News – Latest News

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…

Three-Week Blatnik Bridge Inspection to begin July 10

Project is expected to run July 10-27 - weather permitting

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning on Monday July 10, a three-week long bridge inspection project will begin on the Blatnik Bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Superior-bound traffic will be restricted to one lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily July 10 to approximately Tuesday, July 18. Duluth-bound traffic will be restricted to one lane from 9 a.m….

52-Year Sentence in Homicide, Kidnapping, and Sexual Assault Case

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – The man accused of killing a woman in Bemidji and kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl in her care has been sentenced to 52 Jacob Kinn years in prison. Thirty-three-year-old Jacob Kinn earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder, kidnapping, and first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Kinn testified he strangled Melissa Norby with a belt at…

Douglas County History: The Story Behind Charles Starkweather

Former Superior Mayor Impeached Just to Become Mayor Again

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A one-time mayor of Superior, Wisconsin had an unlikely path to the mayor’s office and an uncommon exit as well. Charles Starkweather, originally from Vermont, moved to Superior in 1889. He was elected to the common council in 1893 and became the city’s mayor two years later. Starkweather was impeached because he allowed salloons to have unlicensed…

Superior Spring Trail Racer Cause of Death, Cardiac Arrest

UPDATE 6-27: The cause of death for Jon Mathson, 41, of Eagan, has been confirmed by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. According to the report, Mathson died from a natural cardiac arrest during exertion due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, which is the hardening of the arteries and can create life-threatening blockages, as…

Discussion to Focus on Making Women Better Leaders in Workplace

Aim High Network Hosts Duluth Native Tricia Correia

DULUTH, Minn. – Women and millennials often struggle to find their path in the workplace, even though women make up almost half of the workforce in the United States. The Aim High Network is bringing in an expert and Duluth native, Tricia Correia, to talk about how women can be better leaders for other women and future generations. Correia has…

London Road Driver On Sleeping Pills Before Fatal Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – Theresa Katzmark, 49, of Superior has pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in the death of Donna Estrem, 62. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, Katzmark admitted she was under the influence of sleeping pills when she put her vehicle into drive instead of reverse before hitting and killing Estrem on East London Road. Sentencing is…

Fireworks stands open up in the Northland

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, it's firework season.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the Fourth of July celebrations just around the corner, that means its fireworks season. Fireworks stands are opening up across the Northland. Captain Ron’s Liberty Fireworks is a locally owned stand out on the corner of Rice Lake Road and Martin Road. They say that fireworks are a great way to pay tribute to America. “That’s why…

Glensheen Murders Still Intriguing After 40 Years

Mansion Staff Acknowledges, But Doesn't Focus on 1977 Killings

DULUTH, Minn. – Tomorrow marks the fortieth anniversary of the murders at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth and interest in the high-profile killings is as high as ever. On June 27, 1977 Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse were murdered in her family’s estate, the Glensheen Mansion. The state convicted Congdon’s son-in-law of the murders, while her daughter, Marjorie Caldwell, was…

Independent film, “No Blood of Mine” holds screening in Northland

The film is set in Duluth

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – An independent film set and shot in Duluth has made its Northland debut. A screening of the film was held in Hermantown on Monday, featuring the film “No Blood of Mine,” a murder mystery set right here in the twin ports. “I just love the town. It’s so picturesque,” writer and director Wesley Ellenwood said. “Plus about…

Hoops Brewing Ready to Open

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s official – Hoops Brewing in Canal Park is opening its doors to the public tomorrow. The craft brewery, founded by veteran brewer Dave Hoops, will feature eight beers on opening day. Their beer hall seats 250 and customers will be able to take the beers home in large cans called “crowlers.” “It’s a wonderful space that…

Projectile Hits Vehicles in Hermantown, Police Confirm Bullets

UPDATE 6/26 – The Hermantown Police Department has confirmed that the projectiles used in this incident were bullets. Bullet fragments were retrieved from three separate vehicles, according tot he Hermantown Police Department. The caliber or type of firearm used remains under investigation. Police believe that this was a random act, and states that no other incidents have been reported at…

Weekend Shooting Outside the Kro-bar in Brule

No injuries were reported

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – One man is in custody after a bar fight escalated into a shooting outside of a Brule bar, Friday night, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Courtesy: Douglas County Jail Deputies were called to the Kro-bar in Brule on Friday night just before midnight to the report of three people fighting. According to the release,…

NSTB Report says Fabric Tears Caused Blimp Crash at US Open

Source: Twitter / Adam JohnsonERIN, Wis. (AP) – Officials say tears in the fabric envelope of a hot-air blimp caused it to crash their the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. The preliminary report form the National Transportation Safety Board on Monday says the airship was returning to the Erin airport on June 15 because winds were too strong….

