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Despite Population Growth, Minnesota Could Lose House Seat

The 2020 Census Will Determine the Number of Minnesota's House Seats
The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – New figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show Minnesota’s population continues to grow. But the state demographer warns Minnesota could lose a congressional seat after the 2020 census. According to the Census Bureau, Minnesota’s population grew by 43,000 people between 2017 and 2018. That puts the state’s population over 5.6 million. It’s the second consecutive year…
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Nitek Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal Shooting of Rusk County Deputy

Glaze Died of Gunshot Wound to Head
Site Staff,

RUSK COUNTY, Wis. – On Wednesday afternoon Doug Nitek was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nitek, 45, was found guilty of first degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property and one count each of possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia following jury deliberation in September. Nitek shot…
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In Farewell, Ryan Sees Solutions if ‘Politics Will Allow it’

Ryan is Ending his two-Decade House Career
The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan is bemoaning America’s “broken politics.” He’s also using a farewell speech to say that Washington’s failure to overhaul costly federal benefit programs is “our greatest unfinished business.” The Wisconsin Republican is ending his two-decade House career. He says in prepared remarks that the country’s problems are solvable “if our politics will allow it.”…
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Cirrus CEO to Step Down Next Year

A Search for a new CEO is Currently Underway
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Cirrus Aircraft CEO, Dale Klapmeier, announced on Wednesday morning he plans to step down from his current position within the first half of 2019. Klapmeier says he will focus on transitioning into more of a senior advisory role in the company. “Transitioning out of day-to-day operations will give me the opportunity to focus on long-term strategic opportunities,”…
Animal Answers, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Animal Answers: Give the Gift of Adventure this Holiday Season

Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo Invite You to Purchase a Zoo Membership for a Family Member this Holiday Season
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to picking out the perfect gift this holiday season, more and more people are picking experiences or adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo are inviting folks to think about purchasing a Zoo membership this holiday season. Details: A Zoo membership pays for itself in two times, and with…
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Evers Picks Milwaukee Leaders for top Cabinet Slots

Evers Chose Four Cabinet Leaders
The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers has chosen four prominent Milwaukee leaders to hold top-level Cabinet positions in his new administration. Evers’ transition team announced Wednesday that Joel Brennan, chief executive officer for Discovery World, will serve as his top aide heading the Department of Administration. Brennan previously served as campaign manager for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Preston Cole,…
Active Adventures, Community, Environment, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!
Brittney Merlot,

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…
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Wisconsin’s tax Burden Drops to Nearly 50-Year low

Marks the Seventh Straight Year of Declines
The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – A new study finds that Wisconsin’s tax burden has dropped to a nearly 50-year low. The Wisconsin Policy Forum report released Wednesday examines state and local taxes as a share of personal income. The report says that taxes accounted for 10.5 percent of income, down slightly from 10.6 percent last year. That marks the seventh straight year…
Business, Community, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Five Financial Tips to Consider Before 2019

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday Morning to Offer Five Easy Tips to Consider Before 2019
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The confetti will fly as we soon sing and ring in 2019! But we can’t let the ball drop before setting ourselves up for financial success. Local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to offer tips to consider before we jump into 2019. Prep for Tax Season…
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Bakeries Busy Across Northland

With Christmas fast approaching bakeries are getting busy with holiday orders.
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-With Christmas fast approaching bakeries are getting busy with holiday orders. Over at Johnson’s Bakery on West Third Street, they have been seeing non-stop orders come in for big holiday parties and family gatherings. The owners say the holidays can get a little stressful for them. “We’re busy enough to just try and keep up with everything for everybody….
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Golden Ball Swiped From Como Park Conservatory is Returned

There Have Been no Arrests so far
The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A golden ball swiped from the top of the conservatory at St. Paul’s Como Park has been returned – gift wrapped in giant Christmas stocking. Officials say someone scaled the 64-foot-tall Marjorie McNeely Conservatory over the weekend and stole the finial from atop the building’s dome. A conservatory official put out a request for information Tuesday….
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The Globe Elevator: 131 Years of History

Here's a look at some of the history behind the grain elevator that went up in flames.
Viktoria Capek,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Along with the wood that went up in flames from the Globe grain elevator, over 100 years of history burned with it. “It was an older elevator that was… It wasn’t very modern,” former Globe worker Ted Pellman said in front of the structure that was up in flames. 131 years, that’s how long it’s been since the…
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Dodge Ball Game Rewarded To Students After Raising Money for Local Charity

