Midday Update 1-11-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 11, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, crime, Local News, midday update, News
News – Latest News
Wisconsin man, 21, Arrested in Teen’s Abduction
Authorities say Closs was 'The Only Target'
BARRON, Wis. – Authorities say they have jailed a 21-year-old man on kidnapping and homicide charges in the October killing of a Wisconsin couple and abduction of their teen daughter, who was found alive. Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec said at a news conference Friday that Jake Thomas Patterson was arrested Thursday after Jayme Closs was found near Gordon, where…
LIVE: Jayme Closs Found – Authorities Hold Press Conference at the Sheriff’s Department in Barron
(Courtesy: Fox 9) Categories: News, News – Latest News
Missing Wisconsin Girl Named her Captor
Jayme Talked About Being Locked up
(Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP, File)BARRON, Wis. – A woman who helped a Wisconsin girl who’d been missing for three months following her parents’ deaths says the girl told her she’d been held against her will. Kristin Kasinskas says she took 13-year-old Jayme Closs into her home after the girl and a woman she’d approached for help came to her…
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Visit Duluth
The newly sworn-in state executives spoke at the University of Minnesota Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL) were at the University of Minnesota Duluth Thursday sharing their vision for moving Minnesota forward. Days after their inauguration, the Minnesota state executives spoke to students, supporters, and community members in Duluth. “We have a charge and we have an opportunity to find common ground and…
Sheriff: Jayme Closs Found Alive In The Town Of Gordon
The following has been posted to the Barron County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page: Jayme Closs has been located: On Thursday evening the Barron County Sheriff’s Department was notified by the Douglas CO WI Sheriff’s Department that they had located Jayme Closs alive. The Douglas County Sheriff says Closs was found at 4:43 p.m. Thursday in the Town of Gordon. A…
Superior Reminds Property Owners of City Code to Remove Snow and Ice from Sidewalks
It's the law to make sidewalks safe for pedestrians.
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior wants to make the city safe for everyone this winter. They are reminding property owners to be responsible and clear sidewalks following a snowfall. Shoveling your sidewalks is the neighborly thing to do for the safety of pedestrians, but in the city of Superior it is also the law. According to the city…
Calling All Adorable, Funny, Quarky Talented Pets To The Big Screen!
Furry Film Festival Needs Your Funny Pet Videos!
DULUTH, Minn. — Is your pet the star of the house? If you have a fur baby with a special talent, funny quarks or just plain cute you need to submit a video of them! Fitger’s Film Festival will be showcasing a compilation of pet videos for your entertainment, hosted by Animal Allies. “I can’t imagine that it’s going to…
Lake Superior Brewing Expands Industry Night Specials To All
Working Class Gets Cheap Beer Specials On Craft Brews
DULUTH, Minn. — The bar and restaurant industry night is expanding it’s special prices to all working class people! That’s right, if you have a job, any job, you qualify for this special at Lake Superior Brewing. Every Thursday and Sunday all pint beers are $3 from open to close. They are providing us with this special on brews in…
Minnesota may Require Drivers to use Hands-Free Cellphones
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota may soon require drivers to use hands-free cellphones, and some lawmakers want to impose bigger fines for drivers who text, and treat distracted drivers more like drunken drivers when they cause serious accidents. Leaders of the Senate and House transportation committees have authored hands-free bills, and plan hearings this month and hope for floor…
Kimberly Clark Notifies State it Will Close Plant by May 31
About 100 People Work at the Plant
MADISON, Wis. – Kimberly-Clark Corp. has notified Gov. Tony Evers’ administration that it will close its plant in Neenah by May 31. The Department of Workforce Development announced Thursday that the paper products giant had provided the workforce reduction notice. The plant’s closure was first announced a year ago. Kimberly-Clark also initially said it planned to close a larger facility…
Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 277 on Oasis of the Seas
The Ship Will Return to Port Canaveral on Saturday
(Josh Ritchie/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File)MIAMI — Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is returning to a Florida port a day early and giving passengers full refunds of their fare after 277 guests and crew members were hit with an outbreak of Norovirus as it sailed to Jamaica. Cruise line spokesman Owen Torres told The Associated Press “we think…
