News – Latest News

Mastermind of Lottery Fraud Admits He Rigged Jackpots

Eddie Tipton, Sept. 2015 (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A former lottery computer programmer has pleaded guilty in Iowa to running a criminal scheme that allowed him to collect millions of dollars in lottery winnings in four other states. Former Multi-State Lottery Association security director Eddie Tipton on Thursday admitted that he manipulated the computer software he…

1 Person Injured in Wisconsin Tornado

  ELLSWORTH, Wis. (AP) – A National Weather Service crew is surveying damage from a tornado in northwestern Wisconsin that injured one person when a barn collapsed and damaged several dozen homes and outbuildings. Weather service meteorologist Michelle Margraf says the tornado struck around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday east of River Falls in Pierce County. The twister also churned up large…

Environmentalists Criticize Changes to PolyMet Mine Design

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An environmental group says the design for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has changed in significant ways that require regulators to take a fresh look. WaterLegacy cities changes in the mine’s tailings basin and wastewater treatment facilities, and a new disclosure of how much water would be pumped from the mine, in requesting a…

Mille Lacs Named Best Bass Fishing Lake in the Country by Bassmaster Magazine

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Bassmaster Magazine has released its top 12 Best Bass Lakes of 2017 and has named Mille Lacs number one thanks to its abundance of smallmouth bass. The magazine states it was selected for its hearty bass, as winners of several fishing championships wrangled in basses weighing in over 20 pounds and some measuring longer than 17…

Making a Shake with Cold Fusion

Cooking Connection: Cold Fusion and Fit Lab

DULUTH, Minn. – A local nutrition club is keeping folks healthy downtown. The owner of Cold Fusion, Annie Call, tells us the goal of the business is to bring a healthy, active lifestyle to the community. Call described the business as “healthy fast food.” While there customers get a shot of aloe to help with disgestion, a 16 oz. energy…

Literary Mural Adorns the New Zenith Bookstore

ZENITH BOOKSTORE OPENS SATURDAY, JULY 1

Courtesy: Charlie Smith DULUTH, Minn. – Proctor artist Tom Napoli has put his touch on the storefront of the newest addition to West Duluth’s Central Avenue, Zenith Bookstore. Napoli put the finishing touches on the mural in mid-June, giving pedestrians a taste of what the new independently-owned bookstore will offer when they finally open their doors on July 1. “We…

New 5K to Take Place in Duluth Friday

First Annual Chester Park Trail Race

DULUTH, Minn. – A new 5K is taking place in Duluth on Friday, June 30. The Chester Park Trail Race, starting at 6:30 p.m., was created to encourage beginners to start trail running. The course is almost entirely off-road, including ski trails, the new Duluth Traverse Chester Rim mountain bike trail, Superior Hiking Trail and Dan Proctor Hiking Trail. Registration…

Superior 4th of July Events

FESTIVITIES KICK OFF WITH A MILITARY FLYBY ON THE 4TH

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior has announced an expansion of its 4th of July Celebration for 2017. A military flyover will kick off the parade at 11 a.m. 4th of July Parade will take place at 11 a.m. on 28th Street and Catlin Avenue. This year’s route will travel from the Middle School and end at the Senior…

Duluth Pack Crafts Leather Backpack for Ed Sheeran

DULUTH PACK TEAMS UP WITH XCEL ENERGY CENTER

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has announced that they are teaming up with Xcel Energy to create a hand-crafted bag for singer Ed Sheeran. Photo: Duluth Pack The company has selected its most popular backpack style, the Leather Standard Backpack. To customize it for Sheeran’s style they have used a pebbled leather material, along with the traditional features including leather…

Theatre Company Plans “Fences” Production

Organizers Seek African-American Actors to Fill Cast

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Community Theatre is planning a production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, “Fences”. “Fences” is the story of the Maxsons, an African-American family in 1950’s Pittsburgh. The director, Paul Deaner, wants the production to be as authentic as possible, which means he needs an african american cast to fill the…

Essentia Promotes Healthy Life Style

Eating Healthy And Getting Outside

Duluth, Minn. Healthy food free bike helmets and lots of fun activities were on hand today at the Heritage Center. It was Essentia Health’s way of promoting a healthy life style and keeping kids active during the summer. “We’re committed to a healthy community and giving back to the community and this is one way that we’re able to do…