Audit Says Senate Healthcare Bill Would Leave 22 Million Uninsured

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate health care bill would result in 22 million more uninsured Americans over the next decade compared to current law. That’s according to an analysis Monday from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The figure may further complicate Senate GOP leaders’ plans to pass their bill this week. It’s barely an improvement upon the health care bill…

UMD Police to Get Body Cameras

MINNEAPOLIS – A Minnesota university is testing body cameras on its police officers for the next two months. The Minnesota Daily  reports that the University of Minnesota Police Department started giving officers tester body cameras June 14. University police department Chief Matt Clark says the university’s Twin Cities, Duluth and Morris campuses are each testing different camera brands. Mike Berthelsen…

Vikings Player Floyd Expected to Appear in Arizona Court

Fox News SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Vikings wide receiving Michael Floyd is expected to appear in Arizona court after being flagged for alcohol tests that are part of his monitoring for house arrest in Minnesota. The Scottsdale City Court hearing Monday will give Floyd a chance to make his case regarding the failed breathalyzer tests and one he missed earlier…

JK Rowling Marks 20 Years Since Harry Potter Appeared

AP LONDON (AP) – Wizarding legend Harry Potter’s tale has turned 20. Author J.K. Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in Britain on June 26, 1997. Since then, it has sold more than 450 million copies world wide and has been translated into 79 languages. The books’ magical world has inspired multiple films, spinoffs, memorabilia,…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Consider Introducing Highway Tolling

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin lawmakers are considering introducing highway tolling in the state as part of the next state budget. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the tolls would help pay for road construction and repairs. The state’s business lobby and members of the tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors say tolls could deter tourists, increase the cost of transporting…

Carbon Monoxide Suspected in Woman’s Death on Boat in St. Croix River

FOX 9 - KMSP

Photo Courtesy: FOX 9 ST. CROIX COUNTY, Wisc. (KMSP) – The St. Croix Sheriff’s Office says a 24-year-old woman died from possible carbon monoxide poisoning while aboard a boat over the weekend. The victim, Ashley Speer, was out on the St. Croix River with Justin Roskos and Hayden Johnson. They were supposed to camp at a beach, but never made…

Bemidji Woman Missing Since June 19

Photo Courtesy: Beltrami County Chief Deputy Sheriff BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. – A missing persons report was filed with the Bemidji Police Department on Friday, June 23 for 26-year-old Chelsea Batchelder, according to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. She was last seen by a family member at Batchelder’s residence in the 1200 block of Little Norway Avenue SE in Bemidji Township…

Two New Exhibitions to Open at Duluth Art Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – This week two new exhibitions are opening at the Duluth Art Institute. The first is a solo exhibit by Jonathan Thunder. “Peripheral Vignettes” features all new paintings and will be accompanied by a color catalog, an animation screening, and an artist talk and book signing. The second, “Play,” showcases the work of three artists, Robert Dewitt Adams,…

New “Taste of Duluth” Festival to Provide Local Entertainment

Festival Encourages Family-Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Bayfront Festival Park. The Taste of Duluth is Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than 60 vendors of food, beer, crafts and more. There will also be live music throughout the entire festival. The event is aimed at highlighting all the great…

Castile Family Reaches $3M Settlement in Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The mother of Philando Castile, a black motorist who was killed by a Minnesota police officer last year, has reached a nearly $3 million settlement in his death. The settlement was announced Monday by attorneys for Valerie Castile and the city of St. Anthony. The settlement avoids the drawn-out process of a federal wrongful death lawsuit stemming…

Part of Trump Travel Ban Approved by Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Supreme Court is letting the Trump administration mostly enforce its 90-day ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries, overturning lower court orders that blocked it. The action Monday is a victory for President Donald Trump in the biggest legal controversy of his young presidency. The court did leave one category of foreigners protected, those “with a…

Dayton, Legislative Leaders Head to Court over Funding

(Photo: Newsfile)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature are headed to court in their dispute over the governor’s veto of the Legislature’s funding. Dayton’s veto following a special session was aimed at reopening negotiations on tax changes that he says favor the wealthy. Republican legislative leaders say his move is unconstitutional. Without the money, paychecks will eventually…

Craft Brewers Fear Last-Minute Regulations In Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin’s craft brewers and wineries are trying to head off a plan they fear legislators will tuck into the state budget that would prevent them from selling their products on-site and force them into contracts with distributors. The Wisconsin Tavern League and the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association have been trying to convince lawmakers to adopt legislation clearly…

Neighborhood Youth Services Celebrates 25 Years in Hillside Neighborhood

The Program Sees 40 to 70 Students On a Daily Basis

DULUTH, Minn.- Seiquayia Morris was first introduced to the Neighborhood Youth Services around a decade ago, as a student. “My family was we were living in poverty, and it was just a place to come and get away from troubles and help get tutored with homework, I mean it was a great dynamic of culture here and sense of family,”…

