News

Duluth Public Works Crews Tackle Potholes, Encounter Obstacles

Crews' work doubling due to weather and water.

DULUTH, Minn.- Warmer air means Duluth Public Works crews are out in force tackling all those potholes around town. But the melting snow is making any permanent solution, temporary. It took crews an hour to finish 100 yards of a stretch of 35th Avenue East. But looking back on their work, they saw the water runoff and tire treads already…

OMC Smokehouse set to Expand

OMC hopes to open the new space as early as May.

DULUTH, Minn. – OMC smokehouse in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is expanding. They bought a neighboring store front and have plans to open it up in the next few months. The new space will open to offer more seating to comfortably accommodate its customers. OMC also plans to put in a brand new whiskey bar, where they will even serve…

Fish House Explosion Critically Injures man

The Explosion Happened Sunday

MOORHEAD, Minn. – A Detroit Lakes man is hospitalized in critical condition after a fish house exploded in Moorhead. The fire department says the explosion happened Sunday and that Michael Herzog was outside the fish house when firefighters arrived. A CaringBridge website says Herzog has second- and third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body. Herzog, a former Concordia Moorhead…

Senate Republicans Revive Private School Scholarships Plan

MN School Board Association Says it Would Divert Resources From Public Schools

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Senate Republican leaders say a proposal to use tax credits to funnel donations into scholarships for low- and middle-income students to attend private schools is a priority for them. And they’re hoping to make it the subject of negotiations with Democrat Gov. Tim Walz and House Democratic leaders late in the session. Senate Taxes Chairman Roger…

Update: Man Shot by University Police in Stable Condition

Classes are not Currently in Session

MILWAUKEE – Officials say a man shot by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee police on campus is hospitalized in stable condition. University Police Chief Joe LeMire said at a news conference Tuesday two officers found the man, armed with a gun, sleeping on a bench in the Fine Arts Complex building around 7 a.m., an altercation occurred and he was shot. The…

Rare Full Worm Supermoon Set To Shine On Spring Equinox

How to See Last Supermoon of 2019 on Spring Equinox

NORTHLAND – This full moon is the third and final Supermoon for the rest of 2019, so if you missed the first two in January and February, be sure to catch this one—it’s your last chance of the year. It’s set to fully form on March 20, 2019 at 8:43 p.m. Central Time. It falls on the same day as the…

Super Heroes to Take Over Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth

The 2019 Ice Show is Happening Saturday, March 23 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Super heroes are set to skate into the Mars Lakeview Arena in Dultuh Saturday, March 23 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Duluth Figure Skating Club is proud to present the 2019 Ice Show. This year’s event is super hero themed and will include many choreographed routines along with fun for the whole family to enjoy….

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Courthouse Celebrates 100 Years

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Courthouse was built in 1919

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At the time it was built, the Douglas County Courthouse stood for growth. “The shipyards were operating, a lot of activity going on here and we had a lot of industry,” long time county board member Douglas Finn said. The original courthouse sat on the Nemdaji river, but in the midst of a booming population a new one was…

Teen Injured in Vehicle Rollover Accident in West Duluth

The Driver Sustained Non-Life Threatening Injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota State Patrol, an 18-year-old female from Hermantown sustained injuries Tuesday morning after she lost control of her vehicle due to icy road conditions. Authorities say the female lost control of her Chevy Blazer on the icy 46th Avenue West ramp to southbound I35 causing her vehicle to roll. She was transported to a…

Minnesota House Passes Bill to Fight Opioid Epidemic

The Bill Passed 94-34

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has voted to hold drug manufacturers responsible for the state’s growing costs for dealing with the opioid crisis. The bill passed 94-34 Monday night. It would support prevention, education, intervention, treatment and recovery strategies. The state would pay for them by sharply raising its annual registration fees for pharmaceutical manufacturers and drug wholesalers…

Opioid Deaths, Suicide Reach Record Levels in Minnesota

A Bill to Address the Opioid Crisis Passed Monday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – State data shows the number of deaths from opioids and suicides in Minnesota reached record levels in 2017. The Minnesota Department of Health says 783 people took their own lives in 2017, a 5 percent increase from the previous year. There were 422 deaths from opioid overdoses, a 12 percent increase from 2016. State officials have…

Hands-free Driving Bill Passes in Minnesota House

The House Passed the Bill Monday Night

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has approved a bill that would require motorists to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone. Sponsors say the measure will cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. A similar bill is working its way through…

