Author: Melissa Lentz

Ashland School District Awarded Fab Lab Grant

WEDC grants awarded during "Fab Lab Day" in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Tuesday, 21 school districts that have been awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to establish and expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities. A fab lab is a high-technology workshop equipped with computer controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and…

Superior Water, Light and Power Begins Installation of Advanced Meters

Project will enhance customer service and experience

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Water, Light, and Power’s (SWL&P) plan to replace analog meters with advanced digital meters moves forward this month. Installation of these meters began around mid-April in the Billings Park area of Superior. The work is part of a five-year plan to deploy Advanced Metering Infrastructure, which is a reliable and proven technology that is being used…

Frito Lay Issues Recall Due to Salmonella Risks

Frito Lay announced a voluntary recall of select Jalapeno Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips and Jalapeno Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips due to the potential presence of Salmonella in the seasoning. This action is a direct result of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeno power that could contain Salmonella. There have been no confirmed illnesses related to this…

Man Extradited to Douglas County for Connection to New Years Homicide in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On January 9, 2017, an arrest warrant for Jamar Maurice Smith was issued in Douglas County, according to Douglas County District Attorney, Mark Fruehauf. Smith is being charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and misdemeanor bail jumping in connection with an incident that occurred on New Years Day in Superior, Wisconsin outside the…

Missing Level 3 Sex Offender from Minnesota Found in California

Michael Costa MINNESOTA – Level III Predatory Offender, Michael James Costa was taken into custody in California over the weekend after he was no longer compliant with the conditions of his release, mid-April. Costa had been on a fugitive status after absconding from his supervised release in Rochester, Minnesota. He was arrested near Van Nuys, California after information led investigators…

Michigan Street Utilities Upgrade Scheduled

Work to begin May 1

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities is partnering with Minnesota Power to conduct utility work along Michigan Street, set to begin on Monday, May 1. The project will include replacing electrical ducts, gas infrastructure, and water mains on a section of West Michigan Street in downtown Duluth between 1st and 3rd Avenues. During the week…

Man Charged After Drug Bust in the 600 Block of E 6th St in Duluth

Search warrant executed on Wednesday, April 19

Arthur Barksdale DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 600 block East 3rd Street and a motor vehicle on April 19, 2017. The search warrant was a result of an investigation into the suspected sale of controlled substances and ongoing…

3 Charged After Investigation into Drug Sales in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force (LSDVCTF) executed a search warrant on April 18, 2017 at an apartment in the 300 block of North 20th Avenue West, according to the Duluth Police Department. The search warrant was conducted as a result of an investigation into the sale of controlled substances, specifically heroin. During the…

Report: Voyageurs Visitors Add Over $24 Million to Local Economies

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – A new report from the National Park Service estimates the local economic impact of visitors to Voyageurs National Park to be around $24 million in 2016. The report states that 241,911 people visited the park in 2016 and spent an estimated $19,780,200 in communities surrounding the park. That spending supported 310 jobs in the local area and…

Stabbing in Cloquet Leaves One Man Hospitalized, Suspect Still At-Large

CLOQUET, Minn. – Around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, officers form the Cloquet Police Department responded to the Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital for a patient with two stab wounds to his abdomen and arm. Officers learned during their investigation that the 37-year-old male victim was in the 1800 block of Washington Avenue when the assault occurred. The victim has…

MnDOT to Close Second Avenue into Virginia for Highway 53 Work

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Highway 53 relocation project will close access into Virginia via Second Avenue on Friday, April 21 at 9 a.m. from Hwy 53. The closure will stay in place until 6 a.m. Monday, April 24. The closure is taking place so crews can perform necessary utility work under Second Ave. For updated road conditions and information visit www.511mn.org…

Minnesota Receives Over $5 Million to Combat Opioid Addiction

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Minnesota with $5,379,349 to combat opioid addiction. The $5.3 million grant will support an array of prevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the state. “As I’ve traveled across Minnesota, I’ve heard time and again how opioid addiction is tearing apart communities and…

Wisconsin Awarded Over $7 Million to Combat the Opioid Epidemic

The funding was made available under the federal 21st Century Cures Act

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker has announced that the state will receive $7,636,938 in federal grant money to help combat the state’s opioid epidemic. “We will continue our work to implement the most effective and efficient practices, aimed at prevention, recovery, and treatment, to bring healing to the individuals, families, and communities overwhelmed by this public health crisis,” said…

Toward Zero Deaths and Local Schools Partner to Put the Phone Down

SPEAK UP: PUT THE PHONE DOWN

CLOQUET, Minn. – Local schools and regional Toward Zero Deaths partners are working to encourage high school students to practice safe driving habits and speak up when others drive distracted. For the first time, law enforcement across the state is extending the extra enforcement period to two weeks to conduct overtime patrols for distracted driving. The campaign, run by the…

No Criminal Charges in Itasca County Assault Incident

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – An altercation between two men in Goodland, Minnesota, has recently become a talking point on social media. Law enforcement has released their findings in the investigation of this incident, and believes it provides considerable information, which was not available in discussions on social media. An altercation between 82-year-old Mark David Mehle, of Goodland, and Ed Allen…

