Author: Matt Suoja

Authorities Search for Missing 3-Year-Old Near Winter

(courtesy: Facebook/Sawyer County Sheriff) WINTER, Wis.-The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 3-year-old in Winter. Authorities say Abby Koch, 3, went missing around 6:45 p.m. Sunday when she likely followed the family dog into the woods. She was last seen wearing a black shirt with a flower on it and was barefoot. She is described as being…

Duluth Police to Announce Use of Force Policy Updates Later Today

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Police Department will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. today to announce updates made to their use of force policy. “The Duluth Police Department embraces our social contract with our community and works collaboratively to co-produce neighborhood safety,” the Department said in a press release. “After the tragic death of George Floyd, our community requested we…

Duluth City Council to Introduce Ordinance Requiring Mask Use

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth residents may soon be required to wear masks in indoor spaces where business with the public is conducted. Multiple Duluth city councilors made that announcement during a press conference today with a vote expected on July 13. If approved, it would go into effect immediately and last until the end of state and local emergencies. Councilor Arik Forsman…

Minnesota State Fair Canceled

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota State Fair will not be held in 2020. This was announced today following a meeting of the board of managers of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which governs the Minnesota State Fair. The event was scheduled for Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. “This isn’t a difficult decision. It’s the only decision,” said State Fair…

Essentia Announces Plans to Layoff 900

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia Health has announced they are planning to layoff about 900 employees, with more than 50 percent coming from Twin Ports hospitals. Leadership from Essentia say the layoffs are happening due to operational losses from the coronavirus pandemic. “At Essentia, our operational losses due to pandemic-related declines in patient volumes since the beginning of March have totaled nearly $100…

Shooting Suspect Sought in Grand Rapids Case

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Grand Rapids police are on the lookout for a suspect in a shooting that occurred Friday, May 8. The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Charles Anthony Olsen of Grand Rapids. His whereabouts are unknown. He is wanted in connection with the shooting of a 22-year-old woman after she was dropped off at the Grand Itasca Clinic and…

Drive-Thru Fundraiser Held for Local Veterans

CLOQUET, Minn.- Friday in Cloquet, veterans were out in force raising money for other veterans in need. Those organizing today’s burger and brat sale said they are following social distancing guidelines by operating a drive-thru in the Cloquet movie theater parking lot. They hope to raise between $6,000-$10,000. “It’s an honor to give back to our brothers and sisters that…

Musky Fest Canceled This Year

HAYWARD, Wis.-The Hayward Chamber of Commerce has announced that this year’s Musky Fest is canceled due to the coronavirus. “After exploring various options and considering a number of factors, our Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Musky Festival due to the uncertainties associated with the current pandemic and the gathering of large…

State Veterans Cemeteries to Hold virtual Memorial Day Program

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors including for an event in Duluth. “The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “This…

Minnesota Tops 5,000 Daily Cornonavirus Tests for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota for the first time has exceeded Gov. Tim Walz’s goal of conducting 5,000 coronavirus tests a day. The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday that state and private labs administered 5,223 tests on Tuesday. Walz has said that hitting the 5,000 target consistently is a necessary condition for reopening the state’s economy. The department also reported 728 new confirmed…

Hospitality Groups Press Lawmakers for Economic Relief

MINNEAPOLIS-A coalition of Minnesota hospitality organizations is urging state legislators to provide an economic relief package to help save the industry’s businesses. The coalition includes Hospitality Minnesota, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, the Community of Minnesota Resorts and the Craft Brewers Guild. A recent survey by Hospitality Minnesota says that more than half of hospitality businesses may be forced to…

Hayward’s Lumberjack World Championships Canceled for 2020

Hayward, Wis.-The Lumberjack World Championships Foundation and its board of directors announced today the 61st annual Lumberjack World Championships competition and festival has been canceled for 2020. “With the uncertainties associated with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the nation and around the globe, LWCF officials were forced to make the difficult decision to reschedule the 61st annual…

