Author: KQDS Staff

Chicken Hat Plays Return: 8 Plays Written, Directed, Performed In 24 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – Eight writers, eight directors and 40 actors got together last Friday to create eight different sketches with Rubber Chicken Theater that were performed in front of a live audience within 24 hours. Common Cameo Dan Hanger FOX 21’s Dan Hanger was the common cameo for all sketches. It was a lot of dedication and a lot of…

Statements Reacting to Fatal Shooting of Former Minnesota House Speaker

Melissa Hortman (from her MN Legislature webpage)DULUTH, Minn: – A number of Northland elected officials, Minnesota government leaders, and various organizations have been releasing statements following the shooting death of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. This shooting is currently under investigation, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife,…

New Downtown Housing Opening in July

DULUTH, Minn. — We’re getting a look at what will soon become Duluth’s newest downtown living opportunity. Titanium Partners is behind the project they are calling “Force on Fifth Avenue.” It’s located in the former Ordean Building across from Maurices. The building is being converted into short term, midterm, and extended stay residential rental units, set to open in early…

Skyline Parkway Reopens as One-Way

DULUTH, Minn. — A section of Skyline Parkway has been turned into a one-way road, over by Enger Tower. The city made the change to address safety concerns, which is east of Twin Ponds. Pedestrians and cyclists now have their own lane to separate them from traffic. At the intersection of Hank Jensen Drive, the road becomes a three-way stop…

Volunteers Paint Gateway Park with Blue Mural

DULUTH, Minn. — A small hidden park in Duluth’s Downtown is receiving a fresh coat of paint. The concrete structure at Gateway Park is being repainted in a blue gradient. This week volunteers from the National Bank of Commerce started to repaint the structure. Members from Duluth’s Park and Rec team will be finishing the project next week. The design…

Panel Held to Address Concerns Over SNAP Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. — There are serious concerns from local and state hunger advocates involving proposed federal cuts to the “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” also known as SNAP, or food stamps. As part of President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” around $250 billion would be cut to the SNAP program, which serves around 40 million Americans, including 440,000 Minnesotans. The states…

Coffee Conversation: Runaway Sheep Brad Stars in Maria Vollom’s New Book

DULUTH, Minn. — He ran, he roamed, and now he’s in a kid’s book. The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure follows Brad, the runaway sheep who captured hearts across the Northland. Brad’s owner, Farmer Ryan Osvold, joined FOX 21 Morning News anchor and author Maria Vollom on Wednesday to share more about Brad’s unforgettable journey. Written by Vollom and…

Lake Superior College Celebrates Graduates

DULUTH, Minn. — It was Lake Superior College’s turn to celebrate its graduates on Monday. The commencement ceremony recognized the graduating students as they walked across the stage. Over 700 students from nearly 70 programs graduated from the college this year. The commencement ceremony was held at the DECC, where loved ones cheered on the graduates. Students accomplishments included certificates,…

NFL Schedule Release: Vikings Open 2025 Season at Bears on Monday Night Football

The Vikings and all 32 NFL teams released their regular season schedules Wednesday night.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings will open the 2025 regular season against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Vikings and all 32 NFL teams released their regular season schedules Wednesday night. We also already knew the Vikings are hosting the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, and traveling to Ireland to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, and…

Highway 61 Construction Project Begins Between Grand Marais and Grand Portage

HOVLAND, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation started construction on a portion of Highway 61 on Monday, May 12. Crews will be completing culvert replacement work on the highway between Grand Marais and Grand Portage. The project will replace culverts at six locations around Hovland over two years. Starting Monday, traffic will be reduced to one lane near Myhr…

Rosie Loeffler-Kemp Seeks Re-Election to Duluth School Board

DULUTH, Minn. — Rosie Loeffler-Kemp has announced her bid for re-election to the Duluth School Board in District 1. Highlighting over 30 years of community involvement and nonprofit leadership, she emphasized her commitment to strong public schools and collaborative leadership. “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Duluth School Board. I will continue to build on our…

DNR Adds 10 Track Chairs to its All-Terrain Track Chair Program

DULUTH,  MN – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adding 10 more adaptive devices to its all-terrain track chair program, according to a press release from the DNR. The program launched in 2022, starting with five track chairs. Following these newest additions, the DNR will have 23 total track chairs across the state. This will include Jay Cooke…

Update: Missing Boy Found Safe In Douglas County

FOXBORO, Wis. – Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard confirmed to FOX 21 at 6:30 p.m. that the missing boy, Wayne Bixler, was located safe after an extensive search effort.  Izzard said more information would be released on Wednesday. FOXBORO, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 12-year-old in Foxboro. In a Facebook post The Sheriff’s…

