News

Hardware Stores are Busy as Snow is Coming for the Northland

Steel shovels and salt are hot ticket items that are flying out the doors of stores.

DULUTH, Minn. – At Marshall Hardware, snow supplies like shovels are in popular demand as customers are preparing for the upcoming snow. People in the Northland have been tasked with finding snow supplies all winter long. As snow continues, their stashes of salt and sand decrease and it’s even likely to break a shovel while trying to clear heavy snow…

Empowered Women’s Network Celebrates International Women’s Day

The network will meet again at the holiday center on April 12th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Empowered Women’s Network celebrated International Women’s Day at a monthly luncheon at the Holiday Center. The event gives women an opportunity to network and encourage other women from around the Northland. Every month empowered women’s network invites a new key speaker. This month’s special guest shared with the women her wisdom on failure. “We have to actually…

Traveling Stem-based Toy Exhibit Opens at the Depot

Families can visit the exhibit for a discount on March 17th for "$25 Family Rate Sunday."

DULUTH, Minn. – A traveling toy exhibit is now open at the Depot for kids and parents who have always wanted to know the inside story of their favorite toy. Visitors of the exhibit will get a look at the inner workings of more than ten different toys like Etch–a–sketch and Dancing Elmo. Families can also make their own toy…

Smollett Indicted on 16 Counts Stemming From Reported Attack

CHICAGO — A grand jury in Chicago indicted “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett on 16 felony counts related to making a false report that he was attacked by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs. The Cook County grand jury indictment filed Thursday says he made a false report about an offense. The Cook County State’s Attorney charged Smollett on…

Cloquet man Charged With Assault on Infant, Pleads Not Guilty

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet father charged with assault on his three month old son has pleaded not guilty. Orion Harrison Sinclair Verbist, 26, was charged with first-degree assault on December 20, 2018 following reports from St. Luke’s Hospital that a three-month old infant presented with injuries consistent with child abuse. According to reports, the infant was brought to the…

Moose Lake Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Murder

Another Staff Member was Punched Several Times During the Attack

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – An inmate at the Moose Lake Sex Offender Program has been sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of first-degree attempted murder and fourth-degree assault. George Mack, 42, was accused of slashing a clinical supervisor’s throat twice on January 29 in the MSOP facility. The victim, later identified as Zachary Campbell, was leading a large…

Relax In A Beginner Yoga Class

Active Adventures: Yoga North

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott try out a beginner yoga class, with Yoga North! If you’ve never done yoga before and think you can’t, or if you’re intimidated by yoga classes, this is the perfect one to sign up for. Especially if you feel stiff, uncoordinated or awkward.  This class…

Crow Wing County man Facing 10 Charges of Allegedly Possessing Child Pornography

Enlund is Scheduled to Appear in Court on March 18

CROW WING COUNTY, Minn. – A Crow Wing County man is facing 10 felony charges of allegedly possessing child pornography. According to court reports, 34-year-old Aaron Cecil Enlund was charged on March 1 following an investigation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “When people choose to possess or distribute images of exploited children, those children are victimized…

Black Woods Group Founder Bryan Flaherty Passes Away

Flaherty Passed Away at the age of 66

DULUTH, Minn. – The founder and leader of the Black Woods Group establishments has passed away. Bryan Flaherty, 66, founded the Black Woods Group which owns multiple local businesses such as Black Woods Grill & Bar, Tavern on the Hill, Greysolon Ballroom, and Black Woods Group Catering. The news of his passing was posted on the Black Woods Grill &…

“Thistles and Shamrocks” Performance to Showcase Scottish Dancing, Celtic Fiddling

The Performance is Happening Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at CSS Mitchell Auditorium in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – From bagpipes and Scottish dancing to Celtic fiddling, the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association is hosting “Thistles & Shamrocks,” an evening of Scottish & Irish music and dance. The performance is taking place Friday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium on the campus of St. Scholastica in Duluth. General admission for Friday’s concert is $15 and…

Minnesota Man Accused of Pulling gun on Teens Pleads Guilty

Police Recovered a Locaded Semi-Automatic Handgun From the man

MINNEAPOLIS – A man accused of pulling a gun on a group of young Somali teens inside a McDonald’s in a Minneapolis suburb has pleaded guilty. Hennepin County prosecutors say 55-year-old Lloyd Johnson, of Eden Prairie, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of felony terroristic threats. The plea calls for him to serve up to 90 days in the county…

Moms Demand Action Fight for Stricter Gun Control

About 20 states have already enacted laws that would require background checks for all gun sales and another 14, including DC, adopted similar Red Flag Laws.

