News

Park Point Homicide Victim Remembered For His Love For Classic Cars

Suspect Faces 2nd-Degree Murder Charges

DULUTH, Minn. – More serious charges are now filed against the man accused of attacking and ultimately killing Park Point resident Larry Watczak, 70, during a burglary and robbery at his home. Darrel Mayhew, 30, of Duluth is now facing two counts of 2nd-degree murder — one with intent, one without. He is also charged with aggravated robbery and burglary of…

Lightspeed Lift Helps People Walk Better Again

Local Invention Helps Northlander's Get Back On Their Feet Again

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors a local physical therapist is helping give the gift of motion back through his personal invention that helps Northlander’s get back on their feet again. It’s called “Lightspeed Lift” and this creation all started with an idea that was sparked back in the early 90’s. Duluth physical therapist Malcolm Macaulay has…

Trains and Toddlers Event Held

Kids got to enjoy the history of Duluth today during the Lake Superior Railroad Museum's trains and toddlers event.

DULUTH, Minn.-Kids got to enjoy the history of Duluth today during the Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s trains and toddlers event. During the program, kids got to hear stories, make crafts, all while touring the museum. Staff at the site say it’s a good way for children to understand more about what Duluth is all about. “We love it. They’ve become…

Alleged Closs Murderer and Kidnapper Appears in Court

Criminal Complaint Released by Barron County

BARRON, Wis.- The man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs for 88 days and killing her parents could be sentenced to life in prison. He’s facing four serious charges including two counts of first degree homicide, and one count of kidnapping, and armed burglary. The press conference on Monday was vastly different than the one held last Friday when Closs escaped….

Duluth Police Hold Procession For Fallen K-9 Haas

DULUTH, Minn. — It was an emotional night Monday for the Duluth Police Department the Northland law enforcement community. A procession was held down Grand Avenue to transport the body of K-9 Haas for cremation. Haas was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday night during a domestic assault call. Dozens of people lined up along Grand Avenue Monday…

Duluth City Council Takes on Multiple Issues Tonight

Tonight the council will have a first reading on whether to restrict the sale of tobacco products to people under 21 - right now you have to be 18 to buy tobacco products in the city.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council is set to take on another tobacco ordinance. Tonight they will have a first reading on whether to restrict the sale of tobacco products to people under 21 – right now you have to be 18 to buy tobacco products in the city. If the council votes on a second reading to approve the ordinance,…

Complaint: Suspect Chose Jayme When saw her on bus

Patterson Went to Closs Home Twice

BARRON, Wis. – A criminal complaint says a Wisconsin man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs spotted her getting on a school bus one day and made up his mind to take her. Jake Thomas Patterson was charged Monday with kidnapping and with killing Jayme’s parents. The criminal complaint says Patterson told investigators he was driving to his job at…

Neighbors, Police React To Officer-Involved Shooting That Killed K-9

Duluth Police received about 2,000 domestic dispute calls in 2018

DULUTH, Minn.- Events of the shooting on West Skyline Parkway all began when officers responded to a domestic dispute around 6:30 Sunday night. For about an hour officers negotiated with a male suspect in a home before he fired shots at them, striking four year veteran Officer Aaron Haller and killing his K-9 partner Haas. (Click here for the procession…

TSA Employees at Duluth International Airport are Still Working Without Pay

Operations are not affected by shutdown.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The  TSA at the Duluth International Airport also continues to work without pay. Currently representatives at the airport say they have not experienced any operational disruptions with TSA The airport’s leadership say they are very grateful the employees come in everyday to continue to do their jobs. “Their morale, their attitude is the same from our standpoint,”…

Procession to be Held for Fallen K-9 Haas

Haller has Been Released From the Hospital

(K9 Haas)DULUTH, Minn. – A procession of Duluth Police squad cars transporting the body of K-9 Haas will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. Squads will be traveling down Grand Avenue between Carlton Street and Central Avenue. Haas was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday night after officers responded to a domestic dispute around 6:30 p.m. Officers…

$5M Cash Bail set for Wisconsin Kidnapping Suspect

Patterson Will Appear in Court Again on February 6

BARRON, Wis. – A Wisconsin man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents sat impassively as a judge set his bail at $5 million. Prosecutors on Monday charged 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of kidnapping and one count of armed burglary. Patterson appeared in court Monday afternoon via video…