Waterlogged ATV Trails Are Closing for the Season in Douglas County

Melting snow flooded the trails at Bruce River State Park.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis.- In just a little over 24 hours, all trails in Douglas county will close for the snowmobiling season. While some love spring, others aren’t as thrilled about it. “It’s 277 days until the first day of winter,” trail groomer Bruce Bergsten said. Specifically trail groomers at Brule River State Park, who are getting ready to close ATV trails…

Alleged Stabbing in Lincoln Park

Authorities are investigating.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are investigating a stabbing in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Police were called to 28th Avenue West and 4th Street Sunday afternoon to a report of a person with a gun. When they arrived, instead they found a man with a stab wound that appeared to have been caused by a box cutter, and a second man…

University of Minnesota President Pays Farewell Visit to UMD

President Kaler to step down July 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler is making his farewell rounds. On Monday he paid one last official visit to the Duluth campus before he steps down in July. The first stop on the president’s farewell tour was a sweet one, he visited the Chemical Engineering Department’s Chocolate lab at UMD. Kaler went through the through the same…

UMD and Red Cross Hosts Community Blood Drive

University's Pre-Med Club partners with Red Cross.

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members were invited to UMD on Monday to donate blood. The Pre–Med Club partnered with the American Red Cross to hold their annual Blood Drive, giving undergraduate medical students a hands–on perspective of the process. “This is more or less are kind of community outreach thing we go ahead and we’re just trying to get involved more…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Prepares to Open for 59th Season

The family owned restaurant opens Wednesday, Mar. 20.

CLOQUET, Minn.-  Spring has sprung, which means the crew at Gordy’s Hi–Hat in Cloquet is just about ready to open up for the season. This will be the 59th year of business for the family owned burger and shake restaurant. Gordy’s family said customers shouldn’t expect anything out of the ordinary this season. The restaurant is sticking to the same,…

St. Louis County Expands Opioids Case

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin announced Monday that his office has expanded its civil case against drug companies implicated in the opioid epidemic. In a recent press release, County Attorney Rubin says the new complaint expands St. Louis County’s case in three ways: First, it adds state-law claims against more manufacturer defendants, including companies…

Duluth Police Investigate Stabbing

No Arrests Have Been Made

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating a stabbing in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Police were called to 28th Avenue West and 4th Street Sunday afternoon to a report of a person with a gun. When officers arrived on scene they found a man with a stab wound that appeared to have been caused by a box cutter. Officers also…

New Shuttle Connects Twin Ports and Twin Cities Airports

The Service Will Launch June 4

  DULUTH, Minn. – A new shuttle service is coming to Duluth this summer to offer low cost trips from the Duluth airport to MSP. The new bus service is called Landline and they plan to start shuttling passengers in June. Landline has partnered with an airline to offer passengers tickets from Duluth to MSP. $9 fares are available right now…

Shopko to Close all Remaining Stores

Stores Will Close by June 16

DULUTH, Minn. – Shopko has announced they will be closing all of their remaining store locations by June 16. The company says additional store closings include Ely, Moose Lake, Two Harbors, Aitkin, Spooner, and the Duluth location at 801 West Central Entrance. Officials with Shopko say there are approximately 30-40 people employed at the Duluth store. “This is not the…

GOP Bill Allows Expungement for First-Time Drunken Drivers

Drivers Would Require an Ignition Interlock Device for six Months

MADISON, Wis. – Republican lawmakers are introducing a bill that would allow some first-time drunken drivers to ask judges to erase their record. Sen. Andre Jacque and Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt’s proposal would allow first-timers to petition for expungement if they didn’t cause an injury and their blood alcohol content was less than 0.15 percent. They also would have to drive…

DSSO “Beerthoven” to Kick Off Thursday in Duluth Cider Taproom

"Beerthoven" Serves as a way for the DSSO to Become Active Within the Community

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is proud to partner with seven local breweries and taprooms to bring “Beerthoven” to the community. Beerthoven will kick off Thursday, March 21 at Duluth Cider from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Participants will be able to enjoy a performance by DSSO musicians, enter to win prizes, score some ticket vouchers to…

