News

Councilor Renee Van Nett Hospitalized With Terminal Illness; Leaders Share Her Impact on Duluth

Friends of Van Nett have started a GoFundMe to help her daughters and raise money for her expenses.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth and across the State of Minnesota are sending their thoughts, prayers, and support to Renee Van Nett and her family after it was announced she is in the hospital for a terminal illness. Now some of those community members are looking back at the impact she has made in her time as a public servant….

St. Luke’s Offering COVID Boosters for Kids Ages 5-11

St. Luke's is also continuing to offer the first and second shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. – For kids ages five through 11 who have gotten their initial COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are now available at St. Luke’s. St. Luke’s is also currently offering the full vaccine series for kids who have not yet received their first or second shots. This is all part of St. Luke’s Pediatric Associates, highlighting the importance of kids…

Builders and Backers Launching To Help Accelerate Duluth Entrepreneurs’ Ideas

DULUTH, Minn.- A new online program will be starting in Duluth to give aspiring entrepreneurs a place to share and build their ideas, and the deadline for an application is this week. In partnership with the city, Duluth Area Chamber Of Commerce, and Heartland Forward, Builders and Backers will launch their new Idea Accelerator program this summer. “We don’t want…

Deer River Clean Up Efforts

DEER RIVER, Minn.– It’s taking many Deer River agencies to get the city back on its feet. The Deer River Police Department, Fire Department, Utilities Office, and more, are working together at cleanup efforts. And the sheer devastation in the area, is causing neighboring towns to step up to help as well. “Itasca country sheriffs office search and rescue, they…

Red Cross Flooding Response

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – The flooding continues to get worse in Northeastern Minnesota, and THE Red Cross organization has been hard at work aiding those affected in the area. Red Cross was called into action on May 13th and has six of their members helping the community by providing hydration and snacks for sandbaggers as well as disaster health services….

Deer River Storm Damage

DEER RIVER, Minn.– Behind me includes one of the neighborhoods in deer river that was devastated by Mondays storm. as sad as it is to see, the community believes the silver lining is the massive support coming from their friends and neighbors. “They just show up. stop and say can we help, and I’m like, absolutely. Deer river is a…

Local Travel Agency Guides Cruise Ship Guests Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A local company called Jaybee Travel teamed up with Viking Cruises to provide passengers with local experiences on Duluth land. On May 30, 2022, the Viking Oasis became the first cruise ship to sail into the city since 2013. Cutting through heavy fog and rainy conditions, the cruise landed and guests departed to shore  where the Duluth…

Grandma’s Marathon Organizer Reacts to Races Selling Out for the First Time in Seven Years

DULUTH, Minn. — The 1977 tradition of Grandma’s Marathon will resume in full-capacity June of 2022. With all three races selling-out for the first time since 2016, the marathon organization, community members, and runners are excited to get back for this years event. In an interview with Zach Schneider, a member of Grandma’s Board of Directors, he stated that, “People…

Superior Middle Schooler in Custody After Threatening Students

According to officials the one who made the treat admitted he did so to scare the student he was showing the list to. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior Middle School student is in Police Custody Tuesday after school staff reported a list of other students the 12-year-old said he intended to harm. According to a spokesperson with the Superior Police Department, a Speak Up Speak Out tip was reported to SMS staff in the morning, indicating the student threatened others at the school. The…

2 New Lawsuits Allege Excessive Force, Discrimination By Derek Chauvin

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Two new lawsuits were filed Tuesday against the City of Minneapolis for alleged cases of police brutality committed by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin before he murdered George Floyd. The lawsuits, filed on behalf of Minneapolis residents John Pope and Zoya Code, allege police misconduct, use of excessive force, and racial discrimination from incidents that occurred in 2017 in…

Severe Storms, Tornadoes Rip Through Western Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Thousands of people in Minnesota and South Dakota are without electrical power as the region recovered from storms and tornadoes that left damaged buildings, trees and roadways. The National Weather Service says in a preliminary report there were four tornadoes on Monday in western Minnesota, along with wind gusts and large hail. More than 37,000 people were…

Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett Battling Terminal Illness

