Author: Pat Brink

UMD Police Department Adds New Officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth Police Department is now back to full strength as two officers were sworn in Wednesday afternoon. Police Chief Sean Huls says the UMD police force has eight officers. Wednesday’s addition was one brand-new officer and the other is a replacement for an officer who left. The new officers are Timothy Battaglia and…

Changes Coming to Weekend Bus Service

  DULUTH, Minn. — Last August the Duluth Transit Authority introduced its Better Bus Blueprint program. Since then the DTA has made some adjustments to its routes, especially on weekends. Wednesday it was announced there will be additional weekend service changes beginning Sunday, February 18th. The General Manager of the DTA Rod Fournier says, overall the new bus plans are…

New Superior Police Chief Sworn In

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior Police Department officially has a new Police Chief as Paul Winterscheidt was sworn in Monday morning. Winterscheidt is an 18-year veteran of the Superior Police Department and a graduate of U-W Superior. In an interview with Fox 21 in early December, Winterscheidt said he would continue and expand a program that’s designed to keep people…

A Hockey Lovers Dream

  SUPERIOR, Wisc. –If you’re a Hockey Fan, especially a pro hockey fan, there will be an auction Saturday in Superior that could land you a piece of history. The personal collection of Jim Finley, the former president of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be offered for sale at Savings Auction in Superior beginning at 11 AM. Mickey Greene,…

A Hockey Lover’s Dream

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — If you’re a Hockey Fan, especially a pro hockey fan, there will be an auction Saturday in Superior that could land you a piece of history. The personal collection of Jim Finley, the former president of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be offered for sale at Savings Auction in Superior beginning at 11 AM. Mickey Greene,…

Duluth Public Schools to Hold Technology Referendum May 14

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth School Board is asking voters to approve a $5.2 million referendum to invest in technology needs. It’s the same amount requested in November’s referendum question which was defeated by fewer than 300 votes. Duluth School Superintendent John Magas said the term “technology” might not adequately explain the broad range of what the school district needs. “It’s…

UWS Attracts Foreign Students From All Over the World.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wednesday was the first day of the Spring Semester at the University of Wisconsin Superior. Students from across the country and from 40 different nations are attending the school this semester. In all, there are about 2,700 students at UWS, and 21 of them are first-year students from other countries. Kali Kelleher, is in charge of international…

Governor Walz Tours WLSSD

Promoting Infrastructure Plan

DULUTH, Minn. –Governor Tim Walz was at WLSSD Tuesday morning to highlight a project that was already funded in part by the state and keeps our water clean. He is working to gather support from legislators to pass the $982 million-dollar infrastructure plan he recently introduced. The governor was at WLSSD to show how they have used state infrastructure money…

Two Northern Minnesota Food Banks Merge

DULUTH, Minn.. –The Executive Director of the Second Harvest North Central Food Bank in Grand Rapids, Sue Estee, has served as its leader for more than 20 years.  As she considered retiring, Estee began thinking about how the food bank could move forward.  She wondered if combining the Grand Rapids organization with Second Harvest Northern Lakes in Duluth would make…

$1 Billion Dollars From Federal Government Committed to Blatnik Bridge Replacement

DULUTH, Minn.  — There was very exciting news from Washington on Monday. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the cities of Duluth and Superior one billion dollars to replace the Blatnik Bridge. Senators from both Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with the governors and state transportation departments have been working to have the federal government commit the money to rebuild…

Management of Bayfront Festival Park to Change

DULUTH, Minn. — At the end of December, the contract for the DECC to manage the Bayfront Festival Park had expired. For new mayor Roger Reinert this meant he had to immediately focus on that issue to ensure there would be entertainment this summer. Reinert decided there was not time for the normal Request for Proposal process. He had the…

Popular Lakeside Restaurant Closing

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Café posted the announcement on it’s Facebook page Thursday morning that it was closing. Since then more than 100 people have posted messages. Erin Golden said “Well, I have to say that everyone in the area is going to be EXTREMELY  DISAPPOINTED AND SADDENED !!!! –  You’re always busy! I don’t understand.” New London Café’s…