Foxconn Says Wisconsin Factory Will be Operational in 2020

Construction Will Begin Later This Year

(AP) MADISON, Wis. – Foxconn Technology Group says its manufacturing facility in Wisconsin will be producing liquid crystal display screens by the end of 2020, with construction starting later this year. The news Monday comes after worldwide electronics manufacturing leader sent mixed signals earlier this year about whether it planned to suspend work in Wisconsin. The Taiwan-based Foxconn in February…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens Wednesday for its 59th Season

Doors Will Open at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday

CLOQUET, Minn. – March 20 not only marks the first day of spring, it also marks the opening day for the beloved Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet. Gordy’s will open for its 59th season on Wednesday with doors opening at 10:00 a.m.. The first 30 customers will receive a free Gordy’s t-shirt. Gordy’s first opened in 1960. For the past 59…

Cabin Fever Reliever to Raise Funds for Two Harbors Community Radio

The 5th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever is Happening Sunday, March 24 at the Two Harbors High School

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Two Harbors Community Radio is preparing to host its 5th annual Cabin Fever Reliever featuring live music and entertainment. The community event is happening Sunday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m. in the Two Harbors High School Auditorium. This year’s event will showcase music and storytelling, with featured guest Charlie Parr, a blues and folk musician from…

Hobbs Running for Re-Election

Hobbs has Been Citt Council President since 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth City Councilor announced he will be running for another term. Noah Hobbs is currently the Council President and fills the seat of “At Large City Councilor.” Hobbs says he has played a significant role in reducing red tape for our local entrepreneurs; enhancing our public safety services and bringing rideshare options to the city. In…

$1M Bail set for man Charged With Killing Missing Girl’s mom

The Child's Body was Found Along a Minnesota Highway Friday

MILWAUKEE – Cash bond is set at $1 million for a 34-year-old man accused of killing a missing girl’s mother in Milwaukee. Dariaz Higgins appeared in court Sunday on charges including first-degree intentional homicide. Higgins is accused of fatally shooting 24-year-old Sierra Robinson and wounding another woman last week. Higgins is the father of 2-year-old Noelani Robinson. Authorities say a…

It’s Easy Being Green on Frog Day at Lake Superior Zoo

Zoo celebrates St. Patrick Day and World Frog Day

DULUTH, Minn.- This St. Patrick Day, Lake Superior Zoo celebrated green in another way. With frogs. The zoo celebrated World Frog Day, which officially falls on Wednesday, March 20th. Guests came and met Pickle the Bullfrog, and other frog species. According to Zookeepers, many don’t know that frogs are indicator species, meaning that a population of frogs in an area…

Skating through St. Patrick’s Day at World of Wheels

Rink hosts annual St. Patrick's Day Party.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Irish jig is a longstanding tradition, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. But in Superior, another type of fancy footwork has become a St. Patty’s Day tradition for many families. Rollerskating at World of Wheels’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party. Not only will you escape a pinch, wearing green here also gets you a free light stick to wear…

Norton Park United Methodist Church Explores Tastes Around the World

Church Cookoff showcases foreign foods.

DULUTH, Minn.- Taking a break from just Irish culture this St. Patrick’s Day, the Norton Park United Methodist Church celebrated food from all cultures. Their “Tastes Around the World” cook-off featured 15 different dishes from Italian, Asian, Swedish and German cultures, all competing to win the trophy. The competition was a fundraiser for the church and for the CHUM food…

A Birthday Bash that’s Bach Again

Celebrating 300 years of J.S. Bach, his life and his music.

DULUTH, Minn.-A birthday bash Bach for the second time to celebrate 300 years of life and music from composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The Cathedral of Our Lady Rosary hosted the American Guild of Organists’ Arrowhead Chapter for their 2nd annual recital ‘Bach Among Friends.’ The program showcased music composed by Bach in honor of his birthday coming up on the 31st….

A Traditional Irish Celebration for St. Patrick’s Day

The Grand St. Patrick's Day celebration at Clyde Iron Works showcased many Irish traditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit- Happy St. Patrick’s Day! To many, St. Patrick’s Day is another excuse to dress up and drink. “Kind of a sad parody of Irish culture, really,” Gaeltacht Duluth founder John McLoughlin said. But some Northlanders enjoy the traditions that come with the day. “They make it family friendly here– less about just drinking…

Large Crowd Celebrates Women Expo at the DECC

More than five thousand women packed the DECC Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Today, more than five thousand women packed the DECC for the Duluth Women’s Expo. 120 exhibitors gave women of the Northland options on travel, home improvement, health, and beauty. And it wasn’t just the expo that was going on today. The Womenrock Breast Cancer Awareness Event and fundraiser was also happening today at the DECC. Vice President of…