Salvation Army presented with check
Nachai Taylor,

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- Over the last two weeks 9th grade students at Superior High School have been raising money for their 4th annual charity event, to benefit the salvation army toy drive. The  organization  was presented with a check for more than $800 from the fundraising efforts. The students were awarded for their good deed with a dodge ball tournament…
Community, News, News - Latest News

Iron Mug Hands Out $10K Worth Of Toys for Christmas

Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the last three weeks Iron Mug owner Mike Letica has been accepting donations and collecting gifts for the third annual Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. This year alone Letica has collected around $10,000 worth of items to give back to the community giving them something to smile about this holiday season. “The line behind me kind…
Business, Community, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Public School Board approved a 2019 levy which was voted on by the public in the November elections. The public voted on raising an existing 2013 levy by about $8,000,000 due to updated pupil counts, facilities maintenance project approvals, and a change in unemployment adjustment, among other reasons. The board met tonight, hearing a presentation titled Truth…
Community, News, News - Latest News

Cloquet Cops Spread Christmas Cheer with Stuff the Squad

Cloquet Police Department Holds Stuff the Squad Toy Drive and Shop with a Cop
Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Police Department spread some Holiday Cheer with their annual “Stuff the Squad” Toy Drive. Officers parked outside the Walmart, and L&M stores with their squad cars, ready to be stuffed with toys to be distributed by the Salvation Army. Last year, the department loaded up three squad cars: a Dodge Charger, Ford Explorer, and a pickup…
Business, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Political

Trump Administration’s Bump Stock Ban Doesn’t Effect Superior Gun Store

Superior Shooters Supply Never Sold Bump Stocks
Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Trump Administration has officially banned bump stocks in the U.S. It’s an equipment which allows semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. Meanwhile, the owner of Superior Shooters Supply in Superior tells us this ban really doesn’t affect her business. She’s never sold bump stocks, and said they are barely effective, hurt accuracy, and are limited…
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Free Rides On New Year’s Eve in Duluth

DTA Free Ride Campaign
Nachai Taylor,

  DULUTH, Minn.- New Year’s Eve is becoming one of the safest holidays in Minnesota. According to officials awareness of drunk driving has helped aid in the process. Now the city of Duluth is partnering with the Duluth Transit Authority and other organizations for their free ride campaign during the holiday. Beginning at 5 pm on New Year’s Eve the…
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St. Louis County Board Approves $394.7 Million Budget for 2019

The Board Approved the Budget Tuesday
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday the St. Louis County board approved a $394.7 million budget for 2019. The overall budget, while slightly less than in 2018, makes increased investments in human services, particularly in the areas of out-of-home placements, substance abuse and mental health. The Board says they set a goal to keep any increase in the property tax levy…
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C. G. Bretting Manufacturing Issues Second Statement Regarding Union Strike

This is the Second Statement Bretting Manufacturing has Issued in two Days
Site Staff,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Representatives from C. G. Bretting issued a second statement on Monday night regarding the ongoing union strike. The full statement can be viewed here: Members of Local 621 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) say they are striking for better wages, pension and health benefits. Categories: News, News – Latest News
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Super One Matching Red Kettle Donations Through Christmas Eve

They Will Match up to $50,000
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Miner’s Inc, the parent company of Super One Foods grocery stores, is carrying on their tradition of matching up to $50,000 of Salvation Army Red Kettle donations at 13 area Superior One Foods locations. Miner’s Inc says they will match every cent collected by bell ringers through Christmas Eve. This year’s goal is $300,000. ” We appreciate…
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Gov.-Elect Tim Walz Names First Five Commissioners

The Announcements Were Made Tuesday
The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz has named a former speaker of the Minnesota House as his transportation commissioner and is keeping the budget commissioner of outgoing Gov. Mark Dayton. Walz on Tuesday appointed former House speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher to lead the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The governor-elect also announced that Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron…
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Trump Foundation Reaches Deal to Dissolve Amid Lawsuit

A Judge Must Still Sign off on the Agreement
The Associated Press,

NEW YORK – President Donald Trump’s charitable foundation has reached a deal to dissolve amid a legal battle with New York’s attorney general. Attorney General Barbara Underwood and the foundation filed a joint stipulation with the court Tuesday laying out a process for shutting down the charity and distributing its remaining assets to other nonprofit groups. New York filed a…
Health, News, News - Latest News