Minnesota Projects $2.4 Billion Budget Shortfall

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Management and Budget office is releasing an updated budget projection today for the current biennium (2020-2021), and according to initial reports, the economic outlook has significantly worsened since the coronavirus pandemic. A deficit of $2.426 billion is now projected for the current biennium, which is almost a $4 billion change compared to the February forecast. State…

Three Survive Kayak Incident Off Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.-At 1 p.m. today, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a water emergency involving three kayakers who were about 400 feet off Park Point near the Sky Harbor Airport. Duluth Fire arrived to find the boaters on shore, pulling the kayaks out of the water and in contact with Duluth Police. The boaters confirmed that all persons in their…

Northsore Mining in Silver Bay to Be Idled Until August

Northshore Mining employs around 570 workers and will have to lay off approximately 470.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced on Monday that the company will be idling production at two of its iron ore mining operations, which includes Northshore Mining in Silver Bay. Northshore Mining employs around 570 workers and will have to lay off approximately 470. They will keep approximately 100 employees to maintain the yard and dock crews for loading…

2019 Primary and Election Guide

Nine Candidates For Duluth Mayor

DULUTH, Minn.-Multiple primaries are being held today across Duluth along with a special election for a St. Louis County Board seat. Mayoral Primary (Two Advance) Nine candidates are vying for the seat of Duluth mayor including incumbent Emily Larson. Others running include Daniel Weatherly, an Army veteran, who says he wants to make the city government more transparent. Another military…

Some Minnesota Families in Need to Get Monthly Aid Boost

DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota’s cash assistance program for low-income families will offer a $100 boost in monthly aid starting next year. Minnesota Public Radio News reports that state lawmakers approved the Minnesota Family Investment Program’s monthly grant increase in May. The extra funding will be available beginning February 2020. It’s the first increase to the program since it began 33 years ago….

Husky Rebuild Process Begins; Company Plans to Continue to Use Hydrogen Fluoride

Demolition has begun for the rebuilding process of the Husky Refinery after last year's explosion in Superior, and the organization says it plans to continue to use the controversial chemical hydrogen fluoride.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Demolition has begun for the rebuilding process of the Husky Refinery after last year’s explosion in Superior, and the organization says it plans to continue to use the controversial chemical hydrogen fluoride. “Ongoing use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) is proposed as part of the rebuild plan, with additional safety measures being implemented,” Husky said in a statement. “HF is…

Search for Missing Barron Teen Continues

Authorities in Barron Have Announced a $25,000 Reward

BARRON COUNTY, Wisc. – Authorities in Barron have now announced a $25,000 reward for those with information that could help find 13-year-old Jayme Closs. The teenager disappeared more than a week ago after her parents were found murdered in their home. No new evidence has been discovered during a search on Tuesday, but that has not stopped Jayme’s family from…

Congressional Leaders Want Public Meeting on Husky Explosion

They Have Requested a Fall Public Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several Democratic Congressional leaders from Minnesota and Wisconsin are now calling on Husky Energy to hold a public meeting this fall. They want Husky leaders to talk more about the use of hydrogen fluoride at their Superior refinery. It was back in April when an explosion there injured 36 people and caused a mass evacuation. U.S. Senator…

Northlander Riding Motorcycle 10,000 Miles for Sick Kids

DULUTH, Minn.-A former Douglas County sheriff and Northland Shriner is about to take the motorcycle ride of a lifetime, all with the goal of helping sick kids. It’s all part a fundraiser, called the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge which raises money for Shriner’s children’s hospitals throughout the country. During the event, 150 motorcyclists agree to ride a route that travels…

UDAC Moving Into Old DBU Site

DULUTH, Minn.-A massive donation announced today is changing the organization UDAC for years to come. Nortlanders Joseph and and Nancy Bullyan, of Bullyan RV, have donated $3 million to UDAC so they can purchase the Duluth Business University building in the western end of Duluth. UDAC, which helps people with disabilities learn life skills while getting job training, expect to…

