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Bill Would Create Exemption for Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bipartisan proposal creates an exemption to Wisconsin’s sex offender registry for teenagers ages 15 to 18 who are convicted after having consensual sex. State law make sit a crime for two people under the age of 18 to have sexual contact, regardless of consent. Republican Rep. Joel Kleefisch and Democratic Representative Fred Kessler have written…

Over 65,000 Pounds of Medications Collected in Wisconsin for Drug Take-Back Day

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Justice says a preliminary tally shows people around Wisconsin may have turned over a record amount of unused medications during a drug take-back day in April. The DOJ says preliminary estimates show 66,039 pounds of medications and more than 300 receptacles around the state during drug take-back events April 29. The record…

Trump Tabs Minnesota Justice for Federal Appeals Court

Justice David Stras MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) –  President Donald Trump has nominated Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice David Stras to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Stras formerly clerked for conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and shares the belief in a limited role for the judiciary. The 42-year-old former University of Minnesota Law School professor was on…

Duluth Airshow In Need of Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow is on the hunt for 100 more volunteers to assist with this year’s event. With the show just three weeks away, volunteers are needed to assist with concessions and parking. Public Relations Co-Director Jodi Grayson stated, “The volunteers we need do not need to have any sort of special skills. They really just need…

Tree Removal Project Scheduled on Highways 200 and 169

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled storm-damaged tree removal in Itasca and Aitkin Counties. The project will take place on Highway 200 from Hill City to approximately six miles east on Highway 169 from Hill City to approximately three miles north. The work will require lane closures in both directions, Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and…

Search Warrants Can Now Be Processed Electronically in Minnesota

Since the electronic transition began in October, 2,121 warrant applications have been filed and processed

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced the eSearch Warrant application, which is now available to law enforcement agencies statewide. “Before eSearch Warrants, a peace officer would write a search warrant application and then drive it to the judge for review, said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Making this process electronic is particularly beneficial for after-hours…

State Licensing Changes Coming for Minnesota Teachers

Could Lead to More Teachers Coming in from Other States

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota legislators are close to approving major changes in the way the state licenses teachers. According to news reports, the proposed changes would consolidate standards and teacher licensing under a new Professional Educator Licensing Board. It would create a four–tier system and streamline the process to license teachers who are trained out of state or have unconventional backgrounds….

New Wolf Hunts Being Discussed

Gray Wolves Populations Sits at 5,500

MINNEAPOLIS– Gray wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan could find themselves in the crosshairs of hunters as soon as this fall. A ruling is expected soon from the same appeals court that recently lifted protections for wolves in Wyoming. Officials say that whether Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan can hold wolf seasons this fall would depend in part on how soon…

Book Options for Spring Reading

Coffee Conversation: Books Sparking Discussions

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation we’re highlighting some books perfect for Spring reading. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes and Noble, gave a couple recommendations. Illig says both books would make great book club books because they spark conversations. The first recommendation is titled, “The Stranger in the Woods” by, Michael Finkel. This…

Minnesota DNR to Hold Metallic Minerals Lease Sale

Public bid scheduled for June 9 at 8:30 a.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is initiating the sale of leases for state-owned metallic minerals in Beltrami, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis Counties. The total amount of land up for lease is 195,324 acres. The lease sale involves nonferrous minerals, which are all metals, such as copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, gold,…

St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates Hosts Mother’s Day Sale

Aestheticians to Help Clients Look Their Best

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend and if you haven’t found the perfect gift yet, no need to worry. St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates is hosting a Mother’s Day Sale this week. The sale is offering products for mothers to pamper themselves. Veronica Ramos and Michelle Bohlman, aestheticians for St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates, say these…

Nikki’s Notebook: Title IX Rule Keeps Boys Off Dance Team

Superior Dancer Not Allowed To Compete In Competition With Minnesota Judges

A lot has changed in the past 30 years when it comes to high school athletic competitions, but a law in Minnesota has got some students and parents questioning what’s fair and if it’s time for a change. A Minnesota law that hasn’t been updated since the 1970’s is keeping some athletes out of competition, most recently its kept a…

Motorcyclists Rally For Safety, Fewer Deaths In 2017

Nearly 5,000 Bikers Were Killed On U.S. Roads in 2015

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  The snow’s gone, the sun’s heating up and the pavement’s getting much busier with motorcycles hitting the road for another season. And those bikers are urging drivers to keep a serious eye out for riders to help cut down on the nearly 5,00 biker deaths a year on U.S. roads, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration….

