News – Latest News

The Affordable Housing Coalition Releases Priorities for 2017

Some of the Priorities Include Programs to Help Get Former Felons Housing

DULUTH, Minn.- The Affordable Housing Coalition released its priorities for this year.  The coalition hopes to create a 3 million dollar affordable housing fund to mitigate cuts in federal housing dollars, and to get funding for tenant and landlord services, including money for an incentive program for landlords to rent to people convicted with felonies. “A majority of Duluthians  particularly renters…

Vandals Strike Nearly 30 Vehicles In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of drivers became victims of vandalism overnight Sunday into Monday. That’s because the windows of at least 30 vehicles were blown out by what authorities believe were BBs from a BB gun. The damage was felt in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and West Duluth. No arrests were made as of Monday. If you know anything, call…

Art Show Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan

The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café

DULUTH, Minn. – The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café. Local artists paid tribute to the music icon with photos, paintings and other creative pieces of art centered around Dylan. Ed Newman helped curate the art show. He says it’s a great tribute to Duluth’s native son, who was has…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Celebration for National Maritime Day Held in Duluth

It's a Day to Celebrate One of the Most Important Industries in Our Area

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members honored National Maritime Day in Duluth, Monday. Maritime Day honors one of the most important industries in our area, and the people who work in it. Matt Doss, Policy director for the Great Lakes Commission says the great lakes are a great economic asset to communities around them. Maritime commerce on the great lakes generates more…

Proposed Rule Would Require Landlords to Pave Backyard Parking Spaces

The Ordinance Won't Be Ready For a Vote Until June

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposal for changes in Duluth’s parking requirements for home owners and landlords will be considered by the city council. The proposed rules would require property owners with gravel parking lots in their backyards to pave the parking space instead. The proposal was made after city staff noticed and received complaints that some of the gravel is running…

Duluth East Daredevils Win State Championship

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils traveled to Minneapolis to represent Duluth in the Minnesota State High School League State Championship for FIRST Robotics on Saturday. The Daredevils teamed up with ERRORS robotics team from Woodbury and FRED robotics from Warroad. The championship match up came between Greenbush/Middle River and their alliance with Green Machine from Edina. In…

Ashland Bus Crash Victim Identified

The incident happened on STH 112

ASHLAND, Wis. – Around 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 19, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a car that had rear-ended a school bus on State Highway 112 approximately two miles south of Ashland. Ashland County Deputies and other agencies arrived on scene to find the driver of the car not breathing. David Hamann After preliminary investigations,…

Damage Estimates at $10 Million for Chetek Tornado

One Man Was Killed in the Tornado

CHETEK, Wis.–The Barron County Sheriff’s Department has released initial damage estimates from a tornado that tore through the Chetek area of northwestern Wisconsin last week. The department said Sunday that the storm damaged 231 homes and four commercial properties across the county, though those numbers are likely to change. The storm caused about $10 million in damages, not including damage…

Baggies of Pot Found in Donation to Once Upon a Child

Photo: Maplewood Police Dept. MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (KMSP) – Before you donate clothes, it might be a good idea to check the pockets. During a virtual ride-along, Maplewood Police tweeted a photo of a rather unusual donation to Once Upon a Child. Apparently instead of just clothing, someone also donated several dozen baggies of marijuana to the resale store. Police say…

Taxes Could Increase to Pay for Wisconsin Road Projects

Tolls Roads Could Also Be Happening

MADISON, Wis.–Often lost in the debate over how to pay for roads in Wisconsin is what the proposed solutions would do to taxpayers’ pocketbooks. Under a sweeping plan from Assembly Republicans, trips to the gas station would be pricier as income taxes drop. If Gov. Scott Walker gets his way, taxpayers would pay indirectly through paying off $500 million more…

13 Students Suspended after Hazing Allegations at Carleton College

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (KMSP) – 13 students have been suspended from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., after school officials say they engaged in hazing activities. In a letter to students and staff, the school’s president Steven Poskanzer said the students engaged in “extreme alcohol consumption” as part of initiation into a “secret co-ed social club.” Poskanzer said the school launched an…

Record-Breaking Amount of Unwanted Medications Collected for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back

