever “Made in Chisholm Film Screening.” In addition to Canusa Street, three films produced in…

Two People Arrested In Duluth During Drug Bust

DULUTH, Minn. — Two people were arrested during a drug bust in Duluth on Friday. The Duluth Police Department says that the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force were attempting to execute a search warrant on a person inside of a vehicle. During the attempt, a 24-year-old woman rammed into two unmarked police cars. Authorities detained the woman as well…

Rubber Chicken Theater Produces ‘Mayor Mia! – Emily’s Christmas Musical’

DULUTH, Minn. — The annual holiday sketch comedy revue by the Rubber Chicken Theater returns this Friday with “Mayor Mia! – Emily’s Christmas Musical.” Rehearsals were underway Sunday evening at Stage Four (former Underground Theatre) in the Duluth Depot. The revue is all about looking back at the past year by creating sketch comedy, much like Saturday Night Live. Topics…

Iron Range Hells Angels “President” Charged in Eveleth Alleged Kidnapping and Assault

Criminal complaint includes two felony charges; says accused is "President" of Hells Angels Iron Range Charter.

A man described as the head of the Hells Angels on the Iron Range was charged Wednesday in an alleged kidnapping and assault case. He is charged with two felonies, including kidnapping and false imprisonment. He’s also charged with assault. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court says the man is Jerand Paul French. The complaint says French, 38,…

1 Of 3 Suspects Charged In Eveleth Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

EVELETH, Minn. — An Eveleth man with alleged connections to the Hells Angels has been charged with beating up and kidnapping another man, and sexually assaulting a woman. A criminal complaint says he is one of three men in custody who have connections with the motorcycle group. Charges against Paul Anthony Debelak include kidnapping to commit bodily harm, criminal sexual…

Drones, Trains and Light Shows!! Oh My!!

Performances behind Fitger's tied to special North Shore Scenic Railroad program Friday and Saturday.

People along Duluth’s Lakewalk might be surprised by what they see in the sky Friday and Saturday evening. It will be a drone–actually one hundred drones. Preparations were underway Friday afternoon behind the Malt Shoppe and the Fitger’s building. Like any aircraft before a flight, there was a lot of testing going on. Making sure the drones were working, going…

Cloquet Police Department Investigating Shooting Incident, Asking Public For Help

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department is asking the public for help following a shooting incident that is believed to have happened Wednesday night. Police say the report came in on Thursday of a house struck by bullets in the tenth block of 14th Street in Cloquet. When officers arrived, they found several bullet casings and at least one…

Proposed Passenger Train Between Duluth and Twin Cities Gets Limited Federal Funding

Northern Lights Express misses out on biggest chunk of federal funds announced Friday.

Ten rail projects across the country received over $8 billion in funding Friday, but the proposed Northern Lights Express was not one of them. The Federal Railroad Administration announced its choices Friday. While not included in the major funding for projects, the Duluth/Superior to the Twin Cities proposal was among dozens of ideas that will receive much smaller funding of…

Jury Finds Duluth Man Guilty In August Murder

DULUTH, Minn. — A 25-year-old man has been found guilty for his involvement in the death of one person and injuring another in August. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office says on Thursday, Brandon Capone Williams-Gillard was found guilty of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder, Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Drive by Shooting….

Bemidji Schools Move To E-Learning Day Due To Threats

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji Schools are having an e-learning day Wednesday, due to a credible threat made to an ISD 31 school and a specific staff member. The Bemidji Police Department says Tuesday evening the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received several text-to-911 messages of a threat. They then recommended schools close for the day after not being able to…

Name A Snowplow Contest Is Back

MINNESOTA — Looking for a way to make a creative impact this winter? The fourth annual MnDOT Name a Snowplow Contest is now open. Submit you most witty Minnesota- or winter-themed snowplow name ideas on mndot.gov now through Friday, December 15. A lucky snowplow in all eight districts will receive a new name voted on by the public. Previous winning…

Lake Superior College Art Show On Display

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of pieces of student-made artwork is on display at Lake Superior College. The show includes drawings, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, metal art, and graphic design all there. Many of the students are using the creativity to fulfill their fine arts and humanities. “The majority of our students are not art majors. Many of them like art. Some…

Agreement Reached For Sale of KQDS-TV, FOX21

Duluth, MN – The owners of KQDS-TV, FOX21, have entered into an agreement for the sale of the station. Red River Broadcast Co., LLC has signed an asset purchase agreement with Coastal Television. Coastal Television operates ten television stations in seven states; Alaska, Wyoming, New York, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana. “We think Coastal will be a good fit for…

4 People Arrested On Drug Charges In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — 4 people have been arrested in Duluth Thursday afternoon on drug charges. According to the Duluth Police Department, the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, along with other agencies executed search warrants at two different houses in Duluth. Police say during the search, 864.4 grams of fentanyl, 858.3 grams of methamphetamine, a little over 100 fentanyl pills,…

Duluth Police Arrest Wanted Suspect On Multiple Warrants

UPDATE (November 29, 3:30 p.m.) — The Duluth Police Department arrested a 37-year-old man without incident on Wednesday. The suspect was wanted on warrants from multiple jurisdictions. Police say he is a suspect on multiple burglaries and thefts that occurred throughout the community. The incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. ORIGINAL POST: DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department…

Twin Ports Grad Sharing Naval Academy Experience

Talks to students about his desire to serve his country, as well as the opportunities.