Dave Zbaracki Enters Race For Council Dist. 2 Seat

DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release) – Dave Zbaracki, a Democrat, Congdon resident, veteran of Duluth’s outdoor sports industry, and 5th generation Duluthian, announced his candidacy for City Council in the 2nd District, challenging current City Council President, Joel Sipress, on Saturday in a Facebook post. Zbaracki, 34, is running on a platform of improving public health and accessibility, expanding our sharing…

Cloquet School Raises Funds For Playground

Our Redeemer Lutheran Preschool Holds Annual Barbecue Fundraiser

CLOQUET, Minn. – It was a great day for a barbecue as Our Redeemer Lutheran Preschool in Cloquet. It was part of a fundraiser to help fix up the school’s popular playground for the kids there. “Really, we love serving the community,”  Pastor Matt Kohl said. “We’ve been doing a lot of great things with the preschool, and we’re seeing more…

Docks Filling Up At Barker’s Island Marina

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Boaters are moving on out of hibernation and ready to take over lakes and rivers. Over at Barker’s Island in Superior, boats of all sizes are already docked and hitting the waters of Lake Superior. Despite the strange weather we’ve been experiencing over the past couple months, boaters haven’t held back. “It’s been really good,” Ship Store manager, Megan…

Yoga Train Offers Unique Ride Along the North Shore

Special Ride Will Be Offered for the Next Four Sundays

DULUTH, Minn. – For anyone looking to find inner peace in a unique place, you now have the chance to do yoga on a moving train. A trip along Lake Superior’s North Shore is just the thing some people need to cool down, especially when they take a ride on the yoga train. It may sound like a crazy idea,…

UMD holds commencement ceremonies

UMD students celebrate graduation

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday was one to remember for about 2,000 University of Minnesota Duluth students. The school held its spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday at Amsoil Arena. As seniors picked up their diplomas, many grads now start their careers, but say good bye to college with advice for those following them. “Keep pushing along,” says graduate, Tyler Cogswell. “You…

Runners Race to “Save Our Hooterz”

Annual 5K Raises Money for Breast Cancer Research

CLOQUET, Minn. – Runners raced through Cloquet to raise funds for breast cancer research at the 10th annual Save Our Hooterz Fun Run. The event helps pay for four women to participate in a three day walk for breast cancer in Minneapolis. Organizers say the fun run is a great way for the runners involved to help a good cause…

“Grease” to Be Performed at Superior High School

A Fun Fair Was Held Saturday to Help Get in the 1950s Spirit

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Next week, Superior High School stages its production of the 50s-themed musical “Grease.” Today, the cast staged a fun fair to spread the 50s spirit and, more importantly, to raise money for the school’s theater program, which puts on a musical every spring. “It’s one way that the community can come together that’s different from sports and…

Iron River Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday

Dorothy Kangas Was a Teacher for More Than 30 Years

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Dorothy Kangas celebrated her 100th birthday today. She was a teacher in Northern Wisconsin for 32 years. Today, hundreds of friends, family, and former students wished her well on her centennial birthday. “Been a friend to all and she’s still active at 100 years old and gets out in the community and does her thing,” said Dorothy’s…

Multiple Sclerosis advocates walk to bring awareness

The annual M.S. walk was held on the Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds packed Duluth’s Lakewalk to help raise awareness for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. A group of about  250 people walked in the annual Walk M.S. fundraiser. People on hand walked for friends and family suffering from M.S. Officals say community support is important for M.S. patients. “It really lifts their spirits,” Walk M.S. coordinator, Beth Swanson said. “It really makes…