Mayor of Minnesota Town Arrested for DUI on School bus

Bonde was Elected on November 6

RICE, Minn. – The new mayor of a central Minnesota town was arrested for driving under the influence as he prepared to drive a school bus. Authorities say Rice Mayor Erik Bonde was taken into custody after police were investigating a report that he had a suspended driver’s license. Officers say Bonde appeared to be intoxicated and they found a…

Officer Shot and Wounded in Duluth Released

The Minnesota BCA is Investigating

DULUTH, Minn. – Police say the Duluth officer shot and wounded in a fatal domestic assault standoff has been released from the hospital. Authorities say Officer Aaron Haller was treated at the hospital and released after he was hit by gunfire that killed his K-9 partner, Haas. The man involved in the standoff who fire the gunshots was later found…

Artists Encouraged to Apply for 2019 Park Point Art Fair

The Deadline to Register is March 1, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all artists to apply for the 2019 Park Point Art Fair! Coordinators of the 49th annual event are inviting visual artists to apply working in the following categories: printmaking, painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, photography, jewelry and fiber. In its 49th year the art fair is well established, well organized and well liked  by regional artists…

Judge Blocks Trump Birth Control Coverage Rules in 13 States

OAKLAND, Calif. — A U.S. judge in California on Sunday blocked Trump administration rules, which would allow more employers to opt out of providing women with no-cost birth control, from taking effect in 13 states and Washington, D.C. Judge Haywood Gilliam granted a request for a preliminary injunction by California, 12 other states and Washington, D.C. The plaintiffs sought to…

Police Respond to Reported Active Shooter at New Jersey UPS facility

No Further Details at This Time

LOGAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Police have surrounded a United Parcel Service facility in New Jersey in response to a reported active shooter. Television images show police cars surrounding the loading dock area of the building in Logan Township, about 20 miles south of Philadelphia. Armed officers can be seen crouching behind one of the vehicles. A person answering the…

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Search Training

Native Lives Matter Holds Event at Building for Women

DULUTH, Minn.- A local group is working to bring awareness to missing and murdered indigenous women. The Native Lives Matter Coalition and PAVSA hosted search training and a community patrol today. The organization Shahnish Scouts provided training, and united multiple local organizations in the goal of bringing every missing woman home. “Opening their minds for a little bit more awareness,…

Stolen Bentleyville Equipment Recovered By Duluth Police

Police Have Surveillance Video of the Suspects

DULUTH, Minn- It’s long after Christmas, but Bentleyville says a set of leftover Grinchs might pay for trying to steal from the display. Equipment was reported stolen from Bayfront Park last Thursday, by Sunday many of those items had been recovered. Bentleyville posted images on their facebook page of the recovered equipment, they say with the help of Duluth Police…

Ignite Studio Helps Unpaid Government Workers

Fitness Studio Offers All Classes Free To Workers and Family

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s day 23 of the partial government shutdown, about 800,000 employees are either working without pay, or furloughed. Businesses are stepping forward to help those workers with the financial difficulties. Ignite Studio in Duluth is trying to help ease the worries of those affected by the shutdown by offering free classes so they can exercise–improving moods, boosting energy,…

Duluth K-9, Suspect Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting

Officer Was Also Shot, Suffered Non-Life Threatening Injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – A felony level domestic assault call on West Skyline Parkway ended Sunday evening with an officer shot and his K-9 partner dead, including the suspect, according to a press release from the Duluth Police Department. The incident began around 6:30 p.m. Sunday in a home on the 1000 block of West Skyline Parkway, according to police. Duluth…

Iron Mug Works With Duluth Dodge To Help Federal Workers

Raise Funds for Those Affected by Shutdown

DULUTH, Minn.-Iron Mug owner Mike Letica is teaming up with Duluth Dodge, to give back to federal workers not being paid during the shutdown. 10% of Iron Mug sales are going to donations, and at Duluth Dodge they’ll donate $50 for every car or truck sold. Letica said he was inspired after hearing the story of one particular TSA worker….

