News

Police Search For Person Who Shot A Tourist In Times Square Then Fired At An Officer

NEW YORK (AP) — A suspected shoplifter opened fire inside a Times Square sporting goods store after being confronted by a security guard Thursday night, hitting a tourist in the leg before fleeing into the street, according to police. As police chased the shooter a few blocks on the busy streets of Midtown, Manhattan, he fired twice at an officer,…

Barnum High School Students Learning Life Skills Through Business Organization

BARNUM, Minn. — February is Career and Technical Education or CTE Awareness Month and over at Barnum High School students are going above and beyond what they’re learning in the classroom. Business Professionals of America is a student organization for 9th through 12th grade students. Students choose from around 60 events to compete in ranging from accounting, marketing, computer programming,…

First-Ever February Tornado Forms In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The first-ever tornado in February was spotted Thursday just south of Madison, the National Weather Service confirmed. It was the first tornado ever for the state of Wisconsin during the month since records have been kept, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Rock County officials, in the area where the tornado was reported, received reports of about…

ALS Black Woods Blizzard Tour Does Not “Surrender” to Lack of Snow

25th Anniversary fundraiser adjusts and pushes forward.

Snowmobile trails across the area are closed or have limited amounts of snow, making tough sledding impossible sledding. For some people it is just an inconvenience, but if you are putting together a snowmobile tour fundraiser, it could be a backbreaker. But, not so, say those putting on one of the area’s biggest annual events. Thursday, the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour…

Superior’s The Strength Factory Makes Working Out ‘Safe and Inclusive’

Kelly Kellar's passion project promotes community and fitness for everyone

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…

St. Louis County Receives New Fire Suppression Tools

The Glen Avon and Euclid Masonic Lodges Donated 10 New Devices to the County

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received a new tool today that will help first responders who arrive at fires before firefighters. First responders will use be able to use to ten new fire suppression tools to quickly reduce the temperature by nearly one thousand degrees and flame activity. Once activated, they can throw the device into…

UMD Indigenous Student Organization Raising Funds For Spring Powwow

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s Indigenous Student Organization is raising funds for their spring Powwow by selling grilled cheese and tomato soup. The organization focuses on different indigenous cultures that surround the college encouraging students to embrace their backgrounds and feel more comfortable doing so. The second annual Spring Powwow is happening March 23rd and donations from the grilled cheese fundraiser…

The Supreme Court Seems Poised To Reject Efforts To Kick Trump Off The Ballot Over The Capitol Riot

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems poised to reject attempts to kick former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot. A definitive ruling for Trump, the leading Republican candidate for president, would largely end efforts in Colorado, Maine and elsewhere to prevent his name from appearing on the ballot. Conservative and liberal justices alike questioned during arguments Thursday whether Trump can be disqualified from being president again because of…

Special Counsel: Biden ‘Willfully’ Disclosed Classified Materials, But No Criminal Charges Warranted

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden “willfully” retained and disclosed highly classified materials when he was a private citizen, including documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other sensitive national security matters, according to a Justice Department report that nonetheless says no criminal charges are warranted for him or anyone else. The report from special counsel Robert Hur, released Thursday, represents…

Outdoor Hockey Rinks Struggling To Keep Up This Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The Executive Director of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association or DAHA is calling it a tough year for outdoor hockey rinks. DAHA has over 70 years of history managing outdoor rinks across the Duluth area. Outdoor rinks are where U8 hockey players spend most of their time practicing and playing. And also, where families go to skate…

Family of 7-Year-Old Duluth Girl in Need of Heart Transplant Raising Awareness During American Heart Month

DULUTH, Minn. — A local 7-year-old is waiting for a heart transplant and could be for several more months.  With February being American Heart month, this little girl and her family are relying on the help of family and community to bring awareness and hope to others in need. Roya Snyder has always been active in ballet and sports, and…

Florian, of Chmielewski Funtime Band, Going Strong at 97

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Chmielewski Funtime Band has been performing for six generations. Florian Chmielewski, one of 15 Chmielewski kids, continues leading the band and playing polka music to adoring fans. Even on his 97th birthday, he was in Cloquet, busy playing his accordion with his band. “It’s so much fun,” said Florian. “I bring happiness to wherever I go…

Zoo Animals Entertained by Duluth Fire Hoses

Firefighters reuse old hoses to create fun and challenge for the critters.

