Author: KQDS Staff

Ashland bar owner found guilty in double homicide of two brothers

ASHLAND, Wis. — After just seven hours of deliberation, a jury found a bar owner guilty of double homicide outside his bar in 2023. 36-year-old Nathan Monkelien was convicted of 1st Degree and 2nd Degree Homicide for the 2023 shooting of two brothers, Manuel and Luis Garcia, outside his bar. The brothers were Mexican citizens visiting their family’s restaurant located…

American Airlines jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter at Reagan Airport near DC

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. UPDATE: The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian figure skaters, as well as other Russian nationals, were on the American Airlines plane that…

Charge: Duluth Man Stabbed Stepfather In The Back

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man accused of stabbing his stepfather in West Duluth Jan. 24 is facing a serious charged for the crime. Nolan Shane-Peanuts Leeson, 25, of Duluth is charged with second-degree assault. The stabbing happened at his mother’s home on the 4800-hundred block of West 5th Street, according to authorities. The criminal complaint said Leeson’s mother told…

Minnesota Hunts Harvested More Deer in 2024

MINNESOTA – This last deer season was considered a successful one for northern Minnesota hunters. On Wednesday, the Minnesota DNR released the results from the 2024 hunting season. Hunters harvested more than 170,000 deer during the 2024 hunting season. That’s up 7% from last year’s season, and only 3% lower than a five year average. DNR officials say the weather…

Vikings, Kevin O’Connell Reach Agreement on Multi-Year Extension

O’Connell is 34-19 through three seasons as the Vikings’ head coach.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension for head coach Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell is 34-19 through three seasons as the Vikings’ head coach. Owner and President Mark Wilf released a statement on Tuesday. “Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach…

Eveleth Hockey Legend Willard Ikola Dies at 92

As a player, Ikola helped Eveleth win three straight state championships.

EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Edina community is mourning the loss of a legend in Minnesota high school hockey. Former Edina High School boys hockey coach Willard Ikola has passed away at the age of 92. Remembering Willard Ikola What we know: In a statement, Edina Public Schools writes that Coach Ikola passed away on Monday evening. He served as Edina High School’s…

EMS Expo takes place at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the biggest emergency services expos took place last week at the DECC. The EMS Expo provided an opportunity to equip first responders with practical knowledge of management skills. It also aimed to help first responders deal with trauma that follows some calls. First responders from around the state attended various seminars, like how to aid…

Funding Secured to Better Railroad Crossings in Northern Minnesota

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — Significant funding will look to improve safety concerns around Northern Minnesota railroad crossing. On Monday, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith announced that they were able to secure $1.8 million for providing a long-term multimodal freight solution that aims to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency along the CN rail corridor and the Midway Road (CSAH 13)…

Terese Tomanek Elected Unanimously as Duluth City Council President

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth City Councilor Terese Tomanek was unanimously selected as the new Duluth City Council president by her fellow councilors Monday, January 13. Councilor Tomanek takes over the role from Councilor Roz Randorf. Tomanek has been serving on the council for five years. She said she’s looking forward to continue to serve the people of Duluth and continue…

Lake Superior College and College of Saint Scholastica Students Come Back for Spring Semester

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a chilly return to the books for many college students at both Lake Superior College (LSC) and College of Saint Scholastica (CSS). Students at Lake Superior College  kicked off their semester with crafts and an ice cream sundae bar as part of their Winter Welcome Week. Throughout this first week, students can participate in carnival…

Prince Estate Seeks To Block Netflix Documentary

An Oscar-winning filmmaker has made a nine-hour Netflix documentary on the late music legend Prince, but it may never be shown. Prince’s estate is in a legal battle with Netflix blocking the film’s release. The estate has reportedly demanded changes to the documentary. Two of the companies involved in the estate gave a joint statement to the Hollywood Reporter in…

Bob Dylan Memorabilia Up For Auction

A treasure-trove of Bob Dylan memorabilia is going up for auction. Julien’s Auctions says about 50 items and artifacts will be up for sale, including early handwritten drafts of Dylan’s first number one hit “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The items are from the personal collection of journalist Al Aronowitz, commonly known as the “godfather of rock journalism.” Among the items are…

Virtual Public Meeting Held For ALLETE Acquisition

MINNESOTA – A public hearing was held online Friday morning regarding the acquisition of ALLETE, Minnesota Power’s parent company. The acquisition aims to strengthen operational and financial foundations of the ALLETE. It looks to keep Minnesota Power as an investor-owned utility while getting extra support from the Canada Pension Plan and Global Infrastructure Partners. They hope to eventually upgrade and…