Record-breaking amount collected

MADISON, Wis. – Official numbers are in for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back Event that was held in April. Attorney Brad Schimel announced a record-breaking 66,830 pounds of unused medications were turned in. Schimel reports that 267 police and sheriff’s departments from 69 Wisconsin counties hosted events on April 29, and have provided 328 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens…

Extra Seat Belt Enforcement Hits Minnesota Roads

Click it or Ticket campaign will run through June 4

MINNESOTA – Extra enforcement for more than 300 agencies will hit Minnesota roads today for the Click It or Ticket campaign run by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. Agencies will conduct extra seat belt violation enforcement, which will run for two weeks throughout the entire state. Minnesota law states that drivers and all passengers must…

Explosion Destroys Cabin near Solon Springs, Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized

Incident happened on Lake of the Woods near Solon Springs

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – A man is hospitalized after an explosion at a cabin on Lake of the Woods, just east of Solon Springs, Wisconsin. The man suffered burns and smoke inhalation, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was reported just after noon on Friday, May 19 at 10654S Lake of the Woods…

Fire Burns Home in Wrenshall that’s Connected to Alleged Kidnapping Last Week

Home Believed to be Unoccupied at the Time

WRENSHALL, Minn.-An early morning fire in Wrenshall has left a two-story house in shambles for the second time in a week. Scott Lindgren, Carlton Co. Jail Last week 21-year-old Scott Lindgren was charged with seven felonies in connection to a May 15 incident at 804 County Road 18 in Wrenshall – the same place where the fire was at about…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Safety and Preparedness Tips for Outdoor Activities

The Duluth Experience Starts New Tours for Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When venturing onto the water or onto a hiking trail, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO for The Duluth Experience, says you need to have the right tools when going in the woods or on the water in case something goes wrong. Grandmaison says the best thing you can do is…

Two Dead in Crash near Hibbing

Mountain Iron Resident Dies in Crash

HIBBING, Minn.-One person was killed at 6:45 p.m. Sunday in a two-vehicle crash on the Iron Range. A car was traveling northbound on Spirit Lake Road when it pulled in front of an SUV going westbound on Highway 169 east of Hibbing. The car then struck the passenger side of the SUV. One of the passengers in the car, 73-year-old Carol Mattila,…

Summer Camps Educate Children as School Closes for Season

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the school year is nearing and many children will soon be home for the summer. The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting several summer camps to keep children busy throughout the season. These camps aim to educate children without them realizing as they have fun with friends and activities. Topics will cover STEM, art, and history…

Woman With Duluth Ties Wins Eating Competition

Eats Seven Burgers in One Minute, Thirty Seven Seconds

How long would it take you to eat seven burgers with a hefty side of fries? Likely much longer than one woman with Duluth ties, who now holds a world record. Molly Schuyler, a mom of four who weighs 100 pounds participated in a HWY 55 world hamburger eating competition Saturday in Raleigh, North Carolina. She downed seven stacked burgers,…

Local Businesses Hold “Duluth Made” Event

Pop-Up Market Hosted By Evolve Duluth Featured Local Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses were brightening up this gloomy day with what’s known as a “Duluth Made” event. Artists, creators, small business owners and more all showcased their talents at this unique pop-up market. The event was hosted by Evolve Duluth and spread out throughout the studio space in the old City Hall Building on East Superior Street. “Being…

Ground Broken for New Habitat for Humanity Home in Superior

Home Expected to Be Completed by the End of the Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ground was broken on a new house being built through the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The project is located at 710 Weeks Avenue in Superior. A grant from Thrivient Financial will cover much of the cost of building the three bedroom home, with volunteer labor and other community donations paying for the rest. “It feels…

Thousands Dance the Weekend Away at the International Polka Festival

The Festival Has Been Going On for 39 Years

HINCKLEY, Minn.- Florian Chmielewski picked up an accordion more than 70 years ago, and discovered his love for Polka Music. “I only knew 4 songs and my neighbor come over and asked if I could play for his wedding and I said, ‘no I only know 4 songs’ and he said ‘just play them over, that’s fine,’” remembers Florian. In fact,…

S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Offered Free Ship Tours on Opening Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It may feel like fall weather outside, but that didn’t stop a popular attraction in Superior from opening up for the summer season. And to celebrate, the S.S. Meteor Museum gave free tours. These innovative ships were called Whalebacks for their cigar-shaped steel hulls that rode low to the water when loaded with cargo. “It’s older than…