Pier B Celebrates 1 Year

Resort Pushes For Different Type Of Lifestyle For Guest

DULUTH, Minn. – Rain didn’t stop a big one year birthday bash for Pier B Resort in Duluth. They weren’t able to use their outdoor patio as previously planned, but the party still went on. This time last year Pier B Resort opened their doors, after taking over an old slip and renovating it into a hotel and restaurant. Management…

Downtown Duluth Businesses Prepare for 2018 Reconstruction

A Series of Informational Meetings will Take Place, Hosted by the City of Duluth and Greater Downtown Council

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official, Superior Street in Downtown Duluth will be torn up starting in 2018. The City recently received $15 million dollars from the state bonding bill and will open bidding up in January. City officials say the project will cost nearly $23 million dollars to complete. With funding figured out, the conversation now centers on how local…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Offering Historic Trolley Rides

The trolley was used in Portugal back in the early 1900s and is similar to ones used in Duluth at the turn of the century

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Railroad Museum has a new attraction that’s giving visitors a look back at Duluth’s past. Trolley rides are now being offered with admission to the museum. This particular trolley was used in Portugal back in the early 1900s. It’s now part of the museum because of similarities to the trolleys used in Duluth at…

Wisconsin DNR Updating Lake Superior Fisheries Management Plan

The current plan hasn't been updated since 1988

ASHLAND, Wisc. -The Wisconsin DNR is working to update its management of fisheries on Lake Superior. The current plan hasn’t been updated since 1988, so the Department of Natural Resources is reaching out to stakeholders who actively fish Wisconsin’s Lake Superior waters. Earlier this week, the DNR was in Ashland to do just that. Bradley Ray, a senior fisheries biologist…

Rain or Shine, Mighty Thomas Carnival Begins Thursday

The carnival runs through July 9 in the DECC parking lot

DULUTH, Minn. – The constant rain isn’t stopping The Mighty Thomas Carnival from rolling into Duluth to get rides, food stands and games set up for the next two weeks. Carnival organizers say they’re used to working in all types of weather throughout the country and usually expect some rain when they come to Duluth. “If it rains we will…

Northland Activist Discuss Violence in the Transgender Community

Conversation focused on creating dialogue and and working to find ways to promote equity

DULUTH, Minn. – A conversation was held tonight in Duluth about violence in the transgender community. The group Men As Peacemakers brought together a panel of local advocates to discuss the levels of domestic and sexual violence transgender people face in the Northland. Nicole Vanderheiden, an activist with Transforming Families MN, led the discussion on Wednesday. She says those in…

Duluth Celebrates Swedish Midsommer

Swedish Culutral Society Hosts Annual Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood hosted a celebration of Swedish culture Wednesday. The Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth hosted its annual Midsommer celebration.  Swedes traditionally celebrate midsommer on the Friday closest to the Summer Solstice as a way to get outside after a long dark Winter. Organizers say it’s important to them to keep these traditions alive. “We take…

DRCC Among State’s Best Employers

Duluth Firm Ranked Second in Survey by Star-Tribune

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Regional Care Center was recently recognized as one of the top places to work in Minnesota. DRCC ranked 2nd among the state’s largest employer when it comes to what workers think about their jobs. DRCC helps people with disabilities get the most out of life and runs several group homes and apartment programs across the…

Local Governments Get MnDOT Grant Information

Roughly $22 Million is Available Through the DOT and DEED

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Northland city and county governments were in Duluth Wednesday, to find out how they can get some of the more than $22 million in grant money the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Department of Employment and Economic Development are handing out this year. This money is awarded every two years through the state’s Transportation…

Office Supplies Chain Staples Sold for $6.9 Billion

NEW YORK (AP) – Private equity firm Sycamore is buying office supplies chain Staples for $6.9 billion. The companies said Wednesday that shareholders of Framingham, Massachusetts-based Staples will get $10.25 per share. Staples stock had closed Wednesday up 77 cents, or 8.4-percent, to $9.93 on a late-afternoon report of a deal. The stock rose 1.5-percent in after-hours trading. Changing shopping…

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Star Galecki’s Home Destroyed by Wildfire

Johnny Galecki (Matt Sayles / AP) SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif (AP) – The home of “The Big Bang Theory” star Johnny Galecki has been destroyed in a wildfire in California. Nicole Perna, a spokeswoman for the 42-year-old actor, says his home on a ranch in the San Luis Obispo area was destroyed by the wildfire on the state’s central coast….