Homemade Comfort Food To Warm The Soul In The Cold
Cooking Connection: Lake Superior Catering Makes Homemade Chicken Alfredo
DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Lake Superior Catering prepares a delicious homemade chicken alfredo. In the video above you will learn the industry secrets and how you can make your own alfredo sauce at home. To book your catered event click here! PHONE: 218-428-1946 Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags:…
Michael Cohen to Testify Publicly Before Congress Next Month
Cohen Pleaded Guilty in Both Investigations
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, will testify publicly before Congress next month. Cohen’s testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee will be the first major public hearing for Democrats, who have promised greater scrutiny of Trump. Cohen is a pivotal figure in investigations by special counsel Robert Mueller into potential coordination between Russia and…
Video Shows Milwaukee bus Driver Rescuing Young Child
MILWAUKEE – Authorities say an alert Milwaukee bus driver rescued a young child found wandering barefoot on a freeway overpass in frigid temperatures. The Milwaukee County Transit System says the boy was less than a year old and wearing only a diaper and a onesie when bus driver Irena Ivic spotted him on Dec. 22. Security video shows the boy…
Minnesota Fire Deaths Drop in 2018
Careless Smoking was Leading Cause of Fires
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The State Fire Marshal says fire deaths in Minnesota dropped 47 percent in 2018. A total of 36 people died last year in fires in Minnesota, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Department of Public Safety’s State Fire Marshal Division . That’s down from 68 fire deaths in 2017. The decline comes after a…
Three Suspects Charged in Hibbing Homicide Case
Three suspects, including one juvenile, have been charged in connection with a homicide in Hibbing Sunday.
HIBBING, Minn.-Three suspects, including one juvenile, have been charged in connection with a homicide in Hibbing Sunday. Deshon Bonnell, 18, along with 20-year-old Anthony Howson, and a 17-year-old female, are all getting charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery, for the murder of Joshua LaValley of Aurora. The 33-year-old LaValley’s body was found Sunday by a snowmobiler on the…
Midday Update 1-10-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 10, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather
15-Year-old Driver Flips Minivan, Killing Teen
All Three Teens are From Sheboygan
TOWN OF CENTERVILLE, Wis. – Sheriff’s officials say a teen died when a minivan being driven by a 15-year-old girl crashed in Manitowoc County. Authorities say the young driver, who did not have an instruction permit, and another passenger were injured in the crash about 1 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Centerville. A 17-year-old boy who was in the…
No Charges in Virginia Fatal Officer Involved Shooting
Courtesy: Mark Sauer/Mesabi Daily NewsVIRGINIA, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin released his findings Thursday morning concluding Virginia Police Officer Nicholas Grivna justifiably acted in self-defense in the November 27 deadly shooting incident. According to the report, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on November 27 a man, later identified as J. Scot Alan Widmark, forced a woman out of…
Rock the Night Away Friday with 2019 Homegrown Winter Fiasco
The Winter Fiasco is Happening Friday, January 11, 2019 in the Lincoln Park Craft District
DULUTH, Minn. – Prepare to rock the night away Friday, January 11 in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The 2019 Homegrown Winter Fiasco will provide listeners with a large lineup of musical performance and entertainment. A free shuttle will be going between venues from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. A list of venues and acts is listed below: Lake Superior…
Morning Update 1-10-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 10, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather
Corrections Staff Logs $50 million in Overtime in 2018
The State saw an Unemployment Rate at Three Percent
MADISON, Wis. – Department of Corrections staff in Wisconsin racked up $50 million in overtime in 2018. An internal review shows the overtime at the state’s adult correctional institutions increased by $7 million from 2016. Overtime expenses for 2017 were not available. The overtime is largely caused by staffing vacancies. The State Journal reports about 680 correctional officer and sergeant…
Friends Remember Hibbing Homicide Victim
"There's not a nicer person in the world I just don't really understand it."