Old Firehouse and Police Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Houses Wisconsin Police and Fire Hall of Fame

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Old Firehouse Museum has opened its 1898 doors for the first time this season. The fire house is located on 23rd Avenue East. You can see historic firefighting equipment including the chief’s nineteenth century horse-drawn buggy, and Ahrens steam pumper. “Seeing the old machines, the trucks, they’re from different eras, it just has a magic feel…

Pat Cadigan Remembered at International Polka Festival

Cadigan Was a Close Friend of the Chmielewski Family

HINCKLEY, Minn.- Legendary Duluth radio host Pat Cadigan, who passed away about a week ago, was remembered at the International Polka Festival in Hinckley over the weekend. Cadigan is a member of the Polka Hall of Fame, was heavily involved in the International Polka Festival and was close friends with the Chmielewski family, who puts on the Polka festival. “Pat…

First Responders Get Hands on Training at a Staged Bus Crash

The Training Comes Just After 2 Bus Crashes in Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn.- Fire fighters and emergency responders are the first ones on the scene when a crisis happens. Today, many agencies like midway first responders, St. Louis County Rescue, and the Proctor fire department were in Proctor getting hands on training on what to do in the case of an automobile accident. First responders arrived at the staged scene of…

Athletes Compete in the Special Olympics in Cloquet

It's a Chance for Competitors to Make Friends While Exercising

CLOQUET, Minn.- The cold weather didn’t stop athletes from competing in the Special Olympics held at Cloquet high school, Saturday. Organizers say the goal of the event is to help people get out and exercise, while socializing with friends. Events held included field events and 10 meter, 200 meter and even up to 1500 meter races. “Pretty much everybody needs…

Duluth Public Library Celebrates Arbor Day

May is Arbor Month in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.- Children and tree lovers celebrated Arbor Day at the Duluth Public Library. The celebration included a reading of the Lorax, live music, and talks on why trees are important to people and the community. Louise Levy from Levy tree care was recognized as thee local Lorax at the event, for her efforts in educating people about trees. “I…

$5 Book Sale At Gabriel’s Book Store

Shoppers Fill Their Bag With As Many Books As They Can

DULUTH, Minn. – A unique sale had books flying off shelves at Duluth’s Gabriel’s Book Store. For just 5 dollars shoppers could cram as many books as possible into a large paper bag. All the money raised goes to St. Michael’s Church. Gabriel’s specializes in old and used books. Plus there are plenty of kids’ books and records at affordable…

Barker’s Island Farmers Market Opens

Farmers Sell Their Fresh Goods

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County farmers have a new spot to sell their wares. Barker’s Island’s Farmers Market opened today. Shoppers can find all variety of locally grown produce and other products. One farmer we talked to says today’s weather didn’t help sales but a little rain won’t keep the farmers away. “No matter what the weather is like the…

SLRA Volunteers Team Up To Clean Portion In Superior

St. Louis River Cleanup

Duluth, Minn. – Volunteers from the St. Louis River alliance spent the day cleaning up the river. Decade’s worth of trash that had been dumped alongside the St. Louis River continues to be a problem for the St. Louis River alliance. “We find TV’s and other electronics down in there and those certainly are hazardous,” says Bill Majewski, Chair of…

GOP Lawmakers Crafting Budget Bills to Send Dayton

Republicans, Governor Face Monday Deadline for Budget Deal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Minnesota’s Republican lawmakers started working over the weekend on several budget bills to send to Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. But the governor hasn’t indicated he is willing sign any of the bills that come out of Saturday’s committees. He said he was blindsided by the GOP’s second attempt to push forward legislation without an agreement. The…

Hakes Considers Congressional Run

Former Cook Co. Commissioner May Run for the 8th District Seat

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Former Cook County Commissioner Sue Hakes announced she formed a Congressional Exploratory Committee to look into running for Minnesota’s 8th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. “When I think about Minnesota’s 8th District, I think people first” Hakes said in a press release. “I want to fight the current administration’s budgetary goals which chip…

UWS Multicultural Awards

Three Individuals Who Are Committed And Passionate

Superior, Wis. Community diversity is a big part of what makes UWS, UWS. The University of Wisconsin Superior Office of Multicultural Affairs awarded students and community members for the role they played in their commitment to increasing the opportunities to diverse communities. The community diversity award is presented to three individuals who are committed and passionate about making the world…

