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Democrat Hortman Elected House Speaker

Hortman was Elected House Speaker

January 8, 2019

The Associated Press,

(Twitter)ST. PAUL, Minn. -The 2019 Minnesota Legislature is in session. The House and its new Democratic majority were called to order around noon Tuesday, while the Senate, where Republicans hold a two-vote majority, convened soon afterward. The opening day floor sessions were devoted to formalities and organizational matters, including the election of Democrat Melissa Hortman as House speaker. Dozens of…

UPDATE: Teen Arrested in Possible Connection to Mesabi Trail Homicide

The is an Active Investigation

January 8, 2019

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – According to a recent StarTribune article, authorities have arrested an 18-year-old male on suspicion of second degree murder in the death of a man found on the Mesabi Trail. Police were called to the Mesabi Trail east of Kerr on Sunday afternoon after a snowmobiler came upon the body and called 911. Authorities determined the male to…

Midday Update 1-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 8, 2019

January 8, 2019

Brett Scott,

Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Adventure Awaits with The Duluth Experience this Winter

Dave Grandmaison with The Duluth Experience Talks About Upcoming Winter Excursions in the Northland

January 8, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Experience offers a wide variety of unique adventures for every season in the Northland. This winter, Co-Founder and CEO of The Duluth Experience, Dave Grandmaison, is excited to share a new Curling and Brews Experience. This adventure allows thrill seekers the opportunity to learn how to curl, then enjoy a great local brew from Ursa…

2019 Edition of the Minnesota Legislature Convenes at Noon

Dem Leaders Will Unveil First 10 Bills Wednesday

January 8, 2019

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Democrats will take control of the Minnesota House when the 2019 Legislature convenes at noon. Democrats gained 18 seats in the November elections to win the House with a 75-59 majority. Senate Republicans hold a narrow two-seat majority going into the session. Their leaders plan a news conference Tuesday morning to unveil their first five bills…

Morning Update 1-8-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 8, 2019

January 8, 2019

Brett Scott,

Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Trump to Take his Case to Build Wall to Prime-Time Audience

The Speech Will Take Place at 9:00 p.m. ET Tuesday

January 8, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – With no breakthrough in sight, President Donald Trump is set to argue in a prime-time address that a “crisis” at the U.S.-Mexico border requires the wall he’s demanding before ending the partial government shutdown. Trump’s speech on Tuesday night will be followed by his visit Thursday to the southern border. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted…

Coast Guard Commences Annual Ice-Breaking Operation

Various Waterways may Close in Coming Weeks

January 8, 2019

The Associated Press,

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich – An annual ice-breaking effort is starting on waterways in and around northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie says Operation Taconite commenced Monday in response to expanded ice growth in commercial ports along western Lake Superior and the St. Marys River in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Operation Taconite…

Grant Awarded to CASDA for Victims with Pets

A 12,000 grant will cover food and vet costs for foster family.

January 7, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A grant for More than $12,000 was awarded to the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse for their Twin Ports Pet Housing Program geared towards victims with pets. Studies show about 50% of domestic violence victims reported delay leaving their abuser in fear of their pets being harmed. While the victims find permanent housing, their pets will…

Minnesota Remembers Longtime Political Leader Tom Rukavina

January 7, 2019

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota is remembering the life of longtime Minnesota politician and Northland leader Tom Rukavina who particularly always fought hard for Iron Range workers. The 68-year-old from Virginia died Monday after a battle with leukemia. Rukavina, who was known for his passion and feistiness at times, served on the Minnesota House of Representatives for 26 years. He most…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Warming Up the Homeless

Ruth House Opens as Warming Center

January 7, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the frigid air of night sets in, the question of where to sleep enters the minds of the homeless in Duluth and Superior. Places like CHUM or Solid Rock often fill up quickly, leaving them with almost no options. Until now. The Ruth House in Superior is offering warmth, and care, to anyone who needs it during Northland…