Shots Fired in Eveleth Leads to Arrest

EVELETH, Minn.-The Eveleth Police Department made an arrest at about 8 p.m. last night after a report of a bullet striking a home there. The police were dispatched to 618 Adams Ave. after a homeowner heard a loud “bang.” Officers were able to locate a bullet that penetrated an upstairs window, went through a hallway, and into a bedroom. Several…

New District Judge Named in Virginia

District Includes St. Louis, Lake, Carlton, and Cook Counties

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Governor Mark Dayton announced today the appointment of Robert Friday as a district court judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. Friday will be replacing the Honorable Terrence M. Aronson, and will be chambered in Virginia in St. Louis County. “Mr. Robert Friday has a strong record of legal service on behalf of Minnesotans, working hard throughout his career to…

Minnesota AG’s Office Says GOP Senate Leader Can’t do Two Jobs

Issue Deals With Naming of New Lieutenant Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota attorney general’s office says Republican state Senate President Michelle Fischbach cannot legally keep her Senate seat when she becomes lieutenant governor. Solicitor General Alan Gilbert issued an opinion Thursday saying an 1898 decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Republicans have pointed to is no longer valid. But Gilbert notes only a court can decide the…

Holiday Lighting Contest Begins

Multiple Cities Involved This Year

DULUTH, Minn.-The Christmas Lighting Challenge has begun. Categories are now open for “Best Home,” “Best Business,” and even “Grand Master” in a variety of communities around the region including Duluth,  Superior, Two Harbors, Cloquet, Hermantown, and Proctor. One of the event organizers said going around seeing all the lights reminds families about what this time of year is all about. “What’s…

75 Vehicles Went Into Ditch Today

One Accident Lead to Driver Being Killed

DULUTH, Minn.-The Minnesota State Patrol is reporting 75 vehicles went off the road today due to the winter travel conditions. They also told Fox 21 that there have been 21 crashes that involve property damage, and eight with injuries, including a fatal one earlier today which involved a semi. To find out more about the road conditions in the region,…

Suicide Awareness Walk Happening in Carlton Saturday

Hundreds are Expected to Gather for the 9th Annual Suicide Memorial Awareness Walk

CARLTON, Minn. – More than 200 Northlanders are expected to hit the streets of Carlton tomorrow, to raise awareness about suicide. The 9th annual Suicide Memorial Awareness Walk will begin at Carlton High School at 10 a.m. According to event organizers, Carlton County has one of the highest rates of suicide in Minnesota. “This walk has been an important focus…

Duluth Band Cloud Cult to Perform at Capital Grand Opening

Concert to be Held Aug. 12

SAINT PAUL, Minn.-The Duluth band Cloud Cult will perform at the state capital’s Grand Opening Celebration next weekend. The group will join two other bands in Polica and Lizzo at 7 p.m. Aug. 12. “We are thrilled to have Cloud Cult join with us at this exciting celebration,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “I hope all Minnesotans will mark their…

Dangerous Swimming Conditions at Park Point

High Risk for Rip Current Today

DULUTH, Minn.-Due to the high risk of rip currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning of dangerous swimming conditions until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. “There are currently no lifeguards at Park Point, and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the dangerous swimming condition,” said the Fire Department in a prepared statement. Flag locations are at:…

Fire Burns Home in Wrenshall that’s Connected to Alleged Kidnapping Last Week

Home Believed to be Unoccupied at the Time

WRENSHALL, Minn.-An early morning fire in Wrenshall has left a two-story house in shambles for the second time in a week. Scott Lindgren, Carlton Co. Jail Last week 21-year-old Scott Lindgren was charged with seven felonies in connection to a May 15 incident at 804 County Road 18 in Wrenshall – the same place where the fire was at about…

Shooting Occurs this Morning at Hillside Super America Parking Lot

Victim Left with Non-Life Threatening Injuries

DULUTH, Minn.-A man was shot earlier this morning in the Super America parking lot at 602 E. Fourth St. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One firearm was found at the scene and it was determined that it belonged to the victim. No one else was hurt during the shooting. Probable cause does exist to…