Information on Nemadji Trail Energy System Heard By Superior Plan Commission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –The Superior Plan Commission met Wednesday afternoon, and the major item on its agenda was the  Nemadji Trail Energy Center. The commissioners heard from representatives of Minnesota Power and Clean Wisconsin. Before the meeting got underway, which had a standing-room-only crowd, we talked to representatives of both groups who explained their position on the natural gas energy plant…

Give a Gift of Warmth

  DULUTH, Minn. — Having and wearing a hat and gloves when you’re outside this time of year is a given for most people. But that’s not the case for many of the city’s homeless. At the warming center and other shelters around the city, those who need the shelter often don’t have even the basics. “People are showing up…

Hundreds Gather for MLK Event at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. –“Leading Onward “was the theme for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. program in Duluth. Hundreds of people of many different backgrounds and nationalities gathered at the DECC, to hear, learn, and get motivated to continue the work that began in earnest seven decades ago. Kim Green says she comes each year so that her children and grandchildren…

Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander Retires

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A little over two and a half decades ago Nick Alexander joined the Superior police department. It was his first job in police work. Since then Alexander has held just about every job that exists in the police department. As friends and colleagues stopped for his retirement party Friday afternoon,  Alexander spoke about his roles in the…

A New State Seal Means Changes for St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn. Since 1858, with only minor modifications, the state seal of Minnesota has not been changed. However, beginning May 11 there will be a new Minnesota state seal. It features a loon, the north star, wild rice, water, and evergreens.  The seal is used to attest to the official status of government documents. In St. Louis County the state…

ST Paper to Be Sold

DULUTH, Minn. — Last January ST Paper re-opened the Duluth paper-making plant that had been closed since 2020. It now appears the plant will be sold to an Italian Company, Sofidel, the world’s seventh-largest maker of tissue paper. A spokesman for ST Paper, Bill Broydrick, says the sale is not being made because of any distress, but because it is…

Dry January is Underway

DULUTH, Minn. –  It’s estimated that 260 million Americans took part in Dry January in 2023. You’ve heard a lot about Dry January, but does it have any real benefits, and what can you do with your friends in place of having a drink together? Going out to a bar to meet up with your friends for a drink is…

Mushers React To 2024 Beargrease Cancellation

SILVER BAY, Minn. — Beargrease officials announced Tuesday that the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon would not be taking place this year. The decision was based on the lack of snow and the likelihood that a rescheduled race would interfere with other races that are scheduled. Dog mushers are disappointed and saddened, but not surprised by the decision to cancel…

Kids Pageant Brought Joy for a Christmas Eve Service

DULUTH, Minn. — On Christmas Eve, churches across the Northland got together. For many, Christmas Eve Services are the largest for people to attend each year. At St. Paul Episcopal Church, a children were invited to take part in the annual Christmas Pageant, which tells the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Following the pageant, the regular church service was…

Developer Given Option To Buy Part of Lester Park

DULUTH, Minn. –The Duluth Economic Development Authority, DEDA, voted unanimously to approve an option agreement to sell a part of the Lester Park Golf Property to Oppidan Investment Company, a developer based in Excelsior. The option, which begins January 1, gives the developer the right to purchase nearly 37 acres of the Lester Park property. However, DEDA is requiring certain…

Superior Rotary Helping Ukraine

Superior, Wisc. — This February will mark two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Tens of thousands have died and even more people have been injured or wounded. The Rotary Club of Superior is doing its part to help the Ukrainians and has been raising money since September. The Rotary Club Ukraine Unity sent a video showing off an ambulance that…

Boys and Girls Clubs Now Sporting Holiday Looks

DULUTH, Minn. — We might not have snow yet, but that doesn’t mean people are not getting into the Christmas spirit. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Duluth were turned into places of holiday joy this afternoon. At least two great things came about  Friday afternoon. One is that the kids did not find out about the redecorating until they…