Cloquet Public Library Continues Towards Expansion

The library is working to get the funds it needs for the project

January 7, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A central hub for the Cloquet community is doing its best to get a makeover. The public library is working hard to get the money it needs to invest in an expansion project almost a decade in the making. A seven thousand square foot expansion would cost roughly $2 million dollars. The library previously received a grant of $784…

Fourth Suspect in William Grahek Murder Sentenced to Jail

Judge to Davenport: You Deserve More Than a Life Sentence

January 7, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Another suspect has been sentenced in the homicide of UMD student William Grahek. 23-year-old Deandre Davenport was given a mandatory life sentence, with possibility of parole in 30 years. Last month, Davenport was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and one count of intentional second degree murder. Davenport took part in the fatal shooting of Grahek…

Tax Refunds Will Be Processed Despite Government Shutdown

January 7, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

NEW YORK — The Trump administration said on Monday that despite a prolonged partial government shutdown the Internal Revenue Service would still send out tax refunds, according to FOX Business. The White House Office of Management and Budget announced the decision in order to make the shutdown as “painless as possible” for citizens, in the event it carries on into tax season….

Evening Update: 1-7-2019

A look at the latest local news and weather forecast

January 7, 2019

Matt Suoja,

Categories: News, News – Latest News Tags: duluth, News

Northlanders React to Unusual January Temperatures

Some love the warm January weather, some do not.

January 7, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- Winter lovers may not be enjoying the warm January and almost no one seemed to enjoy Monday’s slushy mix. Canal park attracted just a handful visitors who braved the fog Monday morning. One Duluthian, out to birdwatch for a rare Alaskan seagull, said he’s disappointed in the lack of birds out because of the temperatures, but he’d rather feel…

January is Proclaimed Trafficking Awareness Month in the Northland

Minnesota ranks high in the human trafficking cases across the nation.

January 7, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota ranks high nationally in human trafficking cases making events like this community gathering important to build awareness. The event began with a Red Shawl ceremony to honor victims and survivors of human trafficking. It was followed by remarks from several local organizations that work to prevent trafficking in the Northland. One big goal is informing and…

Update Planned Next Week in Case of Missing Wisconsin Girl

Next Week Will Mark 90 Days Since the Abduction

January 7, 2019

The Associated Press,

BARRON, Wis. – Authorities in Barron, Wisconsin, are planning to provide an update on their investigation into the apparent abduction of a 13-year-old girl whose parents were killed. Jayme Closs has been missing since her parents, James and Denise Closs, were found fatally shot in their home on Oct. 15. Barron County Sheriff Christ Fitzgerald says next week will mark…

Wisconsin Baby Sitter Charged With Homicide in Baby’s Death

Tietsort Tried to Hide the Death From the Mother

January 7, 2019

The Associated Press,

WAUSAU, Wis. – A Wisconsin baby sitter accused of killing a 2-month-old boy has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide. A criminal complaint filed Friday says 28-year-old Marissa Tietsort of Wausau caused the infant’s death in October, then put him in a snowsuit and car seat and let his mother pick him up – without telling her the child was…

Walz Calls for Education, Health Care Investment

Walz Spoke at the Fitzgerald Therater in St. Paul

January 7, 2019

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. -New Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is using his inaugural address to stress the need for better education and health care for everyone. Walz spoke at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul after taking the oath as Minnesota’s 41st governor since statehood. Walz told the crowd of dignitaries and supporters that disparities in the state’s educational system are…

Davenport Sentenced to Life in UMD Student Murder Case

January 7, 2019

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man found guilty of first degree murder in the fatal shooting of a UMD student has been sentenced to life in prison. Deandre Davenport, 23, was sentenced on Monday to a mandatory life sentence with parole possible after 30 years. Davenport was found guilty on December 28 first degree murder while committing a burglary, first…

Evers Calls for Rejection of ‘Tired Politics’