Many of us have kicked around in the garage and found that old garden hose that isn’t any good anymore. But what if you’re in the local fire station and it’s fire hose you’re talking about? Well, you take it to the zoo–of course! At least that’s what Duluth firefighters were doing Wednesday. Unique items and play toys–often known in…

State Fire Marshal Releases Details On Last Inspection At Lutsen Resort Lodge Before Fire

LUTSEN, Minn. — The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has released details of an inspection that took place at Lutsen Resort Lodge last summer. This comes after an early Tuesday morning fire took out the entire building. According to the release, 7 violations were found, 4 of which the property owner had repaired. Authorities say it is too soon to determine…

Senate Republicans Block Bipartisan Border Package, Scuttling Deal They Had Demanded From Democrats

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan border package Wednesday, scuttling months of negotiations with Democrats on legislation intended to cut back record numbers of illegal border crossings. Many Republicans said the election-year compromise wasn’t enough, even as supporters of the bill insisted it was the best possible in divided government. The 49-50 vote, far short of the 60 ayes…

Missing Marine Corps Helicopter Carrying 5 Troops From Nevada To California Has Been Located

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A Marine Corps helicopter that had been missing with five troops aboard as an historic storm continued drenching California was found Wednesday morning in a mountainous area outside San Diego. The aircraft was located just after 9 a.m. by civil authorities near the mountain community of Pine Valley, about a 45-mile (72-kilometer) drive from San Diego but rescue…

Superior’s NTEC Supporters Hold Rally As Mayor Paine Responds

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At least 100 people rallied outside Superior’s City Hall Tuesday evening in support of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The natural gas-powered electrical plant had unanimous support by the city council and Mayor Jim Paine in 2019, but over the last year, Mayor Paine and some council members have been working to stop the project….

With Fire, Lutsen Lodge Gone in Hours; But Determination to Rebuild Already in Its Place

Fire engulfing the structure from the 1950s was too much to stop.

Under the February gray skies of Lake Superior’s North Shore, was the black and white aftermath of what once was. Volunteer firefighters from every small community we’ve driven through along that shore were still at the fire scene in the morning. But shortly after midnight, by the time they had arrived from up and down the shore, the wood and…

Lutsen Mountains General Manager Reacts To Lutsen Lodge Fire

The general manager of Lutsen Mountains, Jim Vick, was sympathizing with the staff at the nearby Lutsen Lodge Tuesday as they deal with the loss of the structure to fire. Vick dealt with a massive fire in June of 2023 when Lutsen Mountains’ Papa Charlie’s restaurant went up in flames. The memories at the beloved restaurant hangout turned into ashes….

Sen. Klobuchar Calls Lutsen Lodge Fire ‘Heartbreaking’

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar reacted the Lutsen Lodge fire Tuesday — a place she and her family have visited. Klobuchar called the fire “heartbreaking.” She said she’s been in contact with resort’s general manager and was encouraged to hear the resort will rebuild. In the meantime, Klobuchar said this is time to lean in and support the Lusten community. “Minnesotans…

Lutsen Lodge’s History Runs Deep Into the 1880s

The Lutsen Lodge, Minnesota’s oldest resort, was established in 1885 when Swedish immigrant Charles Nelson opened his small fishing camp and lodge. Business continued to grow through the years, but it was not always a smooth ride. Photos from the Cook County Historical Society show Lutsen in its very early stages. The lodge was destroyed by fire twice before.  The…

Fire Destroys Historic Lutsen Lodge

Courtesy: Lutsen Resort LUTSEN, Minn. — A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Historic Lutsen Lodge. Courtesy: Steve Bonin The Cook County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a fire alarm at the resort along the North Shore at 12:24 a.m. Staff from Lutsen Resort, which is Minnesota’s oldest resort, reported smoke coming from the floor in the…

Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

(AP) — Toby Keith, a hit country crafter of pro-American anthems who both riled up critics and was loved by millions of fans, has died. He was 62. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer-songwriter, who had stomach cancer, died peacefully Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer’s website. “He fought his fight with grace and…

Jury Finds Michigan School Shooter’s Mother Jennifer Crumbley Guilty Of Manslaughter

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan jury convicted a school shooter’s mother of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday in a first-of-its-kind trial to determine whether she had any responsibility in the deaths of four students in 2021. Prosecutors say Jennifer Crumbley was grossly negligent when she failed to tell Oxford High School that the family had guns, including a 9 mm handgun that…

Proctor’s ‘Atlas Games’ Putting Plastic Waste To The Challenge

PROCTOR, Minn. — Atlas Games out of Proctor has been creating and publishing board and card games since the 90s. And within the past couple of years, the company has evolved to make games out of plastic waste. “You don’t realize it, that a lot of plastic you have that you think you are recycling properly, it just goes through…

Virginia Man Sentenced For Alcohol, Cannabis-Induced Fatal Crash

A Virginia man was sentenced Monday for causing an alcohol and cannabis-induced crash last fall that killed a woman. David Medicine, 38, will face 41 months in prison for the crime, according to court records. Medicine was driving on Highway 169 during the evening hours when he slammed his vehicle into a pick-up truck that was sitting still in backed-up…

Duluth School Officials Explain Need and Goals of Referendum

Technology education and technology itself would get much attention.