Appeals Court: No Immediate Release for Dassey

MADISON (AP) – A federal appeals court has refused to immediately release a Wisconsin inmate featured in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer” while the state fights the reversal of his conviction. A federal judge in August overturned Brendan Dassey’s conviction in the 2005 death of photographer Teresa Halbach. The judge ruled Dassey’s confession was improperly obtained by detectives who…

Lawsuit Filed to Release Wetterling Information

Judge Will Look Into Documents to See if There's Any Private Family Information in it

ST. CLOUD, Minn.-Several Minnesota journalism groups want to intervene to release documents from the 1989 abduction and killing of Jacob Wetterling. The request was filed Tuesday by the Minnesota Newspaper Association, the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and other media organizations. A judge this month blocked the scheduled release of the documents at the request of Jacob’s parents. Patty and Jerry Wetterling…

Fireworks Sold in Wisconsin Recalled, Could Explode Unexpectedly

  MILWAUKEE (FOX 6 NOW) – The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled fireworks ahead of Fourth of July holiday weekend because of burn and injury hazards. The TNT Red, White, and Blue Smoke fireworks were sold at Walmart, Target, Meijer, Kroger, and Albertsons stores in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, and Vermont from May through June. CPSC officials said the recalled…

Complaint: Woman Blames Video Stunt for Boyfriend’s Death

Mona Lisa Perez HALSTAD, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota woman charged in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend told authorities it was a video stunt gone wrong. Monalisa Perez, of Halstad, was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Pedro Ruiz III. According to the criminal complaint, the 19-year-old Perez told authorities Ruiz wanted to make a YouTube…

Witnesses Heard Engine Backfire Before Fatal Wisconsin Plane Crash

CHETEK, Wis. (AP) – A preliminary report from federal aviation investigators says witnesses described hearing an engine backfire before a small plane crashed in Wisconsin last month, killing the teenage pilot and seriously injuring a passenger. The Leader-Telegram reports that the National Transportation Safety Board interviewed several witnesses who were fishing in a pond near the Red Cedar River at…

Gordon Good Neighbor Days Kicks Off this Friday

GORDON, Wis. – As Summer starts to officially get underway, festivals are beginning to pop up around the Northland. This weekend, Gordon Good Neighbor Days will take place. The annual event, attracting folks from around the state, is June 30, July 1 and July 2. There will be a car show, vendors, crafts, parade, fireworks, bands, mud volleyball, a rubber…

Citizens Call for St. Anthony Mayor to Resign

St. Anthony Mayor Jerry Faust left and Police Chief Jon Mangseth packed up after listing to community members speak about racial profiling Tuesday. (Jerry Holt – Star Tribune) ST. ANTHONY, Minn. (AP) – Residents of a Minnesota city that employed the police officer who fatally shot a black motorist during a traffic stop are calling for the mayor’s resignation. Citizens…

Animal Allies Humane Society Seeking Foster Families

Animal Allies has Reduced the Fostering Age Requirement to 18-Years-Old

DULUTH, Minn. – Adopting an animal comes with long term responsibility. For some, the commitment could stop an animal from finding a forever home. That’s why Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is looking for your help in the form of foster care. “We’re really looking to get our college aged people involved,” said Emily Aldritt, Volunteer Coordinator at Animal…

Glensheen Murders Relived Through Authors Of Best Selling Book

Will To Murder Writen By Three People Close To The Case

Duluth, Minn. Tonight the lead prosecutor in the Glensheen murders spoke out to dozens of curious minds on this 40th anniversary of the killings. It was a Ted–talk style format at the Figter’s building discussing the book “will to murder” the true story behind the crimes and trials surrounding the Glensheen killings. Now retired judge John Desanto was that lead…

Boundary Ave. Property Won’t Be Re-Zoned

Kwik Trip Eyed Location Near Proctor Border

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, City Councilors voted 5–3 in favor of re–zoning a property on Boundary Avenue along the border with Proctor as mixed use residential and commercial.  However, re–zoning requires a super majority of six votes. “The ordinance as it is, is done and we can’t pass it in the form it was shot down,” said At-Large Councilor…

UMD Testing Police Cameras

Officers are Wearing Body Cameras During Two Month Test

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota is taking steps to make campuses safer. The three campuses with police forces; Twin Cities, Morris and here in Duluth are testing body cameras. Two UMD police officers have been wearing cameras for a couple weeks, and will continue to wear them  for a two month trial period.  If all goes well, all…

Hoops Brewing Opens in Canal Park

The vision of longtime brewer Dave Hoops is now a reality in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s craft beer industry took a giant step forward on Tuesday. The long–awaited Hoops Brewing opened for business in Canal Park. After many months of construction, brewery founder Dave Hoops and his team welcomed the public inside to get the first taste of their beer. What used to be the old Timber Lodge Steakhouse is now a…

Budget Talks Break Down in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.-Budget talks between Wisconsin state Assembly and Senate Republicans have broken down. Leaders from both sides on Tuesday called each other’s position on how to pay for road construction projects “laughable.” A meeting with Republican leaders abruptly ended after 40 minutes. Both sides are scheduled to meet separately and privately on Wednesday. Leaders also have a meeting with Gov….

