Author: Melissa Lentz

Duluth Grill Owner Receives Inaugural Mary Mathews Legacy Award

Left to right: Jaima and Tom Hanson, Mary Mathews and Shawn Wellnitz Photo: Entrepreneur Fund DULUTH, Minn. – The Entrepreneur Fund has announced that the owner of the Duluth Grill and OMC Smokehouse, Tom Hanson, is the recipient of the inaugural Mary Mathews Legacy Award. The award recognizes outstanding small business owners in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, and was created…

Events Announced for Duluth Dylan Fest 2017

May 20-28

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Dylan Fest has announced 13 events for this year’s celebration, May 20-28. Duluth Dylan Fest’s mission is to celebrate the spirit of artistic freedom, intellectual, honesty, and integrity of Duluth native, Bob Dylan. The fest is dedicated to showcasing Duluth’s vibrant art and music scene. This year’s event will celebrate Bob Dylan’s 76th birthday, as well…

Human Remains Discovered in Pine County During Search for Sandstone Man

May be those of a man missing for 2 years

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Human remains have been discovered after a search for a missing man, according to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities indicate that on May 6, members of the search group United Legacy were conducting a search in the region for a man that has been missing since March 3, 2015. Kenneth “Scott” Kleppen, who went missing just…

Classes, Activities Cancelled at Gransburg High School Following Threats

GRANSBURG, Wis. – Grantsburg High School cancelled all classes and activities Tuesday following a threat on social media. The Grantsburg Superintendent released a letter to parents and the public stating that the district was notified just after 7 a.m. about a social media post that stated a student had intentions to become a school shooter. As a result, classes were…

2 Formally Charged in Duluth Apartment Drug Bust

Search warrant executed in the 100 block of N 30th Ave W

Tyjuan Hill (left) and Rachel Fenzel (right)Photo: St. Louis County DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department reports that on Monday, May 8, the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 100 block of North 30th Avenue West. The search warrant was a result of an investigation into the suspected…

Duluth Airshow In Need of Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow is on the hunt for 100 more volunteers to assist with this year’s event. With the show just three weeks away, volunteers are needed to assist with concessions and parking. Public Relations Co-Director Jodi Grayson stated, “The volunteers we need do not need to have any sort of special skills. They really just need…

Tree Removal Project Scheduled on Highways 200 and 169

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled storm-damaged tree removal in Itasca and Aitkin Counties. The project will take place on Highway 200 from Hill City to approximately six miles east on Highway 169 from Hill City to approximately three miles north. The work will require lane closures in both directions, Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and…

Search Warrants Can Now Be Processed Electronically in Minnesota

Since the electronic transition began in October, 2,121 warrant applications have been filed and processed

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced the eSearch Warrant application, which is now available to law enforcement agencies statewide. “Before eSearch Warrants, a peace officer would write a search warrant application and then drive it to the judge for review, said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Making this process electronic is particularly beneficial for after-hours…

Minnesota DNR to Hold Metallic Minerals Lease Sale

Public bid scheduled for June 9 at 8:30 a.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is initiating the sale of leases for state-owned metallic minerals in Beltrami, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis Counties. The total amount of land up for lease is 195,324 acres. The lease sale involves nonferrous minerals, which are all metals, such as copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, gold,…

Natural Surface Trails Begin to Open in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth reports that city-managed natural surface trails are open. Trail users are asked to use trails with care, practice etiquette on shared trails, and avoid entering wet areas to prevent trail damage. Cyclists of Gitchee Gumi Shores trails are OPEN at: Hawk Ridge and Morningside Duluth Traverse Hartley Park Enger Park Traverse from Observation…

Madison Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking

Evidence presented at trial showed he had been engaged in the conduct since 2010

Maurice Withers, 28 MADISON, Wis. – A jury reached a guilty verdict after less than three hours, following a four-day trial of a Madison man, who was involved in prostitution and sex trafficking. Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Friday, that Maurice Adonis Withers, 28, was found guilty on Thursday of six counts of sex trafficking and three counts of interstate…

Firefighters Announce Endorsement of City Council Candidates

DULUTH, Minn. – IAFF Local 101 Duluth Firefighters have announced their endorsement of Duluth City Council 4th District candidate, Renee Van Nett, and at-large candidates incumbent Zack Filipovich and Rich Updegrove. Local 101 President Pete Johnson, praised all candidates on their accessibility to their constituents, involvement in the community, and their understanding and value of city services, such as the fire department….

Tunnel Cleaning Project Scheduled on I-35 and Highway 61

Will take place from Mon., May 7 to Wed., May 10

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled a tunnel cleaning project that will begin on Sunday, May 7. The project is scheduled during evening hours to minimize traffic interference. Motorists are asked to watch for work zones and follow message board directions. Schedule: Northbound tunnels on I-35 in Duluth , Sunday, May 7 from 6:30 p.m. to…

Two Arrested in Duluth on Drug Sale Charges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant on Monday May 1, at an apartment in the 2300 block of West 6th Street, as a result of an investigation into the sale of controlled substances. Numerous complaints from neighbors had been received by the LSDVCTF about short-term traffic and other suspicious activity…

Man Wanted in Connection to Death Investigation in Crookston

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The Crookston Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an individual who may have information related to a death investigation. Eddie Markeith Frazier is described as age 49, 6′ 4″ tall, 320 pounds, with black hair, and brown eyes. He is believed to be driving a silver 4-door 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora with Minnesota license plate…