Fuel Oil Leak in Morse Township

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Approximately 500-1000 gallons of fuel oil leaked from a fuel oil storage facility in Morse Township on Thursday. According to a press release, around 12:43 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2025, the Morse Township Fire Department responded to a report of a fuel leak on private property on the city limits of Ely. The fuel was contained…

MN and WI Volunteers Aid Wildfire Recovery

DULUTH, Minn. — Red Cross Volunteers from Minnesota and Wisconsin are helping recovery efforts in California from historic wildfires. Volunteers have been quick to respond to the recent wildfires that have decimated parts of Los Angeles County. The Northern Minnesota Red Cross announced that some of their volunteers are already on the ground in the effected areas. The Minnesota’s Director…

Renew Thrift Store Opens in Morgan Park

DULUTH, Minn. — The Renew Church is expanding its reach, now helping to renew some wardrobes in the Morgan Park neighborhood. The pastor of the church is the brains behind the new Renew Thrift Store which will offer a mix of items — including free non-perishable food and gently used clothing. “Eventually we want to open up a drop off…

Will the NFL Move the Vikings/Rams Playoff Game Due to L.A. Wildfires?

If SoFi Stadium cannot host the Vikings/Rams game, it will be moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings are set to face the L.A. Rams next Monday night in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs. Mother Nature might have a say in that, and it could force the game to be moved. A massive wind storm hit the L.A. area early this week, with wildfires in the area making for dangerous conditions and creating poor air…

$11.2 Million in Federal Dollars for Lift Bridges Rehab

DULUTH, Minn. — $11.2 million in federal funding is on its way to Duluth to help rehabilitate the historic Aerial Lift Bridge. The grant is provided by the u-s department of transportation. The rehab work will include surface preparation and repainting, lead abatement, replacement of deteriorated sections, miscellaneous structural steel repairs, repairs to concrete, and replacement of the bridge sidewalks….

Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Medical Center Top Baby Names For 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Medical Center released the top names Northland parents chose for their newborns in 2024. According to the office of vital records at the Minnesota Department of Health had Theo, or Theodore, be the most popular name for boys and Evelyn for girls. For the boys, Henry, Oliver, Asher, Jack, and William were popular…

Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center Welcomes First Baby Of The Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center welcomed to the world their first baby of 2025 just an hour after midnight. Karsyn Jones and Jacob Walker of Duluth are the proud parents of baby boy they named Jett. Jett was born at 1:07 a.m., on Wednesday morning, and weighed in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces and was measured…

Two Arrested in Connection of a Shooting on LCO Reservation

LAC COURTE OREILLIES RESVERSATION, Wis. –Two arrests have been made after a shooting on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation in Sawyer County. On Sunday, Dec. 29, the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department responded to a shooting in the area of Poppletown Road. There LCO Tribal Police found a victim with gunshot wounds who later was transported for medical attention….

Former Hermantown PTO Treasurer Sentenced After Stealing Over $100,000

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A Hermantown woman has been sentenced after stealing over $100,000 from the Hermantown Parent Teachers Organization (PTO). Trista Swanson, 44, was sentenced to three years of probation on four counts of felony theft. Swanson must also pay back the $103,017.41 that she stole from the PTO. She plead guilty to these charges in October. Swanson was the…

Miller Hill Mall Hosts Annual Hanukkah Evet

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas may have passed on the calendar, but the holiday season was far from over at the Miller Hill Mall Sunday as they hosted a Hanukkah celebration! There was fun, food, and festive spirit; all celebrating the 8-day long Jewish holiday also known as Hanukkah. “So you know, tonight is the fifth night of Hanukkah, and we’ve…

Vikings Clinch NFC Playoff Spot After Packers Beat Seahawks

The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium already knowing they’re heading to the NFC Playoffs.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium already knowing they’re heading to the NFC Playoffs. The Vikings clinched a playoff spot after the Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 on Sunday Night Football. At worst, they’ll be a Wild Card team. That said, there’s a lot to play…

Gophers to Face Virginia Tech in Duke’s Mayo Bowl Jan. 3 in Charlotte

The game will be played at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Carolina Panthers.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota football team is headed to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 3, and will face Virginia Tech out of the ACC. The game will be played at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Carolina Panthers. The Gophers learned their bowl destination on…