Jan Swanson Commits To Council Run

Jan Swanson Kicked Off Her Campaign Tonight

Duluth, Minn. An at large candidate has put her name on the ballot to possibly become part of the Duluth City Council. Jan Swanson kicked off her campaign tonight at the Incline Station. There she met with residents and shared what would be her platform. She plans to focus on three things.  Lowering taxes to drive more businesses to the…

WITC Commencement

105th Graduation Class In WITC History

Superior, Wis. As graduation season continues, WITC in Superior held their commencement tonight. Degrees handed out to the more than 600 graduates from all four campuses consist of nursing, business, public safety, family and consumer services as well as trade and technical degrees. The class of 2017 is the 105th graduating class of WITC. Categories: Education, News, News – Latest…

AT&T workers are on strike over contract negotiations

Communication Workers of America on strike over contract negotiations

DULUTH, Minn. – AT&T workers across the country are striking this weekend. Members of the Communications Workers of America union walked off the job and onto the picket lines as part of a three–day strike. The CWA’s contract with at&t expired in February. “So far, there’s been almost no movement on that,” CWA member and AT&T employee Whitney Horky said. “So…

Eighties dance party supports Choice, Unlimited.

An 80s themed party supports individuals with disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s Ignite Studio invited people for a party – 1980’s style. Eighties music, 80s hair, and 80s workout gear was everywhere as folks got “physical” for a good cause. The whole thing was a fundraiser for Choice, Unlimited, an organization which helps people with disabilities lead a more active life. “We think it’s key to be out and be…

Co-Workers Compete in Corporate Olympics

It's the 2nd Annual Corporate Olympics Put on by the YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Co-workers from businesses in the Northland enjoyed friendly competition at the 2nd annual Corporate Olympics at the Duluth YMCA. 13 co-ed teams competed in events like log rolling, battle ball soccer, and tug of war. The event is held to promote corporate wellness, and increase employee morale while raising funds for the community. “Each year we give back…

Cloquet Animal Shelter Has New Facility

Shelter is Still Looking for Donations

CLOQUET, Minn.-The Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet is enjoying new digs after moving into its new locale at the beginning of this month. Staff told us the new place is 7,000 square-feet bigger than its previous location, making it one of the biggest shelters in the state. It includes many new amenities such as medical suites where the…

5th Annual Duluth Hunt Welcomes Hundreds of Eager Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn. — Shoppers from all over the Northland have come to Duluth, looking to turn repurposed “junk” into unique treasures. The Duluth Junk Hunt keeps growing and growing. More than 100 vendors are in the Duluth Heritage Sports Center, selling eager customers all sorts of items. Everyone here is looking for that one special item that could spruce up…

Click It or Ticket Campaign Launching May 22nd

Law Enforcement Is Asking People to Wear Seatbelts

  DULUTH, Minn.- Law Enforcement officers are warning people, click it or you’ll get a ticket. The national Click it or Ticket campaign is launching May 22nd.  Officers from Hundreds of law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and Wisconsin are working overtime during the campaign to remind motorists that wearing a seat belt is not only the law, but can also…

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Looking to Break World Record

They're Working on Breaking the World Record for Number of People Wearing Life Jackets in One Photo

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center is calling for the help of the public to break a world record tomorrow. The World Record for the number of people wearing life jackets in one photo is almost 11,000. Tomorrow the Maritime visitor center is hoping to break that record. They’re inviting people to come to the visitor center in…

Cyclists Get Free Bus Rides for National Bike to Work Day

Organizations Have Been Calling for People to Use Public Transportation This Whole Month

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday is National Bike to Work day, and The Duluth Transit Authority is encouraging people to use public transportation. The DTA is sweetening the pot by offering free bus rides to passengers who get on the bus with their bikes. Representatives believe biking or riding the bus to work is good for the environment, good for physical health,…

Minnesota Lawmaker Robbed at Gunpoint

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A state legislator is OK after being robbed at gunpoint in St. Paul. Police say Rep. Dennis Smith, of Maple Grove, was walking on Grand Avenue in St. Paul Thursday night when he was approached by a gunman. The suspect pointed the gun at Smith and demanded his wallet and phone. Reports say Smith complied…