Hermantown Man Receives 60 Year Prison Sentence for Sex Assault

Believed to be the longest durational sentence imposed for sex crimes since implementation of sentencing guidelines

  DULUTH, Minn. – A Hermantown man received a 60-year prison sentence today for sexually assaulting a pre-teen girl. It is believed to be the longest durational sentence for a sex crime in the county since the implementation of Minnesota sentencing guidelines in the early 1980s, according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. In March, a St. Louis County…

Tick-borne Powassan Virus Confirmed in 6 Minnesota Counties

PINE, ANOKA, CASS, CLEARWATER, HOUSTON, & MORRISON

(KQDS) – A tick-borne disease, Powassan, has been confirmed in six Minnesota counties so far this year, including Pine, Anoka, Cass, Clearwater, Houston, and Morrison, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Since 2008, there have been 22 reported cases in the state of Minnesota, one fatal, and researchers warn that the number could grow. The Powassan (POW) virus is…

Douglas County Sheriff Involved in 3 Car Crash

POPLAR, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reports that a County Deputy was involved in a three car crash involving minor injuries. The incident happened Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 2, according to authorities. Deputy Kris Witt  was westbound on USH 2 near Bayfield Road, west of Poplar, when she pulled onto the shoulder to assist a disabled vehicle. A…

More than 1,000 Texting Citations Issued as Drivers Continue to Focus on Distractions

Over 72 citations handed out per day during the two week period

ST. PAUL, Minn. – From Snapchatting to shopping on Amazon while behind the wheel, more than 1,000 drivers made the choice to focus on activities other than driving during the statewide extra distracted enforcement period from April 10-23, according to the state Department of Public Safety. More than 300 agencies participated and handed out 1,017 citations to drivers for texting while…

Attempted Child Abduction at Washington Elementary School Found to be Miscommunication

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department has reported that on Tuesday May 2, they received a report form a parent of a student at Washington Elementary school, who alleged that on Monday, May 1 someone contacted the school impersonating the mother of the child. The report indicates that the caller told the staff at school that another family member…

Road Construction Planned for Commonwealth Avenue in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is hosting a public meeting regarding summer construction plans for Commonwealth Avenue which leads into Boy Scout Landing. The project is aimed at improving access to the river. The proposal involves complete reconstruction of Commonwealth Ave from East Prescott Street to Boy Scout Landing, in addition to the utility work which will also…

Names Released in Fatal Crash Near Oulu

Bayfield Co. Sheriff’s Office UPDATE: Bayfield County Sheriff’s officials have released the names of the deceased and individuals involved in the crash that happened in the early morning hours of May 1. The deceased individual involved in this crash is Marcus Anthony Tuura, 36, of Iron River, who is believed to have been the driver of his vehicle. His passenger…

Wild Turkey Population on the Rise in Northeastern Minnesota

Suitable habitat has allowed the bird to expand its territory

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wild turkey populations are on the rise in northeastern Minnesota, and the birds are showing up in areas where they haven’t normally been seen, according to a report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Generally seen in the lower half of the state, the wild turkeys have expanded their territory by finding areas of suitable…

85 to Lose Jobs in Cloquet as Manufacturing Facility Announces Closure

CLOQUET, Minn. – A manufacturing facility in Cloquet has announced it will be shutting down the conveyor belts within the next six months. Newell Brands of Hoboken, New Jersey, a company that specializes in office supplies, outdoor recreation, appliances, and more, purchased the Jarden Home Brands facility in Cloquet in 2016. The facility manufactures and produces Pine Mountain® fire starters and…

Uber Officially Launches in Duluth

Free Rides offered to celebrate the launch

DULUTH, Minn. – Ridesharing app, Uber, has announced that it is officially launching in Duluth, after a few minor holdups with insurance filings. “We’re excited to formally announce that Uber will be launching in Duluth this afternoon. Ridesharing will bring safe, affordable, and reliable transportation to thousands of Duluth residents and visitors while at the same time creating flexible earning…

Final Phase of Kenwood Ave/Arrowhead Road Project Slated for Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has announced the last phase of construction in the Arrowhead Road and Kenwood Avenue Intersection, signal and paving improvement project. The goal is to provide efficient and safe transit for pedestrians and vehicles by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow, along with improving access to area businesses. Beginning on Monday, May 1, the…

Two Females Wanted After Attempted Homicide

Aseil Cynthia-Salema Abuhamed (left) and Tayah Valorios Thomas (right) PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two females who were involved in an attempted homicide in Hinckley. On Wednesday, April 26, Aseil Cynthia-Salema Abuhamed, 17 and Tayah Valorios Thomas, 17, stabbed a male victim, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Both fled the…

Grand Marais Voted Best Midwestern Small Town

Two Minnesota towns make the top 3

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – For the past four weeks, readers of USA Today, have been voting daily for their favorite Midwestern Small Towns. The votes were tallied and announced today, and Minnesota’s own Grand Marais came in at number one! A panel of experts partnered with USA Today’s 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees and the top 10…

Drug Take Back Day in Wisconsin

April 29

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency, and local law enforcement agencies will be holding Drug Take Back events across the state on Saturday, April 29. The event is held to prevent misuse and abuse of prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals by taking unwanted medications. Drug Take Back Day offers a safe, convenient and responsible means…

Registration Opens for 2018 American Birkebeiner on May 1

HAYWARD, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation board of directors announced today that registration will open for the 2018 American Birkebeiner on Monday, May 1, 2017. The 2018 race is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, with the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon slated for Friday, Feb. 23. The Fat Bike Birkie, the world’s largest fat bike race is scheduled for…