UW Hospital now has 14 Cases of Legionnaires’ and 3 Deaths

One Patient Remains Hospitalized
The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to UW Hospital’s water system has infected 14 people with the pneumonia-like bacteria, and three have died. Hospital spokeswoman Lisa Brunette tells the Wisconsin State Journal that the patients who died had other serious, life-limiting health conditions. One patient remains hospitalized. A hospital official has said the cases appear to be linked…
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Duluth City Council Approves More Funding for Lakewalk Repair

More money will be needed to pay for engineering services related to the damage done to the Lakewalk damage during the October 2017 and April 2018 storms.
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-More money will be needed to pay for engineering services related to the damage done to the Lakewalk damage during the October 2017 and April 2018 storms. Last night, the Duluth City Council unanimously approved more funding for the contractor the city is working with in the amount of $225,000, bringing the total cost of engineering services to about…
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Minnesota Climber Preps for Solo Mt. Hunter Climb; First Winter Ascent of Mt. Luciana

Dupre Will Make his Second Attempt in January
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Grand Marais native, Lonnie Dupre, is preparing to tackle a solo ascent of Mount Hunter in January 2019. Mount Hunter is hailed as the steepest and most technical of the three peaks in Denali National Park and this will be Dupre’s second attempt at a solo ascent of the mountain. Dupre will also take on his second…
Coffee Conversation, Community, Education, Health, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Staying Heart Healthy this Winter

Dr. Leif Christianson, St. Luke's Cardiologist, Offers Tips to Stay Heart Healthy this Winter Season
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation, St. Luke’s Cardiologist, Dr. Leif Christianson, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about ways to stay heart healthy this winter. The Northland is suffering a lack of snowfall so far this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make up for it as the season goes on. Christianson wants to…
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Trump Administration Moves to ban Bump Stocks

It Will Take Effect in Late March
The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is moving to officially ban bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. A senior Justice Department official says bump stocks will be banned under the federal law that prohibits machine guns. It will take effect in late March. After that, it will be illegal to possess bump stocks. The…
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Regents Unanimously Approve Joan Gabel as U of M President

Gabel Will be the First U of M Female President
Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents announced Tuesday that Joan Gabel will be the next University of Minnesota President. Gabel will be the first female president of the University of Minnesota. “President-Designate Gabel stood out from a highly competitive pool of candidates that advanced through a thorough and thoughtful search process. Her qualifications, combined with her…
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Kenwood Rezoning Plan Fails at Council Meeting

The Duluth City Council failed to pass a vote for a proposed rezoning of a portion of the Kenwood neighborhood.
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council failed to pass a vote for a proposed commercial rezoning of a portion of the Kenwood neighborhood. Councilors rejected it unanimously. Here’s the map which shows the proposed rezone area. The area is one that councilors tell us, is a full of single family affordable housing. The initial plan could have made room for apartments…
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Duluth International Airport to Open Club DLH Business Suite

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport announced on Tuesday the opening of the Club DLH Business Suite on January 7. The Duluth International Airport, along with presenting partner St. Luke’s, says, “The Club DLH Business Suite is an exclusive private area at the west end of the secure terminal, designed with the working traveler in mind.” Annual passes are…
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Gov.-Elect Tim Walz Will Name his First Five Commissioners

Walz's Team Received Over 500 Applications
The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov-elect Tim Walz will announce the first five state agency heads who will serve in his administration. Walz and Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan have called a news conference for 1 p.m. Tuesday to name his first five out of what will eventually be 23 commissioners for his new administration. Walz’s transition team received over 500…
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Northland Uncovered: Bentleyville Grows Over 15 Years

Take a look at the history of Bentleyville.
Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- The story of Bentleyville Tour of Lights started long before it became a holiday attraction. In 2001, Nathan Bentley and his family were inspired to hang lights on their home in Esko after seeing their neighbors do the same. “The next year I thought I should put up a few more lights and then after the front yard…

New Gavel/Justice
Crime, News, News - Latest News

School Choir Director Admits to Sexually Assaulting Students

Prosecutors Will Dismiss 14 Other Charges
The Associated Press,

LA CROSSE, Wis. – A man who served as a choir director for the La Crosse School District has admitted to sexually assaulting students. Thirty-four-year-old Dustin Bagstad on Monday pleaded guilty to five counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child in a plea deal under which prosecutors will dismiss 14 other charges. The criminal complaint says Bagstad committed sex…
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Man With 16 Drunken Driving Convictions Gets Prison Time