May 14th, the Duluth Public School district will once again be asking voters if they would pass a referendum. It would raise $5.2 million a year for ten years for technology needs. It’s not that long ago that blackboards, textbooks, and overhead projectors were as advanced as school technology got. However today technology is everywhere, with teachers and students now…

Vehicle Slams Into Superior Home, Rolls

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior police and fire responded to an out-of-control vehicle that slammed into a house Monday. The accident was reported around 3:30 p.m. in the 4100 block of East 2nd Street.  The vehicle left the roadway, struck a house and then rolled over, according to officials. Superior police said the driver may have suffered a medical emergency prior…

Duluth Man Dies In Crash On Skyline Parkway

Car rolled over and man found inside.

A 26-year-old Duluth man died Sunday when his car rolled over. The man has been identified by Duluth Police as Logan Woock. Police say it happened on West Skyline Parkway in the 1400 block. Police received a call about 3:30 Sunday morning saying that a vehicle was off the road. When officers arrived, they found a car rolled over with…

IF4 Brings the Big Catch to the Big Screen

DULUTH, Minn. — You can’t get much more Minnesotan than this. The International Fly Fishing Film Festival returned to Duluth for their sixth year. Although anglers looked forward to some big catches on the big screen, there’s a much more broader impact that this film festival leaves on our local water ways. “It’s a big fundraising event for both Gitche…

Finnish Sliding Fest ‘Laskiainen’ Returns for 86th year

PALO, Minn.– The Finnish Sliding Festival, also known as ‘Laskiainen’ returned for its 86th year in Palo Minnesota this weekend. With sleds at the ready people from across the northland gathered to enjoy the annual event. The festival isn’t just about the outdoor sledding fun, it’s also about celebrating the Finnish heritage. Dozens of vendors displayed their crafts, and there was…

3 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured In Head-On Crash In Koochiching County

NORTHOME, Minn. — Three people are dead and two others were fighting for their lives Sunday after a head-on crash in Koochiching County. The accident was reported just after 11 a.m. on Highway 1, west of Koochiching County Road 15 in Northome, which is about 70 miles southwest of I-Falls. The Minnesota State Patrol says Joseph Carlson, 27, of North…

Cold Front Celebration Brings the Snow to Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn.– The 7th annual Cold Front brought the snow to Bayfront Festival Park amidst a warm spell this winter. Duluth Parks and Recreation started the winter event to get people outside during the cold months. Despite the odd weather in the northland, Cold Front continued, with a few changes. A few activities were canceled, but snow was brought into…

UMD Professor Talks on the Impacts of Mild Winters Has on Ice and Water

DULUTH, Minn. — A winter with warm temperatures and minimal snowfall has significant impacts on the environment. We talked to a specialist about how ice and water are affected during mild winters. UMD Professor Jay Austin works at the Large Lake Observatory at the college, he says the northland’s unusually warm temperatures can result in environmental and economic delays. Austin…

Chachos Taqueria Now Open With New Seating Area

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather recently may have some people believing summer is just around the corner. And for those people visiting Canal Park, their confusion may grow when they see that Chachos Taqueria is already open. In the past, Chachos was just a warm weather spot offering Mexican food Now, Chachos has purchased the building next door and has…

Races for Kids To Be Held at Chester Bowl

DULUTH, Minn — Believe it or not, Chester Bowl will hold its first race of the year on Sunday, February 4th. The Executive Director of the Chester Bowl Improvement says yes, they have snow. The races begin at 1:15 on Sunday and feature races for skiers, snowboarders, and snow skaters. Generally, between 100 and 150 racers take part in the…

Riders and Walkers Asked to Stay Off Gravel Trails

  DULUTH, Minn. — Late Friday afternoon the Duluth Parks and Recreation Division, in collaboration with the Superior Hiking Trail Association and the cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, recommends that all dirt trails be closed. The warm weather during the day and overnight below-freezing temperatures have created very wet and vulnerable soil conditions. Walking or riding a bike on the…