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms Demand Action in Minnesota has grown from five local groups to over twenty statewide. Members are continuing the fight to keep gun control a top priority. Under a current federal and Minnesota law background checks are only required for gun purchases at a licensed dealer. The group says that leaves an open window of opportunity for…

House Passes Equal Rights Amendment Ballot Question

The Bill Passed Late Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Legislation that would let Minnesota voters decide whether to amend the state Constitution to include an equal rights clause has passed the House. Members of the Democratic-dominated House passed the bill late Thursday. It would put the question on the 2020 ballot, asking voters whether to alter the Constitution to say that people have equal rights…

Take a Tour Through Duluth Pack’s Manufacturing Facility

Company is the oldest canvas bag and pack maker in the U.S.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Pack factory on West Superior Street opened its doors for a tour. A group from Fuse Duluth went on a guided trek through the facility. They watched the process and met the craftspeople who made their very own Duluth Pack products. “You don’t get to be in production facilities like Duluth Pack really anywhere else…

Mother Speaks About Superior Firefighter Son’s Suicide; Dept. Holds New Support Training

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cheryl Sutton, the mother of Erik Sutton — a retired Superior fire battalion chief – broke her silence Thursday about her son’s suicide to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger. This, as the Superior Fire Department – for the first time – takes on special mental health training to help prevent another tragedy involving one of their own. “Each…

CHOICE Unlimited Raises Money with Enchanted Forest Themed Ball

The annual fundraiser aimed to raise over $12 thousand this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Creatures of the Northland danced at CHOICE Unlimited’s annual masquerade ball. The ball is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. With an ‘Enchanted Forest’ theme they recognized over 400 donors and members of the CHOICE family in Greysolon Ballroom. CHOICE Unlimited is a program designed for adults with disabilities to help them stay involved with the arts. “We…

A Little Celtic Jig for a Scottish Gig

A Northland dance team puts on an Irish themed performance.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association is getting ready to perform its annual Celtic dance performance. The Highland dance team held a final rehearsal Thursday night. The show features traditional Irish and Scottish music. Performers of all ages wear Scottish kilts and play bagpipes. “This concert, while taking advantage of the fact…

Kids and Families Remember the Late, Great Dr. Seuss

Seussville Family Fun Night was a smash!

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One fish, two fish, red fish blue fish. The catchy phrase might remind you of the great children’s book author Dr. Seuss- he would have celebrated his 115th birthday this week. It’s why nearly 500 kids and parents spent Thursday afternoon at UWS for the 6th annual Seussville family fun night. The event started as a way to remember…

Duluth Police Recognize Men and Women Officers Who’ve Gone Above and Beyond

The annual department commendation ceremony focused on the success of partnership.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth police respond to over 100 thousand calls a year, putting their lives on the line while saving the lives of others. Now they’re being honored by the city Several Duluth officers were praised at the Duluth Police Department’s annual commendation for their dedication to the Twin Ports community. But the award ceremony didn’t just recognize police. Partnership was…

Essentia Showcases New Robotic Assisted Arm Used for Knee & Hip Surgeries

It also creates better accuracy during a knee or hip replacement surgery and cuts down on time in the operating room.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, Essentia demonstrated a new robotic assisted arm which they now use to help during hip and knee replacement surgeries. The “Mako” will allow surgeons to plan ahead to map out the areas of concern. It also creates better accuracy during a knee or hip replacement surgery and cuts down on time in the operating room and…

Child Advocates from Across the Nation Visit Duluth for Training Hosted By First Witness Child Advocacy Center

First witness will have another training course for advocates at the Duluth Institute next week.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 15 child advocates from around the U.S. have been in Duluth this week for a three day training course hosted by First Witness Child Advocacy Center. The participants went through hands on practices and role play…. During the course they learned how to implement advocacy principles to build stronger relationships with families of abuse. A…

Gov. Tim Walz Visits Duluth

The Gov. and Lt. Gov. are on a statewide education tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and the state’s education commissioner stopped in the Northland today as part of their statewide education tour. The Governor read to kindergarteners at Myers Wilkins Elementary in Duluth. He then met with teachers and administrators, getting feedback about what they need. Walz is also using the tour to promote full service community…

FIRST Robotics Competition Kicks Off

Competition teaches students valuable skills.