Evers Gave Inauguration Speech Monday

January 7, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andy Manis)MADISON, Wis. – Newly sworn-in Gov. Tony Evers is calling for a rejection of “the tired politics of the past” in his first speech as Wisconsin governor, saying “we’ve become content with division.” Evers delivered his inauguration speech Monday at a packed Capitol rotunda ceremony attended by five former governors and other dignitaries. Evers says the people of…

Authorities Investigating Suspicious Death in Hibbing

The Death Happened Sunday Evening

January 7, 2019

Site Staff,

UPDATE: Authorities say they are investigating a homicide that occurred Sunday on the Mesabi Trail in Hibbing. A snowmobiler called 911 after finding a male on the snowmobile trail. Officers determined the male to be deceased and has been identified as 33-year-old Joshua Robert Lavalley, of Aurora. The Hibbing Police Department is conducting the investigation with assistance from the Minnesota…

Tom Rukavina Passes Away After Battle With Cancer

January 7, 2019

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Commissioner and former State Representative Tom Rukavina has passed away at the age of 68. According to MPR News, Rukavina had been battling leukemia and died Monday morning. DFL Chairman Ken Martin and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statements Monday afternoon: DFL Chairman Ken Martin statement: “I’m terribly saddened to learn about the…

Minnesota DNR to Have First Female Commissioner

Strommen was Appointed on Thursday

January 7, 2019

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources is getting its first female commissioner. The Star Tribune reports that 46-year-old Sarah Strommen was appointed to the lead the agency Thursday. Strommen has held high-ranking positions at environmental advocacy groups Friends of the BWCA and Minnesota Land Trust. She was with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources before joining the…

BANFF Mountain Festival Brings Films from Around the World to Duluth

BANFF showcased some of the best outdoor films they had to offer.

January 7, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- Among several stops on its world tour, the BANFF Mountain Film Festival made a visit to the Northland to showcase award winning films from around the world. Duluth is one of the festival’s biggest venues for more than a decade. Over four thousand people attended the two day event at DECC Symphony Hall. BANFF was hosted by Duluth…

Bakeries See Drop in Sales at the Start of the New Year

Positively Bakery is just one business to fall victim to Winter trends.

January 7, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- You may think the holidays and Winter weather would cause an increase in the purchase of baked goods. It’s quite the opposite at one Duluth bakery who says the new year is usually a difficult time for them. Positively Bakery is opened year round but sees less than half the average daily sales during Winter months than during…

Midday Update 1-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 7, 2019

January 7, 2019

Brett Scott,

Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, Viktoria Capek, weather

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Wedding Show 2019

Wedding Bells are Ringing as Ticket Sales Continue for the Duluth Wedding Show Saturday, January 12, 2019

January 7, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Wedding Show, the area’s premier wedding planning event, hosts its 31st annual show at the DECC on January 12, 2019 with over 140 exhibitors and one of its newest enhancements, the ULTA VIP lounge. “The Duluth Wedding Show sees over 2,000 attendees each year,” said show producer, Tracy Lundeen. “We added the VIP Lounge in…

Morning Update 1-7-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 7, 2019

January 7, 2019

Brett Scott,

Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, crime, FOX 21, Headlines, Local News, morning update, Park Point, weather

One Injured in Bayfield County Snowmobile Crash

There is no Update on his Condition

January 7, 2019

Site Staff,

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – According to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office a 14-year-old male was injured on Sunday following a snowmobile crash in Drummond Township. Great Divide Paramedics, Drummond Fire Department, and Bayfield Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call of a snowmobile accident on North Delta Road around 3:20 p.m. According to authorities the male was going too fast for…

Hundreds Without Power due to Monday Morning Storm

Crews are Working to Restore Power to Customers

January 7, 2019

Site Staff,

UPDATE: Minnesota Power says power has been restored to all customers. The power outage was cased by a snowplow backing into a transformer near 40th Avenue West. DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Lake Country Power Outage map there are still 575 customers without power Monday morning. As of 9:00 a.m. crews were dispatched and working to restore power to…