Opening day for Duluth little league players

Teams prepare for the start of the season with fun exhibition games

DULUTH, Minn. – Play ball! Saturday was opening day for the Western Duluth Little League. The league held its first ever “opening day” ceremony at their field by Wade Stadium. Little leaguers hit the field for a day of intra-squad games as a way to ease into a new season. “It’s a lot less pressure to play against their own team, learn, and kind…

Dennis Godfrey Memorial Car Show held at Lake Superior College

Students organize the annual car show

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College’s automotive program hosted its 11th annual Dennis Godfrey Memorial Car Show on Saturday. The event is organized and run by the students. “Putting on a car show like this gets them contacts,” organizer, Matthew Bisbee said. “Because there are some business owners that have vehicles entered in, so  can get to know in an informal setting…

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Home Opener

Anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning

It’s that time of year again when anglers are arriving in schools, launching their boats at Lake Namakagon. Motors tilt into the water for the first time of 2017 as anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning. “It’s always fun to get out fishing it doesn’t matter if it’s cold or warm or whatever any day…

Gov. Walker Opens Season with Two Walleye

This Year's Governor's Opener was in Cable

CABLE, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker kicked off the 52nd annual Governor’s Fishing Opener by catching two walleye. Walker was in Cable on Saturday for the event on Lake Namekagon. Walker says fishing is a time-honored tradition and tourism attraction in Wisconsin that draws hundreds of thousands of anglers from outside the state every year. Walker says more than…

Children Enjoy Story Time at Pelican Coffee

A Princess Visits Pelican Coffee To Read Stories Each Month

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Children had the chance to socialize with other kids, and enjoy story time at Pelican Coffee It’s a popular event that occurs each month, where a princess reads a story to the children, and then takes time to meet and greet and take pictures. This month’s princess was Rapunzel, and many of the little girls at the event…

Cinco de Mayo Celebrated Across the Northland

Mexican Restaurants Busy with People Ordering Festive Food and Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Northland, people are celebrating Cinco de Mayo by getting their fill of Mexican food and drinks at local restaurants. Lines were out the door at many places with people waiting to take advantage of holiday specials. “I think this far north it kind of brings a little bit different atmosphere to a lot of people…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Opens for the Season

100,000 Riders Are Expected on the Rails This Year

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting today, the North Shore Scenic Railroad invites families to ride the rails along Lake Superior. Today was opening day for the railroad. There are plenty of options as far as experiences go this year. Officials say they expect more than 100,000 people to take a train ride this season. “It’s really fun to finally see people…

St. Scholastica Celebrates Start of Physician Assistant Program

The PA program is Minnesota's first, north of the Twin Cities

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica now offers more options for health care students. A physician assistant program starts next fall. The program accepted 30 full-time students for courses at the CSS Health Science Center. Today, incoming students, faculty, and officials from the school celebrated the program’s accreditation. “I think that’s probably what excited me the most is…

St. Scholastica Student Helps Raise Money for Volunteer Gardener

The goal is to raise $500 for new gardening tools

DULUTH, Minn. – A Saint Scholastica student is raising money to help out a good Samaritan in her neighborhood. Last summer, Lindsay Monson came across an elderly woman named Rosemary, who spends her day cleaning up parks in the Duluth community. Monson wanted to do something to give back to her neighbor before she graduates in a few short weeks….