Forest Service Denies Lutsen’s Plan to Expand

LUTSEN TOWNSHIP, Minn- The Forest Service has issued its final decision on Lutsen’s request to expand its ski area by an additional 495 acres. The Forest Service selected the “No Action Alternative” and will not be approving Lutsen’s permit application. The Forest Service said that its decision was based on several factors. Among them are impacts on tribal resources, potential…

Teen Toys Needed For Salvation Army Families

DULUTH, Minn. – It is the time of the year when people and groups gather toys to provide some joy to those who may not have a lot of happiness in their lives. At the Salvation Army, an entire truckload of toys was brought in and the donation was much appreciated. However, there’s one group of kids that seems to…

Mail Delays Causing Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is calling for the US Postal System to do a better job of delivering the mail without delays. Smith said she is hearing that mail delivery is inconsistent and that sometimes people are waiting for critical packages, such as those containing prescription medications. Smith and Senator Amy Klobuchar have introduced legislation that would…

State Narrows Flag Finalists to Three

DULUTH, Minn.  -The State Emblem Redesign Commission cut the field of possible new state flags to three at its meeting Tuesday. One of  the three finalists for the new flag will be chosen by the end of this year and displayed for the first time on May 11, Statehood Day in Minnesota Not included in the final three is the…

Northern Lights Express Gets Additional Money

DULUTH, Minn. — There is news that the Northern Lights Express passenger rail project between Duluth Superior and Minneapolis is getting federal funding for more planning. The Northern Light Express route is one of 47 projects that will each receive up to $500,000. The Minnesota DOT will use the money to update the work it completed in 2017. The money…

Respiratory Virus Season

Immunization Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Health Department reports the number of flu cases so far this year has been low. But doctors stress the flu will take over. And it’s not just the flu that we need to be concerned with, it is now called the “respiratory virus season.” Suzy Van Norman a Disease Prevention Public Health Nurse…

Superior Names Next Chief of Police

SUPERIOR, Wis. –The city of Superior announced Friday that Paul Winterscheidt will be the city’s next police chief.  The current chief, Nicholas Alexander retires in January of 2024. Winterschieidt, a 2003 graduate of UW Superior, joined the Superior Police Department in. In his 18 years on the force he has worked patrol, investigations, and narcotics investigations. He was chosen after…

YWCA Young Mothers Program Receives Grant

DULUTH, Minn. — The YWCA Duluth’s Spirit Valley Young Mothers Program works with homeless mothers who are between the ages of 16 and 21. Each at-risk mother and their child who are a part of the program live at the YWCA for a year to a year and a half. While in the mentoring program mothers receive stable housing and…

Tenants Struggle To Find Housing After Superior Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Thanksgiving morning, a fire broke out at a building housing the Viking Lounge and eight apartments. By the time the Superior Fire Department was able to fully extinguish the flames, 14 people were left homeless. A fire official said a lit cigarette was the source of the fire. “Initially there were signs that there was a…

Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Plays Critical Role in Helping Feed Those in Need

DULUTH, Minn. –The nationwide Giving Tuesday event took place on Tuesday, one week after the Minnesota version, Give to the Max, fundraiser took place. Shaye Moris, the Executive Director of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, says the Give to the Max fundraiser went well. “Give to the Max Day was really successful. We had a five percent increase over…

A Chat/GPT And AI Discussion

  DULUTH, Minn. –Chat/GPT and AI are some things we are hearing more about every day, but what is it in a nutshell? To get a better understanding, earlier this week FOX 21 talked with Thomas Fellows, an expert in the field. Here’s what he had to say about Chat/GPT and AI.   Categories: Business, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Gift Card Fraud Alert Ahead of Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the holiday gift-buying season, and one gift that stands above the rest is a gift card. They have become one of the most popular gifts. But you may not realize that gift cards can be vulnerable to scammers. The National Retail Federation says gift cards are among the most requested gifts. Like most people, I appreciate…

Bentleyville Opens for 20th Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Santa landed at Bentleyille Saturday night in a helicopter. Then it was time to turn on the lights, all 5 million of them. Thousands of people young and old were waiting to get into this holiday tradition to enjoy the wonder that is the 20th Anniversary of Bentleyville. Bentleyville is open each night from 5 pm to…