New $16.5M Snowmaking Operation At Giants Ridge

BIWABIK, Minn. — 74 new automated snow machines are now operating at Giants Ridge in Biwabik as part of a $16.5-million dollar investment there. A small ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, to celebrate. The new snow-making system is weather controlled turning on and off automatically for optimal snow production based on optimal air conditions. The 74 new snow…

Santa and His Reindeer Arrive to Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. — With Thanksgiving being over, Christmas is just around the corner, and the Holiday Spirits were high at Fitger’s as Santa came to town today. Santa and his reindeers Comet and Cupid arrived to Fitger’s for the first time this Holiday season. A long line of families were waiting to get their picture taken with Saint Nick, and…

Black Friday Frenzy at Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — Black Friday shoppers flocked to stores for a day of big deals. Across the country shoppers hit the stores for Black Friday, and in Duluth, thousands roamed through the Miller Hill Mall looking for gifts for the holidays or just trying to snag some deals. The doors of the mall opened up at 6 a.m., so people…

American Red Cross Partners with First Responders on Battle of the Badges Blood Drives

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Red Cross is partnering with first responders to help make a difference for those in need of life-saving blood. It’s called the Battle of the Badges blood drive. It is a 2-day event where Duluth and Superior Police and Fire and the St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Departments will be taking part. It’s all…

Santa Arrives at the Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Santa Claus has officially arrived at the Miller Hill Mall. The annual Santa Photo Experience has kicked off at the mall, where kids can get their picture taken with Saint Nick. Time slots can be booked ahead of time, but walk ups are also welcome. And as Christmas…

Chester Bowl Announces New Donation Match Opportunity For Chalet Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has announced a donation match opportunity to help with the expansion and renovation of their Chalet. It’s part of the campaign Growing Up Chester. An anonymous donor who is looking to inspire giving in others, will now through January 15, 2025, match up to $50,000. That gives Chester 50 days to raise $50,000 through community…

Duluth Bridgeman’s Offering Thanksgiving Meals To-Go

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Bridgeman’s is once again offering Thanksgiving meals to go. A meal includes fresh baked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, a dinner roll, and dessert. All meals are fully cooked and ready to reheat at home. These meals are great for those who don’t have somewhere to go or just don’t feel like cooking a whole…

Multimedia Journalist

Job description Position Overview We seek a dynamic part-time Multimedia Journalist to join our team at KQDS (https://www.fox21online.com/) in Duluth, MN. The ideal candidate will have a passion for journalism, exceptional on-air presence, and the ability to engage with our audience. As a Multimedia Journalist you will shoot videos, gather information, edit, prepare, and produce compelling news segments that will…

Minnesota DNR To Launch New EagleCam

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota DNR is introducing a new eagle camera, that will go live for the first time this Thursday. The new camera will feature a new breeding pair of eagles. The original camera will be in the area as well, occasionally seeing the previously featured pair that lost their nest in 2023. That same pair made a new…

36th Annual Festival of Trees Shines Brightly At the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC opened its doors to a good cause this past weekend, and provided a preview of the upcoming Christmas holiday season. They hosted the 36th annual Festival of Trees.  Vendors sold treats, trinkets, and even got a visit from Santa! Proceeds from this event go towards the Junior League’s efforts to support women in the Northland. “Our…

Virginia Police Department Investigates Early Morning Stabbing

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Virginia Police Department is investigating a stabbing that took place early Friday morning. According to the press release, a man arrived at 4:12 a.m. to the Essentia Virginia Hospital with a stab wound to the abdomen. Authorities say the 33-year-old victim told law enforcement the suspect was a known acquaintance but did not provide much more…

The Wildcat Sanctuary Expands by 120 Acres

SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone is expanding its footprint by 120 acres. The adjacent land has always been on the eyes of executive director Tammy Thies. So, when she saw the for-sale sign pop up recently, she immediately made an offer. Thies says the new land will act as a natural buffer between wild animals and the…

UW-Superior Hosts Veterans Day Observance

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Veteran’s Day commemorations across the Northland included one at UW-Superior. The event, taking place at the Yellowjacket Union, featured a presentation of colors, the National Anthem, and remarks from a UW-Superior graduate. The ceremony also included a presentation of the Henry Blomberg Excellence in Service Awards.  The awards are named for Lieutenant Henry Blomberg, a Superior native…

UMD Cadets Stand Guard For Veterans Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Veterans Day 2024 was observed at UMD’s campus in its usual fashion. 50 Air Force ROTC cadets have been standing guard at the flagpole since midnight Monday, as their way to honor veterans and reflect on their service. Cadets are taking 30 minute shifts through the 24 hours of the day, regardless of the weather. “I think…