Police Canines Show Off Their Skills

Official Certification Trials Featured At Least Eight Local K-9 Teams

HERMANTOWN, Minn- The K-9s were out in full force this evening, but not for the bad guys. It was all part of the annual United States Police Canine Association. K-9s from departments all over the region put on a free demonstration at the Hermantown High School football field. But those demonstrations were serious business for the K-9s and officers as…

Finnish Holiday Juhannus Celebrated in the Northland

Traditional Holiday Celebrates the Beginning of Summer

SAGINAW, Minn. – Juhannus is a traditional Finnish holiday that celebrates the beginning of summer. The festivities came to Minnesota, where the Finlandia Foundation Northland held their annual Juhannus celebration in Saginaw. This year, the holiday is especially big because Finland is celebrating one hundred years as a country on December 6th. Categories: Community, Features, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Black Lives Matter Protesters Stall Twin Cities Pride Parade

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Several protesters interrupted the annual Twin Cities Pride Parade Sunday morning in downtown Minneapolis. As parade participants marched down Hennepin Avenue, Black Lives Matter protesters joined in, carrying signs reading “No KKKops at Pride. Make Pride revolutionary again,” and others. The group stopped at 9th Street and 10th Street, halting the parade for several minutes at a time. One protester…

Far West Fest Invites People to Gary New Duluth

The Event Has Been Going on for 7 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- The Far West Fest continued today on the 1300 block of Commonwelath Avenue in Gary New Duluth. The festival has been going on for 7 years, with the goal of getting people out to enjoy the neighborhood, and meet their neighbors. The event draws around 5,000 attendees to the neighborhood each year. “You’ll be surprised at what we…

CHUM’s Rhubarb Festival Draws Big Crowd

It's One of the Organizations Biggest Fundraisers

DULUTH, Minn.- Churches United in Ministry or CHUM’s Rhubarb festival is a tradition that’s been going on for years, and has become a staple event in Duluth. Pie, Bratwursts, Burritos and lemonades were all served with a rhubarb twist. With Hundreds of people attending each year, the Rhubarb festival is one of CHUM’s biggest fundraisers held all year. Organizers say…

High School and Jr. High School Students Study Music at UMD Music Camp

The Students Held a Concert at the End of the Camp

DULUTH, Minn.- 140 High School and Jr. High School students developed their musical talents at the 23rd Annual North shore Summer Music Experience at UMD. It’s a music camp for students interested in pursuing a career or education in Music. The camp had 4 different categories like Piano, Choir, String instruments, and band. Saturday was the final day of the…

Belknap St. Closes as Construction Continues

Belknap Closed Between Hill and Catlin for Six Days

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The next phase in the Belknap Street construction project started Saturday. Belknap St. closed for six days at 6:00 a.m. Saturday between Hill Ave. and Catlin Ave. to allow workers to install new water lines and storm sewers. Officials say crews will work day and night to get Belknap open by 6:00 a.m. on June 30th. As…

Man Dies in Bessemer Twp. Crash

Authorities Don't Know How Car Went Off Road

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – One man is dead following an overnight crash on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Gogebic County Sheriffs say 63 year old Donald Houghton of Lake Villa, Ill. died when his car drove off South County Road 519 in Bessemer Township, hitting several trees. A passing driver found Houghton’s car and called police. Investigators don’t know when the crash…

Man Stabbed to Death in Madison

Victim was Pronounced Dead at the Scene

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Madison police say a 52-year-old man is dead after a stabbing in an apartment. Officers were called to a four-unit building on West Badger Road about 5:30 a.m. Saturday. The victim was dead at the scene. Police say he was stabbed multiple times. Madison Police Chief Mike Koval says authorities have detained a 27-year-old man described as…

Plot Targeting Mecca’s Grand Mosque Foiled

11 People Were Wounded as Saudi Security Forces Prevented Suicide Bomber from Attacking Holy Site

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) Lebanon’s Hezbollah has condemned a bombing near the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Saudi security officials said Saturday that a suicide bomber blew himself up near the Grand Mosque as police disrupted a plot to target the holiest site in Islam just as the fasting month of Ramadan ends. The suicide attacker was killed, while the blast…

Death Toll in Pakistan Attacks Rises to 85

Country Rocked by Three Bombings

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A Pakistani official says the death toll from twin bombings at a crowded market at northwestern town of Parachinar has risen to 67, bringing the overall death toll from three separate attacks to 85. Shahid Khan, a government official in Parachinar, said Saturday that many of the victims of the Friday attacks are in critical condition and…

Former Teacher Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Student

Joel Janke Will Serve Six Years in Prison

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP)  A former Chippewa Falls science teacher has been sentenced to six years in prison for the sexual assault of a student. Joel Jahnke had pleaded no contest to three felony counts, including second degree sexual assault of a child. The victim was 13 years old when she was assaulted. Jahnke admitted to touching the girl inappropriately…