Anglers Take to the Ice for 3rd Annual Ice Fishing Contest

Anglers Compliment Weather, Fish Still Hiding

DULUTH, Minn.- Only in the Northland can you expect a frozen lake to be covered with ice houses and four-wheelers. On Saturday Anglers attacked the ice, trying to get themselves the next biggest cash to win the 3rd Annual Alpine Bar Winter Walleye Fishing Contest. The white blanket of snow on the frozen St. Louis River is peppered with different…

Thieves Strike Bentleyville Yet Again

Items Stolen and Damage as Display Comes Down

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the holiday season is over, that hasn’t stopped some more Grinches from stealing from Bentleyville Tour of Lights as the display is being taken down. Thursday night crooks sawed off a cable that was the major power supply of the light show, stole 150 gallons of diesel, a motor, and spotlights that lit up the “#Bentleyville2018”…

Duluth Wedding Show Fills the DECC

Including the annual fashion show parading down the catwalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Models strutted their stuff on the catwalk at the annual Duluth Wedding Show at the DECC. Couples could plan their whole wedding in one day with dozens of businesses, venues, and planners at the show. One bride tells us it helped her a lot to sample everything in one place. “It’s totally helping me plan,” said Sarah…

Park Point Assault Victim Dies

Larry Watczak's death has become the first 2019 homicide in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Larry Watczak, the 70-year-old man assaulted in his Park Point home during January 2nd burglary, has died. Watczak died in Essentia Health early Saturday morning. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken says his death will count as the first Duluth homicide of 2019 because it was caused by another person while committing a burglary. A suspect, Darrell Darryl…

Jayme Closs Reunited with Family, Suspect in Custody

Investigators Don't Believe There was any Social Media Connection

BARRON, Wis. – Authorities in Wisconsin say they believe the man suspected of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs was out looking for her when he was arrested. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said Friday that 21-year-old Jake Patterson wasn’t at home when Jayme escaped Thursday afternoon. Deputies arrested Patterson in his vehicle soon after Jayme turned up on a neighbor’s doorstep…

Gordon Neighbors Help Jayme Closs Escape

GORDON, Wis. – Jayme Closs’ disappearance and her parents’ murder have become international headlines. Many in her community have been feeling pain for the missing teen and her family. Jayme Closs escaped from captivity herself but was helped by good neighbors in Gordon, Wisconsin. “It has been 88 days of hope for her safe return, 88 days of prayers for…

Duluth Police Could Receive a Pay Raise Following Approval From City Council

A 3% increase expected for officers.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police officers could receive a pay raise if the city council approves a proposed contract on Monday. The agreement calls for a three percent increase in annual wage for 2018, 2019, and 2020. Starting salaries for rookies will also increase by $3,500. Department leaders say they have been unable to fill vacancies with suitable recruits for…

Pike Lake Elementary Students Learn about Music from the Zenith Contemporary Ensemble

Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Class Notes program comes to Duluth.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Zenith Contemporary Ensemble gave a visit to a few third grade students at Pike Lake Elementary in Duluth today. As part of the Minnesota Public Radio’s class notes program students were participating in an impromptu music class. The class introduced students to the piano, flute, and other musical concepts. The goal of the class is to…

Fire Deaths in Minnesota Drop 47% from 2017 to 2018

36 fire deaths were recorded for 2018.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reporting in 2018 fire deaths have gone down 47% percent following a shocking spike in 2017. Records also show the Minnesota’s most  fire  deaths were in 1995. Officials say there are many factors that may have helped the numbers go down. “Obviously things do fluctuate depending on what happens from…

House Approves Back pay for Federal Workers

The Bill was Approved Unanimously

WASHINGTON -The House has voted to ensure that all federal employees will be paid retroactively after the partial government shutdown ends. The bill passed Friday requires that all employees, including those who have been furloughed, be paid as soon as possible once the government reopens. The Senate approved the bill unanimously Thursday. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump,…

Kick Sled Rentals At Hartley Nature Center

Active Adventures: Local Winter Rentals From Snowshoes, Skiis & Kick Sleds

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Brittney Merlot takes us to Hartley Nature Center where you can rent a bunch of different winter equipment. This varies from traditional and metal snowshoes, cross country skiis and kick sleds! Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News Tags: Hartley Nature Center, merlot weather,…

Improve Balance & Reduce Falls With Tai Ji Quan Class

New Balance & Coordination Class Starts Next Week In Duluth, All Experience Levels Welcome