Volunteers Come Together to Clean Up Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers came together in Lincoln Park to clean up for Earth Week. Local organization Ecolibrium3 wrapped up it’s 5th annual Earth Week on Saturday. The week consists of a series of events dedicated to bettering the environment. On Saturday Eco3 hosted a community clean-up in Lincoln Park. Volunteers were provided gloves, garbage bags and grabbers. Last year…

FDLTCC Students Present Research in Symposium

CLOQUET, Minn. — This week, students at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College presented their environmental research, a part of the campus’ ‘Earth Week’ celebrations. Today the students with the environmental institute presented their projects in the research symposium. Projects ranged between wildlife biology to forest related research. Others presentations talked about the mercury levels in our local water…

Funding Freeze Impacts Neighborhood Youth Services

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff say they are appealing to public after a freeze on federal grants has put the program and its services at risk. Neighborhood Youth Services (NYS) provides meals, mentorship, and a safe space for kids. Located in Duluth’s central hillside, the program also serves families and runs juvenile justice programs for St. Louis County.  However, according to…

Police Seize Drugs, Ammo with Search Warrant; Suspect in Custody

  DULUTH, Minn. — A search warrant conducted Tuesday morning lead to the seizure of over 100 grams of suspected meth and 100 grams of cocaine in Duluth. This happened around 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15. The Duluth Police Department, Hermantown Police, and the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force collaborated together to execute a search warrant on the…

Superior National Forest Begins Prescribed Fires

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — The Superior National Forest is starting prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation. The prescribed fires may be close to areas open to the public for the next several days. Warning signs will be posted along roads near all prescribed fire areas before operations begin. The Forest Service is warning that nearby residences may experience heavy smoke….

Community Rallies to Help Volunteer Firefighter Fight Against Cancer Diagnosis

  CROMWELL, Minn. — The community of Cromwell is helping out one their volunteer firefighters’ fight against cancer. Tim Smith of Cromwell, Minn., was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has already underwent major surgery following his diagnosis. Smith has been a EMT/firefighter for Cromwell-Wright Volunteer Fire Department for over a decade. A GoFundMe page has been set up to…

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management Announces the Approval of Cannabis Rules

  MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced Monday that the rules governing Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis market have been formally adopted and are in effect following their approval by a judge, according to a press release from the OCM. This was the final step in the process of setting up the cannabis market in Minnesota, and means…

One Man Behind Bars After Making Threats of Violence to Ex-Wife & Kids

SUPERIOR, Wis. — One suspect is in custody after making threatening statements to his ex-wife and kids in Superior. The Superior Police Department received a call on Monday, April 14, right after 8:30 p.m. from a woman worried about the safety of herself and her kids. The woman told officers that her ex-husband was calling and texting her making threatening…

DPD Asking for Public Assistance in Identifying Shoplifting Suspect

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying an individual who shoplifted from JC Penny last week. This event happened last Tuesday, April 8. The shoplifting suspect is described as a white female with red hair wearing a black vest, blue sweatshirt, and black leggings. The DPD is encouraging the public to call 911…

Community Comes Together for Local Coach & Gymnasts Battling Breast Cancer

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The community of Grand Rapids is coming together to build a community garden for a beloved gym coach battling terminal breast cancer. Andrea Hassel started the Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy over 20 years ago. She helped many gymnasts grow and develop into competitive college athletes. The community is hoping to fundraise $35,000 for a memorial garden…

Jordon Johnson Announces Campaign for Duluth City Council Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — A candidate has announced his run for Duluth city council at-large. Jordon Johnson, was born and raised in Duluth. He is the former executive director of Life House. In 2024 he ran for Minnesota House District 8A. Johnson says he would bring accountability and transparency to the council, with a focus on fair and accessible housing, economic…

True North Goodwill Saw Packed Grand Opening for New Hermantown Location

  HERMANTOWN, Minn. — True North Goodwill held a packed grand opening for their new Hermantown location . It was packed grand opening today for new Hermantown flagship location after construction for the store took 8 months. The 8000 square foot store front offers a wide selection of household items, clothes, books, toys at competitive prices. The new store was…

Matt McConico

NEWS DIRECTOR

Matt is happy to be in the Northland. He spent time here with family and friends prior to making the move.  A few highlights include seeing the Concorde Supersonic Airliner do a touch-and-go at the Duluth Airshow, plus being chased by a bear on Madeline Island.  Both were exciting, but for very different reasons. Since living here, Matt graduated from…

Harbor Monsters Suspend Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gregory