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilor Renee Van Nett is battling a terminal illness. A GoFundMe has launched to help cover the costs, with a goal of raising $30,000. The fundraising page reads, “Renee Van Nett is currently in the hospital in Duluth, battling a terminal illness. Renee’s courage and bravery have inspired many, and it’s time to have her…

Viking Octantis Cruise Cuts through Fog to Deliver Visitors New to Duluth

7-9 ships will stop in Duluth monthly.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the fog making it a little hard to see early Monday morning, passengers on the first cruise ship to sail into Duluth since 2013 made landfall, ready for their daylong excursions throughout the city. The horn of the Viking Octantis was more of a signal of its arrival than anything else, as it moved through Monday’s murky…

Duluth Businesses Excited for Added Steady Cruise Ship Tourism

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month.

DULUTH, Minn.- Passengers who arrived off the Viking Ostantis Cruise for the first time Monday wasted no time hitting up Duluth’s local businesses and attractions. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month — about 185 according to Executive Director Ken Buehler. He said it also helps that railroad…

30 Years Honoring the Fallen at Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial  

It started with one name in 1992, and grew to 136 fallen soldiers from across the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- This year marked a very special Memorial Day for the Northland Vietnam Veteran’s Association (NVVA). On Memorial Day 30 years ago, they dedicated the memorial along the lakewalk. It started with one name in 1992 and grew to include those of 136 fallen soldiers from across the Northland. This year Mark and Tony Rubin performed songs including the…

Grandma’s Marathon Reaches First Sellout Since 2016

This years event will take place June 16-18 beginning in Two Harbors and ending in Canal Park. 

DULUTH, Minn.- In just three weeks Grandma’s Marathon weekend will be underway, and for the first time since 2016 the race is completely sold out. Organizers say there are 20 thousand participants set to run in all three races. This will be the first time since the start of the pandemic the festivities will return to full capacity. This years…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Sells Out For First Time Since 2016

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Marathon organizers said on Monday that all three of its June races have sold out for the first time since 2016. In total, there are more than 20,000 people signed up to participate. The sell-out is a healthy sign that the demand for the races never went away, after Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled because of the…

Proctor Memorial Day

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor held its annual Memorial Day observance and program Monday to honor those who have given their lives for country. Sherman Gonyea and James Verville, were two flyers who grew up in Proctor and died when their F-101 plane crashed 50 years ago. 58 other Procter area service members who gave their lives were also honored today…

Duluth’s Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn.– After the veterans and other organizers behind Duluth’s Memorial Day Parade, and City Council settled a cost dispute earlier this year that almost cancelled the event, the long-running tradition that honors fallen service members returned on Monday. A tradition that dates back to 1871, came back to the streets today. A day to bring the community together to…

Gary New Duluth Community Honor Memorial Day

DULUTH, Minn.– In honor of the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Gary New Duluth community came together to remember fallen soldiers. At the Veterans Memorial, a ceremony was held for Memorial Day to recognize veterans from the northland. Mayor Emily Larson attended, and she says the holiday is about taking the time to slow down, and…

Viking Cruise Ship Arrives In The Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn. – Early Monday morning the Duluth Harbor welcomed its first cruise ship in 10 years. Viking Cruise’s first expedition vessel, the 700-foot Viking Octantis, traveled under the Lift Bridge shortly after 6 a.m. Tender boats later transported the 400 guests and 200 crew members off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC.   This unloading process is…

Failed Search For UMD Chancellor Cost $166,000

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The failed search for a new University of Minnesota-Duluth chancellor cost $166,000. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Thursday that University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced on Monday that none of the three finalists invited for interviews got the job. The university began a national search for a new Duluth chancellor in November after Lendley Black announced…

The Band 311 Draws Large Crowd to Earth Rider

Earth Rider sold 900 tickets for the event.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A blast from the 90s in Superior ushered in an early start to summer concert season. The band 311 made a tour stop at Earth Rider brewery Saturday night. 311 is a larger-scale alternative rock band out of Omaha, Nebraska, with a mix of rock, rap, reggae and funk. Earth Rider sold over 900 tickets for the…