DULUTH, Minn. – With the icy conditions in place this time of year, the thought of falling can be serious. Especially the older you get and the less balance coordination you may have. One class starting next week helps improve your balance through martial arts movements. It’s called Tai Ji Quan. “It helps improve balance, coordination, strengthens lower extremities and…

Backpack Found in Manitowoc County Ditch had Explosives Inside

Investigators Work to get DNA Evidence From Backpack

TOWN OF GIBSON, Wis. – Manitowoc County authorities are trying to determine who put a bomb in a backpack found in a ditch along a state highway. A person found the backpack off State Highway 147 on Wednesday and alerted authorities. Deputies determined it to be an explosive device with a fuse that appeared to have been lit but didn’t…

Donations Encouraged for 2019 Night To Shine Prom

The 2019 Night To Shine Prom will be held Friday, February 8, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Augustana Lutheran Church set to host Night To Shine, a prom for people with special needs on Friday February 8, 2019 at Proctor High School. Organizers are getting ready to give away prom dresses with the help of “If The Dress Fits” another local non profit on January 12 & 19. A fundraiser is currently going on…

Google Considers Building $600M Data Center in Minnesota

Xcel Would Sell Google Land and Provide Electricity Service

MINNEAPOLIS  – Google is looking into building a $600 million data center in central Minnesota that would be powered by two wind farms. Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy disclosed the data center project Thursday in a regulatory filing. The Google facility proposed in Becker would mark one of the largest private construction projects in recent state history and create about 50 full-time…

Man Ruled Incompetent for Trial in Boy’s Water Slide Push

The Case is now on Hold

HASTINGS, Minn. – A Minnesota judge has found a 19-year-old man incompetent to stand trial on charges he pushed an 8-year-old boy off a slide at a suburban Minneapolis water park last summer. Judge Timothy McManus decided Tuesday the case against Roman Adams of Maple Grove cannot proceed because of “mental illness.” Adams faces two assault charges for allegedly pushing…

Wisconsin man, 21, Arrested in Teen’s Abduction

Authorities say Closs was 'The Only Target'

BARRON, Wis. – Authorities say they have jailed a 21-year-old man on kidnapping and homicide charges in the October killing of a Wisconsin couple and abduction of their teen daughter, who was found alive. Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec said at a news conference Friday that Jake Thomas Patterson was arrested Thursday after Jayme Closs was found near Gordon, where…

Missing Wisconsin Girl Named her Captor

Jayme Talked About Being Locked up

(Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP, File)BARRON, Wis. – A woman who helped a Wisconsin girl who’d been missing for three months following her parents’ deaths says the girl told her she’d been held against her will. Kristin Kasinskas says she took 13-year-old Jayme Closs into her home after the girl and a woman she’d approached for help came to her…

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Visit Duluth

The newly sworn-in state executives spoke at the University of Minnesota Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL) were at the University of Minnesota Duluth Thursday sharing their vision for moving Minnesota forward. Days after their inauguration, the Minnesota state executives spoke to students, supporters, and community members in Duluth. “We have a charge and we have an opportunity to find common ground and…

Sheriff: Jayme Closs Found Alive In The Town Of Gordon

The following has been posted to the Barron County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page: Jayme Closs has been located: On Thursday evening the Barron County Sheriff’s Department was notified by the Douglas CO WI Sheriff’s Department that they had located Jayme Closs alive.  The Douglas County Sheriff says Closs was found at 4:43 p.m. Thursday in the Town of Gordon. A…

Superior Reminds Property Owners of City Code to Remove Snow and Ice from Sidewalks

It's the law to make sidewalks safe for pedestrians.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior wants to make the city safe for everyone this winter. They are reminding property owners to be responsible and clear sidewalks following a snowfall. Shoveling your sidewalks is the neighborly thing to do for the safety of pedestrians, but in the city of Superior it is also the law. According to the city…

Calling All Adorable, Funny, Quarky Talented Pets To The Big Screen!

Furry Film Festival Needs Your Funny Pet Videos!

DULUTH, Minn. — Is your pet the star of the house? If you have a fur baby with a special talent, funny quarks or just plain cute you need to submit a video of them!   Fitger’s Film Festival will be showcasing a compilation of pet videos for your entertainment, hosted by Animal Allies. “I can’t imagine that it’s going to…