Motorists Asked to be Alert as Adopt-a-Highway Crews Out

Volunteers work to remove trash and recyclables from roadsides

Photo: WisDOT MADISON, Wis. – Motorists are asked to be alert for Wisconsin’s Adopt-a-Highway volunteers who are busy collecting up trash and recyclables that have built up along state highways. County highway crews will gather up the bagged materials for proper disposal. Last year, 2,864 crews collected 180 tons of trash and recyclables. “Wisconsin’s Adopt-a-Highway volunteers provide a tremendous service…

Highway 169 Cross Range Expressway Work Begins

Photo: MnDOT DULUTH, Minn. – Crews have started their wok on the Highway 169 Cross Range Expressway project. Motorists will see crews doing grading and other excavation work in the area. A two-lane bypass, using portable barriers has been put in place in the vicinity of County Road 7 to protect passing traffic from any construction debris. MnDOT advises motorists…

Traffic Advisory for Fitger’s 5K Race Saturday, April 22

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, April 22 starting at 8:30 a.m., traffic will be diverted from portions of Superior Street in downtown Duluth, Lake Avenue, and Railroad Street for the Fitger’s 5K Foot Race. “No Parking” areas will be posted on Superior Street from Lake Avenue to 8th Avenue East, and the West side of Lake Avenue South from Railroad…

Single Lane Traffic on I-35 Between Willow River and Sturgeon Lake

Work begins Monday, April 24

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, April 24, motorists will be restricted to a single lane on northbound I-35 between Willow River and Sturgeon Lake. Single lane restrictions will happen weekdays until May 26. Both northbound lanes will be open to traffic on Fridays at 1 p.m. Southbound lanes will be restricted to single lanes Monday through Saturday April 24 –…

Rock Blasting Begins on Highway 169 Project Near Ely

Work will begin on Monday, April 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Motorists may be temporarily stopped on Highway 169 in the Eagles Nest Lake Area just west of Ely beginning on Monday, April 17, as rock blasting begins for the highway reconstruction project. Large trucks will be hauling blasted material on and off the highway. Motorists are urged to drive with caution in the work zone. Beginning on…

MnDOT Announces 2017 State Road Construction Projects

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Thursday, $1 billion in state road and bridge projects that will be conducted statewide this year. The 211 projects, many of which are already underway, will help keep the state’s roads and bridges in good working condition to continue to keep motorists safe on the roadway, and support thousands of…

Spring Burning Restrictions Begin April 24

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will implement burning restrictions in Cook, Lake and Northern St. Louis counties beginning on April 24. Conditions for wildfires are at their prime with warmer temperatures, little to no snow, and dry vegetation, so dead grass and brush can easily light and burn quickly. During spring restrictions, the state will not give out burning…

House Fire on North 18th Avenue East in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a fire at 518 North 18th Avenue East around 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Neighbors reportedly saw smoke coming from the house and called 911. Fire officials confirmed that 21 firefighters responded to the blaze, and when the first arrived on scene flames were visible at the front of the house. The…

Duluth Ramp Closures Scheduled for Bridge Inspections

Work is scheduled April 24, 25, & 27

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be inspecting bridge on April 24, 25, and 27, and will need to close traffic lanes and detour traffic during the inspections. Closures include: April 24: Ramp from northbound I-535 to southbound I-35 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25: Ramp from northbound I-535 northbound I-35 from 9 a.m. to…

Garage Fire on Tower Avenue in Superior

7600 block of Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department along with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, and Gold Cross responded to the report of a garage fire at 7601 Tower Avenue on Wednesday afternoon around 1:42. When crews arrived, they found a two stall detached garage with heavy smoke and fire visible coming from the structure. Due to the location and a…

Bridge Maintenance Scheduled in Duluth Area

Crews will be working from April 10-28 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be performing bridge preventative maintenance by cleaning all state bridge in the Duluth area beginning Monday April 10 through Friday, April 28. Crews will be working between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Temporary lane closures may take place during this time. MnDOT crews will be spraying down the bridge…

Nolan to Hold Listening Sessions in the Northland

WASHINGTON – Representative Rick Nolan will be holding listening sessions across Minnesota’s 8th District to discuss healthcare issues, President Trump’s proposed budget, and hear questions and concerns from constituents. Wednesday, April 12 Nolan Listening Session in Grand Rapids 11:00am-12:00pm Grand Rapids City Hall, Council Chambers 420 N Pokegema Ave Grand Rapids, MN Nolan Listening Session in Virginia 2:30pm-3:30pm Virginia Council…

Man Charged with Sale of a Controlled Substance

Search warrant executed in the 1500 block of East Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant on the afternoon of April 6, in the 1500 block of East Superior Street in the City of Duluth. The search warrant was a result of an investigation into the suspected sale of heroin at that address. During the search, investigators located approximately six…

Level III Predatory Offender Relocating to Grand Rapids, Minn.