Veterans Get Ready to Celebrate, Mourn Fallen Soldiers Monday

Veterans gathered at cemeteries to pay respects and honor soldiers who have passed during war.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland enjoys the long weekend and prepares for Memorial Day parades, local veterans want to remind the public the holiday weekend is for remembering fallen men and women who fought for freedom in this country. Sunday, veterans gathered at war cemeteries to honor those fallen soldiers for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Some vets at the American…

1st Cruise Ship in 10 Years Pulling into Duluth Harbor Monday Morning  

Tender boats will be transporting the 400 guests off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- Early Monday the Duluth Harbor will welcome its first cruise ship in 10 years. Viking Cruise’s first expedition vessel, the 700-foot Viking Octantis, will travel under the Lift Bridge as it arrives between 6 and 7 in the morning. Tender boats will be transporting the 400 guests off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC. It’s…

Northland to Commemorate Memorial Day with Return of In-Person Parades, Ceremonies

Events throughout the Northland Monday are honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Memorial Day. Duluth’s Memorial Day Parade New this year, organizers with Duluth Women of Today say a flyover from the 148th Fighter Wing will kick off the parade at 12-30 on 59th Avenue West. It will go down Central, make a right, and…

Agency: 1 Dead, 7 Injured in Oklahoma Festival Shooting

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reports that witnesses said an argument preceded the gunfire just after midnight.

TAFT, Okla. (AP) – Authorities say one person was killed and seven were injured in a shooting early Sunday at an outdoor festival in eastern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that two juveniles were among those shot at the Memorial Day event near Taft, about 10 miles southeast of Tulsa. The agency reports that…

Superior Family Builds Memorial for Victims of Uvalde School Shooting

Over 200 mass shooting have occurred so far this year, with 27 being on school grounds.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.-  Following the tragic events that occurred at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday resulting in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers, a Superior family, with the help of a local shop in town put together a memorial in their front yard. Along Highway 35, a memorial with 21 crosses stand in a row. The…

Traveling Train Art Exhibit Stops at The Depot

The artist Ted Rose did most of his work during the 40s and 50s.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new travelling art exhibit made a stop at the Depot’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum Saturday, getting people buzzing about locomotives and nature. The Summer Gallery car held the exhibit titled, “Railroad and the American Industrial Landscape.” The art, both a mixture of photographs and paintings by Ted Rose, an artist out of Milwaukee, features the evolving world…

After 10 Years, Waggoners Hand Duluth’s Breeze Inn Over to New Owners

Shaun and Kate Waggoner said goodbye to the Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth road Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A staple restaurant on the outskirts of Duluth famous for being some of the best views of the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is changing hands after a decade. Shaun and Kate Waggoner said goodbye to the Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth road Saturday night. The couple has owned the restaurant for 10 and a half years. Kate said…

All Church Rummage Sale Raises Money for Mission Work

Home décor, books, toys, knick-knacks, and more were available, with all proceeds going to the church's outreach work.

DULUTH, Minn.- Today people shopped a hodge-podge of items in West Duluth while supporting a church’s mission work. Believer’s Church on 58th Avenue West held their All Church Rummage Sale. Home décor, books, toys, knick-knacks, and more were available, with all proceeds going to the church’s outreach work. “An opportunity for my church to come together and serve together. To…

UPDATE: Power Restored to Proctor’s Water Pump Station

he cause of the outage was unknown Saturday afternoon.

UPDATE:  DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth spokesperson announced that as of 5:21 p.m., Duluth City crews and a contractor restored power to the water pump station that serves the City of Proctor. Water service to Proctor residents has resumed normal operations. DULUTH, Minn.- Crews from the City of Duluth are on-scene at the Water Pump Station that serves the…

Hibbing Police Dept. Planning Volunteer Trip to Help Kabetogama Flooding Victims

According to the Chief, there will be a wide range of duties so anyone can help, regardless of physical restrictions.