Battle Continues Over Legislative Funding in Minnesota

October Court Decision Could Decide Fate of Case

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A Minnesota judge is considering whether Gov. Mark Dayton’s veto of the Legislature’s funding was unconstitutional. The bitter legal dispute between the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature had its first hearing in Ramsey County court. Chief Judge John Guthmann is also consider an agreement between the two sides to temporarily fund the Legislature through October while the case…

St. Louis County’s Adopt a Highway Program Gets Makeover

The Application is Easier for Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn.- St Louis County’s Adopt a Highway Program has received an upgrade. Organizations, groups and individuals have been able to adopt a highway through the program for two decades, by cleaning the highway twice a year. But now, the Public Works Department has given the program a make-over to make it easier for volunteers. The application process is online…

Duluth Receives $50,000 Grant For Lincoln Park Project

The Project Will Give Kids a Safe Space to Play

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee Legacy fund is giving away grants to 52 communities in the state, and on Tuesday, Duluth was awarded 50,000 dollars to go towards the Lincoln Park’s Place to Play project. 50 percent of the children who reside in Lincoln Park live in poverty, and don’t always have access to a place to…

Community Prepares to Grill Out for 4th Of July

The Day Before Independence Day is One of The Busiest Days of the Year for Meat Markets

DULUTH, Minn.- Independence Day is just around the corner, and people are ready to get the grill out and celebrate July 3rd, the day before Independence Day, is Superior Meat’s busiest day of the year. Every year the business starts smoking extra sausages and preparing for the big day a week in advance. Though steaks and burger patties sell quickly,…

Duluthian Receives Prestigious Award Speaking Out Against Tobacco Industry

The Award is Given to Just One Person in the Nation Each Year

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluthian was given a prestigious award for her hard work advocating against the Tobacco industry, and for a healthy lifestyle. Pat McKone of the American Lung Association helped pass some of Minnesota’s first smoke free policies. And after 40 years of being with the organization, she received the Hoyt E. Dearholt Distinguished Professional Service Award. “It’s really…

FDLTCC Announces Summer Concert Series

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College have announced their line-up for the 2017 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series, a series of free concerts scheduled at the indoor/outdoor amphitheater. The performances are scheduled 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday evening for four weeks starting on July 6. Concerts are held rain or shine at the…

Universal Presses Bid to Void Music Deal with Prince Estate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Lawyers for Universal Music Group have renewed their request that a Minnesota judge cancel the company’s music rights deal with prince’s estate, saying UMG will otherwise have to sue in litigation that could keep fans from hearing new music from Prince’s vault for years. In a court filing made public Tuesday, Comerica Bank & Trust, which serves…

FBI: Bones Are Not Those of Missing Wisconsin Boy

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) – The FBI has determined that bone fragments dug up from a yard 27 years ago are not those of a 5-year-old Wisconsin boy who vanished in 1983. (Photo: Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department files) Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Departing Inspector Jim Resseeuw tells USA Today Network-Wisconsin the bones were determined to have come from animals. That…

Barnum House Fire Reported a Total Loss

BARNUM, Minn. – Crews responded to the report of thick black smoke in the 4100 block of County Road 138 in Barnum around 7:11 a.m. Monday, June 26, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and fire fighters responded to the residence to find it completely engulfed. Authorities contacted the homeowner and confirmed no one was inside at the…

Not Guilty Pleas for Man Accused of Killing Deputy

Doug Nitek LADYSMITH, Wis. (AP) – Not guilty pleas have been entered on behalf of a man accused of killing a Rusk County sheriff’s deputy. Dan Glaze Forty-four-year-old Doug Nitek is facing 31 charges, including first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Deputy Dan Glaze. Nitek appeared in Rusk County Circuit Court Monday where his attorneys entered the pleas on…

Senate GOP Leaders Delay Health Care Vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a bruising setback, Senate Republican leaders are delaying a vote on their prized health care bill until after the July 4 recess, forced to retreat by a GOP rebellion that left them lacking enough votes to even begin debating the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., delivered the message to GOP senators Tuesday at a…