Walz Prepares to Take Oath as Minnesota’s 41st Governor

Walz Takes Over From Dayton

January 7, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tim Walz is preparing to take the oath to become Minnesota’s 41st governor since statehood. The Democratic former congressman from Mankato says he’s ready to hit the ground running after Monday’s ceremonies at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. He’s already named all but one of his state agency heads. Minnesota’s other constitutional officers…

1-7-19 Closings and Delays Due to Winter Weather

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News for Monday, January 7, 2019

January 7, 2019

Brett Scott,

Aitkin Public Schools – Closed Barnum Schools – Closed Bessemer, MI Area School District – Closed Birchwood School District – 2 Hour Delay Carlton Schools – Closed (* No AM or PM preschool) Cook County School District ISD 166 – Closed Cloquet Schools – 2 Hour Delay Deer River Schools ISD 317 – 2 Hour Delay East Central School District ISD 2580…

Family of Park Point Attack Victim Left in Coma Speaks Out; Police Announce Arrest

Family Of Larry Watczak, 70, Says Police Are Downplaying The Crime to the Public

January 6, 2019

Dan Hanger, Nikki Davidson,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Park Point resident who was violently attacked during a burglary in his home Jan. 2 is 70-year-old Larry Watczak, according to his son Erik Watczak. This comes as police announced an arrest Sunday night of a 30-year-old male suspect. Erik says his father remained in the hospitalized Sunday night in critical condition and has not come…

Dogs Wag in New Year at Doodle Dog Romp

Dozens of Pooches Play in Jean Duluth Dog Park

January 6, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Some dogs rang in the New Year on Sunday the only way they know how: sniffing butts and playing fetch with their buddies. The New Year’s Day Doodle Romp invited not just doodles, but all dogs of the Northland to have a giant doggy play-date in the Jean Duluth dog park. The organizer says it fosters more connections…

Feeling Unappreciated: Shutdown Hitting Northland Coast Guard Families

Many Working Without Pay

January 6, 2019

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this Cloquet house, dinner is becoming limited to a few options. “We have leftover Hamburger Helper, there’s pork chops. There’s hotdogs, mommy bought plenty of hotdogs,” the mother tells her children. “It’s pasta dishes, it’s things that you can get dirt cheap,” said Andrea Hawkins. “Y’know, it’s like living on a college kid’s income all over again.”…

Updated: Duluth Police Arrest Suspect in Park Point ‘Burglary/Assault’

January 6, 2019

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police announced Sunday night that they have made an arrest of a suspect in what they call an assault and burglary of 70-year-old Larry Watczak in his Park Point home. The crime happened Wednesday, Jan. 2nd at 5:51 p.m. in the home on the 800-block of South Lake Avenue. Watczak was in critical condition and in…

Furry Photos Raise Funds to Help Puerto Rican Pets

Pet Photo Fundraiser Held at North Shore Veterinary Hospital

January 5, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Canine and Feline Supermodels took over North Shore Veterinary Hospital, as they held a Pet Photo Fundraiser. $20 got owners and their pets an exclusive photo shoot, complete with props and scenes. That is, of course, if they could get their pets to sit still in the first place. Many scramble, scooping up dogs and cats and plopping…

End of An Era: Marcia Hales Switches Off Lights After 20 Years

Final Night Sends Off 20 Year Legacy

January 5, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been over 10 days since Christmas, but the holidays haven’t left Park Point thanks to Marcia Hales’s light show. Until Saturday night, when she lit up Park Point for the last time. After over 20 years of bringing holiday cheer to generations, Hales said it has simply become too much. While she’s been approached by many who…