Photo: Hibbing Police Department Facebook Page HIBBING, Minn.- Officials with the Hibbing Police Department plan to take a volunteer team Thursday to the Kabetogama area, as the floodwaters continue to claim more homes. According to the National Weather Service, the flooding in the Rainy River Basin is historic, and already exceeded the records set in 2014. It could break all-time…

Police Inaction Moves to Center of Uvalde Shooting Probe

The delay in confronting the shooter - who was inside the school for more than an hour - could lead to discipline, lawsuits and even criminal charges against police.

FILE – Law enforcement personnel stand outside Robb Elementary School following a shooting, May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. When the gunman arrived at the school, he hopped its fence and easily entered through an unlocked back door, police said. He holed himself up in a fourth-grade classroom where he killed the children and teachers. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File) STEFANIE…

Air Travelers Face Cancellations over Memorial Day Weekend

According to the website FlightAware, more than 1,200 flights were canceled as of 2 p.m EDT on Saturday. That followed more than 2,300 cancellations on Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) – Airline travelers are not only facing sticker shock this Memorial Day weekend.  They’re also dealing with a pileup of flight cancellations. According to the website FlightAware, more than 1,200 flights were canceled as of 2 p.m EDT on Saturday. That followed more than 2,300 cancellations on Friday. Delta Air Lines suffered the most, with more than…

Minneapolis Agrees to Pay $1.2M to People Injured by Police

The city has agreed to pay a total of $5.4 million to people injured by police in May 2020.

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis City Council has approved $1.2 million in legal settlements with two people injured by police during protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of officers in 2020. Minnesota Public Radio reports that settlements with St. Paul resident Virgil Lee Jackson Jr. and Nashville freelance photographer Linda Tirado mean the city has agreed to…

Superior Middle Schoolers At Cemetery For Memorial Day

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Memorial day is a time to remember the men and women who gave their lives serving in the U.S. military. While we can never fully repay their ultimate sacrifice, Superior Middle school students spent their time at the Riverside Cemetery before the holiday weekend commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Northland. “I feel like this is a place…

Douglas County Service Office Prepares for Memorial Day Weekend at Cemeteries

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Douglas County Service office organized the laying of flags on each veteran’s headstone at local cemeteries. They opened up the opportunity to the community a couple of years ago. and organizers say the influx of volunteers was more than expected. They believe every veteran should have the American flag on their headstone for Memorial Day, and seeing…

Campers Roll in for Memorial Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Memorial Day weekend is here and campers are getting set up for some summer celebration. Over at the Buffalo Valley Campground, campers started rolling in yesterday and have started to set up camp. Buffalo Valley offers a variety of activities for guests such as bike trails and the bar and restaurant. Owners say their dozens of full…

Duluth Police: Alleged Threat to Lincoln Park Middle School was List of Peoples’ Names Student Felt ‘upset with and bullied by’

Investigators believe the list of names "are individuals the student expressed both being upset with and bullied by." 

DULUTH, Minn.- Investigators with the Duluth Police Department Friday determined the alleged school threat made by a Lincoln Park Middle School student was a written list of names several months old. According to a Department spokesperson, after the recent tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, students who knew about the list told the staff. Both Police and School Administration were…

Koochiching Co. Sheriff: Roads Closing Due to Rainy Lake Flooding; Some Int’l Falls Residents Should Evacuate

According to the Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the evacuation is currently voluntary, but anyone choosing to stay home must find other transportation.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office asked that International Falls residents prepare to evacuate, as historic flooding of Rainy Lake forced the closure of County Road 135 and Town Road 225 Friday. According to an alert from the Minnesota Integrated Alert and Warning System or IPAWS shared on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page, County Road 135 closed at…

Gunman’s Final 90 Minutes Fuel Questions About Police Delays

A family pays their respects next to crosses bearing the names of Tuesday’s shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) UVALDE, Texas (AP) — It was 11:28 a.m. when the Ford pickup slammed into a ditch behind the low-slung Texas school and the driver jumped out carrying an AR-15-style rifle….

Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken Releases Statement After Threat To Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken released a statement (see below) Friday afternoon involving school safety after a threat was made by a student toward the Lincoln Park Middle School and on the same week of a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The Duluth Police Department share the concerns of our community regarding the…