Notification meeting being held on April 13 at 6 p.m.

Jordan Ryan Sellars Way, 23 GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public of a Level III Predatory Offender moving into the Grand Rapids area. Twenty-three-year-old Jordan Ryan Sellars Way will be released on April 24, 2017 and will relocated to the vicinity of South Crystal Springs Road and Unger Drive in rural Grand Rapids….

Duluth City Council President Joel Sipress Announces Re-Election Bid

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council President Joel Sipress has announced his intent to run for re-election in the upcoming City elections this fall. In 2013, Sipress was appointed to the City Council to finish out Patrick Boyle’s term following his election to the St. Louis County Board, and in 2015, Sipress successfully ran for Second District seat. “I enjoy…

UPDATE: Driver Charged in London Road Incident

Responding officers on the the scene suspected the driver of the SUV was impaired

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police and other responding agencies diverted traffic from the intersection of London Road and 40th Avenue East in front of Ecumen Lakeshore on the afternoon of Tuesday April 4. According to authorities, around 12:40 p.m. a SUV driven by 49-year-old Theresa Katzmark of Superior, Wisconsin, struck pedestrian, 62-year-old Donna Estrem of Duluth. The SUV was traveling…

Free Landlord Basics 101 Workshop

The event is free and open to the public

DULUTH, Minn. – The Tenant Landlord Connection, a program of One Roof Community Housing, is presenting a free Landlord Workshop on Tuesday, April 11 from 5-7 p.m. This workshop, Landlord Basics 101, will offer an overview of the basic considerations of being a landlord. A representative from City of Duluth’s Life Safety Office will be discussing the process for licensing…

Road Sand Collection Sites Set Up Around Duluth

Duluth residents are urged to use these sites to keep from washing into streams and Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – ‘Tis the season for spring cleaning, and the City of Duluth is asking residents to dispose of excess road salt, sand, or asphalt chunks from sidewalks, curbs, and boulevards, at any of the four Road Sand Collection Sites set up around Duluth. Street sweepers are currently working to collect and remove road sand from the streets as…

Extra Enforcement to Seek Turnaround in Distracted Driving Incidents

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will be conducting extra distracted driving enforcement April 10-23 to help prevent senseless deaths on the road. Deputies, police officers, and troopers from more than 300 agencies participate in the extra distracted driving enforcement campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) Overtime funding is…

Special Event Offers Deal for Campers While Raising Funds for Children’s Camps

14th Annual 'Big Weekend' Event

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet/Duluth KOA campground at 1381 Kampground Road in Cloquet, is offering campers a special Saturday of camping for just $10 to benefit KOA Care Camps for children with cancer. The Care Camps Big Weekend event will be held Friday May 12 and Saturday May 13. Campers who stay as paying guests on Friday, May 12 will…

Recount Set for Superior’s 6th District City Council Race

Tylor Elm lost to incumbent Graham Garfield by just one vote

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A tight race for the Superior City Council District 6 seat after spring elections took place Tuesday. Tylor Elm and incumbent Graham Garfield squared off in the race for District 6, and with unofficial results having Garfield winning by a single vote 142 to 141, a recount request has been made. Elm verbally requested a recount, and will…

22-Year-Old Charged with 1st Degree Sale After Heroin Bust

Kontrell Brown DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, along with the Superior Police Department, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on a motor vehicle and 22-year-old Kontrell Elander Drake Brown of Chicago following an investigation into the sale of heroin. Duluth Police Department The search warrant was executed in Duluth, and during…

Semifinals Frozen Four Watch Parties

UMD Bulldogs take on Harvard Crimson

DULUTH, Minn. – Bulldog Country is coming together across several states to watch the UMD men’s hockey team take on Harvard in the Frozen Four semifinal in Chicago on Thursday at 5 p.m. CST. Watch parties will guarantee the game will be on TV, and potentially reserved seating for fans. All food and beverages are the responsibility of the attendees….

Defense Wants Trial Moved for Officer Who Shot Castile

Jeronimo Yanez ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) –  Defense attorneys are pushing to move the manslaughter trial of a Minnesota police officer charged with fatally shooting a black motorist last summer. Attorneys for St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez argued in court Tuesday, that the officer cannot get a fair trial in Ramsey County, where Philando Castile was shot, because of…

Water Emergency Involving ATV near Voyageur National Park

LAKE KABETOGAMA, Minn. – On the afternoon of April 4, around 3:04, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Lake Kabetogama regarding a water emergency involving an ATV. The ATV had gone through the ice north of the Ash River Visitor Center in Voyageur National Park and north of Sullivan narrows. Thirty-six-year-old Jay Podpeskar of Britt, Minnesota and…

Itasca County Burning Restrictions Begin April 10

Burning restriction do not apply to campfires

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – With the warmer temperatures and dry vegetation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will implement burning restrictions in Itasca County beginning April 10. Fire danger can vary greatly from one part of the state to another, and will locally be determined by fire managers, to restrict burning in areas where fire risk is elevated. During spring…