Gold Medalists Guide Guppies of Superior YMCA

Jason Lezak and Breeja Larson Hold Swim Clinic

January 5, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Whalers of Superior Douglas County Family YMCA’s Swim Team got some helpful tips, from none other than two Olympic gold medalists. Almost 140 of the Superior Whalers throughout the day lined the natatorium pool at Superior High School. They all quiver with excitement, ready to receive some aquatic advice from America’s very own Aquaman and Aquawoman, Jason…

Bringing Missing Indigenous Women Home, Through Art

AICHO Exhibit Raises Awareness of MMIW

January 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The number of missing or murdered indigenous women is hard to pinpoint, as many cases go unreported. Friday, an exhibit at AICHO focused not on the statistics, but on bringing the stories of these women home. The Bring Her Home exhibit started last year in Minneapolis, and is now ending its tour in Duluth. The exhibit features artwork which, AICHO…

Series of Burglaries Leaves 70 Year Old Victim in Critical Condition

Great Lakes Alarm & Security gives advice on how to keep your home safe.

January 4, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night a string of incidents occurred on Park Point including in two burglaries leaving residents concerned for their safety. Investigators tell us that around 6 pm one person was assaulted during a burglary on the 800 block of S. Lake Avenue. The 70 year old victim was later taken to the hospital to be treated…

Lake Superior Estuarium Holds Open House

Staff Wants More to Learn About Lake and Estuary

January 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s much about Lake Superior and it’s surrounding water that the public isn’t aware of, according to the Lake Superior Reserve. On Friday, the National Estuarine Research Reserve had an open house to help educate more about our neighborly body of water. Staff said they have a variety of interactive educational tools and programs to help you learn…

Will the Shutdown be Shutting Down SNAP/Food Stamps?

The Effects Being Felt by Benefits Recipients in the Northland

January 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With the government shutdown entering its third week, effects are already being seen in the Northland. The shutdown hasn’t reached SNAP benefit recipients just yet, but that safety only lasts this month. President Trump’s recent declaration that he is prepared to keep the shutdown going for months, or even years, spells out danger for SNAP Food Stamp recipients…

Healthy Eating is Beneficial to New Year’s Resolutions

Dietian recommends adding to your diet instead of removing food.

January 4, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- Living a healthy lifestyle is a usual goal to achieve in the beginning of the new year for most people and eating better is a one way to improve our overall health. Several health experts say healthy eating results in glowing skin, gives you a boost of energy and even better it helps save money. A…

CHUM Hosts Legislative Send Off

The Minnesota legislative session begins next Tuesday, but before local politicians head out of town, they met with leaders from CHUM today to discuss their top priorities.

January 4, 2019

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Minnesota legislative session begins next Tuesday, but before local politicians head out of town, they met with leaders from CHUM today to discuss their top priorities. During the annual send off and blessing, CHUM management said they want the top priorities this year for the legislature to be more affordable housing in Duluth, getting more childcare funding, and…

Ice Caves Remain Closed

Access to the Site may Change

January 4, 2019

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – During the federal shutdown the Apostle Island sea caves are remaining closed. The islands, which are run by the National Park Service, also posted on Facebook before the shutdown that they will not have any park services at the site during that time period. They also want to remind the public that access to the site may…

Lawsuit Dismissal Appealed by Former UMD Coaches

The Appeal was Filed in State Court Last Week

January 4, 2019

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller, former softball coach Jen Banford and former women’s basketball coach Annette Wiles are appealing a judge’s decision to dismiss their lawsuit citing discrimination based on sexual orientation. In October a judge dismissed the state lawsuit filed by the three former coaches against the University of Minnesota Duluth….

Gov.-Elect Walz Picks Harrington as new Public Safety Chief

Walz Still Needs a new Commissioner of Information Technology

January 4, 2019

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Gov.-elect Tim Walz has named Metro Transit Police Chief John Harrington as the public safety chief in his incoming administration. Walz on Friday also said he’s keeping two more commissioners from Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration: Cynthia Bauerly at the Department of Revenue and Mark Phillips at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. The Democratic governor-elect tapped former…