Gregory has been with the Harbor Monsters since the beginning of the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- A little over a month before the start of the season, the Duluth Harbor Monsters have suspended their offensive coordinator. The team announced on Thursday that as a precautionary measure, they have suspended Kevin Gregory. They added that the decision comes as part of their ongoing effort to fully investigate the allegations raised against Gregory. The Harbor Monsters…

Tornado Siren Tests Part of Severe Weather Week

MINNESOTA — With severe weather awareness week happening through Friday you may hear some warning sirens around 1:45 p.m. today. Participating counties and townships were asked to test their outdoor tornado sirens for Tornado Drill Day. The sirens are being tested twice, on Thursday, in the afternoon at 1:45 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m. Schools and the public are…

Duluth Depot Foundation Announces New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Depot Foundation announced a change in leadership with Jason Young being promoted as the executive director. Young started working at the Depot Foundation in March of 2023 as their development director. In the last two years, Young changed the Depot from a private foundation to a public charity. Young also had a history of working…

Duluth Police Investigate Downtown Stabbing

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a stabbing downtown. The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 100-block of East 3rd Street. A police spokesperson said a 33-year-old man was stabbed in the arm while walking. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. A suspect was identified Tuesday, and their vehicle was towed for evidence. Investigators…

Duluth Fire Department Promotes Severe Weather Awareness for Spring

DULUTH, Minn. — This week, the Duluth Fire Department is educating the public for severe weather awareness week. Twice a year Homeland Security and Emergency Management collaborates with the National Weather Service to sponsor severe weather awareness weeks in Minnesota. With spring starting out on an unseasonal note, the DFD is informing the public on what to do during severe…

Fatal Fire in Bayfield County Results to Further Investigations

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. — What started as a disturbance call turning into a fatal fire in Bayfield county. Happened around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call of a “disturbance” at a residence on U.S. HWY 2 in the Town of Keystone. Shortly after, another 9-1-1 call reported that the residence was on fire. After firefighters got control…

Man Arrested After Duluth Apartment Building Burglaries, Firearm Discharges

DULUTH, Minn. — A burglar created quite the scare early Monday morning in a downtown Duluth apartment building that involved a firearm being discharged. The call for help came in around 12:30 a.m. at the Zenith Apartments on the 200 block of North 1st Avenue East, which is the former home to the Duluth Central High School. The caller said…

“Hands Off” Protests Take Place Across Northland

NORTHLAND – A number of Northland communities were part of the hundreds across the United States taking part in the “Hands Off” protests Saturday. The largest was likely in Duluth.  Organizers say over 2,500 people gathered outside Duluth City Hall to protest the actions taken by the Trump administration to reduce the federal government through the ending of grants, programs,…

One Arrested After Armed Home Invasion Near Oliver

OLIVER, Wis. – One person is in custody after an armed home invasion took place near Oliver Sunday. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to the home on Highway 105 near the village.  They activated their Special Response Team to investigate while deputies and the Wisconsin State Patrol contained the area. The sheriff’s office says a suspect was…

Person Dead After Run Over By Vehicle Near Meadowlands

MEADOWLANDS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – An investigation continues into the death of a person after they were run over by a vehicle near Meadowlands Friday evening. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they received word just after 6:50 p.m. on April 4, 2025, on the 7800 block of Blue Spruce Road in Meadowlands Township. When emergency responders arrived, they attempted lifesaving…

Zenith Digital Marketing Conference Coming To Duluth April 10

DULUTH, Minn. — A big digital marketing conference is on its way to Duluth next week with experts from around the world sharing their knowledge. The 12th annual Zenith Digital Marketing Conference is happening April 10. It’s put on by Duluth marketing agency AIMCLEAR and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is full of the best marketing minds…

Superior Council Results: Anderson Takes Win Over Van Sickle; Elm Secures Another Term

Sarah Anderson | Tyler Elm SUPERIOR, Wis. — Results of the Spring Election in Superior have an incumbent city councilor being replaced and another councilor staying in his seat. According to preliminary results from the the City Clerk’s Office Tuesday night, Dist. 2 Councilor Jenny Van Sickle received 397 of the votes compared to candidate Sarah Anderson’s 454.  Van Sickle…

Bemidji Man Sentenced to Over 21 in Prison for Child Sex Abuse Charges

BEMIDJI, Minn. — On Tuesday, a Bemidji man was sentenced to over 21 years in prison after advertising and distributing child sexual abuse images on the dark web. According to court documents and evidence presented in trail, Craig James Myran, age 47 of Bemidji, used an account on the dark web to distribute over one-thousand images of child sexual abuse…