DULUTH, Minn.- 120 plus teams and their mechanical mates gathered at the DECC to battle it out. The Double Decc’er started with practice matches, as teams tested out their robots on the official “FIRST Minnesota” arena. Organizers say the competition requires students to branch out of the world of robotics, as they’re judged on other skills. “One of the key…

Celebrating Women in STEM at FIRST Robotics Competition

Ladies Event held before competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- At the FIRST Robotics Competition, a special event was held celebrating the young women competing this weekend. Organizers say hundreds of young women are starting to make names for themselves in this STEM field. Some, even taking over their respective teams. “I feel like women in FIRST and STEM is growing and so we want to encourage that,” said…

Suspect in Closs Abduction Says He’ll Plead Guilty

A Minnesota television station is reporting that the Wisconsin man charged in the kidnapping of 13-year-old Jayme Closs says in a letter from jail that he plans to plead guilty.

A Minnesota television station is reporting that the Wisconsin man charged in the kidnapping of 13-year-old Jayme Closs says in a letter from jail that he plans to plead guilty. KARE-TV reported Thursday that suspect Jake Patterson was replying to a letter from a station reporter. The station reported that Patterson wrote that he didn’t want Jayme’s family “to worry…

Northland Springs Into Spring Cleaning

Cleaning services give tips and tricks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though it may not feel like it, we are less than two weeks away from Spring. That means many Northlanders have started their Spring Cleaning routines. Some even hire professional services to clean their homes and offices. Marianne’s Professional Cleaning in Duluth is one of those services. The owner says she sees her business increase around this…

Former Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Sentenced to 47 months for Tax and Bank Fraud

A jury in Alexandria convicted Manafort last year on eight counts of tax and bank fraud related to his overseas work advising politicians in Ukraine.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax and bank fraud. A jury in Alexandria convicted Manafort last year on eight counts of tax and bank fraud related to his overseas work advising politicians in Ukraine. Federal sentencing guidelines called for a term of roughly 20 years, though few observers expected…

CSL Plasma Sued for Discrimination Against Transgender Woman

The Suit was Filed Thursday Against the Company

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is suing a plasma collection company for allegedly discriminating against a transgender woman who was banned from donating because of her gender identity. The suit filed Thursday accuses CSL Plasma Inc., of violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The action is in response to a complaint filed by Minneapolis resident Alice James,…

Bayfield Man Accused of Killing Uncle Charged With First-Degree Murder

Next Court Appearance is on April 26

PROGRESS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Bayfield man suspected of fatally shooting his uncle in April 2018 has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Investigators believe James Montano shot and killed his uncle, Andrew Gokee, while also grazing his cousin with a bullet that rushed past his right ear. Montano is also facing charges of second-degree murder and first-degree attempted premeditated…

Evers’ Capital Budget Calls for $2 Billion in new Borrowing

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers’ capital budget proposal calls for borrowing $2 billion over the next two fiscal years for projects ranging from building new juvenile corrections facilities, a new state office building in Milwaukee and upgrading buildings around the University of Wisconsin System. The proposal must pass both the state building commission and the Legislature’s budget-writing…

Update: Madeline Island’s Fire Station Destroyed

The Cause of the Fire may be Announced Thursday Afternoon

TOWN OF LA POINTE, Wis. – A day after an early morning fire destroyed Madeline Island’s only fire station and ambulance service, Fire Chief Rick Reichkeitze is looking to the future with hope of rebuilding the hall in six months. Reichkeitze says the fire department is currently working out of two heated airplane hangars on Madeline Island and plans to…

Order Up! Gordy’s Hi-Hat to Host Hiring Event Saturday

The Hiring Event is Happening Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Gordy's Hi-Hat in Cloquet

DULUTH, Minn. – After many months of cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, Gordy’s Hi-Hat is preparing to open for the 59th season. The family-owned eatery is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Gordy’s grandson, Sever Lundquist, says positions available range from cooks to janitors and even teens looking for their first summer job. Lundquist invites everyone interested…

Home Completely Destroyed in Willow Valley Township Fire

There Were no Reported Injuries

WILLOW VALLEY TOWNSHIP, Wis. – A home near Orr was completely destroyed by a house fire early Thursday morning. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and several fire departments responded to a house fire around 2:10 a.m. at 3231 Highway 53. Occupants of the home called 911 and reported heavy smoke inside the residence. When fire crews…

Appeals court: Minnesota boys can compete on dance teams

Appeals Court Cited 14th Amendment Requirement of Equal Protection

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that two Minnesota boys must be allowed to compete on their high schools’ dance teams. Juniors Dmitri Moua and Zachary Greenwald wanted to try out for their schools’ dance teams in suburban Minneapolis. But the Minnesota State High School League’s bylaws say the teams are for girls only. The boys sued…

All Charlotte Russe Stores Closing

DULUTH, Minn. – Charlotte Russe has announced it is closing all of its stores and will begin “going out of business” sales starting March 7. The Charlotte Russe website says, “Our online store has closed, going out of business sale, starts March 7, all stores, all sales final.” The company plans to close all of its stores over the next…