His Convictions Date Back to 1989
The Associated Press,

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin man with 16 drunken driving convictions in three states is headed to prison. Sixty-three-year-old Bradley Armstrong, of Eau Claire, was sentenced Friday to four years in state prison to be followed by three years of extended supervision. Judge John Manydeeds told Armstrong that he was a dangerous person and that the number of…
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Firefighters: Globe Elevator Fire Causes $2.5 Million in Damages

The Historic Structure Continues to Burn Monday Night
Nikki Davidson,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fire crews continue working to put out a massive fire at the site of the former Globe grain elevator in Superior that ignited Monday. The blaze destroyed salvage wood and construction equipment, the damage estimate is currently at $2.5 million. The fire department said no one has been hurt at the site, which is located at North…
Business, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Political

Council Passes TIF Agreement for High Rise Apartments in Downtown Duluth

2 Councilors Vote Against, One Absent
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed a TIF increment financing package for developers, who plan to build a luxury apartment complex downtown. $6.2 million of the $70.4 million cost will come through public financing. A packed city hall Monday night illustrates the urgency presented by this issue. The developers for the high rise presented their plans for the construction. The…
Community, News, News - Latest News

Annual Blue Santa Shop With A Cop

The Duluth Police Department partnered with Salvation Army to give back to the community.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual Blue Santa Shop with a cop event was held at Target in Duluth. Every year the Duluth police department partners up with the Salvation Army to select children and their families that may be in need this giving season. Each child receives a two hundred and fifty dollar target gift card to buy presents for loved ones…
Knowing Your Neighbor, News, News - Latest News

Knowing Your Neighbors: City Girl Coffee

Alafek Coffee Roasters developed a coffee company with a mission to source exclusively from women owned and managed farms and cooperatives.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Located on Superior Street in Duluth is Alakef Coffee Roasters. “I grew up in this my parents started this in 1990. When I came back and expressed interest in taking over the business I didn’t want to just run their company… I wanted to create something that was representative of me and also that allowed our company to continue…
Community, News, News - Latest News

Korner Store and Adolph Meat Shop Donate to Valley Youth Center

After being robbed, two local businesses decided to put the reward money towards the Valley Youth Center in West Duluth.
Mariah Janos,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Two local businesses were recently targets of burglars by the same thieves. Now those same businesses, The Korner Store and Stokke’s Adolph Store have taken their negative situation and turned it into a positive by donating eight thousand dollars to a charity. A five thousand dollar reward was offered by Korner Store owner Derek Medved to whoever caught the…
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UPS Stresses Importance of Shipping Safety This Holiday Season

With the holiday quickly approaching UPS is working hard to satisfy all shipping needs.
Mariah Janos,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UPS store is bustling with customers looking to ship packages to loved ones in time for the holidays. “It’s getting close to the end of the limit for when our ground shipments can get there by Christmas so the first part of this week is going to be a little bit crazy with folks coming in but we…
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Children’s Museum Stays Busy During Winter Break

Now through the end of the year, the Duluth Children's Museum is offering special programming for kids on winter break.
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Now through the end of the year, the Duluth Children’s Museum is offering special programming for kids on winter break. Every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum will have free events dedicated to the importance of the area’s waters. Those organizing the program said it’s a fun way to get kids to learn more about the…
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Fire Breaks out at Globe Grain Elevator in Superior

Fire officials say that when a crew was there earlier today reclaiming wood, something sparked at the scene which may have caused the fire.
Site Staff,

UPDATE: Superior Fire Department officials say that four people were removed from the scene at the time of the fire. Fire officials say that when a crew was there earlier today reclaiming wood, something sparked at the scene which may have caused the fire. Superior Mayor Jim Paine says there have been no injuries in the fire and “the only…
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Gov.-Elect Walz Prepares to Name his First Commissioners

A News Conference Will be Held on Tuesday
The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov-elect Tim Walz is preparing to announce his first round of state agency heads who will serve in his administration. Walz and Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan have called a news conference for Tuesday to announce the first out of 23 new commissioners. Walz’s transition team received over 500 applications for the leadership positions….