Saint Fennessy 4K Kicks Off Grandma’s Marathon Training Season

The St. Patrick's Day themed run is a race for beginners

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Many Northlanders began their day at Hermantown Middle School lined up for the 6th annual Saint Fennessy 4K. “Just starting sometimes is all it takes… And then you’re on your way,” Grandma’s Marathon executive director Shane Bauer said. The annual run was a good excuse to dress up for the holiday, but it was also the start of a…

Safe Driving Tips Through the Twin Ports During St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

A reminder to Northlanders to stay safe if you're out drinking for the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

DULUTH, Minn.- You may have noticed the signs along I-35 threatening to steal your ‘pot–o–gold’to remind those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol not to drink and drive. Many bars in the area are offering ways for people to get home safely like free taxi services and deals on rides in addition to their drink specials. “We’ve pulled people out of…

Bock Fest Begins Spring in the Northland

The 25th annual Bock Fest wrapped up their festivities

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is beginning in the Northland. The season was celebrated today at the 25th Annual Bock Fest at Fitgers. The event has grown from a small group to nearly a thousand people enjoying themselves with beer and friends. The German word ‘Bock’ means goat and at the festival they celebrated the traditional way with goat heads. Mall Manager…

St. Urho’s Legend Lives on for 44th Year

Fictional Hero Celebrated in Finland

DULUTH, Minn.- Not many celebrations can shut down a whole state highway. But then again, not many celebrations are quite like St. Urho’s Day. The festival stems from a folktale made in Virginia, MN in the 1950s. “I think it was the season of like growing grapes and there were like grasshoppers or something,” wondered one St. Urho attendee. “It’s about…

Missing Girl Found Dead Near Austin, Minnesota

Noelani Robinson was reported missing on Monday

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The nationwide search for a missing two-year-old girl has come to a tragic end. Authorities believe the body of a child found near Austin, Minnesota Friday is Noelani Robinson. The child went missing in Milwaukee Monday, when her father allegedly killed her mother and abducted her. Police arrested the father Wednesday and used information he provided to…

New T-Icy Roll Ice Cream Shop Comes to Downtown Duluth

The second T-Icy Roll Ice Cream shop has opened up

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s never too cold for ice cream. And now, Duluth’s second T-Icy Roll Ice Cream shop is open on Superior Street. The Thai Hibachi ice cream place is hoping the success they had at their West Duluth location can continue in Downtown. Manger Michelle Lin says “I think that downtown maybe in the summertime will be more busy…

Elizabeth Smart Speaks to Barron Community After Jayme Closs Kidnapping

Smart was abducted 16 years ago and was held in captivity for 9 months

BARRON, Wis. – Hundreds of people came to Barron, Wisconsin five months after 13-year-old Jayme Closs disappeared from her home. The message was about healing and it was delivered with somebody who knows all about that. Sixteen years ago, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home when she was just one year older than Jayme. She was held captive for…

Duluthians Stand Together with Muslim Community after Tragedy in New Zealand

"This broke trust. "

DULUTH, Minn. – Emotionally heartbroken by the tragedy in New Zealand, Muslims and Non–Muslims are standing in solidarity. Community groups from around Duluth stood with signs outside the Islamic Center of the Twin Ports to show support for the local Islamic community in Duluth. “Tears came to my eyes for the support we got here. We felt so lucky to…

Fire Fighter Students and Volunteers Participate in Immersive Fire Experience

Hands-on fire training is taking place at Lake Superior College's Emergency Resource Training Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fire fighters are preparing themselves for challenges they may face on the job. A brisk Friday afternoon, but fire trainees were feeling the heat. “We’re trying to take firefighting out of the classroom, put it down here into buildings where we can make it repetitive and relevant,” lead burn instructor Damon Laurion said. Lake Superior College students and firefighter…

Healthcare Professionals from the Northland Attend St. Luke’s Time Critical Conference

"It takes a village take care of these patients."

DULUTH, Minn. – About a 100 healthcare providers attended a conference in Duluth to build skills on how to handle trauma before a patient can be taken a hospital. Health professionals presented case by case scenarios of time critical illnesses or injuries such as heart attacks and strokes. The group also learned strategies for patient management and the importance of…