March Madness Finger Food

Cooking Connection: Famous Dave's Rib Tips

CANAL PARK, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are cooking up rib tips with Famous Dave’s! Check out the video above for the recipe details and what else is included in the finger food platter. ADDRESS: 355 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 PHONE: (218) 740-3180 HOURS: All Week 11am – 10pm Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, Links,…

Sports Betting Bill Passes First Test at Minnesota Legislature

It now Goes to the Senate State Government Committee

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bill to legalize sports betting in Minnesota has cleared its first committee test but still faces an uncertain future. The bill by Senate Tax Committee Chairman Roger Chamberlain passed his panel on a 5-2 vote Thursday. It now goes to the Senate state government committee. His bill would allow sports betting only at the state’s…

Cloquet Middle School, High School Evacuated for Possible gas Leak

Authorities are Investigating

CLOQUET, Minn. – Students and staff at the Cloquet Middle School and High School have been evacuated this morning according to officials with the school district. The Cloquet Police Department has confirmed the cause of the evacuation was an odor of natural gas at the schools. Both the middle school and high school also had a two hour delay Thursday…

Walz to Visit Hibbing, Duluth for Statewide Education Tour

Walz Will Speak at Myers-Wlkins Elementary This Afternoon

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz will be making his way into the Northland as part of the administration’s statewide education tour to highlight a new education proposal. The Governor is expected to host a listening session right away this morning at 9:15 a.m. at the Hibbing High School. Walz is then scheduled to speak at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School at…

Cleanup Talks Lead 2019 St. Louis River Summit

Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve organized event.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The cleanup of the St. Louis River was in focus at University of Wisconsin-Superior. The college held a St. Louis River Summit that included experts on the topic of clean and safe water. Currently the Wisconsin DNR said that of their 77 cleanup tasks, they’re about halfway done. They added that collaborating with others at the Summit is…

Safe Ride Stolen from the Break Room Bar

The bar, located on East 4th Street, had the van stolen from their parking lot.

DULUTH, Minn. – A safe ride van was stolen from The Break Room Bar early Sunday morning. The bar, located on East 4th Street, had the van stolen from their parking lot. “It offers us an ability to get our customers home safely, keep them as good customers so they don’t have to get a DWI and possibly hurt themselves…

We Walk in Duluth Group Promotes Clean Sidewalks

The group of pedestrians and concerned citizens met at Zeitgeist to talk about solutions.

DULUTH, Minn. – We Walk in Duluth advocacy group is sounding off about snow-covered sidewalks in the city. The group of pedestrians and concerned citizens met at Zeitgeist to talk about solutions and start a campaign only patronizing businesses that clear their sidewalks. “This winter I’ve spent a lot of time walking on the street because the sidewalks just aren’t…

New Eco-Entrepreneurship Program at Lake Superior College

The program will feature a two acre farm, greenhouse space, and packaging facility on campus.

DULUTH,  Minn. – Lake Superior College is launching a program to teach students how to make the farm-to-table process more sustainable. The program will feature a two acre farm, greenhouse space, and packaging facility on campus. Students will learn how to create more eco-friendly business practices when it comes to our food system between farmers and sellers. “How do we…

Duluth Church Offers Drive-Thru Ash Wednesday Service

Our Savior's Lutheran Church offers service for people unable to attend regular mass

DULUTH, Minn. – For Christians seeking convenience, a West Duluth church offered a drive-thru Ash Wednesday service in their parking lot. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Grand Avenue wants everybody to receive ashes this Wednesday. For two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, people could drive up, roll down their window, and order a personal prayer…

Uncommon Drug Arrest in Minnesota Happens Here in Duluth

A 23-year old has been charged with selling and manufacturing DMT

DULUTH, Minn.- A 23-year old man is charged with selling and manufacturing a drug that isn’t commonly seen in Minnesota. Police say DMT is a psychedelic drug, similar to LSD. It’s only been located by law enforcement in Minnesota three times in the last ten years. It’s more commonly found by law enforcement agencies on the West Coast. The suspect,…

As Duluth Officials Receive Flag Designs, One Designer Won’t Submit His

Nicky Sunsdahl, designer of the 'Tilt Town Flag' objects to the city's ability to make changes and additions to flag designs

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has put out a call for design ideas for a new city flag. But one local flag creator won’t submit his design. He doesn’t think the city’s process by committee will bring a better flag. Nicky Sunsdahl designed the ‘Tilt Town’ flag last summer. “That was kind of last year’s art project,” said…