Rising global tension has put a spotlight on armed forces around the world. Some of those currently training to serve were among college students who were home for the Thanksgiving weekend. Kai Braaten grew up in the Twin Ports and is now a Midshipman Third Class at the United States Naval Academy. He said a primary goal for him was…

Wisconsin BBB Provides Online Shopping Tips

WISCONSIN — Cyber Monday has become one of the top shopping days of the year which can also come with risks according to the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau. The Wisconsin BBB is asking those to be wary of misleading advertisements and lookalike websites. They are providing tips for shoppers this holiday season. Those include price checking before you buy, keeping…

Final Report Issued In Outside Investigation of Sexual Abuse Allegations at Duluth’s Vineyard Church

Report said church had a "dismissive response to concerns"; church moving toward a culture "more resistant to abuse and toxicity."

Duluth’s Vineyard Church says it fully accepts the findings of an investigation done by an outside organization, after sexual abuse allegations emerged at the church. The church says it vows to heal wounds, regain trust and make changes. Former youth leader, 35-year-old Jackson Gatlin, has been charged with ten criminal counts involving five females at the church. For its own…

Cruising Industry Brings $600k Of Economic Impact To Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The cruising industry created nearly $600,000 of economic impact in Duluth this year. The DECC announcing this Tuesday. In 2023 over 4,000 passengers visited Duluth aboard 4 different cruise ships. Regionally almost 25,000 people made 800 visits to Great Lakes ports, which is a 20% increase from last year. The cruise passenger spending supports shops, restaurants, transportation…

Washburn County Man Arrested at Jail For Impaired Driving

SHELL LAKE, Wis. — A Washburn County man was arrested after driving to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department Jail impaired with a 6-year-old in their vehicle. On Saturday at approximately 6:56 p.m., the Washburn County Sheriff Department Jail Staff advised that Anthony Koprowski of Spooner, Wis., was to pick up an intoxicated individual who was arrested earlier that evening. Upon…

Missing: Authorities Search for Goodhue County Man

RED WING, Minn. — The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Brad Nagel. Nagel, age 57, was last heard from on Nov. 15 around 11:45 p.m. Nagel drives a 2005 Black Chevy Colorado with Minnesota license plate DLB-549. Nagel is an avid outdoorsman and investigators believe that he could have traveled anywhere in Minnesota…

Search Is Over For Missing Fridley 12-Year-Old

FRIDLEY, Minn. — According to authorities, the search for a missing Fridley 12-year-old is now over. On Saturday, the Fridley Police Department requested public assistance in locating 12-year-old Corwin Panasuk.  Panasuk left his home in Fridley around 5 p.m. on Nov. 14 and did not return. He was last spotted in the Blaine and Spring Lake Park area. Authorities canceled…

Duluth Starbucks Workers Participate In One-Day Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday thousands of Starbucks workers participated in a one-day strike called the Red Cup Rebellion. The strike included Duluth Starbucks workers. The workers say the company is illegally refusing to bargain with baristas over staffing, scheduling, and other issues. Starbucks Workers United says they are unionizing because employees have been overworked and have been ignored when it…

One Teen Dead After Single Vehicle Crash Near Orr, Another In Critical Condition

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — A single vehicle accident has left one teen dead and another in critical condition. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says on Wednesday just before 7 p.m. responders and law enforcement reported to a crash near Orr. Authorities say the vehicle was traveling westbound on Nett Lake Road and had gone off the road, flipped, and…

Second Missing Canoeist’s Body Recovered In Wascott

The two men in their 20s were from New Ulm, Minnesota.

(Nov. 15) — Searchers from the St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located and recovered the body of 27-year-old Andrew DeRock, according to a release from Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard. DeRock had been missing since Oct. 28 after a canoeing incident on the Minong Flowage in Douglas County. Ryan Busch, who was also missing…

Superior Meats Has You Covered For Holiday Meals

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s time to start talking turkey. Superior Meats on Tower Avenue is gearing up to serve your Thanksgiving needs. Turkeys are available starting this Friday. Aside from the traditional bird, they’ve stocked up on all kinds of fixings for your holiday meal. “Lotta hams, prime ribs, steaks, change stuff up breakfast stuff, breakfast links, obviously bacon, can’t…

Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Manslaughter Following Death Of Hockey Player Adam Johnson

ENGLAND — An arrest has been made following the death of hockey player Adam Johnson who died after suffering a serious neck injury from a skate after colliding with another player during a game on October 28. Adam was playing for the Nottingham Panthers. According to the South Yorkshire Police, the man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter. He…

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Asks For Help In Finding Missing Tennessee Man

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the publics as they search for a man who went missing in the Brule River State Forest. Authorities say Philip Joshua Johnson from Nashville, Tennessee was reported missing on October 18. A white PT Cruiser was linked to him abandoned on a trail off of Brackett’s Corner Road…

Tuesday, Nov. 7 General Election Results

DULUTH, Minn. — The results below are from the Minnesota Secretary of States website. Mayor of Duluth (Vote for 1) Incumbent Emily Larson- 11,716, 39.99% Roger Reinert- 17,518, 59.88% Duluth City Council At Large (Vote up to 2) Arik Forsman- 17.527, 35.47% Jenna Yeakle- 9,428, 19.08% Miranda Pacheco- 8.150, 16.48% Lynn Marie Nephew- 14,134, 28.61% Duluth City Council District 1…