HIBBING, Minn. – Joshua LaValley was loved by so many and his murder has left people close to him heartbroken. A life cut short for man described by his friends as having a lot character and multiple talents. Joshua loved to draw and play guitar. His funny demeanor brought joy to those who cared for him. Filled with emotion, a…
DTA Looks to “Rapid Bus Transit” Option
Rapid bus line would include fewer stops and a higher number of buses on route
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is looking at offering what’s called “Rapid Bus Transit” which they tell us offers many of the economic benefits of rail service at a much lower cost. Officials say a good corridor exists for the faster bus line on Grand Avenue and Michigan Street in West Duluth, through downtown, and to the University…
University Nursery School Opens New Location
Location on East Third Street expected to help with regional child care shortage
DULUTH, Minn. – University Nursery School has opened a new location in the Jefferson Square building on East Third Street. The new spot will allow staff to educate forty-eight infants, fifty-five toddlers, and seventy-two pre-schoolers. The child care center is now accepting applications. They’re hoping to fill the big space with kids having fun. “Duluth has long winters and now…
Suspect Charged with Assault and Robbery in Park Point Attack; Victim Remains in Coma
70-year-old Larry Watczak was attacked in his home on January 2nd
DULUTH, Minn. – 30-year-old Darrel Mayhew of Duluth has been officially charged with three felonies in the violent attack of a 70-year-old man taking a nap in his Park Point home. That man is Larry Watczak who continues to fight for his life in a coma since the January 2nd attack to his head. Mayhew is facing First Degree Assault,…
Evening Update: 1-9-2019
A look at the latest local news and weather forecast
Categories: News, News – Latest News
Northland Facebook Page Helps Find Lost Pets
A Northland Facebook page, which just passed 8,000 followers, is continuing to ease some of that anxiety by helping you find your lost pet.
DULUTH, Minn.-If a pet of yours ever went missing, you know how much panic that can create for you and your family. A Northland Facebook page, which just passed 8,000 followers, is continuing to ease some of that anxiety by helping you find your lost pet. “Missing Pets in the Northland,” which was started in 2016, has found countless pets…
Superior man Sentenced to 50 Years for Felony Child Sexual Assault
DNA Testing was not Possible in This Case
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Superior man was given a 50 year prison sentence Wednesday on charges of first-degree child sexual assault-intercourse with an underage relative. Judge Kelly Thimm sentenced Godfrey LaBonte to 50 years in prison structured as 35 years of initial confinement and 15 years of extended supervision. According to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office the victim disclosed…
Rukavina Funeral Services to be Held on Saturday
Rukavina Passed Away on Monday
VIRGINIA, Minn. – Services for beloved former politician Tom Rukavina, 68, will be held on Saturday January 19 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia. According to his obituary, the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Friday January 18 at Range Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will continue at 9:30 a.m….
Pedestrian hit by Vehicle in Denfeld Neighborhood
Alcohol is not Believed to be a Factor
DULUTH, Minn. – A female pedestrian was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital after being hit by a vehicle in the Denfeld neighborhood. Authorities say they responded to a call of a vehicle hitting a woman at the intersection of Grand Avenue and North 40th Avenue West Wednesday afternoon. The driver was traveling northbound on 40th Avenue West and struck the…
Evers Says he Will Order Change in ‘Stance’ in Lawsuit
MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers says he will be sending a letter to Attorney General Josh Kaul this week calling for Wisconsin to “change our stance” in a multi-state lawsuit seeking repeal of the federal health care law. Evers campaigned on withdrawing from the lawsuit, but after he won the lame-duck Republican Legislature changed the law to require legislative…
Final Candidates set for District 11 Senate Seat
Lee Will Face Lourey in January 22 DFL Primary
DULUTH, Minn. – Republican Party nominee Jason Rarick is advancing to the special election on February 5. Republican candidates Justin Kyrch, Matthias Shir and Carl Pederson dropped out of the race earlier this week. Former Duluth news personality and Democrat Michelle Lee has entered the race for the Minnesota District 11 state senate seat that represents Carlton and Pine Counties….
Registration Now Open for Hartley Nature Center Winter Celebration
The 13th Annual Winter Celebration is Happening Saturday, January 19 at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth invite adventurous Northlanders to register now for the 13th annual Candlelight Ski, Skate and Snowshoe event. The wintertime fun is happening Saturday, January 19 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This event celebrates the cold weather season, silent woods, white snow, ice ponds and groomed trails that come with it….