2nd Annual Strut Your Mutt to Take Place Saturday

It's a Fundraiser for the Chequamegon Humane Association

ASHLAND, Wis.- The Strut your Mutt 2nd annual Strut your mutt 5k is taking place on Saturday The Chequamegon Humane Association is encouraging people to come out for a day of fun and exercise. People can run by themselves, bring their friends, or even bring their pets to run in the race.  There will be games, activities and even a…

Measles Outbreak in Minnesota

Experts Say Vaccination is the Only Real Way to Prevent Measles

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota is seeing the state’s biggest measles outbreak since 1990. As of Thursday, 44 cases of the measles had been confirmed statewide. There have been no confirmed cases of the measles in the Northland as of Thursday, but experts are warning parents: If you haven’t already, Get your Kids Vaccinated. Measles Symptoms start as fevers, coughs, sore throat…

Original Stenciling Unveiled at Glensheen Mansion

40 Years of Paint Removed

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion in Duluth holds more than 100 years of history withing its walls and now original stenciling is bringing life to Alfred’s room. Conservators from Midwest Art Conservation Center are currently removing 40 years of white, latex based paint. The stenciling was originally covered up in the 1970s by request of the Glensheen Staff. This was…

New Day Shelter Fundraiser This Saturday Will Take Participants ‘Under the Sea’

It's a Fundraiser to Help Sexual and Domestic Abuse Survivors

ASHLAND, Wis.- The New Day shelter in Ashland is holding their 22nd annual Fundraiser, Saturday. It’s an Under the sea themed party, where attendees will have the chance to win 20,000 dollars worth of raffle prizes, eat a delicious meal, and enjoy some dessert. The proceeds help fund the new day shelter that helps victims and survivors of rape and…

McDonald’s Gives Out Fry Forks or ‘Frorks’

First 50 People to Order an Artisan Sandwich Got the Frorks

DULUTH, Minn.- McDonald’s on London Road in Duluth was offering Frorks Friday, for the first 50 people to try out one of their new artisan sandwiches. Frorks are rubber fork handles that can be turned in to the shape of a fork, by adding 3 fries to the opening at the top. Frorks are then used to scoop up and…

Duluth May Get New Parking App

Would Cause Less Tickets to be Produced

DULUTH, Minn.-The city of Duluth’s parking services may become much easier to use in the near future as they are trying to allow Northlanders to pay for parking through an app. The city council is looking into whether they go forward with an agreement with PassportParking Inc., which would supply the app. City officials said the app could make it…

Gander Mountain to Remain Open in Hermantown

Store Does Have Sign that Says "Going out of Business"

DULUTH, Minn.-Despite recent rumors, the Gander Mountain store in Hermantown is not closing. The owner of Gander Mountain has said via a Twitter that the Duluth location will remain open. There are signs on the building that say “Going out of Business,” but that is part of a liquidation process. The Gander Mountain Corporation, which was founded in Minnesota, did…

Natural Surface Trails Begin to Open in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth reports that city-managed natural surface trails are open. Trail users are asked to use trails with care, practice etiquette on shared trails, and avoid entering wet areas to prevent trail damage. Cyclists of Gitchee Gumi Shores trails are OPEN at: Hawk Ridge and Morningside Duluth Traverse Hartley Park Enger Park Traverse from Observation…

Minnesotans Ready for Fishing as Walleye Season Approaches

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is ready to start fishing. The state has an estimated 1.4 million licensed anglers and around 500,000 are expected to fish when walleye season opens Saturday, May 13. Governor Mark Dayton is hosting the 70th annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener along the Mississippi River in the St. Cloud area of central Minnesota. That stretch of…

Madison Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking

Evidence presented at trial showed he had been engaged in the conduct since 2010

Maurice Withers, 28 MADISON, Wis. – A jury reached a guilty verdict after less than three hours, following a four-day trial of a Madison man, who was involved in prostitution and sex trafficking. Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Friday, that Maurice Adonis Withers, 28, was found guilty on Thursday of six counts of sex trafficking and three counts of interstate…

Firefighters Announce Endorsement of City Council Candidates

DULUTH, Minn. – IAFF Local 101 Duluth Firefighters have announced their endorsement of Duluth City Council 4th District candidate, Renee Van Nett, and at-large candidates incumbent Zack Filipovich and Rich Updegrove. Local 101 President Pete Johnson, praised all candidates on their accessibility to their constituents, involvement in the community, and their understanding and value of city services, such as the fire department….