Midday Update 1-9-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather
Suspect in Violent Park Point Attack Charged With Felony Assault and Robbery
A GoFundMe has been set up for the Victim
Darrel MayhewDULUTH, Minn. – Formal charges have been filed against 30-year-old Darrel Mayhew who is accused of violently attacking a 70-year-old man and breaking into several homes in the Park Point neighborhood last week. Mayhew is charged with first-degree assault, first-degree aggravated robbery and first-degree burglary. According to the criminal complaint, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of South…
Shopko Supplier Says Retailer Will Soon File for Bankruptcy
Shopko Expected to File January 15
ASHWAUBENON, Wis. – A pharmaceutical drug supplier to Shopko says the Wisconsin-based retail chain is expected to file for bankruptcy next week. McKesson Corp. says it supplied Shopko with $67 million in drugs since Nov. 11 but has not been paid since early December. McKesson this week asked a judge for a restraining order to keep Shopko from selling the…
Morning Update 1-9-19
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather
GoFundMe Page Set Up For Park Point Attack Victim In Coma
DULUTH, Minn. – The family of a Park Point resident who is in a coma after being violently attacked in his own home during a burglary is asking for help with growing medical bills. 70-year-old Larry Watczak’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to raise the funds. Watczak’s son, Erik, told FOX 21 that an intruder or intruder came…
Duluth Man Gets 8-Plus Years in Prison For Hermantown Shooting
DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man accused of shooting a woman outside a Hermtantown hotel in August of 2018 is headed to prison for more than eight years (98 months). Benny Urrutia Jr., 21, pleaded guilty to felony first-degree assault in October. He shot the woman outside the Econo Lodge on Haines Road. She survived but suffered organ damage. Categories:…
Winter Rover Program Gets Kiddos Outside For Learning & Fun!
Great Outdoors: Lake Superior Estuarium Hosts 2 Free Events At Barkers Island For Preschoolers & Kindergarteners
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Winter Rovers Program brings kiddos ages 3-7 together outside to learn! It’s like an old fashioned play date hosted by the Lake Superior Estuarium. “We are just trying to connect them to the community in the area and then also get them outside.” explained intern Megan Hogfeldt. “Show them some fun things that they can do…
Ice Rinks Ready to Go in Superior
Outdoor rinks are open in Superior.
SUPERIOR, Wis.-Outdoor rinks are open in Superior. A total of seven rinks opened up this week and will continue that way until temperatures warm up. Parks and rec staff told us the warm temperatures affected setting up the rinks, along with the lack of snow in Superior. “A lot of it was just a lack of snow starting off ……
Next Generation of Workers Prepare for Future
Students network and learn about potential career paths at Greenway High School.
COLERAINE, Minn.- When we’re young, we’re all asked the same question: What do you want to be when you grow up? But not every student at Greenway High School had an answer, so the question hits a little close to home. “If a student knows their pathway in eighth or ninth grade or maybe even an interest, that’s going to help…
Homeowners Should do Research before Hiring an Ice Dam Removal Company
Low steam pressure is the best practice.
DULUTH, Minn.- During this time of year there are many companies that advertise their service to get homeowners to work with them on their ice dam problems, but you need to be careful when picking someone for the job. An ice dam is a block of ice that forms on the roof of a home. It builds up…
Second Homicide in Two Weeks Leaves Hibbing Anxious
Families Start Locking Doors, Looking After Kids Outside
HIBBING, Minn.- The city of Hibbing is on edge after Hibbing Police make three arrests in the suspected murder of 33-year-old Joshua Lavalley of Aurora. Formal charges are pending against two men, 18 and 20, as well as a 17-year-old female all from Hibbing. Meanwhile residents, especially those who exercise on the Mesabi Trail, are shaken up. “We go running…
Local Church in Duluth Becomes Dementia Friendly
Hillside United Methodist Churh has shorter services for people living with Dementia.
DULUTH, Minn.- About every 60 seconds someone in the United States develops dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Now a Duluth organization is working to make the community more aware of the disease. Dementia friendly Duluth has worked with multiple Northland organizations in the past to raise awareness for dementia They are now taking aim at local churches including…
Evening Update: 1-8-2019
A look at the latest local news and weather forecast
Categories: News, News – Latest News
Mayor Gives Annual Chamber Speech
It’s a new year and new challenges await the city of Duluth.
DULUTH, Minn.-It’s a new year and new challenges await the city of Duluth. Mayor Emily Larson held her annual Chamber of Commerce speech today where she said the city has been dealt some blows during the past year, including all the damage on the Lakewalk, but the city is on the rise. She pointed to the Northland economy as one…
Douglas County Anticipates Big Anniversaries in 2019
Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Historical Society is preparing for the big anniversaries coming in 2019.
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Douglas County Historical Society is busy at work preparing for 2019 in honor of its big anniversaries. “It’s important to look at what we did in the past to maybe not make some mistakes in the future,” DCHS business manager Jon Winter said. In 2019, the city of Superior will have plenty to look back on. 3 major…
